Name That Cow!

Apr
11


(Word cloud created with Wordle.)

Today is my birthday, so it seemed like an appropriate day to post the poll of polls, the great poll, the Name That Cow poll! This cow is my birthday present from 52. How many people get a cow for their birthday? I think it’s pretty amazing! But I can’t decide on a name. I just can’t! Thank goodness you all had lots of suggestions.

I started out by eliminating the names of people we know (because it would just be weird to call a cow after a name of someone I know) and the names of animals I have, or have had in the past. (Buttercup was a really popular suggestion. I have an angry cat named Buttercup. I don’t think his temperament would be improved by having to share his name with a cow.) Then I employed Morgan and 52 to help me whittle the remaining list down as much as we could and now it’s up to you. This poll will close Tuesday night and we’ll know her name!

[poll id=”16″]

And tell me what is the strangest thing you ever got for your birthday? Have you ever gotten a cow????





Comments

  1. Melanie Burbage says:

    I like Nellie!
    May never have gotten a cow..lol but I have gotten DIRT! Yes, lovely bags of dirt πŸ™‚ My husband always forgets my bday, so weeks after while I am deeling with seedlings & mapping my garden out, he arrives and hauls bags of dirt out of his car just for me! Everyone I know raises a brow , but it’s one of the sweetest things he’s ever done. I get dirt & I love it. Last year he tossed Seeds at me after he piled the dirt all up!! Talk about a bonus!

    It’s still not a cow though….haha πŸ™‚

  2. CATRAY44 says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday! We are so glad you were born!

    .

  3. Sue Jensen says:

    Happy Birthday to you!! What a pleasure it has been to read your blog for the last few months, you are a delight to behold! I chose Beulah for the cow’s name because of the wonderful rodeo woman I knew named Beulah that was still riding horses at age 80 and picking up eggs from her chickens in the road and bringing them into town to me “au natural” (the eggs, not Beulah!). She was one unique independent woman, who really knew her cows. πŸ™‚ Also, the strangest thing I have ever gotten for a birthday present was an umbrella. Needed one for the patio table so got one for my birthday (had it for about 10 years).

  4. Flatlander says:

    Happy birthday Suzanne.

    No I never got a a cow as a birthday present..but got a goat for our 25th anniversary.
    Oh and one year I received a chainsaw.

  5. Helen says:

    “Isabella”, a lovely name with a lyrical sound, is Italian for “Elizabeth”, and means “consecrated to God” :moo:

  6. Nancy in Iowa says:

    A very happy birthday to you!

  7. trish robichaud says:

    happy birthday suzanne, many many more. :shimmy: i cant really recall anything strange given to me for my birthday. there have been a few things over the years that caused alot of anger. so now my husband just gives me money to purchase my own gift. i dont really need to be gifted on that day. i used to take my mother out to lunch and a trip to the salon for her nails to be done , that was the best present of all. take care and enjoy your day. :wave:

  8. Julie says:

    She’s a wonderful gift! Happy Birthday!

  9. ConnieH says:

    She looks like a proud Millicent :cowsleep:

  10. Brenda Radabaugh says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne. My pick for the cows name is Two Percent aka 2% πŸ™‚ OH and BBB!

  11. Nic, SD says:

    Happy birthday! I got a carved duck from my step father, a few years back. It doesn’t sound that weird, but… you’d have to see it. A cow (obviously) totally tops that, though.

  12. Shelley (eastern Roane County) says:

    Happy birthday Suzanne. I can’t think of a better present for a farm girl than a lovely milk cow. I received a 4×4 tractor and backhoe for my 50th a few years ago. Best present I ever had.

  13. CindyP says:

    Beulah! I love Beulah!!!

    I cannot recall getting anything weird for my birthday….. but then, a cow isn’t weird…….you wanted it and 52 obliged! I’m glad he got you the tortilla press for Valentine’s Day! :heart: or you wouldn’t have your cow today!

