tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42616064877397487042024-02-20T06:56:08.024-08:00Four Fruitcake FarmAnniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-5703984348238846512015-01-13T18:17:00.001-08:002015-01-13T18:17:07.419-08:00Farmstead Photo Dump<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've been able to blog. We've been quite busy around here. Instead of telling you all about it, I thought I'd let the photos do the talking...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Bwts9rqX7ny3FjghAlG8rVD0g76FvcyhvI0xshrg1lEbzGg8jn8ar4ElJ4zKyfEi1YKW0kE3D7JOqhzP3Rm24hHtng-S8qiaheknIrGovoE2o5pgu55IIjeNm1NYGEWWLrIy-2CrXGNs/s1600/IMG_8658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Bwts9rqX7ny3FjghAlG8rVD0g76FvcyhvI0xshrg1lEbzGg8jn8ar4ElJ4zKyfEi1YKW0kE3D7JOqhzP3Rm24hHtng-S8qiaheknIrGovoE2o5pgu55IIjeNm1NYGEWWLrIy-2CrXGNs/s1600/IMG_8658.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Winter set in, in earnest, and the sight of it never fails to leave me awestruck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The girls aren't as enamored with the cold as we are, spending most of their days huddled in the coop. The coop, surprisingly, is ALWAYS warmer than the outside air temperature, and is, obviously, drier. The "babies", who are not really babies any longer, seem to love to frolic in the snow...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our poults (the chicks we raised) are growing quickly. The girls should begin laying at any time now, and Jefferey has found his voice: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We've had some excruciatingly cold weather. The humidity climbs here during the winter, and so the sub zero temps combined with the humidity makes for some amazing <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hoarfrost?s=t" target="_blank">hoarfrost</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYnx_mIwJm21vDz_sd6k544uKFCvDaDO8bhZakmeMyBxtbsOvtVPqVglxd50oSKfNF_UUpsOMmEFkuyNHIZbRdE_ruY79t5PRO07K-hn9jGobF_cjlUrillTBsIMszw9kaRHME1QqTrn5/s1600/frosty+grasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYnx_mIwJm21vDz_sd6k544uKFCvDaDO8bhZakmeMyBxtbsOvtVPqVglxd50oSKfNF_UUpsOMmEFkuyNHIZbRdE_ruY79t5PRO07K-hn9jGobF_cjlUrillTBsIMszw9kaRHME1QqTrn5/s1600/frosty+grasses.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My man continues to keep our home toasty warm with the firewood he's harvested and continually cuts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On sub-zero days, I don't envy him the task. Frankly, I don't envy him the task in any weather! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We received several inches of snow around Christmas and have enjoyed it since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found a fabulous photo taking site during a hike. Unfortunately, you have to hike into the back country for about an hour to find the site. Think I'll keep that one on my "not now" list of picture sites. I was glad on this day, to have my camera, though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had grand plans for a Christmas card using the two pictures above. Then, those plans changed to a New Year's Card. And now? Now, you just get to see them on the blog. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Heh, heh, heh...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Before deep winter kicked in, Mr. Farmer Man started working on a greenhouse using upcycled windows and timber. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While we have some finishing touches, I now have an amazingly huge (and free!!!) greenhouse. I can't wait to order seeds and begin planting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Over the Christmas holidays, our friends' heifer calved. What a blessing it was to meet this sweet baby when she was only hours old. We've since had several opportunities to spend more time around "Annabelle" and I have even had my first milking lesson on her mama!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We've had a great winter in terms of wildlife sightings. Elk, deer, coyotes, wolves, foxes, skunk, eagles, hawks, and quail. While most sightings are either too distant, requiring binoculars, or too quick, we do have frequent quail visitors. Watching their little heads bob and their plume shake is truly entertaining. It is also interesting to see the babies' plume as a little shoot, while Dad's is quite impressive. Their coloring is exquisite! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are loving winter! There are challenges (keeping critters' water unfrozen, getting out of the road/driveway after a heavy snow, needing 15 minutes to get dressed to go outside, etc.) but the benefits far surpass the challenges. We have enjoyed hiking, walking, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowman making, snowball fights, real snowcone making, and all other other fun activities that snow and winter bring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Confession time: The layout of this particular post is driving me CRAZY!!! I cannot figure out why some of my photos are centered and others are not, and why the text is not uniformly spaced between the pictures! Perfect I am not!)</span> </span></div>
