SLAVE LABOUR OR A LABOUR OF LOVE?

If it is called a labour of love does it still qualify as slave labour? I guess it depends who you are asking!

My Dad @quailbreeder, just returned home after a 6 week vacation with us. He became an honourary Buckaroo for that time. While I fattened him up with all sorts of organic homegrown food, he helped us with his amazing carpentry skills.

Of course I regularly teased him about being my slave labour. But I guess the feeling was mutual. Being alone in his little home he is chief cook and bottle wash, plus jack of all trades. While he did wash most of the dirty dishes, I know he appreciated not doing all the laundry and cooking himself.

And naturally, with Gamps on an extended stay (which to a two year old is almost a lifetime) my son was able to "help". They spent time in the garden together, gobbling the latest seasonal veggies. My son was proud about being such a big helper. He also had another cuddly bear to rough house with.

Although he has so many wonderful talents Farmer Buckaroo has two left hands when it comes to carpentry. He is severely challenged by any handyman skills in fact. So my dad coming and building a cupboard in the children's bedroom, as well as their jungle gym.

My dad is the original Dr Doolittle. Even our most nervous animals are like putty in his hands. My goats were as appreciative of his visit as his grandchildren were!

And now that my slave labour has escaped to less industrious territory we all miss him. Guess I'll need to come up with some alluring new projects to entice him back again.....or get my two year old to phone and ask "Where you Gamps? I miss you. Come and plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!"