Right now, our elder child is away as a camp counselor for
two months. She made it back here for 36 hours over the weekend, but really,
she is gone for two months. Our younger child is responsible for most of the
chickens, and one small group of the goats, but I am essentially taking over
lots of responsibilities I used to share...
This had led to me learn a few things while she has been
away...
1. My two goats really do poop more than all of the others
put together. That wasn't an exaggeration. Lulu seems proud of that, but she is
jealous of sharing me with the other goats while their caretaker is away,
2. The camouflage shade cloth makes the kidding pens look
like a MASH unit. The goats all hoped it was real leaves, and had to try it.
Then they tried it over and over again until I tied it WAY up to keep it out of
their reach!
3. The boys really do knock their little house over as many
times per day as you are willing to put it back up. She wasn't blowing me off
when I asked her to pick it up. Now, I
believe they think it is funny since I fuss over them having the extra shade.
Then when I go in to fix their messes, they dance and act neglected since their
usual caretaker is away.
4. My geese really are as destructive as I thought. They are
working extra hard to plow through the container garden. They trimmed the
citrus trees, including some new trees that really didn't need it, ate three
pots worth of mint- three times each- and the basil twice, not to mention a few
other things!
5. Bailey's black Cochin hen has issues. At least she is
finally letting the new little hens sleep on the same side of the house. But
that little chickie has issues! Very
antisocial, that one. New little ones
are fine, not sure what to make of her, but fine.
6. Shadow gets lazy in the summer. She will sleep in from of
the fan with the boys all day if allowed, then roll in the mud but still expect
to come back in. Okay, that part really isn't new, but she used to get up and
head outside with me at first light! At least she still takes guard duty seriously, I suppose.
What have you learned when you were required to go without your partner in crime?