Don't forget we Love you Lauren..you have a bright future before you! This year was just phenomenal ....
See you later,
Janie
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
And the Winner Is....
SCOTTY......Congratulations....
Don't forget we Love you Lauren..you have a bright future before you! This year was just phenomenal ....
See you later,
Janie
Don't forget we Love you Lauren..you have a bright future before you! This year was just phenomenal ....
See you later,
Janie
So Much Excitment Yesterday on TV.....
Wow yesterday was interesting....
The finale of Dancing With The Stars...the last "battle" with American Idol...and Oprah....
I have to say I was sort of rooting for Kirstie, but I knew Hines was the better dancer. He went from never dancing before, to being very fluid and he was having fun! Kirstie...wow! You give hope to everyone 60 and over...she is still beautiful, sensuous, still has a great sense of humor..and she still has gorgeous hair....in short....she is still Kirstie...I hope this launches her next career!
Congratulations! Kirstie, I hope you keep dancing and I hope you realize how much everyone loves you...
Loved Ralph..that LI NY boy... (of course)
this was a good year...
American Idols......they are the youngest ones ever picked and both from the same music genre...cool....they are both winners already (but I DO miss Haley!! She was unique and also a winner and I am sure this will launch a career for her as well...)
And lastly, it is not goodbye to Oprah..it is "See you later...". I can not imagine we will not hear from her again..she is a most giving person...
As for me? It is a beautiful mid-spring day today and I HAVE to so spend it outside in the garden!!
See ya later (Blogger is messing with me..it isn't letting me put pictures where I want OR write where I want! Boo hoo!)
Janie
The finale of Dancing With The Stars...the last "battle" with American Idol...and Oprah....
I have to say I was sort of rooting for Kirstie, but I knew Hines was the better dancer. He went from never dancing before, to being very fluid and he was having fun! Kirstie...wow! You give hope to everyone 60 and over...she is still beautiful, sensuous, still has a great sense of humor..and she still has gorgeous hair....in short....she is still Kirstie...I hope this launches her next career!
Congratulations! Kirstie, I hope you keep dancing and I hope you realize how much everyone loves you...
Loved Ralph..that LI NY boy... (of course)
this was a good year...American Idols......they are the youngest ones ever picked and both from the same music genre...cool....they are both winners already (but I DO miss Haley!! She was unique and also a winner and I am sure this will launch a career for her as well...) And lastly, it is not goodbye to Oprah..it is "See you later...". I can not imagine we will not hear from her again..she is a most giving person...
As for me? It is a beautiful mid-spring day today and I HAVE to so spend it outside in the garden!!
See ya later (Blogger is messing with me..it isn't letting me put pictures where I want OR write where I want! Boo hoo!)
Janie
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I Can See Clearly Now..the Rain is Gone....
I do believe we are seeing the sun today! Grass is over our ankles (yuk..wet grass) and it is a perfect in and out sun, to dry a little at a time, and acclimate the newly put outside plants. Tomorrow a greater chance of rain, then (supposedly) a glorious weekend...Sounds good to me!
(not my cat! "Some day" I'll have my OWN computer back!)
Off to buy some cat food, and then see what I can do on the porch. Living next to the wild park, it is like an Arboretum in the mornings (and evenings too). Very nice for sitting on the porch with that first cup of coffee, or afternoon tea, and sometimes, if there's time, a good book...
See you later,
Janie
(not my cat! "Some day" I'll have my OWN computer back!)
Off to buy some cat food, and then see what I can do on the porch. Living next to the wild park, it is like an Arboretum in the mornings (and evenings too). Very nice for sitting on the porch with that first cup of coffee, or afternoon tea, and sometimes, if there's time, a good book...
See you later,
Janie
Monday, May 16, 2011
Rainy Days And Mondays.....
Anyone remember that song? The Carpenters. She had a golden voice...
The beginning of a new week...no menu (sorry really falling down on the job here..trying to RE figure out how and what we eat and at the same time save money, so we are eating out of the freezer and cupboards again......yep there really is that much in our huge deep chest freezer)
Weather for this week will force me to stay inside..rain ALL week. Today being the best day of the week!!
No work on the outside this week!! At least until Friday and then again it will be so wet probably can't work outside. My only hope is the grass isn't knee deep by the time it can be cut!
