It has been an ordinary day full of amazing little moments today.
This morning when we went out to check on the chicks we noticed that they finally managed to get up to the perch. It must be all of those wing feathers that they have been growing. They have been trying and failing for days. It's pretty cute to watch them try to get up, miss, and then walk away as if it never happened. Do chicks get embarrassed? I wonder.
On our way out to the country to pick peaches we stopped by a friends house to drop something off. She was out in the coop when we got there. A mama hen had just hatched a chick and there were 2 more working their way out. The new little hatch-ling was so little and helpless looking. We were holding one of the eggs to hear it peep and look at the cracked shell when it started to really make some progress. We put the egg down and sure enough it wobbled around and cracked in half. A little wet featherless chicken uncurled itself out of the shell. It was one of those moments that just takes your breath away. We only got a quick glimpse before the mama hen tucked her baby back under her body and waited for the next egg to hatch. It was truly a gift to witness such a thing.
We tried to have lunch at Ye Olde Mill where Velvet Ice Cream was made. Unfortunately, the storm caused a good bit of damage up there last night. They were not serving food so we had to settle for ice cream for lunch. The kids were stoked.
By the time we got to the orchard it was hot, but the kids were determined. We picked our peaches and loaded up to drive home. The drive was beautiful. We passed rolling hills, farms, and woods. The sun was shining and the sky was full of fluffy clouds. The kids were in the back naming all of the wonderful things that they imagined in the clouds and confirming that yes they saw what the other one did too. Every now and then one of Katie's famous giggles would creep up from the back seat. (May I never forget that sweet sweet sound when she grows up) Then Katie spotted Granny in the clouds. So did Tommy.
Granny passed away in May. She was the most amazing woman that I have ever known. Strong, smart, kind, and resourceful. She was and still is my greatest role model in life. She made beautiful quilts, amazing jams, and the best biscuit and gravy that you have ever tasted. My earliest memories always make me think of her soft hands with paper thin skin that she would pat me with and her generous bosom that I liked to curl up against. She was something special and I miss her dearly.
It made me smile to think of her up in those clouds enjoying the beautiful drive with us. That's when I noticed that one of my favorite songs was on pandora, Ruby. That is her name. Ruby Jane. It gave me goosebumps. And a huge smile.