Cooped Up

We've been getting our fare share of snow, for which I am grateful.  I do love the fresh blanket of white covering the brown of mid winter.  As long as I can get out in it, I am happy.  Lately, the below zero temps have made that a challenge!

 

But as always, I am grateful for my silly birds, and the small lessons they share.  They set a great example for me the other day. Regardless of the cold and snow that was literally surrounding their coop, they happily perched outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.

It wasn't long before I followed suit, and I was rewarded for my effort.

Thank you silly, pretty birds!

While inside, I am pursuing other endeavors, like this blanket.

The stitch is rather simple, try it if you like!

CO ODD multiple of 3 - say 63, not 60 not 66 stitches.
K3, P3 to the end.

Yup that's all, not much more to it.  Because of the odd number of stitches cast on, you will get varied ribbing both vertically and horizontally.  So far, I've knit up three skeins of Lionbrad Homespun colorway Lagoon.  Soon it will cover me as I knit!  I plan on going until I run out of yarn, only 3 more skeins to go!  Then I'll bind off, and use the last skein to fringe.

I hope you're happy and healthy and doing whatever it takes to get through this longest, shortest month of February!

Let Me Introduce You

The babies are no longer little balls of fluff. In fact at only one month old they are getting too big for their habitat in the garage.

It's time to introduce them to the big girls. But these introductions need to be handled delicately. A good option is to wire a run within a run so the girls (both little and BIG) can get used to each other without access to pecking each other.

Eventually, when the littles grow some more, they can mix it up.

It's kind of like hardening off seedlings!

Easter Grass Recycled

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is a phrase often heard here in the Boulder Valley, and that's exactly what I did with the Easter Grass.

The ladies were wary at first (as hens will be)

but their curiosity took over at last.

Bon Appetit girls!

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Why does a chicken do anything, really?  One can drive oneself mad asking those kind of questions.  Which has me thinking (oh no, not that again), why not stop asking some many damn questions?  So ultimately, that is what I gave up for Lent, the thought of "why?".  It's been rather liberating I must say.  In fact, I've been learning to let go, or at least I'm trying now more than ever, in 2013. Sadly, Mommy Chicken has been paying the price a bit, but she's patient.  She knows her time to shine will come again.

So what have I been up to?  Quite simply, I've been MOVING, not my house, but my body.  I've been enjoying the community of swimming in a group, the Boulder Aquatic Masters, and the fitness of body, not to mention mind, it has brought me.  It seems this physical outlet is taking over the creative outlet at the moment, but that's OK.  Good things come from a little time off.  There are ideas percolating, but rather than write about them, I'm going to sit on them some more and see what hatches.

In addition to getting more physical, we've have been making physical changes to our home.  The most important being the purchase and installation of a wood burning stove.

There may have been a better installation configuration, but Brad and I were not up to demolition of the hearth and masonry work.  Sometimes it's better to do something imperfectly, than nothing perfectly.  Here she is prettified with BEESwax candles.  I sure do love beeswax candles, the glow and scent is incomparable.  Wouldn't it be neat to keep bees, harvest honey, make candles and other products with their wax, and especially learn about how they live in their amazing community?

In addition to tending the fires at home, I get to tend the plants (indoors) and pups:

Pepper - the "prince" or "stinker" depending on the time of the day

Lucy - I need say no more but to know her is to love her

not to mention tending the family and work . . . all good things making for a very full and happy life.  I have managed to sneak in a little creativity.  Here's a peak at a little project for you gardeners who are eager to get outside, but find it a bit too cold yet:

You can buy, soak, and sow wheat grass seeds indoors in any pretty container or planter of your choosing.  Soon, you'll have a lovely grassy display for your spring pleasure :)

"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than a jouney-work of the stars" ~ Walt Whitman

News From the Hen House

Some of you may be wondering why the hens were omitted from my favorite things in my last posting?  Well, suffice it to say, I have absolutely loved my hens.  For the past  4 years they have defined when I wake up and start my day, added colorful commentary throughout, and closed my days with a trip to the hen house in the twilight.  Until now.

