Friday, February 10, 2012

Childish Dreams

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. :)