I was born and raised in central IL. The Libby's plant in Morton processed pumpkin harvested from crops grown in and around Manito IL. They would bring them through town (Pekin) in huge open top semi type trailers in route to Morton. One day my father was following one of the semis and saw a huge pumpkin roll off the top and bounce on the street without cracking open. He stopped, picked it up, tossed it in the trunk and brought it home. Made some mighty fine pie.
Well, this week is one for the history books. Didn't feel well until yesterday. Couldn't figure out why my guts were paining me along with some really aggravating gas. Started taking stock of what I was eating and discovered that the sugar free pudding I was enjoying was made with Sorbitol. Well heck. Stopped eating it. Put myself on antibiotics and the pain and gas is easing off and my energy is coming back.
It was hot here today. 93. So I took out cold yogurt, all flock crumbles and cold water and mixed up a batch of wet mash for the birds. They totally enjoyed it. I have one little SDW cockerel from my spring hatch that I had to help out of the shell. Nothing wrong with him but the inner membrane was tough as leather. I had to use my fingernails to tear it then let him push his way out. Rascal is a clown who likes to follow 'mom' around when I'm out there as his chicken mom left him for dead and I raised him and his little sister, also deserted, inside. Today I saw him fight off the older bantam hens so his clutch mate pullets could enjoy some of the wet mash. He's going to be a hand full.