Thursday, September 19, 2013

Standards of beauty

I happen to think Matilda, our older Jersey whom I'm now milking twice a day, is a beautiful cow.


Oh sure, she's bony (that's a Jersey for you) and her udder is pendulous and she has scars here and there (as do all livestock animals), but her huge gentle brown eyes and sweet face and kindly disposition make up for any physical flaws. I'll admit, she's my favorite cow.


This morning, the girls and I were discussing Matilda's looks. Younger Daughter admitted, "I just don't think Matilda is an especially pretty cow. She's all skin and bones and udder."

"That’s kinda funny," said Older Daughter, "because essentially that’s the recipe for success in human models. Skin and bones and udder."


We laughed hysterically at this idea, but she's right.

Me, I prefer a Jersey.

16 comments:

  1. I have a special place in my heart for cow's eyes. I once saw one being abused, and why? WHY do people abuse an innocent animal who has no concept of causing harm. But I still remember her eyes, and there was nothing I could do for her but have a mad fit and yell a lot of threats. I was just a kid, but the memory lingers.

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  2. Your cow Matilda is a cutie, I prefer Jersey too!

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  3. Miss Patrice, I too like Jerseys, and Guernseys(sp). My Great Grandfather had 12 Jerseys, and 12 Guernseys on his farm in Pennsylvania. He milked them by hand and sold the rich cream from them. Fond memories of summers and Christmas holidays with those gentle, loving giants. He milked them by hand until the Dept of Ag made him put electricity on his farm in the late 60's. Grandma would only allow electricity in the barn, she refused to have it in the house. I enjoy the thread about Matilda, brings happy thoughts indeed
    Kevin Cederquist

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  4. So do I but for me it has always been a toss up between Guernsey and Jersey.

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  5. Matilda does have a pretty face and beautiful coloring. I'd chose her over the model for more reasons -- she is useful and seems to be relatively low maintenance for what she gives back!

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  6. I'm with you. I happen to find Matilda a very beautiful cow. Her eyes look kind and wise and if I were to get a cow in the future, it would be a Jersey. They say their temperament is usually pretty laid back too.

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  7. A very astute observation Older Daughter. Glad I wasn't taking a sip of my morning cup a Joe when I read it!

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    1. (chuckle) I *was* sipping my morning joe when I read it! ;-)

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  8. Never thought of that! Who sets the "standards" anyway? I think Matilda is gorgeous too. Thanks for sharing so many pictures of her.

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  9. Since I have been following you, I have thought many times how sweet and beautiful Matilda seems. Me, I love all cows and esspecially mothers with babies.

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  10. LOL! OD is spot on about human models.

    And while her udder may be a little cattywampus by some standards, her endowments are real, they work and she didn't hafta go buy 'em and have 'em installed.

    As far as I'm concerned, God never made a prettier cow than Matilda....or one with a sweeter disposition.

    A. McSp

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  11. She is one good looking cow. So what if she is bony and saggy? (so are a lot of people LOL) Her eyes are beautiful, and she is so sweet. Oh, and your daughter's observation, funny and true.

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  12. Laughing hysterically here, too! How funny.

    I think your Matilda is a wonderful example of beauty in this world, inside and out. That face! My goodness, what a face.

    Just Me

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  13. That is a perceptive remark from older daughter! And funny as well!

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  14. Being thin is a trait of a good dairy animal (be it goats or cow) because they put all their energy and calories into milk not meat. I'd bet she'll be a good milker for years to come.

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