An impulsive husband and how to find local free-range eggs

Rabbit cage

Which comes first the chicken or the egg…..or in this case the rabbit! What a weekend I’ve had. This post was supposed to be up Saturday. I had the time carved out…things were peaceful, my 3 yr old Leah was napping. I ran out to greet my hubby & girls at the patio gate so they wouldn’t disturb wake Leah when they came in. That’s when my oldest daughter met me and was wildly exclaiming that daddy had bought a rabbit. Nah…he’s a practical jokester, and so is she. I knew they were pulling my leg. I open the gate only to spy hubby holding this…

Yep…a large cage containing a rabbit!! OH no, no, no I say…..he has got to be kidding. It is NOT coming in the house. A few seconds later….while I am steaming mad…hands shaking…I step aside as they carry it into the house. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt like this. Stunned, shocked, and as a good friend said on Facebook, “words fail me.” My oldest spent her birthday money on it. I sent them to her room (all of them…rabbit, cage, hubby and ALL), and stated that it didn’t mean the rabbit was staying. I just had to get it out of my sight!! Before I blew a gasket.

Turns out my hubby talked HER into it…HE wanted the rabbit!! And if you follow me on Twitter…you saw the alert go out Saturday afternoon for HELP. This was not a discussed and mutually agreed on purchase or pet. And before you think I’m heartless…we live in a 1285 square feet home (all 5 of us!), we don’t live on acreage or even have a real yard…just a large fenced in patio…no grass. A rabbit just doesn’t seem practical. Not to mention, we just got a hamster last month. Pixie was supposed to fill the furry critter quota. Oh my…poor Pixie. She just got demoted.

Pixie

And though my husband can be impulsive, he has never done this to me before. I’ve had friends suggesting maybe he wants another baby. Uh…no!! Or that they had some recipes for me (as in rabbit). Uh…no!! But he is completely adorable with the rabbit….really it’s a bunny. She’s young and cute…but Ruby is on “probation.” I just know in a couple short months….attention will turn to another hobby. Right now it is pets….2 fish tanks containing 28 fish (13 of them baby fantail guppies which we are breeding!!), Pixie the hamster and now Ruby the rabbit. I am not allowing myself to get attached…it’s just not practical to keep this rabbit. When they lose interest, I’ll be more than happy to help find a nice home for Ruby! Any takers??

Rabbit collage

Now back to the eggs….free-range, farm fresh eggs. If you’re looking to find your very own local free-range eggs, I have a couple online sources for you. Both of these websites have locators for you to plug in your location, and find farms & suppliers near you.

Eat Wild ~ Quoted directly from their website, Eatwild’s Directory of Farms lists more than 1,300 pasture-based farms, with more farms being added each week. It is the most comprehensive source for grass-fed meat and dairy products in the United States and Canada. Producers listed on Eatwild certify that they meet our exacting criteria, assuring that their animals and the land are well-treated, that their products are exceptionally high in nutrition and free of antibiotics and added hormones. Products include: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal, Goat, Elk, Venison, Yak, Chickens, Ducks, Rabbits, Turkeys, Eggs, Milk, Cheeses, Produce, Nuts, Berries, Wild-Caught Salmon and more!”

Local Harvest ~ Quoted directly from their website, “Real food, real farmers, real community. The best organic food is what’s grown closest to you. Use our website to find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.”

Free range eggs

*After part one of this post last week, I had a reader contact me on Twitter to inquire of where I purchase my eggs. I was able to direct her to these two sources, and am happy to report she found fresh local eggs in her area…success!! That’s really what this post is all about…we all want to feed our family the freshest and best quality food.

We all start out on the REAL FOOD journey at the beginning. Taking baby steps away from processed and premade convenience foods and toward food full of nutrients and vitamins…food eaten the way it was created. And when I began my journey 5 years ago, I needed help…the information out there is overwhelming. Try to keep it simple. Start out by adding more fruit and vegetables into your meal plan, and cutting out processed where you can. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I still use some convenience items, but I read the ingredient list for items I can’t pronounce. But that’s a post for another day.

