It surprised me the other day to realize that there are 24 of us living on the farmette full time right now. Mike and I, Jake the dog, Sterling and George the cats, Cody and Whiskey the horses and 17 hens of various breeds. No wonder it seems like you’re never alone around here…
No sooner do I appear outside than this gaggle appears to harass me for treats. They come from every direction, at the walk, the run and on the wing. It’s freakin’ hilarious and overwhelming at the same time. Once they’ve found me, they either get bored, or they torment me – completely dependent on whether I’m walking towards the hen shack or not.
If the horses are outside and it’s anywhere a meal time, you can pretty much guarantee that Cody has his head over the fence by the barn door looking to see if you know he’s there.
Sterling is an omnipresent force in the garage these days. He took up residence on top of the chest freezer in October and with the addition of a heated bed is usually there or on the front porch. He’s so much happier outside with the freedom to come and go as he chooses.
Always happy to see either of us, Jake greets us with kisses and joyful leaping when we get home from work. His world is not right until you’ve either thrown the ball for him or found a fresh egg as a treat. He’s just about the sweetest dog I’ve ever known, a good thing considering he’s pushing 120 pounds these days.
And then there’s George. He’s the soul of the barn. So fat he can barely get in and out his personal entrance (although the hens don’t have the same problem), George is king of his domain. When people ask how he got to be so rotund (he used to be skinny), I just laugh and tell them that we no longer have a mouse problem in the barn and that now our mole population is suffering too… He’s got a purr and presence that are even larger than he is.
You really can’t be lonely around here. Even when you think you’re enjoying a moment of solitude, there’s probably another heartbeat within spitting distance. And it’s a wonderful warm feeling.
*****
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I love this. Animals (even the 2-legged ones) are wonderful to have around.
Thanks Anita. I love the hens – had a great time with them when I got home before dark tonight.
What a great description of all of your fuzzy (and feathered) friends! Our mouser is such a fatty too! Who knew mice and moles were so caloric…
Certainly not me! Of course, he eats his share of cat food too…
Wow! It must be really nice to be surrounded with life like that and be apart of something big right in your own home.
It is, although it kind of sneaks in and out of focus for me. Must be the early signs of spring.
Love this post. Can’t wait to meet the posse.