tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58365796134450211102024-03-12T22:23:02.313-04:00Chickens in the BasementChickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-24729314351675784692010-09-21T19:57:00.003-04:002010-09-21T20:11:21.465-04:00The Great ConfessorSince I was little, people have always told me things without me questioning them. My children say it's because I look people in the face and smile which opens the door for everyone to come on in to my space and begin talking. I love hearing what folks have to say!<br /><br />Today, a man who can completely block all light from entering my office doorway just by planting himself in the entry stopped in to tell me about his morning. He grabbed my hand and said, "See the size of your diamond? Well, I passed a kidney stone the same size this morning. And, the second one was a third of an inch long and thinner."<br /><br />An octogenarian friend of mine told me she sleeps naked and never gets cold because she has a down comforter. Plus, her husband loves it!<br /><br />Tonight, I was chatting with Neighbor Terry after our walk. Riley Dog was waiting patiently on his leash as we flapped jaws. As we turned to head home, Neighbor Terry said, "I think Riley just peed on my foot." Droplets did adorn the sidewalk where her foot had just been standing. Riley Dog, it is NOT nice to pee on your friends!<br /><br />Now, I'm off to see what my friends at GLEE have to say!Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-16377610056999954482010-09-13T21:37:00.003-04:002010-09-13T21:46:37.204-04:00Freedom Ride<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">What would it take to get Riley dog to do this?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TI7R4MBA1BI/AAAAAAAACYw/VI2RpDH1vms/s1600/Freedom+ride+(11).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516577356803789842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TI7R4MBA1BI/AAAAAAAACYw/VI2RpDH1vms/s320/Freedom+ride+(11).JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;">Enough puppy treats to put him into a coma!</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The USO of North Carolina hosted the Freedom Ride on Saturday. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chewey</span>, the dog in the photo, rode along with his Daddy on the 80 mile ride. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chewey</span> was rescued from the pound. He was the Belle of the Ball in a canine/biker babe sort! </span><br /></p><div align="center"></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-46227663337959880372010-09-08T21:32:00.003-04:002010-09-08T21:43:19.746-04:00Perks of the Job...<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:180%;">Look who came to the USO of North Carolina RDU Center today!</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514721133864228770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TIg5pytRF6I/AAAAAAAACYg/Q9UNXe2N2Os/s320/Colin+Powell+(6).JPG" border="0" /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">He is my favorite politico! Wonder what it would take to convince Colin Powell to run for President?</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">He took time to pose with a couple of star-struck Marines...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514722323771660994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TIg6vDdTmsI/AAAAAAAACYo/UtYvcNB6dvI/s320/Colin+Powell.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">before heading off to the RBC Center for a motivational speech.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I love my job!</span></p><p align="center">Duh moment...I forgot to have someone take a picture of me with Colin Powell!</p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-29635213726669371762010-09-06T19:47:00.004-04:002010-09-06T20:10:01.136-04:00Contribution from Rick<div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm the mother of two boys. Whenever I ask leading questions to get their opinion on a subject, I usually get "Uhmuhmuhm" (the equivalent to "hell if I know") from them. Finally, Rick has a teacher who asks questions that require an opinion or description from him. Since my computer is the only one hooked up to the printer, I get to read his assignments. This one made me laugh!</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">My Family and My Hair</span></strong></div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Everybody in our family has different hair. My brother has long, straight hair, but he thinks it looks best short. His hair is brown, sort of like mine. My dads hair is short and obedient. He doesn't even have to comb it. My mom has somewhat curly hair, and she always spends too long getting it just right. She has to use a curler a lot, but I think it looks fine how it is. Her hair used to be a sort of blonde but it has been a hundred different colors since. It seems to change with the seasons. At the moment, it wants to stay a sort of reddish brown. My hair, well, everyone in my family seems to want to have the same hair as me. It is long, but unlike my brothers hair, it is more curled at the end. My hair, like my brothers hair, is brown, but I think his is darker than mine. Even though we are all different, we are still a family</span>.<br /><br /><div align="center">~~~~~</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I had no idea he ever noticed what color my hair is. After all, I walked around for three months with green hair before a friend's little girl said, "Miss Anna, did you know your hair was green?" </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, n</span><span style="font-size:130%;">o, I did not! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Her mother was mortified. I wanted to know how long it had been green. My husband informed me it had been green for about 3 months. And, he never told me! Nobody else told me either! What the heck?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">It seems when Loreal ash blonde hair color meets Wake Forest well water, it doesn't remain ash blonde! Electric green is the result!</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-73097382078394921092010-09-01T19:51:00.004-04:002010-09-01T20:03:23.345-04:00How Come...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">How come Riley Dog turns tail and runs whenever he walks in on me when I'm about to get in the shower? Does he think I have removed my fur? Does he want to leave the room before he gags? Is he laughing?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">How come the baggage claim area in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RDU</span> Airport smells like somebody peed in every potted plant in the room? Wouldn't it show up on one of the video cameras if someone relieved himself that often in the potted plants? Am I the only person who smells it?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">How come I always thought Riley Dog was a yellow dog until I forced him to suffer through a long soapy bath (I let him keep his fur on) and he dried off red? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Just wondering...</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-14936328143864713512010-08-22T15:05:00.005-04:002010-08-22T15:22:26.507-04:00Reindeer Summer Camp<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yesterday afternoon, I looked out my bedroom window and discovered several of Santa's flight crew were grazing in the back yard.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1nWY4rQI/AAAAAAAACYQ/NRcJSL1RTNc/s1600/Deer+in+yard.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508313138136132866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1nWY4rQI/AAAAAAAACYQ/NRcJSL1RTNc/s320/Deer+in+yard.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Initially, I thought there were two. Vixen hovered near the woods while the brazen Blitzen was near the house and chowing on my weedy lawn!</span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1nD2kjaI/AAAAAAAACYI/9COMBVLQydA/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508313133160369570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1nD2kjaI/AAAAAAAACYI/9COMBVLQydA/s320/Deer+in+yard+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">We opened the back door quietly and went onto the deck.<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1m9D3mWI/AAAAAAAACYA/8Gb94Aulcgs/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508313131337095522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1m9D3mWI/AAAAAAAACYA/8Gb94Aulcgs/s320/Deer+in+yard+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">He heard us, but wasn't bothered by our presence!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1moueAVI/AAAAAAAACX4/1Sme2CRnGNc/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508313125878628690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1moueAVI/AAAAAAAACX4/1Sme2CRnGNc/s320/Deer+in+yard+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Then, out of my flower bed came this big guy!