Autumn Sunrise From the Back Porch

Autumn Sunrise From the Back Porch

View From The Back Door

I step onto the cool porch and retrieve two eggs from a basket. It seems two of the girls have decided to make it their nest. One a deep brown the other light blue. What real wealth looks like.

Eggs In A Basket

Tossing in salt, a few herbs a crushed garlic clove and a quick whisking preps the omelette. After fourty five cranks on the grinder handle the coffee is started. Sliding the eggs into the pan Barbara gave me as a Christmas gift and in seconds the omelette is plated and ready.

I quickly wash the the pan and mixing bowl to keep up with things. My grandma Edna always stressed cleaning as you go. A bit of advice I rarely live up to.  My grandma was just full of good advice.

Juggling my plate and coffee I move out to the west side of the porch and the rattan chair that Barbara salvaged and painted purple. The light is building and the air is cool and soft. I hear the tap of Dixie's paws behind me. She brushes past and trots off for the dawn patrol.

 I realize that it would be best to let the Dixie Chicks out before I eat. I step into the wet grass and head towards the coop. The dew soaks into my socks through the holes in my worn out willies. It is chilly but feels nice.

 

Working The Coop Latch 

The Expression On A Chicken's Face When They Think "I am Out Of Here"

Dixie Checking To See That Her Hens Are All O.K.

The chicks are almost as excited as Dixie about getting out of the coop. One of the things I enjoy most about sharing the farm with chickens is the "chickenisms"  like "being cooped up", "hen party" and "playing chicken". What was once common knowledge is now almost lost to the past.

My now cool omelette is very satisfying. I would like a piece of toast but my weight is up today so I need to go a little lean for the day. Breakfast finished, I settle back in the chair cinch up my wool jacket and sip my coffee.

The light changes minute by minute. The rising bird song settles into a steady tune. I hear the goats start to bump round and see Daphne stroll into the yard. She jumps up onto the old tin bin we put in the yard as a goat toy. She looks ready to be put out. The older goats not so much.

A few more minutes to sort out my plan for the day as I drain my cup and it is off to put the goats out and get things rolling.

Living out here is full of sacrifices. It makes it all the more important to really experience and enjoy these sweet moments. I remind myself that it is these small things that I miss when I wake in the city to the drone of the tyrannical automobile instead of bird song.

I feel a great day in the offing.