I’ve been working with our new kitten, Tofu, encouraging him on closely supervised visits to get along with the chickens. My mantra with him, just like it was with the dogs when we first got chickens, is “friends not food.” I repeat it over and over as he sits on my lap and we watch them together. I touch his forehead and say his name, point to myself and say “Mommy,” and then point to each of the chickens and name them.
I would be so lucky to be a part of your “barn yard” if I were a dog, cat, chicken !! Thank you for the relief tonight from Trump, Trump, Trump!!!! I am so sick of him and all the drama and crime that is him!!! It will be a joy when all these trials are behind us and hopefully Trump and pals are in jail. In the meantime, we are all so fortunate to have you help explain the complexities of the cases and the appeals that will most likely be endless! Thank you for being there for so many! You are a treasure.
Love your ‘name’ choice Still …and Nina , this Cape Elizabeth gal rode the many beaches that connected us ‘back in the day’ and continues the barnyard lifestyle elsewhere. May our weekend reflect how blessed we are .
That makes two of us, AND many more! Just need to add: yes most people would call us animal lovers LUNATICS-- but we know if animals can respond to CIVIL DISCOURSE,all of us CAN-- so all of us should practice more. TY Joyce
Nina, what you said. Adding that the pure, simple joy of watching Joyce's backyard paradise and her description of teaching Tofu how to be a friend brought me to tears just now.
All true and don't give up, it can work! I used to have a black cat named Bill who would lie down on his side stretched out under the humming bird nest in our yard. He'd lay his head all the way down, which would make his collar stick up a bit. Then he'd wait, looking me in the eye. We'd be silent together, hearing the crazy fast flutter of tiny wings together. Then it would happen. A hummer would hover over him... he'd shift his eyes back and forth from me to the hummer, only his eyes, and they'd get huge. One day the hummer landed on the collar. Bill squeezed his eyes shut and hardly breathed. We were both in a kind of samadhi of awe and joy. Then it was over. He'd come to me and curl on my lap and take my hand and pull it under his chin and heave the happiest sigh. This is the same cat who would hold perfectly still when small insects would crawl over his paws, or baby chick's would lie all around his great big belly or on him. Don't give up!
Thanks so much for sharing this! Not only is it just a great story but also it reminds me about my Mother and her dog Happy who was a full sized beautiful collie. He went with Mother up to Canada every summer where they had a small island to room about on. And there were chipmunks on that island. Happy in his younger days just loved, loved to chase those chipmunks. But mother did succeed on training him not to chase them at least when she was looking. They would come on the porch to get the food mother left for them. She would talk to him just like You were talking about talking to your dog. Different words but same meaning. He got it finally. And he had the most beautiful expression on his face with his ears forward.
When he was a kitten and I'd wrap up in a big meditation sheet, he'd sit directly on top of my head. Never moved till I did. He was a buddy on levels I can't honestly describe.
We need a Bill the Cat book so everyone can know him! I think you are a very descriptive writer. And I would love to read that book to my Grandchildren 😊💕
You are so kind, thank you! My daughter gave me a subscription to Storyworth. It helps you answer questions about your life in order to get things down for the next generation. It got me writing again. My daughter is sort of like Bill without black fur <grinning>
Someone might be able to, but I have my doubts that all humans have the kind of heart he had.....He wouldn't even eat identifiable flesh. Damnedest thing. We fed him dry cat food that was some kind of fish derived, and he often stole corn and asparagus off my plate lol!! Bill. Never was a guy like him before.
It was a delightful scene to watch this Friday night! Chickens, Tofu, the fabulous kitten, and a magnificent dog to round out the beauty! This is just what I needed tonight! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your wonderful brood!
I predict Tofu will become a great friend and protector of the chickens. He's learning from one of the best teachers. And lunacy is sometimes an underrated virtue 😉
Next time you’re in Montgomery County, let me take you to Poplar Spring animal sanctuary. 400 beautiful acres of historic farm, red Seneca sandstone (think Smithsonian castle on the mall) root cellar, clapboard house and outbuildings. And rescued animals of any kind that are non-carnivorous: horses sheep cows goats donkeys commercial hogs rescued from a broken down tractor trailer, peacocks turkeys every kind of chicken with feathered feet, hysterical tail plumes, and a growing collection of local birds coming to hang out. They roam free courtesy of a foundation and many many volunteers. If you have local friends, we found it to be a fabulous place for birthday parties (Domino’s will deliver, but no meat toppings :-)
And in fact it is, it’s quite magical. Everything slows down, and you can see across the Potomac River almost 180° to Virginia where everything is paved over and a tangle of highways and tall buildings and concrete. Welcome to the Montgomery county agricultural reserve! Land-use and zoning = preserving (a modicum of) sanity. It’s 93,000 acres of a first in the nation large scale sprawl-cap: by cutting off sewer and rezoning to 25 acre minimums and protected in perpetuity state local and national parkland, commercial and artisanal farmers, wineries breweries, horse farms, plain recluses, all supporting water infiltration, cooling, carbon sequestering, life-sustaining open space just 25 miles from the White House
When I lived in upstate New York, we had the Farm Sanctuary outside Watkins Glen, which sounds kind of similar. The day I spent there a few years ago was wonderful, especially the unexpected sight of a barnful of sleeping pigs!