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1mfympsI/AAAAAAAACXw/FnHeGJzY8zc/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508313123480053442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1mfympsI/AAAAAAAACXw/FnHeGJzY8zc/s320/Deer+in+yard+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Dasher had eaten all of the hydrangeas he could reach and was on to the weeds!<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1Y6NtTTI/AAAAAAAACXo/Ncdnet1PJWc/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508312890054888754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1Y6NtTTI/AAAAAAAACXo/Ncdnet1PJWc/s320/Deer+in+yard+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">If only the stupid pole to the birdhouse wasn't there, this would have been a fabulous shot!</span></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1X_0Jk6I/AAAAAAAACXg/6db6R96cWBg/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(6).JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508312874378433442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1X_0Jk6I/AAAAAAAACXg/6db6R96cWBg/s320/Deer+in+yard+(6).JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I know a few hunters who would have loved to see these guys!<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VhB6MvI/AAAAAAAACXY/lCXZ8ceufJ8/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(7).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508312831754908402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VhB6MvI/AAAAAAAACXY/lCXZ8ceufJ8/s320/Deer+in+yard+(7).JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">When Santa whistled for the crew to return to the sleigh, Vixen beat the boys into the woods.<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VY7lWvI/AAAAAAAACXQ/djkXJ3vu5VA/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(8).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508312829580892914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VY7lWvI/AAAAAAAACXQ/djkXJ3vu5VA/s320/Deer+in+yard+(8).JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> With a challenge issued by Vixen, Dasher was off!<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VLmMYHI/AAAAAAAACXI/EfxNOFKP0Lg/s1600/Deer+in+yard+(9).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508312826001514610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/THF1VLmMYHI/AAAAAAAACXI/EfxNOFKP0Lg/s320/Deer+in+yard+(9).JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Blitzen brought up the rear! I'm sure Vixen won this particular reindeer game!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Santa, you owe me a couple of hydrangea bushes!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">NOTE: Riley Dog slept peacefully on the porch in the garage while Reindeer Summer Camp was going on in the back yard!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-7656918417764662402010-07-25T20:06:00.006-04:002010-07-25T20:47:06.536-04:00Stink Bug Orgy<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:180%;">Last week, we were headed off to the beach for a couple of days. Before going, I had to make sure The Girls were taken care of. The water tank was nearly empty and had more mosquito larvae floating in it than I cared to have chewing on my naked legs in the weeks to come!</span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I hauled the tank up to the faucet and filled it to the top. Since I had already dressed for the trip, I didn't want the tank bumping up against my legs on the way back to the chicken house. Not wanting to play the "female card", I got creative and grabbed the grasshopper (my seat on wheels I use when pulling weeds), propped the water tank on top and headed down the hill. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">When I stopped to readjust the tank, I saw a group of bugs crawling around on the handle. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498007843145034626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEzZAO74q4I/AAAAAAAACWw/gjDmYqgPL04/s320/Stink+bug+orgy+(1).JPG" border="0" />On closer look, I realized all the bugs were paired up. Not only were they paired up, they were end to end. I immediately had flashbacks to dogs who somehow got twisted around during the sex act and couldn't get apart. (The boy dog always looks like he's in pain and the girl just looks humiliated!)</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498009562612006082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEzakUcwfMI/AAAAAAAACXA/xWoS6QO7wc4/s400/Stink+bug+orgy.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Do you think I scared the stink bugs so much when I snatched up the grasshopper and tossed the water tank on top that they spun around and got stuck? I have to wonder!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498005568971222114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEzW72-mLGI/AAAAAAAACWo/AoujZraL6Sk/s320/Stink+bug+orgy+(3).JPG" border="0" /></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Admit it! You read the title and couldn't resist reading it! Right?</span></p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-26904623070709447922010-07-18T20:19:00.008-04:002010-07-19T08:17:17.831-04:00My Clucking Reputation<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Boy! I have been remiss! Ya'll wouldn't believe the beautiful things that have been showing up in my mailbox! I'm beginning to realize that I have a bit of a reputation...</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">a "chicken" reputation!</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495587533476880514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEQ_vqz0YII/AAAAAAAACV4/l0vD6uefqYQ/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">My buddy <a href="http://tinselandtreasure.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> sent this beautiful hanky to me! I was thrilled when I opened an envelope and found this cutey! She has an antique store in Maryland near DC. I can't wait to visit!<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495407211939309266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObvkvDJtI/AAAAAAAACVo/Fr5nuZuAZfk/s320/Chickens+(10).JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Isn't this apron adorable? And check out the close-up of the chicken!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObvxHgNvI/AAAAAAAACVw/wVEHo4ahl6s/s1600/Chickens+(11).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495407215263102706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObvxHgNvI/AAAAAAAACVw/wVEHo4ahl6s/s320/Chickens+(11).JPG" border="0" /></a> One day, I'm going to figure out how to turn my collection of chicen aprons into a vallance in the laundry room. Won't that be cute?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495406149073631458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaxtQH-OI/AAAAAAAACUw/2miEvD_qvvI/s320/Chickens+(1).JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>This cute little hot pad is right up my alley!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObvGcE7zI/AAAAAAAACVg/pBwdtom8MmA/s1600/Chickens+(9).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495407203806670642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObvGcE7zI/AAAAAAAACVg/pBwdtom8MmA/s320/Chickens+(9).JPG" border="0" /></a> And, look at this finger tip towel. Anyone attempting to dry their tips on this cutey might get a smack to the back of the head!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObu4YmOhI/AAAAAAAACVY/ZcdEosA3cr4/s1600/Chickens+(8).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495407200033978898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObu4YmOhI/AAAAAAAACVY/ZcdEosA3cr4/s320/Chickens+(8).JPG" border="0" /></a> Check this out! My friend, <a href="http://kellyaaronmosaics.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a>, made this. She makes all sorts of mosaics with all kinds of fun stuff. Check out her blog to see what she is up to. Look at the butter dish at the top of her page.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks so much for thinking of me Kelly!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObunn2jeI/AAAAAAAACVQ/qXhN4kDRi_k/s1600/Chickens+(6).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495407195534560738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEObunn2jeI/AAAAAAAACVQ/qXhN4kDRi_k/s320/Chickens+(6).JPG" border="0" /></a> I can't wait to play with this jello mold! I didn't have one of these! Can you believe it? If only I could get blogger to upload photos the way I saved them!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495406166927834770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOayvw5fpI/AAAAAAAACVA/7AzaPvF6nvA/s320/Chickens+(4).JPG" border="0" />These cute ornaments and a few of the chickens came from my buddy Gin. She was my swap partner for the Year of Enchantment swap for the month of June. I'm sad to say, Gin is still waiting for her ornaments from me! Don't give up on my Gin, they are coming!