As we draw nearer to Christmas (yes Christmas, not "the Holidays") thoughts turn towards family, memories, and what Christmas really means to me.
It is the birth of Christ celebrated every year to commemorate that blessed moment. It is not "The Holidays", it is Christmas and I resent the efforts to impel me and my fellow Christians to "de-Christ" this blessed day in favor of a more user friendly generic designation, designed to not only be more politically correct, but to get non-Christians to go out and spend!! See my point. If I were a non-Christian I would be insulted. Nuff said.
Back to Christmas, and my 2 new family members. Barbara and Mabel have become important members of our little family. They are our pets and like Annie we treat them as the little gifts from God we have agree to care for.
We you look at You Tube you see thousands of videos people have posted of their pets ( and of course PSY). We love our pets. I have yet to post a video of the girls though my husband posted a video of me singing my Ode to Caffeine. But I'm sure Iwill. What is it about our pets that inspire us to talk about them, video tape them, dress them in outfits that match ours, etc?
We all know the answer to that, don't we? LOVE. They love us unconditionally, without judgement.
It is easier to love a pet sometimes than to love our fellow human beings. Do my chickens love me?
hard to say, but I think they know that I care for them, and look to me to do that. Fact is I love them, even of they can't show me the way Annie does. Are they helping me to learn to love unconditionally? Hmmm
John Lennon was right you know, ultimately, All You Need Is Love. May the God of your Choosing Bless you today.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
December 12, 2012: Barbara Learns Trick
Those of you who think chickens are dumb...you'll want to re-think that. Over the last week or so, we have been giving the girls raisins. They love them! I mean Barbara is crazy for them. So Cal decided to see if he could teach her a trick. It took 1.5 seconds for her to jump onto his knee to get a raisin.
Today she repeated that trick. She has successfully trained Cal to sit in the lawn and feed her raisins.
She has already taught us to open the coop door and let her out ASAP in the morning, or she will cococo until she wakes the neighborhood.
She has taught us not to open up the coop upper door to air it out, until after she lays her morning egg.
The first time I opened the door in the morning and went back into the house, she came to the door in the dining room and raised hell. It only took me 1.5 seconds to see that she wanted me to close the door so she could go up into the nesting area and lay her egg in safety. She promptly climbed up the ramp into the nest and laid her egg. Now I never open the upper door of the coop until she has laid her egg.
Who knows what she will teach us next. She is one sharp cookie. Now Mabel, well she just eats the raisins.
Today she repeated that trick. She has successfully trained Cal to sit in the lawn and feed her raisins.
She has already taught us to open the coop door and let her out ASAP in the morning, or she will cococo until she wakes the neighborhood.
She has taught us not to open up the coop upper door to air it out, until after she lays her morning egg.
The first time I opened the door in the morning and went back into the house, she came to the door in the dining room and raised hell. It only took me 1.5 seconds to see that she wanted me to close the door so she could go up into the nesting area and lay her egg in safety. She promptly climbed up the ramp into the nest and laid her egg. Now I never open the upper door of the coop until she has laid her egg.
Who knows what she will teach us next. She is one sharp cookie. Now Mabel, well she just eats the raisins.
Monday, December 10, 2012
December 10, 2010: Rethinking Chicken Clothes
When I first saw the websites for clothing for chickens, I thought "these people are nuts." I am re-thinking this attitude as it gets colder outside. I judged to quickly and now am thinking I'll start a project to make the girls each a Christmas sweater.
Unfortunately I do not knit and have forgotten how to crochet. I used to do a hellofa macrame'd plant holder back in my hippie days. Does anyone remember macrame? Anyway, perhaps I can buy a baby sweaters at Target or Walmart and adapt them to the girls.
If I do this, I will definitely take a picture so you can see how far I have gone down the chicken-crazy path.
Meanwhile I am laying on the couch by the fire with a blanket, and have just turned up the heater. Woke up at 0430 this morning for no apparent reason. Does this ever happen to you? And I mean I am wide awake, not just sleepy awake.
I reminds me of my working days when I got up at 0430, walked the dog, showered, washed my hair, ate a quick breakfast and was out the door to drive 50 miles to be to work by 0730.
Sometime I had to catch a 0600 flight from the airport, also 50 miles away. had to leave the house at 0330 to get there, check in etc.
How in God's name did I ever do that?
I'll keep you posted on the chicken sweaters.
Friday, December 7, 2012
December 7, 2012: Free the Chicken!
