I know I probably talk too much about my donkey and her thought processes – and if I do, I’m sorry.  I just find it fascinating.  Now that she is free to roam around in my paddock, I can observe her – just being Norma Jean – often.

And today, this happened…

(Except, I only got photos of the last part.  So just go with me on the first part.)

HERE GOES.

I was in my office looking down into the backyard.  I saw Norma, visiting with Ethel Merdonk and Princess Buttercup Pebbles.

Then she turned around and went up to the new tree to nibble on the green weeds around it.

Here is where it got interesting…

I saw her pick up her head and stare straight forward.  Her ears were rotating around as she contemplated… something.

This was all happening as she was staring (I thought) straight into the living room through the French doors.

As I continued to watch, I clearly saw her switch from contemplation – to having a complete plan and execution decided.  I swear.  I saw the lightbulb go off and her whole demeanor changed.  She was on a mission.

Norma Jean walked straight forward, at a healthy clip, towards the downstairs windows.

I WAS A BIT ALARMED

I was a bit alarmed because I could tell that she was marching directly towards the French doors.   She doesn’t see that well and she had her fly mask on…which didn’t help.  I was hoping she was going to stop and not crash through the glass doors.

I flew downstairs to find… this.

I KNOW, I KNOW…

I was so relieved that Norma had stopped at the door, I immediately went to the fridge.

I know, I know, rewarding her with watermelon was a bad idea, but I just loved that she was peering in to see what I was doing!  Or maybe she just realized that the windows were windows and that she could see inside… or maybe she saw a reflection and thought that I might be around in there.  I have no idea, really.  All I know is that she had an idea, and she went for it.

After gifting her the watermelon, I thought I’d better get Norma back down to the barn before she figured out how to turn the doorknobs… so I decided to feed 20 minutes early.

Norma must have read my mind because she dashed around to the front of the house and BRAYED for everyone to hear that I was coming out to feed – early.

I PUT ON MY HAT AND WALKED TO THE BARN

I put on my hat and walked to the barn.  Norma Jean followed as fast as her little donkey legs would take her.

And as soon as we both arrived, she ran in front of me and blocked my path.

Norma:  You need to pay the fine.

Me:  I just gave you watermelon.

Norma:  I know, but that isn’t the fine.  You know the fine.  Pay up.

And so with that, the oldest donkey on the farm put her head into my chest and I paid the fine of cheek rubs and forehead kisses.