Greened up at last

 The seasonal stream on the east border of our land was running strong in early May, but spring seemed late to arrive. 

 A Chipping Sparrow waited for the woods to green up.

 The only bright colors amid the browns came from tree fungi

 

 

 and a few delicate little flowers popping up through the dry leaves.

 Deer continued to wander near, but they left the daffodils in front of the house alone.

 Swampy areas of the woods still hadn't produced any marsh marigolds.

 Steve finally got his new bike out on the Munger Trail

 and wished he had added pontoons for the still flooded sections.

 For a few days a flock of Trumpeter Swans

 hung out on nearby Spring Lake. 

 Despite the cold, we knew that spring had finally arrived when the Orioles returned;

 

 They have been brightening up the front yard

 along with the occasional Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

 Again this year we have one family of Geese on the front pond.

 

 

 Mom and Dad have been keeping the three goslings safe

 even when they encroach on the wild kitty's territory near the barn to pick up gravel.

 The last of this year's Mr. T babies were born

 to Jellybean at the farm of Barb's friend and fellow goat-lady, another Barb.

 Sunshine and Shadow are doing fine

 as is the local herd, now that the meadows are finally greening up.

 They've been taking advantage of the goodies in their expanded browsing area, though they still often have to be coaxed out there

 

 

 and stuff just seems to taste better if it's outside the fence --

 even if it's indigestible.

 Best of all are the flowering trees and bushes in the yard. 

 

 Freya and Terra survived getting their ears tattooed in preparation for moving to Iowa next month.  Here they proudly show off their fresh "ink."

 They've both gotten so strong and husky that the Vikings are scouting them as potential offensive tackles.

 Here Freya and Mom have a little chat by the office water cooler.

 Ju-ju will miss them when they depart

 even though they mostly treat her like a soccer ball.

 In a rare moment of rest, Ju-ju requisitions the manger so that no one else can get any hay.

 Fortunately, she likes to hang out with her Mom, too;

 

 They cuddle together much of the time they're in the pen.

 The south side of the goat barn gets full sun throughout the summer, heating up the pens and leaving the goats without shade outside.

 So Barb commissioned friend Bill (and his son Scott) to construct a portico attached to the barn.  Here she installs metal sheathing on the pillars to discourage the goats from nibbling on the treated wood.

 

 

 The completed structure gives the goats a comfy shaded area, keeps the barn cooler,

 and will provide a snow-free walking area in the winter.

Even on a cool day in late May (afternoon temp in the 50s, another frost warning for tonight)

the girls are already enjoying their new area.