Tired of Being Cooped Up

Saturday, February 18, 2017

It has been a long winter for our chickens with lots of bitterly cold days where they haven't even come out of the coop into the run, with more snow than you can shake a foot at, and now... more rain than anyone knows what to do with.


I opened the coop door late one afternoon, and the hens just about stampeded by me out the door.


I had left the door open before, and the hens would just stand there and shake their feet at the snow, and hurry back inside the coop.  But not today!


Enough was enough!  They were glad to get out in the snow and peck around.


After these long months of being cooped up in the coop, they decided walking in the cold snow would be better than hanging out in the coop any longer.


 Mr. Pepper announced his great approval at this new turn of events.


The chickens mostly stayed on my path that I had taken all winter to feed them and seemed to have no desire to walk in the deep snow at all.


Back inside... these two were taking a little break after a fun romp.


Riley is growing soo fast!  She is already twice the size she was when our son brought her home!


Beautiful sunrises and sunsets abound!


Shades of purples and pink graced the horizon as the glorious sunset gently closed the door to the day.


A trip out to the little mountain lake nearby revealed it completely frozen over with a lonely ice fisherman set up for the day.


As we walked out on the frozen ice, the ice fisherman heard us and he opened the zipper on his tent and we talked for a little while.  He hadn't had much luck for the day, only a perch so far, and we wished him the best of luck.


I had no desire to walk any farther out on the ice, as clearly there was quite a bit of melting going on!  We asked the ice fisherman how much ice he had, and he said he had 8" deep.  He was braver than I was.  We were standing on the melting ice close to shore, and decided not to linger!


I hope our ice fisherman friend caught more than just a perch for all his efforts and time! It was a beautiful day, with brilliant skies and sunshine and we enjoyed our time of "walking on water" {smiles}.


My husband brought home this lovely pot full of spring flowers that can be replanted in my garden... hyacinths, tulips and primroses... just beautiful to see these lovely flowers and to enjoy their beauty also with the hope that they will continue to be enjoyed in my garden when planting time arrives.


 Even though a lot of our snow has melted, we still have a lot of it left to melt!  These lovely flowers serve up a great reminder that spring will have its way, soon.


Just a few shots below of the pretty blooms... surely you don't mind my indulgence in these bright and lovely colors... :)


Such a warmly colored peach tulip


Brilliant primroses...


... and the happy pink hyacinths. Looking at these flowers brings happy springtime thoughts to my heart... while the reality outside is a bit different...


Have you ever seen skating chickens?


Well, now you have, lol!  The girls have become so eager to get out of the coop that they are attempting their ability to skate on our driveway, which is far more fun than staying in the coop any longer... and I can't blame them a bit! Even though it is a bit funny to see them try to make or skate their way across the ice!


Keeping up with all the excitement around here just makes one plumb tired.  Don't you wish you could sleep as soundly and as cutely... as this sweet little one, lol!

We are supposed to get a mixture of snow and rain for the next couple of days. Winter and spring are playing their tug-o-war, but the longer days let me know that spring is on the upside... and the beautiful blooms, sights and smells of spring are not that far away, and the days of being cooped up will be but a memory in a month or two when the snow melts, and ground warms up.  :)

65 comments

  1. Good Morning, Marilyn. I enjoyed your post and the pictures so much. Such fun photos of the chickens and I had to chuckle at the thought of them ice skating! It's always interesting for me to see ice fishermen (since I live and grew up in the south). Riley looks so sweet sound asleep; he plays so hard! The flowers from your husband are lovely. It would be hard to choose a favorite, but the primrose certainly is bright and cheerful! We have trees and shrubs budding out and we are so hopeful we won't have a freeze and lose the beauty of spring. I wish you a blessed Sunday.

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    1. I was very surprised to see them get out on the ice, it was hilarious. I should have filmed it, lol! I always think of that later! Appreciate your visit, and while it is hard for me to imagine things budding out, I know it is true, but here, it will be a while yet, lol! I do hope too that you don't have a freeze! Hugs to you today :)

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  2. p.s. I apologize for typing "he" for Riley.

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    1. lol... Riley assured me your apologies are accepted :)

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  3. The chickens will be glad for spring, that's for sure. Riley is growing so quickly. Enjoy the day!

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    1. We all will be glad for spring, that's quite true, as much as I love winter, I am always ready for spring! Hugs to you today :)

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  4. Your photos are wonderful and show such an inspiration to enjoying the cold and snow that you are having. I will say that our weather is much different as we are having record warmth and no snow.

