Ruthie Lanigan: Off the Grid

Fog, fog, fog! I wake up and realize I haven't heard the roosters. Then I open my eyes and really can't see out any of the windows. The fog was quite intense.

Today I have to go into work. I really want to stay here but I know I have other responsibilities.

I feed the dogs, feed the pigs and then get ready for work. I want to wait until the last minute to let the chickens out.

When I finally have done everything I can, it's time to go let them out. Opening that door is always a joy. They all run out of the coup for about twenty feet and then stop. I can almost hear them saying "We're Free!!" I walk in to see if there are any eggs. There are only 2. :-(

I regrettably leave for work. It's 9:00 and I hope to be back by 4:00, which I make.

It feels so good to arrive back at the farm. I drive around the pig area to see how things are going. Some of the toddler pigs are rooting very deeply around the fence. I decide I should probably check it out. I park the car and take everything inside. Next, gear up. boots and a old shirt. I head down to the area I saw the toddler pigs and yep, they were still there. Rooting away. It looked like they were trying to escape. At least to me that's what it looks like. What's a girl to do? I finally decide to get some rocks and block the holes. I watch the toddlers acting like, well, toddlers. They take off running for no reason and then stop as if nothing had happened. I was laughing out loud at them.

After I realize everything is okay, I decide to come inside for a while. Do some yoga, relax. After a while, I decide it's time to go feed the pigs. I'm gettin' in the groove and even petting the pigs when I feed them. The babies are doing wonderful.

After I finish with them, I give the scraps from the kitchen to the chickens, I feel like the pied piper! they are running all around me and talking away. I throw the scraps out to them and they go crazy!