It's All a Matter of Word Choice
By Val
@valmnz (17095)
New Zealand
October 17, 2015 8:05pm CST
I love the way different words can be used to describe a situation or thing - a thing such as a dog, especially. It all depends on what you're trying to reveal or hide. 
On Friday my sister arranged for me to go north to mind my niece's dog next weekend, as the previously organised dog sitting arrangement had fallen through. My sister told me it was a big dog, a boxer, who tends to jump up and slurp all over you. That's fine, it's good to be warned ahead.
In a message this morning in finalising a few details, my niece simply said, she's very friendly. 
I was also told the cows on the small property would probably self manage themselves. Cows? My sister didn't mention cows. And the word probably is a bit worrying. What say they don't? Oh well, I have the neighbours phone number, just in case. I'm not too experienced with cows.
I wonder what other surprises are in store for me? 
On Friday my sister arranged for me to go north to mind my niece's dog next weekend, as the previously organised dog sitting arrangement had fallen through. My sister told me it was a big dog, a boxer, who tends to jump up and slurp all over you. That's fine, it's good to be warned ahead.
In a message this morning in finalising a few details, my niece simply said, she's very friendly. I was also told the cows on the small property would probably self manage themselves. Cows? My sister didn't mention cows. And the word probably is a bit worrying. What say they don't? Oh well, I have the neighbours phone number, just in case. I'm not too experienced with cows.
I wonder what other surprises are in store for me? 11 people like this
10 responses
@noni1959 (13061)
• United States
18 Oct 15
I agree. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I wouldn't worry about the cows. If you see something important call the neighbor. They usually tend to themselves except in areas they need some extra feed tossed to them. Just be careful because they can trample if they have calves and or see the feed coming.
1 person likes this
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
18 Oct 15
Obviously not since they are self managing. They aren't dairy cows, but raised for their meat. Anyway, on small holdings such as this in NZ if they were dairy cows they'd probably be milked in a neighbours milking shed or similar arrangement.
1 person likes this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
19 Oct 15
Hmm. I hope there are places for the cows to drink and enough grass for them to graze. You'd think the cows would have been mentioned in the original request.
1 person likes this
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
19 Oct 15
Looks as if you could be in for an interesting time Val. I remember once when I stayed at my brother and sister in law's fam. I was there alone and one day a horse put his head through the bedroom window. Twas a bit of a shock but ended ok, Enjoy your adventure.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
18 Oct 15
Wow, cows too? Let's hope the next surprise that awaits will be a good one.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
18 Oct 15
well, I bet with cows you just have to make sure the fence is intact, the cows are all present, and they have water, I assume they graze so food it not a big deal, going to be amused if you get there and find some more surprises
1 person likes this
