It’s that time again, when I randomly poke my finger at the calendar to select a day (since the last time I did it), then input the number of comments on that day’s post in Random.org’s Integer Generator to choose the recipient of a $50 Amazon gift certificate. And so I poked my finger, eyes closed, at the calendar and came up with July 17th, which was the day I talked about my camera. There were 53 comments (as of this writing) on that post, and when I inputted that range online, I came up with:
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
29
Timestamp: 2008-07-22 19:50:43 UTC
And that comment belongs to….
“You’ve inspired me to get my camera out and start snappin’ away!”
–Bertie
Bertie, email me! (There is a Contact Me link at the top of the sidebar.)
I’ll be doing this again. All you have to do is comment on daily posts to be in the drawing. Thank you for being here and for keeping me company!
I’m also sending a big thank-you to my recent sponsors. Please pay them a visit! (Please? Without them, I could not do giveaways and I could not pay my hosting costs. Please take a moment to visit each one and see the valuable things they have to offer.)
Author Barbara Bretton
Farmland.org’s No Farms, No Food free bumper sticker campaign
StopInternetPredators.org
Author Emilie Richards
Carol’s Comfort Foods
Renewable Fuels
Carhartt
Author Sarah Addison AllenIf you have a website, blog, book, product, or service, please consider sponsoring this site, too!
And now announcing….
Nutmeg and Honey are the doeling and buckling names that won, hands down, in the poll! Thank you all for helping me name the babies! It’s a good thing Honey’s going to be wethered because nobody would take a buck named Honey seriously. But Honey is going to be my sweet boy, my wether, and when we get our buck and he goes to the buck pen, I think it would be funny to pair Honey up with a buck named something tough like Bruiser.
Clover and the two babies are scheduled to arrive on Friday evening. We have fencing, goat food (sweet mule feed), and goat treats (animal crackers). I have no idea what I’m doing. I don’t know how to milk. I don’t know how to make cheese. I don’t know how to take care of goats. I went into the little store in town to buy the sweet mule feed and Faye was manning the counter. I said, “What do I need for milking?” She held up her hand and said, “This.” She is so practical. Apparently, they weren’t selling magic knowledge and experience at the little store this week.
I wonder if I can get Georgia to do it…. She could come over every day. Except for the thing about how she can’t drive down our road.
I’M ON MY OWN.
This is going to be an adventure!! Come along with me?
Patricia Herman says:
I am along for the ride. Love hearing about your new adventure with the adorable little goats. You are giving them a good home.
Take lots of pictures.
On July 23, 2008 at 5:44 am
Michelle Willingham says:
You know, I imagine it’s like having a baby all over again. You don’t have a clue what you’re doing, but you’ll figure it out. Good luck!
On July 23, 2008 at 5:54 am
Heidi says:
PERFECT names!!!
On July 23, 2008 at 6:51 am
peggy says:
You’ll be a pro at milking before you know it. We went from one goat (ms diva) to over 20 so be careful as they are addictive. I knew nothing of milking goats and now milk 6.
On July 23, 2008 at 7:03 am
happyathome says:
Yea! Soo cute and wnderful names! Good luck on the milking, better you than me! Come and see the new member of my family!
https://www.lifeislikechampagneblog.com/2008/07/wordless-wednesday_23.html
On July 23, 2008 at 7:13 am
Sue says:
What a great ride–better buckle my seatbelt.
Sue :butterfly:
On July 23, 2008 at 7:14 am
kacey says:
poor Honey is going to have a identity crisis with Honey for a name. He better toughen up…
On July 23, 2008 at 7:20 am
Lisa L says:
I love the chosen names. What little sweeties!
On July 23, 2008 at 7:24 am
Jyl says:
Congrats Bertie! Can’t wait to see the goats in their new home.
On July 23, 2008 at 7:41 am
Blaze says:
Despite growing up on a farm I have never milked a cow or a goat or nothing!
