Dreaming of Spring Gardening in the Middle of a Wisconsin winter part 2

[oldhenlikesdogs]

This is proof about how messed up the weather is this year. My lilacs are attempting to bloom.

 

[21hens-incharge]

That is a seriously confused shrubbery! I hope that doesn't mean less blooms come spring.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is a seriously confused shrubbery! I hope that doesn't mean less blooms come spring.

I feel sorry for my shrubs. I think they thought they went through winter already.

 

[WIchickMama]

I feel sorry for my shrubs. I think they thought they went through winter already.

This is crazy! I feel like a lot of things are screwed up.

Broody hen hatched out 3 babies, 2 Sat and 1 Sun and everyone is doing great. She is a way better mama than my Leghorn was this summer, no one has bothered these babies. She even had them out of the coop for 2 hours today AND they all made it back in Taking name suggestions for 2, if anyone wants to help the all yellow one (no stripe) is the only one named and it's name is Honey.

Heading to warmer temps this weekend, just need to get through these next couple days. I would love no snow til Thanksgiving.

 

[Callender Girl]

No snow til Thanksgiving? I love it!!

Great news about your broody and the chicks!

Since Honey is kind of a "food" name, how about others -- like Pepper, Sage, Rosemary? Many of my critters (and my grand dame hen is an Buff Orp named Honey) have old-fashioned women's names.

I'm feeling a bit guilty today. I was a charter member of a local service organization, but left years ago when some new members kind of took over and changed the direction of the group. I was invited to come back for this morning's meeting. The closer it got to time to go, the more I realized I didn't want to, although I really like the person who invited me. Plus, it would kind of move me away from my "hermit" lifestyle.

Anyway, while I could have gone -- even though it would have meant doing chores in the dark -- I "somehow" managed to keep busy on BYC until it was too late to attend a 7 a.m. meeting.

It has been incredibly windy lately, even for the treeless plains of North Central Iowa. And, Sunday night's wind knocked over a trash can. As I went to set it upright, I leaned over by the propane tank -- which was whistling! Well, I knew that wasn't supposed to happen.

Turns out, the regulator was leaking and needed to be replaced. I called as soon as the company opened at 8. Someone came out by 10:30 to investigate, and a new regulator was installed by noon. It was a pretty slow leak, so there should still be enough propane to get me through the winter. Crisis averted!

 

[WIchickMama]

Since Honey is kind of a "food" name, how about others -- like Pepper, Sage, Rosemary? Many of my critters (and my grand dame hen is an Buff Orp named Honey) have old-fashioned women's names.

Our original ladies have old-fashioned women's names (Winifred, Rosie, Maybelle, Rebekkah and Ginger), the 3 12 week olds are a mix (Luna, Copper and Daisy). Honey was named by my daughter who said she looked like fresh honey I like Rosemary! I was also thinking Cora--so maybe that will be it Honey, Cora and Rosemary....I like it. Thanks!

Less windy here today but much cooler and damp feeling after last night's rain. Not much going on outside today, lots of desk work to do today and a work training this afternoon. Hubby is getting the snow plow put on a truck he bought last week, the old truck goes on the road for sale today. It has been so dusty with the farmer's clearing the soy beans and corn that being outside is yucky right now, especially for my girls and their allergies. So today is house cleaning--laundry, sheets, vacuum, bathroom and kitchen floor.

And then tonight a cup of tea and a book by the fire.

 

[jvls1942]

we didn't name many of our chickens. only the ones that
had something unique about them. we did name the cows.
and the one sow pig we called Jenny because she was a gift
to us from a good friend named Jenny.
the weather has taken a turn for the best. high 50's for about the next week. I can live with that.

 

[WIchickMama]

Same here Jim, highs in the 50s and I also will take it.

One grumble about fall/winter and chickens, because I wrap their run to keep the wind out it gets sooooo dusty! I have to clean up the waterers every couple days. I have ventilation but the dust settles and doesn't rise. I thought about misting the woodchip/dirt but don't think that will be a solution but cause more issues.

Pops knee joint has swollen up in the last few days, called the vet and she suggested coming in for more xrays. Not sure what they will tell us beyond if the cancer has spread, it will be $400ish to tell us it has spread, which after 2 months we already figured it would happen, I mean it isn't going away. She is getting slower on her feet and sleeping more daily, but gosh darnit her mind is still there. Making end of life decisions stinks.

Oh well, more coffee will make it better, right. Maybe I will bake today, like therapy

 

[Callender Girl]

Making those decisions does stink -- and it never gets easier. Sounds like you are going to give her the best life possible for as long as you can. When my Holly was diagnosed with cancer, I spent a fortune but kept her alive and mostly lively for 18 months. I've never regretted spending that money.

Until the farmers finish their harvest, I see little point in trying to deal with the dust. I had plenty of my own due to the drought, but I'm getting new dust daily, from the surrounding fields, from the endless parade of farm vehicles driving past my property and stirring up the white rock along the road shoulders.

I'm glad you liked Rosemary as a name. I always wanted to name a hen Cora, but my Jim put the kibosh on it because it's the name of a woman he detested.

Jim, we didn't name the chickens when I was a kid; Dad executed quite a few for dinner. But, everybody else got a name -- ducks, rabbits, sheep -- none of whom were eaten. That was the rule: If it has a name, it isn't food. All my critters get names.

Since the weather is holding out, I MAY still get that railing for the deck steps built. A friend is coming out tonight, and she's always eager to work with power tools.

I found an interesting recipe for an apple dessert that I might try baking today. I'm planning to serve a cabbage soup for dinner.

 

[jvls1942]

Barb, I bet your cabbage soup is what we call boiled dinner.
when I put the railing up for the wheelchair ramp,
I attached one end to the porch. at the other end I dug
in a 4x4 post . that railing is solid..
the kids named the beefers.. one was Pokey and the
other was Chunkey . My sister and her kids were here for
a meal one Sunday. Half way through the meal, DD Barby
who was about 10 . said, who are we eating today ?
Chunkey or Pokey ? that ended the meal for my sister.