Kids and Critters

Spring is a dangerous time for me.  There are so many cute babies around.  I want to bring them all home.  The kids love the animals.  Mia has no fear of any of them.  I worry about this a bit but I'm also glad she isn't afraid.  I want her to be careful but not fearful.  Bear is more worried but still loves the animals.  They can freak him out a bit though.  He doesn't like a fast moving chicken or a cat that scratches.  That is okay too.


I'm am sorely tempted to go get about three more chicks.  I would have to do some more modifications to the chicken area though and I just got done with a bunch.  I think I'll hold off until next spring.  I have to make myself. 


I'm surprised how much I've liked the chickens.  I've always kind of been grossed out by chickens.  Especially chicken meat.  I like to eat it but I hate to handle it.  I can butcher red meat but chicken meat is just gross.  Not sure why but it is just a yuck factor that I have to deal with.  The eggs don't bother me much though.  Well, unless they are just barely cooked.  Then the texture can get to me. 


One thing I like is that my kids are getting to know where their food comes from.  My kids know where eggs come from and where meat comes from.  I want them involved in the process so they know their food.  I want them to know how to raise their own food as adults and not feel like it is an impossible task.


Besides, it is pretty darn adorable when Miss Mia picks up a chicken and pets it and talks to it.  She does the same to her cat and I think she would to the dogs if they didn't outweigh her.  She does lay on the floor with them and talks to them while petting them.  Bear loves the animals too but is less lovey-dovey with them.  He and the cat like to snuggle in bed though.  He needs a new kitten since his got killed over the winter.  Good thing spring is here and the kittens will be born soon.


I've been cleaning up outside from the winter.  We moved the chickens to a different area to open up the yard so there is a lot of raking over there to do.  I need to put onions and maybe potatoes in.  I have all sorts of seeds I need to start.  Lots to do.


Yesterday I put lots of it off and did some inside paperwork clean-up.  Today I need to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  It is supposed to be almost 70 degrees after all.  I should dig some beds too.  I think I'll sit out there and spin for an hour or so and then I'll dig some beds and rake.  I did get my grapes pruned yesterday.  Little-by-little it will get done.