Rural Revival

{this moment}: why can't we be friends?

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

Linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week

that I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Andrea

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Also joining: Give Me Your Best Shot; Photostory Friday;

This or That Thursday: eDition 15

2012-01-26T06:06:00.000-05:00

I could say it's been another busy week around the old farmhouse, but in reality it's my

time away from here that is busier than I would like or care to admit. It leaves me

more than a little breathless at the end of the day.

It also leaves me thankful for weekends, particularly sunny weekends.

So...I hope you enjoy....while I catch my breath.

Here's to a little sunshine in your crook of the woods.

~be well friends~

joining:

;

Six Word Memoir

2012-01-25T21:11:00.003-05:00

Six word memoirs at Smith Mag

have you tried it?

Prompted by Kim Klassen at Beyond Layers

~be well~

Hitting the Ice

2012-01-23T07:37:00.005-05:00

After much serious doubt as to whether there would be any activities on the pond this

winter, we were finally able to spend some quality time on the pond this weekend! It's been

frozen, thawed and then frozen more times than we'd like to count over the last two months

but it was far from smooth and skating on a bumpy pond just ain't fun. The beginning of the

past week brought us rain followed by a quick freeze with no wind. And no wind is really

the key to getting ice that is smooth as glass.

It takes the Artist hours to clear the entire pond. The snow blower clears the majority

of the snow but it doesn't clear it all, so he covers the entire pond by foot to clear the rest.

Callie keeps a close eye on him, just to make sure he doesn't miss a spot.

And as soon as there is a large enough area, the twins have at it.

They declared they were going to skate ALL day and they pretty nearly did.

I, on the other hand, opted for some pond curling with my step-mom. Pond curling requires

even further ice clearing with a push broom to ensure those rocks glide as well as possible.

We also spray several coats of a super fine water mist on the ice, allowing each coat to freeze

before reapplying, to mimic that pebbly texture found on indoor curling rinks.

Our weekend weather was perfect with blue skies and temps hovering around

zero Celsius while the winter hearts of two twins were especially well fed.

~Be well friends~

joining:

{this moment} - the birthday girl

2012-01-20T06:08:00.000-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Also joining: Farmgirl Friday; Give Me Your Best Shot; Photostory Friday; Fabulous Friday;

This or That Thursday: eDition 14

2012-01-19T07:05:00.000-05:00

Hydrangea in winter.

It's been another busy week around the old farmhouse as we finished putting Christmas
decorations away and tried to dig ourselves back into our routine. Easier said than done.

I've also been turning a small nook that I used as office space into a sewing nook.

Except that once I did that I thought it might be better to set up a spot for photographing stills

indoors. What I really want is to make it an area for both but I haven't quite figured out how yet.

It will come to me eventually but rather than over think it, I grabbed the camera on Sunday

and did a little yard sleuthing. An inspection of the premises was long overdue and the

afternoon sun is always a cure for whatever ails you.

Chickens always help too.

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When I returned to the farmhouse after my brief respite out of doors, there was a frantic

and excited phone call waiting for me from the Artist. Seems he's taken my love of

thrifting to a whole new level. He called to let me know he had scored a bedroom set,

practically brand new from a neighbour at his office for free.

More rearranging.

Oy!

~Be well friends!~

joining:

The Feeder

2012-01-18T05:56:00.004-05:00

Each winter the Artist places this bird feeder outside our kitchen window. We enjoy watching the birds as they fly back and forth from the trees across the yard to the feeder and back.

We see the usual assortment of blue jays, cardinals and a passel of chickadees. Late last winter we had a pair of red bellied woodpeckers call this perch home.

This year, the Artist placed the feeder a little closer to the window in order to take some better shots of them as they stop in for a bite to eat.

This year, we aren't really seeing a lot of birds coming to the feeder. We haven't even refilled it yet and it's mid-January.

I wonder why......

~Be well friends~

joining: Wordless Wednesday; Wordful Wednesday; Wordless/Wordful Wednesday; Wordless Wednesday but with words; Wordless Wednesday @ Naptime Momtog; Wordless Wednesday @ Nola Mommy; Wordless(ish) Wednesday

Delicate

2012-01-17T06:27:00.004-05:00

After raining all night, there's not a lick of snow left on the ground this morning. I have a feeling this is going to be a memorable winter, for all the wrong reasons.

As I completed a yard inspection on a much colder day, a mere two days ago, I gazed upon the lilac bushes with my brain agape in awe and wonderment.

How, I asked, how do these tiny little buds survive the harshest of temperatures only to release a beauty beyond words a few months later?

Sort of pushes one to redefine the word delicate, don't you think?

~Be well friends~

Edited using KK Walnut Ink and Aurora

Joining: Texture Tuesday; Communal Global; Sweet Shot Tuesday; Sweet Violet Photo Link Up; The Creative Exchange

A new beekeeping tool

2012-01-16T06:32:00.001-05:00

It was a cold weekend 'round these parts.

S-s-s-u-u-s-s-u-p-e-p-e-r -c-c-o-l-d.

Once my teeth start to chatter, I lose all control. They just won't stop.

It dipped down to -18C Saturday night, that's zee-roh fahrenheit for you non-metric folk.

I was worried about my chickens. I had visions of finding one of them frozen to the perch the next morning. Could you imagine? I can not. I sent the Artist to let them out on Sunday morning.

As I awaited his return from the opening of the coop door, I gazed out over the pond and my thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. (no pun intended, for reals)

The BEES!!

I was worried. I was beside myself. I was stricken with despair.

Okay, not really but I was concerned. How are they doing, I wondered. This was the coldest temps we'd had thus far. Could they really be okay?

Enter my newest beekeeping accoutrement. The latest in a long list of beekeeping supplies. A gift the male twin received from a secret Santa gift exchange last month at school. Yep, that's it, a stethoscope. His secret Santa friend wants to be a trauma surgeon. It's possible he could be trying to recruit the male twin into the medical profession.

In the meantime, the super clever Artist suggested another use for this old fashioned heart moniter.

So I bundled up and headed for the hills, well, the little mound, way yon over the far side of that frozen lake we have out back, actually it's a pond, and got down to business.

I placed it on the right side of the hive, in the shade, and I heard....nothing.

I moved it up, along the side of the shallow super on top and I heard....still nothing.

Then I moved to the other side, the side in the sun.

And then I remembered why I didn't wrap the hive, because on super cold days like this, the cover will not let the warmth of the sun soak into the hive. This side felt deliciously warm. And when I placed the stethoscope up against it, the hills were alive with the sound of bees. Bees, glorious bees.

