Springtime weather has come to visit us, for a few days anyway! We've had days of beautiful sunshine and temperatures up into the 50s, and then - we've had days of cold rain and snow. But - the sun's warmth with the longer days is winning, and our snow is slowly melting. I've got "happy mail" coming out of the ground! Soon we will enjoy Spring's earliest blooms with daffodils, tulips, crocus, and snowdrops!
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Last Sunday, March 19 we had our first baby chick born! Within a couple days, 19 chicks hatched out successfully, and all of them are doing great! We started out with 40 eggs, and so that gave us a 50/50 hatch rate, which we are pretty happy about with our first time doing this!
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Our first baby chick! All of our family enjoyed hearing and then watching the baby chicks peck their way out of the egg. It is such a miracle - each one we celebrated! I will keep some baby chicks for myself, and the rest will find homes with friends who would like baby chicks.
 | | Baby chicks are so entertaining! My husband, son, and his wife all make regular trips out to the porch where they are to watch their antics! And... we have two other VERY interested "watchers"... |
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| Yes! These two darlings have been quite interested in the baby chicks. The chicks are very secure and safe from the kitties, so all they can do is watch. Here, they are in one of their favorite places - right in front of my computer screen when I am trying to blog or do office work - of course a cup of tea is always in place. I keep my tea warm with a candle warmer, it works wonderful! |
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They have also been "watching" our two grand-pups,
things have been very busy for the kitties here of late!
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| This is our grand-cat, meet Mr. Mumford! Our daughter and son-in-law's cat is so friendly, and beautiful! I think he was posing for me! |
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Danielle and Zak had close family over to celebrate their birthdays, which are a month apart. Danielle is a St. Patrick's Day baby, and Zak was born in late February - so it works out really nicely for both sides of the family to gather together to celebrate them. Danielle played beautiful music for us!
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| They served yummy pizza and homemade mini chocolate bundt cakes and everyone brought sides to share. We had a wonderful afternoon together! |
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I spent a lovely afternoon with my stamping friends, and we made these beautiful cards. We always have a wonderful time together.
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My husband had an errand to take care of, and it was right next door to a lovely tea shoppe! How excited I was to spend some time in this lovely place enjoying a gluten-free lemon scone topped with lemon curd and Devonshire cream. I enjoyed a chai latte with almond milk - oh soo good!
I highly recommend enjoying a treat from this tea store!
If you are in the Coeur d'Alene area it is called Inland Cafe & Tea, and the link is here. |
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| We have enjoyed the elk lately, they stay mostly in the forest and haven't come out yet into the fields, because there is still so much snow. It is always exciting to see them! |
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| Yes! It is this time of year! I have started my seeds out in the greenhouse. I am using seedling warming mats underneath the seed trays. |
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I've planted tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, radish, and peas. I'll be starting more seeds in April as we get closer to planting season.
 | | One of our Grand Pups - Gus - wanted to come on a walk with Riley. Gus has lots of energy and loves to explore. He was a bit of a challenge, but Riley helped keep him in line! |
 | | Riley has been much more relaxed, and not so worried since Gus and Red are here for her to play with. We are thankful for that! But we realized just how much dogs grieve. We were talking about Annie, and Riley was lying on her dog bed. She got up, came and sat on Ryan's feet, as he was talking about Annie. She laid her head on his leg, and looked so sad. We definitely all knew that this reaction of hers was because she misses Annie too, and it made her so sad. So we are careful now to not say Annie's name so much, because it really makes her so sad. |
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| This is my garden as it sits now, waiting for the warmth of the sun to melt the snow. Once the snow melts, I'll be busy cleaning up the growth from last year, composting, and preparing the soil for this year's gardening. |
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It is always an exciting time of year to see the ground begin to awaken from under its snowy blanket!
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And... even though approaching storms may bring more snow, that's ok! March showers will bring May flowers, and the late snow will add nitrogen to the soil, which will melt quickly now that the days are lengthening. It is all a process, and each day is a blessing!
