Our First Eggs

Our Girls have started to provide us with fresh eggs here on the Homestead. Once they are into full production mode we should be getting an average 10 eggs a day, give or take. You have to add into the overall equation the enjoyment we get from watching the flock as they dart around the Homestead and all the harmful insects they eat. If you don't enjoy the total experience and you do the math, it could look a bit odd.

12 baby chicks, $48.
4 months of grain, $66
Chicken Wire, $124
Chicken House, I Forgot!

2 Eggs, $118 each.

The Experience.. Priceless. ( Maybe that's a stretch)

Planting the Future

Today was a perfect day for planting. We planted 4 Leyland Cypress today and hope to plant 4 more in the coming days. With the Deer thicker than Mosquitoes around here we must put the extra effort in so that our trees do not become a snack for the Deer. The fence will be approximately 6' high and will stay in place until the trees are tall enough to survive Deer browsing on them.The Leyland Cypress is a cross between the Monterrey Cypress from California and the Alaskan Nootka Cypress. The Leyland is a fast growing tree, once established could grow 3-5 feet per year.

I hope when this is a 30 year old tree, the boy remembers planting trees with me.

Tortoise meets the Girls

Because of the chilly nights we brought the Torts in from the North Forty. ( the field) We let them graze close to the house and bring them inside each night. The girls had to check them out.

A Perfect Creation

The Hummingbird has to be one of the most fascinating creatures that visit here. They are perfect little machines that sound like a swarm of Bees as they fly by. We put up this feeder this year and 10 minutes after we hung it up we had Ruby Throated Hummingbirds feeding. We use a sugar-water mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, Bring to a boil and let cool. We then bottle it and store in the fridge. Clean the feeders AT LEAST once a week. We avoid the store bought mixes because I have heard that the red dye they use could be harmful to their Kidneys. And never use Honey.
Click the pic.

Mr Toomey's Classroom

Last year Jordan's 2nd grade class needed a class pet. Mr Toomey was allergic to any thing with fur. So Jordan offered to donate a Leopard Gecko to the class. The class voted on a name and they came up with Cutie. This year Mr Toomey teaches Kindergarten and Jordan has moved on to 3rd grade. Twice a week we send in crickets in Jordan's backpack and she delivers them to Cutie and Mr Toomey. We asked Tommy to do it, but he said, "That's Disgusting". During Holidays and school breaks Cutie comes here to visit.

This is a picture of the encloser I built for Cutie and I took this picture last week during the school's open house when we stopped by Mr Toomey's class to visit Cutie.

Guineas Came Home

I thought we would loose 10 out of the 16 Guineas we have here
on the homestead. This afternoon I heard a commotion at the river, when I went to investigate I spotted my flock of 10 younger Guineas up in a tree on the opposite side of the river.
Guineas have a habit of at the blink of a eye just up and walking away. Last year I had 2 different flocks at 2 different times go for a walk and never returned. I have also at times had Guineas stop by for a day or 2 and then move on without a goodbye. They are known for this trait.

I am very happy to say my ten adventurers returned in time for supper. and now at 6 pm they are heading up to the top of our Chestnut tree to roost for the night. This is a problem when they decide the hen house is no longer good enough and they take to roosting in the tree tops. Up there they make a easy and excellent midnight snack for Owls and Raccoons. I do keep a spotlight on the tree to deter the predators from a free meal.
They are quite humorous to watch and provide us with entertainment as they dart around the homestead. I am glad they came home!

My 22Hp Craftsman

I Love My Tractor. I bought this beauty from the local Sears Hardware Store about 6 years ago. It has a 22 hp Briggs engine and I could not be happier. I do have certain members of the family who have their John Deere tractors and their little JD clubs and I was informed that only a John Deere owner can refer to them as "JD". I think they even have John Deere underwear and matching socks they wear when they cut. Well I am here to tell you this Tractor of mine was under 6' of water for a couple of days back in the flood of 05. Now I am not a mechanical wizard, but with about $50 worth of parts I had my baby up and running and she runs great to this day. I use it to cut the field, haul firewood, pull trees and brush around, and to cut new trails in the woods. She is my Baby and will work circles around those "JD" toys.

Mr Doodles

What is a homestead without a Rooster?

Mr Doodles , or The Dude came from a nice family down in Norwich. He was raised around and by kids, also around a cat and dog. He is 5 months old which is a perfect age for his 12 new girlfriends.

He is a Barred Rock and really is a fine example of the breed.

He has a awesome voice and very friendly personality thanks to his upbringing. He is a welcome member of the homestead.

Jungle Jack is Coming To Town.

We have a real jewel here in town. It is called the "Jorgensen Center For The Perorming Arts". I am very excited to say that Jungle Jack Hanna is coming to town in March. I think this rates right up there with seeing John Denver in concert. I feel like a little kid waiting for Chritmas.

Also coming to the Jorgensen is Arlo Guthrie in Oct.

A New Land Barron

I believe Ted Turner is one of the largest Land Barrons in the United States. Well it is now time that Teddy should move over  and Ben Cartwright of the Ponderosa might want to consider moving to Canada because there is a new Kid in town.
I know that I often refer to this place as our little Homestead' but the truth should be told,  we own 37,635,840,00 sq inches of land.

Someone told me I have way to much time on my hands.