After several days of gloomy rainy, icky weather, today the sun rose in all it's glorious splendor.. Mabel and Barbara were up early and fairly dashed out of the coop when Cal let them out. They could not get out of the coop fast enough and rush out onto what was the lawn.
They both had lots to say, chattering, cococoing, and occasional clucking. It's s funny, only Mable clucks and when she does, it's a one note, loud and short. then she looks around to see "who did that".
They had visitors last night when David and Susan came over for dinner. They were up in their nesting area sleeping so cute all cozy together. Then today when I my Mom came by for coffee and we went out to see them, they were in the back corner of the yard but came running, doing the poultry equivalent of the 50 yard dash. Barbara was talking the whole time. She loves to communicate.
So they got to spend all day out in the sun. I think they wore themselves out, cause I went out at 4:30pm to check on them, it was still very light out, but Mabel was climbing the ramp up to the nest already and Barbara, with the help of a yellow cherry tomato I coaxed her with, readily went into the coop. I swear they must have played all day.
We also picked them up and fuzzled them both today. One or both of us try to pick up , hold and pet and talk to the girls at least once a day. Remember, Zahra calls this fuzzeling and that word fits perfectly.
When I was holding Mabel, I made the cocococo sound and her little ears perked up. I have no idea what I was saying in chicken speak, but she clearly found it fascinating. They probably get their little chicken heads together at night and talk about their crazy Mom. Like the French, my pronunciation will never make the grade. They laugh at my accent, I know it. It's OK, they give me a lot of joy. Watching them and listening to them makes me laugh too.
They both had lots to say, chattering, cococoing, and occasional clucking. It's s funny, only Mable clucks and when she does, it's a one note, loud and short. then she looks around to see "who did that".
They had visitors last night when David and Susan came over for dinner. They were up in their nesting area sleeping so cute all cozy together. Then today when I my Mom came by for coffee and we went out to see them, they were in the back corner of the yard but came running, doing the poultry equivalent of the 50 yard dash. Barbara was talking the whole time. She loves to communicate.
So they got to spend all day out in the sun. I think they wore themselves out, cause I went out at 4:30pm to check on them, it was still very light out, but Mabel was climbing the ramp up to the nest already and Barbara, with the help of a yellow cherry tomato I coaxed her with, readily went into the coop. I swear they must have played all day.
We also picked them up and fuzzled them both today. One or both of us try to pick up , hold and pet and talk to the girls at least once a day. Remember, Zahra calls this fuzzeling and that word fits perfectly.
When I was holding Mabel, I made the cocococo sound and her little ears perked up. I have no idea what I was saying in chicken speak, but she clearly found it fascinating. They probably get their little chicken heads together at night and talk about their crazy Mom. Like the French, my pronunciation will never make the grade. They laugh at my accent, I know it. It's OK, they give me a lot of joy. Watching them and listening to them makes me laugh too.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
December 4, 2012: Chicken Wrangler Whines
Today I'm gonna whine for a minute. Why, cause I learned it from my Mom. Mom is 85 years old and healthy as a horse. She will probably outlive both twin sister and I. We are stove up, as they say, from time to time.
Last Thursday I twisted my back trying not to step on my dog who ran in front of me, and whammo, back killing me. Tried to power through it, no go. Gave in on Friday and went to bed with ice. Oh whaa whaa whaa. In the greater scheme of things this was nothing. So many are suffering real pain, sickness and trauma, my little back thing was nothing.
I complained a little bit, mostly laid quietly in bed, asked for help from time to time from Cal. Prayed for healing for me and all those I know who are suffering.
Two things come to mind: As an RN, I learned that I was not really sick unless I had a temp. over 101 degrees, or was bleeding from unexpected place. I learned to ignore my own body.
Second, I grew up with a Mom who complained a lot about every ache and pain, still does. Unfortunately she complained so much and for so long, that it is hard to know when she really needs help. It's like the little boy who cried wolf. At 85 she has the right to complain, but what for?
I hope and pray that if and when I reach her age I have something other to talk about then what hurts, or what TV show I am watching. I love my Mom. My sister and I are constantly trying to get her to get out of the house. We have tried to make her feel better for 65 years. Only she can accomplish that.
What a conundrum. First, I learn to ignore my own bodies signals, and I hear my Mom complain about every ache and pain. Think there's a psychological implication there? Oh Yeah!
I think boredom leads to over concern with oneself. It stunts conversation when one does not get out and interact with the universe. But my Mom is living the life she wants. She is healthy and strong, and locked into her habits like concrete. So....whine whine whine. And God bless her, and Karen and I.
