unionhomestead

BSP #16 – Toughening Up

I’m not a fan of rodents. I think, possibly, I may have something that hints at a phobia about them; their scuffley little feet, their speed, their smell…goosebumps! Just ick!

Thus, I was not the biggest fan of Ed and, firstly, Lorraine followed by Cindy and April the guinea pigs when Farm Girl introduced them into the menagerie.

But needs must and Farm Girl is not always available at tending time so I’ve had to step up.

You’re not going to catch me actually touching them any time soon but I can, if they’re on the other side of their firmly latched, closed, house door, step into their run to replenish their food and water bowls and, once I’ve unlatched it (from a distance – its quite an art), lob in a handful of grass for them to enjoy.

I can even say, almost convincingly, that they’re quite *shudder* entertaining with their chattering and enthusiasm for my attention but, kneeling on the ground to take this photo, there’s nothing I can do to stop my heart racing and skin crawling.

But I still did it. See, I’m toughening up!

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Published by unionhomestead

This story began as a family's fumbling attempt to live The Good Life in suburbia; the awesome suburb of New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand to be exact. Our wonderful neighbours tolerated our hair brained schemes as yet more lawn was turned into garden and more animals were introduced until there was just no more room left and there was nothing else for it... we moved to the country. So, here we now are: an extended family of humans, cats, ducks, chickens, and goats trying to step as lightly as possible on this gorgeous planet while still enjoying the internet and good television. We've got 5 acres of land to play with, a whole new township to meet, and neighbours who do this sort of thing for a living...what could go wrong? You want a list?! This lifestyle of ours isn't always pretty; There's meteoric highs and the most cataclysmic of lows. Our intent is to share all these - our idiotic mistakes, glorious triumphs, outcomes both lucky and unlucky; and those thigh slapping, tear spurting, belly laughing moments that often follow all of the above - through this blog and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/unionhomestead. We reckon everyday is a school day and, if you're maybe pondering having a go at this lifestyle yourself, you will always be able to call up this blog and say with ultimate conviction, "At least we're not as bad as them."

8 comments

  4. A phobia is no fun because it can be so irrational – but there’s no denying the involuntary physical response. My vulnerability is sensory over stimulation especially sound. Shopping malls are hell.

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