Raised Beds

Ain't I cool??

Enjoying the fresh air while everyone is outside

 Fooling around

 Natural homemade ''bug dope''

 About 1/8-1/4 cup olive oil, few drops of eucalyptus and citronella oils. If I had lemongrass oil I would have added that too. Stir it together and apply with hands in a thin layer. I used this on Big Boy. It really works! No deet needed!

 Shade, and bug protection

 He was singing to himself and showing off his belly, so cute!

 Raised beds out of hemlock, 4'x8'.

  Without the tractor this year, Darlin is making the beds for easier planting/maintenance. We do want/need to get another tractor soon!

 Faithful friend, enjoying the shade.

 Fresh air makes for good snoozing.

 Generous hens.

 Staining the chicken tractor/egg mobile

 What a day!

Apple Blossoms

Chicken gazing

Potatoes, gravy, cheesy broccoli and breaded chicken

 Big Boy and great-Gramp Smith

 First blossoms

 I'm being trailed by friends

Common Core Math Isn't New...

My mother says Common Core math isn't new; I think she is right, take a look...

Auction

I love going to the auction! We hadn't been since September last year, so it was really nice to go down there again.
   Hauling three pigs and a goat to sell...

 Joe and Stroker

The Fairfield exit

 We're here! The auction barn. Lots of people today, I think the crowd gets bigger every time.

 An old, docile Holstein milk cow

 Lots of gooaats

 Little bull calves. Jersey's and Holsteins

 

 Uniquely horned sheep

A camera crew was there, we were told they were from Down East Dickering. The man they were recording sat down right next to us! Maybe we will be on t.v.!

 

 The view of the animal ring from the grandstands

 

 Carol, one of the auction staff. I must have taken about eight pictures of him, and these were the best. He didn't stop moving for a minute!(Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing lol).

Here he is opening boxes of chickens and rabbits to show for bidding

 Rob the auctioneer

 Large painted saw blade

 Scenery on the way home

There was a vicious Highlander bull there. He charged at people through the stalls, bending the metal panels. I was going to snap a picture of him when he came out in the ring, but he went wild, (a flash would certainly not help matters any) pawing, snorting and charging the workers. Then he wouldn't leave the ring, so Carol poked him with a pitchfork and he finally ran back out. Everyone cheered and clapped for Carol! He was a dangerous bull. I could be wrong, but I'm quite sure he went for beef lol.

What a fun day!

Wise Advice

"Never do anything you would be afraid to do if you knew it was the last hour of your life."

Another Day

Mmmm, egg yolk for breakfast! Egg yolk is good for brain development, packed with protein and omega 3 from our free range chickens. Now if I could just find the eggs lol. We have a broody hen and she has taken over the nesting box. consequently, the others are laying everywhere in the barn. Some still try to lay in the nesting box, but it usually doesn't go over very well. Lol. Guess I'd better build another one.

Boil the egg for 4-1/2 minutes and the yolk will still be runny. (Soft cooked).

I got the information and the recipe from Sally Fallon's ''kitchen bible'' Nourishing Traditions.

 The white is still to difficult for babies his age to digest, so the pigs get to enjoy it.

 At first glace, I thought these were Dandelions. I was all ready to call my little brother to announce "Dandelion Day" (what he calls the first day of the year that he sees them) until I got a closer look. Anyone know what they are? I thought the leaves/stems were interesting.

 Drying cloth diapers, liners, covers, and homemade cloth wipes.

 Did you see the goat? Bugaboo was out for some fresh green munchies.

"Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'..."

Little Big Boy (there's an oxymoron for ya!) has rolled over six times today! I think he's got the hang of it now, don't you? Lol. :)

This thoroughly expresses the way I feel tonight. Good night all, I'm headed for Lilly Whites party.

Rolling Over

Big Boy rolled over! Sunday evening, on April 27th. I had the camera in my hand, taking pictures. The when he was just about to roll I started videoing and then...the batteries died! I didn't dare to leave to get new batteries because I was afraid I'd miss it; and I would have. He slowly rolled onto his back, and the look on his face was priceless! He looked surprised at first, then delighted and proud! So cute!!!! He has only done it once since then. He will start to roll, then get stuck on his side. Lol. But he is making progress. He plays longer in the playpen now.

Hanging out in his swing, chewing on his hand made rattle. (from Baxter Oliver)

 About to roll for the first time!

After bath time in a hooded towel made by Tara Smith :)