They are still alive.

Fellow beekeepers, if you're suffering from withdrawal of being able to hear the collective sound of your hive as you gently remove your outer cover, then this is for you.

Just remember, you heard it here first.

~Be well and warm friends!~

joining today:

{this moment}: frozen sunset

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Also joining: Farmgirl Friday; Give Me Your Best Shot; Photostory Friday; Fabulous Friday; Farm Photo Friday and Skywatch Friday

This or That Thursday: A Baker's Dozen eDition

2012-01-12T07:06:00.002-05:00

We went for our annual New Year Hike last week. It was cold and it felt like winter. And it just might be the only winter we get. Like most areas, we've been experiencing very mild temps for January. We still enjoyed getting out to the back woods for the first time in a long stretch. You can read all about it here if you wish.

This is one of my favourite homes in the area. Situated at the intersection of a small hamlet, it was once an inn, serving as a place of respite for weary travelers. I have a thing for Georgian houses and it's this well kept home that reminds me that another house I wrote about (here) has the potential to be just as swoony with a little TLC.

And just down the road from the old inn, I found this swoony sunset.

The little egg bound hen is doing well and has taken up foraging again with her flock. She was the largest of the girls, girth-wise, but I think a couple of days of minimal snacking has slimmed her down in the mid-section for I can no longer tell them apart but I think that is her on the right. The fact that she seems a little stand off-ish with me may or may not be part of my deductive reasoning.

The russian sage may have lost its blooms but I think it looks pretty darn good for January. And I thought there would be nothing to photograph all winter long. I also thought we'd be skating on the pond by now but the only one able to exercise while gliding thus far is Ember. Although.....my abs get a great work out every time I see her out there and....GASP!

~Be well friends!~

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hen advice

2012-01-11T06:47:00.001-05:00

~Be well friends~

playing favourites

2012-01-10T06:59:00.003-05:00

I love that saying, even if favourite is spelled incorrectly.

At least it is in these parts.

Maybe we add extra letters here to our words to keep ourselves warm.

It's quite possible.

These tiny white paper-ish pods were so tiny and delicate,

they made me wish for a macro lens.

It's Tuesday and it's my first full five day work week in a very long time.

It won't be easy but I think I'll make it.

And our troubled hen, seems to be on the mend.

She was out foraging with her flock yesterday, albeit with a little less

gusto than she normally has. And when it was time to bring her in the coop

for the night, she looked at me with more than a little distrust in her eyes.

I think she was afraid we were going to go through that again.

I can't say as I blame her.

The red bandito, on the other hand,

is wondering why her favourite chicken friend had to leave.

Even with a towel over the crate,

I think the chicken would prefer not to have

Ember quite so close.

Call it a hunch.

~Be well friends~

joining: Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday; The Creative Exchange

dans la cuisine

2012-01-09T06:49:00.001-05:00

There's a chicken dans ma cuisine.

I thought it might sound better if I said it in French.

Uhm, maybe not, I say in my Julia Child accent, if I had one.

There's something about saying there's a chicken in my kitchen that could be a little ambiguous.

If you catch my drift.

She's been there all night.

I thought things were weird when she didn't join her flock for a little morning scratch.

I knew things were weird when she didn't spend the day foraging.

We checked for pasty butt and we checked her crop. No issues.

Then we washed, rinsed and repeated Saturday all over again on Sunday and the Artist finally figured it out.

She was egg bound.

We soaked her in a wash tub of warm water for half an hour.
After some gentle poking and prodding, we believe it's all out now and either the egg never formed properly or it broke before we got to her.

She was too wet to put back in the coop last night. So we put her up at the Holiday Revival Inn and called it a night. She seems perkier this morning. For now, we're keeping our fingers crossed that she'll return to her regularly scheduled foraging duties today.

~Be well friends~

overdue

2012-01-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

My library books.

I'm always forgetting to check their due date.

But that's not what I'm talking about.

Way back in November...wait was there a November? Oh yes, there was and the sun shone more

often than not which meant outdoor chores were still being completed and I had little time for

sitting at the computer. While I was busy out and about two sweet and dear ladies called me
out and this itty bitty blog along with me and I would like to take the time today to thank them.

Lynne, of Irish Garden House, a kindred spirit in so many ways.

I feel like I've known her my entire life and Anna of The Other Side of Anna,

who appreciates the beauty in nature and understands the best things in life aren't things at all.

Thank you Anna and Lynne for your appreciation.

As part of one award I am to tell you seven things about myself.

I've done this a few times; I find it difficult to believe you don't know everything about me.

Really...there isn't that much.

I've decided to change things up a little because I like to do that.

(There's one thing!)

I'll answer the first seven questions left in the comments of this post.

Am I crazy? Mildly.

Will there even be seven questions?

I guess if there isn't,

I'm off the hook!

Both awards are to be passed on to other bloggers.

There are far too many blogs I love to read and far too few

minutes of the day for me to steal away and read them.

And I should hate to leave a single one out.

It takes an incredible amount of time, creativity, inspiration and hard work to keep a blog running. Every blogger deserves an award.

What I would like to do is share a few blogs that have ramped up my farming mojo lately.

Through their words and photos, in ways that are obvious or not,

they inspire me to keep this micro-farm on track.

And for that I am grateful.

Joy of Farming

Old Nichols Farm

A Foothill Home Companion

Cold Antler Farm

Chickens in the Road

~Be well friends~

{this moment}: New Year's Hike

2012-01-06T07:53:00.000-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

To read all about our hike, visit Harvest Kitchen Sisters,

I'm visiting with them today!

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Also joining: Fabulous Friday Photostory Friday & Give Me Your Best Shot, Favourite Photo Friday, Farmgirl Friday

This or That Thursday: eDition 12

2012-01-04T22:51:00.002-05:00

Don't let that fading sunlight fool you, by the time it reached those leaves there was
nothing warm about it. Winter has settled in, it's been deep freeze days in these parts

lately but better late than never I like to say.

Hello. I've been absent from This or That Thursday for awhile and it's lovely to be back! So what happens when Andrea is down with a cold for two weeks before Christmas? Well the Artist does most of the Christmas shopping, no Christmas baking is done and you get to see some of my Christmas pics in January. Pretty swell, huh?

And how are the chickens you ask? Oh...you didn't? I guess not but I managed to change the subject nonetheless! They are well, very well indeed. They donated 42 eggs in December despite not reaching full laying potential until the last week of December. I'm surprised that the Chantecler is not more popular, especially in areas that experience cold winters. These birds are out, every day, regardless of the weather. Through snow, cold winds, and even rainy days nothing seems to inhibit their desire to forage.

