A Gift in Ohio

Apr
5


Yesterday, I went to Ohio and picked out a milk cow. 52 bought it for me for my birthday (which is next Sunday).

I HAVE A COW.

Okay, I don’t have the cow exactly, as it is still in Ohio, but my cow is bought and paid for and is mine.

I HAVE A COW.

As soon as we set some things up here to prepare for it, we’ll go back and get it.

I HAVE A COW.

We arrived not far across the West Virginia/Ohio border to the farm where there were four cows for sale–a Brown Swiss bull and three Jersey girls.

I thought this one was beautiful.

But he was the bull, so not what I was looking for, though he was surprisingly friendly.

Look how cute this one is!!!

She’s a baby. A heifer. She’s young, never been pregnant, never been milked. Who knows. She might be a wonderful milk cow, or not. Not the best idea for an inexperienced farmer who has never had a cow before. I don’t need a cow that needs to be trained. She might be a kicker.

This next one was really pretty. She’s the mother of the adorable baby. She’s a mature cow, but young, and has had a baby. She would be just right except….

….she’s not a good milker. She has udder issues.

And then there was this one.

She’s a career girl. She worked at a dairy.

She’s not as pretty as the young ‘uns, but she won me over with her poise and professionalism.

She’s a good milker. Trained to her duty. She stands and delivers.

And after I got over how cute the little one was, I realized this older, not-so-cute experienced milk cow was exactly perfect for me. Cuz, like, one of us has to know what we’re doing and it might as well be her. Since, umm, it’s not me. I know how to milk a goat. A miniature goat. Who gives a pint a day. This cow gives 2 gallons per milking and they’ve only been milking her once a day. That’s good, because I don’t want to milk twice a day, either.

I milked her. And she just stood there. (CLOVER!)

She’s been with the Brown Swiss bull for four months, so she may be pregnant. We won’t know for awhile. But–

I HAVE A COW.





Comments

  1. Thunja says:

    I like the looks of her! and I’m very VERY jealous.

  2. Laney says:

    Love her! I am so excited for you!!!

    Maybe now Clover will get over herself and let you milk her. She’s not going to let this new sweet milking cow show her up is she? Okay, you are right. She probably will ๐Ÿ˜‰

  3. Flatlander says:

    OHHHH Suzanne she is beautiful.
    You 2 will have so much fun.

  4. margiesbooboo says:

    i think she’s gorgeous! now you can make your own butter too. good for you! happy birthday!

  5. Samantha Sullivan says:

    I’m so jealous. I want a farm!!!!!!

  6. Julie says:

    She’s very beautiful! Congrats!

  7. mrnglry says:

    Wonderful! Now, she needs a name. I hope she is preggies!

    Grace in CA

  8. CindyP says:

    :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy:

    I think she’s beautiful!!! 2 gallons of milk a day…….all the cheese, butter, whip cream, and real milk you could want!!!

    and it would be AWESOME if she was preggers! A calf!!!

  9. Lisa says:

    :snoopy: YEA !! She is beautiful !! I’m so excited for you !! :cowsleep:

  10. CATRAY44 says:

    I am so very happy for you all! What a difference ‘real’ milk makes!

  11. Laura B. in Greenwood, IN says:

    Did you ever think you would have a COW? Or that your boyfriend would be the one to buy it for you? Well, it must be :heart:

    Congratulations! :moo:

  12. Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:

    :purpleflower: YIIPPPPPEEEEEE for you!!Happy Early Birthday you have a COW!! I am truly so happy for you!! I keep telling my family one day I want a donkey for Mothers Day!! :happyflower:
    (((you have a cow!!))))
    Hugs Grany Trace :happyflower:

  13. pam says:

    Congrats on your cow! I want a cow. Since we’re not even allowed to have clotheslines in our backyard, I’m guessing a cow is off the list too.

  14. Jill Garofano says:

    that is wonderful and she really is cute too!! I love cows also!! you truly have the life and I am jealous!!

    Jill in NY

  15. Emily says:

    Congratulations! She’s lovely!

