Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Mr. Drooley came to us this past winter when the winds were howling, and the temperatures were below freezing. Truly, the last thing I needed was another mouth to feed, but I am inclined to take in anything that needs warmth and nourishment.

I tried to find a home for him. but it never materialized. He went nameless for months, as we told ourselves he probably wouldn't be staying. Not too long ago we noticed that he has been hanging around with the chickens. We are not sure if he doesn't realize that he is a cat, or the chickens don't know he is not a chicken. Daily, we find him taking dust baths with the chickens, or all of them curled up in front of the barn for an afternoon nap.

Every evening when we put the chickens in he follows them to the door. Once they are secured and the small barn door is closed he wanders over to the hay and finds himself a warm place to sleep.The oddest thing is, that we have two other outdoor cats who will have nothing to do with him. They hiss and swat at one another, and we thought he would be happier in a new home. Mr. Drooley though, seems content to be with his feather-brained friends, and they seem to enjoy his company as well.

The chickens and Mr. Drooley taking an evening stroll.

This morning we were greeted by the Northwest winds roaring across the pastures in Sugarcreek. Occassionally, the winds would subside just long  enough for us to hear the sweet songs of  the springtime birds.

In the past few days the weather here has been warmer, warm enough to send the farm animals into their springtime frolic. The chickens were up for a friendly game of hide and seek and were eager to taunt me with their antics. Instead of laying their eggs in their chicken house they decided to lay them in the barn in a nest of dirt and hay that they had collected from the barn floor.

The heat from the much needed sun was warm and welcoming as we watched many more robins gather in the front yard. We decided to venture out and look for some spring flowers. Like treasure hunters searching for gold we set out, and were quickly rewarded when we spied a lone golden yellow crocus bravely peeking out from the soil.The almost overlooked jewel was nestled among the dead grasses and twigs of last years' growth. Our son seemed the most captivated by its simple beauty as he bent down to get a closer look. We watched as he pushed his little nose deep into its soft petals. "Wow, he exclaimed, "this is the sweetest flower I ever smelled!" That it is, and soon the land will be filled with many colorful flowers and the sweet scents of Spring.

The chickens it seems are convinced that Spring has arrived in Sugarcreek. The warmer weather has them venturing out from the safety of the barn, and we find them out looking for a tasty springtime treat. They strut around the yard clucking loudly as they make their way across the driveway, behind the barn and even into the horse pastures.

The cats too have broken out of  their winter cacoon,and we no longer find them curled up in a ball under their blankets in the garage. Instead, we open the door to feed them and find them ready at the door. Ready to pouce and play in the spring like weather.Later in the day, we find them curled up on the porch enjoying their noontime nap.

The horse's whinny has become more robust as they gallop across the pasture to greet us. They search for the tiny green shoots of the spring grass they know will soon cover the pasture with lush forage. I watch the farm animals and I am swept up by their excitement. I find a small hand shovel and begin scraping the earth looking for the newly emerging flowers. Spring, I think, is not that far away.