You didn't think I was going to let you off the Christmas hook that easy did you? Aren't these houses sweet? My dear friend Deb at Loyalist Cottage painted her own last year and I was all over the poor girl with questions about how to make them. So she sent me this lovely little trio with the caveat that I have them decorated for this Christmas. Houses painted...check! I decided to go with vintage colours that I use to decorate our mudroom each year. After painting them, I covered them with glue then applied glass sparkles, using glow in the dark sparkles on the roofs. The Artist bought styrene sheets, painted them an amber colour and glued them to the inside walls to form windows. He made the doors out of box board, a sturdy kind similar to the thickness of a cereal box. Thank you Deb!

Ember enjoyed her first Christmas. We used a little reverse psychology with her and ignored her interest in the tree and it worked. Once she knew she wasn't going to be chased for playing with the tree her interest quickly feigned; it helped that she had surgery the week before Christmas. It was planned surgery, one Ember in the house is plenty, and fortunately we couldn't have timed it any better. Just a few days before her big day she became very vocal and after a day or so I quickly realized that she was in heat. I have never experienced a cat in heat before and I hope I never do again. Her displays of affection were more than a little off-putting. Good grief, no wonder there are so many cats out there! She recovered nicely and is back to her old self again, albeit a tad more subdued.

So despite a nagging cough, no baking and limited photo taking,

this was one of the best Christmases on record, all because of these three.

~Be well friends!~

There's no place like home

2012-01-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

unless,

there is a dog about town with a home that looks

suspiciously like yours but only cozier because

the straw is always warmer on the other side.

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Note:

No dogs were harmed in the making of this photo,

but her level headed thinking has come into question

when she vacates her premises for the birds.

I mean...really Callie?

~be well friends~

joining: Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday, Wordless/Wordful Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday but with Words, Wordless Wednesday @ Naptime Momtog, Wordless Wednesday at NOLA Mommy, Wordless(ish)Wednesday, Wednesday: Unspoken, Unwritten

Create

2012-01-03T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'm excited, more so than I can ever remember, about this new year we've just begun.

Last year my focus was to grow.

And grow we did with bees, expanded gardens, and taller Glimmer Twins.

Then in October we welcomed Elijah, our Morning Prophet, and the ladies.

They entertained us daily from the beginning and astonish us with eggs each and every day.

This year the mantra around this old farmhouse is to create.

The Artist is determined to focus on his painting. It's been sidelined while he established a

new career and as he fulfilled and continues to fulfill his duties as head caretaker for the old farmhouse.

Meanwhile, I have taken on several projects to boost my creativity and my photography skills.

I've decided to document a year at Rural Revival on paper.

Now that all my photos are digital, I no longer miss having stacks of photos waiting to be sorted and filed into photo albums. I do miss, however, having a tangible album to sit and look through from time to time. Then I heard about project life from Deb Duty and I instantly knew this was something I would want to do. I mulled it over for a while, I wasn't sure if this was something I could keep up on when the weeds are knee high in the vegetable gardens but then Deb mentioned how much her sons loved to sit and look through previous years books and I knew that this was a wonderful way to document a year of our life in the country for the twins and for future generations.

I've also signed up for a year of inspiration, encouragement and motivation with the Beyond Layers class with Kim Klassen. I'm seriously looking forward to kicking myself and my camera into second gear.

Lastly, I've joined Project 365 on my iPhone. I love the different perspectives I can capture on my phone, how much easier it is to take it with me everywhere and the community on Instagram. I'll be posting a photo a day on Instagram as Rural Revival, and will share a photo here, every now and then. If you're a member let me know, I'd love to see your captures!

So how did you spend the first day of 2012?

We spent it purging the office and turning it into a studio for the Artist and I.

I'm digging it!

~Be well friends!~

Food for thought?

2012-01-02T20:10:00.001-05:00

~Be wise friends~

2012

2012-01-01T00:29:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a healthy, happy, prosperous and creative year ahead.

Highway 59: A Series - Take 4

2011-12-26T21:01:00.001-05:00

The final barn in a month long series. You can visit Barn 1 and it's steadfast soldiers here, Barn 2 and it's rambling fence here or Barn 3, the old gray mare, here.

This last barn in the series was the first barn that had me hitting the brakes. I was en route to a morning walk to gather materials for an upcoming basket weaving session and as I drove by, the lovely patina of the faded green paint on this barn along with that horse on the left that wouldn't take his eyes off of me (There's always one, isn't there? One that watches your every move.), I knew I had to go back and I did.

As I completed my usual routine of finding a safe spot to pull over and quickly finding the best vantage point for photo taking, I patted myself on the back for coming back to capture this beauty. Then I pressed the shutter release on my camera while nothing happened. So I pressed it again and again and then the reality of what I had done sunk in and it was then that I kicked myself as I realized the memory card was at home in the card reader, still plugged into the computer.

Ouch.

I kicked myself quite hard.

Two weeks later, as I journeyed north along Highway 59 once more, with a camera and memory card riding shotgun beside me, I captured a few more barns along the way with this sweet girl being my final destination. I was late for that basket weaving session but I don't regret it for a second. From that trip a series was born, a remembrance of my grandparents and the journeys they made together in this world and the latest journey they embarked on earlier this year. I highly suspect they are still traveling together. I couldn't imagine them any other way.

From my grandmother's photo album; taken in the forties on
Highway 59...of course.

~Be well friends~

joining:

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:26:00.000-05:00

{this moment}: trimming the tree

2011-12-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

~Merry Christmas Friends!~

joining: Fabulous Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot; PhotoStory Friday

O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-20T21:15:00.000-05:00

Hello lovely friends!

A brief interlude due to a nasty cold bug has kept me quiet.

But I'm on the mend and wanted to share some scenes of this

year's search for the perfect Christmas tree.

We're hoping to grow our own trees here at the old farmhouse,

a dream long intertwined with a wish to live in the country.

We're part way there!

In the meantime, we visit a local tree farm each year,

where the choices are plenty.

As soon as we arrived, the male twin found a perfect specimen.

It was fat in all the right places and just the right height.

It seemed too good to be true; who finds the right tree as soon as they arrive?

So we continued our search, but we couldn't forget that first tree.

So we returned and that tree? Well, it was still there but it was perhaps maybe

a little too fat, so we hummed and hawed and looked at the tree right beside it

and declared, with a little conversation, that it was the perfect tree.