I am eager to plant tomatoes and peppers and eggplant, squash and beans....and then in another month or two start cabbages and broccoli and other Cole crops for the fall. But I have to be patient and hope the weather co-operates. I am considering putting some of the cabbages, etc, in pots this year and see how that works. Mind you....since I keep think of moving...the garden is smaller then usual...sometimes only small patches of things....I just can't stay out of the dirt...
Some have asked to me, why if we want to move, am I planting a garden....won't I lose it if we move?
To that I say, it will be a welcome in gift to the new owners if (and when) we move...and maybe an incentive for them to keep a garden going. They might even want to keep the chickens we have. But that we'll have to see about, because I am, at the very least, sort of attached to our rooster....and I wouldn't want to separate him from his girls...
So today, we venture out in the drizzle and wet, to do some errands, so we can plan on socking in for the next two (bad) rainy days...
See you later,
Janie
NOTE-"borrowed" pictures from Google...
The beginning of a new week...no menu (sorry really falling down on the job here..trying to RE figure out how and what we eat and at the same time save money, so we are eating out of the freezer and cupboards again......yep there really is that much in our huge deep chest freezer)
Weather for this week will force me to stay inside..rain ALL week. Today being the best day of the week!!
No work on the outside this week!! At least until Friday and then again it will be so wet probably can't work outside. My only hope is the grass isn't knee deep by the time it can be cut!
I am eager to plant tomatoes and peppers and eggplant, squash and beans....and then in another month or two start cabbages and broccoli and other Cole crops for the fall. But I have to be patient and hope the weather co-operates. I am considering putting some of the cabbages, etc, in pots this year and see how that works. Mind you....since I keep think of moving...the garden is smaller then usual...sometimes only small patches of things....I just can't stay out of the dirt...
Some have asked to me, why if we want to move, am I planting a garden....won't I lose it if we move?
To that I say, it will be a welcome in gift to the new owners if (and when) we move...and maybe an incentive for them to keep a garden going. They might even want to keep the chickens we have. But that we'll have to see about, because I am, at the very least, sort of attached to our rooster....and I wouldn't want to separate him from his girls...
So today, we venture out in the drizzle and wet, to do some errands, so we can plan on socking in for the next two (bad) rainy days...
See you later,
Janie
NOTE-"borrowed" pictures from Google...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Well That's Fixed....Now....
Yay!! Blogger fixed it's problem... Now it's Yahoo's turn.
I can't even open my mailbox let alone answer anything. It all started when they "improved" the mail system. I had no problems for about one or 2 days after I switched to the upgrade. Then it started giving me trouble. Not opening mail, jumping off page. It would crash Mozilla, then when I reopened it, it would put back everything I just deleted or moved.
So I went back back to old mail, and within an hours, now "old" mail box started making troubles....now today, it won't even open. BUT at least Blogger back!
I have been so busy planting and re-potting and getting ready to put tomatoes in. Normally I try to put them in early, even up to a month early. I prepare jars, for covering small plants at night and if the days are cloudy and cool. But this year I decided to wait until the "correct" time to plant, which is the end of May. I am glad I did because this next week is supposed to rain almost all week, with next Thursday and Friday being the heaviest storms.
Can't wait to have my computer back and my OWN pictures to use again! These are lifted off Google, and they are about the same size of mine so far.
Yum...I can't wait.....
I didn't start my own plants (I haven't in a while because there is just no windows or sills big enough for starting tender plants. I did start my own when we first moved here, but we then had a small "green house" type set up, off a kitchen window. When the deck became old and unsafe, my husband took it down, and that was the end of starting plants inside. I miss that because when you start your own, you can pick the varieties you want. This year I ordered plants form The Cooks Garden, and Burpee.
I did start the Jalapeno peppers, but it was late so they are still small. Waiting until the last week of May will be good for them.
The Bridal Wreath are about to open, another favorite of mine, since the early smaller flowered Bridal Wreaths are finished.
The chicks are getting big. They start showing tiny wing feathers the first week. Now the second week their wings look like mini chickens, and they are growing tails...I Love watching this growth...will definitely post pictures when I get my computer back.
I think Spring has been just fine so far..how about you?
