Good Grief!

I am such a slacker in so many ways ... blogging has now been added to the list. sigh

I was discouraged after losing my chickens in the "Massacre" but went ahead and purchased 14 chicks from the Tractor Supply and Orschlen's Farm Store in March. I went with a mixed flock because I like the different colors of both feathers and eggs. 

About six weeks ago two of the "New Girls" began crowing. Yes this makes four roosters I have had to deal with in my short time of having a flock. Strangely it wasn't trying to mate with anyone who would stand still long enough that caused the mass hatred but rather none of the girls liked them because they were so crazy mean! They would grab a passing bird by the wing and sling them like a Frisbee. Other times they would grab whoever was going by and bite down on the back of the girl's neck. There was so much shouting and screaming (From the girls and me!) early on that I was already trying to give them away. After the crowing began they definitely had to go. I finally convinced a co-worker to take them home with him. They had been living on organic feed, fresh fruits and veggies since they come to my farm so I told him they should be good eating. Yes, I told John I did not care if he sent them to Freezer Camp I was that over them.

A few of the pullets have begun laying. I love finding those little eggs in the nest box. So far it looks as though a Buff Orpington and two of the Red Stars are leading the way. When I begin getting a dozen a day my customers will be happy. I keep giving reports to interested parties. I need to get a new license from the Health Dept. and also apply for my State egg license. Lots of folks skip the licensing but I want to be on the up and up.

My sister Angela and I now have a Facebook page. Look for "The Sisters" from Bedford, IN. If we can get our sister Debbie to get her craft on maybe the site will carry goods from the three of us. Right now Deb is recovering from a right shoulder break/Rotor Cuff surgery so it will be months before she can be productive but I believe in planting the seed. [wink] She makes great bags with multiple pockets. I have worn most of mine out and would appreciate some replacements. :)

I placed some of my Ruffle Scarves on our page today. The one I call Strawberry Parfait is perfect for little girls who like a bit of bling. I especially like the scarf in two shades of Green with Champagne. It's soft subtle colors are very pretty.

The rain that kept us from being at Market has stopped so I think I will go home and groom bunnies.

Hope you weekend is restful and you will recharged for next week.

Catching Up

Yikes! It has been a week since I arrived home from Retreat and I'm still playing catch up at home and at work.

Retreat was wonderful. Hanging out with my sisters. Visiting with old friends and meeting new friends. Went for a walk around the grounds with Ally (5 yo granddaughter of Conni from Missouri). We graded the leaves for crunchiness as Ally jumped on them .. the crispy one won. =) Ally was such a good girl. She entertained herself and us too!

I made a few pairs of earrings and a fob to hold the latch on my laptop case closed. I also finished two hats and a scarf, all commissioned pieces. I planned to work on two child sized sweaters but there was too much distraction for a first time pattern.

Christine, Phyllis and I went to Sheep Street on Saturday. I bought oil for Jezebel and a cone of slubby linen/rayon to use on a weaving project this winter. It was so nice to visit the shop with like minded folks. Angela is getting better but unless DebJo dozes off in the car she still whines a bit if I go over my one hour limit. (smile)

Better close now and go do laundry ... part of that catching up business don't you know.

Packing for Retreat

My sisters and I will be attending a quilt retreat November 10th -November 14th. Angela is the hostess so we will be there early Wednesday to set up and have everything ready for the ladies. This time there will be a mix of old friends and new friends. Several of the first time attendees are from Indiana which is a little different and very cool.

The photo I have posted is of the conference center at Camp Camby. The front part of the building is the kitchen and restrooms. The round barn-like part is our "sewing room".

Sister DebJo and I are the non quilters attending again this time. I plan to take Jezebel and wool so hopefully Christine can help me figure out why I can't get the spun yarn to take up on the bobbin. I have been commissioned to crochet two child size sweaters and three little boy hats so they are going with me. I told DebJo I would take my jewelry stuff so we can make earrings together. I think Angela plans to take mostly handwork too. She still isn't feeling up to par. =(

Time spent with my sisters and friends is something I've been looking forward too. Our meals are catered and everyone brings their favorite snacks. We will talk, work, eat and relax ... not necessarily in that order. ;^)

My neighbor, Nicholas, and niece, Heather, will keep the farm going while I'm away. Daddy will be periodically checking in too. It is so good to have family and neighbors you can count on!