I feel like I should be talking about our (non-exisistent) advent rituals, all the hand crafted goodies yet to be crafted by this mama, and the general peace and calm that this time of the year is suppose to evoke upon our days. Bah...it's bright and sunny in my parts, and I just can't seem to get myself in gear on the whole mad list making that is required to pull off a 100% hand-made holiday.
I almost let Bea run around the yard in a diaper and t-shirt today, then I remembered it's December. I herded her back indoors, coaxed her into some pants if only to keep the neighbors from talking. I'll get some of what I have planned for the holidays done. But only some of it. I have to accept my limitations and abilities. I don't know how some of you out there do it. :)
Perhaps some of you out there have sensed my sarcastic tone today and that I have a bit of love/dislike relationship with the month of December. It's true, I do. I'd love to love it. Yet, in my little head, the sweet, gentle, ticking deadline begins to pound louder and louder with each day that goes by. Deadlines bother me.
Rest easy, the sarcasm ends here.
But you know what has offered me the greatest respite to the December jitters - my girls. After our first tragic experience back in October, we decided to try again with another eight chicks. Much to our delight, these girls have grown quickly and are turning out to be lovely young poults. Yes, I never thought I'd enjoy keeping chickens as much as I do so far.
Byron finished the coop a couple of weeks ago. I love you marvelous man! He used these plans which he has been very satisfied with. He's still working on the hen house which should be complete soon. We've been lucky to have mostly mild nights here. On nights that were worrisomely cold, we've boxed them up and kept them in our garage. Once the hen house is complete, cold nights won't be as much of an issue. The girls will stay nice and cozy in there.
Oh yes, even the chickens will have a little hand made goodness to make their house feel more like home.
Just look at them. They are so happy and friendly.
Bea and I love to visit with them. As soon as we come near the door of the coop, they are welcoming us in. When I squat to feed them, they hop in my lap. Bea is just plain tickled by their presence. She loves to just sit amongst them, laughing and squealing at their chicken ways.
Chickens: my solution to holiday stress.
