May 2, 2010
Don and I were talking yesterday about how we’d know Bernard’s or Ellsworth’s bray anywhere, and how the donkey boys have been braying much less since Fergus and Nigel arrived two weeks ago.
So, for posterity, we present Bernard and Ellsworth braying. It was at about the time these videos were taken we decided Morning Bray would be the name of our little farm.
In case you’re wondering, not a peep from Fergus or Nigel yet.
April 30, 2010
Oh, the wind. I never knew it could be the way it is here. Some days it’s relentless.
Like yesterday. Oy. According to the National Weather Service, gusts in the valley where we live reached as high as 74 mph.
Fergus and Nigel don’t seem too affected by it.
Neither do Bernard or Ellsworth. As is always the case, wind or no wind, they’re in line ready for dinner before it’s served.
Don’t worry Mom. There’s no place like home.
April 26, 2010
Each time a horse and rider pass the road in front of Morning Bray Farm, time seems to stand still for the boys.
They watch with rapt attention,
and gentle curiosity.
I always wonder what they’re thinking.
April 24, 2010
Treat times have become quite a scene here over the past week.
Day by day, Nigel is losing his fear.
Fergus has lost a lot of his shyness. Shocking, huh?
Not to worry, Ellsworth is still in charge.
Nigel is becoming more and more accustomed to us, the camera and our daily activities.
As was the case with Fergus several days ago, Nigel is becoming increasingly curious.
My goodness, they’re so easy to love. I can’t wait to be able to kiss Nigel on the nose.
April 22, 2010
Fergus and Nigel are making remarkable progress during their first few days at Morning Bray Farm. By Monday, Fergus was taking carrots and apple slices from my hand.
On Monday afternoon, he was coming to me out of curiosity. (Thank goodness I’ve since been able to remove his eye boogers.)
And let me touch him for the very first time.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fergus allowed Don to brush him.
And even permitted a hug. Nigel is still never far from Fergus.
It was also Tuesday when Nigel took his first apple slice from my hand. No picture because I didn’t want to freak him out with the camera, but I was doing the happy dance in my head.
Yesterday morning, I looked out the window and thought, “Oh look, Bernard and Ellsworth are playing.” I had to do a double take. It wasn’t Bernard and Ellsworth, it was Fergus and Ellsworth! And Bernard and Nigel!
April 21, 2010
When Carson came to meet Fergus and Nigel on Sunday morning, she brought an extra saddle for us to try on Ellsworth. While initially hesitant about the saddle pad, he was a gold star student once she got the saddle on him. Just look at this handsome boy!
You can call me clueless when it comes to tack, so having Carson here showing us the ropes was a blessing.
Bernard was present with Ellsworth for moral support. Because Bernard was continuously putting something in his mouth, trying to pull something off Ellsworth or stealing carrot coins from Aunt Linda, Don decided to give him a task of his own. Our young boy looked mighty proud strutting his stuff.
When Carson asked if I was ready to hop up on Ellsworth, I was beside myself with excitement. Ellsworth stood there like an old pro, then took a few gentle steps.
Thank you Ellsworth. I love you so much.
After a few more minutes of tack instruction, our first lesson was complete. Just when we think we can’t possibly love them more, the boys continue to give us new reasons. Every, single day.
April 20, 2010
We physically introduced all four boys to each other early Saturday afternoon. There was a lot of the flehmen response going on as everyone got accustomed to new smells.
We knew there was going to be an adjustment period as they figured out their hierarchy. Bernard’s introduction to Fergus and Nigel was completely uneventful.
Given Ellsworth’s status as head donkey, we thought things probably wouldn’t play out as smoothly with him. Even before we allowed them to meet physically, Ellsworth was charging the fence with his ears pinned back each time Fergus or Nigel got close. Sure enough, once we let him loose, Ellsworth went straight to Fergus and Nigel to let them know he was in charge.
Fergus and Nigel really weren’t having it. I admit there were moments when I felt I couldn’t breathe.
Ellsworth looked maniacal at times.
Don would step in to calm things down.
And then it would start back up again.
Thank goodness Ellsworth always knew to keep his chin up.
He did get kicked square in the chest quite a few times though.
In the end, it appears Ellsworth maintained head donkey status, along with a healthy respect for both Fergus and Nigel. It’s clear they aren’t going to tolerate being bullied, Fergus especially.
Ellsworth got a lot of extra love and attention that afternoon.
And peace once again returned to Morning Bray Farm.
April 18, 2010
So you know who’s who… in order:
Bernard, then Ellsworth (stinker cut the corner), then Fergus, and last but certainly not least, Nigel.
Bernard is having so much fun. He always seems to be floating effortlessly when he runs.
On the first day, the boys are acting and moving as a herd. Yipee!
April 17, 2010
April 17, 2010
Fergus definitely picked us.
And so did someone else. We haven’t picked a name for him yet and it’s driving me crazy that I don’t know what to call him. I’m driving Don crazy too.
There’s so much to tell you and we promise to fill you in as soon as we can. We got home yesterday afternoon to miserably high winds, followed by heavy rains, which lasted all night. It’s a big mucky mess here today.
The donkey boys are very excited about their new brothers. Bernard seems super excited and we all can’t wait to physically introduce donkeys and burros… perhaps later today. I have reassured Bernard that he is still the baby and always will be.
For now, everyone is doing fine.
And I can’t imagine being happier.
Morning Bray Farm 