I took a few extra seconds to grab just a couple of pictures at work today. We begin in the dark:

An hour later I've finished milking the first 21. The last three get milked separately because they are still in colostrum. Its about 7 a.m. I'm standing in the parlor pit, looking out, a reverse view of the dark one above. Cleaning all the manure you see on the ground is something I'll do later---likely, the last thing before I leave. Manure is a low priority behind feeding, cleaning, and training heifers.

Here is beautiful baby Gorgeous, in the middle, with two of her hutch mates waiting for me to bring them warm milk from their mamas. They can all drink from their own nipple buckets, except that new girl on the far left. She still gets a bottle. She's only two days old.

These are 25 yearling heifers. Sometimes I get to drive that golf cart amongst them, delivering grain. When that happens they get very excited, because they know I have their grain but also because the golf cart is super weird to them. They hop and buck all around me, like popcorn swarming.

This is 112. We're training her to walk through the milking parlor without feeling afraid. She has yet to set one hoof inside. Today was her first day to try. I tied her there, set some grain down as an enticement, and moved far back to let her get used to the door way, the sloping floor, the presence of walls, rails, and a roof. Having older cows come back in through the out door helped her relax. I'm sorry I haven't memorized her name yet. She's due to calve in a few weeks for the first time.

"You want me to do what now?"

 A reassuring kiss from a friend is helpful.

 "I promise, its really okay. That step isn't nearly so far down as it looks."

 Well, maybe tomorrow.... Good first try, girl!