Lots of busy work going on here at the Hretz homestead. Chuck and Tim have fully planted our gardens. Also, all our flowers are in. I’m generally on flower-power and chicken duty while the men do the grass and food production. This works wellfor us.
House Finches
Today is touching base on the birds. We have seen the first round of House Finches come and go. The 2nd round had an unfortunate nest collapse leaving all the eggs smashed on the front porch. the third set of finches have a very full nest with 6 eggs. which in my experience is l larger brood.
This simple life hack for Clif Bars was shared with me by my youngest daughter, Joey. It’s so remarkably simple I can’t believe I never thought of it myself. I know you’re going to love it, too.
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My favorite Clif Bars
My very favorite Clif Bars are the Chocolate Chip. Another great one for this life hack with Clif Bars is the Chocolate Brownie one. I also enjoy some of the seasonal flavors like Iced Oatmeal and Mint Chocolate Chip. Keep your eye out for these.
Today I tried this life hack with a Nutella Filled one. I was hoping the filling would be like a lava cake. It was not, but it still tasted good.
Many moons ago my younger kids would have a clown visit their elementary school. The clown had some great taglines. Mainly “The more you read, the more you know.” Also, “If you learn something every day, then every day will be worthwhile.” I don’t remember the clown’s name, I definitely remember his taglines. Consequently, I’ve repeated both them over the years. And I do try to learn something new every day.
Just today I learned a few things. So, I guess it was a good day for me. But not for a particular bird.
The First Thing I learned
Chuck went out this afternoon to dig a hole and install the first part of a Purple Martin House pole system. He called my attention to a couple of yellow feathers he found. He asked what bird it was from. At this point I didn’t know.. I decided to look around and see if I could find any other feathers. This leads me to the first thing I learned. It’s cold out!
Although that’s not truly something I learned. As I did actually know it. I shouldn’t be walking around without a coat and wearing my house shoes in the mud! In fact, I would scold a kid for doing the exact same thing. I decided to go in and get a coat and change into my boots. Dressed warmly, I went back out to look for more feathers.
I regularly look at my local library for books. Via the Libby App, I also use two other library systems I’m not local to, but use with my Kindle.
Sometimes I find the books I’m looking for aren’t available. This usually means that they have been checked out. But you almost always have the option to place a hold, then when it comes in, the app automatically checks the book out and emails you.
This week I hit the jackpot. I guess. Three books I previously requested all became available. And, were auto-checked out to me. Yay. Except I had just checked out a book! Now I have four books to read in three weeks. This is the curse of the place hold button. Better step up my reading game.
I’m not really the type to set New Year’s resolutions. I always want to be working on bettering myself and our quality of life. I know I need to do things like exercise more, eat healthily and be more patient, always.
So rather than specifically have a resolution here are the things I want to focus on;
make the most of our acre and grow food, and actually eat it
shop local
focus on getting chemicals and toxins out of my life, that means you too, diet Pepsi
find my people, I’ve been a hermit this past year
blo more
In a nutshell, we are already planning what we want to grow, will refocus on shopping places like the local farmers market and the newly opened Earth Fare, clean up our eating with help from the previous two, and put myself out more in the knitting world and visit my family.
Short and sweet with the intent of accountability. Next time I’ll tell you a bit about my nephew’s visit with my mom. Anthony, too, is a huge fan of our chickens.
Until then I’m off to measure my gauge swatches on my January Gansey for the knit along I joined.
Happy Knitting, gardening, cooking or whatever brings you joy.
The weather is amazing. While walking the dogs I had amble opportunity to enjoy the sun and beautiful colors. It made me think.
I wondered how soon the days would have bone chilling winds. Heavy coats and looking for that lost mitten you had just moments before. How miserable I would be scraping ice from my very hard to reach van window. Or worse, scraping frozen poop off frozen grass. It was depressing.
So instead I tried to concentrate on how, with a day like today, in let’s say in May, it is filled with excitement and things to come. Trips to the garden center and placing yard ornaments in the perfect spot. Going out with no coat or even shorts if you dare.
That’s when I realized I could just enjoy the day. Because it’s today. A beautiful day. Filled with the wonder of having four seasons. Fall is a great time of the year. Enjoy every day.