</div><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOay2rGvuI/AAAAAAAACVI/PsM6brnasZw/s1600/Chickens+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495406168782585570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOay2rGvuI/AAAAAAAACVI/PsM6brnasZw/s320/Chickens+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a> The theme this month is Gnomes! Isn't his little face adorable?<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaySEzhzI/AAAAAAAACU4/Wm0JmLuOvSE/s1600/Chickens+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495406158958266162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaySEzhzI/AAAAAAAACU4/Wm0JmLuOvSE/s320/Chickens+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Gin had an extra pattern for this, too. I think I have seen these before. Once you sew it together, you add a brick to the bottom to make the chicken stand up straight. I can't wait for time to play with this!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A note came with the goodies from Gin...Do chickens and gnomes get along?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Answer: I hope so because this box is filled with both!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks Gin!<br /><br /><br />Last month, I won this treasure from<em><a href="http://pixiesponderings1966.blogspot.com/"> Pixie</a></em>! I have spent hours perusing the pages of this work of art.<br /></div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495405593743421634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaRYfFcMI/AAAAAAAACUA/rcjnIUIlbNc/s320/Book+of+patterns.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Isn't the cover beautiful!</div><br /><div> </div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaR8m4hkI/AAAAAAAACUQ/EnbEkid91TI/s1600/Book+of+patterns+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495405603439806018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaR8m4hkI/AAAAAAAACUQ/EnbEkid91TI/s320/Book+of+patterns+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> It's filled with crochet patterns. I wish I knew how to follow these patterns and create beautiful clothes!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaRmCLaPI/AAAAAAAACUI/wQ8FaQZQABw/s1600/Book+of+patterns+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495405597380274418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaRmCLaPI/AAAAAAAACUI/wQ8FaQZQABw/s320/Book+of+patterns+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> Like this adorable apron that should never be worn while making biscuits...unless "making biscuits" is your code word for "meet me in the bedroom!"</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495406143707617378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaxZQxGGI/AAAAAAAACUo/pPlIJ8r2Kio/s320/Book+of+patterns+(5).JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Vintage adds were included in the book.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495405611933941778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TEOaScQCwBI/AAAAAAAACUg/nsgSvdBSWj4/s320/Book+of+patterns+(4).JPG" border="0" />And my favorite part is this handwritten ditty:</div><br /><div></div>Cant write shall be drunk</div><div>With my little wigger wagger in my hand</div><div>Wrigh dodwn the curains I shall</div><div>be drunk a Mondgy night,</div><div> </div><div>Something had been erased after the coma. I wish I could make it out! Don't you wonder who wrote this, how drunk they were at the time, and whether Mama beat the crap out of them when she found this poetry in her pretty book?</div><div> </div><div>Thanks so much for spoiling me! I miss you all!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-88808285964390481852010-07-04T22:44:00.003-04:002010-07-04T23:04:44.320-04:00Ignorance is Bliss Until...Tonight, we headed off to a Durham Bull's baseball game to see one of my old-man-friends sing the Star Spangled Banner. Who knew the seated tickets would be sold out and standing room only was even an option? Twenty eight dollars later, we were walking around the stadium looking for a fence to lean against. <br /><br />We saw an empty picnic table and headed in that direction. We would be able to see Hy, a WW II veteran and USO volunteer, stand on home plate and sing. We had about 15 minutes before the game started, so we grabbed a plate and headed through the line for some food. Once we got close to the end of the line, I realized there was no cash register to pay. The lady behind me said, "That's the beauty of these tickets!" <br /><br />DING! DING! DING! Somehow we had wondered into a private box, loaded plates...Tony even had a beer in one hand, and no one had stopped us! Do we throw everything away and leave or do we shovel down the food and leave quickly and hope no one confronts us? Before I could make the decision, the boys were happily chowing down and wondering why all I had on my plate was baked beans. I just couldn't add a burger once I knew we were gate crashers!<br /><br />Sotta voce', I whispered, "Eat quickly!" Not knowing who had invited all of the folks in the box, I didn't know if they were watching us. Hiding guilt is not my specialty! Just one look and he would know we didn't belong. <br /><br />Thank heavens everyone wolfed down their food. As we were leaving, I think the owner spotted us and started our way. We avoided eye contact, fled up the stairs past the security person who had returned to her post, and blended into the crowd before we could be confronted!<br /><br />Hy sang beautifully! I was so proud of him and so ashamed of us! Happy Fourth of July!Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-86391462419284202312010-07-03T19:50:00.005-04:002010-07-03T20:57:56.973-04:00HHHEEEELLLLLOOOOO!<div>Hey Guys!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for the e-mails of concern! I have been trying to find time to sit down and write, but by the time I do all of the things I have to do every day, it's bed time! I've had to instate a self-imposed rule that I'm not allowed to play on the computer until all of my chores are done. Sad to say, the list of chores is kicking my ass!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Since I've been out of touch so long, I'm going to write this like I write my Christmas letter every year. You'll get a little bit about a lot of stuff going on in our neck of the woods!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I guess the biggest thing...I've accepted a full time position with the USO of NC. I love the work, the people, the soldiers, everything about the job except the pay. However, when I consider the lack of opportunities knocking on my door, the pay is pretty damn good!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While getting myself established at work, the boys are now out of school and as of the second day at home, bored to tears! I've been leaving them a list of chores everyday. Instead of ending the "I'm bored" comments, they've improved their vocabulary with comments like "I don't want to" and "Didn't that used to be your job?" and "Why do I have to vacuum more than Will/Rick?"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think the boredom issue may not be as bad after this coming week when Will gets his driver's license. They can visit the pool, go to the grocery store for me, drive to band practice, or go visit friends. I will be a permanent truck driver and Will will drive the station wagon. How cool is he? Now, if I just control my anxiety once he pulls out of the driveway!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The boys and I did get away for a couple of days at the beach. And for the first time since we had children, we are at home for the week of the 4th of July. I miss being in the mountains where the temperature is at least 10 degrees cooler!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My flock of chickens has shrunk. Last week, I was carrying Cora from the garage to the hen house. Skippy was in the yard with the other girls. He walked towards me and started flaring up to fight. He jumped at me with his spurs aimed at my legs. I kicked him. He jumped 5 more times and he received 5 more kicks before leaving. There were no problems the next day at bed time. But a couple of days later, I once again was holding Cora and Skippy jumped again. I figured he was jealous of me holding Cora. Skippy and I went to war again. The feather's flew! Okay, jealousy we can deal with. Cora can walk by herself. Alas, the final straw was the next morning. I opened the door to the hen house and started to walk in to check food supply. Skippy jumped again. I made the decision then and there to let Skippy go. We have too many boys hanging out at our house for him to be unreliable. If he'll jump at me, he'll jump at anybody. Thankfully, Tony did the deed for me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While Will and I were watching TV, he discreetly went into the back yard. A few minutes later, I heard the door to the basement slam. I told Will I thought Dad had just taken care of Skippy. He looked at me horrified and said, "You mean he slammed him in the door?"