It's been some time since my last blog post...our garden is asleep for the winter and now is 4 times the original size! Before the last frost we (meaning Craig) tilled up a 30ft x 9 ft section of our yard to be another garden. The smaller original garden will now be for garlic (which we plated in the fall, 60 cloves!) herbs and potatoes for next season! That's the good news....
The sad news is that we lost one of our hens, Cocoa Rocket, a barred rock...beautiful, vibrant hen...Never in my wildest dreams would I understand how anyone gets attached to chickens...but alas...it has happened. I love my hens. They are a part of my family and get treated as such. They eat oatmeal, yogurt, fresh greens.....what ever I think they might like to enjoy daily.
The other day, Craig went out to close up the hen house and noticed that only 3 of our hens were inside their coop. Cocoa Rocket was not in the coop on the perch....he looked and noticed she was under the coop, in the same position she was in early that day. There was also one egg next to her...her egg. Her first and last egg. What had happened???
After an hour researching online about what could of happened, I figured that she was egg bound. She wasn't showing any symptoms of being sick, no worms, no respiratory infections, no bullying from the other hens...no predators can get them..so this was the logical explanation of what had happened to her. Egg bound is when the hens have an egg, that is lodged inside of them...sometimes it breaks inside them, which as you can imagine is painful and not a nice way to be....she had the egg, clearly couldn't pass it for a while and then when she did, it took her life.
Now mind you, I know this is just a chicken, but if you've never owned them, its hard to understand that anyone can get attached to them. But we did and still are. It's been hard to understand how this could happen and clearly her sidekick, Skillet, is upset as well. Today she laid an egg outside on the ground, and not in her nesting box, which is not the norm.
So, today is Christmas and I'm still thinking about my dear Cocoa Rocket...even after my day has been filled with my 3 sons, my job and my friends, she still remains in the back of my mind.
So, here's to you Cocoa Rocket...you will be missed and will always be our beloved hen.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Comfort "Things"
As a child, I would read in a sunny spot on my bed or a chair for hours. I would often just read my mother's magazines, a Sears Catalog and of course the books that my Mom had around our house. My favorites were anything that would take my young mind on a journey...getting me out of Maine..far away.
It's funny now that when I return to Maine, I long for those memories that I had as a child and wonder where most of them went. Old age? selective memory? All I know is I miss memories that I know I have locked away, but for some reason, they are gone.
Have you ever smelled something and it's brought back a memory from your childhood? Those to me are special moments. Old books, apple pie, wool blankets, vintage quilts...these are some of the triggers of fond memories as a child. I have had some not so good memories come flooding back by other smells...but luckily, I've forgotten what they are..again..old age?
When I go to a yard sale, church fair or even the Salvation Army, the vintage things I long for often have a distinct memory of my childhood...and they are always good memories. When I find a knit pillow, old quilt, vintage book or anything else that's vintage that screams my Grandmother's camp or my Grandmother's house...I have to have it...For some reason I need to have it in my possession, knowing that I will sell it eventually (hopefully) but for that brief moment I'm holding it, smelling it (if it indeed has a scent and its not a bad one!) it brings me back to the few memories I have stored away that give me comfort and contentment.
They say that we crave comfort food when we're in emotional need, but have you ever felt like you're craving comfort "things"? I truly believe that these things can be very comforting, even if you're not a collector or selling them, but just having a couple of memories around your home can give you peace and a sense of belonging in our big, crazy world.
Enjoy the memories you still have and try to preserve them somehow..because one day you wake up and those memories can be hard to bring to the surface, with everything else we clog our lives with, they deserve to be a part of you and not lost forever....
It's funny now that when I return to Maine, I long for those memories that I had as a child and wonder where most of them went. Old age? selective memory? All I know is I miss memories that I know I have locked away, but for some reason, they are gone.
Have you ever smelled something and it's brought back a memory from your childhood? Those to me are special moments. Old books, apple pie, wool blankets, vintage quilts...these are some of the triggers of fond memories as a child. I have had some not so good memories come flooding back by other smells...but luckily, I've forgotten what they are..again..old age?
When I go to a yard sale, church fair or even the Salvation Army, the vintage things I long for often have a distinct memory of my childhood...and they are always good memories. When I find a knit pillow, old quilt, vintage book or anything else that's vintage that screams my Grandmother's camp or my Grandmother's house...I have to have it...For some reason I need to have it in my possession, knowing that I will sell it eventually (hopefully) but for that brief moment I'm holding it, smelling it (if it indeed has a scent and its not a bad one!) it brings me back to the few memories I have stored away that give me comfort and contentment.