I’m sorry for the delay in getting this post up. I’m sure after reading about my weekend it makes total sense why my ready-to-write mood was totally obliterated by the “rabbit chaos” that took over my weekend. I wish I were making it up since Easter is around the corner or that it were an early April Fool’s joke, but that’s just not the case. The rabbit fodder also created a 30-plus comment long status on my Facebook account, which was TOTALLY funny. Heck, it IS funny, especially if it wasn’t happening to me. I read them all to hubby last night, and we had a good laugh about it. And we can do that because he DID apologize…and he IS super cute cuddling HIS rabbit.

To find out the status of Ruby and her probation…you can check updates here and here.

This post is linked up with Hearth and Soul Hop, Delectable Tuesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Fresh, Clean & Pure Friday, Fun with Food Friday, Food Trip Friday, Fight Back Friday, Monday Mania, Made by You Monday & Homemaker Monday.

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45 Responses to An impulsive husband and how to find local free-range eggs

  1. Christy says:

    Funny – my husband does that kind of stuff to me all the time – after 22 years I just let it roll off my back ;o) Great resource for eggs! I am glad we have our own chickens – the eggs are amazing! Thanks for linking this to the Hearth and Soul Hop!

  2. the domestic mama says:

    I'm still in love with Ruby. 🙂 But, I know what you mean with the novelty wearing off, lol!

  3. Miz Helen says:

    We get our eggs from our neighbour down the road and the eggs are so much better than the ones that come from the village store. I know that we are spoiled and blessed. Thank you for sharing and have a great day!

  4. April @ The 21st Century Housewife says:

    Those two sources sound like a wonderful resource. It's so important to buy local, free range eggs!

    Sorry to hear about the rabbit – I like rabbits, but only when they belong to someone else, not in my house!

  5. Rebecca says:

    The pictures are so cute! I am glad we can have her as long as we take care of her.

    Rebecca

  6. Aurelia says:

    I am really glad I found your blog! My husband is American (I'm English) and I'm in the process of moving to America at the moment. One of the things that has been niggling in my mind is free range produce.

    Over here I've always eaten free range eggs, ever since I was old enough to actually eat eggs. Then free range meat as often as that was available, right up to now where I get my meat, eggs and vegetables from several local farms. When I've talked to my husband about this though he looks at me as though I'm talking a foreign language lol!

    So I've been quite worried that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere that does free range products after I've moved to America. I'm really hopeful that sometime soon the whole of America will catch up to over here and supermarkets will only stock the American equivalent of "Freedom Farmed Foods" that we have here. Until then though, I'm sure those links you've provided will come in handy!

    Thank you so much for sharing them 🙂

    I'm also taking part in the Hearth & Soul hop and that's how I found your blog.

  7. Rebecca says:

    Returning the Blog Love. I’m following you back now!

    Thanks for the links about the eggs. I'm going to do some research and hoping to find some places near me in Southern California!

    -Becca
    Becca's Perspective

  8. Miriam says:

    Ha ha! Great post :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

  9. Betsy (Eco-novice) says:

    Great resources. I get eggs through my CSA.

  10. Jessica @ Delicious Obsessions says:

    Awww! I'm loving your blog – I'm following you on Twitter and FB now! I'm glad we got to "meet" through Real Food Wednesday! Can't wait to try some of your recipes and your critters are just too darn cute! 🙂

  11. Frenchy says:

    Hahaha i am a sucker for animals too !
    We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 hamster, 1 bunny and now i want chickens…I have the chicken fewer ! We used to have some but sold them when we moved out. I love your Easter Egger eggs !! Oh they are the best ! Fresh eggs and so good for you !
    Come say hi and follow back ! Talking about chicks tomorrow !
    Xo
    http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/

  12. snippets of thyme says:

    Thank you for joining my "snippets of thyme". I love to follow someone back to their blog site and read a hilarious article like the one on the surprise bunny. This is so what I would do in my household. Each pet that has entered has been a "surprise" to my husband. I feel so guilty! But…that bunny is awfully darn cute. Those eyes!

  13. Jen S. says:

    Are there owls or hawks around? If you leave the bunny out on the patio, perhaps nature will solve your long-eared problem.

