Good fences/Neighbors update....

[Olivia67]

Well yesteday the two little girls came by and asked very politely if they could see the animals. Actually they scared the snot out of me because I was trying to plant a small garden in the front of the house and I had on my cheap little mp3 player and was singing to myself something really stupid from the 80's. So maybe we're almost even : )
Anyway I am thoughly humbled now and feel terrible about how badly I over reacted but maybe it's not as bad as what I remember..hopefully. I spent as much time with them as I could and they are terrified of the animals, funny because they are all very small livestock critters but fear is a good thing if it keeps them from doing something silly like playing with one of our rams. They will be here all summer and every weekend is going to be more boring then the one before it for them. I do not like the idea of having someone else's kids helping out but I gave them my phone number and told them to call me and I would let them know if I can take a break from my chores to spend some time with them. If nothing else they could help feed the chickens, I don't think there is any way for them to get hurt doing that. Unless they trip over one of hens. Oh wait that's something I would do!! We will still be putting up more fencing, if not for them then for the next tenants. Too bad barbed wire is illegal out here---eletric fencing is legal though! Thank you for all the advice, I read all of it carefully and it has really given me something to chew over. I'm glad that I came to this list with this issue, I got a lot of good feedback from a neutral source. My friends all just took my side and even though I was right, I could have handled it much better but since I can't go backwards, I'll just keeping going forward with a more positive outlook this time.

Olivia67

[chickenista]

I am glad to hear it!
Apparently your talk with the step mom worked and the kids were nice enough to come ask first. yeah!!!
And I do not think you overreacted. It worked. And anything less may have not discouraged trespassing or them being in danger.
Crisis averted! I just love a happy ending.

[ErinP]

I'm glad it worked out too.

"Neighbor" is a verb as well as a noun.

[joyceb]

Wonderful news! Feeding chickens has kept more kids busy at our house than I can count. The chickens are always ready for more and aren't as intimidating as the goats. If children feel comfortable knowing that you will likely welcome them if they ask to visit or help they are far less likely to try to sneak.

Great job!

JoyceB

[tamsam]

Boy I wish we had a couple kids around here that would like to help with our critters. I think you have made a couple little friends and they will most likely be good for you and them. Nothing like a penut butter and jelly after working to feed the chickens. When mt grand kids come for a visit they all like to help out even bring in wood is fun for them. Hope the kids are a lot of help for you. Sam

[HilltopDaisy]

I don't think you over-reacted!

[Olivia67]

Thank you everyone, really. It really helped to talk it out and not just mutter to myself all day while cleaning and doing chores. Don't be too jealous of my helpers either, it will be more work for me to watch after them then they will ever repay in real labor! Maybe this will be one of those situations that might impact the kids in a positive way. The oldest one had a look in her eyes that made me feel like something magical was happening. You know that whimsical, far away, big eyed look that kids get when they experience something brand spanking new? She actually whispered the whole time she was here and they were very nice not to mention how bad my singing was. That alone got them big points from me. Of course my singing may have scared them worse than the hollering did. Thank you again everyone and I am glad this one had a happy ending for now too. We'll see what happens in the weeks to come.

[tamsam]

When our Grandkids and such come to visit it is more work to watch and make sure it is done right or redo what they have done, but it is so worth it when you see the look of satisfaction on their faces and in their eyes. It is strange that 4 or 5 years ago an older boy of about 14 or so came out with his friend and helped us cut a right of way and ran the wires for an antena almost a 1/4 mile up the side of the mountain behind the house. Well was om my space and just happened to read a comment on another friends my space and he was telling him about helping put the antena up. Kinda made me feel good that he remembered it enough to brag about it and telling about our critters. Even said how cool it was to feed the goat that had on deer clothes {a joke among our friends about the little deer we raised]. Hope you enjoy teaching those kids about your animals. Sam

[Jenn]

as my dad would say 'are you raising chickens or little girls?' For a few hours every week you'll be raising little girls, a very noble important crop.

[Becka]

You never know, the few minutes you spend with those kids teaching them how to feed chickens, may some day result in them growing up and becoming farmers that help feed America.

[Maura]

Important lesson learned for them. Sometimes a crabby person just wants some respect. Now they know the correct way to deal with neighbors. Good job.