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Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-58724152450123544022014-12-06T19:35:00.001-08:002014-12-06T19:35:54.944-08:00The Girls<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, you've followed along for Parts <a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-poultry-palace-part-one-let-it-begin.html" target="_blank">One</a>, <a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-poultry-palace-part-two-varmint.html" target="_blank">Two</a>, and <a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-poultry-palace-part-three-it-is.html" target="_blank">Three</a> of the Poultry Palace's building. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFz6aVBx487gM66YZph5x1AUcZFsnbKBJDaJbtBYZrK0ikwZLI1oSjyJTar8uqrLYdzVeFfx0Gbv-gVJmAj9I_Z0s9dD1j6rMeqNYVViTUFYnY-0FMr0ZCIA_ILI4ct9MElz0ZnA14SGX/s1600/IMG_8042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFz6aVBx487gM66YZph5x1AUcZFsnbKBJDaJbtBYZrK0ikwZLI1oSjyJTar8uqrLYdzVeFfx0Gbv-gVJmAj9I_Z0s9dD1j6rMeqNYVViTUFYnY-0FMr0ZCIA_ILI4ct9MElz0ZnA14SGX/s1600/IMG_8042.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now, you probably want to see who gets to live in such nice digs. Right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was in such a hurry to have chickens that were laying eggs that I scoured the internet for options. I thought I would buy birds from the local hatchery, but apparently they don't have any chicks after July. Something about colder weather and little birds not mixing. Go figure...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEDdhdB0gUj6YF18VQT76ZMxHWPiEKUn3a-Ntvx0Ga85vALepGDMXiZgiuw1hbZkZnaypGAZD87e0IzNzpESeDLd2ehg3Gna_LgQwKkQPbWYQtVIT71R_nu1gXvFitP3nhaGyukf0cq-g/s1600/DSC_9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEDdhdB0gUj6YF18VQT76ZMxHWPiEKUn3a-Ntvx0Ga85vALepGDMXiZgiuw1hbZkZnaypGAZD87e0IzNzpESeDLd2ehg3Gna_LgQwKkQPbWYQtVIT71R_nu1gXvFitP3nhaGyukf0cq-g/s1600/DSC_9305.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So then I searched on Craigs List. And searched. And talked to locals. And posted on Facebook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And then I hit gold. A guy had listed 300 (!) laying hens for sale. I didn't want near that many, but after talking to the man, I found out that I could buy the 14 I was looking for. He assured me they were all in good health and that they were all laying. So, we packed up the car with the dog carrier and drove two hours to get our girls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEsCDPlA-fJ7_-3vWXqaeScubvj03c2J9tEEJqZqrdIBWVgG3FsAslLmVWf8Ltb2u7NEEBbopTQGvx9XvInLJ6VUXJWIBEFm2r9jZPnwPZK3jrHIsX5r6Gvo2iIWEETZGbdQxqxc_gW6v/s1600/IMG_7934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEsCDPlA-fJ7_-3vWXqaeScubvj03c2J9tEEJqZqrdIBWVgG3FsAslLmVWf8Ltb2u7NEEBbopTQGvx9XvInLJ6VUXJWIBEFm2r9jZPnwPZK3jrHIsX5r6Gvo2iIWEETZGbdQxqxc_gW6v/s1600/IMG_7934.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When we arrived, we could see why Animal Control was taking the birds. The conditions were deplorable. I did not see any feed or water. It was a barren piece of land with an abandoned, old garage on the property. And, 230 chickens were shoved into the garage. It was crazy!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeWCvJhCemRD64PNMA5kfIgoTuP-Q3vvZzFbHBGNOnEoWXh2rWjvZQG2sgBZTga0SP70R__TWIiejHcnNg5pBuIQLtPVS9zCRI3WFVIk8fXrZ9Qru90xVHLDr3TKtx5ZsZbocxFRCUBSd/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeWCvJhCemRD64PNMA5kfIgoTuP-Q3vvZzFbHBGNOnEoWXh2rWjvZQG2sgBZTga0SP70R__TWIiejHcnNg5pBuIQLtPVS9zCRI3WFVIk8fXrZ9Qru90xVHLDr3TKtx5ZsZbocxFRCUBSd/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We looked at the chickens, and though it wasn't the best circumstances, we knew we wanted some birds, and felt that we were rescuing some of them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17r03muWXNcrANQq1PgHsLxP91sVqPae_dL4wCTfPQdCahURMcq-WS1MGUNxzp-am7_GEB3tMkjLf4nPf_H3RKbvfxtNM1DTGSj559Faeg1SJqQoGy1kHrbuKnVCf0l_fxDoIMiLozT56/s1600/IMG_7935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17r03muWXNcrANQq1PgHsLxP91sVqPae_dL4wCTfPQdCahURMcq-WS1MGUNxzp-am7_GEB3tMkjLf4nPf_H3RKbvfxtNM1DTGSj559Faeg1SJqQoGy1kHrbuKnVCf0l_fxDoIMiLozT56/s1600/IMG_7935.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We packed up 14 of them and headed back home. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOZmqJu3FLLDRMc55ZHlQJr91G8Ze4uHbcma64lTkbwY0e-ugFCOLx9aRp8x2bzH8RVNMfN6LItIGPHFI0cindfg2avSQqHxG6J6munU9mRUW_BWsam7kYRGBurvr-165lclMfhJRRV1m/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOZmqJu3FLLDRMc55ZHlQJr91G8Ze4uHbcma64lTkbwY0e-ugFCOLx9aRp8x2bzH8RVNMfN6LItIGPHFI0cindfg2avSQqHxG6J6munU9mRUW_BWsam7kYRGBurvr-165lclMfhJRRV1m/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After about a week, we noticed that the girls seemed to be doing a lot of preening (bird term for itching and taking care of their feathers). After doing some internet research, and doing a few very personal checks of our chickens' skin, we realized our girls were infested with lice. Ewww!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh7VC15hBS_hbnF8Q3nIIezq6CAiUdj0_yLIraz_RrW_cP_NYcjAiB6fU8bfIWE6oqWF7RbdXrHQA6He3aDV0zRUSo7EOWQVfe2RPmD74H4I46j3ytyO7n-LhJbxHesevLOvNqZ_V07RQ/s1600/DSC_9309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh7VC15hBS_hbnF8Q3nIIezq6CAiUdj0_yLIraz_RrW_cP_NYcjAiB6fU8bfIWE6oqWF7RbdXrHQA6He3aDV0zRUSo7EOWQVfe2RPmD74H4I46j3ytyO7n-LhJbxHesevLOvNqZ_V07RQ/s1600/DSC_9309.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Since we're going the natural route with our critters, we decided that we would try a Poultry Day Spa in order to get rid of the itchy wee beasties. So, each chicken was treated to a luxurious 3 pool dip. 10 minutes in a vinegar/water bath, 10 minutes in a Dawn/water bath, then about 5 minutes in a rinse bath. I would have some FABULOUS pictures, however I was elbow deep in dipping chickens and couldn't stop to take pictures. Crazy thing? The girls seemed to like the warm baths. They'd make a low, deep purr while in the water. After they were done being deloused, one of the kids would dry them and hold them close for a few minutes in the warmed coop. The girls didn't like this part too much. A chicken cannot regulate her own body temperature, and relies on her feathers to trap air to be warmed, and therefore warm her body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wet feathers = cold, cranky hens! