Family, Friends, Good times and Work
Sorry it has taken so long to post, we have been pretty busy around here as of late. Been harvesting parts of the garden, mowing several acres repeatedly, tending to our now wide range of animals, helping the kids with school work, and a plethora of other happenings.
In the news, my first stab at a homemade cabinet incubator failed the initial test miserably, which is fine, as that is how I learn best. I found out that a heating lamp just will not work well as a heating source for this application. Poking around for other means to heat the system more evenly, with less rapid evaporation of water now. Will keep you informed and publish full details & drawings of how to build your own as soon as my own works as it should. Which to me, means I get at least a 20% hatch rate of the eggs.
We had Jaimes sister, Brandi, and aunt Dawn come visit this weekend which was a welcome break for al of us. Jaime has not seen them in a year and was surely missing them. The kids all loved their being here as well, and of course conned them into buying them things which we often say no to. Kids are good at that sort of thing, after all.
The remaining 4 hogs are still growing like wildfire and eating like food is going out of style. The baby chicks which we moved to their own new bighouse not long ago are growing fast. The cornish hens are about ready for butchering, which means I need to buy yet another freezer soon as well, as the large chest type freezer we have currently is slam full of pork and assorted vegetables.
A farmer in Morgantown called up and offered me a couple cow calves for a right good price, so I plan on taking a trip this coming weekend and picking them up. Of course that means more mouths to feed, and another freezer down the road likely, as well. We just never seem to be able to stop moving here trying to build up to a sustainable level for this large family.
Another new development: We have yet more kittens. 2 of our cats apparently tangled with that Tom cat again and just had 2 small litters. This was something I could have done without, but the kids will have fun giving them away this time around.
That’s about it really, just keeping busy and moving forward as much as possible.
Why a juggler Because my life consists of trying to juggle family, work, ministry, friends and self.
Yikes! Sounds like you have the kitten flu too.
I am looking forward to the hatchery plans.
garth
Your cabinet incubator sounds interesting. Just as Thomas Edison said: ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work’, you too will be able to say the same… Oh… not that it will take you 10,000 ways or times to get it ‘to’ work. [grin]
You certainly do have alot of tasks that require your attention. Oh, but isn’t that what providing for oneself is like. [grin]
Have a wonderful day!
~Kris
Hi Garth and Kris: Yes we have the kitten flu for sure, and the incubator will get done right. It has just shown me that no matter how well I plan things, they do not always go smoothly the first attempt. That is okay too, as it is what makes learning fun.
Jamie and Bill I hope all is well with you and the family. You have not posted anything is over a month. That makes me worry.
Hey Mom, We are all good, just been so busy around here we have not had much time to stop and write lately. Getting ready for winter again, this time making sure we are pre-prepared for ice storms if we get them again. The kids are always asking when you are going to come see them.