Ups and Downs

As we are driving to Donkey Hill...the radio is usually playing...kids singing...everyone talking...

But as soon as we pull in...everything settles down...the windows are rolled down (even if it is FREEZING outside) ... and we take it all in.

It's when the deep thinking begins.

Even for the 5 year old.

Now on to a topic that's not as cute.

Drowned Squirrels.

Sometimes I think "rural life" is not for me.

Finding drowned squirrels in the watering tank is one of those times.

Karah found the first one a few weeks ago. She was getting ready to clean out the corral and dumped water that had collected in the manure cart. Out came a squirrel that had failed to enroll in swimming lessons. She gave him a name and delivered him to his resting place.

It was my turn a few days ago.

Another one.

It was a sunny afternoon and Courtney and I were up brushing Cajun.

I emptied the water barrel and out he came.

I pushed the dead squirrel, which I will refer to as "Gerald", around with a shovel...trying to scoop him up.

Courtney grew agitated and said, "Just give it to me!"...and then set out to show me how simple it is to scoop up Gerald. After all, he wasn't fighting against me or anything, right?

She scooted Gerald all over the place, struggling to get him "loaded" on the shovel.

Her punishment for mocking MY lack of squirrel scooping skills was that she had to carry him down to the woods, while he was balanced half way on the end of the shovel....while wearing flip flops :) 

We were both wearing flip flops. Why? Because we are idiots.

One day we will get stomped on and that will be the end of the flip flops in the Donkey Hill wardrobe.

I can't wait to permanently be on Donkey Hill so I can start teaching the squirrels swimming lessons or perhaps sewing them life jackets.

They think they are invincible, but clearly...they are not.

They also say drowning is the most peaceful way to go...but judging by the frantic claw marks inside the bucket, I would have to conclude that *they* are liars.

RIP Gerald.

And a big "You're Welcome" to Cajun, Popcorn, and Peanut for thoroughly disinfecting your water tank. It's the least I could do.

-p.s.- 

Our house is finally on the market.

One step closer to Donkey Hill!!!