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489832620407268066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TC_Nro-6IuI/AAAAAAAACTo/xFPfjzV-jk4/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>No time for yard sales, thrift stores or auctions! I'm missing my junk fixes badly! No time for blogging, but I have managed to snap a few shots of funny things I've seen. This swamp turtle was in my front yard! The close up looks more like a pile of poop!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TC_NsK5R7VI/AAAAAAAACTw/rGL5QQu2eLU/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489832629510466898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TC_NsK5R7VI/AAAAAAAACTw/rGL5QQu2eLU/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Several years ago, I came across an enormous swamp turtle crossing a highway. I was afraid it would get hit by a car, so I got out to help it across the road. When I got near it, it started coming toward me hissing. I backed my ass up, got in my car and left him, secretly hoping an 18 wheeler would finish his hissing ass off!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I find entertainment everywhere I go. Lately, I have found several license plates funny enough to make me laugh. I couldn't get a photo of the first one, but wrote it down:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">PBE4UGO</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This really applies to me! I need a pit-stop every 30 minutes or so! The next one I get behind every day on the way to work. The first time I saw it, there was a FOR SALE sign in the window. The car could be yours for $175. The personalized plates cost half that amount every year!</div><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489844590803720482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TC_YkaL0mSI/AAAAAAAACT4/12irsrONcvk/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" border="0" /><br />So, my plan is to get through the summer. I'll write when I can squeeze it in. Once everybody gets back in school, things should mellow a little and I'll be back. In the meantime, have a good summer and know I'm wondering what ya'll are up to. I'll drop in to read when I finish my chores!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-68685876894202120002010-06-16T20:06:00.002-04:002010-06-16T20:23:09.316-04:00Be Careful What You Release Into the Universe...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last week, I told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ya'll</span> I love storms. The sound of rain on the roof...the breeze that blows the storm in...the power of thunder and lightning...even the limbs and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pine cones</span> that fall during the storm.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I TAKE IT ALL BACK! I DON'T LIKE STORMS ANY MORE!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I got a call at work this afternoon that Riley Dog was cowering under the table and it was thundering like crazy. Thank heavens I had the forethought to get Rick to unplug my laptop, just in case.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I didn't tell him to unplug the kettle, the stereo, the DVD player, the phones, the chargers, the answering machine, and possibly a few more things I haven't yet discovered! Of course, the house was smacked by a huge bolt of lightning! These appliances and entertainment devices no longer work! I don't know why the TV didn't blow up, but I won't challenge that one. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I still love the feel of a storm, but that lightning needs to stay the heck out of my yard!</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-72887759254880247642010-06-13T22:26:00.004-04:002010-06-13T22:34:50.337-04:00Father's Day!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">So, what do you get a dad who already has everything? The kids don't have any ideas (that we can afford). I'm at a loss. What's a motha to do? Go to e-bay and type in Father's Day gift ideas. You won't believe what pops up (n0 pun intended)!</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482450578423552914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBWTwPmSG5I/AAAAAAAACTg/1-ClgrRPPao/s320/boobs.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I swear! Click on the photo and it will take you to the link!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">"So, what did your daughter give you for Father's Day?"</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Aw, she's the best! She gave me this really cool Playboy DVD!"</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">That's just wrong! And really, REALLY creepy!</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-67831026802681692882010-06-12T21:31:00.004-04:002010-06-12T21:56:52.027-04:00Sleepovers, Flowers and Storms<div align="center"> For the first time in years, Neighbor Mary spent the night away from home. Actually, it's the second time. The first time she left home, she went to Russia and came home with two fabulous kids! But, I digress! Last night, she and her human crew flew to Baltimore to see an Oriole's baseball game. With so many babes to care for, I wound up with a couple of cages in my garage!</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065424453015714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1dVP5GKI/AAAAAAAACSQ/3-FoaY9ZxQg/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The peacock is on the perch and two guineas are snuggled in the corner. Even with temperatures in the upper 90's, we had to keep the heat lamps on the babies. They like temperatures of 100 degrees. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065435759975138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1d_XrmuI/AAAAAAAACSY/6JcxvVg3EgQ/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Also along for the sleepover were two baby ducks. One had been grabbed by a hawk and has stitches in her hind end. The other one has a hurt foot. They are good company for each other while they recuperate! I love filling up their water bowl and watching them gulp and splash in it!</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065439151494034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1eMASE5I/AAAAAAAACSg/ardiFcgxaqE/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" border="0" />Riley Dog wasn't thrilled with sharing his space with lowly birds. He fell out in the liriope and pouted for a while. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ17lLuxMI/AAAAAAAACTI/x6zpKNPrQKc/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065944126604482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ17lLuxMI/AAAAAAAACTI/x6zpKNPrQKc/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was dusk when I headed out with my camera and got some pretty shots of blooms in the yard. This is a butterfly bush that volunteered. All of the ones I dug holes for, fertilized and watered have died! I'll take volunteers!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ17J3XHkI/AAAAAAAACTA/x9Chl56_unI/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065936793411138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ17J3XHkI/AAAAAAAACTA/x9Chl56_unI/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bee balm keeps Neighbor Dave's bees happy! I guess they had all gone to bed by the time I got out for a photo shoot!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ168h5zsI/AAAAAAAACS4/EE37Uo0Yz70/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065933213748930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ168h5zsI/AAAAAAAACS4/EE37Uo0Yz70/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" border="0" /></a> Doesn't everyone love yellow daisies? Are there any flowers that look happier than these?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1e00dBjI/AAAAAAAACSw/K88SGRg-Fz8/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065450107733554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1e00dBjI/AAAAAAAACSw/K88SGRg-Fz8/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look at the close up and tell me it doesn't chase away a bad mood!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1eviZPvI/AAAAAAAACSo/qwUiC8YcOaw/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065448689811186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ1eviZPvI/AAAAAAAACSo/qwUiC8YcOaw/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" border="0" /></a> The red is getting ready to bust out of this flower. I'll take another photo in a few days. For the life of me, I can't remember what this one is called. If anyone knows, please leave me a comment. A full-bloom photo might be more helpful in identifying!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065956030930082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ18Rh8XKI/AAAAAAAACTY/D1vitQYUSzw/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" />We have had some beautiful storms lately. The photo above shows the storm rolling in this afternoon. We got a nice rain that cooled the temperatures off quite a bit. I love the light rays shining through the clouds.