The Strolling of the Heifers

Linking to My World and Shadow Shots

My last post Homelessness in the U.S, is a serious and sober one. Let's have some fun now, shall we?  :-)

 Last Saturday, The Future Mr. Pagan Sphinx and I awoke early to beautiful morning of sun and a fresh spring breeze. A perfect day to take in the 10th annual Strolling of the Heifers parade (and Slow Living Summit) in nearby Brattleboro, Vermont. It was to be our first time, as previous years we've missed it for one reason or another.

The Strolling of the Heifers celebrates New England small farm tradition, new-age organic farming and, as my friend Susan put it, generous doses of fun and funk! Enjoy!

There is a tradition in Vermont that if you see a cow in the middle of the road, go ahead and milk it. Just make sure you leave enough milk for the next guy.  ;-)

The sign on the back of the cart reads save gas, ride an ass!  :-)

 The first crop of local strawberries is on its way to the markets this week!

Harlow's farm and sugarhouse is a business that was always generous to the kids at my former Vermont school; giving us free tours and great deals on fruit to take home.

 And proud.

 I thought this girl was especially sweet. The heifer, I mean!

 The Dairy Fairy organizes her ring!

Not just for heifers:

Finally, for you foreigners who assume that all Americans are obese, a skinny cow!  ;-)

Watery Wednesday

 The parent of one of my students graciously invited me to photograph her property in rural Western Massachusetts. Lovely location, isn't it?

 Watery Wednesday

link and join in!

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is hosted by Mary at Work of the Poet

Thanks, Teach!

All of these lovely ladies were basking in the late morning sun, until I approached and then several grudgingly hobbled up to come check me out. I find out when we spoke to the gentleman farmer, that the ladies are all expecting in about two weeks. This is just 'round the bend from our house, so we'll go back to check out the babies. I'm curious about their horns.

Does a touch of ruby around the nostrils count? ;-)

If you'd like to play, click on the link at the very top of the post and check out what you need to do to participate. Great hostess, nice people, beautiful and interesting photographs and...fun. My life has not been bad lately or anything, but it's been not the least bit fun! How about you? How is the beginning of your week going?

Peace and all groovy things,
Pagan Sphinx

A Letter from Vincent

Excerpt from a Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh

The Hague, c. 2 or 3 November 1882

Up to Millet and Jules Breton, however, there was always in my opinion progress, but to surpass these two - don't even mention it.  Read th entire letter here

Van Gogh's Letters

unabridged and annotated 

Women Miners

November, 1882

Jean-François Millet

1814-1875

Jean Breton

  1827-1906