About 6 1/2 years ago, our family moved. Not just a little move, from one home to another in the same general area. No, we moved 1600+ miles across the country. And we didn't move from suburb to suburb. No, we moved from suburb to the country. Oh me, oh my. Talk about a shock to my system. I went from a suburbs kinda gal to growing into a country kinda gal. Culture shock--big time.
When we moved to God's country--yes, that is our little town's affectionate nickname for it's beautiful South Texas location--we had 4 children ages 3-8, and no animals. Zip. Nada. None. Zero. Not even a goldfish in a bowl. Fast forward 6 years, and we have 1 dog, way too many outside cats, 4 donkeys, a flock of chickens, turkeys, guineas, and 2 pigs. Whoa! How did that happen?
Take 2 cityish kids--me and my Best Beloved--give them a little bit of land and let them loose to try raising different animals, that's what happened. And I'm so glad. Farm fresh eggs--yum. Farm raised pork--tasty and healthy meat.
Our donkeys are effective lawn mowers and excellent guard animals. This property is their domain, thank you very much, and they will alert us to anything that is not supposed to be here. One could say the same thing for guineas--interesting birds that defend their territory. And the turkeys, no they're not meat birds, but native species that my Best Beloved thinks are way cool strutting around our place.
Our children have learned so many lessons along the way as we raise animals. Responsibility is perhaps the top one. Animals need care no matter the weather, no matter if one feels like tending them or not.
We've had quite a few mishaps along the way, but we've learned--and laughed--from them. Probably with many more learning experiences to come. I'm learning South Texas is the place for me, country livin' is the life for me--and it's a new thing.
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