Buddy’s Appetites

On an overly warm Sunday afternoon, we visited the donkeys. Although we could not see them in the front pasture, as soon as Bob hee-hawed chow call, Buddy replied loudly and enthusiastically from the shed where he and Holly had taken shelter from the sun.

It took them longer than expected to wander out of the open entrance to emerge into the sunshine. They paused for moment as if to discuss if the food was worth the trip across the pasture. Buddy decided Yes! and Holly followed.

When they got to the fence, Buddy seemed to already be on Holly’s nerves as she kept moving away from him while still remaining close enough to be fed. They both enjoyed the warm sweet potato medallions and the seasoned new potatoes left over from Bob’s breakfast, even eating the ones that fell to the ground.

Afterwards, Buddy blew us donkey air kisses.

Since the store was closed, we brought them a brown sugar oatmeal cookie from a local bakery. Although it was a bit older and harder than what they normally get, it disappeared as fast any other cookie did.

After the food disappeared, Buddy decided he might still have an appetite for Holly. The attempt was fast and futile. It was the first time we had witnessed that behavior in the front pasture.

We got into the car while the two donkeys still lingered by the fence. I hesitate to wonder what happened next.

The Donkeys are Back in the Front Pasture

We arrived at Wyant’s store with hopeful hearts. Both the parking lot and the front pasture were empty. Bob hee-hawed chow call. Buddy responded so quickly and loudly, it almost sounded like he was in the shed, but we could detect no movements in the shadows. A few minutes later, Buddy and a much thinner Holly walked quickly from behind the shed to the fence.

Donkeys appear around

The group catches up

The donkeys initially stood next to each other, As soon as the warm sweet potato medallions were consumed, Buddy moved away to one side. Both were impatient for dessert; Buddy kept pacing from one side of Holly to other, while she ignored him.

They each had two soft oatmeal raisin cookies. Holly did not show any interest in the pieces that fell to the ground where she had previously been quick to eat any fallen bits and pieces. Both donkeys were very upfront with how they felt on almost anything.

Buddy is very happy to see us

Holly still looks pensive like she misses Elvis

Let me think about that

What they lack in manners, they really make up for in personality.

No fingers were added to the sweet potatoes

My huge teeth are made to bite cookies, not fingers

Elvis Has Left the Stable

Buddy and Holly are sad to announce the death of the newest member of their family. Along with their owner, David Wyant, the group bid a sorrowful goodbye to Elvis over a week ago.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Donkey

We stopped by the Wyant Store today to see if the Donkey Family had moved to the front pasture. Bob gave his best hee-haw chow call several times. I thought we heard Buddy replying at the same time a truck rumbled past, but no Donkeys showed up.

We went into the store to find out what was going on.

“When will get get to see, Elvis?” I asked David who was stocking some drinks in the back refrigerator.

“You won’t ,” he replied.

“Did he die?”

“He lasted about two weeks. Holly’s milk didn’t come in and I think he had something wrong on the insides. We put him on a feeding tube for about a week and he gained a little weight. When we took the tube out, he only lasted another day.”

“Turns out, the Elvis was actually a little girl, and not a little boy.”

“Do you have any pictures of Elvis?”

David share the picture seen above. As David had told us earlier, the big eared donkey looked just like her father.

Wyant’s Store is almost 140 years old

Front pasture mowed for the donkeys

Last year’s happy family with Vroman

Buddy says TTFN on a happier day.

Mother’s Day Donkey Update

Last Friday we went to visit Buddy and family. We decided to get some great burgers in the store before feeding Buddy. The cook/waitress/cashier warned us that the family was still in the back pasture and Buddy might not appear.

We went out. Bob hee-hawed several times. Buddy hee-hawed hawed back but that was all we got from him. Bob hee-hawed a few more times without any replies from Buddy.

Emmett and Holly in honor of World Donkey Day and Mother’s Day

Enjoy a gorgeous short video of a baby donkey courtesy of Monica: https://monicaganz.com/2024/05/12/happy-mothers-day-a-baby-donkey-was-born/

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Elvis Has Entered the Building

On the last day of April, Bob heated up some sweet potato medallions and packed up the last of the home made oatmeal raisin cookies, flavored with Paxxito wine for us to deliver to Buddy. We were also eager to learn if Holly had had her foal yet.

