Monday 11 February 2008

City Kids

Realised yesterday the that we don't actually live in the country, and that we don't actually have country kids. Went to visit friend's mum's farm yesterday, in the proper country, with ducks, cows, chickens, cats, a dog, a horse and strangely a tortoise. I remember the tortoise was rescued from somewhere and lived in the Aga for a long time. Now it scoots about the kitchen floor, with its distinctive marking of a nail varnish painted back (so it can be found in the garden).
Children were scared of all the animals, daughter particularly alarmed by tortoise, which admittedly did move quickly, and smelly orange cat which kept trying to cuddle up to her. Ol scared of all of them, although pleased to find chicken egg in the garden. He did refuse to eat it, or take it home though, and even hardy country mummy, me, did not like the idea that they are a bit grubby. Also spent some time wondering if they were soft when they came out of the chicken to help it lay them. Country husband friend D, said it was, but Wiltshire K who grew up with said not, they are only soft if Wrong. Could not face asking what Wrong eggs were like, or Wrong Chickens.

Wiltshire K quite practical, even wiped tortoises bottom for him, so would not have been fazed by question. Thought I might not like the answer though, and have still not got over thing my dad told me when I was a child about eggs, which was the white bit, in the yolk was its' chicken spine. If anyone has ever wondered why I can't eat runny eggs that's the reason, also that it might be the chicken's umbilical cord (I think I invented that years ago, but please don't tell me what it really is). Mind you, dad also told me that raisins were really squashed spiders, and I have just about managed to get over that one. Still not too keen on packets that are open though, in case spiders get in, get squashed, then die.

Must be careful not to teach my kids that spiders are Evil, and are waiting to Get Us in scary unexpected way. Instead all creatures are our Friends, even smelly cats, creepy crawlies and painted tortoises that need their bottoms wiping. Will not try and get children to stroke spiders though. They might Get Them.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Tatty. Are you still thinking about a dog? This story would answer it for me. Think you said you have a cat and we know they make smelly poo, throw up occasionally and so on. Cats don't need a walk, and you won't be fined over the poo. I am a cat person, do love dogs too, just not the extra work. Really lovely story about the farm. I have also wondered about eggs! K (woods) x

Anonymous said...

Hi K
Yes, still thinking about dog, especially as would get fit walking him or her. But not too keen on the work, agree with you cats just are lovely, and easy.
Think we'll make a decision after Easter, as we're away to another friend's mum's house for the hol.
Glad its not just me, who has little worries about eggs etc!
Tattyh

Anonymous said...

Me again. Wanted to add, spiders are evil, blurrrrhh!!! They know I am scared, I swear, they run straight at me. I have learned over the years, if you haven't moved something for a while, do so very slowly with a slipper in your hand, or the vacuum nozzle. My blood is now running cold and hairs on neck are standing to attention!!! I fear my 12 year old son may have inherited the phobia. K (near the woods) x

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it, they must have read my mind or been using the laptop! After leaving spider message last night, later, my 'lovely hubby', went into other lounge to watch a different tv prog. Could hear doors opening/closing, then he popped his head into family room, "good job I went in there first, there was a big spider on the lamp". The lamp I usually turn on!!!!!! Aaarrrrgh! Kx

Anonymous said...

Ha! That's so funny, they really do want to get you! Once I woke up and for some reason looked to my right, perhaps I was hoping Bed Pitt had appeared in the night and a giant spider was sitting on my pillow next to my face.

Anonymous said...

Oh thats so nasty! A couple of years ago, I went to the loo and there was the mother of all spiders down the pan, legs spread across the skin of the water. I put loads of tissue on top and flushed, did the thing you do, shuddering at the thought, then went on my way. A couple of days later in a different loo, (sorry) did a whizz, stood up to put slighty moistened (used) tissue down pan and another big bug*** was staring up at me. How long had that been there I thought. Flush! I worked out they must be dropping from those air vent things which are positioned right above the loos. I now do my business staring up at them dreading one will land on me half way through. Oh the thought of the mess that would make, ha ha. I have another spider story that involves a dog, might put you off dogs altogether though. Kx

Unknown said...

Hi tattyh...
on eggs..I always thought they were umbilical cords..very snotty ones!
cats or dogs..cats have a tendency of getting squished in the road! Dogs are attached to leads(normally).Cats dig up newly planted veggies.Cats can be left home alone a lot longer than dogs.Used to leave my cats for weekends alone..left loads of bowls of food..gues they used to demolish in one go then go get a nice mouse take away.
Spiders...let's just not go there. I don't give a monkey's doo dah if they were put on this planet to eat flies...they have far too many legs and run too dam fast.I hate them but can't kill them..they scare me rigid! How many do we eat in our lifetime whilst sleeping?

Anonymous said...

Wow, we should start our own hate spider club, least I know when they take over the world, some of us will be ready for them! Hoovers at dawn. Course then need to leave hoovers outside 'cos they climb back out.