See you later,
Janie
I can't even open my mailbox let alone answer anything. It all started when they "improved" the mail system. I had no problems for about one or 2 days after I switched to the upgrade. Then it started giving me trouble. Not opening mail, jumping off page. It would crash Mozilla, then when I reopened it, it would put back everything I just deleted or moved.
So I went back back to old mail, and within an hours, now "old" mail box started making troubles....now today, it won't even open. BUT at least Blogger back!
I have been so busy planting and re-potting and getting ready to put tomatoes in. Normally I try to put them in early, even up to a month early. I prepare jars, for covering small plants at night and if the days are cloudy and cool. But this year I decided to wait until the "correct" time to plant, which is the end of May. I am glad I did because this next week is supposed to rain almost all week, with next Thursday and Friday being the heaviest storms.
Can't wait to have my computer back and my OWN pictures to use again! These are lifted off Google, and they are about the same size of mine so far.
Yum...I can't wait.....
I didn't start my own plants (I haven't in a while because there is just no windows or sills big enough for starting tender plants. I did start my own when we first moved here, but we then had a small "green house" type set up, off a kitchen window. When the deck became old and unsafe, my husband took it down, and that was the end of starting plants inside. I miss that because when you start your own, you can pick the varieties you want. This year I ordered plants form The Cooks Garden, and Burpee.
I did start the Jalapeno peppers, but it was late so they are still small. Waiting until the last week of May will be good for them.
The Bridal Wreath are about to open, another favorite of mine, since the early smaller flowered Bridal Wreaths are finished.
The chicks are getting big. They start showing tiny wing feathers the first week. Now the second week their wings look like mini chickens, and they are growing tails...I Love watching this growth...will definitely post pictures when I get my computer back.
I think Spring has been just fine so far..how about you?
See you later,
Janie
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A New Eating Healthier Blog...
You know how it goes...you go to one blog site, click on a link that sounds good, then from there you spot something else..soon you forget where you started.
While checking out Presto Pasta Nights, I found Yum in the Tum, and from there found a link for a brand new blog about someone (Kam Jo) who is determined to learn more about cooking, shopping less in the grocery store, and eating healthier.
She is on an adventure. So I am going to follow to see where she goes. And, even though it feels like I have been doing this forever, learn something new on the way..there's ALWAYS room for improvement.
http://kamjosadventureswithrealfood.blogspot.com/
Check out Yum in the Tum too..Allie is Kam Jo's mentor in this adventure.....her goal is to spend less (time and money in the grocery store) and WASTE nothing!
http://seidhr.blogspot.com/
Enjoy your day..it is beautiful here!
Janie
While checking out Presto Pasta Nights, I found Yum in the Tum, and from there found a link for a brand new blog about someone (Kam Jo) who is determined to learn more about cooking, shopping less in the grocery store, and eating healthier.
She is on an adventure. So I am going to follow to see where she goes. And, even though it feels like I have been doing this forever, learn something new on the way..there's ALWAYS room for improvement.
http://kamjosadventureswithrealfood.blogspot.com/
Check out Yum in the Tum too..Allie is Kam Jo's mentor in this adventure.....her goal is to spend less (time and money in the grocery store) and WASTE nothing!
http://seidhr.blogspot.com/
Enjoy your day..it is beautiful here!
Janie
Jackie Cooper Remembered
September 15, 1922 – May 3, 2011
Most people remember Jackie Cooper (if they do at all) as one of the Little Rascals (Our Gang Comedies)
He was the cute little misunderstood blond boy that had a major crush on the teacher Miss Crabtree.
That seems to be his biggest most remembered role, although he was in many other shows and movies..he served in the Navy during WWII, and he officially retired, at 67 when his, then wife, briefly became sick. He was in all four of the Chistopher Reeve's Superman movies, as Perry White, the editor.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178114/bio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Cooper
Much of his adult life, he did character bit parts, and guest appearances...he didn't consider himself to be "conventionally handsome", but I disagree with that! He spend a lot of his time behind the camera directing shows including M*A*S*H, and White Shadow, for which he won awards.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. The loss of any person affects us all, and certainly the loss of one who made an entertaining mark on many people..
See ya later,
Janie
Saturday, May 7, 2011
For The Love Of Horses---The Kentucky Derby-good or Bad...?
SPOILER
Sorry..."borrowed" web pictures...
