Got your goat

Not all the old goats live in DC and linger in Congress long past their maturation date.

Many are quite productive. They have dreams. They have fantasies…

Let me guess. Mad Max Beyond Thunder Dome? Bully, Billy. (Blue Heron Farms)

It’s no myth. Perfect for that college Greek party or Freeway Design Engineers’ Conference as well as Halloween.(Blue Heron Farms)

It might seem a bit cheesy, but there was a cattle call for a new production of the Lion King.(Blue Heron Farms)

A new sheriff in town: Annie Oakley, Belle Starr, Calamity Jane or Dale Evans? (Blue Heron Farms)

Ah, the secret lives of goats.

I am rather fond of goats having had one as a co-worker during one summer as a camp counselor.

They kill snakes.

Ours was a reliable employee who worked diligently clearing a perimeter of brush and brambles around each of the platform tent before the campers arrived. Leaving just enough natural landscaping to allow privacy with the canvas tent flaps rolled up, but munch-mowed enough to discourage critters and Mr. No Shoulders from visiting.

No old goat drama, just did the job hired to do. And was happy with little compensation: a small spot on the foot of my camp bed at night. As good as a watch dog – no little campers were ever able to sneak up and prank our counselors’ tent. Loyal.

As far as butting heads? Well, the two of us always handled things head on. Could put his sharp little hoof down when angry, though. Snake in the grass’ worst nightmare.

So I was charmed when I ran across Blue Heron Farm not far from here.

A couple of city kids who were determined to live gently and in harmony with nature and Nubian goats (and a few other animals) on their 10+ acre sustainable farm. It’s cheesy – really – along with quarts of plain yogurt and cajeta (a Mexican goat milk caramel).  These new farmers of the old style can be found at two of the popular Farmers’ Markets and a couple of other places.

You can visit the farm and goats – and if you’re lucky, maybe you see the goats’ latest Halloween fashions. (They’ve also gone to the dogs with a pup rescue initiative, but that for another post to avoid cuteness overload.)

Halloween on the hoof. Only fair. We all have our dreams. And they kill snakes.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Get your goat and ponder yonder:

“If you put a silk dress on a goat, he’s still a goat.” (Ireland)

“It’s out of ignorance that a goat will attend a leopard’s party.” (Africa)

“The goat must browse where she is tied.” (Romania)

“The goat that has many owners will be left to die in the sun.” (Haiti)

“He who lets the goat be placed on his shoulders will soon have to carry the cow.”(Italy)

“If you’re short of trouble, take a goat.” (Finland)

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