Granny's Pantry # 35: Granny's Writing on Peacocks

I was poking around in some miscellaneous papers when I came across what is, to me, a treasure...a little manuscript written in Granny's handwriting on five small (3" by 5" in.) pieces of paper. Why these were where I found them, I can only speculate, but they are mine now.    

Just looking at her writing brought her back to me---her notes on cards sent over the years. When she was with us, it was just Granny's writing. I had her in the flesh. Now that she is gone, it is gold.

There was no title, but it wasn't hard to figure out the subject matter. And there was a picture with the little papers, taken at the farm.  

And I quote (with just a few edits):
       Come with me to our farm and let me tell you all about Peafowls. If you have never lived in the country or visited a farm, you are missing one of nature's most beautiful creations. The Peacocks are a large, strong bird weighing 12 lbs or more with the most regal, perfectly simulated (?)& colored feathers you can imagine. The Peahens are not as large and do not have the lovely markings, the plumage and ornamental markings of the cock bird. They are not fully developed until the age of  sexual maturity is reached, which is 2 years of age.

       It is not to be assumed that the bird is less beautiful as a polt and in the   first 2 years of their lives. They spread their tail feathers and strut and are very intelligent. 

      They are often referred to as watch dogs because of their shrill cry as a car, stray dog or anything unusual arrives on the estate.

While there are still a number of male birds still living at the farm, there are no females. I was afraid the reign of the peacocks at High Rock was coming to an end. Maybe I was wrong. I have just heard a rumor that females may be on order. I hope it's true.

Pic from unknown location.
The peafowl at High Rock roam free except when needing special protection.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?   [Matthew 6:25-27]