Rafer Johnson is celebrating his 11th birthday today - and in honor of this handsome young man’s special day the entire of November Hill is putting on a show.
Butterflies are soaring, the charm of goldfinches are swooping as one, a pair of male Cardinals are having a mock battle. The second clutch of bluebirds have fledged, thanks to .65 inches of rain a couple of days ago everything is green and growing again.
Looking out the back window I see the tips of Rafer’s ears as he stands in the doorway of the stall he first slept in when he came to live with us. That first night he spent with Cody, teddy bear QH gelding who tends to be very laid back and easy to get along with.
The second night and for the next 7 or so years, Rafer stayed with Salina, his goddess mare, and then young Redford Donkey joined them. That trio were inseparable until Salina passed away at the age of 30.
Since then Rafer has bonded deeply with Apache Moon, our painted pony, and the new trio, Apache, Rafer, and Redford, are a united front and they share the stall on the near to the house side of the barn, their “porch” shelter outside it, and the grass paddock. Of course they all turn out with the big boys but it’s a sweet sight to see Rafer’s ears out the window the way I have for these 11 years.
Rafer remains the same loving, delightful donkey he has always been. On one hand it seems he just arrived yesterday. And on the other it seems he has been with us forever.
Happy happy birthday, sweet Rafer! Enjoy this midsummer day.
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
6 comments:
Hip Hip Hurrah for Rafer Johnson!
Always kind and affectionate, I still remember meeting him at Elevenses and then his arrival here at November Hill and how much he brightened our lives since those days.
Happy Birthday, Rafer!
Happy, happy birthday, Rafer! I cannot believe it has been 11 years!
With love,
Marty
Matthew, I remember that day as well. I think we all fell head over heels in love with him at, what was he, a week or so old? And still are. How lucky did we get to find him and then Redford. (Thanks to Ken and Marty for that!)
And Marty! Thank you for stopping by to wish Rafer Johnson happy birthday. I was perusing Elevenses website earlier, wondering if there were new little babes in waiting. I still remember the day you and Ken arrived with Rafer, who was so brave to come to his new home amongst giants! He and Redford are at the heart of this herd, for sure. Hugs to you!
I’m a little late to the party but Happy Birthday Rafer! He’s such a sweet guy who’s brought lots of happiness and love to November Hill and to blog land. Here’s wishing you many more happy healthy birthdays sweetheart.
He’s happy to take his party through another day! Thank you!! :)
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