Peep-Peep

I have been waiting for the feed stores to get the kind of chickens I want.    My first chicken that my brother gave me was an Australorp.  I loved that chicken.  I miss Snacker!    Yesterday was my lucky day.  They had them!  I got one Australorp, two Barred Rock, and two Lakenvelders.

Their brooder is the pack n play that I used when the grandkids were babies.  Now it serves the purpose of chicken brooder perfectly.  I will keep them in my sewing room for about 6-8 weeks, and then transition them outside, and when fully feathered out, they will go into the coop with the other girls.
Here is the brooder.  I have a light for warmth, and then I keep a screen on top, both to keep other animals out, and them in.

They are all very active and healthy.  Here is one of the Lakenvelders.  Love her topnotch.

They have names.  I have named them after my Dad's sisters, Aunts and mother.   The two Lakenvelders are Emma and Ella.  The Barred Rocks are Hilda Guard  and Laural Lee.  The Australorp is Constance Rose.

That last couple of times I have raised chicks, I used shaved pine for their bedding.  When I got my supplies yesterday, this was suggested to me.

ABM.  It is a condensed bedding that expands upon getting wet.  It is so much cleaner, and less flyaway than the shaved pine bedding!  I highly recommend it!
The coop and run got a good hosing out, and cleaning yesterday too.  I sure hope they will welcome their new sisters when it comes time to have them share the coop.

My grape iris are blooming all over the yards.  So pretty.  And so fragrant.

All of the blooms are pretty now.  The geraniums by my front door.

More Iris in the front planter.

Pumpkin Hill is filling in nicely.

Spinach is ready to eat.

Peas are sweet and delicious, right off the vine.

I am thinking maybe a Caesar Salad with dinner tomorrow night.

Tomato plants are getting tall and loaded with blooms.  There will be lots of tomato sandwiches soon.

 My first bloom on the zucchini.

I plant in 6 week intervals so that I have a continuous supply of veggies coming in.  I put in a whole new set of seeds yesterday. 
These 5 girls will try to do anything to get inside my garden and dig it up and eat the greens.  I have to keep this make shift fence up, and even had to weave sheets and towels through the lower slats to keep  them from sneaking in.

Today was in the 90's.  Several loads of laundry and sheets dried in no time at all on the line.

I could honestly live without a clothes dryer!
This afternoon Erika had Noah's 6th Birthday Party!!!  I can't believe that he and Hannah are six!  And little Clairey is 4!  Where has the time gone?   Noah was so excited for today.  For the past several days, Erika has been running herself silly getting things ready for his party.  He has been counting down the days.  He had several of his class mates, and friends, and cousins come to celebrate with him.

Doesn't he look proud! 

 He had a "Mario" party.  The decorations turned out so cute!

He was very thrilled with his many gifts!

Some Cousin Love!

Birthday Wishes.

So much fun.....and a very happy little boy!  Happy-Happy 6TH Birthday Noah!!  We love you so!!!
XO  Kris