When we got to the Store parking lot, a vehicle’s theft detection was blaring. We sat in the car until it finished, figuring that Buddy could not hear the Hee-Haw chow hall if he were in the back pasture.

Once the blare ended, Bob hee-hawed several times, with no response from Buddy (not even a hee-haw in return that he had heard us). We both entered the store to find out if Buddy was a father yet.

We were pleased to see David behind the counter so there would be news.

“Has Holly had her foal yet?” I asked David.

“Yes it was a week ago yesterday,” he replied. (That would have been Monday, April 22)

“Did you she have a foal or a filly?”

“It’s a boy and we are calling him, Elvis.”

“Is it shaggy like the last two?”

” I don’t know where that last one came from, but this one looks exactly like Buddy.”

“At least we don’t have to wonder who the father is this time.”

David grinned at that remark. “Elvis is not doing as well as I was expecting so I called the vet about getting him a Vitamin B shot. I’ve also been grooming him and he walks up to me as soon as he sees me. I’m hoping to switch them out to the front pasture, but he’s not ready for that yet.”

Once we got back outside, Bob hee-hawed Chow Call one more time. Still no Buddy so we decided to have the sweet potato for dinner. Just as we were about to get into the car, Bob noticed a thin, quiet Buddy ambling toward the fence.

Buddy immediately perked up as soon as he saw the plastic trays of sweet potato medallions and cookies. Bob had almost emptied the tray by the time I got my camera to the fence line, because Buddy was grabbing food out of Bob’s fingers as fast Bob could grab another bite to feed him.

As soon as Bob went in to fetch more cookies, Buddy got moody. He wanted to be fed because he was in a hurry to get back to Holly and Elvis. I petted him a few times and tried to tell him he was an international rock star, but he kept looking at me as if I had food hidden behind my back or he deliberately turned his back on me.

After Bob returned with a pack of fig newtons and a pack of peanut butter cookies, Buddy was agreeable as long as the food lasted. Once the food was finished and we got in the car, he was already heading for the back pasture.

Buddy Sunday Brunch

Last Sunday was warmer than anticipated. After breakfast as the Old Mill Room, we had a left over biscuit with jelly. From Saturday’s trip to a Mexican restaurant, we had left over spinach enchilada. The tomato based sauce on the enchiladas did not seem too spicy. We wondered if Buddy might like to expand his palate from sweet potatoes, new potatoes and carrots.

After a delightful drive through the burgeoning Spring Virginia country side, we arrived at Wyant’s store expecting it to be closed on Sunday. The parking lot was full of locals stopping by either breakfast or sandwiches. Fortunately, there were two spaces left. We got out of the car and Bob hee-hawed Chow Call twice. After a pause he brayed again. This time an unimpressed Buddy ambled slowly up the hill.

Buddy got the fence before we could get the food out and ready to feed him. He knew the drill, following us along the fence line until we got to the right spot.

He enjoyed all of the food, although the enchilada kept falling out of his mouth. He did not seem quite as forlorn as he had on the previous visit. However, he was agreeable to being fed over the top railing or between the first and second railing as long as the food kept arriving.

Once the food was gone, Bob vanished into the store for news and cookies. While he was in there, Buddy tolerated some more head scratches and pats. His fur was an odd mixture of soft on the forehead but rougher and bristly on the neck and shoulders. At times, Buddy had enough and turned his back on me. Except for inhaling almost any food being offered, any other communication is always on Buddy’s terms.

Bob returned with a double fig newton and a report that Holly still had not had her foal yet. He liked the cookie. We left with him deciding how to spend the rest of the day.

Lonely Donkey Looking for Food and Attention

Since April is Holly’s due date, we were not sure if we would find any donkeys when we went to Wyant’s to feed the donkeys. The front pasture was empty. After two hee-haw chow calls, Buddy stuck his nose around the back of the shed. He saw us, breaking into a fast trot, rasping several brays that he was pleased to see and where in the hee-haw had we been.

Since we did not know the donkeys status, we fixed food trays for Holly and Buddy: roasted sweet potatoes, boiled small potatoes, and raw carrots. We only fed Buddy one tray; he will get the rest on the next visit.

