Sunday, July 3, 2022

Better

 


What, you may say, am I looking at here? 

Well, that is Violet, the bantam mother, and her child, Dr. Pansaloony, cuddled up for sleep. This cracks me up. I wonder whether Dr. P. or Violet is the one who instigates this under-the-wing sleeping arrangement. Darla's kids still sleep with her in a nest box but not in any way approaching that proximity. It is hot and I can't imagine they're cuddling like that for any reason other than the desire for closeness. Unless Violet still has a deep maternal need to protect her young. Good thing she only had one child. 
I sent the picture to the kids last night and Hank replied, "The Doc knows a good thing when he has it." 
For both their sakes, I surely hope that Doc is a lady. 

I feel so much better this evening. There are two things that I can attribute this to. 
Love, and a solid plan for someone to come and stay here to take care of the critters and house while we are in NC. 
Actually, love is involved in both. 
My husband got home from the coast around noon and he has been so dear and so sweet and I have accepted that dear sweetness and returned it in kind and my heart felt as if it had sighed and let go of some anger as he held me in his arms. 
So that is lovely. 
I have been extremely worried about the fact that we didn't have a house-sitter for the time we will be gone to see the Weatherfords. I have literally lost sleep worrying about it. I had posted on Facebook and no one replied that they could although I did get messages from both Mexico and France saying that they wished they could. Which I appreciated. Our neighbors have offered to do the chicken/cat duty and I appreciate that more than I can say but it just seems like a lot to ask. Another friend said that he would be glad to drive out here from Tallahassee (twice a day!) to feed and tend our feathery and furry companions but again- that just seems too extreme. And although Maurice hates it when we leave and rarely shows up in person when we have a house-sitter (unless it's Rachel, whom she likes) I don't want her to think we've abandoned her completely. 
Which is ridiculous. 
So today I reposted on FB and our dear and longtime friend Mark responded that he would be happy to do it. 
Which is perfection. 
I had thought of asking him. Mark works from wherever he is, via the internet, but I never know WHERE he is, although I know he's been in Texas lately. But he says he would love to stay here, will be in town anyway, and I am so grateful and so relieved. He's stayed here before and is comfortable here and I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from my chest. 
Mark is one of the people who calls me "momma" so you can only imagine how grateful I am. 
I now feel as if I can truly make plans for our trip and Mr. Moon has reserved us a room in Athens, Georgia for our traditional stop on the way up to Black Mountain and I will begin making lists tomorrow of what I need to do before we leave and what we need to take with us. 

I picked more figs today. I am thinking that I might actually be able to can a few jars of preserves before I leave. And my husband has mapped out a route for us to come home which will include a stop at a place called Barney's Peach Stand so that we can have peach ice cream and buy a shit ton of peaches to bring home for me to make preserves and pickled peaches with. 

Ooh boy. 

Reason to live. 

Love...Ms. Moon

22 comments:

  1. the chicken pic is hilarious! Never too big (almost) to cuddle under Mama's wings. So glad you have found a friend to stay at your house during your absence. That is always such a relief, I know. And someone you know, love and respect.......and who returns that love and respect........it's the best and your animals will be happy! Having someone stay.....rather than just twice a day pop ins........is excellent! Yeah! So happy!
    Susan M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am most grateful to our Mark. I just hope he enjoys his stay here.

      Delete
  2. So glad you are better. It is interesting how one niggling thing can throw everything off. Although of course I know that there is more than one niggling thing.

    I received my copy of The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, and what an adorable book. I love all the details you can point out as you read. My question after reading it is: Have you ever made pickled eggplant?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am SO glad that you got that book. Isn't it a joy?
      No. I have never made pickled eggplant although I have been tempted. Maybe I will one of these days.

      Delete
  3. Yes, it's a relief to have a house sitter. I think Violet needs a baby sitter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! I think you are right! Violet does indeed need a baby-sitter!

      Delete
  4. 37paddington:
    Such wonderful news about Mark, I think I remember him from previous posts, and such lovely closeness with your beautiful man, plus a road trip to undertake that is no longer unfamiliar, so there isn’t the anxiety of the unknown as you head toward reunion with your beloveds. I’m happy just thinking about all the joy in store for you now that your heart is at rest about your critters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really glad too. You may remember Mark. He, like so many other beautiful people I know, came into our family through Hank. The children all love him because he does Lego with them. He is precious.

      Delete
  5. You sound so relieved and what a difference that makes in a person's life. Now you will get set for your trip and you will have a wonderful time!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Being away from home when one has lots of critters can always be problematic. Glad you were able to have a friend help out in that regard. Trip sounds attractive as does picking up some peaches on the way home.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Peaches and peach ice cream! I'm practically drooling at the thought.
    Thank heavens for Mark! Now off you go and have a wonderful time :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I had to laugh at that picture because I couldn't figure it out at first. Looks like "chicken yoga" from my vantage point!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You must check out Yorkshire Puddings latest post. It is for you. Love ya

    ReplyDelete
  10. So glad you found someone to house sit and pet sit- it is my nightmare- and I now only have one cat left. Mom and chick are soo cute.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Glad to hear you got someone to house sit. It really is a relief.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a huge relief to get that sorted out. We've had to arrange for a house-sitter for our two trips away this summer and it's been equally stressful! But now we've got firm plans too. WHEW!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, and that chicken picture is adorable. I think if Dr. P proves to be male you may have to make him the rooster you keep (if you keep one), just for Violet's sake. They certainly seem attached!

      Delete

Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.