~Be well friends~

joining:

Highway 59: A Series - Take 3

2011-12-19T02:32:00.001-05:00

The third in a series of barns along Highway 59.

If you missed them you can visit here for barn one and here for barn two.

As I pulled up in front of this barn I could hear the scurry of a mad semblance of tidying going on about the place. This sweet dame, it seemed, was just not familiar with company dropping by unexpectedly or planned for that matter. When asked if her photo could be taken, she replied with a rather demure tone, "Who, me?" This girl has been nothing but a hard worker her entire life and retirement is nowhere in sight but she's okay with that. "Better to have a life with purpose than a life spent idle", she advised. I nodded slowly in agreement as I remembered my grandmother's oft used phrase, 'waste not, want not' and then I turned and asked if she remembered that young couple, sixty years ago , so in love, taking photos as they waited near Hickson for a ride. "What advice did you dispel to them?" I asked, perhaps with more wonder than question.

~Be well friends~

joining:

There's snow place...

2011-12-13T06:20:00.000-05:00

...like home.

Did you know the snowman dates back to 14th century?

Not much earlier than the farmhouse kitchen!

It's slowly coming together, decorations are beginning to find homes for

another season and this little man watches over happenings around the oven.

Fortunately, he's the non-melting variety.

~Be well friends~

also joining: Sweet Shot Tuesday, Twelve Days of Textures, Tina's Picstory Tuesday

Highway 59: A Series - Take 2

2011-12-12T05:50:00.003-05:00

For the month of December, I am sharing the charm of barns along Highway 59.

If you missed it, you can go here to view the first barn

and for the sweet and lowdown on the series.

As I drove by this next barn, I sighed how lovely it was and kept on going.
Then after a two or three minutes I gave my head a shake and turned around.
The three amigos to the right gave me a stare down which admit it, could make anyone
a little nervous, but perhaps it was just a little protectionism kicking in.

I wondered, if this was a trait passed on from inhabitant to inhabitant of this treasured barn and,

if so, just how many generations of 'barn families' have come and gone since my grandparents

first traveled this road around sixty-five years ago?

~Be well friends~

Why I Moved to the Country: Reason #1

2011-12-11T07:57:00.001-05:00

On a cold December morning, when egg business should be on hiatus,

the Artist found this in the coop this morning, our first egg.

We're thrilled!

And Eli?

Well, here's what the morning prophet of the

Rural Roost has to say.

**UPDATE**

The Girl Twin just discovered egg number 2 in the coop,

and the Male Twin is getting hungry.

~Sunday Blessings to you Friends!~

Now that I have chickens...

2011-12-10T13:02:00.001-05:00

....I get emails like this.

and I love it!

{this moment}: Hespeler Sunset

2011-12-09T07:18:00.001-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

joining: Fabulous Friday; Give me Your best Shot; Photo Story Friday; Favourite Photo Friday; Skywatch Friday

This or That Thursday: eDition 11 vanBuskirk

2011-12-08T05:44:00.001-05:00

Just beyond the fields behind the old farmhouse lies this majestic looking field.

Only it's not just any old field. It's a nature sanctuary in it's infancy.
I can't begin to tell you how wonderful this is. It really is just around the corner
and for hopefully many summers to come this place will become an amusement park for my bees.
Happy bees, happy beekeeper.

In case you're wondering how a sanctuary is created, here's the skinny.

(Click on the photo to enlarge and if you're like me, actually be able to read all about it.)

This is a quaint little church I pass each day, not far from the sanctuary.

That's all.

It's cute, I adore it and so here it is.

It's December 8th and we have yet to turn on our furnace.

This makes me just about as happy as having a personal playground for my bees.

Grant you, it's been a mild fall but things are quickly changing.

We had our first layer of ice on the pond over the weekend.

Despite the warmer weather, we're right on schedule and we

should be curling and skating on the pond by Christmas.

Unless it rains.

Of course, Twinkle Toes wasn't entirely convinced the deal was all that.

I might or might not have convinced her it was all good.

I might or might not have been painting at the time.

~Be well friends~

Ember December

2011-12-07T05:43:00.001-05:00

We're still buzzing around the kitchen as we work to complete phase one of our farmhouse

kitchen revival. It would be nice to be able to decorate the kitchen for Christmas this year.

Luckily, we have a helper who seems to know her way around a work site.

She's very adept at climbing ladders. She travels up or down with ease,

the taller the ladder the better. I won't even tell you how high she climbed in the wood shed.

Short ones will do if required, as well.

And if the job calls for it, she's even willing to climb a ladder back chair as well.

Whatever it takes to get the job done. She's our girl.

Her ladder skills aside, she's now trying to convince me she can paint too.

I'm not so sure about that one.

~Be well friends~

joining: Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday, Wordless/Wordful Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday but with Words, Wordless Wednesday @ Naptime Momtog, Wild & Wonderful Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday at NOLA Mommy

December Rainbow

2011-12-06T05:39:00.001-05:00

Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life.

The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,

and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray.
Lord Byron

~Be well friends~

joining: Sweet Shot Tuesday

Highway 59: A Series

2011-12-05T05:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, with a little knowledge and a dash of planning, the paths you choose in life

can bring you along avenues filled with experiences you never dare dream.

And if you're lucky, it can take you along roads filled with patient old barns

that thought you'd never come visit. This barn particularly, with it's three tin soldiers

standing on guard, could be heard letting out a huge sigh of relief as I pulled over

and there was the slightest murmur heard coming from amongst the three of them

while one of them said, "I told you she'd get here".

For the month of December, I'll be featuring barns along highway 59.

A small tribute to my grandparents who likely traveled along

this two lane highway more than any other in the world.

~Be well friends~

joining: Mellow Yellow Monday, Capturing Beauty, Monday Rewind & Barn Charm Monday

{this moment} - Best Friends

2011-12-02T07:46:00.001-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

This or That Thursday: eDition (a perfect?) 10

2011-12-01T05:32:00.001-05:00

Another sunset you ask?

When you leave for work in the dark and you come home to near darkness,

there isn't much else to do but go with the light you're given.

On the bright side, no two are alike!

But just so you don't start thinking all I do is gaze westward, here's a view looking up.

I spent the entire weekend confined to the kitchen.

Not a single photo was taken while I was home and able to

partake of daylight and the out of doors at the exact same time.

And, I have nary a baked good to show for all my efforts either.

But I do have a sparkling white kitchen!

