I've been gardening for most of my life and have been a devoted fan of organic gardening the whole time. It just makes so much more sense to work in harmony with Mother Nature than to fight her. Besides which it is better for the planet and better for our bodies. Here you can see what I'm planting and harvesting, with gardening hints and resources thrown in for good measure.
Eggs from 1/28/2019 I have similar colors fro the new layers
Some of this years colors.
I was a little sore from yesterday so took it easy today. Did some laundry, dishes, a run for groceries and feed and to drop off a package. I scored a couple bags of coffee grounds for the compost. Visited with friends at the feed store.
Can you see the hawk? It’s a big one. Giotto barked at it until it flew off over the hill.
I spent some time trying to level the pavers for the little coop but got frustrated and walked away at this point.
#100daysofappreciation
Today I appreciate my inner self. That voice in the back of my mind that guides me to all good things. Today it was good news about a personal matter, an urge to procrastinate while shopping which put me at the feed store at the perfect moment my friends were checking out as I walked in the door.
Well I tried to put the coop door on a different side but things weren’t going together very well. So I took it apart.
I realized that the ground sloped more than I thought it did and that I needed to level the pavers up. I worked all day Monday but got some done on Tuesday.
On Tuesday night Loki caught a big pack rat. Good job Loki! And on Wednesday a friend came and helped me harvest all the cockerels that needed to go. It was a nice day chatting and working. And the pen with 6 pullets laid 6 eggs.
And this guy, that I usually call butt head because he is, is now Fancy Feet. He jumped me when I went to feed and I picked him up to discover that he had multiple ingrown foot feathers. I soaked his feet in warm water for a few minutes then spent about 30 minutes squeezing out ingrown feathers. Some of them were bleeding so I sprayed his feet with blue kote.
#100daysofappreciation
Once again I’m appreciating the generosity and kindness of friends.
Sorting through the cockerels because I’m hoping to get the extras processed this coming week. This boy was 2nd place at the show last weekend.
Cleaning up junk
Hauling debris, since it’s mostly rotted wood and pack rat nests it’s going to the compost.
Picking up metal junk to add to the recycle pile.
Moved the pallets around over here. This way Giotto can’t get in the garden. Almost ready to start on a shed.
Part of this pile is a good sized coop that’s going to go over there where I’ve been cleaning up.
Getting started.
Making some progress.
Really getting there now. Might be done today.
Or maybe not. That is certainly an issue.
So I added a brace to pull that gable end into line. Now I need to do the other end. So maybe I’ll be done tomorrow. Time to do chores now.
Egg production is coming up. The darker brown ones are from the Black Copper Marans pullets that just started laying.
This cockerel had been fine until a couple days ago when he had a seizure. So he’s been in the house. I think he might have been stung by a scorpion. He’s been a little more alert today and beginning to eat and drink with help.
And then this happened
#100daysofappreciation
Today I’m just appreciating the pretty, calm, quiet day. The sun was shining and warm and I didn’t have to go any where.
The Tom turkey I’m fostering for a bit. First up after chores was cutting wood and he would gobble whenever I ran the saw.
Lola is a sweet little girl. Her future is currently undecided but she is settling in well.
Spent time moving rocks and digging out weed trees. Then it was time to take Giotto to the vets because he has another ear infection.
I came home from the vets office and picked and packed veg. Then delivered to Superior. Then came home and did chores.
Making some progress over here.
#100daysofappreciation
Today I really appreciate the nice warm day and the easy availability of the vet I’m using. They are usually able to get us in quick and are good with Giotto.
A Black Copper Marans from Jan 21, 2019. I guess I was still deciding on breeders last January
January 25, 2019. I was getting the front yard ready for some pens so I could finish moving birds home from my moms house.
The more things change the more they are the same, eh? New year, new pullets laying, new egg colors. Never gets old for me. Again it’s January and I’m trying to finish moving out old birds, pick out breeders and get ready for a new season. Again I’m trying to clean up some area and get some things built. Not exactly the same as last year but similar. Ah the Wheel of the Year turns as it will.
And today I worked on the new shed area, moving rocks and digging out weed trees.
#100daysofappreciation
Today I appreciate friends and family. I have some good ones.
I worked all day Monday so not much else got done. Tues was rainy so I spent some time sorting through a box of stuff.
Mmmm. Ok Silkies you are a little backwards.
Not a bad little pullet egg.
Came home from work on Tuesday to find a pen panel coming undone.
And today I picked up a little goat, some chickens and a turkey to foster for a bit. Giotto wanted to play with her but Lola wasn’t too sure about him. I’ll let them visit through the fence for a few days.
The days are getting a little longer and it was pretty warm this evening so I spent some time beginning to clear the area where I’m going to put a storage shed.
After. So yeah, I know I mostly just moved the piles around but at least I can get started.
Mmmm. Something tried to dig under the fence here. Not sure what. Might have been the neighbors dog that was out a couple of days ago. Or it could have been a coyote. I do know Giotto has been barking a lot in this area.
#100daysofappreciation
Today Im appreciating my friend Nichole who’s boundless energy, grit and determination are an inspiration.
Boy I can’t believe we are so far into the new year already. But some things are accomplished, some new wood on the house and the doggie door is in. Still teaching the cats how to go in and out, but they are starting to figure it out. I had a great time at the poultry show yesterday. Looking forward to getting the breeding pens set up and ready for hatching season. Can’t wait to see the next generation.
Fooled around with a little video camera I found in some of my moms stuff. It actually came out better than I expected. So now the chickens are fed what’s the most important things to accomplish today? Firewood, laundry and dishes, in about that order!
After it warmed up a bit I emptied out the van.
Dumped the shavings out of the boxes into this bed by the driveway for mulch.
I cut firewood and hung out clothes. Freya was checking out the washer. I thought she was going to jump in there for a minute.
Freya is not too sure about this contraption while Loki has been going in and out all day. Went out and got feed and few things at the store, came home and unloaded. On the way home talked to my neighbor’s son who offered me their scrap wood pile so collecting that will be on the agenda this week. Most of it is probably not good for anything but the stove but thats ok, I need firewood. Washed dishes and had yummy mutton chops for dinner. Time for a shower and bed.
#100daysofappreciation
Today I’m appreciating the wonderful weekend I’ve had. It’s been really lovely and relaxing.
