Monday, December 19, 2011

December 19th, 2011

Not much to say today, I've just noticed more folks following my blog of late so I wanted to thank them.  To all who have stopped by and want to keep doing so, thank you! Sure it may not be the thousands that came after my write-up in the Seattle Times several years ago, but I like this even better.  Folks not looking for a quick fix, but a sustainable future. 

Speaking of sustainable.  My hens may not give me eggs forever, but whoever thought their egg production would fall off in the winter (moi) was sadly mistaken.  I've had to give away dozens and dozens of eggs just to not feel so bad about not using them.  We don't eat eggs every day, but we do consume our fair share.  But when the girls are giving on average 3 eggs a day it adds up quick. 

I have to thank my wife for stepping up and taking care of the hens all week when I'm at work.  She gathers the eggs, feeds and waters the hens, and gives them that added human contact that they like so much.  And to think hens were completely my idea that I had to wear her down just to let me get them. 

I still do the cleaning.  Speaking of which, this weekend I had to clean out the coop after only a few months.  I'm not sure how, but the bedding almost looked wet.  I'm pretty sure I don't have leaks, though with all the ventilation I'm sure the dew gets in.  That and since the hens have been cooped up almost exclusively since the grass stopped growing, they soil it more.  Not that I'm complaining, the moist nitrogen rich bedding is great for the compost, which is almost full. If only I had some other greens to add to it. Maybe I'll have my wife swing by Starbucks for something other than a Chi Frappochino.  Hehe.

Well folks, that's about it.  My fall garden is not overwintering nicely so I will end up feeding it to the chickens, but at least they'll get something other than organic feed and kitchen scraps.

Take care and stay warm!

10 comments:

  1. I've had no eggs for weeks now. Hens went broody, then molted, one laid a few eggs after molting and then stopped. You're lucky!

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  2. HI Richard! Jeezzz, it has been quite a while! So you're back working again, and.... YOU HAVE CHICKENS! OMG! That is just too cool! Don't you just love them.... It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Yes, a never ending supply of eggs... eggs that you don't have to "wonder about". You know exactly where they came from and you know that they are fresh and good for your family to eat.

    I'll have to email you - not much gardening here for at least the last year. I'm so ready for a break... I want to just get my hands dirty again. But eventually things will slow down so I can.

    Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

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  3. Happy New Year's Eve, Sinfonian! I hope that you continue to have the too-many-egg problem. It's wonderful that they're still laying for you! Those must be some happy hens!

    Hope 2012 is a great year for you, your family, and your chickens!

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  4. Hi there Sinfonian,
    I've stopped by to look at your blog - you are definitely a GIYer (Grow It Yourself) with kids, trying to be sustainable and do the right thing. I thought you might like to know about the website I launched last for gardeners like yourself(and me). It's called SmartGardener.com

    I'm the designer and looking for feedback ( interested in how your kids might respond to it as well). It's a free personalized service that helps you design your own garden layout, figure out what and how much to grow, set up a care and maintenance schedule and even shop for seeds through sponsors like Peaceful Valley Farm Supply and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. If your interested, I'm growing this one person at a time, so please take a look and pass on to anyone you know who cares about what they eat and wants to expand their definition of local to include … their own backyard.

    Thanks,
    Kristee
    Founder

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  5. Wow, what a great find!
    Really enjoyed your blog and writing style! Keep it up and can't wait to read more...

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  6. Hey dude your epic potato post is making the rounds again. Hope you are well, keeping busy and planning for spring!
    http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
    Cheers! - Erica/NW Edible

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  7. Found your blog on garden forum.com, loved your potato planter post. Hope you keep posting. We lived in your area after we graduated college. Loved the berries up your way. We are now in Utah. Fairly decent growing season.

    Happy Gardening!

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  8. Have missed your postings about your "farming" adventures, and how much you and your kids are enjoying them. Hope things are OK at home and at work.

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