When I worked for Weston Red Barn Farm, the LaMancha doe had a baby and they named it after me. Isn't that soooo nice? I was thrilled. I was especially delighted to see my name-sake goat when I went back to the barn for a wedding. All dressed up to celebrate the wedding of farm family to farm friends, I was in the goat pen having a wonderful time. The little white one to my left is Kelly.
The wedding was wonderful. Turns out that several farmer friends were in attendance and we had a great time visiting. Had I known about Red Barn Farm when I got married, I suspect it would have been on the short list as a venue. Then again, I would have had to convince my Southern California beach man that a barnyard wedding would have been wonderful. Even now, I don't think that would be possible. I suspect I could; however, get him to agree to a renewal of vows at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Naturally, I'd have to dress as a wench and he as a pirate. Theme weddings can be cool.
The Ozark Fair came through town a few weeks ago. I attended several days. One day, I was lucky enough to enter the arena just in time to witness the miniature donkey cart class. Completely memorized, I had to watch. Naturally, approaching a donkey owner was a priority. A lady was standing next to three donkeys and when I began speaking with her, she pleasantly shared her donkeys with me. During our conversation and walk to the barn where she showed me her other donkeys and assorted pictures, she mentioned that one of the other competetors was from Leavenworth, KS. This information peaked my interest and I was determined to meet him.
His name is Tim Mendenhall is a delightful man and his barn Rocking M Donkeys is a place I want to visit. He told me he prefers driving animals over riding them. I mentioned to him that I so wanted to learn how to drive and that I would love to learn with smaller animals, like his donkeys, before I attempted to drive bigger horses like my Kadance. He graciously invited me into his cart and allowed me to drive! Completely excited, I was hooked. Squealing with delight, I experimented stearing and performing small circles. Tim then explained that this donkey was an intact Jack and wasn't nearly as easy to drive as one of his Jennys. When that donkey finished her test, Tim allowed me to drive what he termed his "auto pilot." She was wonderful! I had such a wonderful time.
Alas, not a camera in sight.
Having experienced driving a small animal cart, I recalled I had discovered a company that sold goat carts. I had mentioned this to Cindy at Red Barn Farm and proclaimed Mr. Pat, her alpine whether, had a cart in his future. Now that I know how much fun the activity is, Mr. Pat DEFINITELY has a cart in his future.
