We always need a project

Two of our guineas had gone missing.  This happened last summer as well.  We guessed they have a nest someplace, but we didn't know where.   This afternoon, our neighbor called to say she found their nest.   Unfortunately, their dog found it too and she was worried that their dog might not leave them alone long enough for the eggs to hatch.   So a plan was formed.   Grandma has some old hens.  They like to sit on their eggs all the time.   We decided to bring one home, rescue a few of the Guinea eggs and force the chicken to sit.  We learned from grandma that by putting the hen in a small, confined space, you can sort of force them.   And so we brought home Broody the hen.  

And we went to the neighbor's house and gathered up 8 eggs.   The guineas were not happy with us, but they did return to the nest after we disturbed them.   They probably have 30 more eggs over there and it appears that both of our guinea hens are sitting together on one nest.  

We tried to candle them before we put them under Broody, and think that they look like there are babies inside.  

28 days should tell for sure!  

Tidbits

So far this summer break has been a lot of rain days and not many hot, swim worthy, soak up some vitamin d kind of days.  We have had to entertian ourselves with other projects.   Like Jack and her kittens.  The 3 calicos have their eyes open now and I let the kids start petting them a little bit.  One hisses and carries on.  She is a real diva kitty!  Jack doesn't seem to mind the babies getting some attention.  

We sort of miss our watch calf mooler, and spent a little time talking to the neighbor's calves one day.  We really like the belted galloways that the neighbor on the other side has, but they aren't as friendly!   

Cameron has been working some at the ranch with Colin, but had been home a few days too.  On one of his days home he took Saige to story time.  They had a great time together.  Warmed my heart!

Curley is now 3 months old and is more convinced than ever that she belongs inside the house.  It doesn't help that Saige let her in and fed her chips.  Her leg is actually healing and I am amazed by her walking again.  I suppose she will always limp but I am glad she seems better.  

Jim has been doing a lot of projects outside.  He has been cutting and burning.  The kids seem more willing to help of fire is involved.  One night this week, I thought he was going for a walk. In actuality, he was stacking the retaining wall rocks back up that had fallen over.  He said he flipped one rock and there was a rattle snake.  That could have turned out bad, but luckily, things worked in Jim's favor. 

Blitz "helped" with carrying some brush.   Or she chewed on it.  Whichever.  

Between rain storms I have managed to get the pool close to ready.   I hope it wasn't a waste of time!  I have found time to be thankful that the minor flooding and mud we have is nothing compared to the disaster that seems to be in Texas now.  

I snapped a photo of this adorable umpire the other night!   Colin and Cameron are both doing some umpiring along with a few other jobs.  Cameron seems to have a collection of crazy stories when he comes home.  Including a catcher who stopped the game because he saw his mom got nachos without him!  

Slugger

Quincy had a great game tonight!   She has been using a bat that grandpa Ken brought her and says it's her lucky bat.  Tonight she hit a 3 run home run with it so I guess she is right!   Her team won by one point after battling back.  Good night, and nice to not wear a coat to watch ball!  

Nature walk

The kids and I took a little walk after we read about the 17 year cicadas that are around right now.  We didn't have to look very hard to find some!  

We also found several beautiful wild flowers and talked about how nice it was that the goats have not eaten them!  

We got stalked by a wild, scary cat!

And discovered that the mulberries are ripe!   

Blitz sure did want some of what we were snacking on, but quickly changed her mind! 

Quincy picked up some off the ground for the chickens, they were more appreciative!   

Speedy

Grandma found a tiny little red eared slider.  She brought it over so the kids could see it.   It was about quarter sized and adorable!   The girls wanted to keep it (of course)!

I talked them into releasing it.  I promised I would take their photos with it so they would never forget him!   

We hope you have a happy life in our back yard Speedy!

Some shots of summer

Cameron's meat goat that he intends to sell later this summer, is a little bit spooky and wild.   Cam had been trying to tame him down.  Today he was rocking him like a little baby!   I don't think Larry the wild goat really enjoyed the attention!  He just wants to nibble grass and sneak drinks of milk off of his mom who is trying to wean him!

Jack the Ripper had 3 calico kittens yesterday.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that she will be a better mother than Ray was!  The girls and Preston have asked if they might keep one.  Since Adolf died, we may consider it.  They were arguing over which one to keep....to me they all look alike! 

Saige loves Jack.....

And pigs!  

Today's "fun" activity was to start getting the pool ready.   The water is pretty yucky!  It is going to be more than a one day job!   We had to order a filter part, so we may be delayed a couple more days. Since it has been pretty chilly, it doesn't bother me that much to wait!  

Cameron is buying Madison's old car.  He has dubbed it "bat mobile" and today he had grandma help him cut out batman stickers with her cricut machine!   Like he needs encouragement!  

First game for Quincy

Quincy played her first softball game tonight at Eskridge.  It was so cold out and it rained off and on all day, so I kind of thought it would be cancelled.  It wasn't.  

Quincy had a great game.  She made 2 outs at 3rd base! She had 2 at bats and hit really well too!   

I am looking forward to watching her little team as the season goes on.