Maybe I just need a little cat nap

I think I got up too early.  Did you ever have one of those days where you just can't concentrate?  Or you find yourself repeating yourself? Did you ever have one of those days where you just can't concentrate?

It seems as if every time someone has spoken to me today, I've spaced out and missed half the conversation.  Several times I've walked into a room and completely forgotten what I went in there for.  I opened the fridge to look for my keys and forgot to open the flue when I was adding wood to the fire.  (I am not kidding.)

I'm pretty sure my grammar is off.  **yawns**  I'm too tired to care.  I think I'll do my chores and try for that cat nap.

Or maybe I'll just find a pile of kittens and fall asleep now. :)

Time to start plants!!

It's that time again!  I'm hoping to get some seeds started this weekend, at least tomatoes and peppers, as they take the longest to germinate.

We're once again trying something new with the garden.  The plan is to have more of a mixed planting, rather than a tomato patch, onion patch, etc.  This, along with plenty of companion flowers, should help keep the pests at bay.

I also have our new flock of guineas to help with our natural pest control.

In fact, now that last year's guineas will be breeding age, we're hoping to hatch some more. Ok, a LOT more.  I'm even planning to give some to our neighbors.  After all, the more guineas roaming the neighborhood, the fewer ticks and other pests we'll have to deal with.

Too early for chick days?

There's just two, but the second pic was the only close up that was in focus.  These guys are camera hogs.

They hatched out over the past couple of days from one of our broody bantams.  You know how they are... Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night...oh, wait, that's the post office.

I never expected any of the hens to go broody in the middle of winter. In fact, I'd just about given up on having broody hens, period.  Then last year our bantams hatched a couple of broods. One bantam gal even hatched some heavy breed eggs that Little Sis snuck underneath her.  It was too funny to see her leading around chicks as big as she was.

What kind of bantams do we have?  I have no idea!!  They are free range, which means that the new chicks are all mixed breed.  It also means that, right now, with snow on the ground, they are all hanging out and pooping right outside the back door. 

Anyway, the new little guys are happily peeping in the kitchen and think Little Sis is their mama.  Their real mama hen is still sitting on the nest and can't be bothered with chasing them around.  Besides, it's mega cold and icy outside, and the cats (which have never bothered chicks before) are thinking maybe it's time for a McNugget Happy Meal.

Ice Storm

We didn't get the 16 inches of snow that was predicted.  Shortly after my last post, the forecast changed to all ice.  Personally, I'd prefer the snow.  We're in for another half inch of ice and 1-3 inches of sleet tonight.  Joy. *rolls eyes*

So we are re-prepping.  I am finishing up the laundry right now.  I hauled yesterday's prep water from the tub to the washing machine; no sense in wasting perfectly clean water, ya know? Now everyone can get hot showers before I refill the tub.

With another half inch of ice on top of what's out there now, I'll be surprised if we still have power tomorrow.  Pleasantly surprised, though. :)