I've been in Monroe now since last Monday, November 1, 2010. I'm taking care of a cousins farm while they're enjoying time spent together in Greece. Tis' the deal I made...they watch Ashley, my dog, while I was in Haiti & I would come take care of the farm for them till about November 20th. Not a bad deal either as I think I definitely got the better end of the deal!
There are only 4 dogs, including Ashley, & maybe 20 chickens, but my days are actually very busy here. Although the days are long, they go by very quickly. Next thing I know, it's tomorrow!
I feed the chickens in the morning & evening, give them water every 2 - 3 days, check for eggs, put them all in their area in the evening, lock up the fence at night & turn on the electric fence in hopes that no predators get in during the night.
The dogs, well they're a lil' more work. Not really more work, but for only being 4 of them, they definitely take more out of me than the 20 chickens do! They want to go out all throughout the night, sometimes at different times. Needless to say, I'm not getting much sleep! Lily, a 10 year old black lab, & I fight for real estate all during the night in bed. She's one of the most stubborn dogs I've ever met! She eventually likes to sleep on top of me. Sometimes I wake up & she's just sitting there staring at me. I wonder what she's thinking? She also has to sit on me while we're on the very long couch. When I brush my teeth, she comes in & lays of my feet under the sink. She's at my feet every move I make. If it's not her, it's Ashley. Ashley has been really good about it though. I think she realizes that the shoe is on the other foot now & feels for the pack because their parents have left them.
Zenia is a 12 year old, medium sized black lab & had been a bit depressed when Sue & John first left, but seems to be doing better as each day passes. Her & I also fight for real estate in the bedroom at night, but she settles in at the bottom of the bed much easier than Lily.
Hansel is about 17 years old, we figure, is deaf, partially blind, had been hit by a car in his early years, so he can't sit, only lay down. He has a thing for trash, not that most dogs don't, but Hansel, once he gets into trouble, gets into trouble! By Thursday, Hansel had to spend the night at the vets down in Lynchburg. Picked him up on Friday & he is doing very well now! Smile back on his face & he has his trot back!
All the dogs have great dispositions. Who wouldn't living on a farm with Sue & John? They have it great here!
We hike through the mountains every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. It's invigorating, & good stimulation for the mind, body & soul. I love it here! It's the most time I've ever spent alone with myself & I am totally enjoying it! I like my own company, shopping for my meals & cooking for myself. I have people to talk to if I need to, but as of right now, I don't feel the need. It's nice to just "be" sometimes.