  16. Leah says:

    Congratulations! A new adventure for you :moo:

  17. Lynn says:

    Congrats on YOUR MILK COW! What’s her name? It’s good to start with an experienced cow, she can train you. I’ve heard cows can be very sweet & friendly & smart. Good luck with her!

  18. Diane says:

    How wonderful for you :snoopy: 52 just my my heart go pitter patter with such a thoughtful gift. :heart: I live around farms that has cows. My dd’s friend raises them and shows them at the fair each year. So being they are friends my dd has learned how to milk cows the modern way.

  19. Kelly Walker says:

    Yeah! It’s about time. Cows of the world were feeling left out of all the fun going on at that little farm heaven of yours. Go COW! Time to paint a cow portrait. :snoopy:

  20. Johanna says:

    Well done! Does she come with a name, or do you need to come up with one? Did you tell her how much you enjoy making cheese, and how you look forward to sharing this hobby with her (so she’ll feel like part of the family)? Can’t wait for updates “as the story unfolds”!

  21. Sheila Z says:

    You didn’t post a picture of the business end of the cow. As an ex-dairy farmer I protest. How can I judge her dairy quality? Once a day milking. Something I never got away with. We did twice a day. 6 AM and 6 PM. Looking forward to voyeuristically (is that a word even) enjoying your cheese making and other dairy adventures.

  22. amelia says:

    :snuggle: A new addition to the farm…wonderful!

  23. Rose H says:

    I’m so pleased for you Suzanne! She looks perfect :moo: Can’t wait to read about her antics ๐Ÿ˜†

  24. Glenie says:

    I love the milk cow. I have always wanted one, but now I’m not sure my hands would be able to milk one every day. Hubby milked one once when he was a teen and he swares he will never do it again so…….. Well I still have my chickens they just lay the eggs without my help.

  25. KentuckyFarmGirl says:

    Now I want a cow!!! Guess I’ll see how it goes with the milk goat first! We pick her up next week. We had two brown Swiss cows when I was growing up. They were named Bessie and Brownie.

  26. Nicolezmomma says:

    How long does it take to get a gallon of milk? Are you doing it by hand? I hope you blog about that some day. For us city folk, ya know.

  27. Prairie Mother says:

    I love Brown Swiss! They are so pretty…congratulations!!

  28. Jersey Lady says:

    Welcome to the Delta Moo sorority of dairy women! I hope you love your Jersey as much as I love mine. If you have any extra milk, your chickens and pigs will love it too.

  29. Kimberly says:

    I have often wondered why you didn’t have a cow for milk. Well wonder no more b/c you are getting one!

  30. Jersey Lady says:

    Well,Duh! You bought the Brown Swiss not the Jersey. I should read better. Swissies are great too. Enjoy!

  31. Rose C. says:

    what a wonderful gift, and one that will last for a few years. You are a lucky lady.

  32. Barbee' says:

    Suzanne, recently I read somewhere that cows like to have their own name and to be talked to a lot, and called by her name. If they know their own name and hear it from you they will give more milk. Now, that’s a good thing to know.

  33. Charlene says:

    Have a cow, man! (Get it? Don’t have a cow, man! Sorry, couldn’t resist. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Good for you! I’ve wondered why no cow. That 52 is a keeper — getting a girl exactly what she wants. Oh, the cheese and butter we’ll get to make vicariously through you!

  34. Carol Langille says:

    Holy Cow!!! Cow-a-bunga, Dude!!!! Don’t have a cow, man….oh wait!!!! Suzanne does have a cow and that is totally awesome! Now you are a real farmer…I wondered when you would work your way up to the bovine adventure.
    She’s beautiful…what’s her name?
    Congratulations…and 52 is a magnificient gift-picker-outer!

  35. nikki says:

    Love the cow and oh all the fab milk and cheese you will have!! Maybe you can have a name the cow contest!?

  36. Sarah says:

    WOW!! Congrats on your new addition!! Cows have the most beautiful eyes and I could stare all day long. Looking forward to hearing more. ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. Joycee says:

    I am so jealous!!! Lucky you and you were very strong not getting them all Suzanne…we know how you are! Fresh cream and butter, all the milk you need and those beautiful brown eyes to look at too! You are blessed to live on a working farm, you are living the life that we all dream of!

