Another new addition!

No, no, we aren't pregnant, so don't let that thought even cross your mind.  

I have wanted a cold frame for quite some time.  It is the logical next step on the gardening journey for me. A greenhouse would be wonderful, but the man is extremely hung up on aesthetics.  Beautiful greenhouses exist, but are not something we have the budget for at this time.  A low tunnel would be more than sufficient, but again, not aesthetically pleasing.

It was on the list last year.  You know, "the list" that is ever growing, always being shuffled as time passes and some things become a bigger priority, as money comes available (or not).  Somehow, the cold frame got shuffled to the bottom of the list.  It was looking like it was going to get shuffled again this year, but then I went on Craigslist.  Oh, how I love Craigslist!  I found a lovely 9'X4' cold frame and bought it!  We don't have to design plans around the windows we have, Brandon doesn't need to spend a weekend building it.  It is sitting in the back yard waiting for me to dig out the bed (half done as of last night).

It needs 2 of the plexiglass windows replaced... easy peasy!

Cold frame will go here next to the garden.

 I can't wait to get my spinach and lettuce moved in!

Introducing a New Roo

I am proud to introduce you to Roofus.  He is a 2 year old Blue Wheaten Ameracauna.

Roofus

We got him 2 weeks ago from a neighbor who was thinning their flock.  He is a a handsome devil and he has fit right in with our girls.  I don't know why I am amazed when animals do what they are supposed to do, but it gets me every time!  It really was amazing to watch him assert himself in the flock,  quickly establish himself as the dominant chicken and begin caring for the hens.  He calls them over to feed when he finds good grub, he stands watch and keeps the hens together.  I love him! <3

Such a showoff!

Henri popping in to say hello! 

On a sad note, we have been faced with a tough decision.  One of our hens (Buttercup) has attacked the kids several times.  She began attacking me and after several weeks of trying to rehabilitate her, things were getting worse.  Theo has started to be afraid of all of the chickens and the kids won't play outside without me right next to them!

We decided to try to re-home her.  If we could find a suitable home for her, we wouldn't have to cull her (while we like chicken soup, Buttercup soup may not go over well).  My neighbor (the one who gave us Roofus) offered to take her!  So, she will be close enough to visit and far enough to not be a threat.  Eden shed some tears, but she will be glad to not have to watch her back when she goes out to play.

Bye bye Buttercup.

Also, today is Eden's 5th birthday!  We had a party for her last night.  My beautiful big girl.

Please ignore the frosting hack-job... I told you I'm not a food blogger!!