So I’m all kinds of interested in seeing how things turn out!
Good Luck with the goats
On July 23, 2008 at 7:51 am
Kathryn says:
Congratulations Bertie, and thanks to all the kind sponsors.
I am ready! I can’t wait, and look forward to cybermaking all the cheese and soap. It is hot and nasty here, so of course I will be canning all day. In two weeks, the Grandgirlies arrive, and we are making plans revolving around their wish to get some green tomato relish canned. Lots of playing, swimming, and canning for the rest of the summer.
Ear scritches to sweet Coco.
On July 23, 2008 at 8:09 am
Tresha says:
my sister-n-law raises goats…she milks…has Parkinsons so it is great therapy for her hands….the only thing I know is you must keep them on grain if you are going to drink it ….if they are on grass/weeds your milk will taste like it too and believe me it is GROSS ! tastes like you are drinking your mowed lawn! but no sweat for a gal like you…I am sure we are in for some great posts…just hope they don’t kick the bucket over or Coco drinks it all…haha…just remember…
Don’t cry over spilt milk…..sorry…couldn’t resist….
Tresh in Oklahoma
On July 23, 2008 at 8:35 am
Robin G. says:
…is there a “Goats for Dummies” book somewhere?
On July 23, 2008 at 8:38 am
Suzette says:
I think the name choices are perfect! I can’t WAIT to hear the adventures in milking. Not to mention Coco’s adventures in goat herding. I guess I’m a little confused at her “job.” If the goats are in a pen right next to the house…she is guarding them from…what? Do meanies come right into your yard and threaten your babies (she asks naively)? Or, is this part of the whole “planning for the future” thing when they’ll wander farther from the house? You can tell how much I know about farm animals! LOL
On July 23, 2008 at 8:44 am
Christine says:
I like the names, even if that is not what I voted for.
On July 23, 2008 at 8:45 am
annie says:
I hope you haven’t set Honey up to be beaten up on the goat playground. You know how mean “kids” can be about names!
On July 23, 2008 at 8:50 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Christine, I actually voted for Copper and Penny myself, LOL. But I’m happy with Nutmeg and Honey. Honey for the wether cracks me up, plus it has a nice connection to Clover. (Clover/Honey)
Suzette, well, here so close to the house, I’m not sure if we have a huge worry about coyotes or other animals attacking them inside their enclosure. But, it could happen. Coco’s job, for one thing, is to make a giant ruckus barking, which would bring us out of the house, and aside from that, to chase off and protect the goats from anything that might come into the enclosure and try to get them. We can’t watch over the goats nonstop, but Coco can.
On July 23, 2008 at 8:52 am
Ann says:
I too voted for Copper and Penny but am happy with Nutmeg and Honey, maybe the next set. Love your site! I feel as if I am living on the land with you. Coco is just the cutest thing.
Can’t wait to see the arrival of the goats and every other thing that is happening there!
On July 23, 2008 at 9:24 am
Employee No. 3699 says:
I’m thinking you need to share this milking thing with us via video, especially the first time you try!
On July 23, 2008 at 9:28 am
Connie says:
:shocked: LOL. We will just pray that you get an even tempered goat while you are learning 🙂
On July 23, 2008 at 9:33 am
Gizmo says:
I have to agree with Employee…it’s going to be hilarious the first time you milk. Once you get the hang of it — there’ll be no stopping you!! :snoopy: Milking is like trying to squeeze water from a water balloon. No, I’m not joking…fill a water balloon half full, and practice squeezing the water to the bottom. **It’s not as easy as it sounds.** Your hands will appreciate the “pre” exercise, and Clover might too.
We saw a some Nigerian Dwarfs from your area at the National Show. Might’ve been from the same farm. 😀
Congrats to Bertie.
I can’t wait for the next stop on this wonderful adventure.
