The emergence of being a responsible man in the family arises once again. I love my Goats and I love this obligation. If it’s not when one of my precious female goats is only days before birthing, I wouldn’t mind of building this manger. Because of such, I am obliged to do the all-time favorite job of my life.
Good day friends, these few days back typically weekends, as I have nothing to undertake, I stumble upon doing something good and doing nothing. Have you ever felt such when you want to do something but can’t think of something to work of? I have already acquired leaves for the goats. I have already swept the surroundings both around the house and my goats’. I have done my teaching loads and even took a bath that day.
I want to read or eat but not in the mood to do so. I want to go somewhere but not in the mood to spend an amount. So, I seat and listen to music for a bit. Until an idea come into my mind to build my manger at last. I look on the tools, and they are all complete for the building. So, without a hesitance, I bring the necessary tools, clean the area, get the lumbers and I started digging and digging.
With the unfinished house of my sister, I prospected the perfect place to build the manger for my goats.
First, I measure with a tape the approximate size for the manger and its befitted horizontals as to the available pillars around. Enough length for the rest of the stocks, enough height for me to stand up on. Next, I prepare and check the appropriate wood size to be used for strong and solid build. I have Germilina, Coconut, and Tugas lumbers available with varied size and age; but I utilize the Germilina as it is the most in number and whitish in color. Then I dig for at least a foot deep. Using a lubas (antique) Madre Cacao wood as footing makes the best and strongest column. Lubas have very long endurance on rains termites and heat but are the ones very hard to nail to. Next up, I nail the sagbayan (trusses) connecting all four columns plus braces to fix up and avoid swaying diagonally. With this strength, I can even tie a swing on it. Then I spread the Sen (short for Sn – symbol for Tin in the periodic table of elements, or also known as galvanized steel iron roofing). Lastly, I clean my mess and properly place down the leaves for goat food.
The result is satisfyingly good for me. Against all weather, my manger is tough right. Since I am not a professional carpenter so, I still happen to being accidentally hit by my own hammer despite of regular carpentry. Haha! but I’m immune already so no hurt just quick pain.
At exactly four days later, evening, my goat just give birth to two healthy, white and cute kids – a male and a female. By the time my manger has just finished, I directly transfer my mother goat here for safe and accessible for me to run onto. Safe because there are seldom lizards and snakes on the field which could delicately bite the babies. Until a kid learns to run and jump, I can’t leave them freely with their mom.
As the Shepperd, I care for them so much. I treat them as my pets for I still hug, play and rescue with them but I sell them in times of necessity. Haha! With zip of fresh butong (coconut milk or buko juice) always makes my day.
Thank you reaching up to this part. God Bless!