We got thirty baby chickens yesterday. For once I was ready. I had their house cleaned out and the heat lamp extended and their food purchased. Unusual for us; in past years, we would get a call from the post office, that the chicks were there; we would buy their starter ration on the way home and scramble to get them set up. I must be turning over a new leaf, to have everything ready in advance. Perhaps, it is because we are getting them late in the year after the hurly burly of Spring. It is a little late for this clime, but okay. I have had hens hatch chicks in October and it worked out.
Having new babies on the farm sharpens ones focus. There is concern for a few days. What if the heat lamp burns out? Can a weasel get in the house? Is the lamp adjusted too high? Too low? How cold will it get tonight? I went out there about 11:30PM to check them out. They were fine. They were huddled in a circle under the light just like they should be; no piling up, no evidence of cold. First thing this Morning they still looked great.
Actually, we have never had any trouble with weasels or raccoons; two of the villains of folklore. Skunks have been the greatest problem for chicks and foxes for grown chickens. Their house is tight and nothing bigger than a little mouse could get in.
Our son, Noah and our grandson, Gregory have joined us for awhile. Our daughter, Naomi, and her son Elijah have been living with us while Naomi finished nurses training. She received her RN this Spring. So we have a full house and the presence of a six year old and ten year old keeps things lively.
My primary contribution to the household chores is doing the dishes [by hand]. Doing the dishes for just Jamie and me was no chore at all. When Naomi and Elijah came, it should have just doubled, right? No it multiplied by some factor. Still, no problem. With Noah and Gregory, was it just adding two more? No way. We are not dealing with simple arithmetic. There are piles of dishes now and the kitchen is a busy place. Still, no sweat. I actually enjoy making order out of chaos and doing dishes is a meditation. In any case, I will never work harder than Jamie.
Every moment of our day is precious. Every moment of our day is filled with love or not. There are no meaningless activities. All is love or it isn't. We can go through the day reminding ourselves of the great gifts of the Universe. We may let thankfulness rise in us washing, out all doubt and hesitation.
More and more we realize the world is according to how we see it. Our perception is ours to shape. Any moment can be love. Any moment can be thankfulness. Any moment can be joy.
Let's not wait for paradise! Let's see it right now! Let's grasp it with our minds and both hands. Paradise is right here. Right through that flimsy veil. See through it. See love. Know Oneness.
Love and Peace, Gregg
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