And then there were three...

 I got a text message Sunday morning. "I'm bringing another cow." What does it say about me that receiving that note seemed perfectly normal? I mean, doesn't everyone just get cows randomly delivered on a holiday weekend?  We were watching the Owlet, and she was sleeping on my chest, so I didn't even get up to observe the occurrence.  A while later, Chris passed the kitchen window while refilling his coffee. "There are three cows, now." He was unperturbed. Mattie has come to join Mocha and Moxie at FairWinds Bovine Summer Camp. She settled right in, and might I add that she is lovely? She and Moxie are clearly friends and can be seen lying next to each other or grazing side by side. Her coloring is darker than Moxie's, and she has an enchanting handful of dark fluff on the top of her pretty head. 

Below is Moxie for comparison.

One of our all-time favorite things to do is dine in the backyard in the spring and summer, watching the stock, listening to birds, and being peaceful. The cows have added a whole new dimension to our enjoyment. 

Before yesterday the cows were in what we call the "upper pasture." They were kept separate from the goats, chickens, and ducks. I was pretty sure everyone would get along and happily anticipated seeing the cows grazing in the "lower pasture," close to the house.  Yesterday afternoon Cheryl and Mike came over and opened the gate.  "Here, Boss," Cheryl called. Heads raised. They contemplated her call. Slowly, slowly, Moxie came towards her, followed by new arrival Mattie. Mocha hung back, thinking about it. Finally, she followed along at a distance. 

 The chickens and ducks acted like they'd shared space with cows all their lives. The goats were horrified to see them "invade" their space. 

Tentative greetings were exchanged, but mostly the goats were unhappy. They will adjust in time. Eventually, they will benefit when they dare to range into the upper pasture. Ever since the donkeys have been gone, they have been staying close to the Goat Cozy, but excellent browse awaits them at the top of the upper pasture if they follow the cows there. 

So far, they are keeping their distance in an uneasy truce. 

Bravo is vexed by the new campers. He woofs bravely at them, dashing up and down the fence, putting on a brave act. This morning I snapped a leash on him, and we went through the gate. He sniffed in apparent amazement at a cow pie. I tried to lead him closer to the ladies napping in the sun.  He politely declined. Not as brave as he seems when there is stout wire between them! 

Flirt is entirely unconcerned. She snoozed with her back towards the bovines. 

Today we took a lovely drive and enjoyed an excellent lunch at a table overlooking the ocean. Round Top ice cream (local and incredibly creamy) for dessert. Then Chris kindly drove me to the fish ladder nearby. This time of year, a type of fish called Alewives migrate to spawn. The gulls and other fish-eating birds gather to feast. I was hoping to catch a fun photo or two. 

Success!  

Back from our outing we are planning a quiet supper at the picnic table, watching goats, chickens, ducks and … three cows.