The name game

Tweedle Dee

Tweedle Dum

Alice

Juju has a story to tell

It was 4:11 AM when I woke up to a loud crashing noise. Thinking that someone had dropped a bunch of pots and pans I thought "What on Earth is mom doing in the kitchen this early?" So I put on my glasses and went into the living room, planning on investigating the kitchen. As I approached the door to the upstairs I saw what was actually making all the commotion.

Quail were everywhere!

It was a Quail Break!!

(Okay we don't have very many but they are usually in their extra large Rubbermaid tub, not all over the room!)

First I closed all the doors to the room to keep them from venturing to the rest of the house, then I checked out what had happened.

One of the little birds was kind enough to stay inside the bin. But how had they escaped? One section of the wire caged lid had come off. But how?

Anyway, I caught 4 quail and while looking for another one I heard the crashing noise again!

I looked over to the bin and saw the quail jumping up and down, knocking off the lid.

We need to clip their wings again I think.

I instantly ran upstairs to get Mom. After I woke her I ran back down and caught one more by the time Mom got there. We caught 3 more quail together.

We could tell they were tired (or scared) cause they settled down in their tub this time.

We counted them.

8. We counted them again.

Still 8.

We started looking for the last bird. Under the couch. In the fireplace. Under the bookshelf. In the closet (it had been ajar)

Then I spotted it - perched on a canning jar on the counter. I grabbed the little bird from behind (Mom had been about to try from the side, but I stopped her) With a final sequence of protesting peeps it went into the bin. Immediately it snuggled into the pile of already sleeping quail.

We put the top back on - Mom placed a space heater (not plugged in of course) on top to weight it down and we went back to bed.

And overslept in the morning.

raspberries CHECK

After weeks of procrastination the girls and I finally drove the 3 miles to dig up a few plants from a friend's raspberry patch. Including the drive it took a total of 15 minutes. (my excuse of we don't have time once again shot down. This putting things off is just not jiving with logic anymore) We now have 6 canes planted - some new wood, but a couple with berries already started - in theory we will have fruit this fall!!

He also let us try some home cured bacon that he had done in the last few weeks. Both girls informed me, after the sample, that store bought bacon was no longer good enough for them.

After planting the canes I planted Christmas Lima Beans along the wall behind them. Hey, they need to go somewhere!

Gender Confusion

This is the Rooster formerly known as Heather.

I really don't know what to do with him. He seems to be a polite gentleman, keeps an eye on the girls, doesn't crow incessantly or loudly. (at least I don't think so) And he is going to be gorgeous as an adult.

But Littleton doesn't allow roosters.

I am reluctant to eat him though - partly cause he is so small.

A conundrum for sure.

Estes Park Wool Market

Petticoats and bees

Today I had volunteer orientation as an interpreter for the 1860/1890 farms at Littleton Historical Museum. To say I am excited at the prospect of doing chores this summer in period clothing is an understatement.

Although "my" dress is being mended - hopefully in time for my first official day next week - I got to bring boots home.

The cabin shown is original. Shades of Laura Ingalls Wilder! There is even an outhouse! (Including contraband toilet paper) I hope to spend time learning about the bees and the surrounding orchard. But I am thrilled to be learning anything of this style of self sufficiency.

#43 on the list of things that make me smile