I lived in Flushing Queens until I was 6 years old. Since I was 5 years old I was horse crazy. As a child I crawled on the floor with a scarf in the back of my pants pretending it was a tail. At 6 we moved to a community just inside the Nassau Co border and there was not a horse to be seen. (unless you had money and lived on the North Shore of LI)
When I was 11 years I discovered the sports section showed lots of horse pictures, especially around big race dates. The Kentucky derby being the big one..the start of the Triple Crown of Races.
As I got older I studied horses themselves.....I drew them..studied encyclopedias, took every book out of the library I could take out. By 14 and 15 I was picking winners...not out of "luck or lucky numbers"...because I was learning the pedigrees, and how they did on previous races...of course I didn't bet on them and no one I knew did either.....and I wouldn't today, but it was fun watching....who doesn't like a good match race (which I am sure is what they are aiming for....that next great match race)
.....Those years were amazing horses... Silky Sullivan, Tim Tam, Secretariat, Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew....amazing horses...I also studied the horses themselves......Phar Lap, Sea Biscuit..the older ones and the new....for instance....it was rumored that Northern Danced had a temper. And so did (does) his offspring....and Secretariat was a sweet heart. As was Big Red....the greatest of all....Man 'O War.. I studied all the old greats....and looked for where the new young ones might match (in pedigree or statistics..ahh the innocence of youth) ......I studied the history of the TB where the breed came from...which lead to the Arabian..and eventually other breeds....I tell you I was horse crazy and since TB racing was the ONLY place I could hear about a horse (of the day) that's where I learned.
My "studies" took me to other areas too...feeding...training..
Training....there ya go... They start training these horses at about 1 1/2 years old. One and a half YEARS old...BABIES!! Their legs are not yet developed....their knees haven't closed yet...their feet (inside the hooves) are delicate and not yet "adult" strength...THEN they slap metal shoes on them....with NAILS...and feed them high octane feed....ever get one of those days where you have so much nervous energy you can't sit still..imagine that in a TB....that's what they aim for.
Yes Yes they are bred for speed..they are bred to want to run..and then do..from birth (that doesn't mean their legs are ready to bare weight and race carrying it) And owners and trainer might say of course they care for the horse... and let me tell you....owners and trainers DO care for them....of course they do...and a good many of them DO Love horses....and especially (for them) the TB...but under it, if they are kept healthy and nurtured they might make them LOTS of money...what happens to a TB when they aren't making money? or break down?
I myself was at Belmont race track at a Breakfast At Belmont, with our family, when a horse shattered it's leg during a workout, right in front of the stands....of course he was put down...immediately..right there.....it shattered...it flopped around (the leg) like a floppy stuffed animal...The jockey held him up lest he fall and they couldn't get him on a truck...the bad news was, we had brought our young son's that morning, for an early morning breakfast...watching the horses work out, and playing in the beautiful play ground....(it IS a beautiful park like place) can you imagine? A play ground....so parents can bring their young children while they "play" the races...anything to attract people!!
The GOOD news was it just so happened they had to go to the bathroom, so they and my husband were not present...other children were though....and we were right on the rail, so it happened right in front of our eyes........women were crying, children were asking why and what happened....I found myself answering the questions of a little girl next to me, while holding back my shock and sadness because I knew what just happened......I pitied the young woman who at the time was giving the tour and had to explain what just happened...and she did...like it was nothing...
I am sorry....it is only my opinion.....yes, the horses are definitely cared for, but generally as money makers....that is what they were bred for....many many are put down for minor injuries...or because they aren't breeding what is wanted.
There are 35,000 Thoroughbreds born every year...how many are alive today? (only 20 made it to qualify for the Kentucky Derby and not even that amount raced today, because one or more were taken out of the race at the last minute due to illness or injury, and at least one in the race was rushed off the the stable to have a leg x-rayed )
In other parts of the world, they start them at far older ages....even 4 and 5 years old....(and some here do the same..they miss out of the 3 year old races here, including the Triple Crown, but live longer more productive years....) and get a good 10 years of racing out them....simply because their bones are ready. Here they are started as I said, at about 1 1/2 for racing at 2..they last maybe 4 years ..some are extra strong and last a good more years but the majority are only for 4 or 5 years at best. I don't know about you but that doesn't spell "love of the horse" to me! (a horses knees don't close until they are 3 - 4 years old. Anyone who knows anything about anatomy, even human, knows the knees are one place they look to verify age)
The Kentucky Derby (and Triple Crown) is a tradition....a test of strength, and stamina, and speed...but today, except for those IN the TB racing industry, it does not have the same meaning....today for many not generally knowledgeable, or in the industry, it is an excuse for a smaller Marti Gras type party and fancy clothes..and special drinks and food...why do we need an excuse for a party! And why does it have to be "no holds barred"? A romantic dream of the next great horse, that will make a movie horse story...and they can say they were there when...sadly not all TB's end life as a happy ending...
