The Chick Inn

Above is pictured a pretty fantastic December 2011 sunset. The view is looking West from from our driveway (note attractive minivan!)

I was going to post another photo of the sunset showing the back of our house. But then I realized the back of our house still looks like a junkyard. I've been collecting cardboard for sheet mulching the front (which I still haven't finished) and it's blowing all over the weeds in the back. So, I'd rather just paint you picture with my words. I'll bet you're glad I just did. Probably feel better about your own yard now, don't you?

So, today our friends deposited 4 little 4 week old chicks to spend a week at the "Chick Inn" while they run off to Utah and Colorado. I still don't understand why they wouldn't want to undertake the drive with four prolific poopers (in addition to their three kids). I guess that kind of adventure is not on their 2012 list. Anyhow, the Chick Inn is located in Valerie's bedroom. She's delighted. The little feathery birds haven't spent much time in their pen. They've mostly been carried around on the shoulders of the neighborhood kids.

Napoleon isn't too put out by the new visitors. But he wanted to remind me that he should be star of this blog post. See below.



That said, he is a little curious about the new critters.





Amira says Valerie is opening a pet shop in her room. We say Valerie is a pet shop. Remember, Ellie May, you're just chick sitting. We have to return these critters when our friends come home.




In other news, I've been drawing up more plans for that backyard. As soon as I figure out how to use the scanner, I'll put them up here. Needless to say, we've got some more fencing and gating work cut out for us. Also, some trenching for pipes. Today I just put in an order for 25 White Rock Roosters to be delivered around the week of February 6. Those will be our "meat birds". We'll see how that goes.




I've also got to talk to the feed store about ordering some turkeys. I think I'm going to get 3 Broad Breasted Bronze (that will take about 6 months to get to market weight) and 3 Bourbon Red (heritage breed) turkeys that will likely take 18 months to get to weight.





Oh, and I've got my feelers out for bees. I'm getting ready to order an assembled starter kit for bee keeping from Dadant. They've got a shop right close to the house. And I'm hoping to hear back from Selby Honey to see if I can order some bees. I hope to get them installed in time to pollinate that orchard.





Between all these critters and the garden and other yard issues ... well, okay, as usual I'm overly optimistic. Probably. But, if I want to have eggs, chicken, turkey and honey and veggies, a girl has got to get on it. It's a process. That reminds me, I still have some lard to process and sausage to make. I'm sure I'll find the time.