On July 23, 2008 at 9:36 am
Bertie says:
Woo Hoo! Can’t believe I’m the winner..I never win anything! Thanks Suzanne! :shimmy:
I can’t wait to see the little goats in their new home and hear about your first milking episode. You must have someone there to take pictures of you in action!
*HUGS* Bertie
On July 23, 2008 at 9:44 am
connie says:
“Goats for Dummies” = 4-H goat handbook.
hugs from PA
connie
(former goatherd)
On July 23, 2008 at 10:08 am
sam says:
Aww..I was partial to Clarabelle. Oh well. I still want a video of your first attempt at milking. Good luck! This is so exciting.
On July 23, 2008 at 10:24 am
Joan Crowson says:
Absolutely!! I can’t wait for the step-by-step. You and your camera are great teachers:)
On July 23, 2008 at 10:39 am
Donna says:
Oh, sweet Coco!!! Love her!!
I voted for Clarence and Clarabell, but Nutmeg and Honey are so cute too!!!
Faye sounds like a hoot!
Speaking of Georgia not being able to get down your road, how is “Turtle lady”? Any more sightings? It sounds like she was really trying HARD to KNOW you, always being there when you were.
On July 23, 2008 at 10:40 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Oh, I hadn’t thought of that, LOL. Maybe I can get a 4-H goat handbook. My daughter is in 4-H!
Donna, I don’t see that neighbor as often during the summer because I’m not driving out to take Princess to the bus every day like I am during the school year.
On July 23, 2008 at 10:46 am
Treasia says:
Love the newest babies names. I voted for those myself. congrats to the winner of the $50.
On July 23, 2008 at 10:46 am
Gizmo says:
I forgot to add — you need a little bucket. Preferrably stainless steel, but one that you sanitize well will work. Wait for Clover to arrive, so you can make sure it’s “short” enough (my goats are tall).
Also, here are a some links for suppliers and information:
https://hoeggergoatsupply.com/xcart/home.php
https://biology.clc.uc.edu/fankhauser/Cheese/MILKHANDLING.HTM
https://www.adga.org
https://khimairafarm.com/
Good luck!
Gizmo
[email protected]
On July 23, 2008 at 10:50 am
Maureen says:
They are so sweet! Best of luck with Nutmeg and Honey.
On July 23, 2008 at 11:09 am
Gloria Jean says:
Thanks for the reminder to click thru the ads. I dutifully did so and was rewarded with the news that Sarah Addison Allen has a new book out that I want to read! You are my daily dose of a different life as I sit in my gardenless townhouse, with my daughters grown and gone, a reminder of all the sweetness buried in the mud and chaos of family life. Thanks!
On July 23, 2008 at 11:12 am
SuzieQ says:
You must be so excited..it’s like waiting for Christmas morning! Will Coco be put in with them right away or will it ba a gradual process?
On July 23, 2008 at 11:31 am
Claudia W says:
Oh boy! A new adventure. I am so sure that you will learn and get the hang of it so quickly. Post bunches of pictures as you go along…then we can all learn with you! This is going to be fun!
Love the names by the way!
On July 23, 2008 at 11:42 am
Stephanie says:
Do you have a milkstand? They make life much easier when milking. It has a flat place for the goat to stand on, two tall pieces that hold her head facing forward, and a container for grain to keep her happy while you’re doing your thing. Also really handy to keep them in one place when you’re trimming hooves, or giving medicine. Very simple to make from scrap wood if you don’t have one yet!
On July 23, 2008 at 11:57 am
Meghan Rosenstengel says:
I am learning how to milk our new dairy cow by hand. If I can do it, so can you! Know that you will get covered in milk and she may step in the bucket – the chickens are always glad when *that* happens.
It gets easier. When you start doing it right, you will learn about muscles in your hands you never knew you had. I am saving my pennies for a milking machine!
On July 23, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Beach Girl says:
Congratulations Nutmeg and Honey.
