Welcome, Dear Ones!

Dear Friends Bill, Daisy, Leo and Posy joined us for a short while on the Farm. We had not seen them since the fall 2006. We have known Bill for 35 years as our relationship began in North Dakota many years ago. Daisy, Leo and Posy came later. "They are family" and we are warmed deeply by having them in our world.

We were all excited that they could be here. We were equally excited to watch 5 year old Leo and 2 year old Posy on the Farm.

Those 2 beautiful Children were curious about everything. Leo wanted to know what kind of animals that we have. "Do you have Pigs?" To which Melanie replied, "No, but we would like to have Pigs." "Do you have Goats?" "No." "Do you have a Cow?" "No." Leo also let us know that he would like to pet a Horse. In the meantime, Posy packed around the Ziplock Bag with little plastic Farm Animals everywhere she went.
Shortly after they arrived, Melanie took them to see the Chickens. They made themselves right at home with the new little Hennies. The little Hennies were skittish at first, which is to be expected. The Kids were patient and followed Melanie's lead. Both Posy and Leo wanted to hold them and they held them very very carefully. It was sweet to see.We actually have a Chicken named Posey and another named Daisy. We don't have a big need for male names with the Chickens, for obvious reasons. Leo would be a great name for a long term resident Rooster. And I can't wait to have a Duck named Bill. That will have to wait for the Pond.

A while later, Melanie introduced Posy, the Human, to Posey the Chicken. To which Posy, the Human, replied: "It's nice to meet you."

We celebrated Leo's 5th Birthday at Dinner Time. Leo and Posy helped Melanie put the Chickens to bed. Leo also posted a special request of Richard for the morning: "Can I help you let the little Roosters out?" We had told him of their excitement in meeting the day. I wouldn't want to miss that either.

Our time with them was short but very sweet. As we waved Good-Bye from the Austrees and they drove down the Lane waving and honking, we are already looking forward to the next visit. Don't stay in the City too long.

I think it should be a Basic Human Right that Everyone has access to a Farm: Little People, Big People, Elderly. It should be a Farm with lots of Animals, Gardens of Flowers and Veggies, Farm Bounty you grow with your own Hands, homegrown Foods spread on a fine table, and Plenty of Wild Things. Such an experience would be about the best Book you could ever hope to read, the best DVD you could ever hope to see, the best ziplock bag of treasures you could ever hope to carry.

Melanie tells us that this is part of the reason why she wants more varieties of Animals on the Farm. I think she is definitely on the right track.