We got five new baby chicks a few weeks ago at the local seed and feed store. They housed about a 100 baby chics in a 4 x 4 box. When I lifted the lid and looked inside, the only description that came to mind was -- snow sparrows.
I brought them home and put them in a small wire cage for protection against hawks, possums, and raccoons.
I don't know that I've ever seen any creatures grow as fast as these little hens. They are eating me out of house & home.
Now that they've almost tripled in size, I'm not keeping them in the smaller cage, but letting them run free in the big yard (as the older chickens call it).
I feed them three times a day and in the evening when I go out to put them in the coop to secure them overnight, they peck at my shoes.
I had just sit down to do my blog when I realize I hadn't put them up for the night. I went out to fasten the coop and did a quick count. I saw only four. Oh CRAP!
I came back inside for a flashlight and went back outside, but when I got back, there were all in the coop. I guess one of them was in stealth mode.
I walked to the edge of the yard and leaned on the fence to take in the evening. I could hear thunder in the distance, and see low hanging dark clouds to the south, but beyond those, I could see cotton white clouds catching light from a sun that was dazzling people on the west coast. And beyond the clouds, I saw stars twinkling like distant lightening bugs.
The one thing that's come home to roost (pun intended) is that my life has changed since retirement. When I was jobbed, I was so consumed with statistics, process, innovation, root cause analysis, and problem mitigation that I never had (or say it more correctly; took) the time to treasure the simple gifts offered each day.
This is in fact, A Wonderful Life.
I brought them home and put them in a small wire cage for protection against hawks, possums, and raccoons.
I don't know that I've ever seen any creatures grow as fast as these little hens. They are eating me out of house & home.
Now that they've almost tripled in size, I'm not keeping them in the smaller cage, but letting them run free in the big yard (as the older chickens call it).
I feed them three times a day and in the evening when I go out to put them in the coop to secure them overnight, they peck at my shoes.
I had just sit down to do my blog when I realize I hadn't put them up for the night. I went out to fasten the coop and did a quick count. I saw only four. Oh CRAP!
I came back inside for a flashlight and went back outside, but when I got back, there were all in the coop. I guess one of them was in stealth mode.
I walked to the edge of the yard and leaned on the fence to take in the evening. I could hear thunder in the distance, and see low hanging dark clouds to the south, but beyond those, I could see cotton white clouds catching light from a sun that was dazzling people on the west coast. And beyond the clouds, I saw stars twinkling like distant lightening bugs.
The one thing that's come home to roost (pun intended) is that my life has changed since retirement. When I was jobbed, I was so consumed with statistics, process, innovation, root cause analysis, and problem mitigation that I never had (or say it more correctly; took) the time to treasure the simple gifts offered each day.
This is in fact, A Wonderful Life.
And that's the truth.
ReplyDeleteThank you Delores.
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom! The chicks sound adorable. It's easy to get caught up in work and forget the things that can make us happiest, most content, and most awed are right in front of us. It certainly is a wonderful life. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm hosting an awesome blogfest and critique giveaway at my blog from June 22-24 that you should totally come participate in if you're interested! :) Hope you have a great day.
~Wendy Lu
The Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest + Chapter Critique Giveaway (hosted by The Red Angel)
Reading this gave me a thrill of happiness. I felt like I was standing right there watching the evening sky with you. Beautiful post :) (and I love your chicks!)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so wonderful. I can't wait till we can retire and maybe have a few little chicks running around. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAwww baby chicks!! How adorable - glad they are all ok and have a big yard to run around in! Yay! Take care
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Retired or not, most of us need to learn this lesson. :) It is quite simply the simple things that make it all worth while.
ReplyDeleteOnce retired, we have the time to think about these things, appreciate them. Did you ever see "Chicken Run"?
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog Rick! Thanks for stopping by for a visit and leaving me a comment. Be back to read more of your post real soon!
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