We returned the chickens and Mocha and Clover (the goats) to the farm last week.

Many of you have expressed disappointment in us “giving in”.  You should know us well enough by now that we aren’t afraid of a fight.  Besides, it isn’t over.  There is much work being done to make it legal to have chickens in the city, and we have high hopes to return them here soon.

Long live the chickens!

Some would ask, “Why would I pay $3 for a dozen eggs when I can get them for 79 cents?

If your most important issue is cost, then by all means it only makes sense to get the cheapest eggs possible. But if you’re also concerned with good nutrition, or preserving and supporting local farms, or kind treatment of animals, or wise stewardship, then the extra expense is not only justified, but gladly accepted.

A little bit further down that road and you may be faced with the question, “Why would I ever bother caring for hens when I can just buy my healthy eggs from a farm?”

Well, let’s put it this way.

In this day of incredible technology, where you can instantly and easily communicate with your friends through phone, email, and instant messaging, why would you ever bother getting together with them in person? Since you could multi-task while conversing and wouldn’t have to drive anywhere or buy a meal, communicating virtually could save time, money and energy.

It goes without saying that there is something irreplaceable about seeing your friend face to face. Enjoying a hug, seeing their smile and sharing eye contact are something we all long for. If it was simply about communication, we could toss out lingering over a meal or walking together. But we all know that those fulfilling experiences are what enhances friendship.

Likewise, there is something about enjoying the fruits of your labor that increases the value of something such as an egg. When you are blessed with an egg from a hen that you have fed, watered and tended to, it is more than the egg itself. It is the reward of the entire process. Hearing a hen’s soft clucks, the thrill of discovering an egg, reaching in to gently scoop it up… Those all add to the inherent value of a basic food.

All methods have their consequences. In a world driven by efficiency and individualistic gain, its good to remember that sometimes exceeding in those areas means you have drastically hindered or even destroyed another area of meaning.

Is it worth it?

Our internet service was interrupted yesterday, hence the lack of a blog post yesterday. It was cut during a landscaping project. And yes, I, Tamra, take all the blame. Thank you.

Callahan is walking all over now.  It’s the infamous drunken sailor trying to get his sea legs walking, but it’s walking.  He is so proud, and pauses often to clap for himself.

Yesterday morning was the second Rejuvenate! ladies gathering at my place.  I’m thinking about making next month’s a bit more structured.  The ideas are already flowing!

Monday we attended the funeral of a dear friend.  In recognition of how those who are God’s children should view death, it was called a Homegoing Celebration. He was known as a loving father, husband and pastor to many.  We knew him as a humble, giving man who truly lived for Christ.  Along with his ability to consider another’s opinion, one of the most touching things we remember about him was his willingness to repent.

Early Tuesday morning, the Flint City Building Inspector visited our home.  It came as no surprise that it was regarding the 8 chickens and 2 baby goats we keep here.  I politely showed him around, and explained that every neighbor we had talked to had seemed fine, even happy, about our pets with perks.  He said there would be no ticket at this time, but there would be if we didn’t have the animals gone within 2 weeks.  He remarked with disgust that he was rarely ever out of his office, but that somehow this was considered important enough to merit immediate attention.

An hour later, 4 squad cars and several police officers came to the house.  They were here to investigate an “animal violation”.  I spoke briefly with the Sergeant, and then another officer issued a citation to appear in court.  I laughingly showed them the chickens and goats, and wondered aloud if perhaps the number of policemen sent on such a call was a bit over the top.  After several times of him saying “I’m not laughing” I remarked that I sure hoped he was saying that to mean that he believed the entire thing to be as ridiculous as I did and shared my frustration with how it was being handled.  He agreed, and started to tell me how they were pulled off a far more important call before he stopped himself and sighed deeply, shaking his head.

We also have a couple honeybee colonies.  Now, those are legal.  *Pppbblllttt*

Yesterday, Cruiz remarked with a sigh, “It seems like everyone is having a birthday this year!”