Wordless Wednesday

Sitting on the porch

It's spring and prime porch-sitting weather around here. The weather is warm enough to be comfortable, but the humidity isn't too high yet. In addition, the bugs aren't out in full force yet. So, my husband and I decided to relax on our porch and do some reading and puzzles.

Wonder of wonders, the children didn't follow us so we had a bit of quiet time together. Then, Abby the Ginormous Dog joined us. She's pretty quiet, but really hates to be left out of anything. She offered to help Andy with his crossword (or sudoku, I can't remember). Abby was eager to help but she can't spell. Or count.

Then, she apparently wanted me to read to her. Nothing doin', Big Dog! Read your own books.

Finally, she settled down to what she does best. Lay around and pant. And drool a little.

How's your spring coming along? Or autumn, if you are south of the equator?

Don't Mess with Me, Big Dog

I captured this scene yesterday morning. Abby, the big dog, was trying her best to get Frodo to play. He, apparently, wasn't in the mood for games.

My Morning Routine

My morning routine is getting a bit of a rhythm to it these days. I try to get out of the house as early as I can since it heats up quickly. Abby is my companion for chores, although she can be fickle. Today my son came out and she left me to get a rub down from him.
First on the list is feeding and watering the chickens. I head to the coop and say good morning to the girls. There are 19 others, but these two ladies posed nicely for me this morning. The first one is a Rhode Island Red (RIR). The one below that is a black sex-link, which is a RIR cross. They both are reliable layers of large brown eggs.Here's the waterer, waiting at the faucet to be filled. Later, I'll turn on the sprinkler to keep the chickens cool while it's so very hot outside. Chickens can't take the extreme heat. Last summer, we lost two on one day, so this year I'm determined to keep them cool. Next, I move on the the goat pasture. There's a shocking lack of goats there. For now, I just refill Abby's water and food bowls. But as soon as the goats' shelter is built, there will be more chores to do up here.Last, I water my container plants outside. The lantana is enjoying the hot weather, both in containers and in the butterfly garden. At least somebody likes the heat!


Do you have a morning routine?

"I'm Reeeeaaallly Sorry I Chewed the Table Leg"

Abby the Ginormous Dog's New Doghouse

Abby is our ginormous new dog. She's been staying in the house with us or on the front porch for the last few weeks. But, as we get the goat fencing ready and eventually add actual goats to the homestead, Abby will need a place to call her own out there.

So, we had a friend build a doghouse big enough for her. And for any husband who happens to misbehave.

P.S. My poison oak fingers are much better today. Thanks for the sympathy.

What's for Supper?

We had our own version of taco salad and chocolate cake for dessert. Our taco salad is tortilla chips, topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

Dessert was extra special tonight. My children helped with the baking as their school work for the morning. We added the ingredients (my son learned how NOT to crack an egg) and talked about how they combine to create "cake". We worked together on the frosting and they were in charge of adding the sprinkles.

All supervised by Abby, of course.

A Bit More Work on the Mudroom

The mudroom got a bit further along, but there probably won't be much more done for a few days. The forecast is for rain for the rest of the week. Sigh. On the upside, Abby the Ginormous Dog is settling in well. This was her agenda for today: lie down, walk around the kitchen, bark at the storms, lie down...repeat.

And, Happy Birthday, Aunt Nelle!

Meet Abby

This is Abby (the dog, not the kid). She's spending the weekend and maybe moving in permanently. Abby was abandoned at our vet's office a few weeks ago and is in need of a home with lots of room to play and maybe a few goats to guard.

We are getting to know her and letting her get to know us, as well as Frodo the Wonder Yorkie, and the cats, Domino and Jinx. So far, so good.

Do you think the children like her?