Phase one consisted of painting the bead board ceiling white, along with the trim and an update to the walls. More to do this weekend, but alas, it's heartbreaking to announce that the counter top and mudroom pictured above are not part of phase one, or even phase two for that matter. And just for the record it takes a good while for one's neck to recover from painting a ceiling, see second photo above.

And while the work continues this weekend, we have no overhead kitchen light and we may not for some time. The big box stores don't seem to cater to my tastes. So for now, there is a floor lamp strategically placed next to the kitchen table so we can go about our usual business, like making fire starters. It's an upward light, and I find myself strongly attached to the ambiance it lends. I feel like we've gone back a century in time with dim lighting and a hearth in the kitchen.

Just so long as I ignore the shiny appliances.

And just in case there is any confusion about what century we're in,

I just head outside.

This breed didn't exist in the late 1800's.

That clarifies things a lot, don't you think?

~Be well friends!~

This place

2011-11-30T05:57:00.001-05:00

We don't have cable, who needs television when you've got the real deal happening through any screen aka window around this old farmhouse? There is a unique view no matter what the direction, and I can conjure up a dozen images from any angle in my mind faster than Ember can escape out the door undetected but our western view, if you hadn't guessed by now, is hands down my favourite. No matter what kind of day I've had, this is the icing on the cake. It's too pretty to eat and for once, maybe that's a good thing because really there isn't any other place I'd rather be.

~Be well friends~

Wordless Wednesday
Wordful Wednesday
Wordless/Wordful Wednesday

An open book

2011-11-28T05:50:00.001-05:00

My usual trek home, one afternoon last week, was blocked due to a minor fender bender.

When your country commute involves passing over a major freeway that cuts across your path,

there are limited opportunities to cross said freeway. So....I ended up making a major loop,

about ten minutes in length to end up one minute down the road from where I hit the original traffic snag.

I was a little peeved at first, I was anxious to get home and do some fo-tog-raffi while there was

still copious amounts of sunshine; a rare commodity these days.

Then the sky opened up fully and shone all of its glory on this beautiful barn and I said, "Whoa!"

Five days a week I make a right hand turn just before this farm...for years.

I pulled over and took a big gulp of this tall drink of water.

I wasn't sure at first what it was about her but then I realized perhaps she's like an old gal

who's seen many changes and while you think her days may be numbered, she still stands tall and

proud and she sure as heck is stronger than she may appear and if you take the time

to get to know her, she's an open book ready to spill her stories to any attentive listener.

All you have to do is knock on the door and smile.

~Be well friends~

This or That Thursday: 9 lives eDition

2011-11-24T04:55:00.001-05:00

I took a basket weaving course last weekend with my mom and aunt, so as my mom and I went for a walk the next day searching for items for Christmas planters, we were immediately tuned into the weaving materials in our midst, such as this grapevine. Apparently grapevine isn't the easiest of plant material to work with but that's fine with me, I think I prefer to watch it as it wanders through the woods leaving a trail of goodies in its path; a treat for the birds who follow.

And while it was interesting to learn how a basket is put together and fun to make one,

I'm not so sure I'm completely smitten with the whole ordeal.

While I was there, I did, however, become very smitten with a certain kitten.

Meet Aubergine, one of the resident kittens of the farmhouse where the course took place. She begged to be let into the farmhouse kitchen while afternoon tea and treats were being served. She was banned due to her penchant for baked goods but her owner eventually caved and allowed her in. She behaved very well, until on my way out at the end of the day I watched as she lost her footing on one of the kitchen chairs which somehow caused her kitty lips to smack a few cookies on the way down. It happened really fast though, so I could be mistaken. Don't worry Billy Jean your secret is safe with me.

Speaking of penchants, I still have a thing for these red roses of mine.

Despite layers of frost and more than a few freezing nights,

they still seem to retain a certain stateliness around them.

I think they may be more beautiful now than they are in August.

One thing is for sure, they're determined to stick around as long as possible

which is an endearing quality this time of year.

The fact that we've had a November that resembles October has probably helped their cause.

I can't remember a November filled with so much sunshine.

And sunshine my friends is what I wish for all of you celebrating Thanksgiving today.

Let the Egg Nog Season begin!

~Be Thankful Friends!~

a dream house

2011-11-23T05:30:00.001-05:00

For as long as I can remember, certainly before I knew the difference between a Gambrel and a hip roof, I have loved the symmetry of Georgian style architecture. For an equal period of time, I have been dismayed at the sight of a house or any building left to its own defense when clearly assistance is in dire need.

So as I headed north from the old farmhouse on the weekend, I lapped up the serene views of rolling hillsides dotted with more barns and silos than I usually see in an entire week of commuting. Just as I was within arm's reach of the hamlet where, as a child, my grandfather chased chickens and skipped school to help his parents make sausage, I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of this. I often stop for barns, but seldom for a house, not that I don't love them but it's not often I see one quite as grand as this one.

A red brick Georgian beauty, with a chimney on each side, a front entrance graced with a transom, the remnants of a long, graceful front porch that swept across the entire front facade and a foundation, my goodness just look at that beautiful stone foundation; how beautiful that stonework must be from the inside. And while the original windows have long disappeared, they would have been as smart as a bow tie when this house was a babe. And, those little attic windows keep calling my eye, imagine an attic so large that you could play marbles for days without bumping into your little brother.

It sits alone now, appearing empty of residents, yet full of memories. It holds more memories than a human lifetime could possibly experience, memories of many a Christmas, of harvest times, of canning days, of hot summer nights, of record snowfalls, of weddings and funerals, of family, long time friends and the odd one time visitor, of laughter and tears, of peace, joy and just being. This is a place that lives in the moment and asks, when you stop and BE...what memories do you hold dear?

~Be well friends~

Wordless Wednesday
Wordless/Wordful Wednesday
Wordful Wednesday

Strawberry dreams

2011-11-22T05:44:00.001-05:00

As the deeper cold begins to settle in, the strawberry leaves turn a crimson red.

A not so subtle reminder of promises in the spring ahead.

~Be well friends~

Edited using Kim's Back in, And then some & Mayzee textures.

{this moment} - gardening

2011-11-18T07:13:00.001-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

This or That Thursday: eDition Henry the 8~th

2011-11-16T21:23:00.001-05:00

We've had many warm and sunny days lately, an unexpected surprise for November.

And maybe it's just me but we've also been experiencing some

of the most beautiful sunsets this last little while.