This summer has been the absolute pits when it comes to predator attacks.  We were visited every month from May through the present.  The flock has been marauded by fox, raccoon, and even snake.  Slowly they have been picked off one by one, but this last hit was B A D.  We came home to a massacre.  All but 2 of our ladies were taken down, including our rooster, "Jr. Ranger."

Jr. Ranger, Oreo, Ruby, and little Blacky

It was a very shocking scene and God bless my husband, Brad, for shouldering it with me.  I've shed many a tear over my girls, and have thanked them for all they have given me.  The next morning a friend and neighbor stopped by our garage sale and we discussed a trip to the Boulder County Fair.  "You know, Melissa, you could end up making some 4Hers day."  Even though I was still in shock, the idea of visiting the Poultry exhibit and looking at the hens was intriguing.

Brad ever so thoughtfully shepherded me there while our kids held down the fort.  We perused the Poultry hall, but none of the hens were "speaking to me."  I went down an aisle and saw the breed of my favorite hen Oreo (she was a HUGE Brahma) and got weepy and turned to leave.  Just then I felt a tap, tap, tap on my shoulder.  I turned around to be greeted by the most angelic face on a young boy, Quinn.  "Excuse me Mam, are you looking to buy a chicken today?"  "Well heck," I thought, "from you probably."  He brought me over to his hens, and wouldn't you know it, they were my favorite breed, the Araucana.  I still wasn't sure, and we went to consult with his mother about whether he could sell his award winner.  She said yes, and when we returned, his prize hen was squatting.

"Quinn, what do you suppose she's doing?  Do you think she's going to lay an egg?"  Sure enough, plop, out came a beautiful, blue-green egg.

She had me at hello.

News from the Hen House

Well, we've had a visit or two or three from a fantastic looking, albeit troublesome visitor.  A lovely fox has been making visits to our ladies and gent, and up until a week ago, has left thwarted.  Last week he made off with our best layer, such a sweet gal.  She was one the of first chicks we hand raised so she was gentle and a GREAT LAYER!  She laid the biggest green eggs I've ever seen.  We will miss her very much.  I was comforted to know the neighbors children who heard the news said a little prayer for her :).  Now that makes me smile.

Another thing making me smile just so happens to be taking place in the Chicken run as well.  Just today when I was out doing the daily watering and feeding I saw a flurry of activity back behind the bushes. When I looked closer I noticed all sorts of song birds down in the run's dirt pecking around.  At first I thought they were picking up Chicken feed scraps, but I don't leave food out in the run?  Upon closer observation I noticed these dear, sweet, winged creatures working very earnestly to pick up loose feathers from the chickens.  They are literally feathering their nests with the ladies cast off feathers.  BIG smile :) !

I guess it's true what they say:

One Hen's trash

Is another Wren's treasure.

Oh how I love the dichotomy of life!

Blessings!

Everyday Holy

What joy the hens give me by generously providing clean, bright, beautiful, colorful, nutrious, and sustainable eggs, day in, day out.  They are a never ending source of amusement, wonder, mystery and surprise!

What New Surprises Lie In Store

I tell you what.  These chickens are just too much fun.  They never cease to amaze me.  Our family spent the day at the ball park.  It was youth Baseball day, so my husband and son's Little League team and families were out in force.  What a great day!  And a full day as well.

When we got home we were greeted by yet another surprise.  We found Momma and Baby cruising the run with the rest of the flock.  Holy Moly!

So much for keeping to their own private space in the Broody Hen Palace.  I guess three days old is old enough to venture into the great outdoors.  We all enjoyed watching them roam the area together.  They moved as one and Momma clucked to her babe the entire time.  If ever one of the more curious ladies came near, Momma would ruffle her feathers and protect her babe.  And of course watching this got me to thinking about Motherhood.  How simple it would be to act on impluse and never second guess our Mothering instinct.  This Momma knows that her babe is her responsibility and she doesn't care who she offends while protecting her.  She will ruffle her feathers, sqwak, and even peck if she needs to.  As long as at the end of the day, they are together as one happy, healthy family unit.

