Fight the Man!!

Things are getting a little out of hand. 2 years ago, we purchased 17 fruit trees and planted them around our little acre here in the city of Napa. Pears, Apricot, Peach, Plum, Pomegranate, Feijoa, Nectarine in addition to the 2 Feijoas, Plum, Avocado and Apple we already had. 1 year ago, I wanted to start a garden. Just a little one to start. My last garden was a little 5x7 plot in the front yard of our house in American Canyon. Everything grew just fine, I just could bear to pick anything. My husband, who does not like to waste anything, was dubious of my new garden. But being gentle, and trying to be subtle, he rounded up friend who had small gardens to explain to me how much work it was. I was determined, after I just wanted a SMALL, starter garden. Seriously, who has an acre in our climate, and doesn't have a garden? It was a matter of principle. I wasn't going to go overboard.

We ended up with 10 12'x4' raised beds. OK, so I have a problem, I admit it! But it was the best thing we ever did. We spend every afternoon and evening (and morning for me), roaming the beds, admiring what sprouted and grew, what wasn't, watering, plucking a weed here and there. It was so fun, so SATISFYING. We loved it so much Kevin wanted to go a step further. Chickens. This is no small decision. I have a bit of a bird phobia. They seem to frequently attack me, unprovoked. Plus they're filthy, and collecting their menstruation daily just gives me the heebie jeebies. But the idea was planted, and now we will scramble the money to get them this Spring if it kills us. I was recently browsing breeds, and I fell in love. There are so many beautiful, miraculous, hilarious birds, it went quickly from 10 birds to 25. .....what?