Duck, Duck, Goats

Our friend Holly is here for a visit. She is my partner in culinary crime. We love to think up delicious food, then to cook it up. Roast duck(from the farm, of course) was on the menu for tonights Tuesday once a month potluck. We put the bird in a hot oven and I made a sauce, cooking rice vinegar with sliced green onions from the garden, orange zest, garlic, orange juice concentrate, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce and some sesame seeds. We made a huge salad from greens and radishes out of the garden, tossed with sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, plenty of red onion and some more sesame oil. We also planned on serving every bit of the broccoli we picked out of the garden today.

As our guests arrived, Rose ran into the kitchen out of breath. Quizzy, our nubian, went into labor. Right in time for supper. With company. So we ran out to the barn, moved her into a clean stall and waited. All 16 of us. I directed our friends out-side to smoke cigarettes and pace. Well, no one really smokes, but they did go out. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Would I really want 16 people hanging out watching my contractions?

About the time everyone gave her some space, Quizzy quickly delivered her first baby. No complications. Perfectly presented. Beautiful little girl. Then we waited. Silent children lined the windows to the stall. Silent adults waited outside as well. Nothing. But the mama sweetly nuzzled her newborn and licked her clean. At some point I realized that her contractions had slowed down and were very unproductive. After and internal investigation, I knew that baby was correctly aligned, but VERY big. Finally baby number two made his entrance into the world. Not too long after, humongous little sister was born. They are healthy and happy. What an exciting appetizer to a meal on the farm.

We then made our way back to the house, washed up and assembled our feast. We licked the platter clean. Had a fun time with our friends. I don't know when was the last time we were bored. Not since we moved to the farm.

Day before, Thistle had her two little nubian-alpine babies, boy and girl. So cute. But in the evening, one died. It was very sad. We cried. Philip buried him. Having more babies today helped Maggie feel much better. She is still a bit sad, but knows that life on the farm can be hard. Through it all, there is a sweet flow that moves us along. A new day with new joys.

We now have 4 lambs and 10 baby goats. Life is hopping for us. I am ordering some more cheese making supplies. Fromage blanc. Chevre with dill and garlic. Mozzarella.