32 Days and Counting -

32 more days until the Garden Walk.

This is where you'll find me most days from 5am til 8pm.

Of course I take time in between there to teach Aaron.

We've started Physics of all things.

'All motion is relative'

If it rains I take time to clean and cook.

Glenco likes rainy days.

I try to stick to my routine, but sometimes, it's just impossible.

I've had a lot of drop in company - and guess what - I've not cared!

The garden is coming along pretty good. There are certain things you have no control over - like the weather - or the comfrey patch deciding to flop over - or a maple branch falling and breaking down a section of tall perennials.

I vacillate between freaking out, thinking it looks great, and just not caring.

If I could just find a happy medium there.

Truthfully, I think it's looking 'ok'. I'm not feeling GREAT about it, but I'm learning that there are more important things in life to worry about.

In 32 days I'll begin to worry about those things.

There's been an awful lot of carnage here at The Coop.

Last Sunday, in a freakish downpour, all seven of my guinea babies drowned.

Luckily, Glenco was the one that found them, so I don't have that image burned in my head.

It's all too much to type - how it happened.

I bawled like my best friend had died.

I'm not sure why I took it so hard, I think it was just the thought of how they died.

We had a bit of Pasty Butt on the babies.

Lady Gaga passed away from it.

This un-named Polish baby survived it.

I've been doing things like this:

And this:

Just look at that chicken's face.

It speaks volumes!

I actually inserted a mineral oil soaked Q-tip up the baby birds vent.

Anyone that knows me, knows how difficult this was for me.

Glenco hit his head on a tree branch last week - and needed me to see if 'there was a flap' that needed stitches.

My butt puckered up and I almost fainted.

For real.

I'm actually a little light-headed just typing about it.

I'm not sure what it is about carrying baby birds in my bra that I enjoy so much.

It's like having a little company with you at all times.

I've not been pooped on yet.

They like it in there.

Perhaps I should try incubating a few?

Whilst the chickens suffered from Pasty Butt, I have suffered from Pastry Butt (see second photo in post) It's a debilitating disease.

Good news is I've lost ten pounds.

I can no longer bear the moniker "Bee Whisperer"

I've been stung.

Twice.

It hurt.

Bad.

Bees are frightening.

Here they are conspiring how they are going to get me next time.

I just know it!

The ducks fly all over the place now. What I thought were two females, have turned out to be a male and female. I didn't realize that the male's feathers color up later, after they are a few months old.

It's funny to see them fly around the yard.

They still come up to the house every night and follow me out to their pen.

I adore them.

I adore Paula Deen too, but that's another post.

So, now I call them Maude and Claude.

Maude went missing the other day, breaking my heart, as well as Claude's.

She returned.

Such a relief.

I thought perhaps another drake had won her heart, and she flew off into the sunset with the scoundrel.

Poor Claude would be a widower for the rest of his life.

Luckily she came to her senses, and returned to her soul mate.

Bun Bun, the rabbit - is trying my patience. I gave her a huge fenced in area - even planted raspberries for her to nibble on - and the darned thing is trying to dig her way out!

Why can't she just be content?

I think she could ask me the same questions.

Touche' Bun Bun - touche'.

My chickens are still fabulous, and entertaining me so much.

Fifi - went broody - for one day!

I was so proud of her, and sooooo excited - planning a baby shower and everything - I mean, I was EXCITED! I hope this means that she's going to go broody soon. Perhaps I should make a nest of golf balls to get one of those stinkin' hens to set.

All in all, life is really fabulous - just busier than I'd like it to be - but guess who's in control of that?

Me.

How I spend my time is one of the few things I can control.

I count my blessings, and just try not to think about the other things.

Like anyone, I have my share of ups and downs.

I've come to realize that I'm easily overwhelmed, and that I worry a lot.

I've not visited one dang blog in weeks - I'm sorry.

32 days.

Then I'll sit with my feet up and drink sweet tea.

Until I can plan my next scheme -which I'll be sure to tell you all about.

We are still having fun on Facebook.

I pop in there for a few minutes a day, and it's been so fun interacting with you all.

Right now it's the best way to contact me if you have any questions.

If you haven't joined us yet - take a gander

Tales from the Coop Keeper

By the way - all of these photos were taken by Aaron.

He's still blogging over at Pixel Perfect.

Thanks for all of your comments and emails.

I really do miss you all!

32 days