Getting Stitched on the Farm

The Population is Exploding

Last night, I mindlessly turned off the kitchen light. But before I could do that chore, I had to check that everyone was okay. I have a small family here in this house. At least, that’s what I always think – only one child and one husband and me. That’s just how it worked out. And it is a lovely life.

But on my way up the stairs, I started thinking about all the other living creatures inside this house I spend my time caring for. Every night, I have to check the chicks water and food and make sure they are all happy and safe. Yes, they are still in the house. See how big they have gotten. They’re feathers are coming in and they are looking like true adolescents. And they are beginning to fly!


Next, I had to put the “puppy” Ness in the crate – she’s one now but the crate is still the safest place for her and my rugs. Then I let Phoebe, our other Border Collie inside. (That’s the two collies – Phoebe on the left and Ness on the right - watching the chick – I think I get the chicks partly for their entertainment.)



Then I had to make sure the momma kitty Lilly Pons was taking care of feeding her three new kittens. She's a great momma and has beautiful kittens. I know it’s not politically correct to not spay a cat but we enjoy a new batch of kittens so much. My mother never let my sisters and I have any animal that pro-created (except guinea pigs). I always envied the kids whose parents let their animals have kittens and puppies. Julia is lucky that Mark and I enjoy kittens almost as much as she does. Kitten anyone?

This nightly ritual doesn’t include the one hundred fifty plus sheep and thirty chickens living outside munching away. I guess we do have a big family after all. When I think of it in pure numbers, it's overwhelming. But when I am amongst it, it's just home and how we've made it.

Family is what and who you make it. I hope you and yours have a lovely weekend.