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TvCzL8GwzDKROZb80pX8aRv3vr4dnGqHFKpWTV6_DHt3GsTQV7oiRatfW1kIhgjEEnjcZT0lEdt2u1MwLlVtEFOTq9kij_02yQsdpr5ZwORgXsjxV-SrwubXlg-E4JoWkQWQMXnWLxpu/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TvCzL8GwzDKROZb80pX8aRv3vr4dnGqHFKpWTV6_DHt3GsTQV7oiRatfW1kIhgjEEnjcZT0lEdt2u1MwLlVtEFOTq9kij_02yQsdpr5ZwORgXsjxV-SrwubXlg-E4JoWkQWQMXnWLxpu/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After dispensing with the wee beasties, we thought eggs would be pouring out of the coop. We waited with baited breath for our first egg to appear. It seemed to be taking forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So long, in fact, that we lovingly named the birds, "The Freeloaders."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLeAR_X61ScdWZCRtwd1cBL8z_x-MzSFH4FM5j_Ab5gBPZJPIY5IBWz4xdnH0knFpJ4oWDDRmPUKGOPdAXD9HCcb2o4DKR79KUNsBFK9DvhNR2IVc7PogAva00Q0F2ZgYBIc6GVE4Ofeg/s1600/IMG_8088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLeAR_X61ScdWZCRtwd1cBL8z_x-MzSFH4FM5j_Ab5gBPZJPIY5IBWz4xdnH0knFpJ4oWDDRmPUKGOPdAXD9HCcb2o4DKR79KUNsBFK9DvhNR2IVc7PogAva00Q0F2ZgYBIc6GVE4Ofeg/s1600/IMG_8088.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After several different evolutions of nesting boxes, and trying several different things in terms of roost bar locations, etc. we realized that we may have bought old chickens who were past their laying days. The girls were just not laying eggs. We gave them grace due to the stress of being contained in an over crowded garage, and for the stress of being moved, and for the stress of the Poultry Spa, and for the Fall molt. But, after a while, we became discouraged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Freeloaders seemed pretty happy with their cushy digs, fresh water, breakfast in bed, and all the kitchen scraps they could scarf. They didn't seem to be in any rush to give us an egg. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then, one day... An egg!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While we are grateful for any eggs we receive, most of our girls still don't lay. We get 1-4 eggs a day, usually only one. That could be due to the age of some of the hens, time of year, short daylight length, etc. We've decided to let them continue being Freeloaders through the winter. We've culled a few from the flock, and will do so again after the days are long enough that everyone should be laying. So far, culling is definitely the worst part of owning farm animals. Feed and other costs are too high for us to raise chickens as pets. To quote Dave Ramsey, "You don't work, you don't get paid." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For now, we will enjoy the fresh (DELICIOUS!!) eggs we are receiving and watching the antics of silly birds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They are the cooky-est, funniest, most entertaining animals I have ever owned!</span>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-55174239971346035952014-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:002014-12-01T01:00:13.148-08:00The Poultry Palace, Part Three: It. Is. Finished. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, you're back for more? Great! Then let's carry on, shall we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After finishing the hardware cloth flooring, Mr. Man began to measure boards to begin the roof. The view on this particular day was spectacular. The trees and clouds weren't too bad either!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I honestly don't know how he did it. Not the nailing the boards part, but the figuring and measuring and making it all, well, roof-like. I looked at the notes he'd made, and he explained it to me, but all I heard was, "Math, math, math. Blah, blah, blah. Nails." There was only one thing I understood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Needless to say, once the day was out, he'd made the roof joists. Or frames. Or whatever it is called when you put up some boards, all at the same angle, and then lay the roofing materials on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We were able to salvage some metal roofing materials that were left on our property (sometimes it does pay to buy from, uh, less than organized or let's-not-clean-up-after-we're-done-with-a-project type people!) in order to make the roof. Add to that some other metal bits that were around the house and property and we had a water tight roof! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then came the time to get all the boards onto the walls. This was the most laborious part of the job (as if all the rest of it has been a cake walk!) as it entailed milling out each. and. every. board. for the entire stinkin' thing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, Mr. Man milled as fast as his saw could go, and I measured, cut, and nailed the boards to the coop. If I remember correctly, this process took over two days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once the boards weathered on the coop, they shrunk a bit. (First time homesteader note: allow boards to dry after milling before using them in a project.) The kids and the Mr. used a spray can of insulating foam to fill the holes. Once dried, I used a small saw to trim off any extra gooshing bits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then came the run. Oh, the run! Sounded pretty easy. Put up some posts. Wrap chicken wire around said posts. Wah-lah! Chicken run. Um, nope. First, we had to dig down into the hard packed soil. AGAIN with the pick axe!! Because we didn't want varmints to dig under the run fencing, we pick axed (shudder) down about 18 inches and sunk more hardware cloth down and out at a 90 degree angle to the fence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then, we easy peasy lemon squeezy hung/wrapped/wrestled the chicken wire onto the posts. Funny thing: When you measure for the length of wire you'll need for your fence, it might be a good idea to take into account you'll need extra to go around the posts, or you'll find yourself "sewing" together scraps to finish said fence. True story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mr. Man made a beautiful run gate out of wood scraps and chicken wire, complete with a gate latch and an "Oh, Stinker! I just locked myself in the run!" escape lever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And then, one day later, our chickens arrived at their new home. But, you'll have to wait for another post to hear more about them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">P.S. Know that if you come to visit, we will most likely put you to work. No one is immune. Shortly after we finished the coop, my mom came for a visit and spent the better part of two days helping me prime and paint the coop! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Missed the first two parts of The Poultry Palace? No worries!</span></div>
