Little Ones and Home Projects

Wednesday, May 18, 2016



Hello dear friends!  It has been a busy few days around here lately... I'm on my second round of baby chicks this year, and there is a third round coming soon... am I crazy or what?!  Some of my hens are refusing to lay eggs, and just want to be broody, so I figured I might as well have them do something productive.  Pepper was hatched out last week (she is one of the black chicks above). Two of the other eggs that were with her did not hatch out, and I felt really bad for Pepper, as she was so lonely.  So we went to the feed store and brought home "Salt" .  I named her this because she has two sprinkles of "salt" right around her beak, and she is otherwise black.



Pepper and Salt were so happy to be together.



This past Sunday morning I went to the coop, only to find another egg had hatched that I did not think was going to hatch!  It was a banty egg, and this wee little one was sooo tiny!



 I was so happy to meet her!


She is the cutest, softest, fluffiest little thing you can imagine!  Welcome Buttercup to the world!



She is the sweetest little chick, and is working hard to keep up with the two bigger chicks.



Here, Buttercup is only a day old, and the other two are about 4 days old.  You can see how little she is compared to them!  I am now calling them the "Little Ones", and the 7 pullets born in March the "Little Girls".   And towards the end of May, first of June, there is a possibility that we may have more little ones, if the eggs hatch out.  I've found the egg hatching business to be quite a gamble.  One of the eggs didn't hatch out, and as it broke, I could see the baby chick all formed.  I gave her a proper burial.  Such is life on the farm.


We have had many projects ongoing here recently!  My garden has been a very busy place the last few days.  You may remember my children bought me a greenhouse for Mother's Day.  I was shocked and amazed at such a special gift from them. It took quite a bit of work to lay the foundation for the greenhouse to sit on.  It was also hard to decide where in my garden to put the greenhouse, since full sun is something that is very scarce here.  Finally we decided on a spot, and we got to work.  A friend came over to help us.  



The directions to put the greenhouse together might well have been in Chinese for all the help they were.  We had more luck looking at the diagrams than trying to read the instructions!


Rudy and the hens offering their thoughts on the whole event....


Finished!  Such joy in my heart to have my own little greenhouse! It is 6' x 8' long, and just perfect for what I need it for.




 My daughter and I dug out the ground under the greenhouse, and then shoveled dirt up to the top of the timbers.  We added a few boards to walk on.  My husband hauled in 12 concrete blocks from which I formed "tables" with 7' long lumber on which to set my plants.  As soon as it is warm enough here to plant, I will be putting all the veggies in the garden. I also plan to plant some herbs and heat-loving plants in the greenhouse along the sides later.


Around the yard... Mr. Simba keeping an eye out for new sleeping spots... he is always turning up for a nap in the funniest of places!


Poor Roger was sick a couple of nights ago and caused quite a mess for us to clean up in my son's room. He must have ate something that didn't agree with his stomach.  However, he seems to be feeling much better today.



The wild roses are beginning to bloom!  It is a joyful sight to see!



I have begun to pull my garden decor from storage, and have lots of work in the garden to do, but some pretty pink petunias were happy to have their own spot staked out for the summer!


These are onions that came up from last year... I love the gorgeous purple blooms on them!


My peony is about to bloom!  Roger ate all my peony blooms last year before they ever opened up. I now have my peony safe in the garden away from all nibblers!  I can't wait to see it in bloom :)


A peek inside my greenhouse...



The unplanted area of my garden is covered with wild strawberries!  Each little white bloom produces about 2-3 wild strawberries.... they should be ripening fairly soon! After all the strawberries have ripened, then I will be able to mow the unplanted area of garden, as it is growing high, fast!


Lupins are blooming now, abundantly, and amazingly!  


Their brilliant purple hue is simply delightful to see all over my yard!


As I was taking pictures of the lupins, Annie laid down in the grass close by.  She just thought I was taking pictures of the lupins.


But the lighting was perfect, and she was lying there so pretty, I got more pictures of her than the lupins, lol! She hates the camera, and always looks away or comes to sit at my feet instead, if she thinks I am taking her picture.


But I tricked her!  I pretended like I was taking pictures of the lupins, and got some beautiful pictures of her instead...


Such a happy face!


She looks like she might be smelling the lupin, but in all reality, she was after a bug, lol!