  38. Marymac says:

    I had a feeling that was what you were going to Ohio for!!! LOOKing forward to your new experiences.

  39. Chic says:

    :cowsleep: Suzanne you lucky woman! I’m very excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures with her. I hope she’s pregnant! Have a great day and have fun dreaming about your new addition to the ‘farm family’! Oh..we got two new additions to our farm this weekend…two little goslings…I’m so excited and they’re just so darn cute. Take care Maura :hungry2:

  40. Phyllis Ryan says:

    YEAH, YOU HAVE A COW. :cowsleep:

  41. Lisa says:

    I had to laugh at the line, ‘She might be a kicker.’! Yeah, her kicks will hurt a little more than Clover kicks. I can’t wait until you get her-I’m curious as to how you’ll use your milk, drinking, cooking, butter making etc.

    Do the kids drink more than a gallon of milk each day?

  42. LeAnn, in Washington (the state) says:

    Ahh…sweet memories(and some not so sweet). Growing up we had various milk cows mostly sweet and loveable, but one time a dairy farmer convinced my dad to by one of his cows. We had never owned a holstein before and my dad was concerned about being able to hand milk a cow that was normally machine milked. Well, she wasn’t going to have any of that hand milking stuff and wanted to kick my dad into the next week. The next morning before he left for work he told my brother and I to load her up and take her back to the farmer.

  43. Angela P says:

    :purpleflower: I am so Happy for you! Happy Birthday! :moo: Does 52 know how to treat a woman or what? Does he have any brothers??? I could use a man like that! Oh wait! Im married to a non farmer…dang it!
    Suzanne Im thinking I may want a cow now. You have come along ways baby! And all for the better for you, and the kids. Not to mention 52 got a nice deal too! Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Im so glad your here :hug: :heart:

  44. Carol says:

    Oh, the farmer takes a cow…
    I’m happy for you. And what a lucky cow, how many farm animals receive the personal attention you give yours?

  45. Heather says:

    A whole new world has opened up to you! Congratulations! I think you’ve been promoted to Real Farmer. ๐Ÿ˜€

  46. Jackie C says:

    Happy Birthday. What a great gift. Just a good bubble bath and brushing out that winter coat and she will be as cute as can be.

  47. Wyoming Marcia says:

    Haven’t commented here much – but I thought “If it’s a cow that will bring me out of the lurker mode”. I have Molly, a Jersey cross who is just a sweetheart and one of the family – love that thick Jersey cream…and butter, cheeses of all kinds, yogurt, sour cream…and if you still have your pigs…they LOVE the extra skimmed milk…..congratulations!

  48. Michelle Willingham says:

    Congratulations! What will you name her?

  49. Kim Gibson says:

    What a lovely Jersey lady, and that is quite a lot of milk a day. We had to milk twice a day (I lived for a while on a farm where I cared for my landlady’s animals, lucky me. Fresh milk butter and all) so I didn’t know you could milk just once. Congratulations Suzanne, you have a cow!

  50. Joyce says:

    I grew up on a small dairy farm. We had mostly Guernseys and Holsteins but had a Jersey cow named Millie who was very sweet natured and never kicked. We milked by hand twice a day, kept what we needed for our family of eleven and fed the skim to the pigs. Seeing your beautiful cow brought back a flood of memoriesโ€”cutting and hauling hay, the smell of “the girls,” falling asleep at 6:00 a.m. with my head against a warm bovine flank while hanging onto her teats, shoveling manure, feeding the calves. Can’t wait to read about your experiences as a dairy farmer.

  51. Michele Messier says:

    I was thinking you might be getting a cow. That is great, I hope everyone in your farm family gets along! :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:

  52. Beth says:

    Yay! You have a cow! I just love jerseys! I love their eyes! :purpleflower:
    BTW,I know Rt.7 in Ohio, all the way up the river and beyond. I’ve lived in STeubenville and East Liverpool and now in East Palestine, just south of Youngstown. And not directly IN TOWN, but in the country! I think I would not survive IN TOWN! Lol!

