California Coast
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"Eddie's and Ole's Farm"
January 2015, Cambria, California
This beautiful farmhouse is located on a rural country road near Cambria, California. According to its very personable owners, brothers Eddie and Ole (pronounced Oh-Lee), the house was built in 1858. To put things in perspective, that's three years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln had not even become president yet. Eddie and Ole are both approximately 70 years old, mere infants when compared to the age of their home, which has been in their family for generations.
I had been driving in the country early one morning looking for photo ops when I came across this farm, but it was the billy goat that initially caught my attention. I pulled over to take some pictures of the critter, and a few minutes later Eddie came over and began talking to me. Eventually Ole showed up as well, and we immediately took to each other. They invited me on the property and took me on an impromptu tour, proudly pointing out one feature after another.
When I asked them the name of the goat, Eddie responded "That's Billy Goat". I can only imagine how long it must have taken them to come up with such a creative name. I'm going to spruce things up a little bit and unofficially name the varmint "Bill E. Goat". All in all it was a delightful morning as I got to know two of the most interesting and congenial men that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. As for Bill E. Goat, I hope that his purpose is not to deter trespassers. He is a very gentle and friendly beast, and the only danger he poses is stepping on your toes as he comes up to you looking for a handout.