As a woman who considers “Sweet Home Alabama” her home but “dislocated” likely forevermore, I just adore your yard and all critters therein. So refreshing after another week in legalize and you know, hell. Thank you for this. So very thoughtful! Glad you have them one and all. Everyone needs sanctuary. This is so fine! 😘😘😘❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️
Aaaahhh. I needed that -- photos and narrative. As fascinated as I am with these legal proceedings, and as invested as I am in the rule of law that undergirds our democracy, it was beginning to take a toll. Esp. with heat alerts every day that made porch sitting [my usual serenity place] unwise. Thank you, Joyce -- the kitten whisperer.
My cats have all managed to get along with the chickens. Only one has felt it necessary to "hug" them but he picked the wrong chicken and he never did it again. I have been deluded on occasion into thinking that it was my intervention/discussion that created the desired behaviour. It wasn't. Ever :)
I would be so lucky to be a part of your “barn yard” if I were a dog, cat, chicken !! Thank you for the relief tonight from Trump, Trump, Trump!!!! I am so sick of him and all the drama and crime that is him!!! It will be a joy when all these trials are behind us and hopefully Trump and pals are in jail. In the meantime, we are all so fortunate to have you help explain the complexities of the cases and the appeals that will most likely be endless! Thank you for being there for so many! You are a treasure.
Nina McKee
Scarborough, Maine
Nina, your comment is spot on! I feel exactly the same way! Thanks 💖!
Love your ‘name’ choice Still …and Nina , this Cape Elizabeth gal rode the many beaches that connected us ‘back in the day’ and continues the barnyard lifestyle elsewhere. May our weekend reflect how blessed we are .
Enjoy🫶
That makes two of us, AND many more! Just need to add: yes most people would call us animal lovers LUNATICS-- but we know if animals can respond to CIVIL DISCOURSE,all of us CAN-- so all of us should practice more. TY Joyce
Hello fellow Mainer, or should I say, Maniac.
I sh say, Mainers plural.
Nina, what you said. Adding that the pure, simple joy of watching Joyce's backyard paradise and her description of teaching Tofu how to be a friend brought me to tears just now.
So very true!! Such a treat to see on a Sunday morning!
All true and don't give up, it can work! I used to have a black cat named Bill who would lie down on his side stretched out under the humming bird nest in our yard. He'd lay his head all the way down, which would make his collar stick up a bit. Then he'd wait, looking me in the eye. We'd be silent together, hearing the crazy fast flutter of tiny wings together. Then it would happen. A hummer would hover over him... he'd shift his eyes back and forth from me to the hummer, only his eyes, and they'd get huge. One day the hummer landed on the collar. Bill squeezed his eyes shut and hardly breathed. We were both in a kind of samadhi of awe and joy. Then it was over. He'd come to me and curl on my lap and take my hand and pull it under his chin and heave the happiest sigh. This is the same cat who would hold perfectly still when small insects would crawl over his paws, or baby chick's would lie all around his great big belly or on him. Don't give up!
Thanks so much for sharing this. I could see him!
Thanks so much for sharing this! Not only is it just a great story but also it reminds me about my Mother and her dog Happy who was a full sized beautiful collie. He went with Mother up to Canada every summer where they had a small island to room about on. And there were chipmunks on that island. Happy in his younger days just loved, loved to chase those chipmunks. But mother did succeed on training him not to chase them at least when she was looking. They would come on the porch to get the food mother left for them. She would talk to him just like You were talking about talking to your dog. Different words but same meaning. He got it finally. And he had the most beautiful expression on his face with his ears forward.
You're welcome!
Bill the Cat?? I love it! ❤️
This guy came before that Bill.....he was named after.....long story....lolol
Magnificent. Thank you.
Always happy to share tales of Bill.
5AM EST. This helps my day.
I'm so glad. Xo
Wow! What a cool story! How lucky you were to be a part of this & see it
happening. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome
Your stillness encouraged Bill to be still also. Samadhi for sure!
When he was a kitten and I'd wrap up in a big meditation sheet, he'd sit directly on top of my head. Never moved till I did. He was a buddy on levels I can't honestly describe.
Sounds as though he’s a fully realized feline! Om tat sat. 🙇🏽♀️
Great story!
I wish everyone could have known him
We need a Bill the Cat book so everyone can know him! I think you are a very descriptive writer. And I would love to read that book to my Grandchildren 😊💕
You are so kind, thank you! My daughter gave me a subscription to Storyworth. It helps you answer questions about your life in order to get things down for the next generation. It got me writing again. My daughter is sort of like Bill without black fur <grinning>
I have never heard of that. I will have to look into it. It sounds like a great idea! Thanks for the information.