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<a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-poultry-palace-part-one-let-it-begin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Poultry Palace, Part One: Let it begin!</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-poultry-palace-part-two-varmint.html" target="_blank">The Poultry Palace, Part Two: Varmint Precautions!</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGLBlYOVMNdws0HCYyshPHhscHhSdysWZIDMlqTyn-QIafyDjrWZ42OsEe7thv9mWkkC9D_uxEV02oXhwl5wCEGXZvClgITKwkTcTFIidyKHdWtKxbemsZ3r2wsWp9IXIIXhRiCr3oRp/s1600/Red+Tailed+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGLBlYOVMNdws0HCYyshPHhscHhSdysWZIDMlqTyn-QIafyDjrWZ42OsEe7thv9mWkkC9D_uxEV02oXhwl5wCEGXZvClgITKwkTcTFIidyKHdWtKxbemsZ3r2wsWp9IXIIXhRiCr3oRp/s1600/Red+Tailed+Hawk.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had been thinking we'd need to be wary of coyotes, and cougars, and bears. Oh my! And while those are all real threats living where we do, the bigger threats are skunks, foxes, and birds of prey. Varmints!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPri7XYcblz8jat84PKnWTh-kiZ1e9NSBKNoqLyJwYPTJ1Z97XCsoNux_-B9GROS5cqmaTFgxbJFKuOaIVklgOZ-7kYt3y8KSvUrCfoBLzz492vTV1nzfLbMS8iDaW2B7C6NCqynapVXgT/s1600/IMG_7742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPri7XYcblz8jat84PKnWTh-kiZ1e9NSBKNoqLyJwYPTJ1Z97XCsoNux_-B9GROS5cqmaTFgxbJFKuOaIVklgOZ-7kYt3y8KSvUrCfoBLzz492vTV1nzfLbMS8iDaW2B7C6NCqynapVXgT/s1600/IMG_7742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Since our coop sits on the ground, we decided to run hardware cloth along the underside to keep any digging varmints from getting into the coop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNWkXgH0ms9uPBZEQqXDO_01DUJbgF2dbIHoMivV5Ov7jo4TXh0Dp9yHNGmrWPuPE7s1qX_XIs0wZr_0aDO3eLD9jOFZkc0OTgMngBOlQY3v_ASeMB6fLPr27eBrlEeCmc7rnxSw_GTua/s1600/IMG_7753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNWkXgH0ms9uPBZEQqXDO_01DUJbgF2dbIHoMivV5Ov7jo4TXh0Dp9yHNGmrWPuPE7s1qX_XIs0wZr_0aDO3eLD9jOFZkc0OTgMngBOlQY3v_ASeMB6fLPr27eBrlEeCmc7rnxSw_GTua/s1600/IMG_7753.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Remember, it's July. Not terribly hot, but the ground is terribly solid. And, also remember that I Hate. Hate. LOATHE... the pick axe! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After Mr. Man and the kids helped me to dig down a bit (dratted pick axe again!) we stretched the cloth under the coop frame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkdkb5mQqe63-qkr6ie-YaMVgkOZWeEJBQJ9GtmZcAzHahvzXYkSJsfev2_3qDLvkYN_1m51Q6I7UFl8aYpCp8b4z5K8yLCemEzDmBczEo_vN06QewsIIyLhGKVHUvamsK38XdXkgWClq/s1600/IMG_7775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkdkb5mQqe63-qkr6ie-YaMVgkOZWeEJBQJ9GtmZcAzHahvzXYkSJsfev2_3qDLvkYN_1m51Q6I7UFl8aYpCp8b4z5K8yLCemEzDmBczEo_vN06QewsIIyLhGKVHUvamsK38XdXkgWClq/s1600/IMG_7775.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So that they wouldn't form a breach in the high tech security system, the panels needed to be attached to one another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Somehow, this became my job...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I took the 3' wide panels of wire and "stitched" them together using wire and needle nose pliers. I didn't like the lack of dexterity when I was using gloves, and so I did this bare handed. After a couple hours, my fingertips were screaming!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ug5XZHgDm0BQ_encyRLi8evIds6E3sIzOPTPvSNybMESm8jaQob8zXZvgdJUVqsNKJ0slxEJMXEao9b29i2cUPhsS5zEISlUxdO7IUON9ixHB79mHlEYMgCdIqhdjCkpaasFYGUj3p3B/s1600/IMG_7779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ug5XZHgDm0BQ_encyRLi8evIds6E3sIzOPTPvSNybMESm8jaQob8zXZvgdJUVqsNKJ0slxEJMXEao9b29i2cUPhsS5zEISlUxdO7IUON9ixHB79mHlEYMgCdIqhdjCkpaasFYGUj3p3B/s1600/IMG_7779.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was certain that if I didn't get the panels snugged together and practically air tight that something would find the hole and eat my girls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp0ra1PwttS3MncRaDXVOvV4jdNwxeBxrfVqRc3joL8TOC-toKdhp8lEOBQwugHgXCePN1y9k8pYaa8L0P1nm4G9u6dnIRptaUodmi29AUwTW8ovl90aMOMbGsjxaP9qV3pJH5LnNv3Ai/s1600/IMG_7776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp0ra1PwttS3MncRaDXVOvV4jdNwxeBxrfVqRc3joL8TOC-toKdhp8lEOBQwugHgXCePN1y9k8pYaa8L0P1nm4G9u6dnIRptaUodmi29AUwTW8ovl90aMOMbGsjxaP9qV3pJH5LnNv3Ai/s1600/IMG_7776.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> After the wire was secured, we piled all the dirt back on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMEYF2cxs1YOwN1CDUVCFpLSgHB5Q1rvysvNRwZR0BUtyPBL7BWV3wd7b0FZ9pddEKkfDza_nUDuP8ifPr4g1v2UlufVTmtXTrTaYyrgGjTAEFodp387hePR-gMLfT1D1_h8MeCqNoQge/s1600/IMG_7782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMEYF2cxs1YOwN1CDUVCFpLSgHB5Q1rvysvNRwZR0BUtyPBL7BWV3wd7b0FZ9pddEKkfDza_nUDuP8ifPr4g1v2UlufVTmtXTrTaYyrgGjTAEFodp387hePR-gMLfT1D1_h8MeCqNoQge/s1600/IMG_7782.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cR8jZHyoa0ChDO2VcaaS-BYxaNfNfJFdtG9HxspGZgAORoxz4ebX-c-_nSwc8DF4LS_XXgdIgLB-fm-7o9GPxAKlvVUjSyWPo8YmGXWfHoLjFZC9Tqg_cmiHfnUPp7w_r63e3PXRt8vo/s1600/IMG_7781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cR8jZHyoa0ChDO2VcaaS-BYxaNfNfJFdtG9HxspGZgAORoxz4ebX-c-_nSwc8DF4LS_XXgdIgLB-fm-7o9GPxAKlvVUjSyWPo8YmGXWfHoLjFZC9Tqg_cmiHfnUPp7w_r63e3PXRt8vo/s1600/IMG_7781.