Life is Full

So much Spring activity to be found around here these days. The freshness is seen as the leaves unfurl on limbs of the trees, the small blades of grass are springing up across the yard, small chirps can be heard in the vicinity of the bluebird box (a family with 4 babies), shimmering color in the blossoms of spring bulbs, and so much more. It truly is a breathe of Spring flowing through out neck of the woods.

Life up at the coop has steadied out to a rhythm of daily chores done with ease. Mary is progressing with "motherhood" on her 4 eggs. The Welsummers and new biddies hatched out by "Big Mama" are growing nicely. Crowding each other in the brooder box in the living room. I am glad at present that the 25 chicks we ordered from the hatchery will not be arriving till the end of May. We had decided to add to our laying flock and ordered 15 Isa Browns and 10 Silver Laced Wyandottes. With the delay in shipping they might just arrive after we get moved to the farm. Which will make raising them easier as we plan to put the current coop into operation as a brooder house once there. A new chicken coop will need to be built to house the future 50+ layers. Word has gotten out in the fellowship of Bethel Baptist Church, a mile up the road from the farm and we have several who already want to buy eggs. Other news at the coop comes from "Little Bit" the Barred Rock rooster from the first hatching of "Big Mama's". He has started crowing the cutest baby crow. I hope Chester is listening to these morning greetings I've been getting and will "speak up" before too long himself.

Amber and Sugar are settling into their new home and routines as well. We are already seeing a difference in Amber's appetite. That is evidence in a small weight gain and a healthier looking coat. I have read recently that BOSS =black sunflower seeds are good for them and will give some added fat to her diet. Sure to boost the luster of her coat and fill in the thin spots on it.

Out at the farm today we sowed grass seed in one of the pasture areas and around the house. I also cut the grass in the front yard and the area destined to be for the goats. Which my husband as dub "Goat Valley" with our new "used" riding lawn mover. Circling the areas round and round I almost felt like I was on a tractor plowing some imaginary field.

Interior changes are well on the way and I am still hopeful that we can get moved in by the last week of May. It was during breakfast this morning that I came up with an idea for a new book. One that my husband thinks that I should write along side of the one he says will help him retire. I might just put this one together for fun and give it away to family, friends and our customers. Nothing fancy just some simple tabletop publishing. I think I will keep the title a secret for now, but be assured it will be a funny look at farm life.

I am still reading non-stop with an ever present book by my chair or traveling with me as we journey out to the farm. At present my companion is an old book written about using herbal treatments and remedies for livestock. Written by Juliette deBairacli Levy and called "The Complete Herbal Handbook For Farm and Stable". It is full of useful information and I believe it would prove to be a necessary part of our reference bookshelf that we are acquiring. Plans are to check on line for a used copy or a really good deal and order one.

Living with 2 homes at present,

Deborah