Chickens never whine, they only complain when they want more scratch. They are constantly busy and interested in their environment, and they know when to rest, when they need a dust bath and how to take care of themselves. Chickens don't whine.
Last Thursday I twisted my back trying not to step on my dog who ran in front of me, and whammo, back killing me. Tried to power through it, no go. Gave in on Friday and went to bed with ice. Oh whaa whaa whaa. In the greater scheme of things this was nothing. So many are suffering real pain, sickness and trauma, my little back thing was nothing.
I complained a little bit, mostly laid quietly in bed, asked for help from time to time from Cal. Prayed for healing for me and all those I know who are suffering.
Two things come to mind: As an RN, I learned that I was not really sick unless I had a temp. over 101 degrees, or was bleeding from unexpected place. I learned to ignore my own body.
Second, I grew up with a Mom who complained a lot about every ache and pain, still does. Unfortunately she complained so much and for so long, that it is hard to know when she really needs help. It's like the little boy who cried wolf. At 85 she has the right to complain, but what for?
I hope and pray that if and when I reach her age I have something other to talk about then what hurts, or what TV show I am watching. I love my Mom. My sister and I are constantly trying to get her to get out of the house. We have tried to make her feel better for 65 years. Only she can accomplish that.
What a conundrum. First, I learn to ignore my own bodies signals, and I hear my Mom complain about every ache and pain. Think there's a psychological implication there? Oh Yeah!
I think boredom leads to over concern with oneself. It stunts conversation when one does not get out and interact with the universe. But my Mom is living the life she wants. She is healthy and strong, and locked into her habits like concrete. So....whine whine whine. And God bless her, and Karen and I.
Chickens never whine, they only complain when they want more scratch. They are constantly busy and interested in their environment, and they know when to rest, when they need a dust bath and how to take care of themselves. Chickens don't whine.
Monday, December 3, 2012
December 3, 2012: HAPPY HENS!
The girls were so happy to see the sun today. ( me too) Our yard is a muddy mess, but they still wanted out of the coop to slog around. After they got their scratch and cracked corn, they ran like the wind out onto what used to be the lawn, now mud. Later they found a corner next to the house and have been nestling down, scratching around and dust bathing. It is so funny to watch them jockeying for the best spot. Just like two little kids. Mable has come into her own and doesn't take any crap from Barbara anymore.
Hurt my back a few days ago, and can't go out and play with them so...... they gather at the slider window in my bedroom waiting and watching for Mommy.
My Mom came by today to check on me as Cal was volunteering at the Salvation Army. He helps residents at The Depot, a residential treatment program for drug/alcohol abusers, every Monday, learn the computer, how to write resumes', etc. She got to watch me throw grapes to the girls. They are nuts about grapes.
I saw an interesting thing today while lying in bed. Barbara and Mable have identified the plastic box where we keep their food. First Barbara trotted up to it, looked long and hard ( you can see through it). Then she stood on her tippy toes and examined more closely. Mable came running over, as if summoned. I am sure they were plotting how to get it down and open it up. Their little chicken heads were together and it looked like they were hatching a plan. ( pardon the pun ). They also kept watching over their shoulders to see if anyone was watching. When I tapped on the window, they scattered in different directions. I'm telling ya, they are planning something. I'm sure of it.
Looks like more rain coming, so Cal re -wrapped our charming little coop back in it's hillbilly wrapper,replaced the pumpkin, etc. to hold it down in case of big wind. It looks awful, but does the trick.
I think tomorrow I'll be able to get up and about longer and finish the Christmas Decorating. Cal did the front yard and porch today, under my watchful eye. It looks so pretty.
Hurt my back a few days ago, and can't go out and play with them so...... they gather at the slider window in my bedroom waiting and watching for Mommy.
My Mom came by today to check on me as Cal was volunteering at the Salvation Army. He helps residents at The Depot, a residential treatment program for drug/alcohol abusers, every Monday, learn the computer, how to write resumes', etc. She got to watch me throw grapes to the girls. They are nuts about grapes.
I saw an interesting thing today while lying in bed. Barbara and Mable have identified the plastic box where we keep their food. First Barbara trotted up to it, looked long and hard ( you can see through it). Then she stood on her tippy toes and examined more closely. Mable came running over, as if summoned. I am sure they were plotting how to get it down and open it up. Their little chicken heads were together and it looked like they were hatching a plan. ( pardon the pun ). They also kept watching over their shoulders to see if anyone was watching. When I tapped on the window, they scattered in different directions. I'm telling ya, they are planning something. I'm sure of it.
