Friday the 13th
Comments(45)
photo: Mrs Boss on the nest again
My stepfather had an uncle who always stayed in bed on Friday the 13th .
“The whole day?” Aged nine, I was amazed.
“Yes, all day. He also used evaporated milk in his tea. To avoid too many trips to the shops, I expect.”
My stepfather never revealed the name of this uncle but I had a clear picture of him. Firstly the bed. An single iron bedstead with stretchy mattress (no wife would put up with the evaporated milk). The carpet slippers nestling on the lino under the bed ready for shuffling trips to the kitchen. The chipped teapot, its belly scorched with the patina of years of tea making (leaves not bags). Endless bachelor suppers of Fray Bentos tinned pies and cans of mushy peas.
Each Friday the 13th I think about this nameless eccentric uncle. As the years roll by I become more and more intrigued by this character. Did he ring in sick every Friday the 13th when he was working? Or did he take it as annual leave. Studying the calendar and marking these days off with big round rings. And how did he pass his day? Somehow I sense an old radio beside the bed and him dressed in pyjamas (the ones with the cotton trouser ties) leafing through a pile of copies of the local free newspaper that he had carefully put in a convenient pile beside the front door over the preceding weeks.
I’m always a bit apprehensive about Friday the 13th. Although I have survived them for over fifty years.
This morning I went down to the chicken run and I opened the door. As always, I counted the flock as they erupted into the run. One was missing.
I opened the roof of the nesting box and discovered Mrs Boss had died in the night. One wing was stretched out over the nest of eggs.
She was a great favourite of ours and mother to broods of guinea fowl, runner ducks and chickens.
Like my stepfather’s uncle she stayed in bed on Friday the 13th but just didn’t wake up.
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Sad day for you! i liked reading stories of her latest endeavors!
I was also impressed with the way you interwove the news into the story, it was a “punchline” twist that i certainly didn’t expect! Hitchcock would have been proud!
All the best,
steve
Oh no! Not Mrs Boss! I’m so sorry. Really I am. I’m sad, so can’t imagine what you are feeling. All I can say is “sorry” and WHAT A MOTHER! (Through your posts I can understand where the expression “mother hen” came from.)
Lots of love, Sally
I am so sad about dear Mrs. Boss. She has been such a part of your lives and blog. I was reading the post and the picture you were painting of your stepfather’s uncle and never dreaming of the shock ending. It gave me quite a jolt and tears to my eyes for this little lady – at least she had risen in the pecking order.
Your last sentence was so,so sad. x
Oh no. I’m so sad to read this. I really enjoyed her adventures. At least she had a peaceful end. RIP Mrs Boss.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Mrs. Boss, her adventures were such a pleasure to read.
I wonder if she ever realized how famous she is. You have to admit, she is known worldwide, and will be greatly missed.
Tears from Oregon……
My condolences. I’ve been reading your blog for about year and a half now and Mrs. Boss was absolutely my favorite character in your menagerie. What a wonderful hen.
No words, just tears..
Poor Mrs.Boss! How sad!
Very sorry about Mrs Boss. Friday 13th in July 1961 turned out to be the worst day of my life as regards my future in sport. Playing tennis my kneecap exploded into 68 bits. This lead on to the discovery of more knee problems. I was on the verge of Junior Wimbldon. I have never been able to run since but remain an avid armchair sports follower!
Dear Mrs Boss – super-mum, screen goddess, CS blog treasure. What a sad day for you and Danny.
Celia
x
Oh, Fiona! That’s so sad — you and Danny must be terribly upset. Like everyone else I didn’t see this coming and it hit me with a real jolt. Dear Mrs Boss will be mourned and missed by her many fans all over the world.
oh poor mrs boss, really sorry to hear of her demise…she was always a lovely hen to read about and did you proud raising the chicks (and ducks)!!
Oh dear. Poor Mrs Boss had a great innings and a wonderful dynasty, but she will be sadly missed.
