In the fifteen years we've lived here, I've become accustomed to some unusual neighbors.
The humans living in the "neighborhood" are seldom seen. I think most like it that way. What has brought us all here is our shared preference for distance. And, in a way, we're all a bit odd, if measured on a traditional scale.
The original 100 acre farm, of which we occupy the 1840 brick house, has been carved into several smaller home sites, each with at least 5 acres, usually more. Some own horses, some beef cattle, some chickens. We have goats. Others use the open spaces for great vegetable plots.
I would probably not recognize my human neighbors if I met them in the grocery store, but I see their animals almost every day.
These are my neighbors across the road.
Not typical southern Ohio cattle, but like I said--we're an interesting bunch. 
Holy cow! There's a brand new calf among them. Brown at birth--it will turn gray or black as it matures. 
It's almost like having a petting zoo across the street. They're friendly creatures, love attention. Love to have their pictures taken.
On warm summer nights, they stay down in this pasture. With our front porch door open, we hear them munching all night long.
Except for the occasional braying, I like my neighbors very much.
13 comments:
Ah-ha, Nina I finally found your blog! You will have to forgive me, as I am slow to figure out much of the blogosphere.
I think those cattle are Bos indicus or a hybrid thereof. The hump and the dewlap are typical features of Zebu, but I thought they had floppier ears. They have more sweat glands than Bos taurus ("regular" cattle) and so tolerate hot, humid areas better. Very neat neighbors!
I am thinking about doing CNC's bird walk this week (July 14, 8am) Wanna go? I have asked Susan, too.
~Kathi
Welcome, wandering visitor to the blogosphere. (katdoc)
Yeah--my neighbors ARE cool! Sometimes I have to do a reality check--I'm lying in bed, eyes closed in the morning, exotic sounds around me--not totally sure where I am!
Actually the birdwalk might be a possibility for me--and another chance to catch a glimpse of the fawns!
Have to check my weekend schedule--otherwise, i'll be there!
Ooooh- I love donkeys!! It sure would be nice to live in a spread out neighborhood.
Did you always know you needed a little space?
This quote is rich with implications and generates some smiling curiousity as to your assessment of 'odd' :0)
"What has brought us all here is our shared preference for distance. And, in a way, we're all a bit odd, if measured on a traditional scale."
Cathy--When we were first married, we lived in a small home on a residential street. Our neighbor would insist on edging OUR lawn where it met the sidewalk with weekly rigor! (usually early Saturday morning)
I resolved to someday be able to live somewhere where your yard is yours to keep or play with as you choose--so is the way of this place.
We have strange mooing, shaggy yards, off-the-grid homes,...and its perfectly ok--because we're all here for that same desire.
There may be a time again in my life when I give that up, but, for now, I'd like to be able to choose the color of my garbage cans--if you know what I mean.
Nina, my first reaction was "Awwwww". I love the cows and donkeys. Growing up in the city, I so appreciate open space and privacy. Now I'm on a 1/3 acre but the foliage keeps it private. But I would LOVE to have your view of the animals withOUT the PEOPLE. You are fortunate. And your house must be full of character and age.
I like the looks of your neighbors very much!
And they seem to like you--at least they keep looking your way.
I like your "neighborhood'! I would be thrilled to have cows and donkeys as neighbors.
I could live with braying. Yep, I could.
BTW, Nina: I found the mystery bug: Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth -- Datana ministra.
I used the "What's That Bug"website:
What's That Bug?
Finally. I can sleep tonight, knowing what is living in the sunflowers.
Hi Nina,
I loved those cattle pictures, they remind me of the Brahma cattle with those big humps on their back. Donkeys too? Their little ones are also very cute.
I envy your space. I told the spousal unit when we move it has to be somewhere where I don't see any neighbors and can't hear any traffic noise.
How I wish I could live somewhere like that. But, realistically, when you're single, you have to think about things like, "would I feel comfortable living alone..I mean REALLY alone like that?" What if something happened to me? I get comfort knowing I can call my neighbors or run across the street if anything happened.
I remember visiting my sister when she and her husband lived in Beavercreek, Ohio back in the late 70s. I don't know how it is now, but back then I would wake up to hear the mooing of cows. Very cool.
Nina - What great neighbors you have. No wild parties, no loud music (well, maybe once in a while) and oh, so handsome.
Nina, I recently talked to a friend about some neighbor problems and she responded with a query that really got my attention:
"Who is ever good friends with their immediate neighbors?"
I was stunned. It just never occurred to me that the old saw about familiarity breeding unpleasantness - applies with unfortunate regularity to the nearest house-holders.
Ah, humanity.
Lovely neighbors Nina. Like Julie, you live on such pretty acreage! My DH and I live on 2 acres in a rural setting in the woods. We feel exactly the same way..."shared preference for distance". And it's true, I'm always a bit apologetic about it when explaining where we live to others because it's not a traditional neighborhood in that sense of the word. We love seclusion and serenity, although I'd choose to think even if our choice is not the norm, I hope it doesn't make us odd, I say we're just nature lovers at heart. ;-)
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