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482065953782002930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TBQ18JJwdPI/AAAAAAAACTQ/jf-RkH7hNQE/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" />This one is from a storm last week. The sky was the prettiest shade of purple in the midst of it all. </div><div> </div><div>Do you like storms? <br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-15837581314230903422010-06-11T16:10:00.003-04:002010-06-11T16:48:25.253-04:00101 Things that Make Me Happy!<div align="center">I was tagged by my buddy <a href="http://tinselandtreasure.blogspot.com/"> Stacey at Flotsam and Jetsam </a>for this one! Good timing, too, since I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and need to remember the many things that make me so happy! Here they are...</div><div align="center">1. My Boys</div><div align="center">2. My Husband</div><div align="center">3. Riley Dog</div><div align="center">4 through 8. Skippy and the Girls (Cora, Ruby, Shakira and Chrissy)</div><div align="center">9. The Basement</div><div align="center">10. The best neighbors in the world!</div><div align="center">11. SuzAnna's Antiques</div><div align="center">12. Working at the USO</div><div align="center">13. A movie that makes me laugh until I cry!</div><div align="center">14. Sudoku...especially when I can finish the puzzle.</div><div align="center">15. Walking with my boys.</div><div align="center">16. Finding treasures while hiking in the woods.</div><div align="center">17. Getting a handwritten letter in the mail.</div><div align="center">18. Driving with no destination and no time restraints.</div><div align="center">19. Watching my kids when they don't know I'm looking.</div><div align="center">20. Sewing quilts</div><div align="center">21. Needle point</div><div align="center">22. Trips to the mountains.</div><div align="center">23. Janet Evanovich books.</div><div align="center">24 thru 28. A bottle of glue, a pile of paints and brushes, old buttons and jewelry.</div><div align="center">29. Taking off in an airplane.</div><div align="center">30. Painting furniture.</div><div align="center">31. Selling something I made.</div><div align="center">32 thru 34. A clean house...done by somebody else...without me asking.</div><div align="center">35. A cold diet coke.</div><div align="center">36. Dark chocolate candy.</div><div align="center">37. Reading blogs.</div><div align="center">38 Writing.</div><div align="center">39. Packages in the mail.</div><div align="center">40. Being by myself.</div><div align="center">41. Looking at the flowers blooming in my yard.</div><div align="center">42. Cutting the grass.</div><div align="center">43. Pulling weeds.</div><div align="center">44 thru 47. Picking cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes in my garden</div><div align="center">48. Watching my chicklets.</div><div align="center">49. Walking with Terri.</div><div align="center">50. Playing with Mary's new babies.</div><div align="center">51. Date nights with Tony.</div><div align="center">52. Going to BoJangles in the convertible with the top down.</div><div align="center">53. A good old country Auction!</div><div align="center">54. Lucking up on a yard sale with good crap!</div><div align="center">55. Dress pants in my size on sale!</div><div align="center">56. Clark's shoes.</div><div align="center">57. Visiting Mom and checking chores off her list.</div><div align="center">58. Hanging out with my niece.</div><div align="center">59. Mexican food.</div><div align="center">60. Specifically, chili rellenos! YUM!</div><div align="center">61. Christmas with extended family!</div><div align="center">62. Watching my Dad talk to my boys.</div><div align="center">63. Cooking with my Mom.</div><div align="center">64. Watching a good marching band perform.</div><div align="center">65. The last day of school.</div><div align="center">66. The first day of school.</div><div align="center">67. The noises Riley Dog makes when I rub his belly.</div><div align="center">68. Sleeping late.</div><div align="center">69. My laptop!</div><div align="center">70. The first fire of the season.</div><div align="center">71. Lightning bugs!</div><div align="center">72. Feeding Japanese Beetles to Cora Bell.</div><div align="center">73. Pretty old dishes.</div><div align="center">74. Yoga.</div><div align="center">75. Newly laid, still warm eggs.</div><div align="center">76. Time to sew.</div><div align="center">77. Stumbling upon wild animals.</div><div align="center">78. The smell of gardenias...only when they are outside.</div><div align="center">79. Using my power tools.</div><div align="center">80. Old photos.</div><div align="center">81. Marking a bill PAID!</div><div align="center">82. Eating dinner on the back deck.</div><div align="center">83 thru 87. Purple, red, yellow, orange and green.</div><div align="center">84. Rocking on the front porch.</div><div align="center">85. Watching the birds and squirrels snack on corn.</div><div align="center">86. A vase of fresh flowers from my yard.</div><div align="center">87. No laundry in the basket.</div><div align="center">88. The boys spending time together without bickering!</div><div align="center">89. Reading a good book.</div><div align="center">90. Bonfires.</div><div align="center">91. Vintage rhinestone jewelry!</div><div align="center">92. Books on CD.</div><div align="center">93. Magnolia trees.</div><div align="center">94. Learning something new.</div><div align="center">95. Angels.</div><div align="center">96. Granny's Christmas ornaments.</div><div align="center">97. Red doors.</div><div align="center">98. To Kill a Mockingbird</div><div align="center">99. Getting home early.</div><div align="center">100. Curly hair.</div><div align="center">101. Did I mention my boys?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Okay guys! Here's the challenge...see how many things you can come up with that makes you happy. I could easily add 100 more things to this list! Let me know if you create a list so I can see what I'm missing!</div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-71126869838437712492010-06-09T21:06:00.002-04:002010-06-09T21:10:37.370-04:00I'm Still Here...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Hey guys! I'm working hard during the day, job hunting at night, maintaining kids who have been out of school for just two days and already bored out of their minds, dieting and exercising, and keeping track of my chickens! I'll be peacock sitting for Neighbor Farmer Mary this weekend. Stay tuned for photos and stories!</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-40188162691165692312010-06-06T20:18:00.007-04:002010-06-06T21:23:22.850-04:00Bits and Pieces...<div align="center"><br />In just a few more days, our friend Linda will be turning 60. As a twist on birthday celebration, she gave presents away! And, BONUS, I'm a winner! I won Linda's Christmas in June (actually, it was May at the time) gift box. And what a box it is! </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479820508566568994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7uB4CwCI/AAAAAAAACQw/cT1zbxh7YnE/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">She included everything!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479820514048569778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7uWTDcbI/AAAAAAAACQ4/TqYTFOePLgI/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda+(1).JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Not just place mats, napkins and cute little dessert dishes, she also sent two place settings of silverware!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7vEc2d8I/AAAAAAAACRQ/ncUSiQlS7r8/s1600/Giveaway+from+Linda+(6).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479820526437693378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7vEc2d8I/AAAAAAAACRQ/ncUSiQlS7r8/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda+(6).JPG" border="0" /></a>And this cookie cookbook has me planning some goodies for my near future! See the pretty little cross stitch ornament?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7u41_GuI/AAAAAAAACRI/0LuYcM7Mnck/s1600/Giveaway+from+Linda+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479820523321891554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7u41_GuI/AAAAAAAACRI/0LuYcM7Mnck/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a> Snowman napkins, paper plates, a little statue, a tea towel, and the stacked salt, pepper and toothpicks snowman on the right are going to be wonderful additions to my Christmas supplies! Is that all?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7uuuxBWI/AAAAAAAACRA/xZhS8dJkITY/s1600/Giveaway+from+Linda+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479820520607253858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw7uuuxBWI/AAAAAAAACRA/xZhS8dJkITY/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a> NO WAY! You know she had to include this fabulous chicken mug! I love it all!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you so much Linda! Make sure you visit her blog...