Whether we receive rain or snow, sunshine or rainbows, cold or warm weather - we can do nothing to change the weather, and must just make the best of what we receive. And that is how I live too - thankful each day for all the things that I can find to be thankful for
- it helps to keep an attitude of gratitude!
For as the earth brings forth its growth,
and as a garden enables seed to spring up,
so the Lord GOD will cause
righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11 |
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Hello! I find myself lingering over your posts, my friend. I find so much joy in each and every photo and in the words you share with them. I love your love of home and family and nature, and I am inspired each time I visit. I especially enjoyed seeing lovely Mr. Mumford, as the minute I saw him, I was reminded of my cat from when I was growing up! He looked just like him. We called him Mittens! Have a cozy evening, and Happy spring!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Billie Jo, I'm thankful my simple posts are a blessing to you! You are an inspiration as well, dear friend! How fun that Mr. Mumford reminds you of your kitty growing up, he is such a sweet cat! Mittens is a great name too! Blessings to you dear friend :)
DeleteAfter hearing about the disheartening poll taken that has so many Americans turning away from religion and patriotism these day, the quote from Isaiah gave me a renewed hope. Spring is our official notification that God is always at work, and He isn't missing one step when it comes to keeping His children on track for His purposes. I'm trusting in Him!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I love how you've shared with us Riley's grief. Too often, we sell our furry friends short. They understand so much more than we give them credit for; what a gift from God!
Blessings!
Spring is always such a reminder to me too, of how much the Lord loves us! Each season has a reason and purpose. It is true, animals grieve! We've grieved together. She finally seems to be doing a bit better, with our son's dogs here. Animals are truly a gift from the Lord! Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteI love seeing the baby chicks. They are so cute.
ReplyDeleteI agree Ruth, the baby chicks are so very cute and entertaining!
DeleteI'm glad Riley is distracted from her grief by the Grand Pups. Animals definitely can, and do, grieve.
ReplyDeleteNewly hatched chicks look so pathetic until they dry off. Then they're so cute.
Granny Marigold
That is for sure, the poor things look awful, after they come out of the shell! Thankfully after they dry off, they are so adorable! Thank you for your visit!
DeleteSpring is a joyful time, even when it snows on us again. I'm anxious to see the flowers pop up here.
ReplyDeleteThe baby chicks are so cute!
Spring is such a wonderful season, although very moody - today we are getting snow! But, it won't stick... longer days are taking care of it ;) Blessings to you!
DeleteI love your beautiful posts and pictures. There is nothing cuter than those baby chicks and the peeping they make! Looks like wonderful times with family and friends and fur babies!
ReplyDeleteBaby chicks are so entertaining, indeed! And we are enjoying the glimpses of spring we are getting, mixed in with some winter - it is snowing now as I write. But soon, Spring will have its way :) Blessings to you!
DeleteThank you for the bible verse to remind me to be thankful for all weather and all growth, hopefully my own spiritual growth. You are just jamb packed with fun news and goings on. I wish I could still plant my own veggies. Our deer herd here is unbelievable. I have only seen elk in Yellowstone Park. They are so huge compared to deer. Have a lovely tea at home with the baby chicks. Lynn and Precious
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been a busy, but wonderful season - even though winter is lingering - snow today, but the good thing is that it won't stick, it's melting as it falls. Elk are huge animals! They are also extremely shy, even more so than deer. So it is always a treat to see them! Blessings to you both!
DeleteDearest Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteCongratulation with your very first chicken hatchlings!
That is so special and all of your family members, two–legged and four–legged enjoy them.
Yes, our pets do understand what we are talking about and above all, the intonation we lay in our voices when...
Perfect for having the grand–dogs to walk with, that is the very best distraction for a grieving fur baby.
Also the seeding period is a happy one.
