The Riley Factor #43

The Riley Factor -- February 22
(All the news that's fit to print, along with some unfit to print rumors, prognostications and bloviations.)

Fort Plain, NY, February 22 -- Riley is getting along swimmingly with Zeke II, the new calf in the barn.  Zeke has his own stall and Riley will go in and lie right next to the 75-pound Holstein.  Both are perfectly comfortable with each other.  The other members of the Herd of Five are ever interested and stare constantly at the new arrival and whoever happens to be in there with him.  Yesterday, when Chris was in the main stall with the Four Alphabetical Others installing some new feeder hooks, Gabe jumped up and landed his prominent left hoof along with half of his considerable weight on Chris' left shoulder -- "Now it's a party".  (credit Vince Vaughn, Couples Retreat, for that line, soon to be regarded as a classic).  Monday morning is 35 and sunny with full blue sky and not a breath of breeze.  Nancy took Riley & Gabby out back for a morning romp on the trails, and later to the bone store for a ride and some dog treats.  Snow to some degree is forecast for Tuesday through Saturday in Middle-of-Nowhere.  Teri the Vet arrived early Monday to administer antibiotics, IV fluids and a general pick-me-up shot in the butt to Zeke, who has been acting a bit lethargic since arriving Saturday at noon.  He was running a mild fever (104, where normal is 100.5 to 102.5 for a calf) and had a bit of scours (mild diarrhea) and mild dehydration.   Zeke should be feeling better right away and up and about feeling normal in three days.