</div><div><a href="http://ljm-alacarte.blogspot.com/">ALA CARTE</a>! </div><div>Tell her I sent you!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479827700783106002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAxCQq-Fx9I/AAAAAAAACRw/5_HjZEzNmtg/s320/goats,+llama,+sheep.jpg" border="0" />Last night, I went over to Mary's to get photos of that ugly little peacock I showed you earlier this week. Turns out, nobody was home. But I was not alone! These guys were my escort!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Actually, the black goat grabbed me on my way out...literally! My shirt looked like it would taste really good! The other guys walked me to the chicken coop and showed off their feathered friends.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479832773138937218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAxG3699dYI/AAAAAAAACSI/AAKGeWWVSAI/s320/Mary%27s+birds.jpg" border="0" /><br />Mary has a little bit of everything in her yard! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479824677298063026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw_grnFRrI/AAAAAAAACRY/_msVWWYbWk0/s320/Mary%27s+critters+(9).JPG" border="0" /> That cute baby bunny posed a little for me. See the ears of his brothers and sisters behind him?<br /><br /><div align="center">As I was headed out, Mary came home. A quick trip in the house, and I had the shot I was looking for!</div><br /><div align="center">Remember that pitiful looking peacock I showed you last week? He had just hatched.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479827711514487442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAxCRS8pqpI/AAAAAAAACR4/DUH9jIcHWz0/s320/Peacock+before+and+after.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This is the same guy three days later! He's still not looking much like a peacock! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479824686986174722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAw_hPs6IQI/AAAAAAAACRo/q92QBj0WZ38/s320/Hydrangeas.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">And, this is my favorite bloom at the moment. This hydrangea is as big as my head!<br /><br /></p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-61371031721177914302010-06-02T20:15:00.003-04:002010-06-02T20:32:43.356-04:00They're Growing!<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Across the street...</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb3NQ_JlEI/AAAAAAAACQo/e4YyWRo43qQ/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478337804012983362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb3NQ_JlEI/AAAAAAAACQo/e4YyWRo43qQ/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> <strong>When they aren't sleeping, their eyes are open!<br /></strong></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb23hr4pEI/AAAAAAAACQg/fKFruLmDVRU/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478337430538462274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb23hr4pEI/AAAAAAAACQg/fKFruLmDVRU/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Did you ever wonder what a baby peacock looks like?</span></strong><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb23Iz-B3I/AAAAAAAACQY/9kjr8ZjS52o/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478337423861483378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TAb23Iz-B3I/AAAAAAAACQY/9kjr8ZjS52o/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">And, the ducks are getting duckier!</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(We need to schedule a manicure for Neighbor Mary!)</span></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-3430565470333928772010-05-31T19:29:00.004-04:002010-05-31T19:50:51.465-04:00A Happy Memorial Day!<div align="center">Today is Memorial Day. It's a time to reflect on the folks who protect our country, fight for our rights, and ask for very little in return. Way too many lose their life in pursuit of our freedom!<br /><br /><br />For the last couple of weeks, I have been working as a temp for the USO at our local airport. I have had the pleasure of seeing boys fresh out of boot-camp and on their way to their first assignment. I have talked with the guys on our Honor Guard team who respectfully stay with the body of a fallen soldier as he awaits his final ride home.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477584216741595698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TARJ0torSjI/AAAAAAAACQI/4TBUH5yX0JU/s320/USO.gif" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">We need them. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">They need us. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">We need you. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">It's that simple.<br /></span></strong><br /></div><div align="center">This morning, I went to my office (about the size of a small half-bath) to catch up on paperwork and to make sure there was plenty of food for soldiers returning to base after a long weekend break. There was a young woman in the center who was on the phone every time I passed her. She was dressed in her camouflage uniform with her pants stove-piped into her boots. I figured she was killing time until her next flight. </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">Then, I heard a commotion outside. Happy exclamations, then a Daddy saying, "I'm so proud of you!" I looked out the door and saw this young soldier scooped up between her Mama and Daddy. I had to close my office door and get myself composed. When I was finally able to walk out, they were gathered just outside my office. I welcomed her home and told the parents how thrilling and emotional it was to witness their reunion. The soldier asked me to take a photo, but her camera was out of batteries. Since I have made a habit of carrying my camera with me everywhere I go, I was able to snap a couple of shots to e-mail to them.</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477584220216884946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/TARJ06lP_tI/AAAAAAAACQQ/G9f-MMki5t0/s320/homecoming+2.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Can you see the joy on the faces of this family? She has a break for a couple of weeks, then back to Afghanistan. I'm so proud of her, too! I will think of this happy moment every Memorial Day!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Who have you been thinking about today?</div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-91620506485836451042010-05-26T20:35:00.005-04:002010-05-26T20:56:29.035-04:00Vintage Christine's Give-Away<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">If I were you, I would <strong>NOT</strong> go to Vintage Christine's blog, </span><a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">I'm Not Old, I'm Vintage</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;">, and I would <strong>NOT</strong> sign up to follow her blog either, no matter how funny she is! You <strong>wouldn't</strong> want to win one of these Shawnee kitty planters either. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475746214505128402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_3CK5vEodI/AAAAAAAACQA/381yTkaVqb4/s320/Shawnee_cat_planters.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">YUCK! CATS!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Is my reverse psychology working?</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">(I want that planter all to myself!)</span></strong></p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-57234792318504992972010-05-24T18:00:00.007-04:002010-05-25T16:38:21.446-04:00Springtime Brings...<p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">BABIES!</span></strong></p><p align="center">Just because my house is lacking little ones doesn't mean my neighbors don't have any!</p><p align="center">Neighbor Terri has 12 new baby chicks. They came in the mail last Thursday. Since there was so much extra space in the box, the chicken company worries that the babies will get cold. So what's a chicken company to do? Toss in a bunch of basic boys to keep the others warm!</p><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970623538861794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAxkO7luI/AAAAAAAACPI/WCYCSOM_5IQ/s320/Terri%27s+chicks.JPG" border="0" /> The gray ones were paid for and the yellow ones are body heat!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970857879477906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sA_NOFnpI/AAAAAAAACPg/-FJLOzz9XdA/s320/Terri%27s+chicks+(2).JPG" border="0" /> The breed I have are cochins. These cuties are silkies.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474972084335720898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sCGmICucI/AAAAAAAACPw/M0WCBRQPnkI/s320/silky+chicken.jpg" border="0" />When they grow up, they'll look like this!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sA_XlJjJI/AAAAAAAACPo/8Cyflp0t3X8/s1600/Terri%27s+chicks+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970860660558994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sA_XlJjJI/AAAAAAAACPo/8Cyflp0t3X8/s320/Terri%27s+chicks+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's a close up of a freebie! Anybody want a pile of damn-cute roosters?