Along with the animals, we also had a huge vegetable garden. Between the two, we were able to raise most of our food for the long winter months. I remember my mother spending long hours freezing and canning tomatoes and other veges from our HUGE garden. Well, it probably wasn't that huge, but as a small girl, it sure seemed like it. When it came time to send the animals off to the butcher, we all pleaded on their behalf, only to find them served to us anyway, in the form of bacon and eggs, roasted chicken, baked pork chops, or grilled hamburgers.
After growing up, getting married, and having 3 children of my own, I thought the farm life and huge gardens were far behind me. Clearly I was wrong! First of all, we have always had a garden. Some were bigger than others over the years, but I have to say, I really love a nice vegetable garden. As far as the animals go, our oldest son, Matthew, has an unbelievable love for all animals, and growing up he was always trying to bring some critter home to live with us. We went through hamsters, tree frogs, mice, rats, turtles, fish, rabbits, dogs and cats. Needless to say, only the cats and dogs lasted. Thank goodness snakes weren't something that made their way in...not that he didn't try!
Our 3 sons have all grown up and moved out on their own, but after 2 1/2 years in the Army, Matthew has come back home with his own family. He is actually taking over the farmhouse that we are currently living in. Well, let's just say he is making himself at home real fast! In an earlier post I told you about Billie, our goat. Well, just last weekend Matthew brought home a baby pig -Shirley B. Goodeatin, 3 ducks - Huey, Luey, and Duey, and 5 unnamed chickens. Yup, I think we are living with Old MacDonald.
I never thought I would ever be raising farm animals again, but I will say it's kind of nice. Our grandchildren love them, and I love the thought of the many lessons they will learn from growing up on a farm...just like I did.
Shirley B. Goodeatin
Billie the Kidd
Huey
Luey and Duey
Blessings,
Julie
What a small world we live in. I heard of your blog today from Janice Jewett and decided to check it out. I had no idea that I would be looking at some of my former "critters". My husband and I are the people that sold Billie (we called him SnowBall- because he was all white when he was really little.), Huey, Duey & Luey (love the names!), the piglet and the chickens to your son. They look like they are doing very well and enjoying their new home. We were glad to run into your son at the last "Swap/Sale" because we were curious how the "SnowBall" was doing. He sure does look like he is living the life of a spoiled kid and loving it! It made my day to see the pics of them all doing so well. We have some pics of "Billie" from when he was just born and up til the time we sold him to your son if you would be interested I would gladly email them to you. Just let me know what email to send them to. take care, Shilo McManus
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