I still Love the horse..and I still watch the Kentucky Derby on TV every year, as I have since I was 11...I have never missed one yet...waiting for that next great horse..or a great Triple Crown winner.....not supporting it (monetarily) and pretending the Industry isn't what it is...
I do not support the TB Racing industry, in any way (or Quarter Horse Racing Industry). And I know there ARE trainers and owners in it for the horse..hoping they might have the next Secretariat....but I pity the horse that doesn't make the grade...
Hey, I was greeted by Bob Baffert once (he is a trainer), over the back fence....my neighbor's father was a big TB trainer for a long time in CA...(he came to visit and waved over the fence as I tended my horse) ...Cool..I always root for his horses...
There is nothing like the grace and beauty of the TB running through a field...free..like the Arabian he came from...but once again..man has interfered for his own pleasure and gain...
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2010/10/secretariat-horse-racing.html
So, I am torn....between the Love of the horse...and an Industry that isn't always there for the benefit of the horse..but the benefit of man...
See you later,
Janie
Sorry..."borrowed" web pictures...
I lived in Flushing Queens until I was 6 years old. Since I was 5 years old I was horse crazy. As a child I crawled on the floor with a scarf in the back of my pants pretending it was a tail. At 6 we moved to a community just inside the Nassau Co border and there was not a horse to be seen. (unless you had money and lived on the North Shore of LI)
When I was 11 years I discovered the sports section showed lots of horse pictures, especially around big race dates. The Kentucky derby being the big one..the start of the Triple Crown of Races.
As I got older I studied horses themselves.....I drew them..studied encyclopedias, took every book out of the library I could take out. By 14 and 15 I was picking winners...not out of "luck or lucky numbers"...because I was learning the pedigrees, and how they did on previous races...of course I didn't bet on them and no one I knew did either.....and I wouldn't today, but it was fun watching....who doesn't like a good match race (which I am sure is what they are aiming for....that next great match race)
.....Those years were amazing horses... Silky Sullivan, Tim Tam, Secretariat, Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew....amazing horses...I also studied the horses themselves......Phar Lap, Sea Biscuit..the older ones and the new....for instance....it was rumored that Northern Danced had a temper. And so did (does) his offspring....and Secretariat was a sweet heart. As was Big Red....the greatest of all....Man 'O War.. I studied all the old greats....and looked for where the new young ones might match (in pedigree or statistics..ahh the innocence of youth) ......I studied the history of the TB where the breed came from...which lead to the Arabian..and eventually other breeds....I tell you I was horse crazy and since TB racing was the ONLY place I could hear about a horse (of the day) that's where I learned.
My "studies" took me to other areas too...feeding...training..
Training....there ya go... They start training these horses at about 1 1/2 years old. One and a half YEARS old...BABIES!! Their legs are not yet developed....their knees haven't closed yet...their feet (inside the hooves) are delicate and not yet "adult" strength...THEN they slap metal shoes on them....with NAILS...and feed them high octane feed....ever get one of those days where you have so much nervous energy you can't sit still..imagine that in a TB....that's what they aim for.
Yes Yes they are bred for speed..they are bred to want to run..and then do..from birth (that doesn't mean their legs are ready to bare weight and race carrying it) And owners and trainer might say of course they care for the horse... and let me tell you....owners and trainers DO care for them....of course they do...and a good many of them DO Love horses....and especially (for them) the TB...but under it, if they are kept healthy and nurtured they might make them LOTS of money...what happens to a TB when they aren't making money? or break down?