As I read this post all sorts of replies were forming in my mind. My brother, who was 40-something yesterday, always believes that it is a sign of a good year to come when his birthday falls on a Friday. How in Spain it is Tuesday the 13th they have spun the same superstitions around. My grandmother’s friend who took to her bed for fear of falling and breaking her hip, only to fall out of bed one day and break her ankle. But all these stories paled into insignificance when I read the sad news of Mrs Boss. She had a good and productive life and without her you would not have the guinea fowl and Beatyl or the Indian Runner ducks up the road. Her legacy lives on but who will take her place as the mother hen and raise new stock for you this summer?
So sorry for you and Danny.
Mrs Boss was such a wonderful character and she will be sadly missed.
Heidi x
So sorry to hear that Fiona. She was very much loved and admired. Showing both great strength and character all documented beautifully by you.
Much love to you both, Amanda x
I am so sorry. I loved reading about Mrs Boss. I can well believe she was protecting her offspring to the end…
I’m so sorry to hear this, such a shock for you, but such a peaceful end for a wonderful character. She will be sadly missed…
bon voyage mrs boss
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, brought more than a tear to my eye. Caroline xx
Dear me, what a dreadful shock!
So very sorry to hear about your loss, Fiona. She was a superstar hen & will be sadly missed by all your readership.
I’ve never thought of Friday 13th as particularly unlucky; & when I opened the Dairy Complex doors this morning to be greeted by the sounds of a goat in labour, thought what a fortuitous start to the day it was.
Wattie was getting down to business quite nicely on her own; so I quietly observed. However to my dismay, after some straining her first kid slithered out, lifeless. He was stillborn, not even the merest flicker of a heartbeat. The poor mother nickered softly to the silent form, nudging, licking but to no avail.
The second kid – a huge boy – came out kicking; however later in the day it transpired his hind legs were clearly deformed; so sadly, the kindest thing will be to put him to sleep, as soon as possible.
Just when I was giving up hope a third kid literally flopped out….a little girl, alive & well. Let’s just hope she makes it.
At least Mrs Boss died peacefully in her sleep – the way I’m sure we would all choose to go. A fitting end, for a fine hen.
J xx
Bless her. And she died still protecting her eggs..!
It sounds as if Mrs Boss died as she lived. I shall miss hearing about her exploits but not as much I imagine as you will miss her company.
S
Eccentric uncles are the best. Every family should have one. Thanks you for putting this story down. Really nicely told – so evocative. RIP Boss Lady.
I hadn’t even realised it was Friday 13th and wondered why you were writing about it. Such a lovely story about the old uncle but what a shcok ending. So sorry – it’s always so hard when a loved pet dies, they are part of the family and sadly missed. But at least she was happy in life and died peacefully. We’ll all miss hearing about her. She looks so gentle sitting on the nest in the picture. Love to you both.X
So sorry about Mrs Boss, B and D. Will be so sad not to read about her anymore. Love to you both. Alice x
oh god this is awful! i don’t know how you must be feeling it must be off the scale.I got so very attached to that hen through you’re writings. this is truely sad news and i’m sorry for you’re loss. Right now seems to be a common time for folk to be dying. I’ve lost count of the losses i’ve had/heard about recently.
Oh how sad! I’m so sorry for your loss, I’ll miss reading your stories of her.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Boss. She will indeed live long in my memory. She was a grand mum to those she loved.
So sorry to hear about Mrs Boss. I always loved reading your posts about her. And so poignant that she had her wing over the eggs…
Hi Steve
The shock has stunned us. She was such a great character and taught us so much about keeping chickens.
Dear Casalba
We were so lucky to have a hen like Mrs Boss.
Hello Wendy
Yes Mrs Boss left this planet four up from the bottom of the pecking order. She was rushing to eat fresh grass at the door of the run one morning and the next day she was dead.
She did have an interesting life. And starred in two movies.
Hello KJ
Yes I loved writing about Mrs Boss. She was a joy to describe as she had so much go and was stubborn as hell. Watching her with her chicks was always so moving.
