Cold Chill

The house is uncomfortably cool this frosty morning. Night time temps dropping down into the 14* range the past two nights has served to put a heavy chill in the air. The folks up in the North East are seeing deeper drops in their weather coupled with snow. To them 14* lows would probably been welcomed. Just a physical reminder that we are still in the heart of winter. A season generally to be spent in less activity, a time set aside for rest, renewal of energies & restoration from the busy season preceding and following this quieter time of the year. Especially true for those living on a farm life where all the crops are in, new livestock births are yet to be, outside chores are fewer than in other seasons. Every thing; animals, plants and man mindful of the coming Spring and the flourishes of activity and growth that it brings.

Applicable to every person who walks this earth, but this is often not the case for most of mankind. This season set aside for quiet pursuits for the most part goes by with hardly a notice. Except for a complaint here and there about the weather. Each day blurs into the next in a repetitive activity that varies very little. When society lost it's connection with the land, turning from being "farmers" to industrial workers, something important slipped from our view. . . . . . . mindfulness of the seasons and our need for them.

God gave mankind a charge in the "garden" to see over it, use it, enjoy it and I believe to learn from it. Throughout history man has been seen running away from the very thing he was called to do. With each mechanical invention we have lost a piece of what it means to be connected to something bigger than the labor involved. Now very few people get their hands dirty, much less get satisfaction from it. A missed opportunity to be in touch with the rich blessings available in being in step with the seasons and the One who created them. The worst part is they don't even realize what they have lost. I believe that we, each one is born with the capacity to not only understand but to relate to this basic concept. I am more at peace within my person with each step I take towards nurturing that which God placed within me. I have lots to learn as it is not generally a concept handed down through lifestyle teaching any more. There are always exceptions to the rule and I hope to be gleaming from the experiences of others.

The simplistic acts of growing crops, raising livestock, noticing weather details and seasonally changes, will lead to a greater dependency on God I believe. There is no way around it, for our success or failure hinges on His active involvement. A grateful spirit is born out of a dependency on someone else to provide what you can not supply. I am looking forward with anticipation for the day we can set up our farm in the rural countryside. Away from the distractions of city life, the noise, traffic and the hustle bustle of the always busy, but ultimately getting less in return for the effort. Not that we haven't enjoyed some of the benefits of urban gardening already. Having a small garden, fruiting vines, bushes & trees, raising a few chickens, harvesting honey, growing flowers for beauty and feeding the birds of land and water for pleasure have ALL served as a learning ground for us. I only wish I could convince others of the benefits of doing something likewise. I wonder how many dinning rooms across America houses a box of baby chicks in them? Much less in our county, like ours does. They bring a wonder to the eyes at the miracle of growth and a melodious music as we listen to their song of life. Having them there feels as natural to me as the warm wrap around my shoulders this morning.

Which is a real need as we are without the added heat from our fireplace gas logs. The fire from 2 days ago removed that convenience from us. Dependent on a flip of a button, has left us without the necessary tools to return to the "old" ways of heating a home ~ wood. Which is not in short supply around here. Being right outside our doors standing tall and also stacked in neat little rows out back. We are learning a lesson first hand about relying on something that may be a quicker way to heat but may not be the best choice. I am sure there are many more lessons similar to be learned "down on the farm".

I want to walk side by side with the Creator of the garden, this side of heaven and beyond. What sweet fellowship to be anticipated, experienced and remembered.

Deborah

Been Out of the Loop

Things always seem to come at you in multiples, especially when they bring disruption to your life. It appears that often life will not bring just one difficulty at a time. Not that having one thing always makes it any easier to handle. Have just one thing go wrong or break down and suddenly others issues need to be dealt with at that same moment. Pleasures on the other hand make better company when they show up together. Multiplying the joy that they bring to the party. But that was not the case around here for the past couple of weeks. WHEW! I wasn't sure we were ever going to see daylight there for a few days. Physical illness is never welcomed and a sure pain when it attaches it's self to more than one family member at a time. But I am glad to state we survived the bug that came calling uninvited. Sickness can be hard to handle anytime but when there are other issues going on at the same time it can make for some long difficult days. If this is as bad as it gets around here, we can't complain considering what other families are having to deal with. It is all a matter of your perspective, whether to grumble or give thanks. We are giving thanks!

A lot has happened on the home front and I wish I could have written the details down as they happened. Looking back we tend to forget the little details that gives the everyday occurrences character. And now my camera is acting up, just another item on the "difficult" list around here, so pictures can't even be posted to help tell the story. Arrrrgh!

