One of the surprises and joys of living on the Rauscher's land is the Rauscher's.
OK--it's not such a surprise~ Andrea--fully capable mother of 3 adult sons can take my boys and play in the woods and tire them out for me without blinking an eye1
Kurt has goats, sheep, chickens, and other feathery animals in the barn. Mary Catherine has been getting up in the dark of the morning to help him in the barn. When there is a special chore she helps out. Like the slaughtering of rams a few weeks ago, or the worming of the flock yesterday.
As thanks for her help, Kurt offered MC one of the spring kids. So when the sweet spring babies arrive MC will have her pick to raise herself.
I know all this work with the animals is great practical education. But also a great way for her to build competence and confidence without her fussy mother standing by. It's also great for me to see her getting up and working hard. At a stage when she's more inclined to sit on the cough, read, and grunt at me every now and then, it is a relief to see that the will to action does exist--if not the will to scrub the upstairs withing 24 hours of my request.
Goats are more compelling than toilets. I'm so glad she had the goats!
PS this photot is just a stock photot from the internet--not really one of Kurts Goats!
