Ella and Snow Angel had been building quite the special relationship. Even though the chicks had grown large enough to be moved into the main chicken run, she still insisted on daily visits to “her chicks” to hold them, coddle them, and feed them. And Snow Angel seemed particularly open to her affection, letting Ella hold her and coo at her to her heart’s content.
Sadly, last night a raccoon got into the chicken run before we had closed the coop door, and Snow Angel and Tiny didn’t make it. Brian found the carcasses when he went up to close the door. My heart was so heavy – how was Ella going to take it? When we gently broached the topic this morning, she did need a few moments under the covers by herself to process. But after a minute or two, she popped up and asked, “Can we get some more baby chicks?” Peck got an extra bunch of loving today, and I think she will become the new recipient of Ella’s unending love. Just another reminder that children live in the moment, and that our expectation of their feelings is usually quite different than their reality.
On the baby goat front, we have been slowly introducing them to the rest of the herd, making sure that they don’t get hurt by the older does. They are just so irresistible and soft and sproingy and sweet. So capricious, if you will. And just the perfect size for a goat photo shoot!
There has also been bed prepping and Brassica planting, and mulching mulching mulching, and most exciting of all – tomato planting! Yes – the first (15) tomatoes have gone in the ground, in the greenhouse! I’m so eager to get the rest going. This year I have gone a bit overboard with 75 or so plants, but when I’m eating canned salsa next February, it will all be worth it!
It’s spring, my friends. It is spring.
(Featured Article From: http://homestead-honey.com)
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