Thank you dear hens for your simple message.  I hear you loud and clear.

Good Things Come In Small Packages

I was given a wonderful surprise when I checked on the ladies yesterday.  I opened the Broody Hen Palace, was greeted by the Hen, and who was this peeping out at me?  Our new baby!  I had just about given up hope, shame one me!  What a miracle. 

One day nothing, the next a fluffed out bundle of love.

 

Everyone is very excited by our new arrival.  We had a grand time showing the baby to neighbors and now we get to share with all of you!  The baby is very dear.  She likes to stay close to Momma, and peeps when she is removed, so we are trying to leave them in peace.  But gosh, so irresistable!    Momma likes to keep her close, as in sit on her.  It is very dear to see them snuggle.

It's a good life afterall.

Don't Count Your Chickens

until they're hatched.  We've all heard this one before, but this past week the point was driven home like never before.  It's not that I intentionally embarked on this "let's hatch some eggs" journey.  It was my broody hens' ideas.  You see I couldn't keep them off the eggs.  After I figured out what their behaviour meant (they were 'nesting' get it?) I had to make a conscious choice about whether to interrupt nature's way, or go with it.  When it comes to nature, I am definetely a 'go-with-it' kind of girl. 

That's not to say that everything will go smoothly, and that nothing 'bad' will happen even though I seem to be perpetually caught by surprise when it does.  Last week I was so excited when I found the egg with the heartbeat, and even more shocked when it disappeared.  After moving through the sadness of the loss, I was resolved to create a better environment for the ladies.

A simple solution was to retro-fit a dog kennel with some wire mesh to thwart any marauders from stealing the eggs.  I lined the openings on the sides and the front door with this handy wire mesh:

 

Cozy and safe.  What more could my girls ask for?  I happily put the ladies and their 3 eggs back in for a snug fest.  Feeling very accomplished, I proudly showed my work to my husband upon his return a few hours later.  What was this?  ANOTHER EGG GONE!  More shock, dismay, and RESOLVE.  It must be one of the hens, how awful!  By pure chance, I had my husband remove 'Little Blacky' to leave our other Orpington in peace.  Fingers crossed we chose the right hen to boot.  I made sure the remaining lady had easy access to plenty of water and food.  She won't even need to leave her Broody Hen Palace.

Even though the lessons are hard, I am so grateful for my chickens and all they are teaching me about life.  It is a miracle, fragile yet resilient.  You just have to stay in there, ride that wave of loss, keep an open and buoyant heart, and you'll catch a glimpse of that new beginning.

And the hens and chicks?  Well, suffice it to say our Lady is still sitting on the same two eggs (plus another new one).  But I'm not counting on anything.  Let's just ride this one out shall we?

Do-Si-Do Your Partner

Yesterday we had a wee break in the colder, cloudy, rainy weather here (Are we really in Boulder folks?  Feels more like the Pacific Northwest). So with shovel and wheelbarrow in tow I ventured into the garden for some much anticipated pottering about.  Certain flowers had been catching my eye and demanding I move them to a more appropriate place where they could be better show-cased.

Well, my gardening is a bit like dominoes, or sqare dancing.  Once started, its hard to stop, and one move affects another.  Move this hellebore, and oops, make room by moving that rose, and so on.  It was a glorious early morning until I could stand the stink eye from the pups no longer.

Off we ventured to the North Shore.  It was lovely.  The clouds were breaking up and the sun was peeking through just enough to highlight the water and provide some warmth. 

The pups enjoyed their run, perhaps a little too much.  After snake hunting in the grass, and rolling in a much decomposed carcass by the water's edge, it was a happy, albeit stinky, ride home.

Quick baths, and a quicker lunch and they were settled into their afternoon naps.  How I envy them, it is a dog's life afterall.

A good day with all its comings and goings.  Speaking of comings and goings.  Sad news from the farm.  The dear little egg with the hearbeat is no more.  Such sadness.  I was shocked when collecting the days' eggs to find that it was gone.  Gone without a trace!  How can that be?