I went to the listed sponsors and I wanted to let you know you have one of the links incorrect. The one for Carol’s Comfort Foods is wrong. You omitted the “s” at the end of foods and it brought up a bad link without it. Thanks to linking to her site. I found some great recipes there!
On July 23, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Jodie says:
You definitely need someone to give you lessons! Sounds like there is plenty of good advice from your readers. LOL Suzanne milking a goat. Will need Princess or 52 to take some photos of the event.
On July 23, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thanks for the links, Gizmo!
Beach Girl, thank you! I fixed it now.
On July 23, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Teri says:
Nutmeg and Honey are so cute! Can’t wait to see them and Clover in the cozy new home!
On July 23, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Katharina says:
I am so excited for you. I’m sure the milking will become second nature and you won’t remember a time you weren’t milking goats. I tried one at a farm and got milk right away, although she was a big girl goat.
I love your Coco and wonder if she has the kind of coat that mud falls off-like border collies and australian shepherds. You know, self cleaning.
On July 23, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes! That’s what we call it, too–self-cleaning. We have wondered about it! She’ll get really dirty and a few hours later, she’s clean. It’s so weird!
On July 23, 2008 at 12:58 pm
ScrappyGirl says:
What cute goats! We have a pygmy that thinks he is a horse. We have 4 other goats but he won’t hang out with them. He is a horse…why would he hang with goats!? LOL
On July 23, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Tori Lennox says:
Congrats, Bertie!!!
I, too, voted for Copper & Penny, but Nutmeg & Honey are cute, too. 🙂
On July 23, 2008 at 1:55 pm
jean says:
Oh to be a fly on the wall while you figure out how to raise the goats. You’ll have plenty to blog about and maybe some milk. Good luck.
On July 23, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Jean says:
The goat names are perfect! You will get the hang of milking pretty quick. Sure wish I were there to help you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful life.
On July 23, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Egghead says:
Yep I am in for the ride. It will be fun seeing all the adventures of goat raising and cheese making. My dad always said “Just jump in head first”. I guess you are doing that. Nutmeg and Honey are darling.
On July 23, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Cheryl says:
I can’t wait to come along on this ride with you! I envy your new farm and plan to get a couple of goats in about a year myslef. I know you can do this milking thing…after all, to be tempted with fresh goat milk and cheese; that’t a pretty good motivator. I am sending you best wishes that all your dreams for the farm come true.
On July 23, 2008 at 2:43 pm
margiesbooboo says:
hey girl, i sent you a link to a article in my local paper about some goat herders near here that are selling products. i’ll try to link it here also, i sent the first one to your contact info. stltoday.com/lifestyle you should recognize the article when the page opens.
huggs,
margiesbooboo
On July 23, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Karen says:
:typing: Hey Suzanne, I Googled “How to milk a goat” and got several sites, but the one below has a list of things you need, plus step-by-step instructions with pictures!
https://www.wikihow.com/Milk-a-Goat-by-Hand
Good Luck!
On July 23, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Mollster says:
You (and Coco) will be old pro’s beofre you know it…..way to go!!!
On July 23, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Debbie in Memphis says:
I helped my grandparents milk cows when I was little. I can’t imagine that goats are much different. The biggest issue was always the temperament of the cows. The cranky ones my papaw got to milk. 😉 We’re excited to go on this adventure with you. We’ll be watching…but not in a creepy stalker kind of way.
On July 23, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Stephanie says:
Those names are perfect… I just found your blog yesterday, but am already hooked. I can’t wait to follow along.
On July 23, 2008 at 4:05 pm
TeresaH says:
Congrats Bertie!
I can hardly wait to see the step by step pics of Suzanne milking a goat for the first time. :yes:
On July 23, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Estella says:
I would love to be there to watch you milk the first time!
On July 23, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Brandy says:
Congratualtions Bertie!
I’m with the others, I would really like to see you milk the goats the first time! *G* I’m sure before long you’ll be an old pro!
