The twelfth of Easter 2020

goats

My grandmother always said that is rains on Easter. I spent every Easter with her until she passed on fifteen years ago. I have a lot of happy memories of that tradition – we would make the seven hour drive and spend a week or so with her right when spring began. However, if she were still alive we would have to break the tradition this year. Although it’s sad to miss out on big holidays with friends and families, the more we distance the more likely we will get to resume our traditions or make new or better ones once this is all over. If you celebrate, I hope you have a lovely Easter.

The eleventh of April 2020

goats

I have found that during lockdown some days it is nice to keep it casual and other days it’s refreshing to do my hair and get myself ready like I’m headed out. I’m also a fan of the “Zoom mullet” which refers to professional above the waist and then casual sweats or yoga pants. Either way, do what makes you feel best!

The seventh of April 2020

goats

Social distancing, lockdowns and quarantines are difficult for all. To stay connected, perhaps hold onto hope and find solidarity amongst people across the globe, a Facebook group has emerged called View From My Window. The rules are simple – you post where you are in the world and the view from your window – as we are all must stay inside as much as possible. People from all over the world have posted lovely pictures, but yesterday someone posted one and has kindly given me permission to use it here.

I am pleased to introduce you to Zippy from Killiechronan, Isle of Mull, Scotland and his brother George. Their human friend, Jean O’Donnell shared the first photo and sent along a few others to share.

The sixth of April 2020

goats

My whole life I have been a square peg in a round hole. I always marched to the beat of my own drum, I always looked for the road less traveled, and never tried too hard to fit in. I saw these quirks as my strengths in life, and many times they have been strengths and are what makes me who I am.

However, if there was any time to bravely be a sheep, it is now. Listen to the scientists, listen to the health experts, wash your hands, stay inside, wear a mask, keep away from others and you will save lives. It is that simple. Your time to shine, to party, to interact, to hug and embrace will come again, so long as we all do our part now.

The fifth of April 2020

goats, pigs

Although it is no longer March of Pigs, I cannot help but share what I find to be an inspirational story about feral pigs in Canada. Originally imported from Europe in the late 1980s for meat, these noble creatures have truly made the great north their own. They mate with domestic pigs, live off the land and build their own above-ground structures known as “pigloos.” They have a special combination of wild and domesticated traits that have helped them become 600 pound super pigs. Amazing.

The third of April 2020

goats

Many years ago, while I was trolling the depths of the internet, before our family ever knew it would eventually relocate to the UK, I discovered something wonderful. It was the Oxford-Cambridge Goat Race, hosted by Spitalfields City Farm in London. Every year, one goat representing Cambridge faces off against one goat representing Oxford race across the farm to a crowd of delighted caprid enthusiasts. It was an instant addition to my bucket list.

About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend, and we were lucky enough to enjoy the 2018 and 2019 races as well. The 2020 race has been postponed in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, and we hope to see the goats again!