A Little Christmas Surprise

I usually write in the early hours of the morning, right after I’ve hauled myself out of bed.  I wrap myself in a thrift store quilt—my couch quilt—that could not possibly have more dog hair on it.  Tiny cup of espresso (the first of several) by my side, Keela whacking my computer to gain more room on my lap.  We don’t have a fireplace, but by the miracle of technology I can stream a flickering, snapping fireplace onto my TV screen.  It’s roaring right now.  Cheesy, I know, but it’s what I’ve got.

Real tree, fake fire!

We got our tree yesterday.  The other decorations have been up for a while.  I’m a minimalist—mostly white lights and a few sparkly balls hanging in the windows.  My favorite thing is the wreath on the front door.

Isn’t it lovely?

Excellent Cousin Beth sent me more decorations she made for the wreath.  There’s one for every farm animal, and we added eleven this past year.  That was a fun package to open!  I told her two of the chickens, the little bantam girls, still didn’t have names so no ornaments for them.  I wasn’t trying to be mean or anything.  It’s just that those two little ladies have not shown their personalities yet.  No eggs so far, no endearing interaction with the other animals. They hang close to the bantam rooster Little Man all day and roost with him on top of a wall in the coop at night.  They are a tight trio.

Always together. Usually somewhere away from the others. A handsome, stand-offish little family.

Yesterday, after a few texts back and forth with Beth it was determined that those hens SHOULD HAVE NAMES.  Her husband Fayne suggested Aunt Polly, and then Pica (for our favorite restaurant).  So I went to the barnyard and told them that from here on out, they would be known as Miss Pica and Aunt Polly.  “Isn’t that wonderful?”  I asked.  “You got new names for Christmas!”  They totally ignored me.

Later, as I was tucking everyone in for the evening, something caught my eye.  Something in one of the never-used nesting boxes.  Two small, perfect eggs from a couple of little hens who got their names for Christmas.

Our own little Christmas miracle.

In twelve hours, our home will be jammed with people having all manners of fun.  Friends and family, food and drink.  Later today this house will vibrate with love.

But now it is quiet except for the crackling of my fake fire.  There is a hint of light showing at the windows.  Inside, others are waking up and getting started with their day.  Outside, a rooster is crowing.  They want out of the coop to start their day, too.  I feel so grateful for my life.  I am so lucky.  My family, my friends, my dog, pig, goats, and chickens—including Aunt Polly and Miss Pica—are the very, very best I could wish for.

Before the craziness begins, I want to wish you and yours—two-legged and four, hairy, furry or covered with feathers—peace, love and joy.

(Shared at Simple Saturdays, From The Farm, Tuesdays With A Twist, Maple Hill Hop, Thank Goodness It’s Monday, Homestead Barn Hop and Clever Chicks)