Gruff McGoat

Once upon a time, a KittyGirl went out in search of barns to photograph and add to her delightful Old Barn Project. Along the way, she encountered a billy goat (i.e., a male goat, as the female is called a "nanny" goat). The little scamp had managed to escape his fenced pasture and was munching on tall weeds that were growing beside the road, because of course, the grass weeds are always greener on the other side.

I've always thought goats were cute, especially the "kids" (baby goats). Some of my future old barn photos will feature a goat or three, even where the little critters have climbed on top of the barns!

I remember a story I heard when I was a child, titled the "Three Billy Goats Gruff" — an old Norweigian folk tale. It involved three goats from the Gruff family who had eaten all their grass. They could see some delicious-looking grass across the river, but had to cross a bridge to get there and an ornery troll lived under the bridge. He wanted to eat the first little goat that walked across, but the little goat encouraged him to opt for the next goat because he was bigger and more juicy. When the second goat crossed the bridge, the troll started to grab him, but he convinced the troll to wait for the next goat, who was even bigger and more yummy. So, the troll waited. When the third, and largest, goat met the troll, he tossed him into the river with his big horns. And thus, all three goats made it across safely!

I am tagging @sgt-dan here, as he has some Norwegian blood in him and might enjoy reading this post, although I am sure he knows the story by heart! Also tagging @enginewitty so he will be aware that I have done my goatly duty for the day. 😁