Hi Michelle
I know that Mrs Boss had guts. Even when she was at the bottom of the pecking order she would always push the boundaries a bit. I’m sure that she sensed that she was a favourite!
Hello Spidra Webster
Great that you are reading the blog. Thanks for leaving a comment. She was my favourite too.
Hello Belinda
We are really upset too. It was a shock.
Hi Carla
Mrs Boss had such personality and a really eventful life. I imagine that the young cockerel Beatyl is missing her although he has Hope for company as she’d been hanging out with them recently.
Hello Lindsay
I was so sorry to hear about your knees. And on the verge of Junior Wimbledon. You must have been completely devastated. A big hug and thanks for sharing.
Hello Magic Cochin
Yes she was a star. I never imagined that I’d love a chicken
Hi Veronica
Yes we’re upset. Somehow Mrs Boss got right under our skin and we imagined that she would go on for ever.
Hi Natasha
She was a great mother hen to the guinea fowl, runner ducks and bantam chicks. Se was a scruffy, eccentric little hen but we loved her determination and go.
Hi Allotment Blogger
I’ll never forget how happy Mrs Boss was when she moved into her own space (studio flat with pocket handkerchief garden) – the Emerald Castle.
She had a good life in the end, I hope.
Hello Pamela
I loved reading your preamble responses!
You are right the legacy of Mrs Boss lives on.
There is no hen in the flock to take over her role. Perhaps Hope will go broody? But even if she does, she might not be good with the chicks.
We are having a major rethink.
Hello Heidi
Yes I know I’m avoiding spending too much time around the run as I’m missing Mrs Boss.
Dear Amanda
It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride recently. Three hens dead within a few months. We loved Mrs Boss as she was a real grafter. Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Rose
I loved writing abut her too. She was a dream chicken to write about. A real character that I could both battle and empathise with. A hen with attitude!
Hello Webwitch
I’m so pleased that her end was peaceful. She deserved that.
Hi Annie
Thanks for taking the trouble to leave a comment. Much appreciated.
Hello Caroline
It’s late now and I’m feeling a bit weepy about Mrs Boss. She was as comfortable as an old Wellington boot.
Over the years our flock has taught me so much about life.
Hi Jo
Yes, Mrs Boss went in her sleep. And that was a mercy.
So very sad to hear about the still born kid and the kid with the deformed legs – that must have been the last straw. Poor you. So pleased that you have a healthy female kid.
Lets hope that you are lucky with your kids this year with more females than males (as most of the latter have to go for slaughter).
Yes, Mrs Boss went in her sleep. And that was a mercy.
Hi Chris
Yes the wing outstretched over the eggs was so touching.
Hello Sebbie
I really miss this little muddy hen. But as you say her death was as dramatic and surprising as her life!
Hello Small Pines
I agree with you. Eccentric uncles are a must. I’d just add unusual chickens to the mix
Hi KarenO
Thanks for leaving a comment. Really pleased that you enjoyed the uncle tale.
The death of Mrs Boss was a deep shock to us too. We miss her enormously.
Dear Alice
Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
We loved Mrs Boss. She was special.
Please come to lunch when you are next over. We miss you more than Mrs B.
Lots of love
Bob and Dim
Hi Jopan
Yes, I’m a bit embarrassed but I’m mourning Mrs Boss. So is Danny.
I never ever thought tat I would be fond of a chicken.
Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Sara
Yes we’re missing her too. She was such a special hen.
Hi Jill
Thanks for leaving a comment. She’ll live in my memory too. Gutsy rather than glamorous but a huggable hen at the end of the day.
Hello Moonroot
So pleased that you enjoyed reading about Mrs Boss.
The wing was so poignant. So typical – gentle and loving.
But that was Mrs Boss.
Hi Fiona,
One thing that has “stuck in my mind” since i first found your blog is the “down to earth -everyday honesty” in all the stories that you tell.
Even in the aftermath of this disaster(when you must be feeling so low) you have taken the time and the forethought to read and reply to every comment!
This is the personal touch that makes your blog No1 in my “Favorites”list.
