Our first egg

Actually, counting today, Laverne has laid three eggs, but this morning was our first go at eating them. I have never had a soft boiled egg. It was yummy. Martin didn't eat his as it was too runny. Next time he can make his own!

PIGS!

Here are some highlights from our pig farming course. These are very very big pigs! But not scary at all! Pigs are not aggressive, unless you get in the way between a boar and his lady.


The one below is a saddle back. So named for the white band around its middle.

These little pigs were only two days old! Not sure who is more uncomfortable, Martin or the pig.

Looking for some attention. They are very social. And make a lot of noise!


This is me trying to feed them. They aren't very patient so took me a little while to actually get the food in the trough.
The course was really really good and I had a great time. We learned how to give pigs injections when they are sick or need worming, take their temperature, tell how a sow is in heat how to artificial inseminate, how to tell if she is pregnant, how to tell if she is about to give birth, how to pick up and hold piglets, how to feed, how to make a profit, etc etc. We learned a ton! I think the most important thing I learned was that it is all possible. You just have to go out and do it. You won't make a ton of money, but you will make a profit. And if we try it, decide we don't like it, than at least after trying it out with three pigs we haven't lost any money but hopefully made a few pounds. It has turned into something we talk about and consider to something I actually want to do!

Now I know you are all at home thinking I'm crazy. Has she forgotten she is a vegetarian? Um no. I have not. But the thing is, people are not going to stop buying meat. So instead of just saying the status quo is not acceptable, why not provide an alternative that is? If I want people to start thinking about what they eat, why not provide them with something they can feel good about eating? I was very impressed with the farm we went to. So much so that even though I had the vegetarian meal, I did try the pork and sausage. (just a little bit) I did not like the pork. Not surprisingly, I liked the sausage. And the sausage was pure pork, not made out of the ears or cheeks or other nasty parts, but the actual meat parts of the pig. The woman who ran the farm was a vegetarian for 25 years and now she eats only products she makes or is locally grown. That could be me! It is something to think about but I went away feeling inspired. Something to think about for sure.

More on the Chickens!

This is the nice man who brought us the chickens. He had to put together their coop for us in the rain.


A very wet day.


Once the coop was mostly assembled Martin laid down the bark for them to scratch around in. The bark is a bit of a mess and although we have now completely covered the coop to keep out the rain, it still gets wet. Alternatives will be explored.


This is Shirley. She was the last one out and kind of fell down the stairs. She is really pretty although we thought she would be all black. Maybe when she gets older.


This is Laverne. She is a bit aggressive. Today she pecked me as I opened the door. I think she thought my finger was a grape.


Here you can see the border Martin made just for them. This helps keep the bark from getting everywhere. He's handy.

They seem pretty well adjusted except they sleep where they are suppose to lay their eggs. I have covered the hole that allows access to this area. Hopefully they won't peck their way through. I am very anxious to get them out of that cage. They have plenty of room but I want them to roam. We have foxes in the area so unless we are at home, this is the safest place for them. It kills me.

A had a comment asking about the cold. I too was worried about this. Winter did not seem like a sensible time to get chickens! However, they're chickens! They will be fine I have been assured.

This weekend we go on our pig farming course so I will have to wait until Sunday to play with my girls. I look forward to summer when I can let them run around before I leave for work and when we get home. I have bought them a ball covered in seeds to help them beat the boredom. And I can't wait for my first egg!

They're Here!

Ladies and Gentleman, may I proudly introduce the newest members to the Kew Household,

Laverne and Shirley

My long awaited Christmas present from Martin has finally arrived. They're surprisingly beautiful and I actually missed them today! They don't do very much at the moment. Eat and drink and peck around and poo. This cage might look a little sad but it is only for the first few days so they get use to their home, finding their food and where they should go to sleep and lay eggs. We can then let them out and give them full access to our garden. So far they haven't laid any eggs but they should start in a few weeks time. Laverne is the more aggressive and social of the two (she is the one on the left). She will willingly take food from your hand but might peck you along the way. Shirley won't get anywhere near you and wouldn't come down from the hutch the first day until I gave her a little nudge. Now she is okay. Yesterday we were so proud as they walked up the stairs and put themselves to bed. The first night we had to put a flashlight in their hutch as they are attracted by the light to get them to go up as they didn't seem have any interest in going up on their own. As these are my very first pets-except for the stray cat we named once-I am very very excited and don't even mind cleaning up their poo and waking up a little early to make sure they have everything they need. As far as chicken coops go theirs is very posh and these will be some spoiled chickens. I know some of you think we have gone a bit mad and wonder how this would all work but I assure you, it has all worked out very very well.

More pictures to come-promise! Instead of being one of those couples who only talk about their children, we now talk a lot about our chickens. Come and meet them for yourselves!

Knitting

I find that when I am at work, all I can think about is knitting and all the pretty things I want to make. And then when I get home I never seem to get as much time as I want to actually knit all these pretty things. Perhaps it is because I am working evenings and have to spend free time checking work e-mails but I am looking forward to getting started on some new projects. I just finished some gloves and I am nearly done with a cardigan I have been working on and off for for about a year. I just need to sew it together but for some reason I can't be inspired to. I think it is because I know there are bigger and better projects just waiting to get started. Maybe that will be my friday night. Curling up on the couch (after I do some mundane house chores) with my knitting and music videos. What a crazy Friday night!

The Weather

Need I say more...

Happy New Year

2010-It is going to be a good year-I can feel it in my bones!

Here is a picture our our living room in its Christmas glory. Hard room to photograph. Perhaps I should consider taking down the decorations...

On the wall on the left you can see the pictures of San Francisco Martin gave me for Christmas. A bit of home at home! As for my other present of note you will have to wait for them to be delivered before I tell you what they are-for those of you who don't yet know! I am very eggcited!

Happy New Year!