Some Days are Just Sad, Weird Days

And this, alas, is one of those. It was time to say goodbye to my old broodmare, Bonny. The vet came out and it was all over in a few minutes. The fact the end was peaceful for the old girl did nothing to make it easier for her human companions. Nope, our animals simply do not live long enough.

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What made everything extra bizarre was right as I was waiting for the vet to arrive I received an email from my brother saying he and his family were stuck aboard their plane on the tarmac at LAX. The airport was in lockdown mode and he wanted to let us know they were all fine.

Family members evacuating from LAX on foot... Everyone is fine, though they had to spend a while aboard their plane on the tarmac.

Family members evacuating from LAX on foot… Everyone is fine, though they had to spend a while aboard their plane on the tarmac.

The two events together really underscored the fact that the line between being here – and not – is a fine one, indeed. And, anything can happen – just like that your life can be turned upside-down. I am sure feeling appreciative of my lovely family today (thanks for being there during a trying time today, guys), and relieved that those who are travelling are ok. What a strange mix of emotions… I think I need to go and hug a dog or kiss a chicken, or something.

Video Poll Dead Heat

And a bit of a slow heat, at that…

A little while back I thought I’d ask what animals you’d like to see in future DCF videos, but the votes come in and then promptly cancel each other out! As I write this post, there’s a dead heat for ducks, turkeys, hogs, and goats! So, here’s the poll again so we can get some tie-breaking happening:

While we are all waiting for the results to sort themselves out and provide some clear direction, here’s a short (very) video featuring an animal not on the list:

Fritz Frizzle

An aerial shot of Fritz, a delightful bantam rooster we acquired from friends in town when one of their ‘hens’ started cock-a-doodling. Somewhat incredibly, he and Wimpy get along just fine, mostly ignoring each other except for the occasional yodelled exchange. Neither being a fighter, they wait until they are at opposite ends of the orchard before exchanging a few words. Then, they carry on with life as if the other didn’t exist in some strange roosterly detente.

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Which Woodle is Which?

Sometimes it’s hard to know where one woodle starts and the other ends! Pippi and Tuuli wait patiently each morning more or less in this position, I think so neither one can sneak off without the other noticing. They remain immobile while I have breakfast, get dressed, check email, gather scraps for chickens and hogs, and all the other various things I do before I’m ready to head out the door for morning rounds. The minute I touch my boots out in the hall it’s like a bolt of electricity shoots through them and they leap off the bed and race to the mushroom to join me. There they stand side by side, long tails wagging in unison, raring to go. From that point in time until we get back to the house a couple of hours later they are in perpetual motion, busy, busy, busy being high energy farm dogs. After we get back they revert to being bed-warmers, a job they enjoy immensely and do with much enthusiasm.

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Shelf Eggs Come up a Little Short on Value

I know I like how our eggs taste… and I know I like how happy our chickens seem to be… But this chart appeases the science nerd part of my brain!

TBN Ranch's avatarTBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources

Maybe it’s time to find a local farmers market… or better yet, keep a few hens of your own to supply your family with fresh nutritious eggs. Here’s why…

Egg Chart

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