    Happy Birthday! :duck:

  14. Minna says:

    Happy birthday!

  15. Connie Crowl says:

    Happy Birthday. Hope you have a good one. I know what you mean about naming your cow after someone you know. Nellie was my grandmother’s name so I picked Isabella. Bella for short.

    Have a super birthday.

  16. Sheila Z says:

    12 gauge shotgun from my father for a 16th birthday present. He wanted it for himself and needed an excuse to buy it. I never used it once. Not a hunter. He kept the gun and used it. And yes he was strange, why do you ask? LOL

  17. Peggy Stone says:

    Happy Birthday! I once asked for, and received, bags of dirt. I loved it!

  18. Johanna says:

    Can’t think of anything too odd for my birthday. Long ago I started saying “no presents, really I mean it” because I guess people were giving me goofy things.

    I think Beulah is a spectacular name for your cow. I think no matter what you name her, I’ll always think of her as Beautiful Beulah!

    Happy birthday again! You will probably get thousands of birthday wishes today — how cool is that!

  19. glenda says:

    As a matter of fact, I got “TWO” cows for my 68th or 67th (would have to look it up!) birthday. We went to look at a Milking
    Shorthorn and my husband fell in love with her daughter who was half grown. He said I want them both….so we bought both. I was lucky they were registered and were pre-named, the cow is Willow and her daughter is Annabelle. I love, love having a milk cow. Her daughter is now with our Black Angus bull so this fall she will be having a baby if all goes well.

    I can give you tips on how not to milk twice a day every single day…..which I did not want to do for just the two of us.

    I milk maybe three times a week or more if I want to and just in the mornings.

    We are retired from a small Holstein dairy so I knew what I was getting into.

    Happy Birthday! I hope you bring your present home soon and we get to enjoy the joys and tribulations of owning a milk cow with you. Trust me, you will have some entertaining moments ahead.

  20. Teresa says:

    I voted for Petunia and the method of my madness is that you can then begin naming animals after flowers – sort of like the sodas you did with the goats. Just a thought!

    Have a great day!

  21. Peggy says:

    My Dad buys my husband and I fishing license each year for our birthdays. He also gives us one dollar for each year we are old.

    It seems to me that 52 knew the perfect present to give you this year. A cow is really needed on your farm. :sun:

  22. Snapper says:

    Happy Happy Birthday! :happyflower:

  23. kerri says:

    We used to name all our cows and a good many were named after ladies and their daughters who we go to church with :moo:
    We have a very good friend named Millie. I love that name! :cowsleep:
    She’s a beauty, Suzanne, and you’re one lucky girl. What a birthday present! :snoopy:

  24. BuckeyeGirl says:

    I didn’t (and still don’t) consider it strange at all, but I got my first goat for my 13th birthday. My birthday is the end of August, which is right around our County Fair time, and there were the sweet goats to see, and the Doe with the sweet kids, and there she was!

    I voted for Beulah because it’s got such character and she seems like such a dignified girl. Gotta go with Beulah!

  25. m says:

    Strangest present …. my brother gave me his used VCR (3mths of use). Apparently he wanted a new one, and I didn’t need one :roll:.

    Last night was his birthday dinner … I gave him sun-glasses … his own πŸ˜† . He had left them at the house yesterday afternoon.

    Whatever name your cow gets … I hope she is a sweetie after she gets settled.

    Happy Birthday! :yes: :purpleflower:

  26. Diane says:

    I can not remember getting anything weird for my birthday. But I am sure I did at some point. lol.

    Happy Birthday. Enjoy your cow. Cant wait to see what her name is.

  27. Jean says:

    Caelin wanted a Highland cow for her birthday yesterday. They went and looked at some, but I don’t know if they got her one or not.

