Game of Goats

For citizens of Westeros in George R. R. Martin's fantasy world, winters are bitter, brutal and unbearably long, often lasting a dreadful ten years or more. So extensive are the preparations required to survive the frozen years, "Winter is Coming" is a constant spoken reminder even during decades of warmth and plenty.

My goats are very grateful they are not Starks or Lannisters!

Frigid months are no fun for goats, especially Elliot with his malicious skin malady and cold intolerance. Thankfully our chilly season only lasts four months, and every day I rub his scabby back and promise, "Summer is coming, Ellie, summer is coming."

Summer, that glorious time when your itchy scabs disappear and your hair grows back...Summer, when you graze all day on rich green grass and tantalizing weeds...Summer, when by evening you waddle back to the kitchen deck and collapse in the waning sun as your satiated belly digests hours of deliciousness...

                                                  Summer is here, goats. Summer is here!