How Green Becomes Wood

"The ones in here and the ones you brought to me are all I've got right now," Cooger replied with a shrug, "Even without the kittens and Hank, that's seven cats. Just last week we had another, Goldfish, but she went to her forever home. She was great, an old little lady like Hank. She purred like a lawn mower. But I don't even know where to begin to teach about cats. They're way more complicated than anyone realizes unless you really get to know them."

"I'd say that applies to most things in life: Complicated when you get to know them," Lex said, putting her hands in her pockets. She glanced out the door. "It's a bit chilly, but want to show me around the place? Looks like a little slice of woody paradise."

"I'd be glad to show you around," Cooger said, lifting Hank from his shoulders and setting him down carefully, "You sure you'll be warm enough though? You can borrow one of my coats or hoodies if you need it."

She plucked at the body of her thick-knitted, brown sweater covered in autumnal leaves. "I'm good. This is warmer than it looks." She paused looking him over. "Although I might take you up on borrowing your hoodie later."

"Alright, but if you get cold once we're out there, it's on you." Cooger teased, pulling on a flannel and his jacket, "Don't expect me to trick me into giving you my jacket once we're out there 'cause suddenly you decided you're cold. I'm smarter than that."

"Aw, you're such a sourpuss," Lex grinned, walking with him. "I guess I can handle being a little cold. It can't be as bad as Jersey." She glanced around. "I don't see any goats yet."

"Nah not yet. It's too cold to take in new animals. But I've got the chickens and Millie, the guard goose." He said, taking her hand, "You're lucky she didn't come honking at you when you drove up unannounced. She's vicious when she wants to be."

Lex was slightly surprised when Cooger took her hand, unused to guys willing to make the first move so willingly like that. She appreciated it. "Man, those cobra chickens can be the worst when they want to be," she grumbled, giving his hand a light squeeze. "I'm glad she's on your side. And chickens are great!"

"Chickens are great until you're dealing with a broody hen," Cooger replied, stopping by the coop to show them off. Like his cats, he knew each of them by name and was able to talk about their distinct personalities. Walking further on with her, he came up to a larger fenced area, "This is my garden, although this time of year there ain't much to see since we're past the harvest. But I grow squash, rhubarb, romaine, collard greens, potatoes, carrots... And then basically just give it all away to Dark and Daizi 'cause I'm too lazy to cook with it most of the time. 'Cept the potatoes. But I've got a cellar full of what can be preserved and I've gotten good at pickling."