surprise!

surprise-621x320You know how I always say something to the effect of “Not sure what the rest of the week holds for us, but we’ll be sure to let you know!”? Well, that statement couldn’t be more true than today. I came home from work later than normal, and there were all these huge trucks around our driveway and cones up, tractors, rollers, asphalt layers – I actually said out loud, “What in the heck is going on?” As far as I knew, we didn’t have any work planned. I was completely surprised by what I saw. Continue reading

guess what?

Tuesday clothes lineChicken butt! Originally, I simply entitled this post “Tuesday” but – after writing everything and looking at the photos, I thought the “guess what” was a bit more funny. Pardon my playground humor. Anyway… Here we are, beginning the new schedule. I’m hoping this works out ok. On Tuesday, we really just have Monday to talk about, as Sunday is our Sabbath. So let’s see what we’ve got to share with you about yesterday and today. Continue reading

that time of year

summer04I’m speaking of Summer. It is true that we haven’t yet reached the first day of summer, but we have begun the summer season. It’s after Memorial Day now – we can wear white, we can garden in our swim suit (I don’t do that), and enjoy all sorts of frivolities. However, what I’m really talking about is mowing season. It has officially started, as of today. You know how I know this??? The mower deck was ceremoniously placed onto the tractor this morning. Adorned with bowers and flowers. OK, maybe not with the decorations, but definitely with pomp! Continue reading

Remembrances

memorial day1

“In Flanders Fields”
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
        In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high.
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
          In Flanders fields.                

Today is Memorial Day (here in the states), we’re taking a day to remember and reflect on those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; who gave their “last full measure of devotion” [Abraham Lincoln], so that our country, and its people, could be free, remain free, and enjoy those freedoms and the knowledge that their children and grandchildren would be able to live and enjoy all that such freedom brings. You may accuse me of being overly patriotic, or nostalgic, perhaps even maudlin – but a great many people have given their all in the protection of this country that I only feel it fitting to take the time to express my gratitude to those who fell in her defense; to those who continue to place themselves in harm’s way for our protection; to their families, for the sacrifice they  too have given and continue to give. We owe much to the men and women who join our armed forces and when I think of the time and energy they have given; sacrifices of life or limb, my heart fills as surely as my eyes and I find it difficult to fathom the depths of such a gift. Is there anyone who does not have a family member, loved one, or friend who has served and to whom they owe this gratitude? I pray for a time when the world no longer requires a military presence, but that is not a reality for today. The poem at left reflects on the thoughts of those who have died – they throw the torch of the battle to those coming after. Let us live so that the sacrifice is not in vain. 

Somber thoughts and certainly not original, I know, but it is a somber day and this is where my thought paths have taken me. I began with only the idea of mentioning the holiday, and then going on to a normal update, but the words just continued to show up on the page. Hope you’ll give me this indulgence for the day, Wednesday we will get back to our regularly scheduled programming. I want to say: I am grateful; we are grateful, as we look out each day on what we’ve been given and the opportunities that lie before us. It is a wonder that we have this small patch of peace in the midst of a world so often fraught with strife, division, and anger. Should this peace be threatened, we are grateful for those who will protect and defend.


Today’s Weather: One guess. Right! Windy. A bit cooler today. But I am surely sick of the wind. Currently, at 4:23 p.m., it is 78° with winds topping 43 mph coming WSW, 13% humidity. Overnight low will be around 43°. Slightly warmer tomorrow.

Egg Report: Saturday – 33 chicken, 0 duck, 0 goose. Sunday – 40 chicken, 2 duck, 0 goose.  Monday – 42 chicken, 7 duck, 0 goose.

status quo

Status Quo conceptOur sign posts have been interesting lately, haven’t they? I suppose the status quo report is: basic. We’re basically doing well. Basically progressing. Basically making small progress steps every day. Sometimes people want to shake up the status quo, but I maintain that a lack of excitement is occasionally welcome. I’m not sure about Sue, but I’ve had enough excitement for a while now. Continue reading

more…

more of the same…of the same. Sort of. I just don’t really know what to talk about. The winds are still visiting us. They are taking their toll on the animals, on some of the infrastructure, the house, and the humans. The winds have been steady since Sunday now; gusting up into the high 40’s. Ripped the wind screen right off of the doves’ enclosure, we replaced it this morning. The gutters are coming off of the deck – but we don’t dare get any one up on a ladder right now to reinforce it. We’re hoping that the morning will provide us with at least enough time to get a ladder up and fix it. Continue reading

chaos theory

butterflyeffectI never really got into theoretical math, although I am drawn toward theoretical physics (string theory, quantum mechanics, and dark energy), because it just blows my mind – I would never have succeeded in pursuing this as a career path because… I just really don’t like math. But, we all have heard something about chaos theory and “the butterfly effect,” right?  Here’s an easy definition from “Fractal Foundation“: Continue reading

yay!

Friday-meaningIt’s been a long week with a whole lot of  stuff going on… but not so much on the farm. Just lots going on for us in the outside world. We’re just really glad it’s Friday! Thought I’d give you a quick update on a couple of things that we touched on this week and talk a bit about the weekend. As usual, the weekend plans are up in the air – always depends on the weather – but we have hope that we’ll be able to move the RCW to a new spot again; it’s time. Continue reading

at it again

at_it_again_6e58b1e4-082d-4ef2-81d2-3e6d48dd932f_1024x1024.pngI’m back and we’re on to our regularly scheduled programming for the foreseeable future. Right after I got back, Sue began work on another little chicken tractor for the meat chicks. So she’s honing her construction skills, yet again. The meat birds are growing like gang busters and will be ready for the outside by sometime next week, most likely.  Sue’s making IMG_4475another tractor so we can put them out to pasture. This is a pic of the frame all done. She’s making this one quite a bit smaller so it’s easier to haul around the field. These birds don’t do too much wandering around, they mostly sit and mack out on the feed, so they don’t need a ton of space, simply protection and the ability to stretch their legs should they choose. Since our friend, Ron (he is ever so helpful, that Ron guy), fixed the solar charger, we’ll be able to hook the smaller electric fence up to help protect these guys out in the field. They will be the happiest meat birds on the block! Continue reading