You know what they say about couples that shovel chicken poo together right? I have no idea actually but it is our 18th anniversary tomorrow and we've done a lot of interesting things together over the years. We've been suffering from cabin fever lately and when the sun came out today and it finally felt like spring we flew the coop and even shoveling chicken poo sounded fun. Feels SO GOOD to be free again!
I've been wandering around looking at everything and taking note of the health of plants, trees, and infrastructure. My husband pruned blackberries and raspberries, dug a trench to drain the garden (we have clay soil)and shoveled out the coop. In the winter we just add more straw in the coop because everything is frozen. In the spring it is always more pleasant to clean out the coop early before the heat makes it smelly.
We've got loads of new suckers to transplant, how they grew over winter, I'll never know. I spotted new green growth on the lavender even though it is still covered by snow. The oregano is coming up as are all of the perennial foods like horseradish, rhubarb, kale.
Here's some of the goings on at the homestead today
wheelbarrowing through the snow like a pro. It's funny how in the fall this sort of weather feels so cold, and in the spring it is blissful. The wind still has a bite but the sun is warm.
A guy and his dogs. Molly & Mischa are so happy to have Kyle home. They've been glued to his side.
My Mother in law who loves gardening and keeping busy.
My son hauling chicken poo to the manure pile. Just what he was hoping to be doing on his vacation. I make everyone who shovels out the coop wear a mask. Being someone who has respiratory illness, I safeguard my families wellness quite stringently.
The perennial food is already peeking out from the snow. There's a lot happening even though most of the ground is still frozen. My husband and mother in law spent time prepping the greenhouse for me which was a really nice surprise. The greenhouse itself needs a lot of work, the sides are rotting out and it seems like we are forever repairing it but it has good bones and I think we'll be able to get another five years if we invest a bit of sweat into it now.
The old girls were cooing and exploring their new bedding, as happy as two grumpy old hens can be. Everyone keeps asking when we are getting more chicks but we've got so much going on right now that I can't even think about it.
A portrait of my son, the first of a hundred that I'll take this next week while I have him close. The lighting was a bit bright but I'll get the money shot eventually
oh, and we've been invited to speak at Sustaina-palooza
We've been invited to attend and speak on a panel at the 5th annual Sustaina-Palooza event April 24-27, in Riverview New Brunswick. My husband will be attending because he is the solar/off grid guru. The theme is renewable energy with a focus on residential, commercial and communal projects, practices and organizations that are shaping the future of tomorrow. He'll be part of the Off-Grid'r panel. This is a perfect chance for us to get to know other off gridders, network with suppliers and learn about some new innovating things that are happening in our province. They also have a night market, REDtalks and idea lab, LIVE pitches, zero waste presentations, and tradeshow + a gear swap. If you happen to be attending please say hello! Here's a link to their official page if you are thinking of attending.
Yay For Spring!! This was a beautiful day. I hope you are all having lovely weekends.
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It is so funny how any day above freezing with the warmth of the sun is marvelous! But oh how we shiver in the fall when the temperatures drop!
So glad you got to get out and enjoy the spring days and have your family together with you!
Now to see the end of the snow and really enjoy those spring days with the gardening season in full force!
Yes! We are so ready for the snow to go away. The ground is so soggy and frozen so it's going to be a bit before I can get to work out there. It's time to start seeds next week - Spring is really here! wooho!
Wut! Super cool post and your white pup and mine look similar. Love this !! In the life of WL woot
This is sooo great!!! So excited for you... a good days work after being cooped up (🤣) is so rewarding, bet you slept well!!! Poor Kyle, what a holiday haha. I have been ensuring I wear a mask too.. can't be too careful!!!!
It's amazing how plants survive that cold!!!!
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Hey Gurl ❤☀️💯 nice to cross your path today.
Plants are amazing. I am really surprised to see green growth on lavender so soon. I might have to start selling cuttings because these babies are hardcore hardy. Yes, the mask is a good precaution! I've met a few people who have Histoplasmosis from their backyard chickens, and that is so scary especially when you've already got respiratory issues.
Seems like a joyful time on your homestead! The Sustaina-palooza sounds great!! That should be something to look forward to. Boy you still have alot of snow!! Goodness!! Thank-heavens for spring energy --no doubt about it. 1° is so glorious these days!! But, it did get up to 9° this afternoon. Enjoy the time with your family!! ❤
Yes! That spring energy is so glorious. We do get a LOT of snow here. It is crazy. So glad you are enjoying some warmer days and thank you!
You've been visited by @thistle-rock from Homesteaders Co-op.
Oh the promise of spring! And you are so right; same temps spring and fall but oh how the sun does make a difference.
Handsome son you have, hold him close while he is home and enjoy the moments and memories! 💖
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Thanks @thistle-rock. I am truly enjoying every moment of having him home.
Happy Anniversary!
We always wear masks too, doing that job.
My son has his hair cut the same way!
And I know about how it feels warmer and nicer, even though the thermometer reads the same temp I was freezing to death at in late fall.
Thanks, @goldenoakfarms! :) Hope you are enjoying spring weather now. I sure miss your updates but am glad you still pop on to read and comment. That hair cut and the beard I keep wondering where all the time went. It seemed like they would be little forever.
happy anniversary beautiful and so lovely to get to see your lovely son, you really must be so happy to have him home with you. Congrats also about Sustaina-palooza, it sounds amazing xx
Thank you! I am deeply happy. It's such a strange thing but I still haven't gotten used to not having him under my roof. I sometimes wonder if I ever will.
Yay spring!! How nice to embrace the change of the seasons and move the body more outside :) Thanks for sharing photos of your activities and you handsome son. The greenhouse beds look amazing!