Big hugs,
Mariette
It has been an exciting journey with the hatched chicks, I've got more growing in the incubator! It is very special to see them grow, they are so entertaining! We are loving our grand-dogs so very much, they have been wonderful for Riley! It is a happy season to be able to plant and grow seeds. Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteA pleasure to read your post about all the things enjoyed in life here. We had a walk with our kids young dog and it is a chore to teach them to walk without knocking the other walkers over. :) Nice to have an older dog to help in the teaching. Thanks for the link to that tea room in CDA. I appreciate that. It's been a joy to be able to get out in our 50 degree days and finally clean up our planters! Our burn pile is getting unruly. It is so good that we are not in control of a lot of things including the weather. Great reminder to rejoice and be glad in it. Love that verse from Isaiah!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is sure a chore to teach puppies how to walk! Gus did not too bad, but you had to keep a stern leash with him! It does help to have Riley along for the walk. We walked yesterday with a neighbor who also has a new puppy, and Riley was her coach, she seemed thrilled about it! It has been an unusual spring, now we are getting snow again, but of course, it won't stick. Yes, I think you would love the tea room in CDA! I was so pleased to find one in our area! Blessings to you, Happy Palm Sunday :)
DeleteNice post - love the baby chicks. They grow so fast. Your cats are beautiful. I haven’t started my garden at all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit Debby! The baby chicks are growing so fast, already have quite a few feathers, it is an exciting time! I have to start my seeds early here because of our short growing season. It makes a huge difference. Thank you for your wonderful visit :)
DeleteThat's awesome your chicks hatched! Where did you originally get the eggs from? I miss chickens a lot. We once hatched a chick in our house under a heat lamp because the mom deserted the egg, and it followed us around the house. It was the cutest thing. How I love chicks and their little peeping! :)
ReplyDeleteWarming pads for seeds are something I've never heard of before, but I think it's very interesting. Do you normally have a lot of seeds sprout from it?
~Ashley
I used fertilized eggs from my own coop, as I have two new roosters. It has been so exciting to hatch out our own chicks. I have had broody hens before who have hatched out 2-3 chicks, but I've just never done it using an incubator. Chicks are the cutest little things! Yes, the warming pad really helps here in the north, because our nights are still down in the 20s, so anything out in the greenhouse would freeze. It helps keep them warm. Most feed stores or hardware stores probably carry the seedling warming pads. Because our season here is so short, I have to start seeds myself. If you live in a warmer climate, you would probably start your seeds much earlier, maybe even in December or January? Perhaps check around with some local gardeners to see what they suggest. I grew my entire garden for the last few years with seeds started in my own greenhouse. It is a very rewarding experience! Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteWell, I've never heard of a candle warmer to keep the tea nice and hot. That sounds nice. The baby chicks are precious. I love seeing the Elk roaming in your area. That lemon dessert at the tea shop looks so Yummy. Nel actually was talking to me recently about going to a tea shop for my birthday soon. They are always so delightful and serve many different Yummy treats. I'd love to hear Danielle playing the piano. How wonderful that she can play songs for you all. And that is the sweetest picture of the cats looking on to the baby chicks. I'm glad to hear Spring has arrived for you, for at least a few days. I thought it was on its way here as well, but this morning, I looked out my window, and we got 2 feet of snow! Came out of nowhere, so we never know what nature's plan will be for each new season. I loved your words at the end about gratitude. Very special, indeed, Marilyn.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, I've been using a candle warmer for years to keep my hot drinks warm, it works amazingly, and I've found them all at thrift stores, but if you can't find them there, you can always buy them at the store too. It's a great way to enjoy your drink hot, if you're like me, and like to sip slowly!
DeleteIt was so nice to find the tea shoppe! I am going to try to plan a "girls day out" soon with some of my friends and daughters - should be so fun!
Danielle is a beautiful piano player, and we are so blessed to enjoy her piano music, and Ryan plays the guitar. I made sure they took lessons since they were 5 years old, it made such a difference in their learning abilities too!
Oh my! Two feet of snow! Yikes! We have gotten snow here but it has all melted. Spring is certainly making progress, even though it is trying to snow today! But that's ok - it is now all wonderful moisture for the garden :) Blessings to you dear friend, always enjoy your amazing comments and thoughts!
