I’ve been offline this extended weekend for the first time in a loooong time. I decided to spend the holidays focused on the kids and animals which meant I wasn’t in front of my computer (well much anyway.)
I baked, I shopped, and I was able to read a book (or two.) It was heaven.
- A few things, if you read the previous two posts you’ll know that the kids and I will be doing Elf in a Coop. It’s a bit challenging because a coop is only so big but we’re always up for a fun adventure.
- Here’s the quote I missed putting up last week:
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” – unknown
- And guess what?
Storm’s got a fluffy butt.
This is what Storm’s butt used to look like when she was mauled by the others in the flock:
Seriously, she lost her entire backside
This is what it looks like now that she’s had time to heal and be away from her evil sisters.
Each morning, we take her outside and house her in a protective pen with her two bantam sisters. She gets plenty of food and water and then each evening, her sisters go back to the coop and we have Storm roost inside.
And just look at the lovely butt. I still have some concerns for when she starts laying eggs as I think that she might tear some tissue but there is not much I can do about that except to be ready and on the lookout.
- Lastly, I wanted to share a wonderful holiday story with you.
Yesterday was the day that I had to drive my son back up to Norwich University, Vermont where he is a cadet. He had been home since the previous Friday and it was good to have our little chick back in the nest along with all the other chicks, where he could sleep and eat to his heart’s content.
It’s always bittersweet when one has to leave.
Sunday morning, as a celebration of us all being together for the last time this holiday and as a “good-food” sendoff we decided to take everyone to a wonderful French restaurant Chez Vachon in Manchester. Trevor had to wear his cadet uniform because he and I would leave from the restaurant for the drive to Vermont.
Everyone was there except for my son Griffin who couldn’t be home for Thanksgiving (but who WILL be home for Christmas.) We laughed, we enjoyed each others company. We ate poutine (oh yum), had crepes stuffed with strawberries, maple cream, peanut butter, and, of course, chocolate (but not all at once.) Hash browns, sausage links and smokey bacon (along with cups of coffee for the older ones) completed our feast.
At one point the waitress came over and told us that our meal had been taken care of by someone in the restaurant who wanted to remain anonymous. Seven people eating a meal! and someone paid for the entire tab.
We learned later that it was a “thank you” to my son for his service.
It was a beautiful gesture, warmed all of our hearts, and made this mom feel better knowing that other people are looking out for her kids, especially the one who is choosing to potentially put himself in harm’s way to protect his country.
What a way to start the holiday season.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at Wendy@SimpleThrift.com
Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.
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