Part One - Arrival at the Farm'I've been thinking, Norman,' said his wife Elma, 'We need to take a family vacation. You have been so busy with your business lately, and we all need to spend some time together.'
'Yes, you are right,' agreed Norman, 'I've established a very successful business, but my staff can handle everything while I'm away. I'll see what I can arrange for us and the children.'
'It would be nice to have a restful stay in the countryside, I think,' said Elma.
The next day, Norman had good news.
'I've booked a weekend vacation at a farm,' he said, 'The farm website says that there are lots of friendly animals to interact with; fresh milk brought to the door every morning; a children's play area; a farm shop; even pony riding for children. It's run by a Mr Delshad Martin, and a new business venture for him, so it will be good to support that, too.'
It was quite a long drive to the farm, and it was evening by the time Norman and Elma and their children arrived.
'Good evening Mr Martin,' said Elma.
'Oh please just call me Delshad,' Mr Martin replied.
'I hope you have a very happy vacation here,' said Delshad.
'We'll just have some bread and cheese to eat, and then the children can go to bed,' decided Elma, 'There will be plenty of time to explore the farm tomorrow. We'll eat outside, because it's such a lovely evening.'
'Oh dear,' she said, 'There are chickens in the garden. Shoo! Shoo, chickens, shoo! It's very unhygenic to have birds around when one is eating.'
'Oh no,' cried Elma, 'Where are all these cats coming from? They will put hair and fleas everywhere! Quick, everyone, let's take the food back indoors.'
'Billy, shut the door quickly,' said Norman to his son.
The next morning, Delshad arrived early with the fresh milk.
'Billy! Betty! Come and have some lovely fresh milk!' called Elma.
'Bleah!' cried Betty. 'Ugh!' said Billy.
Even Norman and Elma had to agree that the milk was not very nice.
'Delshad,' said Norman, 'That milk you gave us - was it fresh?'
'Oh yes,' said Delshad, 'It was straight from the cow this morning. I'd only just then milked the cows, and I brought it straight to you. Would you like to come and see them?'
'But... they're not cows,' said Norman.
'Oh yes they are all cows,' said Delshad, 'Every one is female.'
'Another farmer near here has a bull camel, and he takes my young ones too. Camels are lovely animals, aren't they?'
'No, no!' said Elma, 'They could be dangerous! Children, move back!'
'Betty and Billy, you must never never go near those camels. They could bite!' said Elma.
'Delshad,' said Norman, also keeping a safe distance from the camels, 'I see you have camping right there. Are there many people staying? Some nice families, perhaps?'
'Oh just some farming volunteers,' replied Delshad, 'They saw my website and wrote and asked if they could come and help on the farm and learn all about farming. They are students, apparently. So I just said Yes, and that they could stay free of charge at my little campsite. They seem to be enjoying themselves here.'
'Oh, right,' said Norman, rather uncertainly. Then he smiled and said, 'Well, we must go and get some breakfast now. Then we can enjoy our first full day here, I'm sure.'
Tomorrow: Part Two - Betty and Billy get a new friend