    Jean

  28. bonnieblue says:

    I’m also getting a Jersey calf for mine and dh’s combined birthday presents. This has been in the works for awhile. I get her in 2 weeks when she’s weaned.
    Yours is beautiful and just looks so huggable! I’m a cow hugger !

  29. Teri says:

    Happy birthday! I did get an orphaned baby goat one Valentine’s day — appropriately named him Val!!

  30. Victoria says:

    Happy Birthday!

  31. rain says:

    My husband is great :snoopy: too-DIRT–he knows is always wonderful! And the hot air balloon ride! and this year if my knees don’t give out(or are unable to make it!) a jump from an airplane to celebrate my big 60th!- :woof: -if that’s a no go-then a weekend teach to learn and get motorcycle license!!!!! :hug: There are others-but these are some of the best–did I say DIRT!! can never go wrong with DIRT!! :happyflower: :happyflower:

  32. 5kathleen2 says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE! :hug: I haven’t received anything as moovelous as a cow for my birthday. You are one lucky gal. Kathleen in Indiana

  33. Phyllis Ryan says:

    Happy Birthday. No matter what you name the cow, it won’t be long before she will be a major player in the drama/comedy that occurs in your yard. And she already has a great following.

  34. Carol Langille says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne….my oldest granddaughter shares your birthday. She’s Sixteen today! Oh wow…where has the time gone!
    Hope your day is full of good things and blessings as always.

  35. Valerie says:

    I love that you received a cow for your birthday…a wonderful gift for sure. I have been thinking of getting one for our farm, but milking in Minnesota in the winter is deterring me. But I love the idea of trying to become more self-sustaining.

    I had a calf named after me by my bff, because the calf was born with a valentine spot on her forehead.

    My strangest gift was a set of floormats for my car one year, from my now-ex husband. That isn’t why he’s an ex, though!

  36. B. Ruth says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne!

    I vote for “Millie”…sorta like a sweet milk mill…LOL
    Petunia…not quite colorful enough,but smells sweet just the same!
    Bessie…no offence but a little trite..lots of cows named Bessie..
    Nellie…reminds me of a horse..like in..”Whoa, Nellie”! LOL
    Helga…Well,could be..her ear hair is long enough for plating little pigtails with tiny blue and white bows…not..is she German!
    Isabella…a name too mysterious for a sweet face..
    Beulah…I know she is an older cow…but not that old!
    I got a troy-built roto-tiller and loved it one December year for my birthday and tnen followed for my anniversary in April…
    Four roses….not the kind you drink…the kind you plant with the help of my new roto-tiller….Best presents ever…

  37. Carmen Smith says:

    I voted, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful, fun filled day:)

  38. Pete says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUZANNE!

    On the naming of your cow – whatever you and/or 52 think is best really IS best! All the names would work, but BEULAH just seems to fit. Different enough to be interesting, but not in a goofy, odd sort of way. I like it!

    Strange gift? Nothing is strange if you want or need it! (Although, getting one’s own sunglasses as a gift is pretty close! 8) )

  39. farmershae says:

    I think Buelah is my favorite (I can see you out there calling for her..BuuuuuuuuuuuuuLAH! but I chose Petunia so you could start a flower trend for her offspring. I am so happy you are going to have a supply of milk! Don’t forget – after making the butter to use the buttermilk to make buttermilk biscuits….yum.

    I got a nice big vice last year for my workshop. I may be a girl, but I love my tools and toys! :airkiss:

  40. Kathleen in Michigan says:

    A very happy birthday to you!

  41. IowaCowgirl says:

    I got a beautiful Simmental heifer for a Christmas present from my then-boyfriend-now-husband years back. He had put a big bow on her tailhead and had her waiting for me in the catch-gate. Her name was Elizabeth and we had her for many years. sigh.

  42. Marianne G says:

    Had to vote for Millie…that’s my mom’s name (miss her so much!)

