Thursday, December 31, 2009

Such Gentle (but greedy) Creatures

It's a sit-by-the-fire-and-read lazy kind of day. I had to go out to the wood pile to replenish my supply and stopped to see the donkeys on the way. It's about 1:45 pm, not even close to dinner time. But Gabriella insisted (through her vocalizations) that a treat be included in the visit. So carrot pieces went to everyone. No snatching, no biting at fingers, just gentle nuzzling saying "Is it my turn now?". How could anyone resist?

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Cold Michigan Mornings

Isn't it funny. 7:30 a.m. About 10 degrees out. Slog on the sweater, heavy sweats, heavy socks, coat, hat, gloves. Grab the carrots. Jeez do I have to go out there this morning?

OK, let's go. Grab the water bucket and fill it. Walk down the driveway. Try to avoid the icy patches. The water bucket is heavy. Get to the gate.

Suddenly the internal whining stops. I set to work. Gee, it's not so bad out. Not as cold as I thought. Kind of fun to be outside this morning. Donks are happy now that breakfast is served.

Even shoveling up the manure isn't a trial. Carrying the wheelbarrow further down the driveway to "the pile". Still not cold.

Rub heads with Francesca (no Gabby doesn't like to have her head touched, don't even try). Give everyone big hugs across their backs while they're munching hay. They don't mind. Set out the grain. Whoa, there's a run for the feed bowls with Luigi in front. He MUST be served first. Francesca is usually next in line and Gabriella still focusing on her hay. A little shoving. Gabby decides to come in the shed and check out her bowl.

See you at dinner time bambinos.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Intro to the 3 Amigos

Having just read Julie and Julia, I was struck with the strong desire to publish a blog about the thing that brings ME joy -- my three miniature donkeys. Yes, my husband and son (and dog) also bring me joy, but I don't have daily stories about their exploits. Somehow I always find the donkeys to be entertaining, endearing or evilly impish.

I'm afraid of boring my friends on FB to distraction by continually bringing the donk stories to them. But a blog, now there's an idea. My friend Brenda, upon hearing my thoughts about blogging, immediately raised her hand and said "Let me create the blog site for you". And here we are.

We got the donkeys on Labor Day of this year, 2009. Immediate question from my friends -- WHY??? Because I fell in love. They had been brought to our next door neighbors' as "rescues" and as I passed them every day knew I'd have to convince my husband we "needed" them (not an easy task).
Next question -- do I know what I'm doing? Kind of. I've had a horse for about 20 years, though not on our property but know the basic health and feeding routine.

Yea well, what am I going to do with them? Hmmm... dunno. Donkey rides seem to be out (although our local Parks and Rec's staff eyes lit up when asked if they'd be interested) because of insurance rates. Maybe a "pettable pets" side business. Right now I'm exchanging donkey manure for eggs with a friend. Not a bad start. What I'd REALLY like to do is teach them to drive a cart -- doable, though not without some help.

The three amigos/bambinos/hyenas -- yes I've called them all three-- are Luigi (dad), Francesca (mom) and Gabriella (child).

Once I figure out how to post photos, I'll show them off.