Abundant Blessings Homestead

Gentle is here!

We have just returned from picking up our new milk cow, Gentle.

I bought the stainless steel milk pail from the Amish lady. Looking for a strainer. If anyone knows of online sources, please let me know. I am looking for any milking or cheesemaking catalogs you can recommend.

Tonight will be our first attempt at milking...a bit nervous, but I am sure we will do fine!

More to come...gotta go visit Miss Gentle!

Oh, how exciting!

{ 02:26, Saturday, January 28, 2006 } { Posted by spinninggrandma }

Your first cow!!! What a wonderful happening!! You will enjoy her, I know. One thing I loved in the wintertime (even though it was cold out) was cuddling next to my cow, soaking up her warmth as I got lovely creamy white milk down into that pail!

A lantern in the barn is so comforting, too! Make sure you have a large nail or strong hook to put it on, and keep it UP high, so nothing or no-one can knock it over. My husband was worried about me using a lantern and wanted me to use a flashlight (can you IMAGINE!) for safety. But I never had any problems ... just kept it hanging up high. And blew it out when I didn't need it ... it's just like the 'old times' and I missed it once we got electricty into the barn.

Good luck - I envy you!

PS

{ 02:31, Saturday, January 28, 2006 } { Posted by spinninggrandma }

Go here ... Milk strainers and filters!! I had trouble finding filters when I milked.

Until you get one, use a strainer and a coffee filter or cheesecloth (better) if you have it.

http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=450&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=milk+strainer

Yippee

{ 09:49, Sunday, January 29, 2006 } { Posted by TheLandIsCalling }

what fun, your first cow. I can't wait till I can get one.
Enjoy,
Andrea