After consulting an online chicken forum, I've surmised it could be one of a few things.  Rat (Darn you Templeton!), Snake (Let's NOT go there shall we?), or eek Cannibalism?  I've gleened some ideas and after more than a bit of grieving, moping, and basic wallowing, I'm determined to thwart the culprit!  No one said this chicken keeping was for the faint of heart.  So, its off to the hardware store for some hardware cloth.

Babies On Board

Exciting news here at Brigadoon Farm!  Today when I was collecting eggs I had a first time ever experience.  When I gather eggs I have to remove all the eggs from under the 2 broody hens (yes, we have co-parents here in Boulder Colorado). 

Why you may ask?  Well, for some odd reason, the other laying hens are laying on the soon to be hatchlings.  There is another nesting box, but for some reason they prefer the one that has been occupied round the clock for almost a month now.  So I have to gingerly remove all the eggs, and return the ones that have been marked with an "X and a Dot, Dot, Dot . . ."  As I was doing so today, I FELT A HEARTBEAT!  How cool is that?  Let me tell you, I didn't expect that one.  It gave me quite a shot of adrenaline.  Even more amazing, this was the egg that I accidentally gathered a week ago, and had in the house overnight before I realized it was marked for hatching.  What a miracle!

Ain't life grand?

Coming Full Circle

Well, THAT was a L-O-N-G week, wasn't it?  More like two!  I have my excuses, though, I always do.  I intended on posting earlier this week, complete with pictures of last weekend's celebration of my niece's graduation, Mother's Day, and My Birthday.  But my camera went on a field trip with the Boys, all before I had a chance to upload any photos.  They are back now after spending 3 exciting days doing rope courses through the Pine Trees of Bailey Colorado, complete with fresh snow fall (somewhere around 6"- got to love Spring in the Rockies).  So, they have inspired me to say "onward and upward" and get on with the blog!

Looking back on last weekend I am struck by one phrase, over and over, "full circle."  It was such a rich experience to see all my niece's loved ones come together to celebrate her accomplishment.  It was a beautiful day, made even more so by people reconnecting with eachother.  In some cases this reconnection was made after a long period of time, as in 20 years.  Touching really.

As I was preparing her slideshow I found this:

Yup, that's me circa 1989, holding Shannon (my niece) at my graduation from CU.  Again, full circle.  Which makes me think of what my friend Marilyn would say, "God (Love) is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere."  Rich, yes?  Full to overflowing.

Which brings me to the lighter side of this celebration, decorations!  But not just any decorations.  I wanted decorations with meaning, with symbolism, of couse!  And what were they made of?  Yup, you guessed it, circles!  But not just any circles, these were made using Shannon's old exams.

The other decoration that was created for this past weekend was Mommy Chicken Prayer Flags.

I used leftover fabric from skirts, dresses, blouses and bags I had put together over the past few years.  Click here for a full tutorial.
Try as I might, I can hardly express my deepest gratitude for all those who helped out this past weekend, from the prepartion, food, pictures, heck, to all that everyone has done to help support and raise my niece to be the incredible young lady she is today.  It's true what they say, it does take a village to raise a child.  And if you don't believe me, believe my chickens!

Remember the eggs that I left in the coop to be hatched?  Well, they have 2 hens sitting on them, not one, but 2 and sometimes 3!  I just love that.  They don't care who they belong to, or even whether or not they laid them.  They see a need and if the time is right, and they are able, they fill it.  It's just that simple folks.

X Marks The Spot, with a Dot-Dot-Dot and a Dash-Dash-Dash

and a BIG question mark!  Isn't that just life?  There have been a lot of questions swirling around in my brain lately, and I just have to wait for the answers.  It's that simple, and that hard.  Sometimes I wish I didn't have a higher brain, just a simple low-level brain, kinda like the chickens.  They don't worry about what the purpose of their lives are.  They don't question what they are supposed to do when their chicks grow up.  They just are.  They can just be.  Simple living: when its cold outside, seek shelter; when hungry, go dig around for some food; when its sunny, take a dust bath; when a hawk swoops by, duck and cover!; or when the impulse strikes, lay an egg.  Over and over again.  Day after day.  Season after season.

