Beware of ornery bulls bearing gifts

During the past 18 years of my retirement, I have made over 500 trips to my favorite photo hunting grounds in Amish country, nearby New Wilmington, Pa.

Last June I had arranged with my good Amish farmer friend, Andy, to set up a team of seven matched Belgian draft horses for a photo session. I had taken photos of teams from two through eight, with the exception of the seven teamer.

Andy’ s seven children, ages nine months through 12 years, were observing the photo shoot with interest. Andy wanted me to take a few photos of younger horses behind the barn after we were done with the seven gentle giants in the field. As I walked through his big barn, the children following my footsteps in their bare feet, except for the baby who was being carried by her oldest sister, I was in store for a surprise.

Picture imperfect

A big one-ton Holstein bull’s huge snout was sticking out of his stall. I thought his big nose with flies buzzing around it would be a good photo. As I aimed the camera at him, I heard a loud noise. The children and Andy began to laugh because this snorting, snotty bull had scored a bulls eye on my chest with a bovine booger. A foot higher and he would have hit me in the face.

Andy said this particular bull was noted for his bad disposition. I asked what its name was and Andy replied, “He is a no-name bull.” I would have called him “Big Snot.” When I was growing up during the Great Depression, unruly children earned the moniker “little snot.”

We have to learn to expect the unexpected, especially on the farm. I’m only glad he wasn’t facing the other way in his stall when I passed by and caught his attention. That could have been really messy.

X Michael J. Lacivita is a Youngstown retiree who spends much of his time making photographs and writing stories.