With only one donkey to feed, I had more freedom than normal to snap pictures. Buddy was so happy to see anyone, that he was more attentive to requests to pose. He was also a gentleman about not adding finger appetizers, even when some of the soft sweet potatoes fell out of his mouth. While Holly would have eaten any dropped tidbits, Buddy waited patiently ( for him) for Bob to bend over and place it up to his lips again.

Once the tray was empty, Bob went into the store for dessert. Buddy hung near the fence and was unusually patient about letting me pet him. Flies bothered his eyes and legs, so he would occasionally stamp his feet or shake his head. One time he even tried to bite whatever was biting him. When I patted his fur, puffs of dust rose from his back and flanks, indicating that he had probably tried to take a dust bath to help remove or discourage the flies. I also noticed that his tail and mane had been groomed of last season’s cockleburrs.

Bob returned with news and chocolate chip cookies. Holly was about ready to pop and should have her foal shortly. Buddy was very pleased with having the cookies to himself, without having to share.

A good time was had by all. We are now waiting to know if it is a filly or a colt.

Happy St Buddy’s Day

We had planned to go feed the donkeys this weekend. When I saw Kaushal’s Donkey Legacy post, I knew I needed to share it with Buddy.

We got out there on the warm Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of the holiday, Bob varied the menu from sweet potato medallions to seasoned young potatoes and raw baby carrots. The donkeys were grazing in the front pasture, paying no attention to us as we got out the car.

As soon as Bob hee-hawed chow hall, both heads came up. Buddy brayed a raspy “Good to see you” and immediately trotted to the fence. Holly followed more sedately. I could not get my camera put away fast enough before Bob began feeding both donkeys. (We each had a plastic container of seasoned potatoes and carrots, the makings of a vegetarian Irish stew, without the stew part).

The flies were in evidence for the first time this Spring, but they did not keep either donkey from enjoying the food and displaying unusually good donkey manners.

While Bob went in to fetch dessert (peanut butter cookies) both donkeys waited amiably. When I started telling Buddy about Kaushal’s post, he listened attentively until the dessert appeared.

Buddy is waiting politely for dessert

Buddy waiting for cookies

Buddy likes what he hears about Donkey Legacy

Dessert was a hit with both donkeys. I tried to take a picture of the cookies but Buddy would not wait long enough for me to make sure the picture was actually clicked. (I was surprised not to find it on the cell phone.)

The visit was very enjoyable for both bipeds and quadrupeds. Buddy blew us a stream of donkey air kisses as we returned to the car.

Big Smoochy Kiss for you 💋💋💋

Happy (Donkey) Leap (up) Day

We celebrated Leap Day by visiting the Donkeys. Ironically, Buddy was taking a sun bath in the red dirt when we approached. I asked Bob to delay chow call until I could get a picture of Buddy laying down and his reaction to Bob hee-hawing Chow Call.

Buddy enjoying a sunbath

Buddy recognizes Chow Call

Buddy heads out briskly for food

As soon as Buddy recognized “Hee-Haw” from Bob he immediately leaped up and was all ears. On the second Hee-Haw, he trotted briskly to the fence.

Holly, due next month, followed at a slower pace. She joined Buddy at the fence where both of them were quite eager to be fed warm sweet potato medallions.

Once the food was done, Buddy moved away from Holly. (I’m not sure if his moving is his idea, her idea, or a mutual decision.) While they were separated, he seemed to try to bite at a flea or some other insect that was annoying him. His shoulders and back were covered with red clay as if he had been rolling in the dirt and his tail held more cockle burrs than it had since last fall. Although I thought it was still to early for insects to be a problem, something was literally bugging Buddy.

He was quite vocal in his dissatisfaction with having to wait for dessert. He walked away, turned his back on me (again) when I tried to tell him that we would resume chow call as soon as Bob came out with dessert. But as soon as the oatmeal raisin cookies were offered, he poured on the charm including blowing both of us donkey air kisses.

Buddy trying to bite what bugs him

Buddy not happy with having to wait for food

Donkey with a bit of sweet potato and dirt on his nose

Buddy blowing us donkey air kisses

Even as we were getting into the car, both donkeys remained next to the fence, in hopes of more food.