With days growing shorter and shorter my photography time outdoors is becoming,
shall we say, rather limited and last night I spent my entire trip home
completely engrossed in the sky and slightly wishing I had a chauffeur.
Just think of all the photos I would be able to snap and yep, probably safer too.

Note to lady who birthed me:

No photography at the wheel was committed in the attainment of these photos.

Those warmer days I mentioned also means we've had more time

to allow Ember out to roam amongst the giants in her backyard.

Fortunately, she's learned the skill of camouflage.

Orange cat. Green wheelbarrow.

"Nothing will find me here."

These mild days of sunshine and happiness have also given our heirloom carrots a chance to stay, just a little bit longer, in the ground. After a July that saw no rain and the hottest day on record in over fifty years, I had my doubts that there would be much of a carrot harvest this year but we've made out like bandits. There was a entire wheelbarrow full, less one cat, of course.

And after a summer spent building a coop and having some meet and greets with a few thousand bees,

next year will be focused solely on gardening.

And planning.
And we figured if goats are moving in,
we best see if we like goat milk.

Source

Yes, we do!

~Be well friends!~

The beauty that remains

2011-11-15T05:27:00.001-05:00

This hibiscus bloom may appear to be in the final throes of a well lived life,

with a quickly fading beauty but rest assured, life and beauty remain

and will spoil us again in days to come.

~Happy Tuesday Friends~

The Rural Roost: A video tour

2011-11-14T05:33:00.001-05:00

A quick tour of the rural roost here at Rural Revival farm on a Sunday morning. I need some work on my videographer skills but I hope you enjoy nonetheless.

~Be well friends~

{this moment} - A visit with the kids down the road

2011-11-10T19:57:00.001-05:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Joining up with:

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

This or That Thursday: eDition 7~th heaven

2011-11-10T04:55:00.001-05:00

While I do have to make my way to the city each day, I'm fortunate enough to work in an office near the edge of town, surrounded by beautiful parkland and situated at the elbow of a large river. It's as easy as heading out the door and down a lane and instantly, nature is at my feet, ready to offer quick respite from a hectic day.

It does a mind and body good, to be able to break away from analyzing this and that and to just BE.

I'm also lucky enough to have a co-worker who I can share this with. We make lots of acquaintances in life and we make many friends but there are a precious few who become a gem we consider our best friend. This kind of relationship, I'm realizing at this stage of the game, is very rare indeed. Seriously, when did you last pick your co-worker? I told her once we won the lottery but in reality I was the one who hit the jackpot.
She doesn't mind when I stop every few minutes on one of our walks to take yet another photo. And she took it in stride when I gasped as she almost sat on my camera. It rides shotgun with me most days and she didn't bat an eye when I suggested she sit in the backseat. Kidding!

