Buff Orpingtons Join the Family

Today, we added 7 baby Buff Orpington chicks to the family. They're 3 weeks old, so have their wing feathers, and straight run...so we'll see how my odds work this time. I tend to end up with more roos than hens. Not to worry though... We found a new feed store in Chico! I love the place!

C Bar D Feed in Chico is our new spot to find chicks! They had QUITE a selection! They had two different deliveries of Buff Orpintons...some Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Browns...and more to come. They were in the most incredible greenhouse type tent to keep them nice and warm. What a place! They also had some Mille Fleur...cute as can be...but I'll pass.

This all seems to be good timing... We seem to be missing a couple of chickens out of the blue. One of the Cuckoo Marans is missing and so is the little white bantam rooster with feathery feet. The hen is still here...but we can't find the other two. The Marans have survived many, many months taking care of themselves...so the jury is still out. I'm not so sure about the rooster. He's been the hold out until he gets all the girls in at night...he may still show up with the hen in tow. We'll see...

The babies are in a rubbermaid tote in the living room with a wire top. We've had the joy in the past, and we need to introduce the house kitties to chickens...baby chickens! Half Pint is very interested...probably wants to play...I think not. Pita...well...she wants in the house so badly, I bet she'll leave them be. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. They're precious! May they all be girls, save one!

February: Whisperings of Spring

What makes a girl feel like strutting her stuff and feeling the wind in her face...Spring! Willow is feeling the warmth on her back and the fresh, warm (70°) air. Although it's technically still "winter"... Here in NoCal it sure makes you believe the worst is past. The strawberries are blooming...the first little hint of herbs that self seeded are showing up. Volunteer cilantro is always welcome! Our garlic is reaching for the sky, and the chard is putting on one more burst...though we've had chard available all winter. Our tomato seedlings are being weaned from the house to the greenhouse...and then on into the garden when we're sure there won't be another frost.

I planted snow peas last weekend. After I got the seeds in the ground, I covered the section with a tent of hardware cloth and covered that with plastic. They're starting to sprout pretty good this weekend. They haven't been watered quite as much as I'd have liked, but apparently enough to get the job done!

One thing that has started like crazy, is mosquitoes. Poor Willow! They're giving her a rough time, but not as bad as the flies do. Incidentally, we started Willow on Simplifly this year, hoping to break the fly cycle. I also started her on a general feed-though wormer for the typical varieties, and also ordered the specialty wormers from Horse.com. They make life so much easier! It's too hard to find some things here, and the price, including shipping, beats what I can find locally, if I can find it at all. Speaking of Willow...she's rattling her grain bucket! I guess I know what that means! LOL!

We're also blessed to have camellias this year!! This is the first year I've succeeded in getting a camellia to survive the summer...it can get so hot and dry!...and bloom the

following year. I'm so tickled! Since moving plants like this one into the garden, on the opposite side of the fence from the bamboo (keeps the hottest sun off them) is so successful...THIS is the year to buy gardenias!

I apologize if you're still dealing with feet of snow...Spring is coming...The narcissus say so, so do the snow-drops, and today a daffodil started opening up... Spring really is coming!

First Breath of Spring

Sometimes it's nice to be in California. We get the first breath of Spring as early as the first week of February...like today. It breaks my heart for the sake of friends across the US who are tired, tired, tired of snow...it was 72° outside today. Needless to say, it was a good day to be outside.

We moved Willow back to the south paddock today. It was pretty breezy, and she got a little spooked by some of the moving things, but she held it together very well, and trusted me. I didn't put her halter on for the short walk, but fashioned a quick halter from her lead rope. I have to admit I doubted my decision somewhat at one or two of those "spooky" moments, but she responded well to my voice, and we stopped so she could see what was frightening her. She needs more experience on the lead around the property. She's liable to be a handful out riding. We need to get past that.

We also planted snow peas today. They're under a wire A frame, covered in plastic to help them get off to a good start. Bruce has tomatoes that are getting big enough to go outside...if I'm brave enough! LOL! I'm thinking the greenhouse for a couple of weeks maybe. The weather could stay like this, or similar, but...it could also get downright cold again for a few more weeks. It's always hard to say. Tomatoes could be protected enough if we pay attention. It's a thought... *Ü* I saw a blossom on the strawberries today. That's another little sign... *Ü* Where's my asparagus??