Summer in Full Swing

Bees are so very busy, almost time for our first honey harvest.  The chickens are laying an egg a day.  Our garden is giving us fresh veggies to eat, although this year's tomato crop is not looking so good.  Usually tomatoes are my pride & joy, but the plants look a little sad this year.  The kids are breathing in as much summer as possible.  And, we are outside as much as possible.  This absence from the inside of the house means it is usually a mess, but I am ok with that because summer is sweet and fleeting.

The Polar Vortex and Our Crew

It has been a very cold and snow-filled winter.  Some days dipping to -30+ wind chills.  Yikes!  In hibernation mode trying to accept the season as a time of rest.  As much rest as you get with 3 children that have been "cooped up" for months - so much snow but too dangerously cold to enjoy.  It is funny how many sayings come from the chicken world, such as the above "cooped up". The ladies got put in an inexpensive coop in our garage on the extreme cold days.

 I am sure they are growing just as impatient with the cold and confinement of winter.  On days that are at least above 0, we let them stroll and pick at the snow and veggie scraps we leave out for them.

There is hope of spring as we reach the end of February.  I dream of the wonderful smell of thawing earth!  Until then, the kids will revel in snow fort building on the days we get that aren't polar vortex extremes.

MIA

 Yeah, fail - haven't been so great at keeping on top of the goings on.  At all.   Well, the chickens are all laying now.  The youngest laid her 1st egg on New Year's Day.  Nice fruitful way to begin the year.  I am not superstitious, but I am going to say that is a good omen for the year to come!