She knows me better than I know myself sometimes. I can't hide a single thing from her; she can read me like a book and as we continue to count down the years to retirement, I'm glad she's there to shoulder the bad days and share the great ones as we wade through all of the in between stuff together.

~~~

Imagine traveling west each morning, under cover of darkness during these shortened days, not realizing what was right behind you. You can't always rely on your rear view mirror to be completely honest with you. Sometimes you have to look over your shoulder and take it all in. It'll be worth it. Scout's honour.

I'll end with dispersing just one more bit of wisdom, since I'm on a roll today. With even just a bit of frost, a metal latch on a chicken coop gate will freeze shut. Be prepared with a butter knife, a screwdriver, even a bit of hot water or at the very least some really good treats. Otherwise, you run the risk of a mutiny. Consider yourself warned.

~Be well friends~

Two

2011-11-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

Two

sleeps until the next full moon
chickens that will eat from my hand
days I need to finish painting the kitchen, that I started in July
number of cats that don't see eye to eye around here. (I only have two but that's besides the point.)
Iron & Wine cd's that came home from the library last night. I'm expecting a happy commute this morning.
poppies I lose each year between the first of November and Remembrance Day
Santas I brought home from the thrift store yesterday. They were two for wan dollah; you do the math.

~Be well friends~

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

A long winter's nap

2011-11-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

After a summer of exploring every inch of the area around the old farmhouse, the neighbouring woods and on occasion the neighbour's pool, it was time for the hive to settle down and begin their winter hibernation while enjoying the fruits of their many, many journeys made over the last few months.

Before packing things in until spring, I switched out the hive boxes, one deep and one shallow, for thicker walled boxes that should provide a bit more insulation over the colder months. On the advice of my local bee supplier, I painted the boxes brown so that on those days in January when the sky is clear and the sun is shining bright the darker colour will absorb that extra heat and help the bees keep their home warm.

My supplier has many, many hives and last year, wrapped half of them with an insulated wrap covered in black plastic while the other half were not covered. His hive losses were 50% for both those that were wrapped and those that weren't. His thought is that wrapping doesn't make a difference and it's a wasted expense. I value his opinion and his experience, dating back to when he was a child assisting his parents, is invaluable so I'm following his lead. The most important factors for the next few months are keeping moisture out of the hive and protecting it from the harsh winds we can experience.

Frames full of capped honey; hopefully it's enough to keep them well fed over the next few months.

Each time I enter the hive I keep any eye out for that elusive queen but she's rather shy.

But if you can spot her, please let me know!

I find it rather sad that the odds of my hive surving are 50-50.

With all of the stresses put on bees today this is just one more card in their deck that they could do without.

If you've ever thought about beekeeping, I hope this alone will inspire you to give it a try,

without us bees face even tougher odds and without bees our odds are much, much worse.

~Bee well friends!~

The dog days of November

2011-11-06T14:25:00.000-05:00

It was a balmy 13C yesterday and today is more of the same.

We're busy raking leaves, giving the lawn a final trim and squirreling away lots of tulip

and daffodil bulbs for a colourful treat in front of the old farmhouse come spring.

We're also planting next year's harvest of garlic with an extra row along our grapevines to, hopefully, deter those pesky Japanese beetles. If you're not familiar with them, consider yourself lucky. They almost decimated a rose of Sharon but thankfully the chickens have been feasting on the grubs around it and we're hoping for a recovery of some sort next year. The grapes, however, are on the other side of the property, far beyond the chicken's current world.

I've read one of the things the beetles detest most is the smell of garlic which is likely why my tomato plants went untouched this year...they were next to the garlic. Grapes and garlic...an interesting combination, wouldn't you say?

Meanwhile, Ember is enjoying her dog days or perhaps they're more cat days of November.

Nothing like trying to catch falling magnolia leaves to tire a kitten out, always a good thing when an extra hours sleep is involved and she's back at today. Good thing, Whiskers and I stayed up far too late last night; we need to catch up on our beauty sleep.

~Enjoy your Sunday friends!~

Did you steal my sunshine?

2011-11-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

I've had to come to terms with a couple of things this week.

I'm going to share them with you, well, because I can finally share something

...anything....with you, more on that later.

First, leaves are my friends.

They provide shade during those dog days of summer, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen,

they're very pretty, especially in October, and they cocoon this old farmhouse

turning it into a green and lush oasis

amid fields of corn (and every seven years soy bean).

Then November rolls around and they leave me.

Every stinking last one bids me adieu without so much as a glance over their shoulder.

I've never took issue with this before now, I figured they deserved their rest

and their replacements step up to the plate without issue each spring.

We know all that but this year, however, they took on a new job

and I would prefer they remained at their post for eternity

or as long as I'm around, whichever comes last.

Since that's not going to happen, and I have to share my view with Sunny and Ray,

I decided that perhaps it's not so bad after all.

There is plenty of sky for both of us to share in this two horse town.

My other epiphany?

Blogger is not perfect. Gasp! Insightful, aren't I?

Despite numerous attempts on various browsers, on a multitude of different computers

and in various cities, (yes, really) I was not able to upload a single photo into Blogger.

All week.

It was like having your view of the world more than slightly askew.

Sort of like a big giant rectangle smack dab in your view of the western sky!

I'm exploring my options but in the meantime, I'm just happy to be back.

And more than a little grateful to have a view at all.

~Be well friends!~

Red, red rose

2011-11-01T05:34:00.000-04:00

And fare thee well, my only Luve
And fare thee well, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

R. Burns

The Witching Hour

2011-10-31T19:27:00.002-04:00

has arrived.

Do you know where your ghosts and goblins are?

Happy Hallowe'en!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Around the Farmhouse

2011-10-30T11:01:00.001-04:00

Some scenes from the old farmhouse this week,

keeping in theme with Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Hope you enjoy!

Macro or Close-up

Down by the pond.

Found Texture

Cat tails along the creek, that exits the pond.

Home

The scene that greets me as I come in the backdoor each day. Worn with love, usually graced with some flowers along with a hockey stick and always a welcome sight.

Cover

Hibiscus blooms covered in frost this morning.

The Tree

The first of our own Christmas trees we planted, with a spider web running from branch to branch that was covered with so much frost it looked like string from a distance.

~Enjoy your Sunday Friends!~

Wherever I lay my straw...

2011-10-29T08:46:00.001-04:00

It was just a matter of time before it happened. The fact that we've been out here in the country for three years easily stacked the odds against us. Still, I can't say it was an easy pill to swallow. I suppose, there are some experiences in life you can never prepare for.

Crossing paths with a skunk would be one of them. The intensity of it's aroma, how it permeates each and every fiber, of every molecule, of every object within a hundred foot radius is incredible. Just ask Callie. Trying to protect her family from the big, bad skunk in the wee woods she took one for us...right in the face.

As she barked ferociously and relentlessly, I had visions of either the man still wanted by the police from the incident earlier this year or a kitten hiding out among our pine trees. It never dawned on me that it would be another black and white creature of a different persuasion. General chaos ensued in the dark as we realized that a skunk was on the scene. She tried to come in one door, which quickly led to a different door with a brief stop inside her manger. Thanks to quick instructions found online she was bathed before the spray dried with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and while she has a bit of an odour about her, we can live with it, she is a pond dog after all, she always has a bit of an odour. The side trip to her manger however, must have left a large amount of spray covering her bedding so the Artist removed the straw and placed it in the fire pit for burning.

Never have I met a more dedicated pup intent on protecting her pack or more in love with her bedding.

~Be well friends!~

{this moment} - Fall Cleanup

2011-10-28T05:39:00.002-04:00

I'm linking to Soulemama Soulemamafor a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!!~

Also joining:

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

This or That Thursday: with 6 you get EGGroll eDition

2011-10-27T05:40:00.001-04:00

Around these parts this can be a tricky time of year for photo taking. I've found myself still in what I refer to as summer mode; when I see a scene I'd like to photograph I make a mental note to try it the next day or whenever I have a free moment. Only thing is, the next day the object could and likely will be gone. So while the sun was shining again last weekend I spent some time outside so my camera and my skin could soak in some much needed vitamin D.

