Wishing winter was shorter, yet loving the snow, she finds herself grateful. Mom says that winter helps us appreciate spring more, and she supposes so, but the snow is too much fun to play in!
Oh, if it could be 70 degrees with snow!
The chickens run to the door when they see her, gently squawking a good morning. Her favorite one, Brodey, runs to her and she picks her up. The Rhode Island Red is beautiful, perfectly brown, perfectly red, even if the judge didn’t like her at the fair. She doesn’t care, to this girl she is perfect.
The hen, remembering her training, perches on her arm as the feeders get filled and the nests get checked. Brodey is hungry, so jumps down to join her feathered friends.
Saying goodbye, the girl runs back to release the goats. She lingers a bit, enjoying their nibbles and kisses. They trust her, love her, don’t run away like prey animals do.
She thinks about what her mom says, about how being out here builds character, a work ethic, and trust, but she doesn’t really know about all that. She just loves these animals. The cold is hard, as it clings to her face, her hands, her toes, but the work is not.
It’s love that brings her out here.
The animals can always count on her. Her mom can always count on her.
She ponders this cornerstone idea and wonders.