I can see for the last week, a bird building her nest right by my office window. Strange thin tree she chose. We can see right through it, there's no protection. I'm feeling bad knowing the Monsoon has arrived, and that one gust of wind will surely knock it to the ground. The sad part, is seeing what is being used to build it. Garbage. There's candy wrappers, cellophane, and odd pieces plastic. Just doesn't seem normal. A nest built of trash :(
I decided on gathering some of my chicken feathers, dog hair, pine needles from my tree, even some straw from the coop. I placed it under the bush near the tree.
Finally today she decided to go there and pick what she needed to finish her nest. She seems to like the straw.
Makes me feel good knowing there's something a little more comfortable there when she is ready to lay her fragile eggs.
- Cecile's Country Garden
- I'm a Canadian now residing in Sunny Arizona since 2002. Although I've been a city girl all of my life, I've always loved the country and the laid back life it offers. My love of the Outdoors, Animals,and Gardening comes from my mom Cecile, who loved her home in the country, but sadly passed away in 2005. I promised her I would grow a garden in her name, And I finally did, five years later. One of my best memories of her is how much she loved her garden. The glow on her face when she would show me something new, always creating a life with things she loved. She loved all animals. She taught me simplicity, to enjoy the small things, and see beauty in everything. Today I find myself doing the same things she did in her garden and in life. This blog was created to keep track of my projects and adventures. They may not all be successes, but my goal is to remain unintimidated by whatever engages my curiosity. I want to share this adventure with those who can appreciate the small things, the trial and errors, the simplicity in it all, but mostly,what my mom knew how to do best,just have FUN! *This blog is dedicated to her*
Jun 29, 2011
Jun 28, 2011
Things are better....
My chicken coop setup seems to be working nicely. I placed a wet earth bed in there for them to lay in. I'm sure they are wondering what the heck is up with me since I check up on them every 15 minutes. :) and each time I show up more dirt is being thrown out of the box from all sides.
This hot weather is really taking a toll on them.
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This hot weather is really taking a toll on them.
Jun 27, 2011
What's up with my Chickens?
I lost another one in her nest, and I just don't understand.
Another, found lethargic, near death. I'm thinking this heat is taking a toll on them. I managed to set up a misting system far enough up in their pen, just to cool off the area. Also, will be setting up a fan for proper ventilation. Anything at this point I can't keep losing them like this.
I picked the one getting weaker and brought her indoors to get her cooled off. After a while she perked up. She did manage to find her way back to the coop at night and this morning she seems fine again. Maybe just dehydrated.... :( poor things
And today it's going to climb to 113 degrees.
Another, found lethargic, near death. I'm thinking this heat is taking a toll on them. I managed to set up a misting system far enough up in their pen, just to cool off the area. Also, will be setting up a fan for proper ventilation. Anything at this point I can't keep losing them like this.
I picked the one getting weaker and brought her indoors to get her cooled off. After a while she perked up. She did manage to find her way back to the coop at night and this morning she seems fine again. Maybe just dehydrated.... :( poor things
And today it's going to climb to 113 degrees.
Jun 21, 2011
First Day of Summer
The full, open sunflowers remind me that summer is here.
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lesson learned here....to never plant sunflowers in my garden again, as they become too big and struggle at the end of their lives.... no room to grow! poor things
:(
It was a sad weekend.....one of my hens passed away.
What happened was shocking to me, as I've never heard of it before, she was egg-bound, meaning she couldn't pass her egg. It counld mean a number of reasons, but it breaks my heart knowing she suffered. It could have been prevented had I been there, but it's difficult to keep an eye on them 24/7.
I don't know if I am ready to bring in new hens to the flock, it's not something I want to deal with in this heat right now.
R.I.P. little chick pea.....
What happened was shocking to me, as I've never heard of it before, she was egg-bound, meaning she couldn't pass her egg. It counld mean a number of reasons, but it breaks my heart knowing she suffered. It could have been prevented had I been there, but it's difficult to keep an eye on them 24/7.
I don't know if I am ready to bring in new hens to the flock, it's not something I want to deal with in this heat right now.
R.I.P. little chick pea.....
Jun 17, 2011
Jun 13, 2011
Jun 8, 2011
Something New
Crispy carrots!
with a little herbed oil and sea salt, these tasty little things are a nice alternative to oven roasted fries!
with a little herbed oil and sea salt, these tasty little things are a nice alternative to oven roasted fries!
Jun 6, 2011
Cooking Fun
I like the sounds of rattling pots and pans in my kitchen, the sizzling of fresh garlic and onions, the smell of something roasting in the oven, or just a few sprigs of fresh cut herbs. I'm always finding something new to cook up in my very favorite place to be. Combining veggies and herbs straight from my garden...it doesn't get tastier than that :)
Jun 2, 2011
Teeny-Weeny Eggie
Look at my little surprise I got while visiting the coop!
A little itty-bitty egg! I have never heard of this before, so I looked it up and found that this is not unusual, and one person called it a Fart Egg....another called it a Chicken misfire...lol If it had been fertilized this would have definitely been the runt of the litter!