    Good luck with YOUR cow! :cowsleep: :purpleflower: :clover: :ladybug:

  53. Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:

    I’m so excited for you. She is beautiful! Does she have a name or did I miss something? Can’t wait to hear more about your new addition.

    Susan

  54. Gini says:

    YAY! Congrats on your new love!

  55. Victoria says:

    Congratulations on your new cow. I think she is a beauty. What will you name her or does she already have a name?

  56. Shirley Corwin says:

    Yay!! I just knew you’d get a cow : )) How could you not as they produce so much good stuff : )) Milk, butter, cheese, ICECREAM!!!!!! I love Jersy’s faces, so pretty.

  57. Debnfla3 says:

    I was hoping this was the surprise!!!

    She is a gorgeous cow…very sweet looking.

    Can’t wait to read all the adventures that are in your future!!!

  58. Marianne G says:

    Don’t reckon’ I ever heard of anyone getting his girl a cow for her birthday…that’s fantastic! Glad you got her in my state of Ohio! You should name her Snooki after the girl from Jersey Shore.

  59. Nancy says:

    I am so happy for you! Is there anything more beautiful than a cows eyes…

  60. Cate says:

    Simply outstanding! You are going to need a barn to hold all your critters pretty soon.

  61. Senta Sandberg says:

    You know you can freeze milk too! Bless you and your new Cow. :moo: I can’t wait to find out the name.

  62. Julia says:

    As a society, we focus too much on the beauty of youth. I’m so glad you looked deeper and saw the beauty and dignity of maturity. Plus, as you said, one of you has to know what she is doing!

    Congratulations!

  63. mamawolf says:

    Congratulatios on the new additon. She is a beauty. Ummm, fresh milk, ceam, butter,etc. :moo:

  64. Deborah R says:

    Congratulations and welcome to the newest member of your farm family. And a Jersey Girl to boot! You know what they say about Jersey girls!

  65. Nancy in Iowa says:

    I can hardly wait for the stories about New Girl meeting Jack and Pokey and Clover and Annabelle and…….!!!! I keep wondering what will be next on the farm … an elephant? :cowsleep:

  66. Miss Becky says:

    The newest member of your family is beautiful :heart:

  67. Grandmatotwochicks says:

    Suzanne,
    Just Love the Jersey Girl!!!!!!!!! she is beautiful, and looks so sweet. Happy Birthday! What a GREAT birthday GIFT!!! :snoopy:

  68. RosieJo says:

    A Birthday Cow! Sounds like she will come with a few good stories of her own to tell.
    Jo

  69. ScreamingSardine says:

    Awww, she’s soooo cute! Congrats!!

    I think I want a cow now. Just ain’t gonna happen as I don’t live on a farm – lol!

  70. Nancy K. says:

    How wonderful for that dear, sweet animal that she gets to come live with you!

  71. Valeria in NC says:

    And she IS beautiful! What a treat. A cow who knows her job. Does this mean you’ll be building her a nice big barn? ๐Ÿ™‚

  72. Susan W. says:

    She’s a beautiful cow with wonderful, warm eyes that seem to say, I care. Make her a good home and she’ll give you good milk. That was a good birthday present and I can’t wait for the stories. Does she have a name? Oh, how I’d like to try real milk.

  73. Pat says:

    I’m so happy for you!
    And so happy for me, so I can read about your cow here.
    What will her name be?

  74. Shirley T says:

    What would do without “52” or is it How would you survive without “55” at any rate he is a keeper. He must love you very much. When I was a child, in the summer, my Mom would let me visit my Grandmother for a week. She lived on a farm in WVA. My favorite memory was her calling the cow home in the evening and watching her milk. Some time she would let me try to milk, but the cow kicked. No fun. I also remember her great feather beds, the aroma of fresh, line dried sheets, so soft.She had a rain barell and used rain water to do laundry. A lot of hard work,but she loved it. You remind me a lot of her. She made everything homemade.

  75. Conny says:

    Can’t resist it: Holy Cow! A beautiful brown cow for your birthday?!? That’s awesome! Your adventures in farming are growing! :moo: What a great addition to your family, and oh the stories you’ll have. Happy [belated?] Birthday to you. What fun!

