Double the fun

Who's seeing double

That would be me. David's birthday came along this month, and he decided to give un-birthday gifts to us. Mine? 6 more ducks. I had gotten 6 ducks a few weeks ago (see prior blog where David falls in duck poo poo) yet David thought we might need 6 more. They really are fun to watch and see on the pond. The difference this time? I would be the duck-getter at the feed store, and not him. Luckily, it was much smoother this time, and we traveled back home with 6 more ducks - who happen to be girls this time. We already have gotten a duck egg or two. Double the fun makes a total of 12 white ducks up on the pond.



Here's The Dozen. They do everything together, in unison.



Instead of an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, the ducks have a swim-up eating area. Why, you ask? Otherwise, the sheep would hang out and eat the ducks grain and corn. Not okay. In an effort to feed the ducks without others eating their food, this fencing secures an area that ensures they get to enjoy their own food. Spring will come to give them grass, bugs and food from the ground. For now though, we need to supplement them until nature can maintain them.


The better to see you with

Have you ever wished you had that extra bright and long lasting light to help with the things you do in the dark? I mean like looking behind the dryer, walking the dog in the dark, trying to see in small spaces that are inconvenient to use the light on your phone, because you need both hands. I had been looking around for a headlight for running, and came across one that I'm not sure how I've lived without it. In the early morning or later evenings, having a bright and dependable headlight is critical while running - or even just doing things around the farm after the sun goes down. Rechargeable, reliable and a solid headpiece were the top three priorities for me when it came to buying a hand light (lamp). I found one, ordered it, loved it, and then noticed I used it in place of a flashlight. After David began showing headlight-envy, I decided it would be an appropriate birthday gift for him. He too, now wears his headlight while out at his bbq pit(s) after dark, when it's dark around the farm, esp in the pasture checking animals, and many other times a light is needed, and esp when you're trying to do something with both hands. This head light/head lamp is made by ledlenser and is the MH10 model (outdoor series) that is rechargeable and is 600 lumens bright (think motorcycle light).




And believe you me, I had looked at REI, Dicks Sporting Good, etc, and found nothing that could compare to this. Thank you, Internet. Running in the dark has never been so bright.


First impression rose goes to

Drum roll......the Food Saver that Lauren gave David for his birthday. He's been wanting one for awhile now. Every time he bbq's anything (brisket, ribs, burnt ends, etc) he's pine-ing for one. Today, after bbq-ing several types of red meat items, he used that Food Saver like he was working in a meat packaging factory. And you know what? It really works AND now we can have lots of red meat things saved in the freezer. It looks like what the food at the store looks like - except it was made here at home.




You can see that he's polishing his prized possession, while he waits for more bbq to finish up on the smoker.


For when you needed a cucumber but ended up with a zucchini

Sometimes, letting someone else shop for us is a good thing. Recently, I came across Imperfect Foods. Have you heard about them? They are not a food delivery service that gives you meal prep items, and then you cook a meal. They are a grocery (delivery) service of imperfect food that does not meet the criteria to be sold at a retail store - at a good price for you. It's like the grocery store for unwanted delicious food, like carrots that have grown together, or avocados with too many 'big' bumps, or tri-colored quinoa that has too many of one color and no longer looks appealing for grocery store shelves. Whether you want organic, vegan food or any type of groceries they have veggies, fruits, meat substitutes or meats, plus many grain options. I've ordered once thus far, and plan on doing so every couple of weeks. Yes, I'll still go to Kroger, but this is an inexpensive supplement for my own grocery shopping needs. Plus, as an added bonus, they are a no-waste company. All packaging can be recycled or reused, and they will even pick up the box they ship in when they deliver the next time.



Imperfect shape means perfect flavor, so bring on the real food with real character.


Shaken, but not stirred

Was it just a couple of months ago we picked up some silkies from a nice couple in Denison who no longer wanted theirs (Thank you, CraigsList). This has been a blessing, as the silkie chickens as a breed are so docile and sweet that I adore having them in our flock of egg-layers.  Granted, these silkies lay eggs regularly, and are the smallest eggs - but tasty just the same. Even our lavender splash silkie rooster is kind. He's our only rooster, and sets a good example for the rest of the flock. Recently, we took down the fencing that we had around their small coop, so that they could mingle and free range with everyone else. At first, they were all a little shaken up, but quickly settled into the idea of moving about the yard freely.



Here's Post, and he has a crew of 6 girls consisting of Frankie, Chompchi and the 4 Dots (all named Dorothy) who are all doing very well.



The best part is Sugar now has access to eating their chicken food, and June Bug loves to sit up on their coop and watch the world go by. The other (larger) egg layers live in a separate coop in the barn, and the experimental chicken chickens still sleep in the Belle Tower, and consider that their coop. So with 13 original chickens, 19 ECF (Experimental Chicken Farm) and 7 silkies, we are sitting at a total of 39 chickens. Good news? Many of them are laying eggs now, and as the ECF chickens grow up, they will begin to all lay eggs. Some days, we have a dozen eggs we pick up from all the coops. The chicken farm is working out nicely, and even though I'm still giving my eggs away to friends and family, I've learned a lot about how to manage so many chickens. I've reached my happy maximize for now.



Chicken Nivana



Hitting the forward button

As we move through winter, the animals have their full coats on and the ground is dormant. It's amazing how during spring and even summer, that the animals can feed from the ground's plentiful food. Winter time is a time of buying feed, hay and the resources to keep everyone full and happy.



The donkeys enjoy their round bales, the horses and goats want their grain and hay, and somehow the sheep stay large while grazing still, although we do supplement them, too. Everyone is at a healthy weight. Some, maybe too healthy. Luckily, there's not an animal judging taking place around here.

Speaking of wellness, as I was out on a run the other day and was listening to Oprah's Soul Series podcast on Wellness. A feeling of wellness is so personal, and each person's perception of wellness is an opportunity for learning for me. As I listened to the podcast, and each guest spoke about this topic and what it meant to them, my take away was clear. Balance is key in my life, moderation is important in all I do, and although I want to be perfectly hydrated, with perfect 20/20 vision, have a best hair day every day, clear skin and have all my pants fit all the time, moving toward wellness on a daily basis is something we likely all think about. Whether it's being a better version of myself, being kind to others, being good to the environment or the myriad other things that float around in my head - it's all about wellness - mentally and physically. When I'm good to myself - I tent to be better to others. So even though an inbox with zero emails gives me a feeling of wellness, it is something I think about each day and am grateful for every day, that I get to get up and try to be better, again.

Stay well, my friends.

Every day is a brand new start,

Cyndi