What does a Dexter cow, a Tamworth pig (sow to be accurate,) and a pair of Jacob ewes, have in common? The answer is something akin to they are all wanted as pets and/or food by my children. Add to that wish list Guinea hens, chickens of various shapes and sizes, rabbits, and a couple barn cats and you have a small farm. The children are convinced that they NEED these animals and a farm to go with it. All of this started as an innocent conversation between my hubby and I. We were trying to discuss a future home purchase. Somehow they caught on enough to think that they get a say in this. Not that I don't want them happy in their new home, but if you know me very well, you have probably heard me refer to myself as a hillbilly city slicker. I love the city and all that happens around me. I also love fresh diapers on the cloths line, fresh veggies out of my garden, and canning my own food. So the idea of a full blown farm horrifies me. Who would babysit all those animals while I went on vacation? Who wants to get up that early? Farmers do not get to sleep my accustomed hours. So now I have no idea how to break it gently that while some is possible, all of their wish list is really unreasonable.
I guess my biggest question is why they think that I have it in me. ( I am laughing.) They see me on a daily basis. They know I love my ways and I love to always have something to go do if I want. The city affords me that. I do not know of many city councils that would welcome a cow, no matter how small. Then the other issue...if I get land my eldest will beg for a horse. I do not want a horse. It does nothing for family economy. I cannot eat it, milk it, or use it in any way for wool or other textiles. Thus a horse is impractical to me. I am just confused as to why they think I would make a good farmer. :)
