Chickens

Chickens as pets... what a strange concept, yet it is catching on! I'd be tempted to say, "only in America" except a lovely urban chicken coop was designed in England. Why not? Pets that actually earn their keep, right? Dual purpose.

They do require attention, although they are relatively hardy. They cannot be housetrained, so they are best kept outside, and in a coop structure to protect them from raccoons and rats--. Both of which are in my neighborhood, I understand. Plus you have to clean the coop about weekly, and lock them in at night and open the coop in the morning, and collect the eggs by 11am--which can include a hunt for them if they are free-range in the back yard.

Not forgetting the fact that they do not like being wet... and this is the Northwest. When I decide to take the jump it will be as a "hobby," I think, more than as a pet.

Compared to the lazy cozy inside kitties this might need some planning.

November Musings

We are having a fabulous fall week!

Loads of rain, wind and colorful leaves falling. Every night was, "a dark and stormy night." Which gives me plenty of reasons to stay cozy inside instead of finding exercise outside, except for the raking of the leaves, of course.

The weather has prompted my to get my winter (snow) boots out of storage, much to Aaron's dismay, to don for my 8:30am bus accompaniment. I walk Benji down to the bus stop at the bottom of the cul d'sac and wait with him and the other kids (I am making many new friends).

I never knew there were so many nice kids around here. And parents, should I choose to be the first one to reach out. Parents in general are each so wrapped up in their own kids' worlds that they are pretty content smiling and waving congenially to perfect strangers each morning, a complimentary, "Mornin'" sufficing as a relationship.

When I can muster the energy or convince myself of a good enough reason I will break deeper below the pleasantries but for now I am content to return the greeting and shuffle back to my cozy den.

I think I may be relapsing into shyness.

I almost had a panic attack when I faced calling acquaintances on the phone to invite them to a recent Partylite candle party. I hate it on the one hand, and want to justify it and embrace it on the other.

Is it possible I was designed for isolation? It can't be so! Yet I enjoy my little family world. My sister, my parents and extended family (for the most part). My wonderful friend Becca, was a lovely reunion of friendship during a brief visit. I almost forgot what it was like to have friends like her.

The holidays will be a blur...

What does the new year hold?

Recipe with Veg Kids will actually Eat

Pumpkin Muffins
Mix together:
1 Spice cake mix
2 eggs
2 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. oil

Pour in greased muffin tin 3/4 full

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 min.
Makes 18 or so muffins