One of the last things on my “to-do” list was a visit to Nightengale’s Dairy so we’d have plenty of milk in case Santa hadn’t had enough when he stopped at our house. We had plenty of cookies. Since I was pretty sure the girls wouldn’t have Christmas off and buying milk is self-serve, I further justified the trip by deciding to see if the cattle were lowing.
(According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “lowing” means making the deep, long sound of a cow. And, in case you missed the reference to the lullaby/Christmas Carol Away in a Manger, the context is “The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes…”)
Okay, so maybe I was a bit focused on Christmas.
When I arrived, my first impression was, “Where are the girls!?” They are usually visible along the edge of their shelter, munching and chewing. They seem to recognize my truck, and some will come to the corner nearest it, seeking some pats and conversation. I walked closer and realized that I’d arrived at the milking hour. They were all lined up in the back, waiting their turns. They didn’t seem to be lowing. I understand that priority and didn’t feel rejected–maybe a little disappointed.
When I came out of the store area with my milk, the two calves that had been huddling in their huts came running to the fence. They were wearing nice warm coats and seemed pleased at the thought of some company. I was willing to wade through the snow to get close enough for some scratching and pats.
They did make some noise. I suppose, in a relative sense, it could qualify as “lowing,” although it seemed more like squeaking or humming–cow baby talk.
I’ve often thought that it would be interesting to spend Christmas Eve in a stable with assorted animals. The simplicity of it seems appropriate and inviting “on a cold winter’s night.”
We often use the word “magic” to describe Christmas. Kids seem better at experiencing the magic of Christmas, probably because they keep things simple. Magic shouldn’t be complicated. But It should be seen and experienced. And not just at Christmas.
Things that I grew up with stay with me. You start a certain way, and then you spend your whole life trying to find a certain simplicity that you had. It’s less about staying in childhood than keeping a certain spirit of seeing things in a different way.
Tim Burton