He managed to grow a huge, beautiful crop alongside his small plot in suburban Orange County when I was a kid. There was nothing he couldn’t grow.
I on the other hand, can’t seem to grow even a prepackaged bulb from Target.
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ” May Sarton
Chickens for a country girl’s heart
It isn’t just a garden I want…
Specifically, I long for chickens.
This is where my husband draws a line in the sand. He candidly points out my gardening “challenges”.
He reminds me that we have an HOA that considers chickens a violation. He offers up examples of my squeamish nature that don’t align with my lofty country dreams.
I tell him, “Grandpa had chickens.”
Even in the OC, he had a rooster. When he moved back to country living he delighted in having his own feathered friends.
They had familial names. Hazel, Lottie…named after sisters.
What is this fascination with country living?
Clearly, I am not the only one. Perusing the magazine aisle yesterday, I was surprised to find several publications devoted JUST to chicken raising. Pinterest is packed with people blogging about their chickens.
Me?
For now, have a mailbox full of Country Woman and Country magazines.
“I dream of a better tomorrow. One where chickens can cross the road and their motives remain unquestioned.”― Anonymous
Pictures of Grandpa’s chickens, and the memories of him clucking at them.
My country dreams of a hobby farm.
And the nice thing about my imaginary farm? It is so easy to care for. And my husband doesn’t mind a bit.
But just in case, I already have a name picked out for my first hen. Mabel. After Grandpa’s mother- that would have made him smile.
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We had a garden for three years in a row. This year I said I wasn’t doing it because of all the dry weather we had last three years and not enough water to keep the plants refreshed. It was hard work but it was also relaxing in a way. If your imaginary farm ever comes to life I have only one piece of advice: stick to chickens and do NOT mess with turkeys!
I too yearn for chickens in my back yard. But we live in a bird-flu area so chickens are proscribed. We can always dream can’t we? Maybe I’ll begin to collect chicken pictures like you have.
Hmm, maybe we could take it to the association. I specifically asked the realtor when we bought this house. Alas, HOA’s don’t seem to be keen on that. Tell Lance I am all in
We had a garden for three years in a row. This year I said I wasn’t doing it because of all the dry weather we had last three years and not enough water to keep the plants refreshed. It was hard work but it was also relaxing in a way. If your imaginary farm ever comes to life I have only one piece of advice: stick to chickens and do NOT mess with turkeys!
That cracked me up, definitely will not dream of a turkey. We tried a garden for a few years here, rabbits, we found, are very sneaky
I too yearn for chickens in my back yard. But we live in a bird-flu area so chickens are proscribed. We can always dream can’t we? Maybe I’ll begin to collect chicken pictures like you have.
Audrey! Thanks for commenting, how are you? Are there other birds that are prohibited there?
Bahahaha! Lance wants chickens too:) Maybe you two can team up and start a chicken co-op in the field at the back of the neighborhood….;)
Hmm, maybe we could take it to the association. I specifically asked the realtor when we bought this house. Alas, HOA’s don’t seem to be keen on that. Tell Lance I am all in