The cow who had just been shot: a tale of a home visit

Ok, so now that I have you reading, the cow wasn't shot with a gun, but rather given a shot by a vet.  And it wasn't a cow, it was a bull.  A very grumpy bull.  Who was feeling rather cross after his not-so-pleasant shot with a big, thick needle.  And then I came to visit and sat down on a rock within the reach of the bull on its tether.

As I sat, the bull moved closer and closer, and I nervously watched, trying to figure out where I could move if he got too close.  I could hear him snorting and I wasn't sure if looking him in the eye would make him angrier or would tell him to back off.  Fortunately, Don Andres (the dad of the home we were visiting) noticed the bull was getting close and yanked the stake out of the ground, hauled on the rope and coaxed and pulled the bull further away, planting the stake where he could no longer reach me.

pomegranate

The rest of the visit was uneventful.  We munched on scones I made while Israel (6th) and Moises (1st) competed for my attention, trying to top each other with stories about the house and the surrounding area.  Don Andres disappeared, then reappeared with a handful of fruit from the property.  I think I counted close to a dozen different fruit trees on the property: pomegranate, pacay, lemon, peach, lo'qosti, apple...

Israel and his family live in the above small, one-room house, taking care of the large property for the owners, as well as their cattle.  Their house is one of the smallest I've seen in all my home visits, but their family is one of the happiest and most unified.  Don Andres works taking care of the cattle and property, as well as occasional work as a brick-layer.  His wife Doña Delia sells salteñas (traditional soup-filled empanadas), along with other odd jobs.

Israel showing off his Kid Mountain shirt
sent down from The Orchard in Carbondale, CO

Israel's been at The Center for six years, starting when he was in first grade.  He was a terror when he first started, but now is respectful, affectionate and loves The Center so much that he begs me almost every time he sees me to open 7th grade next year at The Center.  God-willing, I'll be able to say yes at the end of the year!

These are tomate extranjero (tamarillo), granada (pomegranate) and nuez (walnut).  All gifts from Don Andres as a thank you for visiting him and his home.