  43. NorthCountryGirl says:

    What a neat birthday present! I voted for “Millie” (I’m biased as I was one of those who suggested the name). Since it’s milk she produces, Millie seemed the perfect name for her. I hope you have gallons and gallons of milk to make your wonderful recipes with. Happy Birthday!

  44. Lisa Bernet says:

    Happy Birthday!!1

    I have not received a cow for my birthday. I did deliver a calf when I was a teenager. She was stuck. She was a very naughty cow in her teen years. She also got herself stuck by the utter in a barbed wire fence trying to jump out to freedom. To bad for her because she ended up in our freezer.

    Have a great day.
    Lisa

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

    I can’t think of getting anything strange for my birthday. But my dear m-i-l used to get various farming implements (rock rakes, balers, etc.) for her birthdays and anniversaries. One year for their anniversary, I suggested that my f-i-l get her a new wedding band, as hers was practically worn in two! He took my advice πŸ™‚

  46. Vicki Crawford says:

    Happy Birthday. What a great present. I think she looks like a Bessie to me. Bessie is someone who know the ropes. Vicki

  47. goatgirl says:

    The strangest thing I ever got for my birthday was 2 pot-bellied pigs.
    Happy Birthday. A milk cow is a “something foolish something gay kind of gift”

  48. catslady says:

    I named a wild possum petunia once lol. Now they’re all Petey’s since you can’t tell and new ones show up every year. I voted for Beulah but I like Millie too.

  49. Sharon Gosney says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! Wishing you a wonderful day.

  50. Barbee' says:

    I just have to go with Bessie.
    I know it is trite, but it is tried and true. It fits so well and feels so comfortable. I think she will like it. Like being named for women down through the generations before us gives us a sense of belonging and coziness.

  51. Senta Sandberg says:

    All good cow names. I think we are going to have as hard a time as you reading all the posts. Happy Birthday Suzanne. You are blessed as we are to have you in our lives.

  52. scorwin says:

    Happy Birthday again Suzanne. I never got a cow, although I’d love one, or a sheep or a goat! But I did get a rototiller a few years back!

  53. Kathi says:

    I’ve never gotten a cow as a gift, but I have received a cat, goats, and even a horse. They weren’t wierd presents though; they were exactly what I wanted. (I have a great husband.)

  54. cat says:

    The best present my husband gave me was an arena. I came home one afternoon after work, and there was a Catapillar leveling out a small hill. My husband was making me a place to work my horses,he the best. Oh yea, he also gave me a tractor for our 25th annaversery.

  55. Yvonne M. says:

    :snoopy: Happy, Happy Birthday Suzanne!!! :moo: We are all so glad you were born. Hope you’re having a great day! (the weather sure is cooperating) :heart:

  56. Cheryl S. says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday! I’m so glad there’s a you . . . I’ve loved visiting your blog since the day I found it. It’s always warm and welcoming here. And always lots to learn. Thank you for all your hard work to make it that way.

  57. Jo says:

    The weirdest thing I ever got (not according to me, but according to most other people) was a dustbuster. I am a very practical person and I was very happy to get my dustbuster. lol I love my dustbuster and my husband says he’s going to stick it in my hand and bury it with me when I die. πŸ˜†

  58. Maria says:

    Helga! Definitely Helga! There is something about her face that makes me think of a dark Swede. And she could totally pull off a horned viking hat!

  59. Kathy in KY says:

    Aw – looks like my pick of Isabella is not doing too well. I once got a pair of insulated coveralls for my birthday from my parents in OH, when I lived on a farm in ND, where the winters can be rather harsh. Happy Happy Birthday, Miss Suzanne! :sheep:

  60. SuzieQ says:

    Got an arc welder, for doing metal sculptures, one year and my very own chainsaw another year…greatest husband in the world!! The welder for the artist in me and the chainsaw for the practical side of me. :dancingmonster:

  61. MJ Krech says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne!
    Thank you for being so faithful to your blog readers! I know I can count on a new post every morning! You help start my day right, every day! I really appreciate that! Your farm stories are wonderful!
    Happy Birthday, Suzanne!