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    1. I'd be glad to send some of the snow your way, surely we can figure something out... heehehe! Have a blessed day, appreciate your visit :)

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  5. HI Marilyn! I think I come here for my 'winter fix'! The weather continues to be unseasonable (blog post to come on that!). We were even out cleaning up my side-yard garden yesterday. It's crazy!
    Your nature photos are beautiful as always, I was very intrigued with the photo of the ice fisherman. These are a dedicated lot!
    Sunday blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Yes, I can certainly supply you with your winter fix, lol! Sure wish I could send some your way! Wow, you really are getting ready for spring, yeah for you! All I can do is look my pretty flowers and look forward with hope to April or May :) Yes, those ice fishermen are a dedicated lot! Not for me, lol! Hugs to you today :)

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  6. My chickens never liked the snow, either. I know I get cabin fever this time of year; but never realized chickens did! ha, ha.

    I don't think I could be as brave as that ice fisherman, either. Gosh...even if there wasn't any signs of melting, I would be scared. But with the melting...no thanks!

    Your flowers are so pretty. Would you believe my 4-year old went outside with his brothers yesterday and found a dandelion among the snow?? Hmm...I've never actually seen that happen in all my years. They picked it, of course, because don't all kids pick dandelions? It's now on our table for all to enjoy. :)

    Have a good week!

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    1. When it is so cold out the chickens don't want to come out, but if it warms up to the high 20s or 30s, they are a little more brave to venture out. And those ice fishermen, there are a lot of them around here, but I doubt I'll ever join their ranks... I prefer safe ground lol!

      Wow, you found a dandelion? OH MY! That really is amazing, what an amazing find! Take a picture of it and frame it. It needs to be remembered forever for its tenacity, lol :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  7. I know how the chickens feel. I'm ready to get out and start pruning bushes and trees - soon.

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    1. I agree... although i know in all reality it will be several months yet before I can do that, but... it doesn't hurt to start thinking about it all! Isn't this rain something! Are you all managing okay? We are okay here, but the ice is something awful. Take care my friend! Maybe someday soon if I get down to CDA we can meet up for coffee :) Hugs to you today!

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  8. I hope things get a bit milder for our trek over the Cascades to Northeastern Washington next week. Your photos are beautiful. Glad the chickens were able to feel less couped up! :) The flowers look so pretty against the snow.

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    1. I sure hope they do too! I would make sure I have chains for the vehicle just in case. My husband travels over them all the time, and you never know when they are going to require chains to get across, and they charge a fortune if you don't have them and require you to buy them to get over. I am sure you are familiar with that if you've been across them before. I will pray all goes well for your trip! Appreciate your visit and kind words, have a safe trip my friend!

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  9. What great pictures of your chickens! It is only recently that I have wanted to get outside because it was 61 degrees here yesterday with snow on the ground. That pot of Spring flowers is lovely and with the longer days, I can't wait for more 60 degree days.

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    1. Wow, 60 degrees! We won't see that for a month or two here, most likely! Enjoy those temps, and it is exciting to know that spring is indeed on its way, rather slowly of course, lol! Hugs to you today :)

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  10. Your chicken pictures are my favorite (and the dog ones too!). I wonder if that chicken with the fuller feathers around her legs is warmer than the bare legged ones? Have a lovely evening!

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    1. I don't know Gina, I wonder too! I would think feathered feet would be warmer than nonfeathered ones! Thank you for your visit, always appreciated, have a blessed day :)

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  11. I enjoyed the antics of your cute chickens as they were let out on a spring like day. It must feel as good to them as it does to us. lol Spring is such a fickle season and we get teased a lot especially in the month of April. It will be a while before the snow has any serious melting here I think and I'm sure it will be a flood-prone season for many. Our temperatures have warmed a bit the past couple of day and for this week - no more of the -18C nights or days but most likely we'll see another deep freeze roll through before it's gone until next winter. Take care and have a great week Marilyn. Blessings, Pam

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    1. You are right, spring is terribly fickle, and some years we wonder whether it ever gets here properly, lol! I think the season would be more appropriately named springter, as you just never know from day to day which it is! Glad that your temps are warming up, as ours are too, and days are getting longer. Hugs to you today!