  76. lavenderblue says:

    You’ve made it to the “show”, Suzanne. (In keeping with the Tom Hanks “No crying in farming” theme”. 52 sure is a keeper, isn’t he. :hug: Can’t wait to read about the milking process, the cheese, the butter etc., etc.

    To everyone else: Did you read the bottom line of this post? Suzanne is a guest blogger on the SAM-e site, today. So far it looks like I’m the only one that commented, unless I read it wrong. ๐Ÿ˜•
    Let’s all go over there and show them what a mistake they made not picking “our” Suzanne. :happyfeet: (the link is right in the words ‘over here today’ in the P.S. section right under the words “I HAVE A COW!” under the last picture of Suzanne’s new COW :snoopy:

  77. milkmaid says:

    Wahoo!! Being a milkmaid to a sweet jersey is wonderful. I love our cows. Milking is relaxing and we really love having all that fresh milk. :cowsleep:

  78. Susan D. says:

    Can’t wait till you can bring the cow hoem to the farm! Love your column on SAM-E. I left a comment.

  79. claudia w says:

    Two gallons a day?!? That’s a lot of wholesome goodness.
    Well, what a fantastic birthday present. That 52 sure knows what’s best doesn’t he? How exciting for you. A Cow!!! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures.

  80. Michelle says:

    I love Jersey cows; to me they are beautiful at any age! Good luck with your new venture; how do you plan to use up all that milk?

  81. Sheryl - Runningtrails says:

    Wow! A milk cow! I am stunned, and a Jersey at that! They are reported to give the richest milk with a very high butter fat content. I have so wanted a Jersey milk cow for a long time, no other breed, just a Jersey – and you have one! I’m awed. Wow!

    I have a friend who’s family raises them for show. This is a picture of one of her cows: https://www.jerseycanada.com/. My friend, Anne, is in this picture, on the hill behind the cow, completely out of sight, but she’s there. I know where to go when I get ready to buy a milk cow. I can have all the raw Jersey milk I want but it’s an hour’s drive away and only keeps for a day or so.

    You did so good picking that reliable girl. She’s pretty too, ya know. You’ll have to tell her that.

  82. Beth C. says:

    YOU HAVE A COW!!!!

    That is awesome. I would like to send 52 a hug, please. And, ask him to have a heart-to-heart with my husband…

    Happy B-day a week early, b/c I will be running the Warrior Dash on your day. Perhaps I’ll dress like a chicken, just for you :yes: instead of a warrior… My B-day follows on Monday – milk a goat for me, will’ya?

  83. BuckeyeGirl says:

    52 sure knows the way to a girls heart doesn’t he? First a tortilla press, then a Jersey cow. I don’t see how he can top this one! (in case anyone thinks I’m being facetious, I’m absolutely not! This is an out of the park home-run kinda gift!)

  84. Tori Lennox says:

    Since she’s a Jersey girl, you should name her Stephanie Plum. *g*

  85. rain says:

    :snoopy: And I thought I had a wonderful guy!! :sheep: Well-I do-but-WOW-that cow is beautiful!! I’m sure 52 had some hints though-but that’s ok too!! :heart: Posted a note on Sam-e-(they found out I think they made the wrong choice-live and learn)but-your poem was fantastic-children’s book material for sure!! :cowsleep: :happyflower:

  86. Klabmom says:

    I am jealous. SO jealous, my husband and I were just talking about getting a cow because our kids go through 2-3 gallons of milk a week, not including the yogurt I make. Plus, if I didn’t have to buy it I would be jumping on the cheese making bandwagon. Enjoy!!!

  87. lward says:

    I am so excited for you! What a cool gift. I would love to have a cow! And by the way my birthday is tomorrow. We are both Aries.

  88. Sheila says:

    Congratulations on the new addition to your family, you will always have plenty of cream for making butter with your selection of a Jersey.

  89. Vanessa says:

    I can’t believe that I an the first to use the old line “how now, brown cow”?
    She is beautiful and you will not regret having a cow that knows the ropes when it comes to being milked. I bet it will be very meditative milking her.
    Another thing you can make is egg custard and custard pies as well as from scratch puddings. You will definitely have all the milk and eggs that you need for them.
    I left a comment on SAMe and there were already about 80 comments. Good job!

