Saying Grace
"Grace" by Enstrom 1918 Photograph
The tradition of saying Grace – a prayer or expression of thanksgiving prior to a meal has personal meaning this week.
As I gathered each of the first 14 meat chickens I raised, I held each one, talked to it, and thanked it for allowing me to take care of it and for being part of my meals for the next year. My friends, Eli and Caroline and their family, dressed them for me and I picked them up tonight. 30 more are still growing and will go to “freezer camp” in a few more weeks.
Earlier in the day, the remaining chickens were hiding in the shelter – a red tailed hawk as too close for their comfort but when I walked near the pen, the hawk flew away and into the trees….I’m reminded that I share this land.
Tonight, I vacuum sealed the whole birds for the freezer and one of the birds was in pieces, so I grilled the breast for dinner tonight. I thought about the Enstrom photo of the old man over a simple meal and I again said thanks for the many blessings living a small farm life shares with me.
If you are curious, naked chicken photo below:
Three of the chickens headed to "freezer camp"
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