Chickens Ruined My Social Life

Just trying to keep ya'll entertained whilst I'm finishing up the garden for the walk.

I'm this close to being back to normal around here.

This close, I tell ya.

Here's a blog from last June -

Not that I had much of a night life to begin with, but I do have a rather busy social schedule. Cooking clubs, girlfriends, etc. I like to stay occupied. It doesn't give you time to dwell on the things in your life that you want to change.

I've been pulling a lot of early morning weed sessions. The weather has been unbearable here in NW Indiana the last few days. Today will be no different I hear.

Look what I found on my way to the hoe.

Oh, looky here, a mater.

Deciding that I'd had enough of work for the day, and after all it was my day off, I scootered over to Barbara's house to see her and her garden.

Barbara is a lovely lady, and I'd like to be her when I grow up.

She likes drag racing, books, gardening and cooking. Her home is filled to the brim with light and loveliness.

She knew I was coming, and look what she had ready. She's that kinda gal. I love it. It was when I bit into one of these delicious muffins after viewing her garden, the worry began to sink in. Is the rabbit cool enough? Do the chickens need more water?

Then I went and picked up these two rock stars for a day at the pool. Aaron lives in a lovely apartment complex that has a nice pool.

There was a little thunderstorm that cleared the pool out, and when we got there, we were the only ones there for a good hour.

Oh to be young again.

My attempt at art. I LOVE Aaron's little corkscrew curls.

Later that evening, Glenco and I met up with our new friends Neil and Sue at the Model A Car Restorers Club.

I'm thinking....heck, I shoulda put the chickens up. It's 7pm now....should I have put them up? Why don't they go up to the roost box themselves, goofy goofballs. Why did I even get chickens? They smell.

Beautiful cars. I actually think I might like them better than the muscle cars that we always go look at. We have a 64 Chevy Impala. I like these old ones. The lines are so romantic on them. More attempt at art.

The first thing I said when I saw this truck was...."what a perfect thing to bring home goats in."

This car reminded me of Nazi Germany. Why?

We had a lovely time with Neil and Sue, and went out to Steak and Shake after the show. I tried to be polite and laugh and talk, but I was worried SICK over my girls, and could barely eat my cheeseburger, fries and rootbeer. I mean, I left one french fry on the plate for goodness sakes. I was just too upset to eat.

We didn't get home until about 10:30. I ran to the coop. Literally. I counted them. They were all there and accounted for, and I'm sure that if we'd returned home five minutes later there would have been carnage. It actually looked like something had been trying to dig its way in.

Can't even go out for a late night burger. Thanks chickens.

Helen scolded me like a teenager when I got home.

I rolled my eyes. GEEZ. I was right up in Merrillville. My cellphone was dead. I would have called. You shouldn't worry so much. I was with friends.

Omagosh...I'm Such a Hillbilly.....

Since I've been so busy - I thought I'd repost things from last year - and that got me thinking - what was I doing a year ago today - and well - this is a year ago TOMORROW - but thought I'd share it again - since there are so many new readers!

I've also posted a few recipes over at

In the Kitchen with the Coop Keeper

Enjoy!

Originally posted 6-10-2009

or maybe I should title this....My Exodus Off the Internet...I may never show my face here again after this!!!

This is the song I've been singing around the yard. I really can't believe I'm posting this....oooohhh dear...I have rejection issues...this isn't good.

It's going to be another quick post tonight...I'm sorry. I've been running all day since 6am. I even had the flood lights out in the yard tonight til 9:30 just to try and keep up on the weeds. My friend Donna's father suggested that I use Preen. I looked into it, but it says to keep animals and children out of the beds...and well, that won't work with my cats and chickens. I reckon I'll be pulling til the cows come home. Considering I have no cows...it's gonna be a long night.

Glen is playing the guitar for me on this, and Aaron did my hair and is operating the video camera. Without further adieu....

Goodbye forever....

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

Conversations with God

A recent conversation:

Jayme: Lord? Excuse me - you there?

God: Yep, right here Jayms, what's up?

Jayme: Why is it that everysinglestinkin' time I leave the house without making the bed, or doing my chores, that I get unexpected company?

God: Well, Jayme, I'm really working on you.

Jayme: Why?

God: I want you to not care.

Jayme: Oh - well, how am I doin'?

God: Well, not so good, dear.

Jayme: Does this mean - it's gonna keep happening?

God: 'laughs' - Yep.

Jayme: Great.

God: People come to see you - not your house.

Jayme: But what am I without the house, the garden?

God: Mine.

Facebook and Blogrolls

Just thought I'd invite you to friend me on Facebook.

Been having some interesting chicken conversations, and silliness. With my infrequent blogging, due to garden nonsense, it might be a good way to stay in touch!

I've created a group, so you can search

Tales from the Coop Keeper

or

Jayme Arp Goffin

If I were savvy, I could create a cool button for Facebook. If you know how - can ya tell me?

Also, a note about my blogroll.

It's a hot mess.

I deleted it, trying to clean up the blog, it seemed so busy, and then I put it back on - thinking that you all would still be on there - um, no.

Please don't be offended if you aren't there.

I'm still working on adding people.

Just short on time for the moment.

The Great Adventure

Can I just say how much I love my GPS? It's made my life delightful.