This beautiful wildflower doesn't have the loveliest name ... it is called the Foothill Death Camas.

https://uswildflowers.com/detail.php?SName=Toxicoscordion%20paniculatum 

On the website listed above it says this:
Toxicoscordion species - all 8 of them - grow from a poisonous bulb. The bulb is similar in shape to the edible bulb of the true Camas - genus Camassia - which has made many people make the unfortunate mistake to eat the wrong bulb. This was a staple of native Americans, who knew to dig the bulb while the flower was still on the plant to avoid that mistake.

Well, we won't be eating the bulb, just enjoying the beauty of the flower!


Unsuspecting that she was the focus of my camera... these beautiful shots of Annie were captured.



Such a sweet girl!  She never behaves well for pictures at all, so I was so thankful to have captured these of her!



The latest event happening around here is that our house is getting painted. A dear friend of ours is going to paint the house for us.  He is an excellent carpenter and all-around handyman, and we are so thankful that he is going to do this project for us. Some of the siding has to be replaced, some of the wood trim needed to be fixed, and so on.  It was a project that none of us were looking forward to.  Now that we are having him do this, it will mean one less thing on my poor husband's to-do list!


The basic colors I had in mind to paint the house were beige and chocolate brown.  However, the color I chose turned out to be more sandy than I realized.  It was a bit of a disappointment to see this color at first, but the more I look at it, I know it is going to be just fine.  The trim around the windows will be painted dark chocolate, and I am looking forward to seeing how it will all look when it is finished.  We have been joking about the colors... I must have been thinking of breakfast, because the two colors were "Morning Coffee" and "Belgium Waffle", lol!  We are using Clark & Kensington exterior paint after reading good reviews on that particular paint.  

As you can see... life has been quite busy around here, with all the new little ones in the coop, my greenhouse to play in, and the house being painted.  Spring is always a busy time, but wonderful. The wildflowers are beginning to really bloom out, and the brilliant greens of the budding leaves and grass against the colorful backdrop of flowers are just a joy to behold. 

We really have had such a magnificent spring this year, and I'm soaking it up and enjoying it.  Soon enough, the heat of summer will be here, so for now... if you're looking for me... check in the garden first, or the coop... my kids are calling me the chicken whisperer now... lol!  Wherever I am, you'll usually find a chicken or two following me.  They are very curious creatures, and like to know everything I am doing.  I can't even walk to the mailbox without some of the crew following behind me!  

So, please forgive me if I am not posting as often as I usually do... I'm enjoying the beauty of our spring... each and every moment of it! :) 

41 comments

  1. What a awesome post!!!! I sure miss living on the farm (which I am pretty sure I have said, wink).

    Thank you for the smiles...Your Annie is so funny, our Coffee, whenever he hears the camera turn on (it dings) he comes running, ha, he thinks it is for him, lol.

    Have a beautiful rest of the week, friend.

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    1. Thanks for your visit Linda... how funny that your Coffee comes running when he hears the camera, my dogs run... but the other direction, lol! Farm living is pretty awesome! Have a wonderful week!

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  2. Those pictures of Annie with the purple flower are frame worthy...beautiful!

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    1. Annie is very photogenic, but hates looking at the camera, so I was thrilled to get these pictures of her :) Thanks for your kind words! Have a lovely weekend!

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  3. Oh, I LOVE the color you picked for your house! That is so funny that the names both have to do with breakfast! LOL! :) And, your greenhouse is just a dream. That was such a dear, thoughtful thing of your children to do that for you. They are a precious testimony of who YOU are, sweet friend. So dear and thoughtful and caring of others. I was SO grateful for the beautiful card you made and sent to me...for ALL of the kindnesses you have shown. You are a special blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others. God uses you and your sweet blog to bless and inspire and encourage. I apologize for not responding to your email and will try to do that soon, Lord willing. Sending you much love and many hugs!

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    1. It was so funny with the names of the paint - plus our painter drinks coffee all day long, so it was quite a coincidence, lol! I am so enjoying my greenhouse, what a joy it is for me, and how blessed I am! I do give the Lord praise every day for His blessings poured out on me :) We continue to pray for your dear family that the Lord would be your help and strength through all that you are facing right now! Praying that you are all finding peace in the midst of it all. Much love to you today dear friend!

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  4. You do have a lot going on!
    Chickens, Greenhouse, animals and a new paint job. I'm tired just writing it out.
    Your new Greenhouse is such a blessing. I'm anxcious to see just what you are growing in there.

