Coochie Coo

There are “It’s Spring!” babies everywhere! I adore driving to town, Granbury, Weatherford, Fort Worth or Dallas—because this time of year there’s a guarantee I’m going to see at least one new baby animal—usually several/many.

Colts, calves, llamas, goats, lambs, turkeys, quail, dove, ducks. I don’t know of many things in our lives that are cuter and more hopeful and amazing than babies.

We’ve had calves and we always have lots o’ baby birds, bunnies and fawns. We’ve seen plenty of baby raccoons and possums at our place. Last year my Hubby even saw twin baby bobcats. They were standing on a wall by his truck. He was surprised and thrilled! By the time he tried to quietly reach our back door—so he could get my attention and I could also marvel at them—they sauntered off and up onto the hill behind our home. I did see a small bobcat slinkin’ around our back patio a few months later. Could have been one of the twins. It was awesome.

Sorry to have to admit this (although I have a feeling I shan’t be alone): I’m not big on mouse, rat, armadillo or rattlesnake babies. Yuck. Double Yuck. Triple Yuck. And Yikes. I’d add skunks to that list, but have you ever seen little baby skunks scurrying after their Mama? Lined up in a row? Precious. Darnnit. Just seeing babies can bring tears to my eyes. I have a picture to show you now that probably won’t choke you up. It could, however, make you say: “Awww.” Or, perhaps “Is she kiddin’? Does she have both of her oars in the water?” Oh, well, here we go. Drum roll, please:

image of cactus babies via ELC

taken on Monday of this week

image via ELC

taken today of the growin' bambinos

my!  look how big they're gettin'!

Are they the cutest things ever? TLC thinks they’re creepy. Who asked her?

If you’d told me twelve years ago I would live in the country and adore cactus/i/uses, I would have laughed and said: “What are you smokin’?”  I simply had no interest. Unfortunately, there’re only about ten plants/flowers I can grow with success (even though My TLC believes I’m a great gardener—ssshhhhhh—don’t tell her I’m really not). When Hubby and I moved to the sticks, I began to understand how important it was going to be to landscape with native plants, shrubs and grasses—heat-tolerant plants which, of course, include cactus. I began to look at cactus in a whole new way. They started looking really good. I’ve definitely learned to appreciate the value of virtually maintenance-free vegetation.

Once I discovered the option of making cacti part of my landscape plan, I asked Hubby to dig several up from out in our pastures and transplant them in our front garden. Little, big, prickly, non-prickly, flowering, non-flowering—I love and covet ‘em all. I even buy small, colorful cacti from Wally World or Home Depot and plant them in pots on my front porch.

Try to imagine my sheer amazement the first time I saw “babies” on my cactus! I actually don’t know what happens to them, because they don’t always live and become a leaf. (Is “leaf” the right word? Guess I need TLC-pedia to clarify—if she’s not too traumatized.) Anyway, about a third make it to become bee—you—tee—ful!

And, like any proud parent, I take lots o’ pictures! I drag Hubby outside when one has an extra large number of sprouts. He just nods, smiles and congratulates me. Then wanders off—mumbling to himself. I can guess what that’s about. It’s okay—I ignore it. I don’t let anyone dampen my utter joy.

We’ve been thrilled over the years to welcome seven grandchildren to our family. Believe me when I unashamedly tell you they’re all cutie-patooties! Two of our grands will be here this Easter weekend. I’ll try to let them get a bit settled in before I drag them around to see all of the new babies. They won’t think they’re creepy, Aunt TLC. Sheesh.

Hoppy Easter to All Y’all!