It's nearing spring..... honestly, it is :) This normally is the time of year that I start preparing kidding pens, cleaning them top to bottom, bedding them with fresh, sweet smelling, bright straw, hanging freshly cleaned water buckets and mineral holders and new hay bags. All in readiness for heavily pregnant does who will soon give birth.

But not this year. There are no pregnant does waddling around my pasture and barn this year, dropping heavily to the ground to lie and chew their cud while they dream of little kids to come. No sleepless nights and days of 'kid watch' to look forward to for me.

I know it's for a good reason. My husband, very reasonably, would like to do something else this spring. Perhaps go on a short trip. So he politely asked me if I'd give up kidding for one year. I agreed as he is worth that and much more, and he asks little of me.

But oh - I will miss the kids ...............