"Ah. Nice marmot."

I met Miss Charlie this afternoon on her farm a few miles south of Watkinsville, GA. She's got a beautiful piece of property with hardwood creek bottoms, plenty of pasture, and a nice, homey house. The goat herd was up under the barn with the two coolest guard dogs you could ask for. Apparently, Great Pyrenees have an instinctual trait that makes them protective of "their" goats. Charlie vouched for them, saying that if I were to cause any kid to bleat or cry for help, those dogs would be at my side in seconds, ready to get physical. And I believe it. At waist high, those beasts could get up and throw 'bows in a heartbeat.

After being introduced to the herd, Charlie spied three young males that fit the bill perfectly. Born in April, these three dudes weighed about 35 pounds a piece, and would put on another 30 before the end of the year. Their size - a little above knee high - is ideal for our existing fence situation. After all, having three hungry goats can only mean less weeds.

Just like every other goat farmer I've come in contact with, Charlie was very generous and informative. I got brief tutorials on catching and worming goats, veterinary troubleshooting, and feed requirements. Nothing too complicated, from what I can tell. She was even nice enough to offer some spare equipment to help get my career as a goat farmer off the ground.

So, everything's peachy on the goat front. As of right now, we have the following:

• 3 goats ready for pickup on Tuesday
• Materials to build a shelter
• A great resource in Charlie
• A yard full of food

Yet, there a more than a few things we lack:

• A goat proof enclosure
• A shelter
• Neighbors' consent

I lied about the pictures. It rained the entire duration of my visit, so the camera stayed dry in the Jeep. They'll be up soon.