Category: Animals

Chickens in the garden

Posted on by Libby Withnall

Today Amy had her friend, Aaron, over for a play so I decided it would be a good opportunity to get into the veggie garden which has been rather neglected. I pulled out all the stuff that had gone to seed or was almost out of season. I’m left with capsicum, mini-eggplants, parsley, and the last of the lebanese cucumbers. I fetched 4 of our chooks and put them to work. They had so much fun digging through the garden and eating all the bugs they could find. I loved sitting watching them. Was probably a nice change after their backyard – which is just a big muddy quogmire.

Unfortunately my heel spur is not much better and I’m still in considerable pain. Had a nice weekend with the family. On Saturday Kevin didn’t work and we took the girls for lunch at the food court, then to see “Meet the Robinsons”. We all enjoyed it. Then at night we watched “Jump In” on Disney. This was a lot of fun and it was quite amazing to see all the double dutch jump ropes tricks. Then yesterday we had the Burkes over for lunch. It was a lovely afternoon with all the kids playing so well together.

Another overdue update

Posted on by Libby Withnall

retreat-group Gee, I’m pretty slack at updating this blog. I will endeavour to do better. Well, what’s been happening. Nothing very exciting. We had the chickens to the vets as Rosie had pulled out some of their feathers and with the humid weather they had gotten infected. 3 had surgery and all are doing well now. Rosie has been going to puppy training and is doing well – if we get her to stop eating and destroying everything in the house that would be great – she’s costing me a LOT of money. I’ve had a few days out – one shopping with my Mum and Granny (and no kids), lunch with Sam at the Nan Tien Temple (so yummy and such a peaceful place), I met an internet friend in Sydney for the first time and we had a great day together. Just this last weekend I went away on a scrapbooking weekend with Leanne. We had a great time and I got lots of pages done – 36 to be exact – and a mini album about the chooks. I’ll take some photos to share soon. Over the last few weeks I’ve been making all the final plans for our trip – just 2.5 weeks to go now – which is a bit scary really. 3 more days of school – HURRAY!!! I’m looking forward to longer days at home and plan to spend more time with the girls, then of course, we have our trip.

A Disturbing Discovery & New family Member

Posted on by Libby Withnall

Okay, I was doing the ironing last night and decided to see where all our clothes were made. Can I say China, China, China, oh, one from India, more from China. In the end, out of a large basket of ironing everything was made in China except for the one t-shirt from India and Kevin’s work shirt which was actually made in Australia. My wardrobe revealed a similar pattern. A couple of jackets/wraps made in Australia, everything else China. The girls clothes nearly all come from Pumpkin Patch, K-Mart or Target – nearly all China. Kevin casual clothes – China. Looks like i”m going to have to do some homework on where to buy non-Chinese clothes. Now if the clothes were made by adult Chinese working in good conditions, with decent pay I would have no problem buying them. But when we know the reality is more likely child sweat shop I can longer plead ignorance and in good conscious buy these clothes. If I can’t find non Chinese made the other option is buying second hand or pre-loved (which sounds so much better) – something I have NEVER done before – or learn to sew (which I had planned for next year anyway).
In other news, last Thursday after Amy’s School Musical (in which she did great up on stage) Kay and Mason came over for a swim. After we went to looks at the chicken and Kay spotted a baby budgie surround by the chickens. We managed to catch it and Kay has given it a clean bill of health. Christy kept calling it a fudgie instead of budgie and we thought that made a cute name. Later that day I bought him a cage and accerssoried and he seems to be settling in well.

Time to say goodbye to Sam

Posted on by Libby Withnall

Well, today we decided it was time to say goodbye to Sam. Over the last week his health has rapidly declined and we’ve been constantly saying “poor, old Sam”. He looked miserable and his stomach terribly swollen. It wasn’t an easy decision to reach but it was awful knowing he suffered and each day was worse than the one before. He had trouble walking, could only get up off the floor without aid sometimes, and had even gone off his food – though he did enjoy some chocolate today. He really has had the best life. We got him from death row at the pound when he was only 4 months old and has been a full member of the family – going to Nan’s for babysitting when I worked, sleeping in our bedroom and having full run of the house. Holidays were planned for, and around, him – loved going to Kioloa and spending hours on the beach. He was my first baby and a special one at that – he knew if you cried and were upset and would come to comfot you. We used to say he was a human in a furry body he was that sympathetic and intuitive. Until recently he followed me around the house, from room to room – even the toilet. When his legs were strong he came up on our bed for cuddles every night and morning. It will be sad not watching out for him at night and listening to his heavy breathing. It’s strange only making dinner for Belle. I’m not sure if she’ll notice he’s gone as she’s very much a loner – especially now that Sam wasn’t up to playing with her any longer. Sad though I am, I’m glad he’s not in pain – it was such a peaceful way to die. Just listening as his breathing slowed and stopped and his eyes closed as we patted him. I will miss him so much but am so glad to have had him in my life for over 14 years. We were lucky to have him so long – especially with his tumor which was diagnosed 3.5 years ago, and the temporary paralysis he suffered from 18 months ago.
Bye Sam, there will never be another dog like you.