Show Me the Food

On a partially sunny day, with a cool breeze blowing off the mountains, we decided to visit the donkeys before tonight’s overnight snow expected on the next east-bound clipper. With a warm tub of freshly cook sweet potato medallions, we arrived to find both donkeys grazing in the front pasture.

As the car parked, Holly looked up without much interest and Buddy did not bother to turn his head. All that changed as soon as Bob hee-hawed Chow Call. Both heads popped up and Buddy came trotting over to the fence, following Bob to a good spot. Holly followed along at a slower pace.

Buddy was so eager to begin eating that he was blowing Bob donkey air kisses in anticipation. He could barely remember enough manners to use his lips instead of his teeth to wolf the sweet potatoes out of Bob’s hands. By now Holly had arrived at the fence so I had to feed her, to give her even a slight chance of getting a few potatoes.

Both donkeys were fine as long as they were being fed. Once the food disappeared, Buddy started copping an attitude. He walked a distance from Holly. He stared at me, seeming to listen to my request for Ears Up, until I got the camera focused then both ears went flatter.

The now pouting donkey walked further along the fence separating himself from both Holly and me.

When I tried to bribe him with compliments, he turned his back on me as I told him he was an international media star and the President of his International Fan Club lived in Britain. He only wanted cookies!

Notice that both ears are upright when he does what he wants.

As soon as Bob returned with two packs of cookies: peanut butter and sugar, all was forgiven. Both donkeys ate the cookies as fast as we could remove them from the packages. The lady in the store could still not confirm what has become of Vroman.

With Buddy distancing himself, I had more time to notice that Holly has a hip boned shape white spot on each of her hips.

Wishing You a Buddy-ful Valentine’s Day

Blogger Friend, Monica https://monicaganz.com/2024/02/14/blogging-friends/ requested “For example, blogger Pat, we hope to see a Buddy sighting today for Valentine’s Day!” Her post highlighted a beautiful candle for our GP Cox of Pacific Paratrooper.

GP’s late son, Michael, and my husband Bob both share birthdays today. Both are veterans. So I’m busy with birthday celebrations.

Since I can’t get out to see actually wish Buddy a personal Valentine’s celebration today, I thought I would share some Buddy pictures as a substitute.

I nose what's you want
It's a smooch from me, Buddy
So pucker up, get close
It will be a quick study

My kiss will be whiskery
It will feel like a tickle
You won't hurt my feelings
If you let out a giggle

Donkey Duo

It was a bright sunny, almost Spring-like day, when we made a trip out to feed the donkeys. Bob hee-hawed Chow Call. We thought we heard a raspy bray from Buddy but saw no donkeys coming over the hill, so Bob repeated Chow Call. Within a few moments, Buddy lead a straggling Holly over the hill.

Both were very interested in the hot sweet potato medallions. They ate them as fast they could be stuffed into their constantly gaping mouths. (Maybe it was a good thing that Vroman was not around that morning.)

As long as food was being served, the two stood close to each other so as to not miss out. When the food was finished, so was the companionship. Buddy moved further along the fence, even stamping his hind leg and kicking out, as if he were being bothered by the nonexistent flies. Holly ignored his antics and was probably grateful for the space.

As soon as Bob disappeared into the store for dessert, Buddy began vocalizing his dislike of waiting for more food. He even walked away from the fence, turning his back on me. Both Holly and I figured he was just acting like the jackass he is.

As soon as Bob reappeared with Grandma’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, he was all friendly and eager to interact.

When I asked Bob what happened to Vroman, he said that the lady in the store did not know anything.

Vroman when he was younger–he has Buddy’s whiskers

After the Snow, the Donkeys Did Show

One of the first bright days after last week’s snow fall, we decided that the donkeys might appreciate some warm sweet potato medallions, so Bob cooked up a double batch of particularly large sweet potatoes and off we went. The road was clear, but some snow lingered on the shaded hillsides in the more rural areas.

When we got to Wyant’s the donkeys were all grazing in the front pasture. As soon as Bob stepped out of the car, all three donkey’s stared at us. When he hee-hawed Chow Call, Buddy lead the trot to where we were standing next to the fence.

The two of us could hardly feed the ravenous donkeys fast enough. The sweet potatoes were a bit soft and broke off in our fingers. The donkeys were wearing their food. Happiness abounded until the food was gone, then both Buddy and Vroman complained vocally about how long it took Bob to return from the store with dessert.