Awwww, what a beloved cat
He was and always will be.
Do you think we can teach humans to be like Bill?
Someone might be able to, but I have my doubts that all humans have the kind of heart he had.....He wouldn't even eat identifiable flesh. Damnedest thing. We fed him dry cat food that was some kind of fish derived, and he often stole corn and asparagus off my plate lol!! Bill. Never was a guy like him before.
Wonderful, Mimi!! Thank you.
It has been a long week of mugshots and mayhem. Thanks for the very welcome nature break Mommy! 😁🐔🐕🐈⬛️
And although that has been satisfying in and of itself, it's going to be a long wait to hear some guilty verdicts... So strap in and be patient...
It appears your dog helped to reinforce the family policy.
Pretty amazing!
I noticed this too ...and the raised beds gardens and planting array...very nice!
It was a delightful scene to watch this Friday night! Chickens, Tofu, the fabulous kitten, and a magnificent dog to round out the beauty! This is just what I needed tonight! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your wonderful brood!
I predict Tofu will become a great friend and protector of the chickens. He's learning from one of the best teachers. And lunacy is sometimes an underrated virtue 😉
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Coming, as I do, from a long line of lunatics....I agree.!
Very nice to see the chickens and kitty. Such a nice break from the constant unpleasantness. Thank you!
Next time you’re in Montgomery County, let me take you to Poplar Spring animal sanctuary. 400 beautiful acres of historic farm, red Seneca sandstone (think Smithsonian castle on the mall) root cellar, clapboard house and outbuildings. And rescued animals of any kind that are non-carnivorous: horses sheep cows goats donkeys commercial hogs rescued from a broken down tractor trailer, peacocks turkeys every kind of chicken with feathered feet, hysterical tail plumes, and a growing collection of local birds coming to hang out. They roam free courtesy of a foundation and many many volunteers. If you have local friends, we found it to be a fabulous place for birthday parties (Domino’s will deliver, but no meat toppings :-)
This sounds amazing!
And in fact it is, it’s quite magical. Everything slows down, and you can see across the Potomac River almost 180° to Virginia where everything is paved over and a tangle of highways and tall buildings and concrete. Welcome to the Montgomery county agricultural reserve! Land-use and zoning = preserving (a modicum of) sanity. It’s 93,000 acres of a first in the nation large scale sprawl-cap: by cutting off sewer and rezoning to 25 acre minimums and protected in perpetuity state local and national parkland, commercial and artisanal farmers, wineries breweries, horse farms, plain recluses, all supporting water infiltration, cooling, carbon sequestering, life-sustaining open space just 25 miles from the White House
So nice to hear about this. As a resident of Northern Virginia sometimes I wonder why I don’t live in Maryland!
I'll attest to this! I'm a lifelong resident of Montgomery County. It was a wonderful place to grow up in and is still a great place to live!
I love this. Thank you for telling us about it!
When I lived in upstate New York, we had the Farm Sanctuary outside Watkins Glen, which sounds kind of similar. The day I spent there a few years ago was wonderful, especially the unexpected sight of a barnful of sleeping pigs!
Still there & still doing their wonderful work!
Looked up its website! What a fantastic place! They also take donations
As a woman who considers “Sweet Home Alabama” her home but “dislocated” likely forevermore, I just adore your yard and all critters therein. So refreshing after another week in legalize and you know, hell. Thank you for this. So very thoughtful! Glad you have them one and all. Everyone needs sanctuary. This is so fine! 😘😘😘❤️🇺🇸🌎🕊️
A stack of water melon and fresh cucumber, hand fed! Those chickens are living high on the hog. Lucky birds.
Or perhaps high on the chicken perhaps?
What a peaceful reminder that there is good in this world. Thank you so much for sharing.
Aaaahhh. I needed that -- photos and narrative. As fascinated as I am with these legal proceedings, and as invested as I am in the rule of law that undergirds our democracy, it was beginning to take a toll. Esp. with heat alerts every day that made porch sitting [my usual serenity place] unwise. Thank you, Joyce -- the kitten whisperer.
I have a saying at our house:
“We do not eat our friends!”
It’s always worked with our cats, dogs, mice and birds. I sit down on the ground with everyone saying this. Worked so far....
Don’t we wish some people would listen....
Shabbat Shalom!
Victoria Brown? “Our” Victoria Brown “??? 💙💛
My cats have all managed to get along with the chickens. Only one has felt it necessary to "hug" them but he picked the wrong chicken and he never did it again. I have been deluded on occasion into thinking that it was my intervention/discussion that created the desired behaviour. It wasn't. Ever :)
We tell ourselves, of course, that it is 😂
I choose chickies and kitties and doggies every day over mug shots ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️