A few pages back we were talking gardens, so I hope it's not too OT to ask about tomatoes. I had two varieties: a yellow plum (just one plant), and a bunch of some allegedly "climbing" tomato called "Trip-L-crop" that was free with an order of other plants. The yellow died fairly recently, after a prolific run. I don't know it that's normal timing or if it had some sort of evil. But the others are just stalled. They are loaded with green tomatoes and it has been *weeks* since any of them have turned red (really, more pink than red). Are they done? Should I just pick the green ones and ripen them indoors or enjoy them fried or pickled? I'm really starting to think they are never going to change.
OK, now for the chickens. So they are 8 weeks old now and my little roo is starting to step up to being the man of the flock. Yesterday they were free-ranging in the last hour of daylight, while I sat outside spinning yard. Pet came up and looked at me expectantly. I asked him if he wanted to go in, and got up to put them away (they can get in without me, but they can't close the door). But they got distracted and forgot for a bit, so I sat down again. Pet came back, and this time the girls followed, and they all made their distress cheep, so I got up and put them to bed. Today it started to rain while I had them out in the yard, so I said, "Come on, guys, time to go in." Only Pet followed me, but the girls follow him.
Now if he learns to share his treats, he'll be the perfect gentleman. I was so stressed to see him turning roo on me, but now I don't know what I'd do without him. He's my right hand...er, wing.
--Caren