As I was waiting for Bob I saw two what looked like horse trailers near the shed. I thought that maybe Vroman was being sold. He seems to have stopped growing and is almost as tall as Holly, but not as large as either parent yet.

Bob returned with no news about selling anyone. Holly is due in April but he didn’t have anything else to share but several packs of Grandma’s oatmeal raisin cookies, which were fan favorite.

We ran out of food before the donkeys ran out of wanting more. They were still lined up at the fence when we got back in the car. Surprisingly, the spoiled donkeys didn’t want to eat the two sweet potato medallions that had fallen to the ground even though all three were grazing on the clumps of grass not covered by remnants of melting snow.

Buddy Has a ‘Tude

We went out to see the donkeys the following day. Though still a bit chilly, the bright sunshine made the day seem more welcoming. We supplemented the left over sweet potatoes with cooking a new one and re-heating the old ones.

This time when Bob hee-hawed chow hall, Holly let the straggly group in a leisurely amble over the top of the hill. Uncharacteristically Buddy was tail end charlie again.

We established a spot along the fence line which was unfortunately mostly in the shade because of the short winter sunlight. The family grouped themselves along the fence with mouths open to snatch the medallions as fast we could shove them inside. There was a bit of jostling for position, but nobody seemed willing to move over. Buddy kept turning his back on Vroman, but did not kick out with his back hooves.

As soon as they have hoovered the medallions, Bob went in for dessert. Buddy began voicing his displeasure at the wait. He also turned his back on both the donkeys and me. Before he could work himself up to full tantrum, Bob had returned with a pocket full of packaged fig newtons.

Like the last time, none of them had any trouble inhaling the cookies. To stretch the dessert course out a bit longer, we broke off pieces of fig newtons to feed each grasping mouth. Holly’s cookie fell to the ground, but she did not miss a beat, reaching under the bottom fence rung before either of the males could snatch it.

As soon as the food was done, a disgruntled Buddy said adios and walked away. Vroman and Holly continued to linger at the fence as we got in our car to run some more errands.

January Donkey Contrary

It was two days before the predicted arrival of our first snowstorm in two years. We decided that it would be a good day to bid Happy New Year to our donkey friends. We had two servings of hot baked sweet potato medallions, which seemed the right thing for an overcast day with a blustery cold breeze.

The front pasture was empty except for the piles of meadow muffins (not seen since last Winter), evidence that the donkeys had been there the past few days. The front gate to the shed was opened to allow quicker access to the comparative shelter of an open sided overhang, filled with warm hay. Bob hee-hawed Chow Call with a reasonable expectation of a donkey response.

We stood in the brisk breeze for several chilly seconds before deciding to wait in the comparative warmth of the car. Our pre-Christmas experience was that sometimes it took the donkeys awhile to amble over the hill. We waited. No donkeys. Bob brayed Chow Call once again and we decided to try again the next day.

January
Donkeys contrary
Not a single donkey did show
Was it overcast skies
Or blustery sighs
When the gusts of wind did blow?

Earlier pictures from when they were willing to show up.

Early Donkey Chrismas

On a lovely December morning, on our way to two wineries for quarterly pick-up, we decided to give the Donkeys an early Christmas present of their cold weather favorite warm sweet potato medallions.

There were no donkeys in the front pasture when we showed up. Bob hee-hawed Chow Call several times but no one showed up or brayed in return. We were sampling the mess and thinking about feeding the sweet potatoes to some other animals, when the family slowly ambled up over the hill with Holly leading the straggling group. This may be the first time Buddy has been tail end Charlie.

Buddy and Vroman lined up together, while Holly acted like the long-suffering mother and hung to one side. Since Buddy can more easily reach his head over the top railing, he was first one to have his mouth open for any food.

Holly was reduced to eating whatever the two males didn’t get.

As soon as the donkeys hoovered the medallions, Buddy immediately expressed his unhappiness with the wait. Bob returned with multiple packs of Fig Newtons. They were a hit with all three donkeys although Holly seemed to have gotten her first one stuck to the top of her mouth. It didn’t slow her down from eating any passed her way.

Buddy is not always as sweet as he looks

Merry Christmas from our herd to yours.

