The world as we know it

World events these days are momentous and an update on the Buttner family adventures seems inconsequential, but Ruth Reichl's post on the tsunami, revolutions, etc was thoughtful and rather inspiring to me.

Our assistance to the situation in Japan consists of donating money. Which seems so trivial and yet is something we can do that will help those in need. I also have a renewed gratitude for our many blessings - running water (hot! even), electricity, a home and the safety of my loved ones.

In light of my luck and my blessings, I am reminded of one of my life mantras - "to whom much is given, much is required." I am constantly aware of how much I have been given. In this world where most people are struggling to provide food, shelter and safety for themselves and their children, I am putting money away for their college and planning a kitchen remodel. It's humbling. And galvanizing.

Since I'm running these days, I've entered a fun run to raise money for the Women in the Congo through Women to Women International. They help women all over the world, but this run is specifically for a recovery center/ technical school for survivors of sexual violence in the Congo. You can help them too! If you can't come to Hamden Connecticut to run with me on April 23,  you can sponser me for it. Email me and I'll sort it out for you. I'll update the blog as I get the online fundraising up and running. Technical difficulties right now.

Our long-suffering hens

Looking out the window today, I saw Sam toddle up behind one of our hens, reach down and gently pick her up. He didn't have such a good grip and she slowly slipped out of his hands. Lucky he's so close to the ground, she didn't have far to slide. She didn't freak out or anything, just kind of clucked softly and moved off.

Both kids love the chickens and obviously the chickens are used to them. A far cry from the attack roosters of last summer. Maybe the winter spent in the cedar tree mellowed them out.

I poked my head out the door to say, "Sam, pet the chickens, don't pick them up" and he replied, "Heavy, Mama - chickie heavy." Yes, when you're 30 lbs, a 5 lb chicken is pretty heavy.

After he followed them for awhile, petting them when he could, one of them did give him a peck on the hand. I saw it, and it wasn't bad, but he got a little sad that a chickie would do that to him. I carried him in the house, wiped his nose and, at his request, put him back outside. His first words were, "Chickie! 'R you? 'R you chickie?" so I guess he's over it.