<br /><br />Yesterday, Neighbor Mary called for help getting a duck and her babies out of the well house. She had nested in a pile of insulation with a butt-load of eggs. All but two hatched!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970273972207618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAdN_vwAI/AAAAAAAACOY/ENHkI5TaNUg/s320/Mary%27s+ducks.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Looking down on the crew, it doesn't look like too many.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970276854280738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAdYu4siI/AAAAAAAACOg/TSFZqfMUHcA/s320/Mary%27s+ducks+(1).JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAwt0YGXI/AAAAAAAACOw/o7ZOiWHopak/s1600/Mary%27s+ducks+(3).JPG"></a> But get Mama out of the picture and you see 19 babies! Are they not the cutest things!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAdmc-ODI/AAAAAAAACOo/PLekc42Jnh8/s1600/Mary%27s+ducks+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970280537241650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAdmc-ODI/AAAAAAAACOo/PLekc42Jnh8/s320/Mary%27s+ducks+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> They were relocated to the chicken tractor. Mama had to be coaxed off the roof of Mary's house....twice!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970611432194706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAw3IegpI/AAAAAAAACO4/Hu9LFSyFOQA/s320/Mary%27s+ducks+(4).JPG" border="0" /> But once she was caught and back with the babies, they all seemed to be happy! I wonder how much trouble I would be in if I brought home a few baby ducks?</div><div> </div><div>I know the answer...A WHOLE DAMN LOT!!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAcyOGQTI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lQCMCc8OcHE/s1600/Daisy%27s+house.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970266516209970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAcyOGQTI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lQCMCc8OcHE/s320/Daisy%27s+house.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Daisy the Goat has her own house. She can't decide if this is better than her spot in the garage and only goes in her house when put there by Farmer Mary!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAcjQ8snI/AAAAAAAACOI/FtFEAIT09CE/s1600/Baby+Bunnies.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474970262501634674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_sAcjQ8snI/AAAAAAAACOI/FtFEAIT09CE/s320/Baby+Bunnies.JPG" border="0" /></a> These baby bunnies are just 6 days old. Their eyes aren't open yet, but those babies can hop! I had to hold on so tight, I thought I might squish them! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yep, I miss Melvin, but with all the babies in the 'hood, I will get my snuggle fix!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-38343941566570492752010-05-24T08:18:00.004-04:002010-05-24T16:43:23.093-04:00UPDATE!<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Barbara from </span><a href="http://ifididnthaveasenseofhumor.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">if i didn't have a sense of humor</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> says she expects <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christine</span>, </span><a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">I'm not Old, I'm Vintage</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;">, to launch a murder investigation in the death of Melvin! </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474811159176584146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_pvvhMQm9I/AAAAAAAACOA/_L8xJ5yEAn8/s320/melvin_fan_club_button1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Reward offered for information in the death of Melvin...fresh eggs for a month!</strong><br /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Suspects...Squirrels? Bad corn? Skippy's evil alter-ego? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmm</span>! </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">She'll have her work cut out for her!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">8 hours later...You have to go to <a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/">Chris's blog</a>. She has not disappointed us. Her investigation has been extensive and swift! Thanks for solving this mystery!</span></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-49068459335555222962010-05-23T19:04:00.003-04:002010-05-23T19:22:13.777-04:00Sad Day in the Neighborhood<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">This afternoon, I went out before the rain started again to make sure all the chickens were in. Melvin wasn't trailing behind Shaikira. I checked in the hen house and even looked under Cora Bell in case he was snuggling with his favorite, indulgent aunt. No Melvin. I climbed into the chicken run and looked under the ramp and in the bucket on it's side and behind the bail of hay. No Melvin. The squirrels had knocked the lid off of the trash can filled with crushed corn. When I picked the lid up off the ground, I leaned over the top of the bucket and saw the small black body of Melvin inside the can of corn. There were no injuries that I could see. The can was easy enough for him to hop in and out of, so I know he wasn't trapped inside. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474609073129031378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_m38j_8htI/AAAAAAAACN4/aSbKDcKLAs4/s320/Melvin+and+Friends+(3).JPG" border="0" /></span><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You'll be missed by your Mom and our little corner of the blogosphere!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm sure he would thank everybody who followed his story, especially </span><a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Christine</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> who started his very own fan club! I can't believe it was such a short story!</span></p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-2993152573124465732010-05-21T23:11:00.005-04:002010-05-21T23:48:38.673-04:00Inquiring Minds Want to KnowHave you met my buddy Liz over at <a href="http://ninnysnotesblog.blogspot.com/">Ninny's Notes</a>? She has a great sense of humor and a really cute little dog! She has bestowed upon me this fabulous award!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_dNq16WuyI/AAAAAAAACNw/Bx62LtrGRqk/s1600/lifeisgoodaward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473929270513810210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_dNq16WuyI/AAAAAAAACNw/Bx62LtrGRqk/s320/lifeisgoodaward.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>1. If you had a different talent, what would it be?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I would be able to paint chickens that look like chickens!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>2. What is "numero uno" on your bucket list?</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><br /><div></div>Getting in my car and going wherever it takes me...by myself!<br /><br /><br /><div><strong>3. What was the best present you ever received?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A ticket to Australia to visit a man I had only known for 10 days... I married him!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>4. What are you most afraid of?</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>Violence towards my children. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>5. Why did you start blogging?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I like to write. I secretly hoped I would be discovered by a magazine and they would want me to write for them for money!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>6. How many days old are you?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>12</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>7. What is your favorite dessert?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Chocolate anything</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>8. Are you a carnivore, a vegetarian, or vegan?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>CARNIVORE! I love bacon and hamburgers. I like them even better when they are on the same bun!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>9. If you could give something of yours away, what would it be?</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>My big ass! You can have my hips and stomach, too! I'll deliver!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>10. What is the one habit you'd like to break?</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I was talking to my dad on the phone today, he said, "Can I tell you something and I don't mean to hurt your feelings..." I braced for the "you're a bad daughter" talk I thought was coming. Instead, he said, "You have used the word 'so' 13 times since we have been on the phone." He suggested I replace it with another word. I told him I say "so" so I won't say "shit"! I think I'm going to change back to shit!