We were a great team: three women and five men. The early shift ran from 2:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or only 8:00 a.m. if things went well. If one of us had a family celebration, the mixer was turned off briefly and the heavy whipping cream was skimmed off. With good feed, the milk could have 6% fat. We were our own people. The foreman could talk himself hoarse. Cotta, a village 30 km southeast of Dresden. We rarely went into town, says Regina, we had everything. At Christmas, the LPG gave us 10 kilos of beef. The 180 dairy cows knew the way from the pasture to the barn. If we were late, the herd ran through the electric fence to be milked. Regina worked in the dairy farming sector as a milkmaid. Her three children slept while she worked. Grandma lived in the house, and her husband, Ebbi, was often away on assembly lines. In the morning, the neighbor's daughter took the children to daycare by bike, one on the bike rack and one in the front basket. There was nothing to worry about: It all worked out. There were around 15 to 25 young people in the village. We were happy with our lives. Twice a year we had three-week vacations, that was a given. In the summer, we'd camp on the Baltic Sea, paying one mark a day for the campsite. Summer camp for the children. Good years. Regina was 18 when she started working for the cooperative. She had her three children at 20, 23, and 27. We were a great bunch and had fun. At night, we'd sometimes spontaneously go skinny-dipping in the lake. We were free. Everyone came along. There was nothing to be done! We met for barbecues; everyone brought something. Homemade bread, sausage, a case of beer. And when it started to rain, we moved into the garage. At the end, we'd have cocoa-nut liqueur. It was uncomplicated. The next morning, everyone came together to clean up and eat leftovers. If one of us had a problem, everyone was immediately there to help. There was no excuse. If someone strayed, we put them in their place and brought them back into the community. One for all, all for one. There was no excuse. We stood up for each other. We stuck together. We were a great bunch. 1969 to 1989: I wouldn't have missed a single day!