Belated Donkey Thanksgiving

On an overcast Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Bob sliced and warmed some sweet potato medallions to feed Buddy and his family. When we got there, the donkeys were not in the front waiting. As soon as Bob hee-hawed Chow Call, Buddy brayed back and lead the charge over the hill and around the shed. Vroman followed almost as fast, with Holly dragging herself up the hill in third place.

The two males immediately lined up at the fence where we each had sweet potatoes to pass out. Vroman got a little greedy and began butting his father’s head out of the way. He has not yet begun to kick out with his hind hooves, like his older brother Emmet did before he was sold. (He may not yet be old enough to act like that.) He can now handle more than one bite at a time, just like his parents.

Holly waited patiently to one side, maybe afraid of getting jostled (or perhaps kicked) by an entitled jack ass. She was also the only one to eat anything that fell to the ground

Once the sweet potatoes were history, Bob went into the store for dessert. Buddy was not reluctant to share his dissatisfaction with having to wait.

Bob shortly returned with peanut butter cookies. The donkeys had no problem showing their pleasure with the choice. Fortunately no fingers were consumed with the cookies.

Carrots and Cockle-burros

After two failed attempts at feeding the donkeys, we were finally lucky today.

When we pulled into the parking lot, all three of them were grazing along the fence line in the front pasture. As I got out of the car to take their picture, first Vroman, then Holly, and finally Buddy raised their heads to look at us. As soon as Bob hee-hawed Chow Call, they all ambled over to the fence, following us on the other side of the fence as we walked to a place where it was easier for us to feed them.

Donkeys looking at us, awaiting Chow Call to make sure it is really us.

At first they ate in a family group. Vroman now ate carrots as fast as we could shove them in his mouth. A heavily pregnant Holly was the only one who took the time to nibble any carrots that fell to the ground. Buddy snatched them from our hands with his lips, which was a lot less scary then his huge yellow donkey teeth. Things were slower then the donkeys preferred since we took turns taking pictures.

Pat, Vroman, and Buddy waiting for more carrots

Bob feeding the family group before they split up

Vroman started nudging Buddy out of the way. I think his time with the family may be coming to an end as he moves into adolescence and starts to behave more like a jack ass. He can now lift his head over the top railing of the fence but prefers the lower railing where he is not in direct competition with his father.

When the carrots were gone, Bob disappeared into the store to get dessert. Buddy expressed his dissatisfaction with the wait with several raspy hee-haws.

While we all waited for Bob, I noticed that though the chillier weather had gotten rid of the flies and the much shorter grass had reduced the amount of cockleburs, all three donkeys were festooned with the prickly balls. Buddy and Holly had them in their manes and tails; Vroman with his longer, shaggier coat also had them scattered over his sides.

Once Bob came out with the chocolate chip cookies, the donkeys settled down for dessert. They liked the cookies much better than the carrots. No fingers were chomped during the feed process.

As always, Buddy is king of all he surveys.

Once the cookies were consumed, we left while the donkeys lingered along the fence in hopes of further handouts.

Reblog: Buddy’s Alter Ego.

Donkey comes to window for breakfast…

Beautiful colors. But, Where Are the Donkeys?

On one of our last warm fall day, when the foliage was still approaching peak, we took the last of the juicy, sweet September peaches out to feed the donkeys. The country road was bursting with color and surprisingly little traffic. As we sped along the winding roads, we anticipated how much the donkeys would appreciate the tasty treat — Vroman would probably drool like he did last time.

We got to the front pasture. It had been mowed since our last visit. Would the donkeys be infested with fewer cockle burrs? Bob hee-hawed “Chow Call” several times.

Buddy rasped out a series of brays that sounded like he was laboring up the hill behind the shed. The brays got louder as if the donkeys would shortly appear.

“We hear you! We are trying to get there. Dave has locked us in the back pasture because of the mowing. He forgot to let us out. It’s not our fault!”

To save time, Bob left me at the fence with the peaches while he went into the store for dessert and to find out where the donkeys were. He returned with peanut butter cookies, but no information and the donkeys had not yet appeared.

Bob hee-hawed “Chow Call” again, but still no donkeys, not even a bray from Buddy.

The bottom six pictures are from previous visits for those of you that need a Buddy fix.