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPyj-MiZgxvRRDLM0Sa326G0PlZaYjQgmSswhRexu-Hj6cLJiLtz5nS6px8LJJaUVIsnuUGgemRGHFZRAiKd1Lh1cjQ723Eq6lfI6RLkHQFlL2vJqOAz2LjBW6VZpg0dQ-9VaQqfpCXeF/s1600/IMG_7786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPyj-MiZgxvRRDLM0Sa326G0PlZaYjQgmSswhRexu-Hj6cLJiLtz5nS6px8LJJaUVIsnuUGgemRGHFZRAiKd1Lh1cjQ723Eq6lfI6RLkHQFlL2vJqOAz2LjBW6VZpg0dQ-9VaQqfpCXeF/s1600/IMG_7786.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The guys started piling before I was even fished "sewing" the pieces together!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2OQizlcRpq0zcJKHVSCi0Y6bHjzoq4gBP_AjZnLOQdOolduzKu_vqdTUe7kcHMdbH8YsSaEAzj2V8qk35QgTUUR0ZlB0nQFlhCSI-dABzismdqfBuEDypg2QruByDNL_QnkBRi83O_WO/s1600/IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2OQizlcRpq0zcJKHVSCi0Y6bHjzoq4gBP_AjZnLOQdOolduzKu_vqdTUe7kcHMdbH8YsSaEAzj2V8qk35QgTUUR0ZlB0nQFlhCSI-dABzismdqfBuEDypg2QruByDNL_QnkBRi83O_WO/s1600/IMG_7788.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> It was a big project, but one that we felt was essential. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pTtW7K4RvrFgfCFeuvgzDMfKmk6aNDW2EIDXIVkNciRdqcdhuo8jfmWI2d56imhTQ6qAGs50-_C2xBb5qFwLXFuv9zuEbOsdeTg7AmDYT43BagrJnhjBurmHX7zjnb4aofETM6qtXvfo/s1600/IMG_7785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pTtW7K4RvrFgfCFeuvgzDMfKmk6aNDW2EIDXIVkNciRdqcdhuo8jfmWI2d56imhTQ6qAGs50-_C2xBb5qFwLXFuv9zuEbOsdeTg7AmDYT43BagrJnhjBurmHX7zjnb4aofETM6qtXvfo/s1600/IMG_7785.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And, with everyone pitching in and doing their part (!), the job was a great accomplishment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRRBb7zKllphV_Ex1O5TRDYMemcf6L6um3KG0upE8OBkDqEpcd0rPWXDhBLVnLK08W_BHc8BYHozxO1xGKCd6uQz1jvzVGaDEsz5IWjWYJ5KNCiAzfxqDpCkBCneDepCmrB2rYvEVcyR2/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRRBb7zKllphV_Ex1O5TRDYMemcf6L6um3KG0upE8OBkDqEpcd0rPWXDhBLVnLK08W_BHc8BYHozxO1xGKCd6uQz1jvzVGaDEsz5IWjWYJ5KNCiAzfxqDpCkBCneDepCmrB2rYvEVcyR2/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you can see, the coop still had lots more work before we could get some hens in there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We'll get to that next...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Poultry Palace, Part Three: It. Is. Finished. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And, if you missed Part One, you can catch up here: <a href="http://fourfruitcakefarm.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-poultry-palace-part-one-let-it-begin.html" target="_blank">Let It Begin!</a></span><br />
<br />Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-88694378421193285332014-11-27T01:00:00.000-08:002014-11-27T01:00:04.412-08:00We Give Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa-4Y-NB6RsstATteiRTM5NLnamTzDC0I6sazjKTl2sMNwc01bZHgDX10bNSgiZTT6HJbOihZwb2hjTlXUqHSUXAYA-_cDZFozmGxKyE9v9K18mRxroEkrj2FMTERZ62lvqxCMtNvOIrv/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa-4Y-NB6RsstATteiRTM5NLnamTzDC0I6sazjKTl2sMNwc01bZHgDX10bNSgiZTT6HJbOihZwb2hjTlXUqHSUXAYA-_cDZFozmGxKyE9v9K18mRxroEkrj2FMTERZ62lvqxCMtNvOIrv/s1600/barn.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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We are grateful for all God has provided for us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CQ-1XkfqTWd4Zx-973AOUt6M5y9GfPf15C2CWra32hE6zzpEuwMPLGA8Q6wQZ23GgVVCMcUjenF7vtVzYX_kArybr6AUn5IX70Qt6mqE0N9S-ss1JubYMbZLTviGXFtJMnKi5JA9FCL7/s1600/C+in+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CQ-1XkfqTWd4Zx-973AOUt6M5y9GfPf15C2CWra32hE6zzpEuwMPLGA8Q6wQZ23GgVVCMcUjenF7vtVzYX_kArybr6AUn5IX70Qt6mqE0N9S-ss1JubYMbZLTviGXFtJMnKi5JA9FCL7/s1600/C+in+field.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We are grateful for our family's health and well being.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGlfsMlwu1r40sl6ogza5-hWZ_-YSAD29fcY8FQBRIjJvmxPQp3TOdu69QJRw9qZH6KOswMhn8OpltSHS8-X18acRfX4d1xM2asWNy6BxCfyHQ0pVycIgOSZjXm1EY5oI_kni_n5gFT8q/s1600/M+in+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGlfsMlwu1r40sl6ogza5-hWZ_-YSAD29fcY8FQBRIjJvmxPQp3TOdu69QJRw9qZH6KOswMhn8OpltSHS8-X18acRfX4d1xM2asWNy6BxCfyHQ0pVycIgOSZjXm1EY5oI_kni_n5gFT8q/s1600/M+in+field.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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We are thankful for the animals: the dog, rabbit, and chickens. And all the critters and varmints that roam our acres!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbcUtL4X4JKPEr_y-M2Z3NCzLKAe1rGPnfT3tm3VLPk0NiFkWwav4R4ILJWpjYsN8ikUAb7joumNtnD85ddy1pxcUt1-Ri8wTK6chCDlKdW6vDYvJoSaa7kt4YiWhJu2XQmcH39caYS2V/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbcUtL4X4JKPEr_y-M2Z3NCzLKAe1rGPnfT3tm3VLPk0NiFkWwav4R4ILJWpjYsN8ikUAb7joumNtnD85ddy1pxcUt1-Ri8wTK6chCDlKdW6vDYvJoSaa7kt4YiWhJu2XQmcH39caYS2V/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are thankful that our freezer is filled with fruits, veggies, fish, venison, and elk. And probably more bacon than is healthy or advisable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LBsFR0m1TgHt8y2qdAKx6rSq6Www53sCFSc5_72a_CAB3PLWt5_4lqf1R0-NRxWxK9nzwweD2GZyxEeI5RICv2oVixrBJSDh9dPPHo8M1WdKqViUEIOfp2IWZHat3T12q40Wp8iLhDl0/s1600/IMG_8332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LBsFR0m1TgHt8y2qdAKx6rSq6Www53sCFSc5_72a_CAB3PLWt5_4lqf1R0-NRxWxK9nzwweD2GZyxEeI5RICv2oVixrBJSDh9dPPHo8M1WdKqViUEIOfp2IWZHat3T12q40Wp8iLhDl0/s1600/IMG_8332.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We are thankful for a warm home, hard work, and soul-drenching contentment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocDPCI5623aNYwCDDLwAfNCy0gou7H6HHzUAzGJQQxSExB34eKUFfLLnM5R_zwwpNsHIFeUK3wO8OE3BopbE3KwXZzecCu-fJ-PMXY2lH3OH2E23koTSyagEiHpJtcUucMQo0gNtWVVu/s1600/IMG_8343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocDPCI5623aNYwCDDLwAfNCy0gou7H6HHzUAzGJQQxSExB34eKUFfLLnM5R_zwwpNsHIFeUK3wO8OE3BopbE3KwXZzecCu-fJ-PMXY2lH3OH2E23koTSyagEiHpJtcUucMQo0gNtWVVu/s1600/IMG_8343.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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But most of all, we are grateful for our Savior. For the One True God who offers forgiveness, and salvation as a free gift. <br />
