Just Think Lovely Thoughts

When I was growing up each of us kids was allowed to pick a record to listen to. My brother, P, always chose Call of the Wild by Louie Prima. My brother, C, always chose Slaughter on 10th Avenue and I always chose the Broadway soundtrack of Peter Pan with Mary Martin.

When Peter Pan first appears in the nursery to the children, he explains that they, too, could fly, "just think lovely thoughts". Today is one of those days that I really need to think lovely thoughts.

As you might remember, Farmer Jeff is away for a few days on his annual boys time away from the wives trip. I am home, on jury duty (yet to be called but patiently waiting), and caring for the animals.

Yesterday the animal food chain almost came undone before my very eyes. Whilst collecting eggs and feeding the scissor-beaked hen, Tyner, our Amazon Hen, Honey West, got out. (She is named after the 1966 TV show with Anne Francis as Honey West...and yes, that is her pet ocelot.)

She got out right in front of the dogs and they decided it was time to re-invent badminton...or to help themselves to a fresh chicken dinner. I was yelling at the dogs like a drill sergeant (or mother) to leave the chicken alone. The chicken would get away from one dog only to be grabbed by the next dog. It was a living nightmare. This went on for several go-rounds. I thought I got the chicken away from them only to have them grab her again. I thought she was dead and at the last minute just pulled her out of their mouths and thrust her into a nesting box.

My poor mother-in-law had just dropped by at this time. She is the only other person, besides Farmer Jeff, that had heard me screaming the day dog India caught and broke the leg of once feral cat, now house cat, Chloe. She helped out by getting the dogs into the house. I went back to check on the chicken and...she was alive! Alive!!! I couldn't believe it! She didn't have any signs of blood, just a lot of feathers missing and wet.

I fixed up a convalescing cage in the garage, complete with heat lamp and dry towels. This morning when I went out to check on her, fulling bracing myself for anything, there she stood, squawking at me in a very indignant manner, demanding to be returned to the coop. I obeyed and back she went. I checked on her today and she seems to be fine. A little ruffled...but that is to be expected!

Now I need you all to help me pray, and think lovely thoughts, for the little dog I hit on the road today. He ran right out in front of me. I did what I could to swerve, but I hit him. I didn't kill him, but he was injured. His owner ran out and grabbed him while I was yelling to him...I am SO SORRY. I have been in his position before, while picking up one of our cats from the road. What can be done at that point. I saw the owner speed off to the vet and I have no idea what happened.

What a strange couple of days this has been.

Just think lovely thoughts.