Late Summer Camping

This summer was ridiculously busy, and at the same time, sort of uneventful. Out first camping trip got rained out, but we were lucky enough to squeeze one in before school started. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and warm, but not to warm, cool nights, and no rain! We didn't do a whole lot- a quick trip to Eastport, a short hike, walks in the campground, and dinner at Helen's in Machias was all we needed for a super trip to Cobscook Bay State Park. Now for the photos!

campsite visitor #1

our site

Campsite visitor #2- this guy slept in the tree above our tent all night.

Sunrise

Oops, I wore sandals, no socks and shorts. Only 2 of the little buggers got me though!

Shackford Head

Aquaculture in Eastport

Can't We All Just Get Along???

Adding the 5 new comers to the existing flock was not without it's problems! A few bullies emerged ( my two white rocks) and because of this, one of my new buff orpingtons obtained a bloodied rear end. We brought her in for the night, and then coated her almost non-visible wound with blue-kote and sent her back in the next day.

almost done!

All 10 of the chickies

 And now, after a week, everyone is getting along. Also, we are done with all of the structural building on the coop and run. We spent 6 hours yesterday putting up the posts and chicken wire. Joe will make the door today. The chicks are all about 7 and 9 weeks now, and are better than watching TV! We bought a pair of Adirondack chairs and have the set up facing the run...

Peaches having a treat

Spring, in general

         Spring in Maine is really a funny thing. It can be lovely and awful at the same time. This being said, there are many more things that I like about spring rather than dislike, for instance, when the snow has all melted, and when the first buds on the willows start to show. They remind me of something Bob Ross would have painted with a dry big round brush, more yellow than green, almost like a glowing halo sitting atop the bare branches. I also get very excited when certain wildflowers start to bloom, I feel the need to point them out to anyone I might be with. First are the Stinking Benjamin's (Purple Trillium) There are literally hundreds of them in the woods line around the house. Everything else is mostly gray and brown at this point, so it is extra exciting to see the carpets of these woodland flowers make their way up through the earth.

       Gray and brown are two of the things that can tend to make spring more on the awful side. The mud and the bare branches, although a change in scenery from the dirty snow can tend to wear out their welcome rather quickly.  There are times when it feels like years from the end of the last bits of snow until the time when all of the leaves and lawns turn green. It's not actually the colors themselves, its the anticipation, and the waiting that can be so hard to handle. There are things that make it somewhat easier- making maple syrup for example, or pawing through seed catalogues and planning out a garden, but most of the time, no matter what you do,  it still feels like ages for spring to really happen.

    And once it happens, it happens so fast, you almost can't remember that it wasn't this way all along!

Spring chicks

Ever since I can remember, I have wanted chickens. I bugged my grandfather when I was younger, and since I have been married, I have bugged my husband. It was never the right time or place, but since we have been living in our house for 3 years now, with plenty of space, this was the year! He finally said "go ahead" so, before he could change his mind I placed my order though Paris Farmers Union in Winthrop. I ordered two Plymouth Rocks and four Aracaunas. Looking back, I wish I had ordered about 4 more ( why, I do not know, it just seems like more chickens might be better!)
   Progress is being made on the coop- slow progress. My Grandfather (who will be 85 this year) is helping Joe. The thing should be done by the time the girls are ready to go outside.

 On another note, My Grandfather found me this lovely teakettle- in a dumpster at his sisters house. He could not find the top, so he suggested I plant a flower in it- it will " go with" the new chickens...!