Wednesday already? And lesson learned

It is only 3 pm and I am exhausted. I am used to working 10-12hours with the commute but I am always sitting.  It is my turn to give back while Dude is recuperating. 

I was late getting chores done. Rule one at the homestead is feed animals first... I had to get full caffeine tea and breakfast before I went out.  I got all the morning chores done and watered not only the gardens but filled all the water containers for the animals. The last one to fill is the horse trough. I found out the hard way... make sure you remove the hoses!  I came out around 1pm and found the trough completely empty. What the heck?  Well, if you keep the hose in, despite unhooking it from the primary hose, it will syphon all the water out!  At least I learned. 

I came in to finish the laundry, clean the spare bathroom and do the final check on the spare bedroom. My sister and husband were coming to help.  I am afraid of horses but I did soldier on …. smile... my sister loves horse and rides them.  It will be great to have company . Plus, Dude can be very stubborn and we need to make sure he rests. 

Picked parsley .

Have cuttings from plants to plant... roses, black raspberries, basil, and coleus. 

Drying parsley.

Picked some goodies. 

Washed eggs. 

Refilled Dude's ice pack.

I had a chicken thaw, soaked in salt water and time to put in the oven when family arrived. 

My sister was doing chicken jokes. 

Anywhoooo, it is cleaned, oiled and rubbed in herbs, salt and pepper. It will be cooking in the oven for a couple hours... Me? 

I am going to take a nap and it's only 330pm!

Until tomorrow... peace

Tuesday Morning on the Homestead

Dude comes home from the hospital today. He got a new shoulder, literally.  Family is coming to help on the homestead today. For now, the chores and home are up to me. Luckily, the animals were in the fields when I got home last night and I was able to quietly put hay in their troughs without being noticed.  The animals were waiting for me this morning.  They weren't too happy that I wasn't Dude. There were grumblings and foot stompings. 

Libby took her feed but was a bit perturbed it wasn't Dude to talk to her and brush her. She needs brushing. She has been rolling in dirt and mud. Tomorrow.

Next, I was over to the birdhouse.

They get fed and water.

Plus I throw crack corn out for everyone.

Then to the greenhouse.  I needed goodies for the day. 

 I checked on the mums I planted yesterday. They were near gone when I planted them. The dog had found them in their pots while I was away and flung them about the yard.  Now they are planted, safe and sound. The perked right up over night. 

All turkeys are accounted for.  I have been feeding the turkeys and guineas separate since the guineas took their job seriously as security of the homestead and killed 2 turkeys and a chicken.

Prudence was adorable as usual this morning when I went back to double check on the animals. 

Libby was still not speaking to me since I wasn't Dude.

Molly came up to say Hallo... she loves to speak with an English accent.

Spinach for breakfast and beets for lunch.

Chores went well until I heard a little meow coming from the train container... I had accidently locked a cat in the container. Thank goodness it is a cool morning. 

I found a couple of feathers to add to my collection. 

Breakfast

I sat out on the porch with the dog eating and writing in my journal. It was only in the 50's and not to get to hot in the 70's* ...must better than the hot 90's of yesterday.

Lunch is in the oven. Roasted veggies with balsamic and olive oil . Later I will top it with goat cheese. 

I am listening to the book The Last cowboys, A pioneer family in the new west by John Branch.

Dude called this morning and wanted a poncho made so he could wear it home instead of a shirt. I love that I am able to do this. 

I need to get working. 

peace

Sunday Funday

Morning feeding ...

I just think this is cool. The knots in the wood show red with the sun shining through the bird house door. 

We had to go find hay today and buy chicken feed.  There seems to be a shortage everywhere since water is being rationed for the farmers. 

I got some sewing ready while I rode in the truck with Dude. 

Later family came over to help us hook up television and music plus just to have fun. 

We laughed a lot. 

Ate and danced..

We went out in the garden. 

Pumpkins

Yeah.. we have butternut squash coming on. 

Black zucchini.

Eggplant

Then off to see the animals. We did find a dead chicken and turkey.  I think it's time for the guineas to go!

All in all a very good day. 

Time to make dinner and settle in for the night. 

peace