They say that we crave comfort food when we're in emotional need, but have you ever felt like you're craving comfort "things"? I truly believe that these things can be very comforting, even if you're not a collector or selling them, but just having a couple of memories around your home can give you peace and a sense of belonging in our big, crazy world.
Enjoy the memories you still have and try to preserve them somehow..because one day you wake up and those memories can be hard to bring to the surface, with everything else we clog our lives with, they deserve to be a part of you and not lost forever....
Sunday, October 10, 2010
LeeLees Closet
A while back, Craig started making these beautiful wooden pendants
At first, he was giving them away as gifts to our family and friends, but then I realized, after people were asking for one...wait a minute..we need to sell these!
So, I created LeeLees Closet on Etsy,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/leeleescloset
....if you say "what's Etsy?"...I'll first fall off my couch with shock..then pick myself up and slap you! www.etsy.com
Is the END ALL/BE ALL that is handmade or vintage...very simply, if you can make something, or have an eye for vintage/retro goodies, you can open an Etsy Shop.
Etsy has a huge following. You can purchase some fabulous one of a kind gifts, have custom orders made and see what creativity lives throughout the world.
I love anything vintage/retro...hence, my wedding theme. If my Grandmother had it in her house, chances are...I'm drawn to it. Linens, bowls, utensils, cookware, you name it..I want it...
So, since I can't possibly use all of the things I pine for, why not collect them in my creative way (yard sales, Salvation Army and auctions) and sell them on Etsy!
Mammy & Chef
Salt n Pepper Shakers
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| Vintage Green Handle Bowl |
Finding and getting these treasures ready for Etsy is more time consuming that you would think. First, its off to find them...sometimes I luck out and find them at the most random times, other times, I'm going to yard sales to see what treasures I can find and have a poker face while I'm buying something for $2 that I will later sell for $25......Yes, that happens.
Once I find them, its time to get them ready to shoot to create the listing. Sometimes, I need to research what I'm selling to make sure I'm selling it appropriately. Other times, I just want to be able to share it with someone and not really concern myself with a huge profit. My theory is, if it makes me happy to find it, then hopefully it will make someone else just as happy to own it....
The things I find usually have some kind of personal connection to my past...whether its a vintage tablecloth that reminds me of my childhood or something that I wished I had, but never did. And of course there's the times that I just think it's cool as shit and I have to buy it!
Remember what once was, is now not only usable but probably has it's own memories that can be carried on with you. Why buy something new when you can find something old that will do as good of a job if not better and probably look a hell of lot cooler in your house at the same time...
Embracing the old may bring back memories you might of forgotten about...try it.. you might like it...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Balancing Act...
Do you ever wonder how you do all you do? Balance work, family, friends, hobby's...if you're lucky to even have any hobby's. Lately I've been wondering what I want to be when I grow up.....being 44 and loving what I do but knowing deep inside its not what I'm meant to do in my life is a startling realization.
I've been thinking lately I need to do something that means more....that has more of an impact in this world..but what exactly that is..who knows...All I know is I can't do what I do for ever. That would be like Flo on Mel's Diner being a server until she's 50??? No thanks....Its like a great TV show that ends before it gets too old and people get sick of it..that's how I feel my career should end.
Don't get me wrong. I love what I do, but at times it can be very stressful. Not physically, but mentally draining...more draining than people realize. My job is to be the go between between the hotel and meeting planners who have budgets to follow, bosses to answer to and help them pull off an amazing event, while making them look fabulous.
In the meantime, I have to please the masses at the hotel and follow the rules that are set before me. So in a way, I juggle personalities, rules and details on a massive scale....and maintain my cool and keep a smile on my face when that smile should be seen...
The good thing is I have the means to vent when needed to my co-workers..if I couldn't, I'd definitely have some kind of coronary disease..stroke.. you name it that's related to chest pains and shortness of breath.
In the meantime, I'm finding my way in our adventures in backyard farming and gardening. These seem to be the things that are keeping me balanced and sane at the moment, so I'm embracing it and not asking why.
I've found over the past years that my changes have been for the better and to just embrace them and not ask why....why do I feel the need to be more self sufficient? I think its because I feel the need to make an impact in this world because some day I feel we're all going to look at each other and say "Shit...we F'd up big time" We are spoiled, name brand driven, materialistic, fuel gorging humans who have taken for granted what we have and some day we're going to wake up to nothing...
As I've said before, I love a great bag, shoes...jewelry, but my NEED to buy them has faded as I realize that the immediate gratification may be nice, but the long term happiness is short lived and often guilt ridden.
