And.....we're back to the chickens

Babies! For people with chickens, this first bit will make sense. If you don't, just go along...

My buff orpington, "Miss Claire" has been very broody for about 5 weeks. Broody means she wants to sit on eggs so they can hatch and she can be a mom. We don't have a rooster.....so just eggs. No babies. She always gets broody in the spring but it usually only lasts a few days. I have wanted some new babies to add to the flock because my girls just turned 5 and they might not be laying eggs much longer. But I wasn't sure how to incorporate new babies safely. I was always worried that I couldn't keep an eye on them with working full time. Well...thanks to Covid-19 keeping us home and a broody hen, we have four new little girls.

Chase and I picked up four baby chicks on Friday, July 3.

 We got "Olive" a Blue Buff Olive Egger (she will lay dark olive green eggs)

"Miss Turner" a Jersey Blue, named after Chase's teacher this year! She will lay tan eggs.

"Betsy Ross and Martha Washington" both Americaunas (will lay light greenish blue eggs)

This is Miss Claire. I set up a little baby chick pen inside the big part of the coop.

See how she makes herself all wide and puffy? She wants to protect some babies.

I introduced the babies to her late in the afternoon and she took right to them. They went right under her wings and got comfy. Miss Claire was so happy. Clucking away.

I put them in the started cage at night and hoped for the best. I came out in the morning to find everyone happy! See the little ones poking out under the wings?

I put the big girls out in the run of the coop and gave Miss Claire and the chicks the run of the coop house all day Sunday. She followed them around and kept a close eye on them.

This is the coop. The big girls will be in the run all day, new babies and Miss Claire have the house all day and then they all sleep together at night. I have Miss Claire and the babies in their own little pen inside the house so the big girls get used to them. Hopefully in two weeks or so I can put them all together. I'll just see how it goes. I have a feeling Miss Claire will protect them if the big girls try any funny business.

They are my older girls. Foraging a bit before bed. I don't let them out very often because we have so many predators around. But I stayed right by them to keep them safe.

I'm enjoying seeing these babies learn from their mom. It's so cute to watch!

A glimpse

Just a glimpse of what was going on around my house and the farm this morning.

Gathering eggs, preparing the crockpot dinner (can you say butter and beef?!!), knitting, checking on the alpacas.

Knitting: Reyna Shawl in Robin's Roost yarn

Avocado colorway

Robin's Roost etsy shop link here

Knitting project bag, a gift from Seashore Sharon :)

She felts sweaters from thrift shops and sews cute bags.

She doesn't have an etsy shop. She always says she loves sewing so she does it for fun and gifts her creations. Lucky me!!!!!

Have a great week.

Knit in Progress

I have a bunch of little and big projects on the needles. We just got some new yarn from Cascade to sell so I knitted up a quick fun cowl using Eco Duo. Here's the result.

The pattern, Sweet & Simple is in 60 Quick Cowls book.

I altered it a bit so it would take 1 skein instead of 2. I just knit the middle section shorter than the pattern called for. I was happy with the result.

I also started a hat using Cascade Cloud alpaca yarn (aqua) and a Merino/Alpaca blend (tan)

Made up a pattern. Here it is in progress...

Update: Here is the finished hat. Calling it Searching for Seaglass.

I'm going to write up the pattern to give away with the yarn purchase at the farm.

Fits an adult or big kid :)

The sun was shining so brightly this morning and this was the photo from my phone.

And of course, Chase. Giving his girls some treats this morning.

Joining in with Ginny for the Yarn Along.

Yarn Along

Good morning from the rainy and dreary Jersey Shore.

Fall isn't quite as pretty when it's cloudy and dark! Hoping the sun decides to come back out soon.

Joining in with the weekly yarn along, sharing what I am knitting and reading.

On my needles,

Still working on the Rift sweater for my husband.

Knitting this with Beaverslide Dry Goods yarn in a dark gray color.

I have most of the body complete and I'm 2/3 of the way done with the back.

I was able to try it on my husband and it's big! Ahhh!!! So frustrating!

I hope when it's done it won't be too big for him. I went for the larger size because he doesn't like anything tight fitting but this might be a bit too big. We'll see...

The pictures are so dark because of the dark morning we are having with the rain and clouds.

I also am working on a fun quick cowl using Cascade Eco Duo alpaca yarn. We sell it at our store and the cowl is a pattern from the New Cascade Quick Cowls book. I thought it was a fun little knit and I have some knitting customers that might enjoy knitting this cowl.

Darts. I can't get my photo to turn, but you get the hint.

I'm reading The Good Girl. It's very good so far! Just wish I could keep my eyes open at night when it's time to read it!

I want to thank everyone for all the well wishes, texts, emails and words of encouragement as I take on my new job. I'm now working full time as a graphic designer for a wonderful company. It's an adjustment for sure after being home for 13 years but I am enjoying it. It's nice to get dressed up every day and have a clean, quiet office to go to that I can focus and actually work!!! I am cherishing my time with my family more and making the most out of down time with them.

And of course, I had to throw in a picture of my little guy.

Here he is gathering eggs this morning before school.

Have a great day! What are you creating and reading? Please share!

Joining in with Ginny at Small Things.

The Shirtless Farmer, knitting, alpacas and a few chickens....

The boy that never stops.....

and all the animals and adorable babies on the farm.

My Knitting: Purple Cider Press Hat