It's Time

Richard began processing the Rooster Boys today. It's time. Those cute little adorable White Rock Cockerels came to us as yellow balls of fluff in early May. They are now growing big. A few have begun to crow.

Richard processed 8 in about 5 1/2 hours beginning about 10 a.m. Previously, he has done them at night (which is another story). Today, they ranged in size from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 pounds.

Melanie and I were both gone today. She assisted with the packaging when she got home. We are very very grateful that Richard takes the lead on this. She and I see ourselves more involved in this process over time. This has definitely been an adjustment for City Folks who have been separated from these things. Richard had grown up with this when he lived on the Farm. That doesn't make it easier. It just gives him a pattern to follow.

At these times, I am moved to think about our beliefs underlying this process. We believe in a Traditional System whereby certain Animals know that their Role is to provide "Life" or "Food" so that Others may live. They are at Peace with this. I believe that this is a Sacred Relationship which comes from the Divine. We as Humans need to honor that Gift. In a Traditional System, the Receivers need to exchange something. For us, we give the Little Roosters the best care and love that we can provide over the course of their Lives. We thank them throughout their Lives but especially on that last day when that Gift is given.

Of the Little "Roos" on this Day, 42 remain. While Richard processed most of the Roosters within a close range of time in previous years, we are thinking about letting these Roosters go a little while longer. That would give us variable sizes for our Meals ahead.

Once this process has started, we think ahead. That Rooster House, which resembles a Bunking Party of Teenage Boys at Bedtime, will soon be quiet. The Doors will be left open and the Rooster House will be cleaned out. How quickly the Time passes on that Gift which is called Life.