Big Blue Bucket
We had a situation today. Hannah's off camping on Matinicus Island this week, so we're in charge of putting the critters away at night. When Paul went to put The Girls in their run, he came up one Buff short. This little girl was nowhere to be...
Busy Bees
After a long day of working outdoors tending gardens, looking after critters, and landscaping, I spent an inordinate amount of time photographing these busy bees in my lavender. There were dozens of bumble bees randomly buzzing here there. (Click...
Swimming Goggles Repurposed
Hannah has come up with a new use for swimming goggles. They are now an accessory for chopping onions. Tired of crying through the process, she came up with an excellent solution!
Tasty Rudbeckia
I'm not the only one who liked this cheery bouquet.
Reflections
Do you suppose they notice their reflections? Oscar's double reflection as she chases off the ducklings.
Dunkin Ducks
The ducklings have taken up synchronized bobbing, diving for pond goodies!
Have You Hugged Your Rooster Today?
Have you hugged your rooster today? Hannah has!
A Weekend on the Farm
It was a weekend of two weather forecasts. Saturday was beastly hot and humid. Sunday was glorious - a perfect Maine summer day. I spent both days outdoors working on a myriad of garden and critter chores, sneaking in some reading by the pond and...
Project Ducky Unification
It's been a week since we introduced the ducklings to the pond. Since then the big ducks have learned to tolerate the new ducklings and the babies have learned how to hold their ground. The other night I figured they were doing so well together on...
Happy Independence Day
Hannah talked us into taking the day off from home and farm projects. She wanted to spend the day at the beach. I know that Paul is not content lounging on the beach listening to the surf roll in so we negotiated a hike, picnic and short beach...
Feathered Babies Update
I spent the most glorious hour this evening sitting at the edge of the duck pond, sun dipping lower in the sky, with a glass of wine and my book. It was like a mini vacation relaxing away from work and the phone, watching the baby ducks negotiate...
New to the Pond
Three weeks after Puddles and Gabby joined the farm we introduced them to the big ducks. The ducks didn't exactly throw out the welcome mat for them. Hera tried her best to chase the ducklings out of the pond. Then Oscar joined the fray. When...
Rain, Rain, and More Rain!
We've had a bit of rain lately. Well, more like torrential downpours. I can't remember the last dry day we had. My weeds are flourishing and the garden is waterlogged! Here's a quick visual. This is our pond last week when we launched the ducks for...
Hatching Chicks
Almost a month ago I selected a dozen fresh chicken eggs to place in the incubator Paul gave me at Christmas. A few days ago three baby chicks hatched. One didn't survive, leaving Gilfy and Miri - cute little Buff Orpington/Barred Rock chicks....
The Trouble with Country Living
Do you know what is the trouble with country living? It's not the pot holey gravel road on which we live. It's not our looong pot holey gravel drive to the house that we have to plow in the winter. It's not the wildlife that threatens our critters....
I’m a Proud Chicky Mama!
The sound of cheaping woke me out of a sound sleep at 1:30 a.m. this morning. A few moments to get my bearings and I ran to the bathroom where I found this brandy-new chick in the incubator! I woke Paul to share the excitement with him. He groggily...
Launching of the Duckies
The ducks make their maiden voyage in "The Big Pond" today! When we took the fencing down that separated the duck yard from the pond, it took them a few minutes to realize they could cross that magic line. Once they figured out they were free they...
Introducing Thanksgiving Dinner
Meet the next generation of Turkey Dudes! We brought home six (yes 6) week-old white turkey chicks today. They're cute little things - friendly with very gentle, trusting eyes. They'd better get ugly before the holidays arrive. Past Turkey Dude...
Duckling’s First Dip
It was a stupendously beautiful day here - perfect for the new ducklings first swim. Here are Puddles and Gabby testing out the water in my rubber tote. This swimming thing takes a little getting used to. They weren't too sure about the whole...
Rockin the Pond
I was out of town on business the past two days. When I talked with Paul on the phone last night and asked about how he spent his day he said, "Sweetie, I rocked your world." I've heard that line before. Only this time he rocked my pond....
In My Garden Today
It was a busy day in the garden today. The sunshine and blooms brought out the butterfies, birds, and bees! Click thumbnail for larger view.
Cute in a Bucket (Squared)
Check out the little cuties who joined the farm today! We picked these little baby Pekin ducklings up from the local feed store today. We've eagerly awaited their arrival so we could give broody Dilly some babies - a reward for sitting on her...
Have you Hugged Your Duck Today?
Hannah has! Quackers is having a warm Epsom salt foot bath. Her waddle has turned into a limp as a result of an infected sore on her foot. It's been treated and she's spending a quite night in the garage. I think Hannah enjoyed the excuse to hang...
Pond Progress
We've been planning a duck pond for a while now. Earlier in the spring we cleared a spot. After starting excavation on May 20 the rain forced a hiatus. Last weekend, after things dried up a bit, Paul began excavation in earnest. He's put in about...
Chickens in the Road
We've had the girls for one year. So far they've spent their lives in the coop and run. Today, after attempts to make my garden chicken resistant, I let the Colonel and the Girls out of the run to free range. This executive decision was met with...