I myself was at Belmont race track at a Breakfast At Belmont, with our family, when a horse shattered it's leg during a workout, right in front of the stands....of course he was put down...immediately..right there.....it shattered...it flopped around (the leg) like a floppy stuffed animal...The jockey held him up lest he fall and they couldn't get him on a truck...the bad news was, we had brought our young son's that morning, for an early morning breakfast...watching the horses work out, and playing in the beautiful play ground....(it IS a beautiful park like place) can you imagine? A play ground....so parents can bring their young children while they "play" the races...anything to attract people!!
The GOOD news was it just so happened they had to go to the bathroom, so they and my husband were not present...other children were though....and we were right on the rail, so it happened right in front of our eyes........women were crying, children were asking why and what happened....I found myself answering the questions of a little girl next to me, while holding back my shock and sadness because I knew what just happened......I pitied the young woman who at the time was giving the tour and had to explain what just happened...and she did...like it was nothing...
I am sorry....it is only my opinion.....yes, the horses are definitely cared for, but generally as money makers....that is what they were bred for....many many are put down for minor injuries...or because they aren't breeding what is wanted.
There are 35,000 Thoroughbreds born every year...how many are alive today? (only 20 made it to qualify for the Kentucky Derby and not even that amount raced today, because one or more were taken out of the race at the last minute due to illness or injury, and at least one in the race was rushed off the the stable to have a leg x-rayed )
In other parts of the world, they start them at far older ages....even 4 and 5 years old....(and some here do the same..they miss out of the 3 year old races here, including the Triple Crown, but live longer more productive years....) and get a good 10 years of racing out them....simply because their bones are ready. Here they are started as I said, at about 1 1/2 for racing at 2..they last maybe 4 years ..some are extra strong and last a good more years but the majority are only for 4 or 5 years at best. I don't know about you but that doesn't spell "love of the horse" to me! (a horses knees don't close until they are 3 - 4 years old. Anyone who knows anything about anatomy, even human, knows the knees are one place they look to verify age)
The Kentucky Derby (and Triple Crown) is a tradition....a test of strength, and stamina, and speed...but today, except for those IN the TB racing industry, it does not have the same meaning....today for many not generally knowledgeable, or in the industry, it is an excuse for a smaller Marti Gras type party and fancy clothes..and special drinks and food...why do we need an excuse for a party! And why does it have to be "no holds barred"? A romantic dream of the next great horse, that will make a movie horse story...and they can say they were there when...sadly not all TB's end life as a happy ending...
I still Love the horse..and I still watch the Kentucky Derby on TV every year, as I have since I was 11...I have never missed one yet...waiting for that next great horse..or a great Triple Crown winner.....not supporting it (monetarily) and pretending the Industry isn't what it is...
I do not support the TB Racing industry, in any way (or Quarter Horse Racing Industry). And I know there ARE trainers and owners in it for the horse..hoping they might have the next Secretariat....but I pity the horse that doesn't make the grade...
Hey, I was greeted by Bob Baffert once (he is a trainer), over the back fence....my neighbor's father was a big TB trainer for a long time in CA...(he came to visit and waved over the fence as I tended my horse) ...Cool..I always root for his horses...
There is nothing like the grace and beauty of the TB running through a field...free..like the Arabian he came from...but once again..man has interfered for his own pleasure and gain...
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2010/10/secretariat-horse-racing.html
So, I am torn....between the Love of the horse...and an Industry that isn't always there for the benefit of the horse..but the benefit of man...
See you later,
Janie
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
They're Here!! They're HERE! And Other Stuff...
No matter how many times I have gotten chicks, it is like the first time, every time...
I am taking pics but so far none on my son's computer so I have none to share (yet) but they are so cute...
Generally when I get chicks I get about 30 or so. But since I am not sure whether we are going to be here or someplace else, I only got 5 to add to the 7 older ones I already have....there is one rooster, (Aracauna), a Speckled Sussex, a Gold Buff Orphington and 4 Aracaunas in the old flock....the only ones still laying, are the Aracaunas, but being older it is not as often....even still, I have to say I am getting (out of the 4) about 2-3 eggs every 2-3 days.... (not bad for about 7 years old or so.. I like Aracaunas because they are winter hardy, gentle birds, and good layers They are a little bit "street" smart when it comes to foraging, protecting themselves from predators, and they are generally quiet....they lay far longer then other breeds lay....) It appears that I have 4 Aracaunas (the chicks look like striped brown chipmunks) and one of them is white!! Not sure yet what it is..I DID order all Aracaunas...(but then generally don't come in white!)
