Have you ever wrangled a little goat?

Yesterday was our first full day of milking CM2 the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. We did it 4 times, because she is very very very uncooperative, and because our hands aren't used to that motion (especially me with carpal tunnel). It took a lot of practice and patience to get even a little bit. She doesn't like to be touched (didn't like it even before she was pregnant which should have been a clue) so it's at least a 2-person event to get her still for more than a second. Anything touches her lower quadrant, she does her best to get out of the way. She even bit Hubby last night. I had to almost sit on her (thus, the wrangling!) to get her quieted down for a moment or two.

As for the milking ... it took a few tries and a wonderful neighbor helping us to figure out the exact motion of milking her (this breed of goat has very small nipples). Tried anyway. SHE had troubles too.

So... last night's milking at 6 p.m. gave us our biggest haul yet... 2/3 cup!

After we got in to the house, and double-strained it, I heated it to boiling, then added in a paste of cocoa powder, sugar and a spoonful of the hot milk. Mixed well, divided it into three mugs. Delicious! Was the first hot cocoa that my husband has had since he became lactose intolerant years ago. He's in heaven!

Now he's looking forward to ice cream. Or gelato since it uses whole milk. Anyone want to post their recipes here? We have fresh eggs from our farm, fresh whole goat milk, and sugar. We have a little pint-sized ice cream maker, but a good friend is giving her un-used one this Fall. Anyone?

But by tonight, we should have enough to make a few servings of yogurt. Yum! I'll take pictures!

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We should have our stanchion by tomorrow but I'm not sure that will help the milking much. And I'm ordering a stainless steel milking bucket and strainer today too since I can't find them anywhere nearby. You'd think at least one of the local ranch supply stores would have them, but no! For now, I'm milking into a big stainless steel pot, and using mason jars with coffee filters to double-strain the milk (hair, dirt, etc.).

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I lost a lot of pumpkins and winter squash last week. Gonna have to replant them and hope they have time to germinate and grow before the first frost in the Fall.

The Kid and I meet a local homeschooling family today. They have a trampoline and a pool so the Kid is all excited. He has new swim goggles and swimming trunks so he's ready! Since for now we're milking 4 times a day, we're gonna have to squeeze this visit in between.

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Yo! Rep Bob Etheridge from North Carolina! Get a control of your anger! How dare you manhandle a college student who was simply trying to interview you. You had absolutely no right to grab him by his neck or arm just because he was asking a question. Instead of asking over and over and over "who are you" ... you could have just waved him off or, better yet, answered his question! You're up for re-election? North Carolina, take heed... don't re-elect someone who so obviously is becoming (has become?) unglued.

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Updated 9:55 a.m.: CM2 the non-milking goat doe keeps trying to bite us, and it gets worse every time we milk her. Could only get 1/4 cup this morning because she made an indention on my arm. We're going to request to return her this evening. Too much money for this. Patricia ... please call me as soon as possible!