This Homestead Girl

Every year, my 4-H group participates in the local Memorial Day parade. Since its a 4-H float, animals are welcome, which means that my sisters and I bring rabbits. Last year, I brought Aravis, my special pet rabbit. While we were waiting to start, I found a little blue ponytail holder with blue ribbons on it. It was the perfect size to go around Aravis' ear. She wore it the whole time. This year, I was more prepared. Sunday evening, I dragged Aravis out of her pen and had her try on all her possible "outfits." Monday morning as the parade was starting, I dressed her up. I even decorated her harness and leash.  My 4-H leader thought I was absolutely nuts.   Aravis wore this the entire parade, which lasted about an hour and a half. She didn't even try to take it off. I think she sort of enjoyed all the attention. Just wait until she sees what she's wearing next year.   ~Just a Girl on the Homestead 

Have you ever had a conversation with a rabbit? If not, I highly recommend it. It's extremely amusing. I'll give you an example of me and my rabbits every morning during feeding. Me: Good morning, Galaxy! How was your night? Galaxy: RRRRRRRRR! (Rubbing his head on my hand.) Me: Are you hungry? Galaxy: GRUNT! (Bouncing up and down) Me: Here's your food! Galaxy: RRR! RRR! Grunt! (Starts eating) Me: See you later! It's even more interesting with Aravis, my sassy, spoiled rotten English Spot rabbit. "Vissy" is her nickname. Me: Hey Vissy! How's it going? Aravis: (Makes some very complex faces at me, while sitting in the back of her pen.) Me: Are you hungry? Aravis: (Comes running.) Me: Here's your pellets! Aravis: (Starts rubbing her chin on my hand.) Me: Do you want petted? Aravis: Thump! Snort! (Sticks her head under my hand, after giving me a "duh!" look) And finally, my favorite, Chester. Me: How's my handsome Chess...

You might live on a micro farm if... Your dad runs outside at 2:00 a.m. with a spotlight and your two big dogs, because you heard an unidentified canine outside the window. You walk outside and your chicken fan club starts following you around. You sing TobyMac songs to your rabbits. You desperately want a barn for Christmas. You sleep in until 9:00 a.m., and then suddenly shoot up in bed and say, "Oh my gosh, the ANIMALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" You stay at your grandparent's house for a couple days, and miss your rabbits more than your parents. You have twenty-six rabbits, seventeen chickens, and one duck. You periodically have chickens and/or rabbits in the house. You find a chicken missing, and hunt for it for half an hour, before finding it in the garage, nesting in a crate. And, finally, your might live on a micro farm if... your animals are among your very best friends. By the way, all these things are true, and have happened to me over the last...