Once the youngsters start laying I will have a steady 5 eggs a day (and whatever the older ones still give me) for a year or so before they slow down. And if and when we move, I will get a whole batch of 30 or so...
I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a new company for me..closer to us....in Connecticut....so they will ship smaller numbers since they will get here quicker. It was hard to NOT pick through the book and get some of these and some of those! I like variety, so like to see white brown, green, blue, pinkish, khaki, and every other color between when I collect eggs...
I was not sure if they would bring them to the door (as the post office did the last time..but then..30 chicks can make a LOT of noise...they came knocking at 6:30 am that time) Past times they called us at 6:30 am.
This little bunch came around 10 am and they called me right away..gave me the option of waiting to have them delivered (which cold have taken 2 hours!) or pick them up..of course I picked them up...
I had everything set up for them. Since it has been cool and there are only 5 of them, I set up a box and brooder light at the end of the kitchen. Took them, one at a time, out of their box, and dipped their beaks in water to get them started, and sprinkled some feed on the ground outside the feeder to help them find it, and to give them the option of using the feeder or the ground. Then I replaced the nesting material back in the box for them. In about a week or so I will start bringing them bits of grass and dandelions and offer them chick grit.
They are so cute..our cats can NOT believe we brought them chicks to watch!! I have the lid, of the rather large box, partially closed and a garden sifting screen across the open part, so the cats can not get in. I have the brooder light on top of the screen. I had it hanging in the box but it seemed to hot for them so I raised it up...we can't stop watching them...
I Love watching their (very quick) stages of growth and their new feathers come in making them eventually look like mini chickens...so cute...and so funny! The "real" feathers start coming in about a week or 2, or so (depends on the breed, the chick and the individual health) ...in a month they might be fully feathered..at that time you can start introducing them to the older hens, but in my experience, I am waiting until they are a little bit bigger to defend themselves...(if need be)
Meanwhile, between peeking at the new chicks and trying to get ANYTHING else done the past 2 days, I have been planting successions plantings of spring vegetables, starting the zinnias and marigolds inside this year. Past years they just have not been sprouting when direct seeded, so this year they get started inside. Only problem is this house really doesn't have a good window for starting seeds, so even that is limited for me here. Also have been digging potted plants out of the beds, to put on the porch and repotting ones I think need it. Alas, most of the pots were supposed to be temporary and so are empty kitty litter containers!! Not so pretty, but I just wanted to few cuttings to be able to be moved if our move took place in the winter...soo..with that being said..you might ask...
"Is the house ready to sell?" ...Heck NO!!
I have been so busy outside I have not really worked inside in over a couple of months. ( I mean things like repainting cabinet doors, and big things like that..checking what needs to be fixed or replaced, gotten rid of....my last "go-through" revealed quite a bit of work needed...ceilings and all...I wish I could hire someone!!)
A decision to move includes my son's because they live here with me..that means disrupting jobs, friends, unless they stay behind, but 85% of the grown kids on LI move back in with parents, because:
1-their family is here and 2-they can't afford to live on their own..very sad...
...although I do not plan to move too far...my sisters are here.. but school taxes are expected to rise as much as 4%...4%!! next year.... That's a pretty high price to pay for someone who's kids:
1- never USED the public schools anyway, and 2-are WAY past school age now...
Even though I am in a low tax area (and I pity the ones in higher tax areas) I am still paying over $4000 a year. (my sisters, in another county pay up to $10,000 a year!! for small houses on top of each other!) I could go to another state (take NJ for instance) that is "said" to have such high taxes, but in the southern farm area some are paying a 1/4 of what I am paying now (for houses with property! Zoned for farm use and animals) ..even half would be a blessing!!
So..back to work..and peeking...
Anyone else out there got their chicks yet?
See ya later,
Janie
I am taking pics but so far none on my son's computer so I have none to share (yet) but they are so cute...