On July 23, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Shari C says:
Congratulations Bertie!!
Great names for your new babies. Like the others, would love to see you milk the goats for the first time and definitely have a camera in my hands.
On July 23, 2008 at 5:29 pm
catslady says:
Is Coco going to be with you when you milk them? Sounds like fun :woof:
On July 23, 2008 at 5:34 pm
hawkswench says:
We love your giant puppy too.
Beside cheese what else can be made from goats milk?
On July 23, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Carolyn A. says:
Congratulations Bertie!
Suzanne, can’t wait until your sweet babies are there and you can take some pics of them getting settled into their new home. Which, by the way, I’m sure they will totally LOVE. You are truly blessed, my girl, no doublt about that. Please try and get some pics of Georgia when the goats arrive … love her expressions. xxoo
On July 23, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Shimmy Mom says:
Love the names. Can’t wait to see how their arrival goes.
I have a feeling it won’t take long for you to figure out how things work. You seem to be able to accomplish anything!
On July 23, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Re what else can be made from goat’s milk other than cheese–you can use the milk itself (as milk) and you can also use it to make soap!
On July 23, 2008 at 7:23 pm
baseballmom says:
How CUTE they are! I, too, just found your blog and am excited to follow along. I MISS my big animals (horses) and now can only have BIG dogs to make up for it-a country girl living in the city! :cowsleep:
On July 23, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Veggie Mom says:
Congrats to Bertie! BTW, we’re doing a Great Pop’rs Giveaway over on my blog. The more you comment, the better chance you have of winning–Check it out!
On July 23, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Debbie says:
I am looking forward to reading about your escapades with the goats! My 9 year old daughter just came back from Girl Scout camp, where they learned how girls worked on farms in the past. She learned to milk a goat, and now of course wants one! :rotfl: She said it was “easy” to milk them. She wants to come visit your goats!
On July 23, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Pam says:
I use to babysit for a baby that drank goats milk after his mom was done nursing. I don’t know how you would find moms that needed the milk.
On July 24, 2008 at 12:13 am
Michelle says:
PLEASE have someone take photos of your first attempt! I can’t wait to see/hear about your experience. I love your site! You make me want to pack up and move to the country.
On July 24, 2008 at 11:17 am
rebecca says:
Hey… this one’s for you!
https://rebeccaburch.com/wordpress/?p=55
On July 24, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Kelly - Dunbar, WV says:
I think I might be able to help a little with the cheese making. I don’t have a vast amount of experience, but I have made it a time or four from cow’s milk.
It was a lot easier than I thought, so I went to poking about online and from my research, I’ve found this site to be absolutely -fabulous-.
https://www.cheesemaking.com/
I hope this helps! 🙂
On July 25, 2008 at 2:38 am
Sharon says:
AH – GOATS, BRINGS BACK FOND MEMORIES
Once upon a time, we had 13 goats, 12 mammas and one very fertile Billy. We wound up in one season with nearly 40 goats. What fun it was watching all those little fellas running and scampering around. By Spring, you will have more goats to name.
The first time I ever milked, I was terrified, but I had watched several times, so I kind of thought I new how.
Luckily, I had a very agreeable Nanny, because she was in DIRE STRAITS, and ready for help.
Probably the most exciting experience was when Old Whitie got stuck in the mud in a very large slip in the hill. That was a real chore to get her pried loose from the mire and back to the barn. She had twins on her and also needed help, as she had been lost for 2 days. She was sucked into the mud clear up to her torso, and had to have a shower when we got her back home. ONE VERY GRATEFUL NANNY.
Don’t forget to put in some large stones for them to climb on, that will also help to keep their feet healthy Hay bales will do for that purpose also, but they will just eat them up shortly.
GOOD LUCK, AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN. There’s nothing more enjoyable. And remember, only the Billies smell bad, real bad, that is.
On July 27, 2008 at 8:39 pm