ChickenSitters!

A co-worker is going on vacation and didn't know what to do with his kids' five chickens. Getting rid of them was not an option! For some reason, he thought of asking me if I would keep them for three weeks. Of course, I said "Yes!". Saturday was spent in a flurry of activity getting the duck area divided and ready for the chickens. The old chicken coop was unearthed and cleaned up, nesting boxes prepared, and lots of shrubbery clean up and general tidying performed. We were very pleased with the result. The chickens have gifted me with nine eggs so far! Joel's kids were really cute when they brought the chickens over. His daughter, who is older, wanted to see every single animal on the property, including an inspection of the house. She loves animals! His son, when he realized he had to leave his chickens, was going to cry, but I told him his chickens were going on vacation, just like he was, and then he was okay with it. I think when the chickens go back I will get some of my own. Still can't add pictures to the blog, come on, how difficult can it be!

Camp Corgi Gets a Face Lift and a New Camper

During the hottest week of July, we had the old siding removed from the front of the house and replaced. The new siding was put over insulation, plywood and moisture barrier, and painted the same colors. It looks newer and fresher, but we can really feel the difference in the heat that isn't coming through the walls. We had to remove all the plants around the house and relocate them to the back yard. The barren areas will be replanted with drought resistant California native plants. Pictures will be taken when this is accomplished.

It was suggested that we introduce our companion animals, so we will start at the back with the horses. Ben has been with me for at least fifteen years, since his human, a dear friend of mine, passed away. I promised Ed's widow that I would take good care of Ben for as long as he lived. Belle came to live with me in January, 2009, a couple of months after I lost Rowdy, my first horse. She was a former roping horse, who was now lame and couldn't be ridden. She and Ben became instant buddies. Our newest "camper" is Sheba, a black and white paint. She belonged to the mother of one of Barry's bicycling friends, and they wanted to find a home for her where she would be useful. Her job is going to be to help me start riding again. She's been here since July 31, and she is settling in nicely. I'm having problems attaching pictures, so you'll have to wait to see what they look like!