  14. Lin Ann says:

    What a great post!

    First of all, that bunny is adorable. But I know what you mean, aaah, more work!!! We had a bunny, named George. We adopted him and he was such a great joy. He was already litter box trained when we got him and lovable. That's right litter box trained! We could let him run around the house (watching out for wires, that he's sometimes chew on) and he would return to his cage when he needed . . . But then we adopted a standard poodle. I was afraid she would accidently kill George. So we would let him run around just the mudroom. Then my daughter got tired of caring for him and he didn't seem as happy. Luckily my friend's daughter wanted a bunny and they adopted George. We can still visit him and he's really happy there.

    Thanks so much for all the information about eggs and making the transition to real food. We started transitioning about three years ago and it is a learning process!

  15. Divas says:

    Just found you on Waltz on by Wed. Love your blog…we love to cook healthy meals for our families too, and are excited to learn more "from scratch ways to do this 🙂

  16. Danielle says:

    Oh my goodness, I love the rabbit story! How cute is it that it was your husband's idea?
    Thank you for the real-food resources. We've always cooked from scratch, but we're still learning when it comes to finding the best ingredients. I look forward to checking out what's available in our area.
    I found you through Real Food Wednesday, by the way.
    http://mindofthemother.blogspot.com/

  17. gharkness says:

    Let me just tell you – the same thing happened to me. I was NOT going to fall in love with that bunny. NOT, I tell ya! I wouldn't even touch her…(in reality I was afraid of her claws…)

    Sigh. I still remember the day she died in my arms…having given us several litters and much love. My sweet little Eddie Rabbit (we didn't even know whether it was a he or she at the time, so we guessed – wrong, but she didn't seem to care). And the hundreds that came after her.

    Many people think of rabbits as a 'thing' that has no personality. They couldn't be further from the truth.

    You'll see .

  18. Devouring the Seasons says:

    I'm so glad to have found your blog. This looks like it's going to be really entertaining! (I mean, the rabbit *is* very, very cute 😉

    I've used Local Harvest's site and have found so much good information there, but this is the first I've heard of Eat Wild. We'll definitely check this out. We're trying to eat responsibly in Oklahoma and the local food system is a little hard to navigate here. Thanks for the tip off! Can't wait to read more of your adventures!

  19. Devouring the Seasons says:

    This gave me what very well may be the first smile I have had in three days (albeit a sympathetic smile)! I can relate, we have five people, one dog, two cats, and two birds in an around 1,500 sq. foot house. Here is to finding your words, your peace, your calm… ~ Terri

  20. Concetta says:

    Denise,
    Thank you for visiting Concetta's
    Cafe this week – love your charming blog and I am following you now. Your post is adorable!
    <><
    Concetta

  21. Show Me Mama says:

    Oh, what a cutie. My daughter would just love the bunny 🙂 Too cute.I am your new follower. You can visit me at http://showmemama.com. Make sure you leave a comment so I know you visited.

    Have a great weekend
    ShowMeMama

  22. DadEngrMommmyLES says:

    i don't like rabbits, really,

    Noobfoodie

  23. Concetta says:

    Hi Again Denise!
    I have really been enjoying your blog! I would love to know more about your group "Keepers of the Faith" – it sounds so wonderful. The Kitchenettes' have been such an incredible blessing – a way to really stay connected with my daughter, love on her friends, build lasting covenant relationships and serve the Lord by serving others. What part of Florida do you live in? We are in the Daytona Beach area.
    Have a wonderful day – I look forward to many more visits!
    <><
    Concetta

  24. Cheerful says:

    very interesting post…thanks for sharing! oh, yeah, we love rabbits, i used to have one when i was a kid and now my kids love rabbit pictures but isabelle love to have the real one and we don't have! PinayMum – Mommy's Life Around…wishing you a great weekend! 🙂

  25. Hazelicious929 says:

    Hamster and the rabbits are cute! But here in the US, some people rabbit meat. Never did try one but I don't think I can ever eat because rabbit for me is a pet.