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Do you know my Jesus? If not, I'd love to introduce you. In Him is found compassion, joy, and life everlasting. And that is something to be thankful for.<br />
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Today, and every day, we praise God, from whom all blessings flow!<br />
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<br />Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-5970068717199496492014-11-25T01:00:00.000-08:002014-11-25T01:00:00.576-08:00The Poultry Palace, Part One: Let it Begin!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the first major projects we wanted to tackle when we arrived at Four Fruitcake Farm was to build a chicken coop and get some laying hens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We began the project in late July. When the ground was at its driest. And hardest. And most pick axe unfriendly. Good times...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mr. Farmer Man and The Farm Boy started out by leveling the area we'd designated as the premier spot for the coop. Using an axe, hose, and shovel, they dug through the natural grasses to the hard packed earth below. It was a slow, laborious process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Seeing the long grasses with their even longer roots made me have more respect for those brave, strong pioneers who "busted sod" in order to forge a new way of life for generations to come. In fact, there have been many things we've done on our homestead that make me very grateful for the technologies we have today that those who came before us did not have. Even if that technology comes in the form of a pick axe. Dreaded, nasty thing!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After leveling the ground, Mr. Man began to mill the wood he'd felled in the forest. He was able to use the logs to make enough 2x4s to frame out the coop walls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There was also some scrap lumber around the property when we bought it, so we used some of that in the project too. Have you ever tried to nail into weather beaten, old, decrepit boards that seem to have petrified? No? You should try it some time. It's a true test in patience. And perseverance. And attention. Take your eye off that nail for a millisecond, and that hammer will hit your fingers. Every. Single. Time. True story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Everybody "helped" in some way. Brother helped hold up the framework. Sister took photos. The dog... well, he checked our work frequently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And at the end of the day, the building was beginning to take shape. We had a building with wood that Husband had retrieved from the forest, milled, and hammered together into the frame. We had a door and window that were given to us free of charge. And we had sore muscles. Oh, boy! Did we have sore muscles! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Coming up next: The Poultry Palace, Part Two: Varmint Precautions </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">P.S... Please do not gag at my choice of work clothing. While they don't fit well any longer (hello, Clean eating!) and are so unshapely and lack any style whatsoever, these have been the clothes I've worn for any major house project for the last 10 years. They have paint from two different South Carolina houses (babies' rooms!), cement from a Florida house, and they're just nostalgic. Okay? 'Nuf said...</span><br />
<br />Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-64816868767406476652014-11-22T19:18:00.001-08:002014-11-22T19:18:12.284-08:00Catching Up<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I type, it is blowing snow outside. However, I am cozy in our home warmed by a fireplace stocked with wood my husband felled and chopped, and that was stacked by the Farm Kids. The elk roast, harvested by said husband, and complimented by root veggies from several friends' gardens, smells delicious. I'm sure it will taste divine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is just something about being able to enjoy the fruits of your labors. There is a soul-drenching contentment in working hard and enjoying all that God has graciously provided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In our short time homesteading, it didn't take long to learn a few things: The work is hard. It is usually unending. Just when you think you've finished projects or chores, something else pops up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The work is hard. Much harder and more time consuming than I'd expected. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But the rewards are limitless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And my soul is drenched in contentment and my heart is happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now that the weather has turned cold, I find that, while the chores have not slowed down, I am spending more time indoors. That's good news for you! I will have time to get to all the posts and pictures and updates for this blog I've been planning to share for the last five months!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, hold on to your cowboy hats. Or your snow hats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We're gonna get caught up, you and me! </span>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-22670239764279996252014-08-18T03:00:00.000-07:002014-08-18T03:00:02.912-07:00The First of the Farm Critters<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been patiently awaiting the arrival of our first babies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, maybe not so patiently.