Generally when I get chicks I get about 30 or so. But since I am not sure whether we are going to be here or someplace else, I only got 5 to add to the 7 older ones I already have....there is one rooster, (Aracauna), a Speckled Sussex, a Gold Buff Orphington and 4 Aracaunas in the old flock....the only ones still laying, are the Aracaunas, but being older it is not as often....even still, I have to say I am getting (out of the 4) about 2-3 eggs every 2-3 days.... (not bad for about 7 years old or so.. I like Aracaunas because they are winter hardy, gentle birds, and good layers They are a little bit "street" smart when it comes to foraging, protecting themselves from predators, and they are generally quiet....they lay far longer then other breeds lay....) It appears that I have 4 Aracaunas (the chicks look like striped brown chipmunks) and one of them is white!! Not sure yet what it is..I DID order all Aracaunas...(but then generally don't come in white!)
Once the youngsters start laying I will have a steady 5 eggs a day (and whatever the older ones still give me) for a year or so before they slow down. And if and when we move, I will get a whole batch of 30 or so...
I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a new company for me..closer to us....in Connecticut....so they will ship smaller numbers since they will get here quicker. It was hard to NOT pick through the book and get some of these and some of those! I like variety, so like to see white brown, green, blue, pinkish, khaki, and every other color between when I collect eggs...
I was not sure if they would bring them to the door (as the post office did the last time..but then..30 chicks can make a LOT of noise...they came knocking at 6:30 am that time) Past times they called us at 6:30 am.
This little bunch came around 10 am and they called me right away..gave me the option of waiting to have them delivered (which cold have taken 2 hours!) or pick them up..of course I picked them up...
I had everything set up for them. Since it has been cool and there are only 5 of them, I set up a box and brooder light at the end of the kitchen. Took them, one at a time, out of their box, and dipped their beaks in water to get them started, and sprinkled some feed on the ground outside the feeder to help them find it, and to give them the option of using the feeder or the ground. Then I replaced the nesting material back in the box for them. In about a week or so I will start bringing them bits of grass and dandelions and offer them chick grit.
They are so cute..our cats can NOT believe we brought them chicks to watch!! I have the lid, of the rather large box, partially closed and a garden sifting screen across the open part, so the cats can not get in. I have the brooder light on top of the screen. I had it hanging in the box but it seemed to hot for them so I raised it up...we can't stop watching them...
I Love watching their (very quick) stages of growth and their new feathers come in making them eventually look like mini chickens...so cute...and so funny! The "real" feathers start coming in about a week or 2, or so (depends on the breed, the chick and the individual health) ...in a month they might be fully feathered..at that time you can start introducing them to the older hens, but in my experience, I am waiting until they are a little bit bigger to defend themselves...(if need be)
Meanwhile, between peeking at the new chicks and trying to get ANYTHING else done the past 2 days, I have been planting successions plantings of spring vegetables, starting the zinnias and marigolds inside this year. Past years they just have not been sprouting when direct seeded, so this year they get started inside. Only problem is this house really doesn't have a good window for starting seeds, so even that is limited for me here. Also have been digging potted plants out of the beds, to put on the porch and repotting ones I think need it. Alas, most of the pots were supposed to be temporary and so are empty kitty litter containers!! Not so pretty, but I just wanted to few cuttings to be able to be moved if our move took place in the winter...soo..with that being said..you might ask...
"Is the house ready to sell?" ...Heck NO!!
I have been so busy outside I have not really worked inside in over a couple of months. ( I mean things like repainting cabinet doors, and big things like that..checking what needs to be fixed or replaced, gotten rid of....my last "go-through" revealed quite a bit of work needed...ceilings and all...I wish I could hire someone!!)
A decision to move includes my son's because they live here with me..that means disrupting jobs, friends, unless they stay behind, but 85% of the grown kids on LI move back in with parents, because:
1-their family is here and 2-they can't afford to live on their own..very sad...
...although I do not plan to move too far...my sisters are here.. but school taxes are expected to rise as much as 4%...4%!! next year.... That's a pretty high price to pay for someone who's kids:
1- never USED the public schools anyway, and 2-are WAY past school age now...
Even though I am in a low tax area (and I pity the ones in higher tax areas) I am still paying over $4000 a year. (my sisters, in another county pay up to $10,000 a year!! for small houses on top of each other!) I could go to another state (take NJ for instance) that is "said" to have such high taxes, but in the southern farm area some are paying a 1/4 of what I am paying now (for houses with property! Zoned for farm use and animals) ..even half would be a blessing!!
So..back to work..and peeking...
Anyone else out there got their chicks yet?
See ya later,
Janie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)