The interpreter in the picture below was trying to milk the cow. The cow's calf was in the barn, and the cow wanted to go feed it. The interpreter told us that cows weren't tethered for milking in those days. The cow had to be in a cooperative mood.
And here are some of Coggeshall Farm's cheeses. Mary rubs butter on the cheese to help it form a skin.
I think about how long housework takes for us today, with all of the machines which we have. A farmer's wife in 1799 probably sat down only to weave or nurse the baby.
This is a walking wheel for spinning, yet another opportunity for the housewife to stay on her feet.
After we arrived home that day, this is the sweet scene we saw in the car seat behind us.