Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Madam Ambassador


We adopted the goat Pumpkin and brought her here to our place to be a companion to our sheep, Smokey. This week, however, Mrs. Pumpkin Goat seemed to be taking on the challenge of building bridges even farther afield, brokering a stronger bond between the US and her European allies.

Pumpkin extended a hoof of goodwill and friendship toward France...and though the event was not covered by The New York Times, I think time will prove that Pumpkin’s gesture will prove noteworthy nevertheless.

Our high school student niece has a French pen pal who is visiting our niece and her family, and Leah invited the girls out here for an afternoon of baking projects. (ALL the French -- even teenage girls -- are wonderful cooks, right?) It appeared that the baking and frosting of a cake was a pleasant enough experience for our young guests, but it was when the girls ventured outside into our pasture -- and Pumpkin the cultural attache turned on her charm -- that diplomacy melted into friendship.

There was giggling, and nuzzling. Pumpkin received many kisses and gave even more in return. No politicians were present, no treaties were signed, but good things happened in Pumpkinland that day.