Another first....

This life of country living, always seems to come with some new lessons learned, skills gained, or something that stretches me to grow in new directions :D Sometimes, I can't help but smile about it, even though LOTS of times I just want to crawl into bed and cover up my head.

So today, was another first regarding life in the country....

You know over the years, I've learned how to use a shovel....I'd like to say I use the shovel mostly to dig nice little holes to plant new rose bushes, flowers, or shrubs...but, somehow that is not the case. Whenever I get out the shovel, it usually means something has to be buried.

I remember the first year my Mr. went to work for Powder River...and I was "oh so new" at the cattle thing....well, wouldn't you know it, it was a rough weather year, kind of like this one. And, as he headed out on the road that day, a brand new baby calf made it's appearance at our home. But, something wasn't quite right...it was just weak...so, he told me to keep an eye on it. By the time, I got home from work...it was gone. I, ran to the house, dialing his number, and crying my eyes out. "Tam, there's nothing we can do...it's gone."...somehow, those words brought little comfort to me...and what was worst, was I could NOT handle looking at that sweet baby everyday for the next five days until he got home. So, I knew what I had to do...I must bury it. It was about 6:00, pitch dark out...and cold...but, not as cold as I knew it would be by morning...I had to take care of it then, because by morning the ground would be too frozen. I called my sister to see if her boyfriend could help....and, while I waited...I headed out to start the digging....crying...digging...crying....finally, they showed up... and by 9:00 the job was done...it was over! (after a short prayer that is...!)

Then, there have been the countless cats we have taken in, gotten fixed, shots, etc...only to find them laying in the middle of the road.

An occasional bull snake...

But, today...was a FIRST....the first time I've ever had to bury a CHICKEN! Yep, I did it...I just couldn't leave BJ's little beloved chicken in the coop indefinitely...I couldn't just throw it out into the empty pasture...or over the fence....I just had to give it the proper ending. (Plus, I know that is truly what BJ would of wanted.) Because that's what I would of wanted too :D

There just seems to come a sense of responsibility for critters (Large & small) when you live in the country..whether they are yours or not...

When you live in the country, a shovel is just part of the deal. And, tonight, I can relax easily, because I know that I did the right thing....

So from my little country spot to yours....I'm hoping you get to use your shovel for planting & growing! Sweet blessings!