Changes are Happening

Changes are happening around here and I am not just talking about the upcoming change of residence. We have been having a warming trend all week, a definite contrast from the snow last Sunday. Each day has brought a rise in temps from the day before. Today's high was in the upper 70's with a strong afternoon sun that banished all coats and sweaters to the back of the closet. YAH!

As I sat at the table on our front porch journaling today I had to stop and savor the moment. I know my porch dates with this type of activity are numbered. I wanted to soak up the details , a gentle breeze ruffling my March flag, the serenade of the Spring peepers (frogs) down by the lake edge on this warm day, who are whispering that Spring is on the way. The sky, a shade of pale blue waiting for the intensity of a summer sun to brighten it. A red tinge that colors the tips of the maples in the yard and the little tuffs of green growth which is seen emerging through the brown blanket of color over the yard. Weather perfect for being outside with my hands in the dirt.

Pond greens for the aquatic life

Instead I did some housekeeping chores up at the chicken coop. The biddies born back in January are so big for only being 7 weeks old. With the warmer temperatures this week I promised them a day in the play yard and today was their field trip day. Closing off the sliding door to the coop and with the girls and Rusty out in the yard looking for their own adventure. I put 4 youngsters out to play in the sunshine and fresh air.



See how they have grown!

They seemed to enjoy the open space, as they have lived their lives so far in a cardboard box and a small pen. Walking about was a favorite activity and they looked funny lifting their feet so high off the ground. Both Clara Belle and Rosey had to come by for a peek at the little ones, not quite sure why they were inside and not outside with them.

Clara Belle

Rosey

Another big change that has been happening this week is the "sexy babes"have been getting braver with their wandering out into the yard for the daily scratch-fest. Even coming the 25 yards or so to the back porch this morning, a BIG step for the new girls. Today was the first time since bringing them home that they have totally incorporated themselves into the flock.

Staying near to Rusty and the girls than they had been and free-ranging right along side like one of the crowd. They too have grown in size and their feathers have brighten and fluffed out from their rag-tag appearance when we brought them home a month ago today.

Welcome to the family girls, note that Rusty is keeping a close eye on them.

Speaking of Rusty, his crowing is showing much improvement. Along with the growth of new tail feathers, he is looking quite the "Man" around here. He takes his job very seriously and tries really hard to find sweet treats for his ladies to munch on. But he doesn't like for you to mess too long around his house. Giving me the "don't come in here with that camera" look when he tired of my picture taking.

Rusty guarding the doorway to his castle.

Lon called this morning with a surprise message for me. A promise for an electric butter churn and butter mold from a neighbor we haven't even met is such a blessing to go along with such a day like today was. Both items I have been secretly wishing for in my heart. To have when we are able to get a Jersey for the farm and fresh milk to make butter. The benevolent man and his family will be living nearby the farmhouse we are trying to buy. It seems the churn and mold belonged to his mother and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to use them. We haven't even moved in yet and already this is the second family to make us feel at home in the neighborhood. You just can't beat the down to earth heartbeat of friendliness from country loving folks.

I should have been doing something towards packing for a move hopefully in a couple of months. Instead I took pictures, hung a load on the line to dry in the warm gentle breezes, talked to the chickens and knitted for a bit after eating lunch on the spot where I started my day. I am not sure where I will place the table at the farmhouse, but it will go with us and I am planning lots of evening meals shared on it while overlooking the farm. . . . dinner "al fresco". Lon says we won't be rushed to pack because we will have plenty of time to get the farmhouse ready before the need comes up. But I am sure if the truth be known, that he will be just as anxious as I am to be calling it home.

After cooking out last night for the first time this year. I can officially say Spring fever has set in for me. Why is it that the first grilled hamburger of the year tastes like something out of this world? Truly a taste of summer yet to come in due time. We are scheduled to go back out to the farm on Monday and I would love to be able to go ahead and move some plants out there for future flower beds. But I better wait till all have signed on the dotted line first. Then let the digging begin.

Do you have your Spring favorites list ready to share? Only 2 more weeks till Spring is here! I have been working on mine and will post it then.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn".

~Hal Borland

Enjoy!

Deborah