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  12. I got such a kick out of seeing your chickens in the snow! And oh, those flowers are gorgeous and a wonderful reminder, amid all the snow and ice, that spring is right around the corner.
    Blessings!

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    1. Yes, spring is definitely coming, slowly of course, but we are thankful for the hope! Hugs to you today :)

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  13. Marilyn, your photos are wonderful! And I love seeing those bright spring flowers in snow photos. Never heard of ice skating chickens before!

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    1. No, I hadn't either, but then chickens have a way of always surprising you, lol! Hugs to you today :)

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  14. Just loving your beautiful pictures. The chickens crack me up! I am quite sure they were all to glad to be out of the coop! Look at your beautiful blooms! WOW! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. The chickens never cease to provide great entertainment, for sure! Hugs to you today Cindy :)

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  15. Ice-skating chickens!! Now I have surely seen it all!! :) And, that little Riley is getting SO big! I couldn't believe how much she has grown. She is looking less like a puppy now. :( Your flowers are just so lovely to behold against the backdrop of that beautiful, blue sky. So happy to see your post today, sweet friend. Sending you love and hugs!!

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    1. I know, she is getting so big so fast! She is still as sweet and as cute as ever, and we love her more and more! Appreciate your visit dear friend, praying the Lord's sweetest blessings for you today!

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  16. What a beautiful contrast...the gorgeous flowers and the snowy background. It looks like those chickens of yours are having fun in the snow too! Happy Monday :)

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    1. Thanks Debby, the chickens certainly keep us entertained around here :) Hugs to you today!

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  17. Hello,
    I love the photos of your gift from your husband.
    I also like the skating chicken. ;-) and of course that puppy.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. Those chickens, they always keep us entertained, and now we have Riley, so much love! Hugs to you today Carla :)

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  18. Poor chickens; it must seem like forever they have been cooped up in their chicken coop. Those beautiful flowers bring a little hope that Spring is not very far away and all that snow will soon melt away. I can't wait till you share the glorious photos of Spring in your gorgeous part of the world. That will be the most delicious of treats!

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    1. Yes, we are hoping for spring, all of us :) We have been getting lots of rain lately, and the snow is melting away slowly, and as much as I love the snow, well, winter has had her stay, hasn't she! Lol. Hugs to you today dear friend, I will definitely share pictures of spring as soon as I can :)

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  19. I'm with the chickens...I'm tired of being cooped up too! ;) We have had so much rain that I have not been able to get out and walk much. That planter full of flowers that your hubby got you is just lovely! I have snowdrop flowers popping up and starting to bloom and the tiny grape hyacinths are not far behind. I just hope the colder night temperatures that are coming back won't freeze the poor things to death.

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    1. Wow, you have snowdrops and hyacinths starting already? You are quite ahead of us! We have been getting the rain too, but it is just sitting on top of the ground and making ice everywhere. Such is the winter this year! I hope you don't lose your spring blooms to cold temps too!

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  20. Enough is enough! We had beautiful weather here today and it was so nice to be out walking around in the yard. And we've only had one snow that amounted to anything. So I can just imagine how the girls felt in wanting out of the coop! :-) The sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous that you shared, Marilyn. Thank you for sharing their beauty. And what a thoughtful husband you have to bring you those beautiful flowers that can be transplanted in your own yard. Loved the color against the white of the snow.

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    1. We have definitely had a wild winter here this year, but the longer days assure me that spring is coming :) My husband does know me well, we don't like to waste anything, and I love beautiful blooms that I can keep for years to come :) Hugs to you today dear friend, glad that you are able to get out and enjoy warm weather :)

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  21. You are having a different winter than we are. In West Michigan it hit 61 degrees today - just crazy! It's supposed to snow this weekend though.
    Your pictures are really beautiful. I'm glad you stayed off that ice. It's scary when it starts to melt.

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    1. Well, that is unusual for Michigan, 61 in February! We really would have a spring run-off if temps got up that high here! We have a lot of ice here now, rain during the day, ice when it freezes at night. Lovely weather for skating chickens, lol! Hugs to you today :)

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  22. I have been wanting to let our chickens out to play as well but like yours earlier in the winter they had no interest so the boys think they might still think the same. Also the run door is still iced shut but I am hoping that thaws soon with all the melting we have had. I love your pretty pot of flowers! Enjoy it!

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    1. Yes, they were not too interested in getting out until lately with the warmer temps and longer days. I am enjoying my pretty flowers, and glad that I will be able to put them in the garden too!

