I don't know how it happened, but Ivoryton never lost power from the last storm. Schools never closed either. Pretty amazing with all the trees we have around here. I guess Irene took out all our weak ones! Feel badly for everyone without power or heat - some for more than a week. Hope eveyone is fully restored by tonight.
Been working hard on the newly expanded chicken run and barn deck. Almost complete. Two more long days should do it. Will be posting photos soon. When it's ready I'll have to integrate our three separate groups into one happy family, in theory at least.
Last month we lost our bantam cochin roo Napoleon and a pullet (Scooter) to an unknown predator living in some small caves in the retaining wall along he property line. Exterminator suggested I pour ammonia and mothballs into the openings as most animals hate the smell and will move on. It seems to have worked, no more tracks or disturbed earth along the wall.
Charlie, one of our mutt roos (originally named Charlene) has taken to pecking my pant leg (or fingers, if he can get to them) when he wants to be let back into the coop at dusk. He's allowed to free range during the day, but he doesn't want to go in the main front door, which is propped open, with the rest of the birds. He wants to be let in through his "private entrance" in the back of the coop (opens onto the egg-laying section). He'll come and find me if I am anywhere outside and peck at me until I pick him up and carry him to his door. Then he hops in and I swear dismisses me like I am part of the staff or something. It's the darndest thing.
That stinks for teachers, kids, and parents
