It's Official - I'm a Chicken Farmer!

DD and I went to pick up six hens on Saturday from High Hopes Garden. We got the grand tour of their lovely farm and enjoyed some tea and homemade brownies. After a few comical moments trying to catch "handpicked" chickens, we got them loaded up and headed home. DH put the finishing touches on a beautiful "hen spa" and the girls settled in on their new digs.

DD with the girls in their new home at Gracious Acres:

The girls enjoy an afternoon snack:

Like any new mother, I had to go out and check on them every few hours to make sure they were okay. I haven't been up early on a Sunday morning in ages, but I was up and out the door at 6:30 am and I was rewarded with three fresh eggs! At church, during the "joys/concerns/announcements" part of the service, I got up and told everyone that I was officially a chicken farmer. I'm sure I will be the butt of many jokes and morning coffees, but I really don't care!

Later in the afternoon, I let the girls out onto their "terrace" and was relatively comfortable that they would stay in and predators would stay out. I came outside later to discover, however, that chickens can fly over a six foot fence. The Aracauna, now affectionately known as "Bleep", flew the coop and I chased her for about 20 minutes by myself and five minutes with DH to get her back in. There is now strategically placed netting over the top of the terrace. I left the little door open today so they could go in and out. Their food and water is outside - - is that a good idea, by the way?

Update on the super secret date night: took DH to the last Blackhawks hockey game of the season and it was fantastic. Wore my MN Wild sweater and everything. It was a great game with plenty of fights and excitement. Grammy Deb took DD to "The Shaggy Dog" movie and they had a great time, too.