New Life

Today, I decided to take Luke to der Park im Grüene in Rüschlikon.  The park has a playground, sandboxes (Luke’s favorite), a water feature, donkeys, room to run, and its only a 25 minute walk from the house.  However, our walk took longer today due to a semi-pleasant surprise.  As we walked down the trail, we noticed a small gathering of people.  When we approached the group, we saw the farmer on the other side of the fence with a cow.  The cow was giving birth to a calf.  Luke and I had a pretty good view - the cow delivered just feet from the road.  The experience was amazing to watch.  As we left, Luke and I were discussing the calf’s cuteness when he asked, “How did he get in there?”  Immediately my mind thought about how the cow got pregnant and how could I dance around this question.  As I started to explain the calf was in the cow’s belly - Luke stopped me and said, “No, how did the farmer get in there.”  You see, the fields are surrounded by electric fences and Luke wanted to know how the farmer got into the field without getting shocked.  Whew!  I was comfortable answering that question - “He went through a gate.”   

Farmer's store

Today we enjoyed a stroll down the street to the local farm.  Luke was able to feed the goats, watch the calves run in the field, and keep a close eye on the rabbits.  Each Friday the farm has a little store where we can buy veggies, eggs, milk, yogurt, apples, strawberries, and fresh bread.  We have tried a little of everything - minus the bread.  However, I am tempted the bread smells wonderful - wonder if the farmer’s wife could make a gluten free bread.  We also have the opportunity to order beef, but I don’t fully understand the signs - I would hate to sign up and end up purchasing a whole cow!  We are lucky in that we have a freezer, but it only holds a few containers of ice cream - which is way more important!  I guess we will continue to buy beef in small amounts at the grocery store.

Welcome Letter

We received Luke’s paperwork/welcome letter yesterday for Kindergarten.  However, Luke won’t be going to the Kindergarten across the street from us - like we thought.  Instead he will go up the street and around the corner (pictured above).  Kids are expected to independently walk to school, therefore they place them at schools where they won’t have to cross a street.  Luke took the news of the change very well.    In fact, today we walked to his new school and he had a chance to play on the playground.  Luke thinks his new school has a much better playground and we agree - after all that’s whats important!  Luke is really looking forward to school starting - in August.  He has informed me that he is going to walk himself to school - not sure Mom is ready for this.  I may need to invest in camouflage or something so I can secretly watch him as he goes.  Oh! And I’m definitely going to need a box of tissue - can’t believe he is starting Swiss Kindergarten in a couple of months.