  62. ML says:

    Happy Birthday! What a great present! I did get a guinea pig when I was 12. I was so happy I cried, lol!

  63. Sarah says:

    Star Wars band-aids. But I asked for them so…. weird by choice!

  64. Mary says:

    I just noticed that both my names made the cut…Beulah and Millicent. Now I have to decide which I like best. Beulah, I think. Happy Birthday, Suzanne. A cow is a great birthday present…just like getting the dog was a great Mother’s day gift (last year, I think). Boomer turned out to be a nice pet. One year my husband built me a shelf for my birthday. I guess that’s not too strange. What about the year my husband gave me an Easter basket…put all the chocolate, etc. into a dustpan, because we needed a dustpan at the time

  65. Nita in SC says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! I picked Millicent because she looks to be a very proper, ladylike sort of cow and Millicent fits. 52 must be pretty awesome to get you something that you wanted so much!

  66. senovia says:

    Although my husband is forbidden to ever buy me anything that plugs in as a gift, I asked for a jigsaw one year, and got it. πŸ™‚ Never a cow, though. πŸ™‚

  67. LK says:

    I got 2 piglets (they tasted good months later). Not really because of my birthday, but that is just what day worked out the best.

    I missed the suggestion part of naming the cow, and I know that it is late, but my suggestion would have been Blossom. That will be our next cows name unless I get a Guernsey…it’s name will be Buttercup.

  68. LK says:

    I forgot to add, our Jersey’s name is Ruby.

  69. Jill B says:

    My husband got me a new ass for my birthday as he tells it. I wanted a Miniature black jack one year and that is exactly what I got for my birthday!

    Happy Birthday!

  70. jerrie jackson says:

    That face belongs to the name Beulah without a doubt! My brother and I had 2 cows that were pretty special out of the bunches when we were growing up, his was a white cow that went over the fences, mine was a black and white angus that went under the fences. He named his cow judy and I namaed mine mummer. My mom’s name is Judy!

  71. Courtney NY via KS says:

    Happy Birthday!! πŸ™‚ Love that you got a cow for your birthday. What an awesome gift!

  72. Arlene says:

    Happy Birthday to you!!! Awww…what is the most differant thing I got for my birthday….I asked for a hoe and got a rake. I needed a rake too. My husband needed hearing aides! LOL!!

  73. Debnfla3 says:

    Happy Birthday!!!

  74. Heather says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! :shimmy:

    Unusual gifts I received this year…

    A cement mixer for my bithday (from my mom) and an I.O.U. for a skid of stone for Christmas (from my dad)- which changed into 10 yards of mulch, because I needed that first. Also an offer of 6 tri-axels of dirt as an early Christmas gift – if I decide to build retaining walls with earth bags.

  75. Melinda in Washington State says:

    My favorite name is Daisy but I voted Nellie as a second choice. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Suzanne. Happy Birthday to you. And many more.

  76. margiesbooboo says:

    i vote for Petunia so she can be your “pet” when you milk her.

    huggs,
    margiesbooboo

  77. iamvics says:

    I picked Isabella – I’d call her Izzy! I don’t remember anything very weird for my birthday – I have had birthdays when the only thing I received was a birthday card from a radio station!

  78. katherine says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday! Roses and cows, could life be any more beautiful (and spring blooming out too)!

    Bella – there’s a certain resemblance in her eyes to Bella in Twilight……

  79. Debbie in PA says:

    Happy belated birthday, Suzanne!

