Virtual goat-herding

Oddly enough, goats have proved to be a popular topic in the J-Blogosphere:

• First, there was Batya’s post about using goat milk to do a mitzvah.
• Next, A Mother in Israel discussed goats in Bnei Brak. (Yes, you read that correctly!)
• And finally, Miriam guest posted here on Our Shiputzim about her family’s pet goat Hephzibah.

Speaking of Hephzibah, some of you observed that you hadn’t pegged me as the type to have a livestock-owning sibling. And the truth is that all of us were startled to learn of the goat’s existence.

However, one must embrace one’s relatives’ eccentricities. Indeed, there are those who claim that my blogging habit is equally unconventional. (“Do people actually read your blog? Seriously? Why??!!” –- a close family member)

In any event, here’s a picture of Hephzibah, בכבודה ובעצמה:

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Miriam and her family, you’re no doubt aware that their neighborhood is known for its strong winds.

Recently, these winds blew Hephzibah’s house down. (Apparently, the wind was unable to distinguish between a goat and the Three Little Pigs…)

Thus, as you can see in the next two pictures, her owners were forced to tether her under the awning leading to their front door in order to protect her from the elements:

But not to worry.

Hephzibah’s new digs are currently under construction:

And in conclusion, please prepare your favorite marionettes. All together now:

High on a hill was a lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo