When the Fox got the Roosters

One year Mum bought 12 male chickens with the aim of raising them so she could sell them at Christmas time. A lot of care went in to those chicks. An electric lamp to keep them warm, a feeding trough with individual feeding holes, a carefully made pen. As they matured they were each injected with a pellet - probably growth hormone - to make them grow.

As Christmas drew near Mum took orders for these fine, plump, birds. But the project came to nought. Fred Fox was also taking a keen interest in Mum's little project. One morning we woke to find that Fred had chewed through the wire netting surrounding the rooster pen and then chewed the head of each rooster. I can't recall if he ended up eating one or not.

We need a little magic

I remember the day well, but not how old I was. It was Christmas morning and I had walked over to my Grandparent's place to help milk the cows. On the way home I looked up into the sky that with the exception of a few wispy white clouds, was clear blue. Now I don't know what I expected to see that morning, perhaps reindeer tracks, but it dawned on me that this day was no different to any other. Reality hit home that day, and something in a little boy died.

We all need a little magic every now and then.