(Good news I finally won the battle and convinced it to share it's pictures)

We were unsure for about a day whether we had another broody hen in the making. One of the R.I.R.'s found Big Mama's nest empty while she was out getting a bite and decided to take up the cause so to speak. Needless to say Big Mama was not happy upon her return to find a free-loader in her place. She quickly attempted to reclaim what was hers, by even sitting on top of the hen. After much shuffling I managed to move her off of the offending foe. Who by my thoughts was just being a good nanny to the unhatched eggs by keeping them warm in her absence. Especially since it was during one of the coldest spells we've had so far this year. Separation finally occurred with Big Mama getting her nest back and the wayward nanny being placed in another box with a warm egg to watch over.

From the look on her face she still wanted what was down below and decided to find a place on her own, more suitable to her liking. Restlessness finally settled down after I gave her more than one egg to hover over. All was at peace in the hen house once more.

But the itch only lasted till bed time when she decided it was warmer sleeping with her room mates and left the nest she had coveted earlier in the day. She is such a pretty little hen and may make a wonderful mother one day after she gets a little more mature.

Birth announcements did not get sent out even though Big Mama hatched out her babies right on schedule. Four little fuzz balls out of 6 eggs hatched on Friday, January 16. I feel that was a pretty good percentage for a first time mother hen and midwife (me). We did call "Fred" (the father) and his owner to let him know the good news. Right now they are solid black with a light colored spot on the top of their heads. We are hoping that they will take after their father and look like Plymouth Barred Rocks.

The first arrived about lunchtime with two more siblings being found snug under Big Mama next time we checked on them late that afternoon. Bringing them to the house to keep warm and fed, we left the other 3 eggs under her for the night. Thinking that she would not miss the little rolly-pollies taken from her. I guess she had to show us a thing or two, for low and behold the next morning as Lon opened up the pen for the ladies to get out. There she sat with another chick peeping out from under her, almost 16 hours after the hatching of the first one. From all that I have read this not normal, they should have all hatched within an hour of each other. I am beginning to realize that nothing is ever "normal" on a farm.

It has been only a week and already they are outgrowing the aquarium we are using as a brooder to start them in. Little feathers are emerging on their wings and show some black with white markings, so we may get out wish after all. Regardless of what they look like, we are planning on keeping them.The smallest of baby tail feathers are showing up as well. All four are scrambling over each other, jumping up at imaginary stuff in the air, eating and messing up their quarters on a steady basis. Active babies = healthy babies.

Now the challenge is to find them a larger dormitory for the remainder of their preschool weeks of learning and growing. Which is a tiring chore for one so young. Catching a nap every chance you get is a good thing, no matter where you find it!

We have not come up with a suitable name for our rooster yet. He is doing a wonderful job of watching over the girls and comes running anytime one of them sends out a distress call. His tail feathers are slowly coming back in and his coat is looking shinier and healthier every day. Although his crowing leaves something to be desired. It is not from the lack of trying, as he exercises it throughout the day. Causing us to smile each time we hear him. We don't know if it will improve or not and have considered calling him "Rusty" because of it. As he matures it may change in quality and we do not want to saddle him with a name that would no longer fit him.

Our search for more land has not left our thoughts as we have traveled back roads and highways all over the surrounding rural area within about a hour + ride from our home. It seems there are a lot of other people doing the same kind of thinking and looking, making available property kinda sparse. We do have our eye on one in a neighboring state that has potential and a piece closer to home, but that already has a contract on it. It would be great to have it but at this point in time we will just have to wait and see if it is the one the Lord wants us to have. Reading and research continues as we try to learn all that we can before trying things first hand. Though there are somethings you just have to jump right into the midst and start. I think my husband may even be willing to let me have a milk cow, if we can find the right place to support one. YAH, fresh milk, butter, cheese and cream with out any interference from mankind. I can see a great wholesome breakfast on the way ~ free-range eggs, pancakes with homemade butter and jams, raw honey in a cup of hot tea and a quite morning sunrise to savor it all. YUM YUM!

It will soon be time to start planting our Spring garden and the decision at hand is, how much do we want to plant here. If I could choose, I would love to start a large garden come Spring on our dream place. Looking through the seed catalogues leaves me with a list longer than we have space for right now. I may have to start one here and save a few seeds in case we get the chance to obtain a new garden spot in the future. For now it is quite cold and dreary looking outside, not suitable for tender young sprouts. Though to start some seeds indoors would give me a jump on getting an earlier harvest on some sturdy veggies and calm the itch I have to be back out scratching in the dirt.