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    1. Yes, it has been a busy but good spring! God is so good!!! Praying for your arrival of the wee little one! Much love to you today :)

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  5. Wow! You have certainly accomplished a lot since Sunday when I last saw you. If our home purchase goes through and once your house is finished being painted, I think our two homes will be the same color. haha

    Your chicks are adorable, and I LOVE your greenhouse! Your garden decorations are looking so cute, too. Can't wait to see it all in person! How exciting!

    ~Raquel
    www.atthenewlyweds.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes, it has certainly been very busy around here, which is a great thing! Can't wait until you get your new house, that is so exciting! My new greenhouse is awesome, and the baby chicks are doing good :) Have a great week!

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  6. It sounds like your spring is making up for your crazy winter. I'm so glad. Things are coming along well for you.
    Be blessed!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. Indeed, we are enjoying a bountiful spring, so thankful for the sun, and the rain we are now getting, God is so good! Hoping you are having a great week :)

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  7. I've been missing you, my adorable Marilyn, but I've just seen how busy you've been, we all know that babies are babies and they need all the care you can give them ;) !
    What a wonderful post, my sweetest one, filled with much love, as always !

    With so much thankfulness I wish you a beautiful remainder of your week, sending blessings of joy to you

    xox - Dany

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    1. I've missed visiting everyone so much! This week it is raining, which means the painting project is on hold, and no watering of the garden needed, so I am having a bit more time inside to visit all my precious blogging friends! Trusting that your heart is healing from your recent loss of your sweet cat, and enjoying the new life growing on your porch :) Have a blessed week!

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  8. I haven't been posting every day either-just so many things to accomplish and do. Loved getting caught up with life at your place. I have lots of Peonies-I will say that the yellow jackets have been hanging out around them; they haven't bloomed yet either. I heard that there are usually so many ants and they yellow jackets are there to eat them. Don't know if it is true or not, but I hope so. I don't care for either.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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    1. Spring is so busy, isn't it! A good busy though :) About the peonies, yes the ants and bees seem to like their blooms. I have mine planted in a pot, and haven't noticed as many ants this year, so hoping that all goes well with that. Hoping that your week is off to a great start! :)

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  9. You have been very busy there lately! That's what I love about spring - getting outdoors and doing garden/yard chores. It feels great to be able to be in the fresh air doesn't it. The little chicks are adorable. it will be fun to see how they change as they grow. Your greenhouse is really cute and perfect for starting your plants. I like the new colour of your home. It is great to have helpful friends and neighbours! Our weather is just starting to warm up here the past few days and the weekend looks like a mix of sun then rain but warm temperatures which is what we've been waiting for. It is our Victoria Day holiday on Monday here so we call it our 'first weekend of summer'. Everyone hits the road for the cottage or campground and get outdoors doing something. I know hubby has some long grass to mow today as he was away all week. :) I hope you have a nice weekend there. xx Pam

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    1. Happy Victoria Day to you! Hope you are enjoying some beautiful weather and fun outside! Spring is such an exciting time, and so much fun to get outdoors and start the camping season off too. Today we are getting rain here, which is wonderful, we've certainly had a lovely spring. Hoping your weekend has been wonderful :)

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  10. I am sure you will have immense pleasure from your greenhouse. I love spending time pottering in mine!

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    1. I am enjoying my greenhouse so very much! It is so much fun to have one, and my plants are much happier with the natural light! Hope your week ahead is a good one :)

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  11. Such cute chicks and I know you are going to love that greenhouse!

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    1. Oh I am enjoying my greenhouse so much! And the plants are very happy in there too! :)

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  12. Awww such cute baby chicks for you to enjoy! What an awesome gift that your sweet kids gave you. You will so much enjoyment from your new greenhouse. Happy Spring to you in Idaho!

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    1. Thank you Kitty, it has been a marvelous spring here, we are so blessed! Now we are getting much needed rain. God is so good! Hope your week ahead is blessed!

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  13. Lots of work going on there! I've always wanted a greenhouse - but hasn't happened yet. Enjoy! ♥

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    1. I've always wanted a greenhouse too, and what a joy that my children made it a dream come true! I am enjoying it very much, as are my plants! :) Hope you are having a fantastic week!

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  14. Such a beautiful and thoughtful gift from your kids! That is really wonderful. Your pictures are so heart warming. Glad your spring is so full of positive energy and joy.

