STORY TIME - STORIES FROM THE BARN

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on April 2017

For a few days the birds had been filling the morning air with their songs. This morning started with silence that was so great that when Baby woke he stuck his nose outside to see what was going on. It didn’t take long before he realized the air was filled with small particles of frost.
“This is certainly a switch from yesterday. I was so hot in the sun because of my winter coat.†Baby thought to himself.
“What happened? Did someone turn the heat down? I think I am going back to bed until it warms up.†Joseph growled as he got a drink and wandered back to his corner.
“I hope our owners come early for breakfast because I am really hungry.†Annie whispered as she woke up.
“It is rather on the chilly side. I could see my breath when I was outside checking things out a few minutes ago.†Jake added.
“I got an idea after breakfast! Why don’t we have Story Time. We haven’t had that in so-o-o long. Plus it will give the temperature time to come up.â€
“Baby, I don’t think I will be sitting under the big tree in this cool weather!â€
“No Annie, we could have it right here in the barn. We haven’t done that before.â€
“Annie, you are more than just a donkey and I will get up for that one.†Joseph yawned as he joined the others.
Before they knew it, breakfast was over and the time had come for story time………
“Seeing where we won’t have the comfort of the big tree for this story tim, maybe we should pick out a cozy place before we start. How does that sound to everyone?†asked Joseph.
“I think we are all ok with that Joseph.†replied Havier.
“In that case, everyone follow me. I know the exact spot to tell stories and seeing where I haven’t been up long, it should still be warm.â€
It was a corner of the barn that had a nice bed of hay and everyone would have room enough even if they wanted to lie down.
“Now that we are all settled in, who would like to go first?â€
“Oh! I almost forgot to give a yell up to the loft to see if the cats would like to join us.â€
“I got it Baby.†yelled Annie as she delivered the message.
“Nice to see you all and I hope you have a story for us to hear, Momma Kitty.â€
“Yes, we do have one Baby, but I am not saying which one of us it’s about right now.â€
“That is even better Momma Kitty, because then it will be a surprise.â€
“I can start and seeing where I am the only one here from the barn I will have to tell the story.â€
“In that case, Joseph, the stage is all yours………
THE TRAILER
“If I remember correctly, it was in Windsor after the Spring Show. By the last day all you want to do is go home. Everyone is rushing around gathering up their belongings and here I am just standing in the stall waiting and waiting. Almost everyone else had gone. Then it was my turn. We arrived at the trailer and our owner started to go inside, expecting me to follow. Let’s just say I followed for about a foot and then I stopped, refusing to move. “Joseph! What’s wrong? We are going home. Don’t you want to go home and see everyone and tell them about your adventure? Now let’s go.â€
At that moment, it was starting to be funny. He was trying to move me and I would move in the opposite direction. “Joseph, if you want to play games I have all the time in the world.†Oh! That was music to my ears. The game was on! Who was going to give in first? I knew it wasn’t going to be me. Just then, someone walked by and asked if our owner needed a hand. What were they going to do - clap? Then I heard, “Let’s give it a go.†Well, before I knew it, I felt something around my back legs on both sides. 1,2,3, and in seconds my legs were up in the air and I was inside the trailer!!â€
“That must have been funny to see Joseph!†laughed Annie.
“Let’s just say it was a bit embarrassing, to say the least. I did make that decision to stop didn’t I?
“Later on that summer, our owners got wise and put a rope around my bottom which tricked me - making me walk on. Once there was only one of them trying to get me on. By this time, it was a game that I played. The rope was lying on the ground with no one holding it. Before I could get myself ready not to move I glanced to the side of the trailer only to see a hand reaching for the rope. I walked on, getting praise for doing so. If only they knew!â€
“Life would certainly be dull without you Joseph!†said Baby
“Yep I do bring a bit of flare to a situation, don’t I?†Joseph laughed as he got ready for the next story.

“I have one to tellâ€
“The floor is yours Jake.â€
THE DOOR
“It was one of those days when there wasn’t much to do. Havier had that look in his eyes that he gets when he was up to something. What, I didn’t know. In minutes, Havier reached over and touched me on the neck. “You’re it Jake!†Knowing how fast Havier could run I just stood for a minute to try and catch him off guard. I wanted to tag him and get ready to run as fast as I could. What I did was start looking towards the tree line hoping Havier would get curious as to what I was looking at. Sure enough…. “Is there something up there Jake?†Havier asked as he turned his head to look. “Gotcha! I yelled as I tagged him and started running faster than the speed of lightning to the barn. I had time to get into the barn and was standing in the doorway before he got there. “Oh Jake, that was well done!†We had a rule that you cannot tag each other in the barn. I had a safe haven from another tag. There I stood so proud of myself when all of a sudden the door started to close. Havier was pushing it shut!
“I can’t tag you but I can lock you in the barn Jake.†Havier laughed. There I stood not being able to get out. Just then I heard Havier on the other side of the door.
“Who is the winner now Jake?†I stood for a minute. I am Havier.
“How can that be Jake? You can’t get out.â€
But do you have hay and water?
Slowly the door started to open. “I guess we can call it a tie. Want to join me for a snack Havier?â€
We laughed over that game of tag for days afterwards. It didn’t matter who won or lost. We had fun.
“That I would say is the most important thing to remember.†added Baby.

“May I tell one about one of my kids now?â€
“Take it away Momma Kitty.†Baby answered.
THE PUDDLE
“The kids had left early this morning so I had some time to myself before I went out for the day. Later, when I stepped outside, there sat Springer staring into the puddle and every once in awhile he would move his paw and mak the water move. This went on for about 5 minutes before I said anything.
“Springer, would you mind telling me what you are doing?â€
“I’m trying to get whatever that is out of the water.â€
“Springer, look at me. That is you!â€
“Momma, I am right here talking to you. That can’t be me!â€
“I know, son, but that is your reflection that you see.â€
“You mean that is me!!!!!â€
“I am afraid so.â€
“Oh Momma, I think I need to have a rest and figure this one out.â€
“Springer, did you feel silly when you found out?†asked Baby.
“Well, I did Baby, but with Momma’s help she made me realize that it was alright to laugh at silly things that you do.â€
“Wow! Look at that! The sun is peeping through. I think I am going out to greet the afternoon.†Annie said.

That evening, as everyone settled in…..in the distance…
“Hi Baby! We’re back! See you soon.â€
“There we have it. Another story in the making when the geese drop by to say hi.â€
“JOSEPH!!!!!â€
“Sorry Baby, but you have to admit it will make a good story for another time.â€
“Good Night Joseph.â€
“Good Night Everyone….gotta love me!!!!!â€

Hi Everyone - We are back! Hope you like our short stories. Next month will bring another adventure. Until then stay safe in whatever it is you do and be kind to others.
Baby, Joseph, Havier, Jake, Little Annie and the Cats