And then there were 15.

Chris decided to give me additional baby chicks for the day of love (he really does know me).  When I had gone last week, the 3 breeds I had really wanted: Sicilian Buttercup, Ancona & Austra Whites, had not yet been delivered. 

1 week

Luna and her litter went back outside on Saturday.  The cold snap ended with a sunny 50° and a 20° low.  Hard to believe the day before had been 10° high.

The nest box was lined with straw before the kindling box with the seven bunnies was placed inside.  A cowhide patterned fleece lap throw was laid over the roof to block the drafts.  The bunnies, with their round milk filled tummies just burrowed deeper into the straw and fur nest too sleep.

Inside the house, Chris read up on tanning.

New year, full circle

The annual trip to Elizabeth was more enjoyable than usual.  A friend from work came with me on the hour long drive.  The company and conversation made the drive almost celebratory.  We stopped for lunch before picking up 2 of each: Buff Orphington, Araucana, gold-laced Wyandotte and Light Brahma.

Then we headed home, with a stop at Murdoch's for chick feed and Vitamin Cottage for greens.  At both stops, the box of peeping chicks caused quite a commotion as customers and employees alike crowded around to coo over the baby birds.

They are now ensconced in the indoor "mini barn" with Luna and her litter.

Winter arrangements

I woke up this morning with a feeling of expectation.  A glance out the window showed more snow, a surprise since new snow rarely falls on old around here. 

Luna is due.  If she hasn't kindled already, she would by the end of this weekend.   While drinking my first coffee, I checked the water forecast.  Below zero first of the week, necessitating a move for Luna and her future litter.   The adults could handle things with extra straw and wind protection, but the hairless kits would be vulnerable. 

Out into the snow I went and discovered the kits had already arrived.  5 white & 2 black.  

So into the downstairs bathroom she would go.  A small cage to hold food and water and a small rug is all that was needed to turn the guest bath into a micro barn for the next week or so.  By then the kits would have grown a fur coat and the weather should be in the double digits again.

 

 

Window starts

Using a SAD lamp for happy plants.

2013 Goal Roundup

Build hoop house - have a greenhouse Done!
system for indoor winter greens - yes, but only for livestock 1/2 Done, keep on 2014 list
make bacon & ham - I have the pork belly, but have not yet taken the plunge 1/2 Done, keep on 2014 list
have chimney swept - Fail, keep on 2014 list
cord of wood - unneeded, as the fireplace is not suited to use until chimney is cleaned - Fail, keep on 2014 list
1/4 - 1/2 locally raised pig - more money than expected, but have found a farmer to buy from occasionally - 1/2 Done, keep on 2014 list
12 meat chickens in freezer - switched to rabbit Done!  Rabbit is much easier, yum
apricot tree - sour cherry tree instead Done! Reasonable swap
pink pearl apple tree - not yet Sometime in the future, not soon
peach tree - green gage plum tree instead Done! Reasonable swap

Grocery store surprise

While waiting to pick up organic greens at our local Natural Market I spotted this beauty.

I nearly squealed. (Out loud anyway, I totally squealed in my head.)  I have been wanting to try an Arkansas Black apple for years, but never expected to find out outside of an apple orchard.

I first read about them in the late 90's and had thought they were primarily a cider apple, but I read now that they are good storage and eating apples.  (I must have mixed them up with Kingston Black.)

Although after years of build up, I found them disappointing.  The taste was mild and the texture soft and grainy.  They would be fine for cooking.  Apparently freshly picked they are crisper, so the search will continue.

I sliced the remaining apple and added it to the fruit already in the dehydrator.  I am sure this will make them fine eating.