Such a wonderful month you've been having with spring approaching. Those little tastes of new life are such a joy! Tulips and chicks. I'm glad you could have some great family time as well. It is fantastic that you can get your garden started early in your greenhouse. I've just up potted my starter tomatoes today and we shall see how many of them flourish. I'm glad you have so many furry critters to keep your company through your days. I pray the Lord blesses you as you continue to take such good care of your home and family.
ReplyDeleteSpring is such a joy, isn't it! Yes, tulips and chicks, always a joyful spring event! It is always fun to start seeds, and see them grow, and turn into amazing harvest for our family to enjoy! I pray many rich blessings for you and your family as well, sweet friend!
DeleteHi Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteAww, precious chicks! Love how God created them to hatch out of an egg. :)
Wow, it's hard to believe it's still snowing in other states. In Texas, it's been fairly warm-around the 60s. Sometimes even 80s! Hope your gardening goes well! Loved your message on thankfulness. :)
God bless,
Valentine
And I pray for comfort for you and Riley!
Hi Valentine, thank you for your faithful visits, I do appreciate it so much! It is amazing how God created chicks to hatch out of an egg, such a miracle! Our whole family was so intrigued to watch it happen! I have another batch of eggs in the incubator, and it will be exciting to watch them hatch out too! Many blessings to you sweet friend, I appreciate your wonderful comments so very much :)
DeleteLovely signs of spring that you have shared with us, Marilyn. The baby chicks are adorable and so nice that you can share some with your friends. The cats look like they have lots to contemplate, too, with all the goings on with chicks and dogs and cat cousins, too. Wonderful to have music being played for you and looks like a nice celebration, too. Glad that Riley has some friends to distract from the grief (and good for you to be distracted, too). Seeing the elk is such a treat, and watching the seedlings grow for the garden is hope in action. Spring is taking its own sweet time, but so wonderful to look forward to. You have such a sweet attitude of gratitude that must be such a blessing to your loved ones. Sending hugs xo K
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your visit Karen, the chicks have been so entertaining to watch! Yes, all our furry friends are doing well, and we are all happy about spring! It is always a blessing to see the wildlife, and my seedlings are off to a great start! We are hoping that all this snow means a great year for gardening! Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteHi Marilyn, oh my what a fun post. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your chicks. I am so happy it worked for you.
Peep peep. xx oo
I have started my seeds too. I get so giddy when I see the first sprouts. I am having a good germination with many of my saved seeds, that makes me smile too.
Happy Spring,
Carla from the River.
It is such a wonderful blessing to be able to grow our own food from seeds we've collected! Spring is always such an exciting time of year for us, isn't it! Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteYAY for new baby chicks. Seeing your photos of htem remind me of when I would have them in my special ed preK classroom....orwhen both daughters each brought them home for a weekend when they were in kindergarten. yes they both signed us up without mom or dad knowing....SURPRISE!! hahahah
ReplyDeleteI love spring and my tulips are bursting forth as well.
Thank you for your kind comments regarding my teaching career and the horribly devastating fire. May God bless you this week.
the weather seems to be the same here too, gets warm and then it cools down, but we have no snow. Your chicks are the cutest, I bet they are fun to watch. I do like watching the Elk too, they are amazing animals also. Poor Riley knowing you are talking about Annie, you wish you could say something to ease their sorrow. But exciting things to look forward too, soon you will be getting that garden planted and will be busy with all that entails :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite a winter here too, all of January we didn't get any snow, then we got a whole lot of snow in March! Thankfully all our furry and feathered friends are doing wonderful, and I am so grateful. Annie's loss is great, but we have such wonderful memories stored in our heart of her. Yes, Spring brings lots of wonderful things! Thank you for your wonderful visit!
DeleteAw, it is so pitiful to think of poor Riley grieving over your dear Annie. Dogs are so intuitive and sensitive. I'm glad you are enjoying your new baby chicks! And I know you are looking forward to your gardening season. It seems that the years pass so quickly, and the seasons seem to fly by so fast. May the Lord bless your days, sweet friend. Sending love and hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThe baby chicks are so cute :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
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