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePW9_kVuATSAlXa5bwBUv-Y8ggRoyrrWRtAT2kmhdRS5kt_D2scAA6XfUvKgoWzLDXFsSMSMfM4PXJYArOb0X-wwBoG21YoN51CD2E7g4qSTe6oGck2LpgUo0wrzjCQ9Y1hqCxMHgEOOz/s1600/IMG_7854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePW9_kVuATSAlXa5bwBUv-Y8ggRoyrrWRtAT2kmhdRS5kt_D2scAA6XfUvKgoWzLDXFsSMSMfM4PXJYArOb0X-wwBoG21YoN51CD2E7g4qSTe6oGck2LpgUo0wrzjCQ9Y1hqCxMHgEOOz/s1600/IMG_7854.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have had a hard time finding laying hens <i>or</i> chicks. Seem as if hatcheries stop hatching and selling in early summer and don't start again until early spring. Go figure.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We thought we'd have to wait until Spring.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7yuZCo6bFVnTssXPqCYmNmLxxSiK-mYjTH5ZV2IaMnayJM_bPKVvi9OdUkMr4AYgRo-Onko0uGaxrdpmaWpFEu4jWAuowqcbKt5m_Sjksrx2odNvSfCwzpafGdZpOhtiurJQZmx8rkII/s1600/IMG_7848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7yuZCo6bFVnTssXPqCYmNmLxxSiK-mYjTH5ZV2IaMnayJM_bPKVvi9OdUkMr4AYgRo-Onko0uGaxrdpmaWpFEu4jWAuowqcbKt5m_Sjksrx2odNvSfCwzpafGdZpOhtiurJQZmx8rkII/s1600/IMG_7848.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, God provided us with four little balls of fluff. We think we have three hens and one roo. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglV_x79m0zK4CETMMXdEGbB5_-8TUysTZ_5cQtDFsq0BN1NZK9edvt5Uon3UCThy-IOFZHpji3WiaELQZ2LNsjPBi-z2G5OeVZ37IbNItfHwR0_ORvvGWKPv2YuDiLKX4s0kkOI8m08iQ/s1600/IMG_7860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglV_x79m0zK4CETMMXdEGbB5_-8TUysTZ_5cQtDFsq0BN1NZK9edvt5Uon3UCThy-IOFZHpji3WiaELQZ2LNsjPBi-z2G5OeVZ37IbNItfHwR0_ORvvGWKPv2YuDiLKX4s0kkOI8m08iQ/s1600/IMG_7860.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We call them Fluffy, Fluffy Junior, Fluffy Senior, and Jeff.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(If you haven't seen The Lego Movie, these names will seem exceedingly strange to you, I'm sure.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVaRzVlpo2ggZH_w0JoD_7puKgpFMGduSCsnyJujGYADznGwnl-umN95bkHYJHdMVTYGGcpyXbC41V3xZke9A2fE65kRY6gy7pX8N-gudY93GAxuIpHJUu3Vv6gCm__SuLxJfNn-GHUBU/s1600/IMG_7863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVaRzVlpo2ggZH_w0JoD_7puKgpFMGduSCsnyJujGYADznGwnl-umN95bkHYJHdMVTYGGcpyXbC41V3xZke9A2fE65kRY6gy7pX8N-gudY93GAxuIpHJUu3Vv6gCm__SuLxJfNn-GHUBU/s1600/IMG_7863.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess we'd better get moving on the chicken coop, huh?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BaHQxvZILGOVG7CRR0pFKpwzmiWLkaITo-I20D1WibaCWBD7IpJZqC-LRRCtf2YdoqY00zdW_i_TCvpDrp0Xb0DqYUVO0p-10bcIJlRGX5-DdJ-H21y_XeXneGjC9KfDmh-GJFYMcb6A/s1600/IMG_7732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BaHQxvZILGOVG7CRR0pFKpwzmiWLkaITo-I20D1WibaCWBD7IpJZqC-LRRCtf2YdoqY00zdW_i_TCvpDrp0Xb0DqYUVO0p-10bcIJlRGX5-DdJ-H21y_XeXneGjC9KfDmh-GJFYMcb6A/s1600/IMG_7732.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Chicken coop post coming soon!)</span><br />
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<br />Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-6921983918382019492014-08-16T19:47:00.000-07:002014-08-16T19:47:33.574-07:00Where there's smoke...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBd4eC5ZRCK_-7pa9n9SzuoP-29ZaCwTMC32mc8VXRkzNdPKjitKp44BJ0735ZDzs_KVGNtPNbfcdm3A3OY3ZevFFjAmvdKwJV75oKBpk8zu5mvXCgF6QM6YglLpe43jHTSregY6nAufO/s1600/DSC_9130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBd4eC5ZRCK_-7pa9n9SzuoP-29ZaCwTMC32mc8VXRkzNdPKjitKp44BJ0735ZDzs_KVGNtPNbfcdm3A3OY3ZevFFjAmvdKwJV75oKBpk8zu5mvXCgF6QM6YglLpe43jHTSregY6nAufO/s1600/DSC_9130.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wildfires are a very real and consistent danger living where we do.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INsXzRXPlklhd2B0MGMZBXqrfUbBkDYKfqnmq0bVDfKF1Rr92UuRdKMGpYZerJCYcAJYU_5mRDZ_J4wuIr6I0aDRN6Fb6G0WlmACKI_78NGVi6WdR1gHYswStVY6aIzA7wX4IvpP5DTV/s1600/DSC_9131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INsXzRXPlklhd2B0MGMZBXqrfUbBkDYKfqnmq0bVDfKF1Rr92UuRdKMGpYZerJCYcAJYU_5mRDZ_J4wuIr6I0aDRN6Fb6G0WlmACKI_78NGVi6WdR1gHYswStVY6aIzA7wX4IvpP5DTV/s1600/DSC_9131.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many fires are started by lightning, but some have a human origin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22G5K9QEVSwWhbf7ILctrbWR9JxL4nwmDpDSVhVKhxyrMCaNU6G2zGmWVDrRMY_ItRL1kAyIuNQ5EVNUtIqrRaLvnpGxQphH75l0AJYDaNAIwQeD_irbRQ69LKUV9LydOv3GvNZDQY9qx/s1600/DSC_9132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22G5K9QEVSwWhbf7ILctrbWR9JxL4nwmDpDSVhVKhxyrMCaNU6G2zGmWVDrRMY_ItRL1kAyIuNQ5EVNUtIqrRaLvnpGxQphH75l0AJYDaNAIwQeD_irbRQ69LKUV9LydOv3GvNZDQY9qx/s1600/DSC_9132.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are very grateful that we've only had smoke in our valley, and no fires.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU2loccMRlWL26r9JRWo13kvhC7n35ZycwbF4Djuw9Uuj5rWAfSHWsrMzIZcP-gk7F22yEvucjwNhWw53pWyVjg5sB6txr2XgIcGOKo4xRZMsx6CU8NN1_ytVrM50ER3LHI3w7w0uJ6ux/s1600/DSC_9133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU2loccMRlWL26r9JRWo13kvhC7n35ZycwbF4Djuw9Uuj5rWAfSHWsrMzIZcP-gk7F22yEvucjwNhWw53pWyVjg5sB6txr2XgIcGOKo4xRZMsx6CU8NN1_ytVrM50ER3LHI3w7w0uJ6ux/s1600/DSC_9133.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">When you pass through the waters,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will be with you;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18508B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and when you pass through the rivers,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they will not sweep over you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">When you walk through the fire,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18508C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you will not be burned;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the flames will not set you ablaze."</span></span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Isaiah 43:2</span></span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="maintable3" style="background-color: #fdfeff; box-shadow: rgb(0, 51, 85) 5px 0px 20px, rgb(0, 51, 85) -5px 0px 20px; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; width: 100%px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
