Apr 11, 2011

Stuff..............

OK, so I have been totally MIA these past few weeks. Yeah, I know... in order to keep readers coming back, I need to post. So, here goes....

The kids have been sick. I am beyond DONE with this winter (and now spring) cruddy illness that's going around. First Adam had a sniffly nose, fever and cough. Then Jason got it, and stayed home with a fever for a week, with nebs three times a day. Then both got a little better, now Adam has it again. Green stuff from the nose, the whole deal. SERIOUSLY DONE. The only thing I have to say is: WASH YOUR HANDS before touching my kid, K?

So, I mentioned it was spring, right? Yeah, well this is Maine. Bring on one last snow storm. UGH. And it was wet, pulling down lines, etc. We lost power for a day. Good thing we have a woodstove. Which, btw, the cats love!


Things continued to decline as three of my hens have been snatched by the local fox. First Pook. She was just gone one day, no evidence, nothing.

Clockwise from the top: Squeak, Bossy, Punkin, Mimi, Bella, and Pook
Then a few days ago I heard a rukus outside, and saw the most beautiful fox run by the house. A FOX. By the house. With my chickens out.

I run out, screaming, and chase him off the lawn. I am PETRIFIED. I come back in the house, get my shoes on, and run out to the back lawn.... to see the fox grab Bella and take off with her, and my MOST favorite Bossy dead on the snow. Feather littered the ground. Feathers and feathers and more feathers. Stewn across the snow. I hoped for a small second that she was still alive, but she wasn't. I picked her up and cried the whole way back to the barn. I seriously thought I was going to puke- not from the tiny amount of blood, but from the sheer grief and guilt.
Bella taking a dirt bath last week.
Bossy chick, before she fully feathered out.

Now, I know, they're just chickens.... but, they were also very friendly and fun and sweet. I only had 6, each a different color and personality. Yes- personality. Ah, my sweet girls.... Bossy and Pook laid the most gorgeous blue eggs. Bella's were brown. The remaining hens  are now in the coop and run for a few weeks, until Red figures out somewhere else to go grocery shopping. Did I mention that Chick Days start on Wednesday??
Last summer in our back field.

What else? Oh, still making the stupid curtains for the living room. I've already made 6 pairs of curtains out of drop cloths: two for the laundry room, four for the living room. They are a pain, and if I could even remotely afford to just buy 8 pairs of curtains for the living room, I would. Trust me. I think next I am going to paint the ceiling a pale, aqua blue.

My Mom and sister Christine and her boys are heading up this Saturday, bringing two Welsh ponies to add to my brood. Now, won't that be FUN!?!

9 comments:

Lisa said...

Hi Lee, Life on the farm sounds challenging at the moment...sorry about your sick kids..they seem to be at that age...
Your poor chickens...I hear so many sad stories about chickens and fox...I'm so sorry. We have a big red fox that eats all the baby bunnies around here..though we have two large hounds that would eat him.. so maybe you need a watch dog...

Gigi said...

Oh Lee!! Many hugs to you!

Those darn foxes will go after chickens every time, or so I'm told.

Deep breaths, my friend.

And your curtains are lovely, if I do say so myself!

Unknown said...

Wow! Yo really are the true farm gal, running to save chicks and all! I am so sorry you lost Bella- what a crappy end to the bad weather! Here's to hoping the sun will come and treat you right soon!

Dorthe said...

Hi Lee,
Oh you poor-having to bring dead chickens home-I would have cryed ,too, dear.
And your children --I so hope they will soon be well-and playing in the spring-without snow-and storms.
Lee could I ask you what kind of hens makes those beautiful blue eggs?? I would so love to have some here, with me.??
I hope you can get the fox,chacing other greens,dear.
Hugs,Dorthe

Terri Kahrs said...

No, no, NO!!! There just CAN't be more snow in ME -- we're heading to Brunswick this weekend to visit our daughter and her family. (Actually, I don't care about the snow, but my husband does!!!) MJ has chickens too, and the fox are always a worry. So sorry to hear that you've lost one of your beautiful birds. Hugs, Terri

Cassie Shella said...

I'm sorry about the boys being sick - I know what you mean about enough of winter. Sorry too about your chickens - darn fox! If you are adding ponies to your brood, you may want to consider a llama too - they make WONDERFUL guard animals. I've seen them in action -watched them knock a raccon around like a soccer ball - he was trying to steal chicken eggs. My cousin loves her llama and he makes a great pet for her daughter.

cinnibonbon said...

Oh life is crazy sometimes but hang in there girl things will calm down- so I'm happy for you that your family is coming to see you!

Lili said...

Oh Lee, I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet chickens, that is so sad that you had to witness it too. Yep, this year has really been something with the snow and the viruses going around too. You're getting ponies? Oh that does sound fun. And so do thoughts of Spring! ~Lili

Tam said...

That is a beautiful fox. Sorry about your girls! I grew up across the street from my Uncles Farm and I know what you mean about their personalities.

Hope the kiddos are feeling better.