Autumn Guernseys - Blondes Have Moooore Fun

Last February I discovered this beautiful gold barn. It was a cold, but sunny day and after my brief visit I swore I would come back and see the cows that lived here, when they were outside on a warmer summer day.  Here is the blog post about my first visit.

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Last month I finally went back to see if the cows were outside.

They were.

Here is what happened.

They were in a back field, far from the nearest road, so I had to drive behind churches, schools and tiny village stores to try to get closer.

Thank Canon for a zoom lens.

The adult milking herd were mostly laying down and chewing their cud while enjoying the last of the foliage.

Assorted shades of gold and a few token Holsteins thrown in....

 

 

 

They had no intention of coming over to see me.
Although they seemed interested.

Meanwhile, the juveniles were in a field near the high school.

They showed some interest, but had no intention of coming to see me either....

Until......

Mavis got out of my truck and came over to me.

Then it was a wild stampede to see who could get to the little dog first!!!!!!

Such beautiful, FAST, heifers.

Their total focus was on the dog who had, of course, run like the dickens away from the thundering hoof beats and was hiding behind a tree.

I hung out with the girls and enjoyed every minute with them.

The smell of their warm bodies and hot breath always makes me smile.

Green grass and trees always make gold cows even golder.

Such powerful feet and feminine legs.  These feet act as snowshoes, mudders and sneakers, depending on the seasons.
Such soft hair.

Other than my own cows, I had never experienced such gentle, friendly, curious heifers.
They followed me back and forth along the fence and made all the soft gentle mooing sounds and continually tried to touch my hands, face or other body part with their nose, tongues or face.

It was obvious to me that someone, probably a woman, was the direct caretaker of these particular blondes.  (my village librarian later told me my instincts were 100% correct, as she knew the farmers here and the man did all the outside field work and the woman raised and milked the herd.)

It was hard taking photos of them because several of them were nudging my arm and licking my face.
Their tongues were so rough that I think they removed a few of my freckles...

I hummed a few of my favorite tunes and they were all ears...

At some point a few of the adults came over to ask the yearlings about their uninvited guest.

The most chatty kids went over and gave a full report.

When I talked softly to these wonderful yearlings, they of course came even closer to hear my voice.

It doesn't take long before I become smitten by such wonderful creatures.

Here is the Simmental looking heifer that got my attention right away.
Even though she is a registered Geurnsey, she has the "Simmental stripe" across her shoulders.

She also had the same big head.

Here are the two together, that if I had my choice, I would bring home with me. Much to Mavis' displeasure.

I love these colors.          Shades of Gold.

Mavis, the reluctant cowdog, stayed as far away as possible. But at least she came out from behind the tree.  Progress.

This heifer with the two cowlicks wanted to go meet Mavis so badly.

Temple Grandin says that cows that have cowlicks above the level of the eyes are troublemakers.
I somehow believe it about this one.   Look at the intent in her eyes. Hide, Mavis, Hide!

Long eyelashes to protect them from dust, dirt, snow, pollen and angry bees.

This one needs a better haircut.

This heifer has the state of Texas on her side.

I spent more than an hour visiting with this exceptional group of yearlings.

I hated to leave.

I promised to return, next time with treats.

They made mooing noises as I walked away. Some followed me as far as possible down the fenceline towards my truck.

It took MUCH self control not to return immediately to them and stay another hour...or two..... or bring my sleeping bag back and just camp out for the remainder of the weekend.

I will return.  Or better yet, I think I will introduce myself to the farmer who has done such a impressive job of raising these intelligent yearlings.

Perhaps she needs a cow sitter during the holidays???

Hope you are all having a Moooovelous day!!