It has been a while since I've hopped on BYC. A lot has happened since Nov 2023. We lost our entire flock of chickens to a family of mink. I wouldn't have even been that mad had they ate them but no, mink are jerks and kill to kill. So, after the Thanksgiving Day Massacre, we decided to stop raising chickens and poultry in general for a while. It has been weird not hearing my roos crow or my geese let me know someone's here.
The end of 2023 brought other stresses to my farm but also happiness and warmth. I began volunteering at a local shelter as a groomer and signed up to foster small dogs. In December, my first foster became a permanent member of this family and I am so happy he's here!
This is Samuel Grayson, also goes by Sammy, Samson, Lil Man, SamSam, Mama's Boy and more lol
Sammy was abandoned by a previous owner that was in a bad relationship with an ex and unfortunately this little guy saw everything. He was so scared when he came here as a foster. Just 5 days later, he was adopted by an older couple but was returned because all he did was sit at the back door and cry. He came back with me and just 3 days later, we officially adopted him.
In 2024, everything started to look up. My 24 year old son was finally on the proper medication for his officially diagnosed schizophrenia, my 27 year old son found a new job, and my 21 year old daughter had beat all odds given to her by several doctors.
Now, it's June 2024. My daughter celebrated her 22nd birthday, My sons will be 25 and 28 in the coming months, I will celebrate my 28th wedding anniversary and will have a small staycation with family here in IL.
Once July arrives, I am to be tested for Parkinson's as I am now showing signs of Early Onset (family history isn't helping). August brings Pre-Op visits, Upper GI and anniversary celebrations. September brings Gastric Sleeve Surgery and then 12 weeks recovery.
It's been a crazy year already and it's only June
But for now, I have baby guinea pigs being born, Hand Fed White Faced Pearl Pied cockatiel baby I'm caring for and loving every minute of it, children, husband and friends that encourage me and love me for allowing myself to do things for ME and no one else. Self Care is not selfish, it's needed to keep ourselves centered.
So for some happy smiles today... I give you Baby Cavies
and my sweet Ryu (L) and her dad, REN (R),
Till I check in again soon, Much love to my peeps
Crystal Rae Akey-Smith
Farmer City, IL
The end of 2023 brought other stresses to my farm but also happiness and warmth. I began volunteering at a local shelter as a groomer and signed up to foster small dogs. In December, my first foster became a permanent member of this family and I am so happy he's here!
This is Samuel Grayson, also goes by Sammy, Samson, Lil Man, SamSam, Mama's Boy and more lol
Sammy was abandoned by a previous owner that was in a bad relationship with an ex and unfortunately this little guy saw everything. He was so scared when he came here as a foster. Just 5 days later, he was adopted by an older couple but was returned because all he did was sit at the back door and cry. He came back with me and just 3 days later, we officially adopted him.
In 2024, everything started to look up. My 24 year old son was finally on the proper medication for his officially diagnosed schizophrenia, my 27 year old son found a new job, and my 21 year old daughter had beat all odds given to her by several doctors.
Now, it's June 2024. My daughter celebrated her 22nd birthday, My sons will be 25 and 28 in the coming months, I will celebrate my 28th wedding anniversary and will have a small staycation with family here in IL.
Once July arrives, I am to be tested for Parkinson's as I am now showing signs of Early Onset (family history isn't helping). August brings Pre-Op visits, Upper GI and anniversary celebrations. September brings Gastric Sleeve Surgery and then 12 weeks recovery.
It's been a crazy year already and it's only June
But for now, I have baby guinea pigs being born, Hand Fed White Faced Pearl Pied cockatiel baby I'm caring for and loving every minute of it, children, husband and friends that encourage me and love me for allowing myself to do things for ME and no one else. Self Care is not selfish, it's needed to keep ourselves centered.
So for some happy smiles today... I give you Baby Cavies
and my sweet Ryu (L) and her dad, REN (R),
Till I check in again soon, Much love to my peeps
Crystal Rae Akey-Smith
Farmer City, IL
! What kind? They almost look like texel.
