There are many paths to happiness in this wide world of ours, but right here and now, happiness is holding a baby chick. This week we brought home nine more balls of fluff. One Buff Orpington, two Bantam Frizzles, three Bantam Cochins, and three Bantam Silkies were added to our chicken menagerie on Thursday. One of my favorite things about bantam chicks is how they seem to be even tinier ...
I’ve Got it Covered: Confessions of Mulch Madness
What's missing from this picture? The front lawn. When we bought this house, it was just a little beige island in a sea of lawn. An acre and a half of lawn to be more accurate. I was really not interested in mowing or watering all that lawn. I knew that beneath it lay some great farming soil, and I was out to grow a lot of food, so I decided the lawn had to die. I ...
The Peep Show!
Guess who just arrived at the feed store? Our first two chicks of the season! These Americaunas will be joined by more little friends on Wednesday. They are settled in very nicely to the brooder box my husband built this weekend out of salvaged pallets and extra wood scraps we had around our place. I'm looking forward to two more green eggs a day in our basket this fall! ...
I Am a Nurse Log
I Am a Nurse Log "I am a young seed − Air, water, soil and light areWhat I need − If I’m going to grow up right, ohYes indeed − All of this is within sight But all the competition down on the forest floorReally has me wishin’ for something to give me more I need a NURSE LOG, I need a NURSE LOGI need a NURSE LOG, I need a NURSE LOGNurse Log lifts me up − And never lets me down. I am an old tree ...
Beach Hikes for Sensory Therapy
Our world today is a busy place, and for children, especially those who are more sensitive, this can be a lot to deal with. Some of you might have heard of Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder, and some of you may not. Because it has become a more frequent diagnosis for children today, you might have a child with identified sensory issues, or know someone else who ...
Gluten-Free Rice Treats
No-bake treats are a great do-it-yourself kitchen activity for kids. I still remember the powder sugar coated no-bake cookie balls I used to make from the Betty Crocker for Kids cookbook when I was growing up. I felt like such a gourmet chef! A while back, a friend served up these tasty rice treats for a snack while our kids were playing, and it became an instant favorite. ...
The Root Children
Mother earth opened the underground door and the procession of root children holding flowers made their way up into the warm Spring day. When Spring starts to come back to the land, and little seeds are beginning to grow up into tender green shoots, I love reading The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle von Offers with my children. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is one ...
Use Cloth in the Kitchen: Save Money and Trees!
Paper towels, paper napkins, and paper lunch bags. Most households go through huge quantities of these every week without questioning the cost and the amount of waste generated. Have a little spill to wipe up? Grab a wad of paper towels. Setting the table for dinner? Be sure to put a napkin at each spot. Packing everyone's lunch for the day? Fold it all into a neat little brown paper bag. The idea ...
On Siblings, Camping, and Cape Lookout State Park
When I watch my twins playing together around our yard or out in the woods, I often think of all the important things shared between siblings. Although I don't know what it's like to have a twin, I am lucky to have a little brother. There is no other person in the world who shares my wealth of childhood camping memories. Of course, our parents have fond memories ...
Blackbeard the Pirate
Ahoy! This fearsome looking, swashbuckling rooster answers to the name of Blackbeard the Pirate. Don't be fooled by his short stature, he's a scallywag for sure. Arrrrrrrrr! ...