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Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-13565661099200048762014-07-21T03:00:00.000-07:002014-07-21T03:00:03.798-07:00Meet Buddy -- post and pictures by CraftyGirl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI7jKzPMa5TEmOIKmMM-gtTPH9LYzF1UggqrAJW_FPQSfCMM1Gt9bowck0u1TcPYtR2qG6KLV4DE40u3oqynSGPWilEjtLXeMsm8onpKKlDSGQYV7oxgvkmYJ2L14fYXpC-IWK4VRQB0A/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvI7jKzPMa5TEmOIKmMM-gtTPH9LYzF1UggqrAJW_FPQSfCMM1Gt9bowck0u1TcPYtR2qG6KLV4DE40u3oqynSGPWilEjtLXeMsm8onpKKlDSGQYV7oxgvkmYJ2L14fYXpC-IWK4VRQB0A/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<div style="color: black; font: 9.0px 'Milktop Girl'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Buddy is my sweet, sweet, bunny.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">on the day we got him, we drove 2 hours to a lady who was selling him because she couldn't care for him anymore. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">we found him on craigslist and decided to</span> go take a look. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lucky for me, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We came back with him! he is as sweet as can be, and he loves his new home!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAAm6bdxSKclhWfyIYe_A1e4gGvr7Hlxgzm3CsZxmsefT35sDOAo4vEtgSTtMJExa2ExZ7AFvtxTsi_aoztr-e5gG2YH_vGKAyIgp_k9T7CDeaCOpwSylphIhVB3r6Aww9sfPiiXKvnTp/s1600/IMG_7515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAAm6bdxSKclhWfyIYe_A1e4gGvr7Hlxgzm3CsZxmsefT35sDOAo4vEtgSTtMJExa2ExZ7AFvtxTsi_aoztr-e5gG2YH_vGKAyIgp_k9T7CDeaCOpwSylphIhVB3r6Aww9sfPiiXKvnTp/s1600/IMG_7515.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">buddy was an early birthday present from my momma, my daddy, and my brother. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllEzUhpDSariS8Ui4lM5KLqbON7CfmeAQ3Bl_i7bbAX0poV_Dw7sjNxwer2skCecDfSOnrjQ1AgV24kZnKzEdf45dI5fB8nyhcZCMSLaHxriBIB-xDWHs5MN7qHrPtF-I24EGnRYGAjZf/s1600/IMG_7514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllEzUhpDSariS8Ui4lM5KLqbON7CfmeAQ3Bl_i7bbAX0poV_Dw7sjNxwer2skCecDfSOnrjQ1AgV24kZnKzEdf45dI5fB8nyhcZCMSLaHxriBIB-xDWHs5MN7qHrPtF-I24EGnRYGAjZf/s1600/IMG_7514.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i am currently working on picking him up, although, i know it will take time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVd62g0pdwKQXThaEPFEdtCkcuSXORI_AiUzB4xw4KXlXS1dHNdPViRWmbwwik69PqymWboP2wA5EuJu2xA0gkd2cAkIAxSkxNbw9muxjT58MdwUZU4e6RDEZuz96QJ7aESO8aqAXJQ6j/s1600/IMG_7647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVd62g0pdwKQXThaEPFEdtCkcuSXORI_AiUzB4xw4KXlXS1dHNdPViRWmbwwik69PqymWboP2wA5EuJu2xA0gkd2cAkIAxSkxNbw9muxjT58MdwUZU4e6RDEZuz96QJ7aESO8aqAXJQ6j/s1600/IMG_7647.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he loves to eat carrots, lettuce, and he loves strawberries!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5RjipPttm8gevM1Ncsj7NFsCLN3KsjtjqIVTDueY2voU5xs0Na-RnVSQUDxnmglgdV6H7eS16L5e6jdYNAvm_Oz9JuIRL_x1NSoUHr8M3HY_dEpXhG9dsh7e9b4v7HXlBpsHicjcbLE2/s1600/IMG_7636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5RjipPttm8gevM1Ncsj7NFsCLN3KsjtjqIVTDueY2voU5xs0Na-RnVSQUDxnmglgdV6H7eS16L5e6jdYNAvm_Oz9JuIRL_x1NSoUHr8M3HY_dEpXhG9dsh7e9b4v7HXlBpsHicjcbLE2/s1600/IMG_7636.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i am so happy to have him as my buddy!</span></div>
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Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09594786314320048371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4261606487739748704.post-62113320016200858922014-07-18T15:07:00.001-07:002014-07-18T15:07:34.969-07:00Homestead Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I decided to start this blog, I had great intentions of writing from the moment our feet hit the ground in Idaho. However, as you can see, that didn't happen. So, what has been happening in the 5 weeks since we've landed at F3? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first few weeks we were here were spent unpacking. While our new home is about the same square footage as the one we left, the space is much different, making moving in a bit more challenging. Our bedrooms are of different dimensions, so we've had to get clever with our furniture and storage spaces. We currently do not have any outbuildings, and so all the garage and attic items are either on our porch or in our storage/pantry room. My OCD is constantly twitching with dreams of barns, garages, and abundant space in which to store and organize our junk. Eventually, those things will happen...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've also had time to explore some of the surrounding areas. We were quite pleasantly surprised to find that a small reservoir is only 5 minutes from our home. We've spent time there swimming (GASP! It's COOOOOLD!), and Mr. Farmer Man and the Farm Kids have also been fishing there with much luck with the Rainbow Trout. YUM!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've found our new church home, and met many, many kind and helpful people. We've also already made some great friends, as well as met many other homeschoolers. We've found fun new things to do, and outdoorsy ways to keep ourselves busy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have several projects that need to get accomplished before winter comes, and while it's hard to think of those things when it's 99 degrees outside, we know that the snow will fly sooner than we're ready for it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time, my friends, be blessed!</span><br />
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