Weeding and Losses

(Written yesterday. Internet troubles - a common issue out here - so read it as if it's still yesterday)

I went out this afternoon to check on the flock and found myself pulling up grass and weeds from the beds around the koi pond. I discovered that five elephant ears I'd about given up on had finally pushed up above the sand to grow. I didn't pull up much but it gave me a few moments to reflect on the past week or so. I really have nothing to complain about. We have been so blessed and are so very thankful to our mighty God for those blessings. Still, it's been a rough week.

I had started the promised continuation on the growing chicken flock and how they have kept me busy the past 4-5 months. Last night I found myself adding a photo of a chick but decided to go to bed and finish today. You see, we lost him last night. Along with another young chicken. He was such a pretty fella and rather personable. His name was Peanut.

He and an unnamed barred rock were found dead as we were putting everybody to bed for the night. I'd found another sudden unexplained dead chicken a couple of weeks back so this wasn't new but two? Well, I wasn't looking forward to going out this morning. 

Two more lying there like they'd just laid down to rest, dead. Nobody seemed eager to eat, run, chatter... nothing. A few wandered out to find a spot to hang for a while. I made sure they all had food and water, attempted to entice a few to eat or drink. I came back in almost ready to give in to defeat. I'd wait it out and clean up after... Sigh... 

Skipping quiet a few details - I'd connected with a sweet lady online and the thought did occur to me that she and I could be friends if we lived closer. I sent a text to inform her of a change in plans and why. She replied and I told her a few more details. She replied again and while replying to her reply (Lost yet? LOL!) I hit the call button. Much easier! After a 45 minute call I was encouraged, had a plan, and definitely a new friend! 

Say what you will about Facebook... It drives me crazy too! I waste plenty of time on it as well. It aggravates me, irritates me, overwhelms me with the needs people post. Yet, I have found family I haven't seen in years, some I've never met, old friends from high school, friends from some of the previous places we've lived, and made quite a few new friends. Yes, friends! Okay, so I have a short list of really close friends that I'd drop everything in a heartbeat to help, and one or two of these new-never-met-face-to-face friends I might do for as well, but they're all friends. Sometimes it's just a shared interest, or a kind word, but it really doesn't take much to invite somebody in (or just barge right on in and make myself at home) and I love to do that! Oh, yes, I'm a homebody. I'd rather stay home than go... anywhere. I'd much rather you visit me because I do prefer one on one and face to face versus any of the many opportunities technology affords us! Just don't forget to call so you don't interrupt my nap... It's the extroverted introvert in me that you know. Few see the introvert but that's the larger part of me.... Anyway, I'm thankful for friends, old and new, near and far, close, good, and just there, each and every one of them! My kids ask me all the time if I've ever met a stranger..... I'm really not sure I have.

Eight. So far we've lost eight. They were a bit more perky this afternoon, eating and drinking, scratching, and wandering around. A few were still huddled up, some alone, some in groups. One or two have lost their buddies. It's sad. I wasn't vigilant enough. I thought I'd done enough. I made a mistake. I'm working on fixing the issue and pray I'm more successful than not.

Loss is part of life whether you're on a farm/ranch or not. Death. It's part of life. It seems a larger part of life out here to me. The living must go on, remember, learn, and try better. Over the past week or so we've lost seven to predators, and eight to what I'm assuming is an internal parasite I didn't treat well enough for. I pray we're completely done with death. At least for now. I need a break.

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This morning the flock was a bit perkier. A bit. A few are still a bit dazed. I'm hoping they hang in there and make it through this. Thanks for listening....