Looks like more rain coming, so Cal re -wrapped our charming little coop back in it's hillbilly wrapper,replaced the pumpkin, etc. to hold it down in case of big wind. It looks awful, but does the trick.
I think tomorrow I'll be able to get up and about longer and finish the Christmas Decorating. Cal did the front yard and porch today, under my watchful eye. It looks so pretty.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
December 1, 2012: Christmas Gifts for Chicken Wranglers
Merry Christmas Everyone. December 1st means several things to me: 1) get the decorations up and put up the tree; 2) start planning Christmas Brunch (my assignment for the family); 3) decide whether to send Christmas Cards; 4) try to stay calm.
Christmas can be such a stressful time, but it does not have to be! What's with all the gift giving mania. My friends, there is no perfect gift. Give that up. Adopt a different plan. Look for mediocre gifts, stuff you would like, or give money.
Our family generally does not exchange gifts on Christmas, other than my sister who almost always breaks that agreement. We only have our grandchildren in London to buy gifts for and their Dad always asks us to send American children's books. So that's easy enough. I don't need anything, but...... the Chicken Wrangler might.
This year I am going to ask Santa for things for the chickens: feed, scratch, cracked corn, etc. Oh yeah and how about a bale of pine shavings? Sexy, huh?
The girls tell me they want more grapes. They go crazy over them. So grapes it is for them. They ask so little and give so much. Example: Yesterday my Sis and Brother in Law came over for Cal's homemade biscuits and an omelet made from Barbara's eggs. After breakfast, we sat in the living room in front of the fire. The girls were at the dining room sliding glass door. I watched John as he watched them, and he was smiling. He calls them the girls too now and seems to like seeing them.
They are joyful little things. Making their little joyful noises like cococococo, not coo coo, cocococo. Or Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. Chickens bring out the best is us.
Just now they were pecking at the dining room slider. It is still raining out so while free from the coop, they are staying under the patio roof, and are clearly bored. Barbara is raising a fuss so she must have laid an egg. She loves to announce her productions. You Go Girl. Here's Cal with her just laid egg.
I will turn on the dining room light so they can see in better. Cal and I will do our version of Reality TV: walk around, read on the couch, watch TV, drink another cup of coffee. They seem satisfied with watching us do that.
Hey, you know what, I'm going to go hobble (hurt my back) into the dining room and sing Old MacDonald Had A Farm and see how they react. Maybe a verse of I left My Heart In San Francisco. I'll let you know later if they enjoy that.
Christmas can be such a stressful time, but it does not have to be! What's with all the gift giving mania. My friends, there is no perfect gift. Give that up. Adopt a different plan. Look for mediocre gifts, stuff you would like, or give money.
Our family generally does not exchange gifts on Christmas, other than my sister who almost always breaks that agreement. We only have our grandchildren in London to buy gifts for and their Dad always asks us to send American children's books. So that's easy enough. I don't need anything, but...... the Chicken Wrangler might.
This year I am going to ask Santa for things for the chickens: feed, scratch, cracked corn, etc. Oh yeah and how about a bale of pine shavings? Sexy, huh?
The girls tell me they want more grapes. They go crazy over them. So grapes it is for them. They ask so little and give so much. Example: Yesterday my Sis and Brother in Law came over for Cal's homemade biscuits and an omelet made from Barbara's eggs. After breakfast, we sat in the living room in front of the fire. The girls were at the dining room sliding glass door. I watched John as he watched them, and he was smiling. He calls them the girls too now and seems to like seeing them.
They are joyful little things. Making their little joyful noises like cococococo, not coo coo, cocococo. Or Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. Chickens bring out the best is us.
Just now they were pecking at the dining room slider. It is still raining out so while free from the coop, they are staying under the patio roof, and are clearly bored. Barbara is raising a fuss so she must have laid an egg. She loves to announce her productions. You Go Girl. Here's Cal with her just laid egg.
I will turn on the dining room light so they can see in better. Cal and I will do our version of Reality TV: walk around, read on the couch, watch TV, drink another cup of coffee. They seem satisfied with watching us do that.
Hey, you know what, I'm going to go hobble (hurt my back) into the dining room and sing Old MacDonald Had A Farm and see how they react. Maybe a verse of I left My Heart In San Francisco. I'll let you know later if they enjoy that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)