Looking for pleasures this winter,

Deborah

It's Saturday Again

Today started off smokey with fog and pretty much ended the same way. We have had an increase in wetness the past couple of days with more slated for a few more to come. A light jacket was needed when outside just to keep your clothes dry. The air held a heavy moistness and ever present misting rain. Making it a dampness that crept into my bones real quick. Finishing my outside chores today was quickly accomplished because of it. Even causing some muddiness of hands and shoes as I tidied up the garden and worked on keeping the "girls" out of certain areas of it. We have given them an invite to gleam from the leftover crops to supplement their diets, which they have relished down to the nubs of some plants.

Mr. Roo (until we decide on a proper name) is doing well and enjoyed his share of some collard leaves brought down by my mom on her recent visit. I did not get to hear him, but my husband told me before leaving for work today that Mr. Roo crowed 7 times as he was loading his truck. His previous owner had stated that she had not heard him crow. Which seemed odd given he is about 7 months old. But with 11 roosters on her property, how would you know which ones were and which ones wasn't crowing?

Misting rain did not prevent the ladies from strolling around the yard today. Feasting on the offerings from the garden and a gift of collard greens. Bugs and such are mighty scarce around here right now, most have either died off or are in hibernation deep below their efforts of scratching up a meal. A visible reminder of why egg production has dropped the last few days, with a daily token of 8. I guess getting damp in the process was in preparation for their "Satdy Nite" bath.

Circle round ladies it's bath time ~

Finding the only dry spot around here, under the porch overhang on the house. "Dirt bath!" for all was uttered, but "Big Mama" had other duties to tend to and declined the social scene. Three others were no where to be seen when the call went out, but I am sure Mr. Roo would have been glad to join them if given half a chance!

Miss Martha enjoying her dirt bath!

I love Saturdays, they are a fitting end to a work week and lend themselves to more pleasurable activities. I only have a few regular chores that I try to do on them, nothing heavy. Quick spruce ups to ready the house and yard for the start of the next week. Like sweeping off the porches, starting our meal for Sunday lunch, getting an idea of what I am going to wear to church the next day, doing a quick tidy through out the house and then something just for fun. Today it was catching up on reading some wonderful emails and blog sites. I had thought to go straighten up my sewing room, until the day slipped away into darkness. I still can't quite get used to these early evening hours this time of year. There are plenty of hours left in the day, but with the darkness closing in it only feels right to start shutting down the hatches for the evenings. Leaving me with only the desire to read with a hot cup of tea by my side, after getting in my "jammies" for the night. Simple pleasures make for a sweet Saturday. And that my friends adds up to living well in my book.

The day ended just like it begun . . . . ."froggy."

Deborah

Cockle-Do-A-Do

We have a Roo! Yes, we have added to our growing flock of feathered friends. An early morning trip down the road brought us to our new fella after about a hour drive. It was raining the whole trip, but we were excited about the possibility of getting a rooster for our hen house. Decision time was quickly upon us as we stepped out of the truck. Janette had quite an assortment of roosters, but we were there to choose between 2 "Dominiques". The temptation to get both was there and would have eliminated the need to choose. But one was all we needed and trying to merit the qualities of each in quick fashion was hard. We needed a gentle but courageous individual, that would watch over the girls in a protective fashion without seeing us or our 2 year old granddaughter as a threat.





We settled on the one who appeared the most curious and mindful of our presence. He stood taller than the other, had the strong lines of good posture, upright rosy comb and sound looking feet. We learned some more details about him after loading him up in the cage we had brought along and covering his mode of transportation home with a tarp to keep out the wind and rain. It was obvious that he was one of Janette's favorites and was used to eating out of her hand. A good sign of his gentleness towards humans and the potential of being a gentleman to the ladies back home.

I suspect that he is not too happy being caged right now, as a quarantine precaution after being able to move around in his previous pen. But I keep telling him that he will just LOVE being free-ranged with the girls. Able to move about our acreage, enjoying the wide open spaces each day. The meal choices changing with each turned over leaf, taking dirt baths with the girls, not to mention the romance available. I am offering him special treats as I check on him, a sneaky way of making friends and to fatten him up for the duties ahead of him. We will be counting down the days till his release just as much as I am sure he is. More pictures to come when you can see him in all of his glory.

As an update "Big Mama" is still happily sitting on her nest with one week down and two more to go till d-day.

Deborah