Back to the Light

We had sun for part of the day today, but it never got above 50... so a chilly St. Patrick's Day. 

How I used to love to go out on St. Patrick's Day... alas, no more. 

Now my going out consists of doing chores. 

Here is the last full moon I'll see while living in our little house. 

I can't hardly believe it. 

The view, looking down on the huge ponds, has been a sight to treasure. 

Lilly is figuring out that Something Is Up.  She sees me carrying boxes to the car constantly.  I went out there today to get ready to go over to the house, and she was waiting for me.  

She did not get to go.  There is no fence yet at the new house... so neither dog can go until it's safe for them. 

We had an estimate for fence made today, and another will be done tomorrow. 

There was a Kafee Klatsch going on in the garden this afternoon, some of the hens were even laying there while they were talking. 

While in the henhouse, there was a group gathered around the salad bowl.  I have the lights on to warm the older birds these last few days again. 

These three HAVE to go with me.  I can't stand it. 

Every night.  Like this. 

Does this dog look guilty? 

She should. 

I had just caught her in the duck house in the old henyard, eating eggs. 

She was sitting there trying to look innocent.  Two minutes later, she went after Fluffernut. 

Of course, she had some competition for Bad.... this one followed behind her, and brought an egg out of the 

duckhouse to eat.  It had frozen and burst... and she carried it around for several minutes. She could barely fit it in her mouth. 

Tomorrow, my last aunt, who passed away Friday, will be buried after visitation and church services in the morning.  

After the funeral, my friends Joani and her Amish farmer friend Chris will come over and 

pick up about 20 of the birds to take home, for several people up in Northwest Missouri. 

I am glad Joani is taking them... and heartbroken to see my beautiful flock beginning to break up. 

Ian, how did you do it? 

I know you had to let your horses go, and it seemed like it went so easily, but I know it could not have. 

It has made feel happy and sad all day, to know what is coming tomorrow.  The birds will be bewildered to be kept inside their houses in the morning as I run through chores... they are used to going right out. 

I have to leave them in, or we will never have a hope of catching them.  Joani will bring 

cages and carriers, she is wise in the ways of doing this. 

I'm not looking forward to going through it, but know it must be done.  Today's scenes of the flock out in the yard will be kept in my heart for always.