Thankyou!
steve
Goodness Fiona!
I haven’t been by for a few days. I’m sorry to hear Mrs Boss has passed on.
I don’t think it’s at all embarrassing to mourn an animal of any kind. They get into you heart and become part of your family, and there’s no getting away from that.
Love to both you and Danny
I don’t think you should be embarrassed either, Fiona. Animals do touch our lives and become part of the family. And I’m sad about it without even having _met_ Mrs Boss!
Hello Steve
Thanks for such a heartening comment – I’m blushing now!
Hi Rachel
We miss her. The hens are pets and Mrs Boss had such character.
The youngsters have now taken her place on the perch and I have a feeling that Mrs Squeeky is going broody.
Hello Veronica
Thanks for dropping by.
The flock seems awfully flat without Mrs Boss.
Fiona:
So sorry to hear about Mrs Boss. She had given you so much and I am sure is sorely missed. So touching that she should have been guarding eggs at the end.
Philippa in New York
I was going to ask you about Mrs. Squeaky-Clean. Have just read your reply to a comment that she may be going broody – fingers crossed. x
Hello Philippa
We do miss Mrs Boss. The flock seems so different without her. I expect they’re all a bit rattled, just like us.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
Hello Wendy
Well Mrs Squeaky Clean is not broody. I got that wrong, I’m afraid. But she is very chirpy, even though she seems to have dropped down the pecking order since Mrs Boss’s demise.
I time things will settle.
Meanwhile we have new plans for the ‘productive area’ of the garden. A separate guinea fowl enclosure. Extending the veg patch (this will mean digging up some of the mature rose border but what the heck) and possibly another run for our main flock so that they can have summer and winter quarters. This cuts down the incidence of disease and lets the ground rest for six months a year.
So sad to hear about Mrs B and sympathise with you and Danny, hubby and me woke on Feb 19th to find our baby cat ( not even 3) dead on the stairs, the shock of having one of the family taken whilst you sleep is something that tears into the soul and makes you question your own fragile existence.
RIP to Mrs B and our baby boy Tigz
Anyone who loves pavlova as much as Pamela should mosey on down to Peacocks Tea Room by the riverside in Ely where I had the best ever blackcurrant pavlova last year (guess you might have to wait till later in the year when the fruit’s in season). Sally Riley does lots of the cooking – her food is ambrosial – but she’s really a potter and her work’s on show at the Old Fire Engine House gallery in Ely till the end of the month. So if you fancy an afternoon out in Ely…
Thanks for the tip off Liz. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a long way from Carlisle … My local tea shop (less than 2 minutes walk from my house) does the most fantastic home made lemon meringue pie – another of my faves – and if you drop in for elevenses it is still warm. I only do raspberry pavlova once a year for my birthday as I have lactose intolerance so the cream is a problem. My mum makes my birthday pavlova and it is worth the after effects.
Hello Mandi
Oh no, how awful for you. Just three years old too. It must have been an awful shock. RIP Tigz.
My cats died 18 years ago and I still miss them.
Hi Liz
I used to have a toy making workshop in Ely many moon ago and often ate a snacky lunch at The Old Fire Engine. Always liked the gallery – generally interesting stuff.
Thanks so much for dropping by. I must check out Peacock’s Tea Room. The riverside development hadn’t happened when I worked in Ely.
Dear Pamela
I adore lemon meringue pie too!
Ohhhhhh Fiona, I am so very sorry hun!! I loved Mrs. Boss too. Oh my heart is aching now for you and your loss. She was a good little soul.
Really sorry to hear about mrs boss, i loved reading all about her! im sure she died in her favourite place with a clutch of eggs. R.I.P
Hi Pat
I still miss Mrs Boss. The flock sems very flat without her. Danny buried her and we are going to buy a stone chicken to set on her grave.
We really miss her.
Hello Amzichick100
Yes Mrs Boss died beside a clutch of eggs. It was very sad. But at least she died in her sleep and didn’t suffer for months. The wing over the nest was touching though. I do miss her as she was a real charater and a loving mum.