Friday, July 6, 2012

Because The Cupboards Are Bare

I’ve had several people ask, “How can you possibly give up your animals and go live in the city.” It is a reasonable question from someone who doesn’t live out here. Someone who hasn’t struggled the past three years with drought and spent many a worrisome night wondering how to feed their livestock.

This is my lush green pasture. I took this photo just moments ago.

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Even the weeds have started to shrivel up and die. This weekend I’ll be spending a ridiculous amount of money on some of last year’s hay.

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If this were an actual income producing farm I would have been out of business the first year. I’m sure the farmers during the dust bowl of the 1930’s didn’t want to give up their dreams and move back to the city either. But there comes a time when you have to cut your losses. I am afraid no rain and record heat has done this farmer in. It is time.

I’m clinging to the duck though. His therapy is not complete and he still doesn’t understand how to eat grass anyway. I’m going to the new house in the morning to figure out where to build him a little duck hut.

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13 comments:

Artful Gathering said...

A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! Good Luck.

Kellie said...

They say that home is where the heart is. While we all will miss your wonderful animals, we know you will miss them more. While we all will miss your funny and darling stories about them, we know you will miss writing them more.

I do hope you get to see the "kids" every now and then but now that you are more like a "grandma" to them, you'll get to spoil them when possible and not have to worry about the "clean up". That can be a very good thing ;)

Your new home is absolutely beautiful and I have no doubt that from that new home we shall read new adventures and new stories from you and be just as thrilled.

So thank you for sharing your life with us, no matter where it takes us... I mean you ;)

Many blessings to you and yours!

Wendy said...

Christine, hang in there. I know how much it hurts to be forced to leave a place you love, and so do lots of other people. Unfortunately. There is blue sky ahead.

Karen Anne said...

So glad you get to keep Mr. Duck.

Krissy B. said...

Christine: Been there! Done that! You still have your job with animals and they, as before, will inspire you to write. I sooo look forward to being a part of your new adventure! I love the house!I can't wait!! Don't look back cause you're not going that way. Thanks for blogging! Krissy B.

lifespassion said...

Kellie is very wise .... ditto what she said!

Muffy's Marks said...

It will be tough, but you have to do what is best, move forward, and don't look back

Winona said...

For the first time ever, we talked about moving to town this summer. We have decided to hold out, but this no rain and horrible heat has about done us in too. How about getting a companion for Mr. Duck. I am sure he would love it. LOL Your new home is beautiful and you will still have lots of things to blog about.

YarnKettle said...

Leaving a farm can be hard, but as you stated so well the worries of a farm and animals will never be missed. I learned this lesson from my parents. I look back now and think how did they do it?
You have my respect for making the farm to city decision. I know it is not easy but sometimes placing yourself first is the best thing to do.
You also have my respect for keeping the Duck Man too. I hope you all can be happy!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I agree, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! I know you'll do just fine!

Theresa said...

Congrats on the new house! Just saw the postings. So glad God put a family in the farmhouse that wants to keep the animals! And the new one is just perfect! God is good!

Elaine said...

You will be fine and I, too, am happy the new owners wanted all the animals. Perhaps Mr. Duck can have his own coop and fix it up for Ms. Duck's arrival. The house is beautiful.

Jayne said...

I really, really like Kellie's comment. I'm sure this is bittersweet for you, but as Wendy said, there is blue sky ahead.