    Mine is up – FTF 103

  26. Katherines Corner says:

    You have a lovely blog, I'm so happy I hopped over. Wishing you happiness. Hugs and Happy Spring! Katherine
    P.S> my grandchildren would love those rabbits!

  27. LindyLouMac in Italy says:

    I am taking part in Seasonal Saturday this week so am just hopping around the fellow participants to say hi. There is nothing like having your own fresh eggs, we used to keep hens when we lived in the UK.

  28. ButterYum says:

    Don't sweat the small stuff, it could be a whole lot worse. At least he didn't bring home a pitbull!

    🙂
    ButterYum

  29. A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says:

    We have a large dog and a hamster as well. I'm afraid if the hubby brought a rabbit home…we might be having it for dinner. Two pets is all I can handle. 😉

  30. Carolyn says:

    Oh my gosh, I too would be steaming mad if my husband brought home a rabbit. But great resources on farm fresh eggs!

  31. Feast on the Cheap says:

    That is one cute bunny though… Just in time for Easter. At least it wasn't a puppy!

  32. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says:

    My daughter took a break during her sophomore and junior year of college and decided that she needed a house bunny when she returned. I thought it a bad idea but relented and bought pretty much all I see in your picture for her too.

    Rabbits eat in the early morning. Lauren sleeps til afternoon so I fed him. Every day. You know what happens when you do that right? He loved me and wanted nothing to do with her. He also mistook cords for roots and carpet as a play toy.

    So…when she left for college and changed her mind I was fit to be tied. I really liked him but I did not need the extra work (altho I did in fact potty train him…yep…those little corner bins things worked!).

    I found him a home (of course) and wonder who learned a lesson there? Certainly not my 21 yr old 'I'm an adult' daughter! 🙂

  33. Amber | Bluebonnets and Brownies says:

    If it helps, we had rabbits in an 1100 sq foot house with 4 of us when I was a kid, and they were the most awesome of pets. Ours were litter trained, like cats. We did not cage them, they roamed free around the house, like a cat would. While I completely disagree with how your husband did this, I do know that rabbits can be just as wonderful a housepet as a cat or dog. They don't need fields to run in, and they LOVE to cuddle.

  34. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says:

    For a while my hubs had practically begged me for a bunny – this was pre-kids and when we only had one cat. I kept saying no no no. I have to admit though… that bunny is pretty darn cute but no I'm not offering to take it when you're ready to kick it out lol.

  35. Natalia says:

    Oh no!! Any type of living thing coming into the house should be a mutual agreement….though she is awful cute! 🙂

    Thanks for the links for the free range eggs. My hubby and I were just talking about that. Off to check out the links….

  36. Food Kingdom says:

    http://www.facebook.com/foodkingdom
    —————————————-
    This is excellent, finally a food portal which understands what food lovers are looking for. Best wishes and congratulations to the Food Kingdom team!

  37. Oh man….that rabbit is cute, but I sure wouldn’t want to own it!

  38. Velva says:

    I am laughing but, I am feeling your pain.

    As for eggs? I am a total egg snob. I have access to fresh eggs and can barely look at the store bought-there is no comparison.

    Velva

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  42. Eva says:

    Bunnies are incredible pets; they can last 12-14 years! They are quite a bit as dependent as a dog, so you need to be prepared to give them the attention they need. They also need a special vet, dog and cat vets don’t understand the intricacies of a bunny, yes, and that means $$$! I’ve had one all my life (with the exception of the last 5 years) My husbands been bugging me to get another one, but I just get too attached…and I’m the one that needs to clean up the poop.
    I really hope you enjoy your pet bunny for years to come.
    Eva recently posted..TIFF and a test Moroccan Dessert Sellou (Sfouf)

  43. Awwww, that’s an awfully cute bunny. Maybe one of the teachers at school would want it? As a child, I had several teachers who had classroom rabbits.

  44. One more thing. It could have been worse. Your husband could have bought a Harley.

  45. Cora Holcomb says:

    I really hope you enjoy your pet bunny for years to come. Oh man….that rabbit is cute, but I sure wouldn’t want to own it! I’m still in love with Ruby.
    Cora Holcomb recently posted..Cancer Tattoos Tumblr

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