Today, at Codman Farm, I had the intense displeasure of seeing the beef freezer completely empty. WTF? Why is everyone so interested in local beef all of a sudden? (P.S. This is the last time I’m sharing my local sources on the interweb.)
My consolation prize was to stock up on bacon and eggs, which, I’ll admit, did console me. Temporarily. Until I was jolted back to discomfort by the realization that, in my dreamy state, I had just allowed the Toddler to be shocked by the electric fence surrounding the goats.
Oh, shit!
Did you know that goat kids and human kids respond similarly to electric shocks? They respond quickly and without objection. And the remorse is sincere.
Parents respond, too:
Me: What kind of a mother are you?
Me: There’s no sign. Oh look, now I can see where it’s hooked up to the electricity. Wow, I bet that really…hurt.
Me: Go touch the fence.
Me: Why?
Me: To find out how bad it was.
Me: I’m scared.
Me: Have you no maternal instinct?
Me: Look, I would gladly touch the fence if it was going to spare him pain, but I don’t really think me touching the fence after the fact is going to help anyone.
Anyway, I didn’t touch the fence. The Toddler, with the extra sympathy he received, was back to a somewhat subdued version of his normal self in under 60 seconds. So now I’m wondering if it would be wrong to employ electric fence technology in our own home? Like encasing the Preschooler in a cage of low voltage to keep the Toddler from beating the crap out of him every minute of every day? Any thoughts?
OMG - I guess it is pretty rude to be laughing right now! Honestly, I couldn't really read much past bacon and eggs.
Dreamy state...without objection...kind mother...hooked up...maternal instinct...gladly touch...
Electric fence technology? You might be onto something. My husband was just telling me about the "enclosed, outdoor play area" they were placed in as kids. Farm boys - I'll have to find out if it was electrified!
Posted by: andrea | August 12, 2008 at 10:59 PM
How is it that the little one ALWAYS beats up the big one? From the moment they realize that big kid is NOT an extension of themselves? Whether you've got boys or girls. One day toddler will grow up into a preschooler, develop impulse control, and not beat up older brother -- nearly as often.
Posted by: Family Nutritionist | August 13, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I think you might be on to something to stop the fighting!
I was at the Lexington Farmers Market yesterday and they had local beef. That doesn't help you until next week, but I bet Farmers Markets would be a good source for you. Keep it on the down low, though, as I don't want my source to dry up! ;)
Posted by: What A Card | August 13, 2008 at 08:47 AM
We didn't have a low voltage fence, we didn't even have a fence. We had a dog who knew where the property line was and that toddlers weren't allowed on the other side. And that if pushed hard in the chest with a nose the toddler falls over.
There is something for old technology.
Posted by: ntsc | August 13, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I think it's perfectly reasonble to use electric fencing for any and everything. I'm a big fan. Also, most people and animals learn very quickly and often need to be told just once (or hit it just once) except my one friend from Columbus (I guess they don't have livestock in Columbus) did not believe me and for some reason I'll never comprehend, leaned forward and put her tongue on the damn thing because she simply did not believe me. I'd say it was Darwinism at work except last I checked she's still walking and breathing.
Posted by: Alecto | August 13, 2008 at 09:54 AM
That was hysterical! I know I shouldn't be laughing... but I just can't help myself!
Posted by: The OTHER Tammy | August 13, 2008 at 03:45 PM
(Looking at comment above mine)
Oh yeah. I almost forgot about bacon Tammy and non-bacon Tammy. Wait, what?
Shock collars. I can think of a few parents who might get good use out of those. *Cough*
Posted by: melissa | August 13, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I wish I'd had a cattle prod when I was a kid. My brother was a beast!
Posted by: cookiecrumb | August 13, 2008 at 05:56 PM
CC: What would we do without siblings?
Melissa: Now that's a good idea. I hope DSS doesn't read blogs.
The OTHER Tammy: You just wait! You may feel like an awesome parent now, but it won't be long before you forget to strap your child into his car seat and he slides out onto the floor while you're on 128. Oh wait, that was me, too.
Alecto: Wow! I'd say people from Columbus aren't too smart except I know people in Columbus!
ntsc: That's what we need. A dog to follow us around and keep us out of trouble. Except I hear they need walking.
What A Card: Yeah, I need to branch out to other farmer's markets. I go to the Waltham one sometimes (the cheese lady usually has ground beef, but that's it for meat). I should try Lexington or Belmont. I think there's a new one in Newton (Nonantum), too.
Family Nutritionist: I anxiously await that day. I'm tired of refereeing.
Andrea: Maybe that's why people always say it's better to raise kids in the country.
Posted by: Tammy | August 17, 2008 at 10:16 PM