The wind finally went down and the snow quit blowing around causing so many problems even though it’s still below zero.
Everybody in the barn sends their greetings – all are passing their time inside eating hay and laying about.
There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that compares to picking up a warm egg in the barn on a frigid morning. It’s like a small miracle!
I bought this toy xylophone at the thrift store for $1. I saw a post on Pinterest that hung one of these little toys in the barn during the winter months, when the chickens are all confined, to ease boredom – ha! Now I’ll let you know if they really peck at it at not. Crazy, huh? But like I always tell people – I don’t want my animals to just exist — I want them to be HAPPY!
Yesterday I sat in my chair and read for hours and today I had to finish this great book before I did anything else. I’d recommend it as being similar to Beartown in that it’s about a small community, their kids, activities and problems and I loved it!
And today I got this in the mail from my friend Carol. Stephen Colbert’s Midnight Confessions. I know this will be hilarious.
We are still sewing – I love some of these new quilts and just wish I could post pictures of the process. Even though we are using strictly Civil War fabrics for this book, I can’t wait to remake some of them in bright colors. We are confident you’re going to like them!
What a great idea to keep the chickens amused! I hope you find them pecking away at it. Have you ever read The Chicken Chronicles? It’s by the same author that wrote The Color Purple. Alice
Walker, I think . I loved reading it Now you need to find something for the goats. Try to stay warm and enjoy the time you now have to sew. As soon as it warms up, you will be busy with the gardens and animals and won’t have the time you have now. Keep on posting, I love your blog. Diane M
Thanks for the pictures…I love that your animals are safe and snug. Wondering if the chickens will play you a song! That’s a great idea….curious to hear if they “play” it!
Perhaps your chickens will be the next rising star on the music charts for their PianoPhone tunes. I have a feeling they will be more melodic than chipmunks.
Once you teach the chickens how to play a tune or two on their xylophone, why not hang a piñata for the goats to buck. You could fill it with their favorite treats.
Looking forward to your new book. It’s so amazing to see how a change in fabric styles can make a major impact on the same pattern.
Keep warm, and as usual, I enjoy your posts.
When I see pictures of the barn I feel great peace. It takes me back to my grandparents barn. I can even smell the smells alover again! Keep warm. I so enjoy your blog, Mary. Thank you.
Those are some pampered animals! Will be interested to hear if the chix peck out a tune while you’re there to hear them. Hilarious!!
It is nice to see everyone so warm and cozy. I can just see the latest “hit”. MARY’S CHICKENS PLAYING TUNES FROM THE BARN!!! You could make a fortune–lol. In Central Ohio, we are supposed to be in the upper forties by Friday, I hope you are, too. Mary.
Love seeing your animals and I am sure that they are HAPPY!! Thanks for the book report – always like to know what is good. Needing a new book to read soon. Let us know how the Stephen Colbert’s book is, it will be funny for sure! Can’t wait to see your new book – sounds like the patterns will be fantastic.
So nice to know you take time for you and read an entire book Mary.
Temperature wise we are in the balmy 60’s but no farm animals just many dogs in the neighborhood.
Happy 2018.
Rhoda
i Love to see all your animals, they are all so cute,
I Love civil war fabric and quilt quite a lot with them , would love to see yours.
Oh please take pictures to show us later and tell us tales of when you were making this project and that one and perhaps little of the fun funny things that happened along the way.
We all love both stories and pictures.
I loved seeing the animals today
When I was maybe 10, we took a vacation to Hot Springs, Arkansas. One of the things we went to see were the chickens playing tunes on the piano. After they played, treats “dropped from above” for the chickens. Your post triggered this fun memory from many years ago. Also love hearing about your animals, seeing your quilts, and hearing your stories. Thanks for sharing with us.
Marsha – thanks so much for that “visual” – I’ll let you know if my chickens are that smart!
Animals look snug and cozy! We’re all curious now to see if chickens will play their new instrument! I’m going to St. Vincent’s today to chase away winter blahs. Always find something good there!
We have approx. 4-5 inches of snow here in central PA, but temperatures will be nearly 50 by the weekend. I enjoy seeing pictures of all your animals. I can’t wait until your new book comes out. I know I will love it! Keep warm, Mary.
Your postings are certainly interesting… the barn life as much as your quilt info and pics. Your old book Life In The Country is an all time favorite… you and Connie were primitive before it went main stream… We are having below average temps here in Wichita KS tho not a cold as yours. BRRR
My husband gifted my daughter with Midnight Confessions for Christmas. A quick read and yes – hilarious!!! Love the barn pics. What a wonderful “mom” you are to all the four and two legged friends. Hope you get warmer weather soon.
Always look forward to your posts.
Check out “Patriotic Chicken” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO7MP1XbzkE
I thoroughly enjoy your posts no matter what you show us or tell us about your life on the farm. I’m a farmgirl to the core. Keep them coming.
Oh to see the pictures of such well cared for pets all snuggled inside with food and warm against the frigid cold elements. Such a good mom you are. We are cold here too in NY with warmer temps coming this weekend so hope you get a break soon too. Thanks for the new book to look for and I can’t wait to see what you share on your new book. So exciting.
I love your little goats. I would love to have goats on my hobby horse farm, but after my husband witnessed a friends goats on the roof of his car he said no way are we having goats. So I have horses, large and minis, miniature donkeys and my brood of chickens. Only the chicks have a heat lamp, God
gave my horses and donkeys the ability to put on thick coats and on frigid windy days the stay in the barn.
Linda – my goats have never climbed on a vehicle —but it’s probably because they’re too fat! You’d love goats – kinda like puppies!
Nice to see you around again. I sure miss the animal stories. Glad you are quilting again. I need another book.
Wow! Fresh eggs in those freezing temperatures. You must have some very happy hens.
Yes, the simple joy of finding a warm egg on a cold wintery day, would put a smile on my face as well.
I just completed the delightful book: Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde. She is one of my favorite authors!
I often listen to recorded books while I’m sewing/quilting. Recently, I listened to “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to listening to “Little Fires Everywhere”. This book takes place in Shaker Heights, Ohio and I’m very familiar with the area where the story takes place. For many years, my mother lived in an apartment building on Avalon Road, which is close to the shopping area talked about in the book. Once a week, I would take her to the grocery store, the bank, the hardware store, and the library – all mentioned in the book. It will be like going back in time to listen to this story.
Looking forward to seeing the quilts that you and Connie are making for your new book. I love Civil War fabrics.
Diane – that’s so interesting! I had no idea it was a real place!
I just love your barn! Can’t wait to see one of the playing music for the others. Paula in KY