I'd rather figure out a way to make my own bag, buy a gorgeous vintage pair of shoes or make my own jewelry. This gives my creative side a chance to shine and not be crammed down deep under the work must come first theory.
So, when you're feeling like a circus trapeze star juggling everything in life, remember this..what makes you happy short term is exactly that..short lived....sometimes the things that make us happy long term might take longer, but the rewards are much larger and more satisfying...
I've been thinking lately I need to do something that means more....that has more of an impact in this world..but what exactly that is..who knows...All I know is I can't do what I do for ever. That would be like Flo on Mel's Diner being a server until she's 50??? No thanks....Its like a great TV show that ends before it gets too old and people get sick of it..that's how I feel my career should end.
Don't get me wrong. I love what I do, but at times it can be very stressful. Not physically, but mentally draining...more draining than people realize. My job is to be the go between between the hotel and meeting planners who have budgets to follow, bosses to answer to and help them pull off an amazing event, while making them look fabulous.
In the meantime, I have to please the masses at the hotel and follow the rules that are set before me. So in a way, I juggle personalities, rules and details on a massive scale....and maintain my cool and keep a smile on my face when that smile should be seen...
The good thing is I have the means to vent when needed to my co-workers..if I couldn't, I'd definitely have some kind of coronary disease..stroke.. you name it that's related to chest pains and shortness of breath.
In the meantime, I'm finding my way in our adventures in backyard farming and gardening. These seem to be the things that are keeping me balanced and sane at the moment, so I'm embracing it and not asking why.
I've found over the past years that my changes have been for the better and to just embrace them and not ask why....why do I feel the need to be more self sufficient? I think its because I feel the need to make an impact in this world because some day I feel we're all going to look at each other and say "Shit...we F'd up big time" We are spoiled, name brand driven, materialistic, fuel gorging humans who have taken for granted what we have and some day we're going to wake up to nothing...
As I've said before, I love a great bag, shoes...jewelry, but my NEED to buy them has faded as I realize that the immediate gratification may be nice, but the long term happiness is short lived and often guilt ridden.
I'd rather figure out a way to make my own bag, buy a gorgeous vintage pair of shoes or make my own jewelry. This gives my creative side a chance to shine and not be crammed down deep under the work must come first theory.
So, when you're feeling like a circus trapeze star juggling everything in life, remember this..what makes you happy short term is exactly that..short lived....sometimes the things that make us happy long term might take longer, but the rewards are much larger and more satisfying...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Chicken Head Farm Headquarters....
The girls are getting settled in...weather is getting colder...Fall is coming..life is good.
Because I want our girls to feel at home and loved..we decided to give them some flowers and decorate their new home with a splash of Fall...
Matilda and Poochy are total BFF's.....while the 2 younger girls seem to stick together and are getting used to Matilda being a total bitch to them at times....I try to tell her to be nice..but...she doesn't listen...pffffttt why cant she understand?
Because I want our girls to feel at home and loved..we decided to give them some flowers and decorate their new home with a splash of Fall...
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| Chicken Head Farm Headquarters....2010 |
Here are the founding board members of the coop:
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| Matilda...the head Hen...Don't F with her..she's the head of the Hood... |
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| Poochy..aka..Matilda's BFF... |
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| CocoaRocket...5 months old....super chill girl... |
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| Skillet...5 months old..aka..super fast..last one in at night... |
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| The girls chillin...Chicken life is good... |
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
First Egg....sighhhhhh
On Sunday, September 12th, one of our hens laid her first egg for us...Now mind you, these hens have been laying before they arrived here, but it took a while for one of them to get comfortable and give us her labor of love....
What you can't see is two things:
The truly beautiful pale blue color....which did not show up because this was taken with my phone and,
There was a CRACK in the egg!!!
Unfortunately, our hen's egg shell is a bit thin because of the stress of moving and getting settled. So...when she laid her egg...she accidentally broke it.....
It was like waiting in the labor room...listening and watching Poochy all day...she'd go in and out of her nesting box, kick out all of the hay...we'd put the hay back..she'd kick it all out....UGGHHH
Then the noise began...now let me explain the best I can in this format...its kind of like what a rooster sounds like..only more feminine? They say that when they are getting ready to lay and even right after they lay, they make a lot of noise...I'm here to confirm that..they make a lot of noise.
Finally, in between our dinner with friends, I snuck out to peek in the nesting box and YAY, her beautiful light blue (Martha would be proud) egg was there waiting for me to collect it......I brought it in, held it high and announced the arrival of Chicken Head Farm's first egg!!
Our evening was followed by a lovely dinner prepared by me...Roast chicken dinner with all the fixins, but no worries, my girls were all safe in their chicken coop...not on our dinner table.