  90. MousE says:

    Holy COW!

    How cool is that? And you’ve named her Jersey Lady already! This is great.

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Happy Cow Day too!

  91. Linda says:

    Oh wow… I was looking forward to your milking antic again! My little Nigerian Dwarf gave me 3 and 1/3 cups of milk this morning and she is only 2 weeks postpartum and hasn’t reached her peak yet… but I have often thought about a cow. But I think I will stick with my little guys. I have another due to kid in June.

    It will be fun to hear about your cow and milk and all the wonderful things you do with it!

  92. Angie says:

    I think you should name her DairyAnn, like MaryAnn for a cow. LOL!

  93. Jo says:

    Ok, now this blog is becoming VERY DANGEROUS for me!! I don’t think my husband would be too supportive of me wanting a COW!!! I’m getting chickens this year….hmmmmmm, better not get too pushy, eh?

    Congratulations, Suzanne. What a wonderful gift!!! :happyflower:

  94. Mary says:

    I love Jersey Lady. What a nice addition she will be! I loved your poetry on Sam-e but can’t make a comment there. They will have my address and I don’t like them.

  95. kerri says:

    How exciting to have your own cow! What a great birthday present. 52 really knows the way to your heart ๐Ÿ™‚ :moo:
    When we had the dairy herd we had 3 jerseys and I used their milk to make butter almost every day back then.
    I loved their soulful eyes.
    She will be a lovely addition to Stringtown farm! :cowsleep:

  96. Shannon J says:

    My Fern (also a Jersey) gives over three gallons a day, with her calf still nursing whenever he wants. I make butter every morning and our pigs get any extra milk. Fern was from a dairy, but she learned quickly to stand quietly to be hand milked. I, too, passed on the prettier but untested heifer, and I am so glad I did. Fern is the best cow in the world (no offense to your new girl! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Have you found the “Keeping a Family Cow” site, and the associated book by Joann Grohman? They’re must haves for a new cow owner. Enjoy your new girl…

  97. Sunday Rain says:

    How about Tallulah? Or Tillie? Or Maisy Mae? Or Francesca?….any cow that travels the world..OK…states…..to get to your farms needs an exotic-traveling-world-type of name.

  98. Old WV Broad says:

    Maude. She looks like a Maude.
    Says the Old WV Broad.

    Eyes that are soul full
    Brings milk by the bowl full

    Maude.

    Udders and udders of cheese
    Maude aims to please.

    Maude.

    Maude, a gift from Ohio
    A gift from God.

    Maude

  99. Patrice says:

    Congratulations on your cow! I’m glad you didn’t pick the bull. They get kind of nasty when you try to milk them. You were wise to get an experienced cow. We got a heifer and she turned into a rodeo act. She had never been milked and made it her life’s goal to never have that happen. After she tried to make me a widow, we put her out with our beef herd and she has been giving us beautiful brown babies. Still, I have to buy milk!!!Boo Hiss! I look forward to reading the name you choose. After all those romance novels you should be quite at ease with naming characters.

  100. Jessica says:

    What a wonderful gift!! Can’t wait to see what you name her. I raised a steer for 4-H and sold him for meat. He nearly killed me training him to walk with me, but he ended up being a sweetie… for his short life. I decided I never wanted to do that again. ๐Ÿ˜‰ I’d love a lady cow, on my someday farm!

  101. Jersey Lady says:

    Someone mentioned you must have many good names from your romantic writing days. It made me think of a girl I had in my very first classroom when I began teaching so long ago. Her name was Gwyneth Green.She was just as charming as her name.Wonder what ever happened to her? Please wave your hand and say hello if you are out there somewhere, Dear Gwyneth.

  102. Dee says:

    How fun! It brings back my child hood memories! I love cows!!

  103. mary mahoney says:

    I’ve just recently come upon your writings, and photos, and I think you are absolutely awesome! I’m 77, and used to visit farms with my folks when I was young, and I find you are taking me back to my roots, and I’m loving it – thank you! Mary Mahoney

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