  80. yvonne coffelt says:

    I have never received any livestock for my birthday but I did get an Alpaca for Valentine’s Day (I Love You Jack)

  81. Amy says:

    My husband bought me a cow for our anniversary. For my birthday, he took me skunk hunting. He knew how mad I was when we found out a skunk had killed a number of my fabulous red bourbon turkeys. It was lovely, hunting skunk by the light of the moon. On my birthday. Together. We (that’s the Royal We) nailed the little monster, and didn’t even get sprayed. Ah, the memories…

  82. Rituparna says:

    Happy Birthday …

  83. Suzanne says:

    I don’t remember any strange birthday gifts, but when I was 14 all I wanted for Christmas was a goat. I got a wonderful pregnant momma goat, she had twin that year. To so many that was a very strange request indead, but I was so very happy with my goat and all her kids. Seeing your Clover reminds me of all the good times I had with my Mammy goat.

  84. I Wanna Farm says:

    I like Eloise. Can that be a choice?

  85. Teresa says:

    I have never got a cow for my birthday, but I got a horse for my anniversary. Jasper is my best gift ever. My husband could not have picked a better horse for me.

  86. Kim Clemons says:

    Happy Belated Birthday… I’m coveting your BD present so much. I want a cow too! They’re expensive though… someday. My weirdest birthday present was from my ex-husband (emphasis on the “ex”). He one time got me an ab roller (a cheap one too!) from a garage sale for $5.00. The sad part of it was, he was so proud of himself for getting such a good deal on a piece of junk!
    Gotta love those “exes”…… :purpleflower:

  87. whaledancer says:

    Belated happy birthday, Suzanne! What a memorable birthday this will be.

    My friends thought it odd when for my geologist husband gave me my very own rock hammer, but I loved it. And him.

  88. Liz in Wis says:

    I voted for the name, Isabella. It is a pretty name, for a pretty cow.

  89. Deanna says:

    Happy Belated Birthday!!

    Nope. Never received a cow, but I got the leftovers once….
    Yup. Hubby bought the compost I wanted!!

    Deanna

  90. Marianne says:

    I voted for Nellie, because then you could always be saying “Whoooaaaaa Neelllliiiieeee” which would make me smile every time I said it. The wierdest birthday present I ever got was a box of dirt from my mom. Which had mushroom spawn in it that you could stir up and water and keep misted and it grew a bunch of really great button mushrooms and started a HUGE interest in growing mushrooms for me. But at the time – I was like, Mom? a box of dirt? really? could you be more wierd? But y’know – Mom always knew best. I just never would admit it at the time.

  91. Alice says:

    Happy Birthday!

  92. Margaret says:

    Happy Birthday!
    I like the name Petunia. Can’t say I’ve ever gotten any gift as exciting as a cow, mostly I just get plants and flowers.

  93. Ruth - CA says:

    Suzanne … I love the cow, such big melting eyes! Those eyes and eyelashes are only rivaled by baby lambs. I also love the seriously cool word cloud but the link hops over to wordle.com … it took a few minutes but managed to track that cool software to http://www.wordle.net. Typing “dot com” is like second nature to me as well so no fuss really, but thought someone else would be curious like me. Thank you for share no matter what!

  94. Jodie in Texas says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! I voted for Isabella… I like the idea of a cow named after Bella of Twilight fame! Vampire Cow now that’s a story I want Suzanne to tell us.

  95. AJK says:

    :cowsleep: I may have you all beat my husband likes to tell everyone that for the last two years he has literally gotten me a truck load of crap for my birthday.lol We were starting a new garden and I actually requested it but it’s priceless to see peoples faces when they hear what he got me. : )

  96. BobbiSue says:

    HOW about “PRESENT” which shows off that you have gotten something that some one else hasn’t received ….. a COW for a PRESENT!!!!!

  97. BobbiSue says:

    Do you make the old fashioned apple butter like in years past? I still make it but sorry to say, now I must do it in my oven as Fairmont where I live just doesn’t like open fires in the front yard with a big bubbling kettle with a big bubbling kettle hanging over it! OH DARN!!! Would be so much fun…especially when all my friends wanted to come around… Would put them to work..

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