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    1. Spring has been truly delightful here. We are now getting much needed rain! It has been raining nonstop now for two days, which is amazing. It is giving me a bit of a break from my garden duties, which is nice too :) Hope you are having a wonderful Victoria Day! :)

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  15. Aw! You ARE a chicken lover! Our daughter is the same way. She loves her peepertons. Your greenhouse is very cool! I'm impressed with your garden plans. You're probably smarter than me and taking it slow! I'm not sure why I think everything needs to be done right away. When I was teaching school I did not plant a thing until mid June!
    I love your blog. I'm so happy to meet you!

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    1. I'm so happy to meet you too Pom Pom! I sure love my chickens - they are quite entertaining! And having a greenhouse makes me happy, as well as my plants! I haven't planted the warm weather plants yet, only cold weather. Around here, they say to wait until June 6. Hope you are having a wonderful week so far! :)

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  16. So much going on n your mountain top world!! Oh those chicks, so cute!!! And that greenhouse.....I'm green with envy!!!! :) enjoy it all and enjoy your spring!

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    1. That's a cute one, green with envy, lol! I do love my greenhouse, and my plants are loving it too, a win-win for sure! :)

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  17. I love visiting your homestead.
    The story of Annie made me laugh, that is exactly how my Molly behaves for the camera. Molly is a Boston Terrier.
    The chicks are so sweet, I loved the story about Buttercup. xx oo
    I think your greenhouse is awesome. I hope to have one someday. ;-)
    Have a great week!!
    Carla

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    1. Thanks Carla, there is so much going on around here these days, but now that it has been raining for a couple of days, I am getting a chance to relax a bit. I keep checking on the chicks every couple of hours just to make sure they are okay... babies need a lot of attention you know, lol! I hope you can have a greenhouse someday too... it has been a real dream come true for me to have my very own!!! I look out there and see it and kind of pinch myself. I'm happy :) Hope you are having a wonderful week so far!

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  18. It has indeed been quite busy around here, but we are loving every minute of it! Spring is quite anticipated and we are blessed to have such a lovely spring. You are right, it is important to stop busyness for a while, and enjoy the beauty! Thank you dear Teri for your sweet visits, and hope you are having a lovely weekend :)

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  19. Oh my goodness...those baby chicks are too adorable! I really want to have chickens when we move the country in a couple of years. So may other cool things going on at your lovely farm too and what lovely photos of such beautiful flowers. I also really like the new color on your house! Have a great week!

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    1. I never would have dreamed had someone told me a few years ago that I would have this big of a flock of chickens, but here I am! I love every minute of it, they are so entertaining and fun to have around. I am excited about the new colors on our house too... however the painting has been put off for a few days as we have a rainy system hanging over us, it is much needed rain, but not much now can be done outside. Hoping you are having a great week! :)

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  20. Marilyn, I have missed reading your blog posts. Oh chicks! What fun. Poor Roger - I hope he is on the mend. Annie looks lovely in the pictures.

    I am finally feeling better and back to writing on my homemaking blog. I hope to see you there!

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  21. Dear, dear Marilyn! OH! What a JOY to visit with you this beautiful Autumn morning... I loved every one of your pictures and my heart is bursting with delight at seeing the sweet new chicks in your flock...your stunning greenhouse {I want one too...ooooh!} and seeing Spring unfold in your part of the world! Ah...how I would enjoy an ''in person'' visit with you and a tour of your lovely garden! How wonderful to have your house painted...you have done an amazing job of it thus far and I excitedly follow your journey! I have missed you so much and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to read of the happenings in your life at the moment! {{smiles}} Enjoy the beautiful and blissful Springtime...but oh! I know you are! With all my love and biggest hugs...Kelly-Anne

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  22. P.S. Your post brought such a big smile to my face and joy to my heart this morning...I am SO inspired to get going with my chickens...I am going to be taking over the keeping of our flock, so it will mean getting new hens...I can hardly wait! Thank you for being the source of my inspiration today, dear Marilyn! So thnakful for you! Love always, Kelly-Anne

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  23. You guys deserve a standing ovation for building that greenhouse from directions. I am so impressed! I like the new color for your home and I think the dark brown trim will be perfect! I loved raising chickens and yours are so cute. And the lupins, wow they're beautiful! Spring has been lovely here too.

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