It's Hammer Time!

Work on the two high tunnels is moving forward with the next big step the setup of all the bows and assembly of the purlins and other supports that help keep it up through wind and snow. The goal is to get the two frames up and at least one covered in its plastic before the end of September and my help returns to warmer climes.

The hens are enjoying their outings in the afternoon sunshine as they continue their molting. It will take up to three months for all of them to finish as they kinda do it on their own time and in their own way. Some drastically drop chunks of feathers and get it over in a flash, while others take the long game approach. During this time I switch part of their feed over to chick starter/grower feed instead of layer. The extra protein helps them grow strong, healthy feathers with less stress on their little bodies. I'll also give them some yummy dried grub treats that pack a big punch of protein, vitamins, and minerals! They are $$ but the investment now ensures the hens stay warm, dry, and comfortable through the long winter and cool all next summer. 

The hens waste no time in diggin through the old compost to look for hidden yummies. Letting them have at it also reduces the amount I need to turn it. Girl Power! Chick(en)s Dig It!

Some of the hens look worse for wear as they replace their old feathers with new ones. Bae, the Speckled Sussex, sure does as she has turned out to be one of those chickens that likes to drop most of them all at once, instead of spreading it out. She should look supa dupa fly in no time!

While working on the computer at lunch, I heard an odd, muted growling-like sound behind me. Yep, that is Iris, one of the golden girls, standing in the doorway and staring at me while I assume she is plotting my demise or at least world domination.

Yes, that is a white petal where the rest are red. And, yes, I may have discovered a glitch in the matrix.

The last variety of Lily, Rio Negro, will be available this week in bouquets! The fresh flower season is quickly approaching its end, but I am also busy making wreaths and other goodies from dried flowers that were saved this summer and will have floral beauties on hand through the end of market season!

As hunting season is upon us and it is the very busiest time of year on my road, safety comes first with making Hella, the black and gray tabby, AKA Shadow Kitty, bear the indignity of some bright, reflective collars so she can be seen by all motorists. Orange seemed like an appropriate one to start with and as she tends to lose one every other day, she will be glad to know that I got a pack of 10 and only need a flashlight to help me find them in the woods and weeds.

What's available this weekend?

• Eggs! The grass is going golden and the grasshoppers are thick and juicy and sometimes not quick enough to hop away from the chasing chickens!
  • dozen pasture-raised, rainbow chicken eggs $5
• Flowers!
  • Large Bouquets
  • Medium Bouquets
• Veggies!
  • Spicy Mix Microgreens
  • Herb Mix Microgreens
  • Heirloom Tomatoes
  • Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes
  • Green Bell Peppers
  • Garlic
    • Moroccan Creole
    • Chesnok Red
  • Head Lettuce Mix of Red Leaf & Butterhead
  • Petal Power Salad Topper

Where to find it all?
I'll be at the Farmers Market at Libby, this Thursday from 3-7pm!

I'll be at the Troy Farmers Market, this Friday from 330-630pm!