Until the Cows Come Home!
Have you ever heard the expression “…until the cows come home?” It means for a very long time or an indefinite amount of time. For example, someone might say, “We can argue until the cows come home, but we still won’t agree.” The phrase comes from rural farm life. Cows are known to move at a slow pace and waiting for them to come back to the barn in the evening seemed to take forever. There is also a thought that it came from Scotland and other parts of England because the cattle wander far from home and do not return to the farm at the end of autumn.
Scottish Highland Cows
Recently there has been a fascination with the Scottish Highland cows. If you were able to attend the Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival last month, I hope you had a chance to meet Charlotte from Angel Acres. I was able to speak with her owner and learned some interesting facts.
Scottish Highland cows come from the north and west of Scotland. The weather in this region can be very cold and windy. Highland cattle have a long, thick double layer of fur to keep them warm. The long fringe in front of their eyes protects them even more. They come in many different colors such as red, ginger, black, white, and silver.
Both the males and the females have long horns to help them dig through snow and thick brush to find food and to help regulate their temperature. The horns also deter predators. Even though they look intimidating, these cows are very gentle and not aggressive.
These cows can weigh anywhere between 900-1300 pounds for females and 1500-2000 pounds for bulls and live about 15-20 years. These cows are mostly meat cows, not dairy cows, so some of them only live about 3 years before they become beef, like steak or hamburger.
If you are looking to have one for a pet, they do not come cheap! Prices can range from $3000 – $15,000 depending on the breed. If you are interested in having Charlotte or one of her family members come to your next event (ex. birthday party or agriculture event), feel free to contact Alicia Hornbec at Angel Acres in Sullivan, Ohio at ahornbec2195@gmail.com.
There are many similarities and differences between American and Irish cows and the Scottish Highland cows. American and Irish cows are usually raised on farms with large grassy pastures and are often bred to produce beef or milk. Many American cows are known for growing quickly or producing large amounts of milk. Irish cows are often hardy animals that do well in Ireland’s green, rainy climate and spend much of their time grazing on grass. While American and Irish cows are usually raised on farms for efficient milk or beef production, Highland cows are especially known for their ability to survive in harsh environments and roam more freely.
Interested in seeing more animals up close? August is a great time to check out all the county and state fairs going on near you or far from you. Many of these fairs feature expansive livestock barns and agricultural displays. Unfortunately, you will not see any Scottish Highland cows at these fairs as any animal with horns is not allowed.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Easy Berry Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 20–21 full-sheet graham crackers
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
optional for garnish: additional berries and star sprinkles
Directions
Notes: There are 3 layers of graham crackers, 3 layers of whipped cream, and 2 layers of berries (plus any you use for topping). Each layer of graham crackers is about 7 graham crackers (you can break some up to fit). This recipe yields 6 cups of whipped cream, and you will use 2 cups per layer.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and almond extract together on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 4 minutes.
- Spread a couple of Tablespoons into a very, very thin layer on the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan. This will help the bottom layer of graham crackers stick. Layer graham crackers on top, breaking them apart as needed to make 1 even layer.
- Spread about 2 cups of whipped cream on top of the graham crackers. Then layer the sliced strawberries on top. Follow with another layer of graham crackers, 2 more cups of whipped cream, then the blueberries. Top with a final layer of graham crackers, followed by a final layer of whipped cream.
- Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, and up to 48 hours.
- Garnish with additional berries and/or star sprinkles. Cut into slices and serve cold. A small, narrow serving spatula is especially helpful for getting the slices out of the pan.
Literature Corner
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This farm classic teaches young readers about friendship, life, and loyalty as a spider named Charlotte saves Wilbur, the pig. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter. Charlotte’s Web is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that can be enjoyed by all generations. For ages 5 and up, 184 pages.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q. What do you call a sleeping cow?
A. A bull-dozer!
Q. Why did the pig leave the party?
A. Because everyone thought he was a boar!
Gab in Gaelic
A friend’s eye is a good mirror = Is maith an scathan suil charad (pron: iss mot on scah-hawn sewell karr-add)
