This conversation took place in the goat shed. I was on one side of the enclosure and Ranger and Stormy on the other.

Stormy: How come you keep poking your head over the gate?
Alys: Because I feel the need to check up on you.
S: How come?
A: Because if you have a baby, or two, or three, I will need to give an assist.
S: You think so? Us goats have been having babies for thousands of years, and seldom, if ever, have we needed human intervention.
A: Yes, but most goats have had them either in warm climates or in heated sheds.
Ranger: How come our shed isn’t heated?
A: Because we live off the grid.
R: But your home is heated.
A: How do you know?
R: When Rover was ill, you brought him inside. When you let him out, he told me just how nice and toasty it was in his kitchen addition.
A: I’ve been thinking. I want to get some hot water bottles. You all can lie on them, then later I can put them on the horses’ back.
R: This is a wonderful idea.

Alys feeding Peaches's babies

S: Yes, a very good idea.
A: I just have to find a hot water bottle source.
S: Do it. It’s been cold in here.
R: I’ve been keeping Stormy warm.
A: Yes Rover, you are the greatest of all times.
S: So, when I have my babies, are you going to take them away from me?
A: If it’s cold, I’ll bring them into the cabin where they will spend their first few days.
R: I have a wonderful idea.
A: What’s that?
R: Why don’t you bring us all in there?
A: Two reasons. And these aren’t my reasons. They’re Pete’s reasons. The first is that he contends you all stink. And the second is that the space is too small for a mother goat, an uncle goat, and dog knows how many babies.
S: First of all, we do not stink. And secondly, we don’t need to be confined to the kitchen addition.
A: Yeah, Pete’s going to be up for your both running around the entire cabin?
S: We will be excellent visitors.
R: Yes, most of what you eat does not appeal to us.
A: And what about the poop?
S: Use a dustpan and a little broom, and clean it up.
A: What do we do with the dogs?
R: You can put them out in the shed for a few days.
A: Pete will, of course, object. And the dogs will object.
S: Even if this turns out to be a life or death matter?
A: Even if. The easiest thing is for us to bring the little ones into the kitchen addition and let them rest up there.
S: And you will again resume milking me?
A: That’s the plan. So Stormy, are you, or are you not going to have babies?
S: If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?
A: No, I guess it would not.

Next: 42. 2/11/21: Write about Dogs!