Tango and her kittens, part 5

The kittens are 4 weeks old now and are doing so well under Tango's care and love. Little Buddha (sounds better then Buddha Belly) turns out to be the most cooperative and photogenic of all the kittens. Him and Indigo are more into exploring. Surya is a bit shy and is hiding behind his older brother and sister.

Lot's of pictures this time. Enjoy - Susanne

Little Buddha loves to chew on his paws

morning stretch

Little Buddha's special look

practicing climbing skills

here goes the paw again

Indigo 

Indigo

morning play

a typical morning

Mama and daughter

Tango and her kittens, part 4

The kittens are a little over 3 weeks old now - and what a huge change just in the last 2 days. They are much more awake and do what all cats do - grooming and washing themselves, sniffing and exploring their surroundings etc. Their moves aren't always well coordinated - one of the boys tried to scratch his ear with his hind leg and couldn't do it yet. And once in a while they try to hiss which is really funny! They start to wrestle with each other and are giving Mama a hard time when she tries to clean them. So sometimes the family looks like a "cuddly mess"!!

And they got names: the first photo is "Buddha-Belly" - he is the big guy with a round belly and most laid back. He is a bit of a cry baby, too being the most vocal.

The second photo is the youngest and his name is "Surya" which means the Sun (a sanskrit word). He is like a little bit of sunshine.

And the third photo is the big sister and the most independent and adventurous of the whole bunch. So her name is "Indigo".

Enjoy the cuteness!! Susanne 

Tango and her kittens, part 3

A few more photos from my cat family. The kittens are 2 ½ weeks old now. Their routine is pretty much the same - eating and sleeping. But they have started to explore their area and are trying to use their legs. It is a very wobbly walking with a lot of tumbling. Rather cute! Big sister is the most curious and adventurous so far. The 2 brothers are more into eating and napping.  Mama cat is doing a great job keeping them all clean and fed. 

Enjoy! Susanne

Tango and her kittens, part 2

I can't believe how much those little kittens have grown. They are eating machines!! The name of the game is eating, sleeping, more eating, stretching, rolling around, eating, another nap.... you get the idea. Their eyes are completely open now. They are barely 2 weeks old and I heard them purring for the first time today!! 

And Tango takes more time again doing her thing like checking the outdoors. 

Enjoy the cuteness!! they change so quick.

Susanne

A visit at Edge Farm, Ladysmith, WI

I met Dale Daggett at the farmer's market in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. He asked me if I would like to come out to his farm and take photos. I am always up to explore some new photo opportunities. As I pulled up to the Edge Farm, 6 miles outside of Ladysmith I first thought there wasn't much to see. In fact it looked like a retired farm. That is until you meet the "stars" of the whole operation - a herd of Normande cows!! What beautiful animals! They remind me of the cows I was used to growing up in southern Germany and Switzerland. Dale was greeted exuberantly by one of the cows! They were all very friendly and curious and let me take many photos from all angles. I don't know much about farming and Dale gave me all kinds of information - too much to remember and share here. I was mostly impressed about the fact that the cows are kept outside year round only eating grass and hay in the winter. No need for growing corn and expensive farm equipment. He hasn't seen a vet in years. The cows get milked in the morning and evening in a small milk parlor by Dale's son (whom I unfortunately didn't meet - maybe another time). Oh, and did I forget to mention - the farm is certified organic!! As a vegetarian I wasn't too happy to hear that the cows get slaughtered at age 7. But after all it's a farm and the owners need to make a living. 

Dale also has several bee colonies at his house but they were not active when I visited - no pictures of that.

Here are a few photos I took from my short visit at this lovely place! Dale is very eager to share his knowledge and welcomes visitors to his little paradise. 

Enjoy, Susanne