</div><div> </div><div>Okay, I'm choosing a few of my favorite bloggers to tag here. It's hard to choose only 5 when I follow what seems to be hundreds of blogs regularly. If you haven't visited these folks, check them out!</div><div> </div><div align="center">Mick at <a href="http://egtmicks.blogspot.com/">Everyone Goes to Mick's</a></div><div align="center">Elaina at <a href="http://tedandbunny.blogspot.com/">Ted and Bunny</a></div><div align="center">Deb at <a href="http://zootsuitmamablogspotcom.blogspot.com/">Zootsuit Mama</a></div><div align="center">Barbara at <a href="http://ifididnthaveasenseofhumor.blogspot.com/">if i didn't have a sense of humor</a></div><div align="center">Kelly at <a href="http://eccentricitiesantiques.blogspot.com/">eccentricities</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Liz came up with these 10 questions, so I'm going to come up with 10 things I like to know about folks...</div><div> </div><div>1. What was the worst job you ever had?</div><div> </div><div>2. In high school, what clique were you in? (I hung out in the smoking area!)</div><div> </div><div>3. Housework or yardwork?</div><div> </div><div>4. What was the last book you read?</div><div> </div><div>5. Do you volunteer anywhere? Where and why?</div><div> </div><div>6. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?</div><div> </div><div>7. Are you a happy person?</div><div> </div><div>8. Do you have a veggie garden this year? What are you growing?</div><div> </div><div>9. What's your favorite cuss word?</div><div> </div><div>10. Who would you like to see in concert? (you can dream!)</div><div> </div><div>Thanks a bunch Liz! You could answer these questions, too!</div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-51232542484524089482010-05-20T17:44:00.003-04:002010-05-20T20:49:35.726-04:00Look Who's Modeling!<div align="center">Yesterday, there was a fabulous goody box in my mail. It's from Deb at <a href="http://zootsuitmamablogspotcom.blogspot.com/">Zootsuit Mama</a>. If you haven't visited her blog, make sure you pop over. She is a funny, thrifty girl! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Since there were some fabric items, I thought I would bring out some of my furry and feathered friends to model! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473471637136903394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WtdEu4jOI/AAAAAAAACNA/VqRYkLcLDAw/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" /> Check out Skippy on the cat walk! He is modeling a wonderful blue and white checked child's apron. It's a little big on him, but he doesn't mind!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WteT4IApI/AAAAAAAACNg/e7Q7-o4ZvNs/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473471658382066322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WteT4IApI/AAAAAAAACNg/e7Q7-o4ZvNs/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" /></a> And, Riley Dog says it's oh so versatile. It looks cute on a dog and on a chicken!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WteNQvF9I/AAAAAAAACNY/ROTf0It0u5Y/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473471656606242770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WteNQvF9I/AAAAAAAACNY/ROTf0It0u5Y/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a> And Melvin is standing in for Vanna to show off this oh so cute kitchen glove. Who can resist that vintage fabric?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_Wtd6PTEyI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HAKYPD2CUqk/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473471651499938594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_Wtd6PTEyI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HAKYPD2CUqk/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" /></a> And, in case you wanted to see what Melvin's belly and parts looked like, here you go! Chicken Porn! So, based on what you see, will he crow or cluck?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_Wtdp6ma8I/AAAAAAAACNI/uBQgKDgTtO8/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473471938213954194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_WtumVPwpI/AAAAAAAACNo/Vnr0frE9gyo/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" />Oh, but that's not all! Check out these cute vintage Chicken Oil and Vinegar cruets! Aren't they just perfect for me! No fur or feathers to show off these pretties. Best to keep them all in one piece!</div><div> </div><div>Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Deb! I love it all!</div></div><br /></div>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836579613445021110.post-47122626277926357902010-05-19T19:46:00.006-04:002010-05-19T20:29:47.293-04:00Who Knew?<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_yzXqohI/AAAAAAAACM4/_GlhtezSIYw/s1600/Melvin+et+al+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139957921653266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_yzXqohI/AAAAAAAACM4/_GlhtezSIYw/s320/Melvin+et+al+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Does that beak look like it's going to have lots of dangly bits?</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div>Melvin is only two weeks old and the little fellow has his own fan club! And, the first President has already been overthrown for bad behavior. Melvin is destined for a thrilling life. If only we knew if he would grow up to cock-a-doodle-doo or lay eggs!</div><br /><div><a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473132584582821474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R5FnistmI/AAAAAAAACMI/KO9ZhnfXwHY/s320/melvin_fan_club_button1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><p>My best blogger buddy, Chris, from <a href="http://vintagechristine.blogspot.com/">I'm Not Old, I'm Vintage </a>helped her cat, Boo, start the fan club (I think he was picturing chicken nuggets, not Chicken Little), but Boo got fired for getting to friendly with an atomic ash tray on the kitchen table.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139687331613650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_jDV-S9I/AAAAAAAACMQ/6ZAyGy-7ORc/s320/Melvin+et+al.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Melvin and Shakira in the chicken run.</strong><br /><br /><p>While all of this was happening in blogger world, I was off at Will's high school for the world's LONGEST high school wind ensemble performance. Since I had to work today, I had to have a shower when I got home. While doing that, I might as well paint my chipped up toe nails. You know it had to be red and you know I had to spill it on white carpet! If you scrub long enough and hard enough to put holes in your wash cloth, it starts to come up. Until it's gone, I'll leave a pile of dirty clothes over top of it. Apparently, since it is MY job to pick up all dirty items, no one else will even consider picking them up, thus no one will ever know I spilled nail polish on the floor. But, I digress...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139694445287234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_jd2AV0I/AAAAAAAACMY/w3vGUQFNCk0/s320/Melvin+et+al+(1).JPG" border="0" /><strong>As long as Mom is nearby, he can hold his own with the big chickens!</strong><br /><br /><p>Last night after the concert, I went to the hen house to make sure everyone got in safe. No Melvin. I grabbed my flashlight and started searching. He wasn't under the hen house, not in the run, not on the porch. I went back to the hen house and spotted his little face peering out from under Shakira. How he managed to do this while standing on the perch is beyond me. Once again, Melvin is safe.</p><p></p><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139698844421778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_juO1zpI/AAAAAAAACMg/TbI3dt_bpxc/s320/Melvin+et+al+(2).JPG" border="0" /><strong>Melvin can even reach the food in the BIG CHICKEN feeder!</strong><br /><br /><p>However, now that he has a fan club and I am accountable to ya'll for reporting his growth and progress, I am terrified something will happen to him. When I went out tonight to tuck all the clucks in, he was present and accounted for. He even agreed to come out for a quick photo shoot!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139705502018306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_kHCIqwI/AAAAAAAACMo/yRMuwXCIplg/s320/Melvin+et+al+(3).JPG" border="0" /><strong>And when the other mother throws in stale bread, I'm in heaven!</strong><br /><p>He says to tell everybody HEY and thanks for reading my other mother's blog!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473139710729035474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_brIbDIgq28E/S_R_kagWntI/AAAAAAAACMw/kv0RGJCFr_k/s320/Melvin+et+al+(4).JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><br /></div><p align="center"><strong>Feathers are starting to grow!</strong></p>Chickens in the Basementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715138502582651998noreply@blogger.com18