My! My! I have been very derelict in keeping up my blog! So much is happening in my world lately and time has been short!
Turned out my male rabbits for the winter, much time and effort in keeping them separated, fed, watered, and cared for. I know that sounds lazy, but these little fellows still get fed, but they also have the freedom to roam, hide, and find nice warm spots to get out of the cold. The females are quite happy in their little hutch and spend their days running each other around and their nights huddled together.
It has worked well for all and each morning I am met by my little fuzzy friends when I go out to feed. They follow me from chore to chore and then get their treats. Coming home from church on Sunday I had quite a surprise when four little ones scampered out of the barn behind mother. Yep, we messed up on one of those little rascals and she has 4 kits that are about 6 weeks old and healthy as can be. I was so excited to see these little ones. They have become accustomed to my movements and as long as I don't move too fast they are content to maintain their space.
Hubby put the chickens up for the winter. The barn provides much protection from the elements and my big fat hens have taken to hiding their eggs. It became a search and rescue mission when gathering eggs. Son-in-law found three nest with 84 eggs in them. The hens had gotten into the storage area and laid in the middle of rolls of barbed wire. Watching them come and go I knew there was a nest in there somewhere, but I had been unable to find it. After sun down, son-in-law took a high powered light and went on a search. So glad we found the stash.
We floated the eggs and immediately lost 2 dozen and another dozen didn't look right when I cracked them for freezing. Eggs, when placed in a glass bowl of ice cold water will float if bad or rotten and sink if good. So 2 dozen immediately popped to the top and some just hovered close to the bottom. Eggs keep very well frozen. I crack them into a muffin pan, remove when set and place in a zip lock bag.
Cold weather in our forecast has initiated my urge to sew. Maybe, maybe not. I have taxes to do, so probably not. At least the urge is still there. I am sorely disappointed in myself with my sewing projects. I have much to do , but no motivation to proceed. Sewing is my comfort chore and I suppose I have been much too content to need the comfort.
My daughter and her family is staying with us while they develop their farm and build a house. She makes the most wonderful soap. Opal's Hope Soaps are cold processed natural soaps that are so nourishing to the skin without the harmful sulfates. She also has a shampoo bar - no conditioner needed. These soaps are loaded with all the good stuff and none of the bad. The Christmas season kept her busy around here getting gift baskets ready and delivered/shipped.
Planting time is upon us and we are already behind. According to the Market Bulletin produced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture asparagus, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, mustard, Onion, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips should already be in the ground. Beets, collards, broccoli, and kale should be planted in two weeks. Hubby has the ground turned, but not near ready to plant. I have to get myself into gear and get out there or we won't have the fresh veggies we all love.
Hubby surprised me with a Nook for Christmas. While I love the convenience of carrying so many books with me, I sure miss the feel of the paper in my hand. I will get use to it and one day I will caress the Nook - which I have named "Reba" - as I do my wonderful books. (I haven't thrown out any books yet!) I have downloaded some of the older books I wanted to read but have been unable to find in my Thrift store rummaging.
Well, work is calling and there is much to do. Thanks for sharing the time with me and come back again to visit.
Happy Reading!
Belle