A little itty-bitty egg! I have never heard of this before, so I looked it up and found that this is not unusual, and one person called it a Fart Egg....another called it a Chicken misfire...lol If it had been fertilized this would have definitely been the runt of the litter!
May 31, 2011
Little Potatoes!
It's a treasure hunt when digging for potatoes, and it makes a mess, but well worth all the work! :) 
Roasted Potatoes in Olive oil with Chives, sprinkled with sea salt and pepper, they were delicious with fresh eggs for breakfast.
Roasted Potatoes in Olive oil with Chives, sprinkled with sea salt and pepper, they were delicious with fresh eggs for breakfast.
More Herbs for Drying
I have had much success in the Herb Garden this season.
Here is Sage and Basil.
Here is Sage and Basil.
Herbed Oil
With a few Rosemary Sprigs and Garlic fresh picked from the garden in a good quality Olive Oil, the end result was increadibly tasty. With some fresh baked french bread and a little Balsamic Vinegar, just heavenly.
With what was left of the loaf I made salad croutons, sprinkled in this delicious oil and it turned out perfect. No Waste :)
This bottle is emptying pretty fast...
May 20, 2011
May 19, 2011
Fresh Herbs!
One of my main interests In my garden is to gather various herbs for spices and teas. I bought an amazing book on Herbs with all the information I need. Incredible all the things you can do with Herbs; Healing, Culinary, Medicinal and even crafting Soaps and Lotions. Yesterday I picked Sage and Lemon Thyme. It smells so good :)
May 18, 2011
My Family
It was Way time to be with my loved ones. It's been too long.
What a treat to visit far away old friends and my precious family, catching up and laughing until our stomaches and cheeks ached... therapy at its best :)
Part of my trip was to see once more, all that I left behind when I went away.
But most importantly, my dad. I could see in his weak body, how
his accident took a toll on him. But despite his setback, he made extra efforts to be strong for his daughters's company. He is a real trooper, and made us all proud with his determination and strength.
Experiencing the beauty of the wild outdoors brought peace to me. With the world changing in unpredictable ways, I realize It's where I want to be.
My Family. My heart aches without them.
One day again soon I will be with them again...
What a treat to visit far away old friends and my precious family, catching up and laughing until our stomaches and cheeks ached... therapy at its best :)
Part of my trip was to see once more, all that I left behind when I went away.
But most importantly, my dad. I could see in his weak body, how
his accident took a toll on him. But despite his setback, he made extra efforts to be strong for his daughters's company. He is a real trooper, and made us all proud with his determination and strength.
Experiencing the beauty of the wild outdoors brought peace to me. With the world changing in unpredictable ways, I realize It's where I want to be.
My Family. My heart aches without them.
Apr 27, 2011
6 years ago Today
...Our world has changed since you have left us.
I miss you every day.
Each time I do something you loved, I so wish that you were here sharing this with me.
Every little moment shared with you, I cherish.
For each new bud, new sprout, passing Butterfly, I see you.
For every mistake, I can hear you laugh. For every struggle, I think of your pain, and how you inspired me. I have my strength because of YOU today.
Despite my efforts, mom, I still miss you deeply. You are so very much missed. I love you.
I miss you every day.
Each time I do something you loved, I so wish that you were here sharing this with me.
Every little moment shared with you, I cherish.
For each new bud, new sprout, passing Butterfly, I see you.
For every mistake, I can hear you laugh. For every struggle, I think of your pain, and how you inspired me. I have my strength because of YOU today.
Despite my efforts, mom, I still miss you deeply. You are so very much missed. I love you.
Apr 25, 2011
Roses!
I saw a Yellow Rose bush at the nursery over the weekend, it was the last one in that color, calling my name :)
I've always loved yellow roses but couldn't find a spot for them, until I saw the finished fence. Now It's sitting by the entrance of my garden, and the little bud opened into a big beautiful flower overnight :) This really brightened up my day. I don't know why I waited so long to have these around :)
Apr 22, 2011
More Projects But....
Time to take a step back and enjoy the garden!
I am so happy with the finished results, but especially grateful for a very special person who has put in so much time to build me this little piece of paradise I've wanted for so long.
I have several projects in line, but right now I want to sit, relax and plan....until I get some real time off.
A Vacation!
Yes, this year I decided to painfully leave my house, my chickens, my dogs and my life for a few days... although all will be in good trusting hands there's still a feeling of separation anxiety inside, knowing I will be so far :(
This year I am visiting family and friends I haven't seen for some time. I am really looking forward to re-discovering my home, to feel the air and see the lush vegetation I miss so much, so trying to relax right now is a top priority. Let's see how this goes...
I am so happy with the finished results, but especially grateful for a very special person who has put in so much time to build me this little piece of paradise I've wanted for so long.
I have several projects in line, but right now I want to sit, relax and plan....until I get some real time off.
A Vacation!
Yes, this year I decided to painfully leave my house, my chickens, my dogs and my life for a few days... although all will be in good trusting hands there's still a feeling of separation anxiety inside, knowing I will be so far :(
This year I am visiting family and friends I haven't seen for some time. I am really looking forward to re-discovering my home, to feel the air and see the lush vegetation I miss so much, so trying to relax right now is a top priority. Let's see how this goes...
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