I don’t want to be an enabler.
I really don’t.
My wife and I were sitting in the living room the other day when our doorbell rang. I wish this wasn’t the case, but our doorbell ringing without warning is rarely a good thing. We don’t have that many neighbors, and most of our family and friends just come on in.
But, ring it did, and as I opened the door I was surprised to see the couple from two doors down. They’re new to the neighborhood, and we don’t know them well yet. Their kids turn their bikes around in our driveway, and we wave when one of us drives by, but that’s about the extent of our relationship.
After we exchanged pleasantries, the couple got down to business: “(Our neighbor in between our houses) said you’d be able to tell us about your chickens. We’re thinking about getting some ourselves.”
I don’t know the direction that I expected our conversation to go, but that wasn’t it. My mind was racing…was I willing to be partly responsible for a decision that could lead this young couple down a path that’s hard to come back from?
What if the habit stuck? What if they found themselves with something like rabbits or ducks? Miniature goats? Would I be able to live with myself?
Heaven forbid they find themselves involved with bee keeping or permaculture. All because of a conversation that started innocently. What should we do?
“Sure, we can help you with that!” I replied.
…What the heck…you only live once.
Yet There is Method 
I laughed…I was expecting an Amway visit. I just finished a book entitled “Flat Broke with Two Goats” by Jennifer McGaha. Chickens were her gateway animal…it led to goats.
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See–it’s dangerous! 🙂
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Tim,
Thanks for sharing this slice. While reading it. I was thinking of my husband and son.
Yes. The habit will remain and grow stronger with each passing days.
we started with vegetable garden and some fruit trees. Next was bees. This year, we will have 3 bee hives. Next on agenda is chicken. The farmer 🙂 is ready to expand. Once the sow melts, he is building us a brick stove so we can process maple syrup using wood stove.
Best wishes.
Purviben
@Trivediziemba
http://trivediziemba.edublogs.org
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Purviben, it sounds like you and your family have got a lot going on! I’d like to have bees, but I’m not sure I’m willing to put enough time into them. The maple syrup sounds wonderful!
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Tim,
My husband has found his inner farmer. He and our son are the bee keepers and maple syrup makers. We have a neighbor who is doing all these for several years and is a big help (just like you are to your new neighbors).
Best
Purviben
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Hahaha! Be an enabler. Miniature goats… bees…permaculture. I’m kind of hoping this slice is just a harbinger of future slices.
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There’s almost always something going on outside of our house to write about. Chicken personalities alone are good for a few slices!
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I love it! Chickens is where we got our start too, however, we know goats are naughty, and bees really aren’t our style. However, permaculture, I could get into that. I’ll stick with my big garden, a few apple trees, and happily putter away!
Thank you for this slice today! It made me smile. 🙂
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My wife has toyed with permaculture over the years (and I’ve used the shovel), but I’m not sure how far we’ll get with it. Bees would be nice, but I’m not sure I’m willing to put in the hours. I’m jealous of your apple trees; we’ve never gotten those to fruit for us here in north Alabama. Thanks for reading!
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This suburban girl has never heard of “permaculture.” I really feel like I’m missing out! I enjoyed how you built suspense with your writing.
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