So much to Do!

We have had a few nice days, some much needed rain and there is still a hint of the aggressive heat of this past summer. The Hummingbirds have gone, it is so strange as the last few days they flew around me and yesterday two perched on the squash outside the bedroom window and stared at me. Today we have seen not a one and the feeders are full. Were they letting us know they would soon be going to their winter  homes? I already miss them!

We have been busy with all the things we got behind at and Ralph got the first of the cover crop, minutes before the rain. The harvested area of the East Garden in now in Austrian Peas and Sorghum Sudan grass. We purchased a small spreader and then Ralph went over it with the power harrow and that seems to have worked well, scuffling the seed into the ground and then packing it firmly.

There is a lot more to flail mow and last night Ralph mowed while I took photos of the poultry. I so wish I could explain how good they are for ones spirit. Ralph was getting exasperated with them as they tried to get every bug the mower disturbed or scratch tasty roots right in front of him.

So here is the evenings work in photos!

A hen with 3 chicks, she was having quite a time as the chicks went crazy looking for bugs and ran in 3 different directions after them. Just as she got them rounded up after one bug hunt they would rush off on another!

We really love the Buckeye hens, they have grown into lovely hens and have such character. They always look so serious!

"Shoeless Joe" our main rooster, he is really quite special and knows it. He is so good to the hens but most certainly boss Rooster!

 

He does take a good photo.

The Buff hens are sweet and so friendly, anyone who wants sweet quiet gentle chickens that are a lovely golden should get this breed. They are chatter boxes and always clucking or brawking!

 

 The young Royal Palm turkey's go everywhere and walk at a near jog, they chase grasshoppers all over the big field.

 

This is where Ralph had mowed, the poultry was all over it. They get a lot of grubs but they also like the fresh chopped weeds. 

Now I know there are no photos of the actual working going on but it was. I just got distracted by all the goings  on.

Remember the house chick? Well she is still coming in to the house to roost on her chair. If we do not get to the door when she wants in she has now taken to perching on the yard light above the door! She knows we will not miss her here.

Here is an example of a snack around here. Litchi Tomatoes and a yellow Tommy toe. So tasty!

We had this strange cloud formation to the east of us after a storm blew through here the other day, it bathed the place in a strange pinkish/orange light, quite beautiful.

This is the sunset on the west side of the place the same late afternoon as the odd clouds.

Now this is not one of our Chickens. She is a Silver Laced Wyandotte that belongs to our neighbor who cuts our hay. He has a nice small flock and they are free range too. She was watching me as Ralph and Jim discussed the hay field plans.

 Some of our Black Mexican Corn, I think the drive for crop uniformity has taken a lot of the fun out of harvesting. These cobs are just such a wonderful range of colors and even the sizes are handy. Small for children and the LONG ones for corn fanatics. It is not a sweet corn as such, but in the milk stage just as the color starts to show faintly, it is really good table eating!

Now last but not least...I love cut flowers to brighten a table but we have not got them here...yet. I also love the feathers from the turkeys so this is my vase on our table. I never need to water it!

 I hope this meander about the place has entertained you. We have nicer weather to work in so there is a lot on the go, but thats part of a small farm, growing your own food, being more self reliant and living well. I look around us and I  know money cannot give us any more than the gift God bestowed on Ralph and I with this opportunity.  God Bless you all and be safe and live well.