At the last minute this morning school was canceled, again. This time there is a dangerous ice problem. Fine particles of ice were falling, glazing every surface. When I went out to tend the hens, I wore my ice cleats that another DD provided me with last week. It was a good thing, since the walking was treacherous and the stairs had ice on them already. It felt very cold, with a brisk wind hitting my face. The hens rushed out the door and quickly went back in when I arrived. They know to stay inside when the weather is so bad.
I will enjoy having my sweetheart home again today. I love his presence here in the house. It makes me feel cared for and loved.
Cookies in a Jar, a Christmas gift from DD Jo.
Both Tee and I made them last night. Thank you from Maine and NY!
I got two eggs this morning and there was one broken on the bedding. When I went out this afternoon a Rhode Island Red (one of the younger pullets) was sitting on the nest. I didn’t disturb her. The next time a New Hampshire Red was sitting. Again I didn’t disturb her to check under her for eggs. The last time down to the henhouse the nesting box was empty of sitting/laying hens and held four eggs! Yippee!
I retrieved four eggs on the first collection today. I try to go out three or four times since the eggs freeze so fast with this cold weather. The hens have become accustomed to me bringing leftovers and now rush the door when I arrive. If I have nothing they peck at my boots! There are 16 hens, all soon to be laying and one rooster in the henhouse. The other is still under the screen porch crowing up a storm. When Sammy (Zach’s dog) was here she chased the black hen out from under the porch, right down to the door of the hen house. I opened the door and she rushed in, met by Cackles always glad to “get” another girl!
I am doing some decluttering and straightening out today. The house is back in order for the time being. I need to find a way to transport and keep together all my sewing items when I need them downstairs. Right now they seem to spread out very easily .
This buff orpington is just starting to lay.
At 9 below we have entered the freeze zone. Covering all exposed body parts is in order. Staying inside as much as possible is also a good idea. I will tend my hens when the temps get a little higher.
I have completed my census work for the month and can do what I want for about a week. Today is an extra long day as DH has a class after school and won’t be home until 7:30 PM. We are spoiled by shorter days apart and school vacations and love our time together. I miss him when he’s gone. Next weekend will be hard because he needs to go to a conference after class and be gone all weekend! I’ll have to have lots of projects to keep me busy.
