I know this is very long, but its important for me to explain and apologize. Many of you may remember that we have a small piece of property (10 acres) in Northern Michigan. We have owned the place for over 20 years and have used it mostly for camping, hunting and fishing. A few years ago, we were able to build a large pole barn there, to be used to store the camper and hunting gear and yard work tools, etc. The plan was to be that within 2 yrs we would have sold our home here in Wyoming, MI and built a new home on the property, and move there permanently. Well, things didnt go that way. We thought that maybe this past summer was going to be the time to do it, and got involved in the dream. Since we knew we could stay on the property in our camper while we built, we decided to go ahead and start raising chickens. We found BYC, and started to learn from yall. Rick built a great coop. We bought some chicks in the spring, and started them in a brooder in our garage at home. When they were old enough, we moved them up to the Barn, and even got some of those meat chickens. Those turned out great, BTW. But the economy didnt dream along with us, and we found ourselves changing our plans. Our home wont sell, and if we could sell it we would be selling it at a real loss. Jobs are scarce here in MI, Rick works in the concrete business, and has been out of work for much of the year. The house up north will have to wait for another year, at the very least. We cant camp there during the winter, cant even get onto the property the way it is now, once deep snow comes. Part of the plan was to improve the driveway as well. And it just isnt possible at all for the chickens to stay there during the winter. So I went into a panic mode, not just about where our money is going, but about where we will be and where those chickens will go. Last week I posted to several threads on this board, and my attitude and state of mind were really bad, and it was reflected in the way I posted. Now, Im not saying that some of the things I said were not really how I feel, I just shouldnt have ranted about them the way I did, and for that I apologise. This past weekend we were at the Barn, the weather was beautiful, the colors were brilliant, and we had a chance to think some things out. We have managed to find a man with a farm near our home who has chickens and he has agreed to foster-farm our sweet girls, and Buff, our Rooster. Well be able to visit them. We are going to try to keep some of them here in a coop that Ricks building in the garage, just because we have found that chickens are so enjoyable to have. Part of what mellowed me out over the weekend was to be able to sit on a little stool in the yard, and have those chickens crowd around me and talk to me, and ease my mind. When I walked around the yard, they and Lil Spanky, our Lab, followed along behind me with their little feet doing that pat pat pat that they do. It makes you smile being with them, and thinking about them. And of course you smile at breakfast time as well, when they furnish you with your omelette makings. Just wanted to do and say the right thing, let you know that Im really not the crazy, crochety, cranky old woman that I have been pretending to be. Toni
Your description of sitting out in the yard and hearing the pat-pat of little feet made me smile. Hope your world gets better.
sounds like you got some much need refreshment! that is wonderful. God bless you and provide for you, in abundance!
I didn't see your other posts, but I do want you to know that we are all human...no one is perfect! I am praying for peace and guidance for you as you adjust to these changes. That's great that someone's willing to foster your chickens for you! How kind!!! I hope you have a GREAT day!!!
I think it's safe to say that all of us can relate to having a couple bad days... weeks... even months or goodness forbid years. What are BYC friends for? Hang in there and don't lose hope!!
Curliet, I did not see any bad posts from you. But after reading that I wanted to ask you....When most downstaters say northern michigan they mean below the bridge. So I wanted to ask you, where in northern michigan? We live about an hour from the bridge in the u.p. And having asked that, if you need anything, if I can help, PM me. It will get better. Promise.
I don't remember seeing any bad posts from you either. I understand how you feel though. I think we have all been there a time or 2 or 10! Then a few days later things are better and you start to think about things you said or typed! We are all "friends" here, no need for apoligys. I am glad you got some time to find some resolve and peace. Money is tight for us too (as it is for alot of us) and we are constantly trying to find things to give up and ways to cut back. I have always been the one to say I will do or give up anything. However, now I have changed that to please don't make me give up my chickens. There is just something about them that makes life better. We are getting rid of our sattelite TV soon. DH says, well your home all day are you sure you can handle the quiet. Hey! I have chicken TV. Our run is incorperated into our front yard and I can see it from my kitchen! I have all I need. Hang in there! We are here for you! I will keep you in my thoughts.
I also did not see the other post but wanted to say that sometimes things crowd in on us and makes us a little crazy. Goodness knows with all the financial crisis that we keep hearing about in the Government we all have been on edge. Glad you found the calming effect of the chickens. Our animals on our ranch give me that same feeling.
Toni, I think it is awesome that you came and apologized, it takes a big person to do that. I did see at least one of those posts and it explains alot to know you were out of sorts and stressed by the economy. Michigan really stinks right now for everyone and the national problems aren't helping! I just wanted to say, I have been there and done that, so I understand. In fact, my husband was just layed off Saturday, due directly to the stock market doing so poorly, and he is a truck driver! Supposedly it will only be for a few weeks, but we will see. I know he is in a panic, canceling his sirius radio, our dishnetwork and he mentioned our internet but I had to some sense into him!!
