Thursday, May 26, 2011

And I Got Paid To Do It


Imagine going to work every day and not knowing what you may be doing at any given moment. That's my job. Sometimes I'm dancing and singing or diving under a parachute-ouch that one hurt. Most times I am teaching math but could then ten minutes later be chasing a goose around the playground. Lots of days I tell Hubby about the wonderful adventure I had at school and always follow it up with "And I got paid to do it"
So imagine my delight when I pulled up in front of the school and saw this......



And this........


( The sign was just a tease. I don't know about you but the fresh morning air, the smell of sawdust and alfalfa makes me want a scone and a big cup of coffee.)

The Puyallup Fair Traveling Farm traveled to our little school yard and set up farming. They pulled a huge trailer in and unloaded goats and a sheep into nice sturdy pens. There were chickens and ducks and even a few baby goslings.



The children were taught how to pet animals. Chickens are a two finger pet.



So are goslings.



Luckily goats are a whole hand pet.



Or two or three hand pet.



After seeing the animals and a good hand-washing it was into the trailer for some interactive farm fun. Displays lit up to help kids learn about where their food comes from and what tools and equipment it takes to run a farm and take care of the different species of animal.



This was my personal favorite....



It even has a proper barn.



I got a little cranky when the kids put my silo in the river.

The trailer was also filled with photos and vintage farm tools.



After managing to spend as much time at the traveling farm as possible, I came home tired and happy. When Hubby asked about my day I told him it was wonderful and told him about the farm in the school yard and of course followed up with...

"And I got paid to do it."

14 comments:

Millie said...

I'd like to be one of those lucky goats! Did you teach the kids to feed us goats peanuts?

Teresa said...

What a great adventure for the kids!

Terry Golson said...

I teach the "two-finger" method to pet chickens, too! I take my hen, "Tillie" for storytimes and I tell the kids that they should touch her like touching a cloud.
We do not have scones at our fairs on the east coast. I am coming west.

Ruta said...

That sounds like the best day ever!!

Marigold said...

Here! Here!, Millie!!!!

frugalmom said...

So Cool!!!! I know you had to have loved that....dang. Too bad there werent any scones. I wonder if Ill get to try one of those this year....

Mary Ann said...

Your blog is so wonderful, and I love the stories and pictures. I learned about goat wattles here!

Danni said...

I *love* this post. What an absolutely wonderful day. Are you doing the fair this year?

goatgirl said...

No Millie they did not teach the children to feed them peanuts. In fact is was the opposite...NO FEEDING THE ANIMALS! Which eliminates children chasing goats around the pen with a handful of hay trying to get them to eat.

It was Teresa. The kids loved it. I wish I could post pictures of their faces. It was pure joy!

Come West, Terry!

It was Ruta.

Marigold, see how many people (goats) you've influenced.

You still haven't tried a scone frugalmom! You must try one at the fair, in the morning while 4H children are cleaning their stalls and getting ready for the big show, and with a big cup of coffee.

Thank you Mary Ann! Goat wattles are a good thing to know about in this world. Just think how impressed your friends and family will be next time you go to the fair and see the goats.

Danni, I don't know if I'll be going to the fair this year. I never know until the last minute because it is right after school starts so I have to see if it is a good time to miss a few days. I hope to though. If I do you'll have to come....and have a scone.

Chai Chai said...

What was the purpose of the farm tool on the right? Was it a brush of some sort?

goatgirl said...

Chai Chai, It is some sort of curry comb. I don't think they are used on sheep but maybe I'm wrong. It does look like it has bits of wool on it.

goatgirl said...

My left your right...the one on the right (circular) is a curry comb that is mostly used on horses and cattle. I don't think it is used on sheep but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Lindsey at NW Backyard Veggies said...

I always tell my daughter to be gentle, gentle, pat pat pat when she is trying to love on our dogs and chickens. I LOVE the idea of "two finger" petting and I'm gonna use that!

Linda said...

The traveling farm is so cool! It sounds like you really have a great "paying" job. Thanks for stopping over and giving me some goat advice and information...it has given us a good start. Have a Blessed Day!