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  23. Aw! Riley! SO soft and cuddly!
    Your chickens are very pretty and I LOVE your spring flower Valentine present!
    I'm glad you didn't venture out on that ice. That's a pretty cool ice fishing tent! I've never seen one before!

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  24. Oh how sweet your chickens are to come out of their coop, and investigate maybe finding a bug or a small rock for their craw. Your dogs are so cute and I love your snow photos.

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  25. Poor chickens, it's bad enough when we feel cooped up over winter. I noticed right off how big Riley is getting and I recall how a tired dog is a good dog. :-)

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  26. Your photos are always so gorgeous, Marilyn! I loved seeing the chickens and how much Riley is growing. Your pot of happy flowers is so colorful!

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  27. I remember my chickens fussing around in the snow Marilyn, it was cute. Good thing they don't count time like we do!
    Love your photos. Your dogs are cute.
    Hugs to you. Praying for your family tonight.
    Laura

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  28. hope winter takes break to give these adorable chickens have outdoor ventures soon .

    your photos are really magical .
    i liked this flower pot so very much .
    yhe choice of your hubby is just Marvelous

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  29. Nice wintry views. Those poor chickens feeling trapped indoors. I guess this is where we get the expression "being cooped up"! I don't think I'd be as brave as the ice fisherman either. Soggy snow on top of the lake gives me the chills. Love that sweet Riley :)
    Wendy

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  30. Riley is just adorable! I'll bet those chickens are thinking that Spring will never come lol

    I'm so sorry to read about your father-in-laws passing. I pray that your mother-in-law is doing well under the circumstances. More that 50 years is a very long time and I can't imagine how hard it is on her and all of you.

    hugs,
    rue

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  31. Good to see the chickens outside, they seem very happy.

    Yes, those sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, as are the spring flowers - what fabulous colours.

    All the best Jan

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  32. Gorgeous photos, Marilyn - and oh that last photo of your sweet sleeping Riley, oh my gosh I just want to squish him he's so cute!!

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  33. What wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

    God bless you and your family.

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  34. I love all your beautiful pics!! The spring flowers against the snow look so bright and beautiful..... won't be long and spring will be here.

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  35. I enjoyed your adventure on the ice. Reading it, I kept thinking "I hope she doesn't stay too long on the lake!" Poor chickens being couped up. No wonder they look so happy ice skating in your driveway. I like the contrast of the spring flowers and the snow! Beautiful photos.

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  36. You are a brave woman....I cannot go on to lake or pond ice. I had a very bad dream once and ever since....well, I just can't do it. My husband actually fell through ice last winter while x-country skiing....I can totally relate to the way your chickens feel...I've been cooped up long enough too! Today it was a wonderful 61 degrees!!!

    Wow! What lovely flowers. When I saw the close up of the hyacinth, without thinking, I actually leaned into the computer screen to take a smell...LOL! Loved seeing photos of all your sweet animals....and your beautiful pup is getting so big. They grow way too fast don't they? So nice to visit with you!xo
    Linda

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  37. It is so nice to see the chicks out in the snow, having fun and probably thinking of spring. And nice to see the beautiful, hopeful spring flowers. I enjoyed this post.
    Amalia
    xo

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  38. Always love seeing your posts; I am anxious for spring too, maybe more than in past years. Today we have snow as well-a good day to stay inside! Love the chicks, but your pup as well.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  39. Oh how much fun for the chickens...ice skating! And yes, the ice fisherman needs to keep a close watch on the ice along the shore, or he may not be able to get back to shore! I don't think I could do that...Oh me of little faith..."walking on the water", even when it is frozen takes a lot of faith! I know you are anxious for spring to come...your spring flower pot is gorgeous! Living in Florida we take spring for granted, and don't fully appreciate the significance of it like we should...but I've lived in the north as well, and I haven't forgotten those long cold winters. I kind of miss it just a little...maybe...maybe not. Anyway, I love your pictures...that's enough winter for me! And Riley is adorable still!!! Thank you for sharing your part of the world with us. Love it!!

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  40. I haven't seen skating chickens, but I did see a skating wild turkey last year. Well, actually he wasn't skating, he slid on the ice and nearly fell over. It was hysterical. Your flowers are gorgeous. Kudos to your hubby for being such a darling to bring these to you. Hugs.

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  41. Beautiful flowers from your husband and I'm glad the chickens finally got to go outside! Riley is cute as a button!

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