Chico the donkey

Mix in a little of my friend, Marie, a ride through the country, a day of sleet, snow, rain, sun and clouds and you end up finding yourself at a secret surprise location.

My dear friend, Marie was quite excited to take me on a little adventure on Tuesday. She picked me up mid-morning and we headed east for quite a ways. At one point I thought we just might end up in Lake Michigan if we drove any further!

But alas, about 20 minutes later we arrived at Whispering Orchards. I’d been here before, but it was only my 2nd or 3rd time. It is a delightful little apple orchard with a quaint, down home country feel cafe that looks out over the orchard.

Little did Miss Marie know that I knew they have donkeys (and chickens and goats and llamas). As she pulled into the entrance I squealed as loud as a donkey (or would that be bray?).  I could hardly wait to get out of the car and ran to the donkeys like I was a 5 year old girl.

I must digress for a moment and tell you that Miss Marie and Miss Gidget are pen pals and often exchange emails back and forth. Miss Marie writes to Miss Gidget way more often than me!

But I must share what she wrote to Gidget the day after we went to Whispering Orchards (with her permission of course).

Dear Miss Gidget,

Let me tell you. We pulled into the parking lot of my “secret surprise” place and mom leaped out of the car and said “are the donkey’s still here!?” I have never seen anyone, ever, get so excited about donkeys! She could  hardy contain herself.

Needless to say, it took awhile before we actually entered the cafe for our breakfast.

It was, Miss Gidget, so wonderful to see her jumping up and down……so happy!

There is another story about Miss Marie…..regarding a rooster. I will let mom tell you THAT one. 

Much love,

Miss Marie

Miss Marie is telling it straight. I could hardly contain myself as I cooed at the donkeys, which I would come to learn are named Chico and Pedro. Though Pedro would only show his back end to me, Chico was all for the exuberant attention I gave him.

I rubbed his ears, looked into his big brown eyes, kissed his nose and then his sweet, soft lips. Yes, yes indeed – I kissed a donkey! I just couldn’t help myself. And I’d do it again in a heart beat.

And now let me tell you about the rooster story.  I had to have Miss Gidget cover her precious little ears as I relayed the story later that afternoon to John. But you see….

as we walked out of the restaurant our bellies full with all farm fresh ingredients of eggs, apple dumplings, bacon and toast, Miss Marie found herself not remembering how to tell the difference between a rooster and a chicken.

Just as she voiced this question out loud to me one of the roosters decided to make it quite obvious that he indeed was Rooster with a capital R as he well, um, well… well you know… did what roosters do!….He mounted a chicken.

I almost peed in my pants laughing at the uncanny timing. No doubt in Miss Marie’s mind was there now of who indeed was and is the Rooster. No doubt what-so-ever as we hopped into her car and laughed all the way home.

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