Gathering Eggs
January 19, 2011
I put on my coat, just before sunset, and went to the henhouse. As usual, the evening air was cold so I hurried to secure eleven hens and one pet turkey for the night. Standing outside the running pen, I locked the hatch then opened the coop door to gather eggs.
Although I was moving quickly to get out of the cold, I slowed down to peek into the nesting boxes. The first box cradled two brown eggs, the second box had a green egg, the third was empty, and the fourth (this reads like Goldilocks) held an unusual surprise, one XXL-egg, and one XXS-egg. As I held the two oddball eggs, one in each palm, I smiled then chuckled. The exaggerated sizes were as laughable as looking at a Great Dane and a Chihuahua standing side-by-side.
After I said good night to the hens, I returned to the house with three normal-sized eggs and two abnormal ones. Once inside, I measured them. The XXL-egg was nearly four inches long by six-and-a-half inches in diameter. (Ouch!) The XXS-egg was three-inches around and only one inch long—not exactly edible. However, the larger egg will make a mighty fine omelet. What better way to start my day than with a meal packed full of organic goodness. Likewise, the quiet gathering of eggs is a perfect threshold to the passing of a day. Copyright © 2011 Dianne Marie Andre
Left to right: XXL, Normal Size, XXS
In and Around the Garden 
Makes me wanting to raise some chickens of my own!
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Go for it! Chickens are the easiest, most economical farm animals to maintain.
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A delightful journey through the henhouse. I am amazed at the size and colors of the eggs, being the ‘city girl’ that I am. bernadine
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enjoyed your story-book description, thank you for momentarily transporting me. I love the tranquil sound and non-sound of roosting hens.
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Those eggs are gorgeous. They look like polished gems.
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