The maples have almost entirely shed their leaves, with the exception of a few hangers on. Luckily the willows and the magnolia are still fully dressed, as is this miniature rosebush. It's not quite miniature anymore it's almost four feet tall and is still covered in blooms. I deadheaded the entire bush in July. I think my mom thought it was overkill until on a return visit I pointed out that it was replete with even more blossoms.

I splurged on Thanksgiving weekend and bought three bouquets of gerbera daisies. Then, as our guests arrived and relaxed with a drink and snack out on the patio, I walked around the yard cutting a mix of wild flowers, grasses and 'weeds' and arranged them with the daisies in sap buckets for center pieces. You can see one here. Three weeks later and the gerberas are still holding their own.

And please, don't think I'm advocating creating your centerpieces when your guests arrive. I just seem to always underestimate my time, even with three days advance preparation. Am I the only one with this issue?

Because there was a fire ban in our area over the summer due to the lack of rain this summer, despite the fact that we had record setting amounts of rainfall in the spring, this was our first bonfire of the year. And as the sun crept down in the distance Saturday evening, this was best seat in the house.

Did you know that I still had time for a little traveling on the weekend. Sure did. I went to Paris. Yep, Paris! I hadn't been there for awhile and I was sure you might not believe me so I took a photo so I could offer you up some of the resplendent beauty of Paris and, well heck, to prove I was there.

This was taken in the English section of town, obviously. All the sections are English though, in Paris, Ontario.

~Be well friends!~

A Home to Roost

2011-10-26T05:45:00.002-04:00

As the leaves continue to swirl down from their summer perch and the frost is heavier with each morning, it's a pleasure to have a spot (or two) to sit by a cozy fire, to unwind after a long day engrossed with spreadsheets and relax with a book or a crochet hook. While not advancing much last winter, I continue teaching myself to crochet. I struggle with understanding the pattern instructions more than how to create different stitches, so, I finally abandoned my beginner booklet and found a simple pattern on Ravelry for a dishcloth that is coming along rather quickly and I've been stitching it up with organic cotton, so lovely on the fingertips.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that chickens are on the brain of just about everyone here at the old farmhouse; I finally decided to delve into this book I found in the bargain section last year and give it a go. Home to Roost: A Backyard Farmer Chases Chickens through the Ages covers the complete array of all things chicken. From their place in various human cultures past and present to their history on this planet and all things in between Bob Sheasley presents a show and tell of the chicken chocked full of humour and personal anecdotes. It's always inspiring when I stumble across another commuter. If I've learned one thing while living in the country it's that we're thick as thieves we are, we who daily leave our heart in the country while heading into the city to keep our dream alive.

And, you know, now that I think of it, there's probably something else I've learned. There ain't no cure for the chicken bug; once you got it, you have it for life.

pretty boy Eli, 19 weeks

~Be well friends~

Joining Yarn Along at Small Things today.

Also:
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless/Wordful Wednesday
Wordful Wednesday

Cat Tails

2011-10-25T05:43:00.000-04:00

Now that she's a little older, we've been giving Ember more access to the great outdoors. To say she loves it would be an understatement. She thrives on being able to explore and I imagine, in her eyes, our two and a half acres is a veritable new planet full of discoveries yet to be made. From the pine forest to the tents of willow branches there are more changes in landscape than she could or ever will comprehend. After six months of exploring every inch of the old farmhouse and I do mean every inch this is exactly what the doctor ordered for a kitty with a bad case of the curiosities.

While I was out clipping cattails for an indoor arrangement, I heard heavy footsteps through the reeds. Caught up in finding some that were still intact, it was a few minutes before I looked down to say hello to Callie because surely that was her romping her way through there. Nope. It seems a drain pipe and tall, tall reeds and cattails are the best place for a kitten to explore on a sunny Saturday afternoon in October.

~Be well friends~

Photo edited with two of my fave textures from Kim,
Portrait and Warm Sun with a little Serious Scratch Magic added in.

The Flock

2011-10-24T06:29:00.003-04:00

Meet the gang.

It's been three weeks since our adopted flock came home to abide at the Rural Roost. Our new residents, Elijah the cockerel and the four pullets have settled in rather nicely. The girls are shy little creatures taking more time to come out of their shell and any thoughts of naming them, especially by the glimmer twins, were quickly dispelled as soon as they arrived. Why you ask? Because you can't tell them apart. It's as simple as that.

There is one exception. It seems three of the ladies follow Eli without fail. They sort of remind me of the Supremes in this photo. Where Eli goes, they go. The fourth lovely lady however has a mind of her own. Either that or she is easily distracted and gets left behind but I'll never tell; that's her story, not mine.

In those first few days after their arrival a head count was done, oh, about every five minutes or so and inevitably there would be one missing. "One, two, three, four. Where is number five?" I would ask the rest of them. And hence the last little girl is known affectionately as Number Five. Only thing is, we can only tell which one is Number Five when she's off doing her own thing. Which can go on for quite some time, by the way, but she eventually makes a quick jaunt across the yard to catch up with her roostmates, as captured above. We'll be sure to bring this photo out again at her wedding, just to embarrass her one last time.

As I've mentioned before, these birds are Chanteclers, a rare and endangered breed, one of only two to originate from Canada. They are cold tolerant birds which they've already proven to us, as they love to forage in the little woods beside their coop all day long, despite the cold, drizzly grey days we've experienced the last few weeks.

When the group arrived Eli was the same size as the ladies but has grown significantly over the last few weeks and is now much taller than the others. His feet are quite massive as well, and as you can see his plumage is quite colourful. I do think, however, that both sexes have beautiful colouring. But I still tell Eli he's a pretty boy. Happy rooster in training, happy Rural Roost!

Mosaic Monday

Eli's tail feathers will continue to grow and both he and the girls have bluish green feathers with an iridescent glow. These Chantecler are the partridge variety, while the original Chantecler breed has white plumage.

We're thoroughly enjoying getting to know these guys. Within no time, Eli was eating out of our hands and while they're still not too fussy about being petted, they do love to follow us around the yard. In fact, sometimes I turn around to see them running after me. I'd like to think they adore me, but these little Scratchheads have only one thing on their mind and I don't believe they think I'm their mama.

As the last vestiges of the gardens were plucked away this weekend, we discovered how much the chickens love raspberries and adore strawberries. So much so, that they pestered me for more the next day. I offered them some swiss chard but they turned their beaks up at that. Yes, they're picky eaters too. Luckily, I'm used to that!

So as we continue to learn about coop keeping, bird tending and just how much poop a chicken can make, we're falling in love with these little creatures as they roam, scratch and peck around the old farmhouse. Dare I say, another Rural Revival at it's best?

~Be well friends!~

{this moment} - The Rainy Day Dilemma

2011-10-21T05:37:00.001-04:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

This or That Thursday eDition CiNcO

2011-10-20T07:10:00.000-04:00

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

Maybe it just seems that way. From a certain room in the old farmhouse,

if you look up, way up, it sort of feels like we're being buried in leaves.

We spent the entire past weekend stacking this winter's wood supply. We ordered an extra cord this year, because there is nothing worse than heading out to the woodshed on a cold March day to discover that when your husband had told you the supply was getting low, he meant really, really low. There isn't ample storage for all that extra wood so there are strategic stacks placed all around the farmhouse. It sort of feels like we're being buried by wood too. I think I prefer the leaves. Eventually they'll blow away.

The male twin needed a picture for school of his favourite past time, so he asked me to take his photo while reading. ~Be still my heart.~ All those days of laying on the floor reading dinosaur books when he was a baby have paid off, ten fold.

Speaking of dinosaurs, it seems their distant relatives have a protected habitat not far from the old farmhouse. I do believe their territory has expanded down the road, as I spotted this one in our living room.

Or is it an offering from this year's pumpkin patch?

Turkey or pumpkin? Some days, you can't quite discern the two!

~Happy Thursday Friends!~

Tickled Pink

2011-10-17T05:54:00.000-04:00

While almost all of the late flowering perennials have faded to grey around the old farmhouse, the Rose of Sharon is still going strong. There are enough buds to see us through to December, if mother nature would be kind enough to oblige. The pink blossoms are the last to put on a display this year and I think these three bumblebees were tickled pink. They reminded me of three drunken sailors out on the town. I poked and prodded and repeatedly stuck my nose and camera in their faces but they paid me no attention.

~~~~~~~

Rub a dub dub,
Three men in a tub,
And who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick maker.
Turn them out, knaves all three.

~~~~~~~

~Be well friends~

{this moment} - A Study Guide

2011-10-14T06:18:00.000-04:00

I'm linking to Soulemama for a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

~Happy Friday Friends!~

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli