We had a glimpse of spring for a couple of days and it was sensational. Chickens got free range, donkeys basked in the sun and happiness abounded.
And now we have late winter tugging at our knees.
Yesterday while the hens were paddling around the donkey yard in mid-60 temps, I called out to Ethel. And she walked right over to me. I was so tickled.
This was during the afterglow when she realized I had no treats.
I have to believe her name recognition is the result of spending time in the basement last year following the hawk(?) attack. We spoke to her daily using her name.
When I only had three girls way back when, it was easier to reinforce names.
You'll be relieved to see the winter spillover manure pile slowly disappearing. Pips and Roxie and Peggy relished what was left of the pile and said "butts to you".
Before we leave the chickens I want to return to the last post where we all said good-bye to Sharone. The post title referred to the jinx month of February. Not a joke. I have not figured it out after 11 years of chicken keeping, but it's true I have often lost a bird in that dreaded month. When the month slipped by without incident I'd said, "whew"!
But why? We've all made it through the worst of the winter and them, boom, someone gets sick in February. If anyone has any ideas I'd be anxious to hear.
I'll leave you with a glimpse at Gabby. My lovely who keeps her chic public display, even in the worst of times.
Oh shoot, forgot to take a snap of the orchid starting to open up. I look at the buds every day and huzzah they are starting to burst open.
