in which i talk about farming

Except, not. I didn't, and don't, actually farm. Rather, I take pictures. Which doesn't count as farming, does it?

I didn't think so.

Although, I did spend a good chunk of my younger years on a farm of sorts. When we lived in Texas, we had two horses (a Paint and Palomino), two goats (originally named Barbie and Ken, which was then changed to Barbie and Q. Get it? BBQ? Ha.), three dogs, and eleven cats (though almost none were indoor cats). I'm pretty sure my mom wanted to get sheep. But we moved away before we could do so. I'm not sure if I should be happy or not.

Moving right along.

My aunt has a ranch. It's more of one than we ever had. She has four or five horses, five pigs (with two of them expected to have piglets any day), countless chickens and ducks, many goats, and a cow, who is due to have her calf soon. See? Much more of a farm.

This is Wilma. (except it's pronounced vilma in German, since the "w"s have a "v" sound) She wasn't being very cooperative when it came to getting her picture taken. This was take number 385.
Okay, not really. But then again, pretty much all animals aren't very cooperative when it comes to getting their picture taken, are they?



This sweet little piglet (I forgot his name...oops) has only been at the ranch for two days - my aunt just bought him. I'm definitely not a pig person. I think they're gross and smelly and just, well, icky. But this little guy? I kind of fell in love with him. He was adorable.



This picture makes me laugh. Really. It kind of reminds me of one of "The Dog" photos. And I should really know what this horse's name is, considering my aunt has had her for as long as I can remember. Sorry.



But regardless of what her name is, isn't she a pretty horse? I think yes.

Lilly and I discovered the tractor, which was parked in a shed. Being the photographer I am, I insisted on taking her picture in the mirror. I kind of like it.

My aunt spotted us sitting there and asked if I wanted to drive the tractor. I recalled how my brother plowed into a fence a few days ago (he didn't know how to brake) and gulped, but went along with it.

Even though I lived in the (sort of) country for about nine years, I've never really been a "country girl". You never would have found me wearing cowboy boots and Levi's jeans, dragging a bucket of slop to the pigs while precariously balancing on a pile of manure.
Nope, that's not me. I've always been more of a city girl. That's why the picture I'm about to show you cracks me up... 

First, let me point out the fact that I'm wearing a peacoat, scarf, skinny jeans, and UGGs. Definitely not a "farming" outfit. 

Secondly, I'd like to direct you to our facial expressions. 

Me: Huh? How do you work this thing?

My aunt: Don't you get it?! Just push this button, while pulling this lever, while staying in your seat!

Me: *Scratches head in puzzlement*

Okay, that dialog didn't really take place. But it could have.

I finally figured it out, and started driving, with Lilly on my lap. When it was time to turn around, I turned too tightly and nearly drove into the steep ditch on the side of the road (which was deserted except for us). Lilly was freaking out and I didn't know how to back up, so I turned off the engine and asked Lilly to stand by the road while I figured it out. I finally got it, backed up - and almost ended up in the ditch on the other side, but that's another story - and Lilly climbed back on my lap.

And then we road drove off into the sunset.

Or something like that.

-carlotta