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| My First Egg! |
The truly beautiful pale blue color....which did not show up because this was taken with my phone and,
There was a CRACK in the egg!!!
Unfortunately, our hen's egg shell is a bit thin because of the stress of moving and getting settled. So...when she laid her egg...she accidentally broke it.....
It was like waiting in the labor room...listening and watching Poochy all day...she'd go in and out of her nesting box, kick out all of the hay...we'd put the hay back..she'd kick it all out....UGGHHH
Then the noise began...now let me explain the best I can in this format...its kind of like what a rooster sounds like..only more feminine? They say that when they are getting ready to lay and even right after they lay, they make a lot of noise...I'm here to confirm that..they make a lot of noise.
Finally, in between our dinner with friends, I snuck out to peek in the nesting box and YAY, her beautiful light blue (Martha would be proud) egg was there waiting for me to collect it......I brought it in, held it high and announced the arrival of Chicken Head Farm's first egg!!
Our evening was followed by a lovely dinner prepared by me...Roast chicken dinner with all the fixins, but no worries, my girls were all safe in their chicken coop...not on our dinner table.
Our New Family Members.....
So, our chickens have finally arrived! After Craig's gruling 3 days of finishing the chicken run and getting everything ready for them, we're finally proud owners of 4 hens!
Let me introduce you to them.....Poochy, Matilda, Skillet and Cocoa Rocket! We let Roman and Christian name theirs...poochy (Americauna Hen) and Cocoa Rocket (Barred Rock Pullet)
My hen's name is Matilda (everyone hates my chickens name!) and Craig named his Skillet (Lakenvolde)
Craig did such a great job building the run, plus we totally made out with products that were purchased through Craigslist and even free through Freecycle.com
I particularly LOVE my door on the coop. I found it on Craigslist, its vintage (which is a classier way to describe something old...) and paid only $5 for it!! DEAL!!! The chicken wire was found through Craigslist as well, 2 whole rolls for $15! Normally, the wire sells at Home Depot for $60-$70 per 4ft roll.
Its reassuring to know that they'll be safe and sheltered while we're at work. Like a new Mom....I worry at work and wonder what my girls are doing while I'm away...are they fighting? Are they behaving themselves? Are they bothering the neighbors???? Do they miss me? ok, that last one was a tad ridiculous...but...do they?
Every morning I wake up around 6:30am, roll out of bed, thrown on something to cover up myself, step into my cool pink rubber boots and happily go check on my girls. I open their coop door and peek in...softly say.."good morning girls"..they of course say good morning back..in their own hen banter...I open their door to the run and they all jaunt out to greet me.....Usually the first to enter the run is Matilda..my hen, the boss of the pack. Then the others follow behind, cautiously watching me as I fill their water and refill their food if needed.
Then the cleaning of the coop begins...of course, my pink rubber gloves are put on....
and .......
Until tomorrow...
Let me introduce you to them.....Poochy, Matilda, Skillet and Cocoa Rocket! We let Roman and Christian name theirs...poochy (Americauna Hen) and Cocoa Rocket (Barred Rock Pullet)
My hen's name is Matilda (everyone hates my chickens name!) and Craig named his Skillet (Lakenvolde)
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| The girls roaming.... |
I particularly LOVE my door on the coop. I found it on Craigslist, its vintage (which is a classier way to describe something old...) and paid only $5 for it!! DEAL!!! The chicken wire was found through Craigslist as well, 2 whole rolls for $15! Normally, the wire sells at Home Depot for $60-$70 per 4ft roll.
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| Flower Boxes and all! |
Its reassuring to know that they'll be safe and sheltered while we're at work. Like a new Mom....I worry at work and wonder what my girls are doing while I'm away...are they fighting? Are they behaving themselves? Are they bothering the neighbors???? Do they miss me? ok, that last one was a tad ridiculous...but...do they?
Every morning I wake up around 6:30am, roll out of bed, thrown on something to cover up myself, step into my cool pink rubber boots and happily go check on my girls. I open their coop door and peek in...softly say.."good morning girls"..they of course say good morning back..in their own hen banter...I open their door to the run and they all jaunt out to greet me.....Usually the first to enter the run is Matilda..my hen, the boss of the pack. Then the others follow behind, cautiously watching me as I fill their water and refill their food if needed.
Then the cleaning of the coop begins...of course, my pink rubber gloves are put on....
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| My One Glove Magic... |
My FAB Pink Rubber Boots.....(thank you Target)
The shavings are replaced, poop cleaned out, water changed and food checked to last the day...then I'm off to work to focus on my day and not worry too much about my girls...well at least I try to not worry about them....
For now
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