We made it back from the hunt this last week. It was an epic failure. My hunting partner has bad knees and ended up falling on one of them the first day, so he was hobbling around like a geriatrics patient. The military sure can reek havoc on the body. Anyway, we ended up driving more than hiking, which was not my plan. Despite seeing some day-old tracks here and there, we never saw a single javelina or mountain lion. We'll try again next year. With the condition of his knees, I may be going at it alone, though. Oh, and the first night there, the cold weather cracked the screen on my brand new cell phone, so I'll be off to get that replaced shortly.
Meanwhile, back at home, I missed a whole lot of action. The Silkies we got from Katie have learned to walk up and down the board to the coop. The three little Black Copper Marans just fly down. My wife says they manage to get back up, too. They are all growing quickly. Every one of them plumped up nicely. The chicks are feathering nicely and have been outside the last few weeks, so I think tonight we stop with the heat lamp. The chicks aren't using it really, but the Barred Rocks are roosting closer to it. My wife is still fighting me about the heat lamp. I think I just need to completely remove it today. Out of sight type deal.
The last four days, we only had one egg a day. I forgot to have my wife mark them, so I'm guessing Christine and Sleepy just alternated laying days. The eggs were 42g, 49g, 42g, 47g, and so far today we have a 48g. Seeing the possible alternating pattern, I don't think one is laying her eggs elsewhere, but I'll wander the yard and check today.
And my almost-11-month-old daughter had a big growth spurt this week! She looks noticeably taller and has a good little chubbiness going, like she's getting ready for even more. It is such a beautiful thing to have the perfect baby. I'm sure all parents say that, though!
There was some absolutely gorgeous photos and developments while I was gone! I love catching up on you all.
he was right. At lest I had warm hands that day for a little while. 