But our human lives involve just a touch more than that.  So many choices.  So many decisions.  As my "kids" grow I find myself quesitoning "what next?"  I don't really want to head down the wrong path, because I don't want to waste time.  The clock is ticking, and I want to make every moment count.

I guess I'll just follow the hens' example: when an egg has been laid, some gal will find it (if it isn't gathered) and decide she needs to tend to it.  So she sits and waits.  She sits and keeps this promise of new life warm.  She may get testy if you try to grab her egg, she may even peck.  But she won't move.  She sits and waits knowing that through patience new beginnings will emerge.

Do Chickens Sneeze?

Just when I find myself caught up in my own little thoughts, "When oh when will the sun come out?" or "Why isn't it warmer, it is Spring after all?", life hands me a wake up call.  This morning when I let the ladies out of their coop, one of my little hens wasn't moving so well.  She, being a Silver Laced Wyandotte, is the smallest of the flock, but boy does she rule the roost.  She is definitely on the top of the pecking order.

Photo Art by Anna Brown

But not this day.  The poor little dear could barely make it through the Hen door before she had to sit down.  She couldn't even hold up her head or tail feathers.  And nothing kicks me into high gear like a sick loved one.  So off I went to find an old beach towel.  With towel in hand I swooped (ever so gently) the little gal up and cradled her back into the house.  Here she sits in the warm laundry room in Lucy's crate.

Little Hen & Dr. Rest, Dr. Quiet, Dr. Still

Hopefully, the warmth and quiet of the house will help bring her around.  I know this trick worked when our Rhode Island Red was mauled by a neighbor's dog last fall.  Perhaps this is just one example of why I like care taking so much?  It kinda takes you out of your own little dramas.

So They Say It's Spring

Yes, the calendar says it.  Yes, its all over Blogsphere, but good lordy, Spring sure is a fickle miss here in Boulder, Colorado.  She is slow to rise and may decide to bless us with the warmth and light of a cloudless day one minute, then BAM, we're slammed with strong wind bringing grey clouds and any manner of precipitation scudding through the next.  It's enough to try one's patience.

So close, but yet so far.  I can see it, feel it, smell it, touch it, taste it one minute, then it slips through my grasp.  Now I know how my dear hens feel.  Look at the them.

There they are yearning to get to the other side of the fence.  They are not the most perceptive of beasties, but I swear they know the grass is greener on the other side of that fence.  Now how to get there?  The yearning is almost palpable.

I'll never cease to be amazed at how whatever I'm feeling in my internal life is mirrored in the life around me.   And I find great comfort in that.  So even though I would like to "get on with it"and press a "fast forward" I must content myself with the way things are. 

Here's hoping you all find the grass a little greener on your side of the fence today.

New Year Indeed!

Well . . . looks as if one of my first resolutions would be to start posting on my blog!  It seems as with any of my creative pursuits it comes in fits and bursts, starts and pauses, at least until the kinks get worked out.  So rather than "do nothing perfectly" I think I will "do something imperfectly."

It's been a lovely start to the New Year.  We received our first big snow on the last day of 2010.  Good things come to those who wait!

These 2 gals were more than happy to take in the fresh snow and the added light that it brings.  They are the lowest in the pecking order, talk about cabin fever!, so they were more than happy to escape the coop!  It was such a lovely day, I had to get out and take a stroll through the neighborhood, even if there were more pressing things to do!

Quite beautiful, yes?  I had some company on the walk, although he didn't do much walking.  Pepper prefers to rip through the snow at high speed, until coming to an abrupt halt to sniff.  Try as I might I couldn't get a picture of him face with a snout full of snow, but this picture does indeed capture the moment and his joy of being out of doors.

A lovely quiet way to bring in the New Year!