The Return of the Grasshoppers

Having so many people tell me that the grasshoppers wouldn't be as bad this year because of the wet spring we had, I was really hopeful that this years garden would be better and that we might actually get to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

 

But today, however, when I walked down the sidewalk and heard what, at first, sounded like the pitter patter of a rain shower on the garden, I was disgusted and disappointed to find the sound was not rain, but grasshoppers jumping from plant to plant in my garden.

 

They're already causing quite the damage to my green beans, and I fear if they continue to come into the garden at this rate, I may completely lose my garden again this year.

Trim in the Parlor

Oh, the moment has finally come! We began working on the Parlor trim this past weekend, and its a bit slower going than we were hoping. Nearly all of the door jambs have had to be adjusted, or resized due to the fact that we had removed the old sheetrock and paneling from the walls. We're not done with all the trim yet, and we have yet to tackle the crown molding, but its looking SO pretty! I'm so excited to see this room nearing completion!

Morning Chores

Here are some random pictures taken this morning, as Baby W accompanied me doing chores.

Eggs! Eggs! Eggs!

As much as I loved having the chickens free-range, it was becoming a real problem. Not only were they constantly scratching up my newly sewn garden seeds, digging in the trash, and pooping on the porch, but they were notorious for laying their eggs where our greedy human hands couldn't take them.

It's because of that, that we were always having to buy all of our eggs. They would lay under the barn, or up in the loft... always trying to hide them. Well those days are over! Handy Husband and I built a large pen for them and we got them all rounded up. Now they are laying their eggs in the nest boxes, as they should. And we will not have to buy our eggs any longer.

Undercover Canine

Tank is such a snugly little guy. He always wants to be under the covers or sandwiched amongst all the pillows. He's so cute!

Baby W's Belated Half-Birthday!

I thought for sure I had already posted Baby W's 6-month post, but it looks like it disappeared somehow. So, a little late, here it is:

 

Baby W is SIX months old! How time flies! He is now weighing in at 23 1/2 pounds, and is about 27 inches long. 12-18 month clothing fits him perfectly! He is getting quite mobile, and while he's not actually crawling yet, he does scoot around in circles and can go backwards in a sort-of army crawl. He is quite a pro at rolling over now.

Furry Friday

Today's Furry Friday spotlight is on Jasmine! Our cats are absolutely enjoying the outside world, after being house cats most of their lives. Jasmine is our adventurer, and while all three of the other cats can usually be found lounging on the front porch, Jasmine will be off exploring somewhere.

The Mighty Tank

We recently welcomed into our home dear little Tank. Although his human parents loved him very much, they were not able to keep him. Handy Husband, knowing how I love Chihuahuas and how badly I wanted one, checked the pet ads daily and found Tank's ad.  We fell in love with the little cutie the very first moment we saw him.

He is such a little character- very affectionate and cuddly. He loves going on walks with me outside and especially loves it when we come across a chicken. For being such a little guy, he picks out the biggest roosters to try and chase!

My Tiny Helper

Well, give him a couple years and he'll be helping! Baby W loves the outdoors so much, and with the four older kids being gone for a few weeks this summer, he comes with me everywhere I go.

He watches me feed the chickens, goats and horses from the comfort of his stroller. He is definitely an animal lover already!

Let There Be Light!

After going two years with no lights in our Parlor/front room, we now have light! And it is so bright and beautiful!

Lowe's had this fixture on clearance for a fraction of the original price, and I think its a great fit for the Parlor.

The View

Ella's Gift

Our one and only naked neck (Turken), named Ella, surprised us with 11 beautifully assorted chicks this past Friday. Three of them shared their mom's lack of neck feathers.

 

Unfortunately, while doing chores this morning, I found sweet Ella's lifeless body, and her chicks were scattered. I've recovered 4 chicks, and have pretty much given up hope of finding any more. I'm sure whatever killed Ella probably got the missing chicks.

The View

First Garden Produce

As always, our radishes are the first things we enjoy from the garden. The boys love getting to pick them. AND eat them!

For the Love of Fowl

Pumpkins in the Compost Pile

After throwing an old Halloween pumpkin into the compost pile, I didn't think the chickens would leave it alone enough to grow. I was wrong!

Future Fruit Makers!

One of the local farm stores had a clearance sale on all of their nursery stock this past week, so we bought 6 fruit trees (peach, plum, apricot and nectarine), 3 blackberries, and 9 assorted decorative and/or flowering bushes/shrubs. 

Furry Friday

Maybelle and Meadow are enjoying the view from atop their picnic table.

Morning Coffee

While all the kids, including sweet Baby W, slept in this morning, I enjoyed my cup of coffee out on the porch. I love living this life. There is nothing more peaceful than watching nature wake up in the morning.