I've Gone Country A blog about a city girl learning a whole new world

It was a beautiful day today, but the forecast is not looking so great for the rest of the week.  We have had a little rain here and there so the pasture is already muddy.  I dreaded going through the pasture.  Reluctantly, I pulled on my boots and marched through the gate.  All the animals were back in the fields.   I was looking down, trying to find the grassy patches to step on.

As I passed by the pond, I heard some quacking, and was surprised to see four ducks swimming happily.  I smiled as I thought that at least they have been happy with the wet weather.  Besides, Billy has been hoping some ducks would start using the pond.  We have had a visitor a time or two but perhaps these will take up residence.

While admiring the ducks, I saw the donkey’s heading my way.  Whenever they see us inside or outside the fence they come to greet us.  Always glad to see you,  now how can you not smile at that.

Our first donkey was Moses, he wasn’t real interested in being petted.  It didn’t take long though for him to start inching closer and closer to us.  Finally we were able to pet him, now he seems to love every minute of it.  Zippy came into the pasture shortly after Moses and that made him even happier.  Zippy has a different personality, she is a bit snippy at times.  Especially when it comes feeding time, she gets down right hateful.  However, Moses loves her just the way she is.

Their first child was a boy, and we named him Jack.  He wouldn’t let me get very close for the first year.  I had heard that you needed to “imprint” them within that first year.  I wasn’t sure I really knew what all that entailed, but I knew I wanted him to be sweet and like to be touched.  The year came and went and I was only able to pet him a very few times.  I was afraid that I had missed my opportunity.  Slowly but surely month by month he started inching his way closer to us.  He eventually let me pet him all I wanted.  Matter of fact, now I am the one that has to walk away first.  He is the absolute sweetest little boy donkey around.

This is about as good of a picture as I can get nowadays.  He stays so close, loving every scratch and pet that he can get.  I sure am glad that he decided to like me.  Oh…and he likes Billy too.  Matter of fact, they are pretty good buds, it’s pretty sweet to watch them together.

This summer Zippy gave birth to a little girl, we named her Jill…of course.  She was and is a beauty.  I can’t believe how fast she is growing.

She is doing the same thing Jack did at this age.  She won’t let me get too close.  I’ve touched her two or three times, and that was only if I was quick.  She scampers off, then quickly turns to watch me from a safe distance.  Today she decided to ease a little closer since I was petting Jack.

She seems to have straight hair like her father, at least for now.  Today it looks like her front half is dark and the back half is light.  It may change color again by Spring time.

Moses has dark gray, straight hair.  Zippy has lighter gray hair with a wave .  Jack looks more like Zippy, yet he has a sweet, easy going personality like Moses.

I believe we will win Jill over before long.  She sure is curious, she sniffed my hand and let me touch the soft fur on her head today.  She feels just like a stuffed animal, with her winter coat.  Those soft fluffy ears are just about too adorable.

I was so excited that she was letting me take her picture this close that I totally forgot about the others.  Well, until I saw them out of the corner of my eye…..

There they were…peering through the trees.  Jack is on the left, notice his wavy hair, and Moses is on the right.

Zippy just watched today, content with seeing her family interact.  I did give her a good hug before I left though.

I couldn’t help but wonder why they would want to come hang out with me.  Being curious is one thing…..coming to see if I have a treat…I could understand….but just to hang out?  Why do they love me so much?  I haven’t done anything special….anything to really earn their love.  They just do…..

On my way out of the pasture I turned around and watched them….watching me.   I am glad I didn’t let a little mud keep me away today, I sure would have missed out, if I had.

I headed back to the house, when I noticed the sun setting.  God never ceases to amaze me with all His creation.  Once again that same thought went through my mind….why does He love me?  I’ve done nothing to deserve it or earn it.  He just does…….and it’s humbling.