I depend on it totally, which I know is wrong - but just let me enjoy the honeymoon.

It hasn't failed me yet, and if I'd listened to it on Monday, I wouldn't have ended up in Michigan accidentally.

More on that later.

I felt that our trip to Tennessee was a pilgrimage in a way.

About a month ago, I woke up thinking of all my family members in the South that I hadn't seen since 1978. I felt we needed to go. I called my sister and she said at that very moment she was thinking the same thing.

We were visiting my father's side of the family. He was born in Murphy, North Carolina. My mom was born in Cosby, Tennessee. I loved going back to where they were from.

Tennessee is BEAUTIFUL.

North Carolina is FABULOUS.

I miss the mountains.

Indiana seemed exceedingly flat and boring on the way home.

One of my very favorite moments of the trip was when Aaron, standing in my Aunt's house said "I never realized my family was so big, I feel like I'm home"

It was a pilgrimage for him, too.

We spent a day in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

I liked Gatlinburg much more than Pigeon Forge.

All that touristy stuff just isn't up my alley.

I'm more drawn to the landscapes, the old farms, the quiet trails.

Where the only thing you shop for is serenity, and the night life is fireflies.

Aaron got to see the dams that his great grandfather helped to build.

Above all, this trip was about family.

I felt a little nervous, considering I'd not seen most of my father's side of the family since 1983, and some as early as 1969.

Would it feel like visiting strangers?

Does she look like she'd be a stranger to anyone?

My sweet Aunt Mae.

She would have a fit if she knew this picture was on the World Wide Web, but I couldn't help but to share it. It's priceless!

Her home was filled with memories of a long, happy life.

She said, "Gary (her son) keeps telling me I need to get rid of half this stuff, but I just don't know which half to get rid of.".

The entire family was so welcoming and accommodating.

If you are reading this - thank you!

Most of the time was spent laughing until we cried.

Aaron fell in love with my cousin Vickie's dog, Buddy.

We plan on returning in October.

Life is too short to let so much time go between visits.

I returned home on Thursday night.

I was still sick. I was sick when I left with an upper respiratory infection.

I had no voice for two days while I was there.

Me without a voice, is kinda like Dolly Parton without a wig.

It just don't happen.

It was good to see everyone when I got home.

My bees were quite busy.

Claudanne learned to fly whilst I was away.

She flies out of her pen everyday now and follows me around the yard.

She dabbles my feet and legs.

I love her to bits.

Isn't she gorgeous?

Maude hasn't taken to flying yet.

My chicken birds still delight me to no end.

The new banty hen, Phyllis, has become my dearest friend.

I've separated her from her babies, I'm not really sure why, but she's a much happier hen now. She is seriously a walking yard ornament.

I adore this bird. Adore, I tell you!

Now, let's talk about what I brought home with me from Tennessee.

I warned you.

I've really been hankering for some guineas.

My aunt had one walking around her yard, and I just had to have it.

My cousin brought me to a lady he knew that raised chickens, quail, guineas, turkeys, etc.

She really liked my purse, by the way.

So, I bought two turkey babies, two polish chicken babies, and then a guinea from another man that we found. Her guineas were all spoken for.

I was on a guinea quest.

I carried the one baby guinea in my bra for two days. I really wish I was joking about this, but I'm not. It was all alone, it didn't seem like it felt well.

When I called Glen on the way home, he heard the baby chickens and turkeys and inquired about them.

"I hope you have a plan" were his words.

"Oh, yea, yea, I have a plan, " I replied.

I had no plan.

Not even a clue.

Where would I put the turkeys and guineas??

Friday morning, I woke up here at home, relapsed - sick.

Exhausted.

Overwhelmed.

There were weeds everywhere.

Boxes of baby chickens everywhere.

(Remember the four I bought BEFORE going to Tennessee?)

I just had me a mini-meltdown.

I made a decision, and called my neighbor up the hill that is more set up for large amounts of poultry. She came and got four chickens (the new black ones) and the turkeys.

Talk about breaking my heart.

I feel better now though, more under control.

I can get more - later - when I'm ready right?

I've GOT to stop putting the cart before the horse.

That brings me to Michigan.

On the way from LaPorte, Indiana, where I found a man selling guineas (I got six more, that makes seven guineas in case you've lost count), I pushed 'navigate home' in the GPS.

In my defense, I was talking to my friend, and it was raining - but the next thing I saw was:

Welcome to Michigan.

I don't live in Michigan.

Let's change the subject.

The garden is looking lovely.

It's where I'm at if I'm not sleeping, homeschooling, eating or going to the bathroom.

The strawberries are coming in now.

Aaron is sick with swimmer's ear in BOTH ears.

He gets this every year when the pool first opens.

Poor little dude.

I snapped this picture this morning - things are filling in nicely. This week is 'do or die' I have to get everything planted, seeds, etc. Then it's just a matter of keeping it weeded, watered and fertilized. I should have plenty of time to spruce some things up as well. I'm really not that stressed about it. Ask me if I am next week, if I don't finish what needs to be done this week!

And last, but not in the least, least - my niece Miranda and sis-in-law Sherie stopped by for a visit on Sunday.

Miranda drew this for me - said it was me.

How cute is that?

I'll save it til the day I die.