Summer Solace

Hello again, dear friends and family. The summer is full blast and we're through the first week of above-100-degree weather. No word on if another will hit us, but right now things are delightfully balmy.

We've been busy. Here's a summary:
I got ordained as a minister and officiated two friends' weddings. They didn't want to do anything complicated or large, so having a friend help out was impossible to ignore. The big days were flawless, and everything went just fine. Hanmi shot the weddings and the photos are beautiful.

Han's working on some new websites. They are not only well-done, but quite informative. If you're in the area, give these businesses a visit
FixYourOwnBack.org: using doctor-approved gentle exercises.
Shasta Trout: When you want the best trout-fishing excursion possible.
h2meyer.com: The most beautiful photography ever.
Padre Pio: Cool Tunes
Diamond-Cut Life: Sustainability Blog and News. Great ideas for living great the low-impact way.

We're both back to full climbing season, with 3 or 4 trips out per week, getting set for nice trips to Smith Rock, Leavenworth, and Red Rocks.

Han is now selling "The Hotness" BBQ Sauce. If you want some, just let us know. We have testimonials from all over our circle of friends: This stuff is THE best BBQ sauce you'll ever try. It's hot, not too sweet, and full of a flavor.

Padre Pio has a show coming up! If you're in the area, stop in and let us entertain you.

Until next, time, be sure to kiss your chick.

New pics on the Chicks photostream

There are 26 new shots of the girls and their new coop from the past few weeks. You can really see how much they've changed in such a short time. Each has their own favorite food, distinct personality, and three of them come when called by name. NO kidding!! To view a slideshow in a big separate window, click HERE

More Chicks!

The girls are growing like crazy! These were taken last Friday and they're already noticeably bigger. Francine and Delilah pretty much look like full grown Bantams... But since they are standard size chickens, they'll get even bigger! Enjoy!

Retirement part 1 and more chicks...

On June 1st, at the ripe old age of 35, I gleefully retired... Today is day three of my new life of leisure, and it's good times all the way. The weather hasn't really been cooperating lately, but that's okay. On Sunday we roasted in the hot sun to get the veggie garden started, so the cooler weather and rain is a welcome event.

Much to my surprise I'm spending nearly half of my day with the chicks... either cleaning the brooder, refilling/cleaning their food and water dishes, handling/playing with them to keep them used to people, or just watching them interact with each other.

As Francine and Delilah get bigger, we are increasingly concerned by the marked physiological differences... longer tail, shiny neck feathers, flat chest/butt... basically we think Francine is a Frank... and that just won't work for our purposes. We went to Pistils Nursery to get more chick feed and asked about getting another chick so Delilah wouldn't be lonely if/when we have to send Frank off to live on a real farm somewhere. Unfortunately, their chick season is over, but we got loads of good advice & a list of other places to get chicks, from both the staff and another customer. I followed their recommendation and went to Burns Feed store to pick up a 4 day old chick. The staff was very helpful and even offered to take Ellis for a walk and treats while I was in the "chick room".

While there, I learned that Rhode Island Reds are very bossy and that we should not have more than one. I was also told I should get two to introduce to the flock, as they always do better in pairs. Since there was a 3 week age difference, this made a lot of sense as I was quite concerned about two "teenage" chickens hassling the baby. I picked up a Black Sex-Link [which sounds like an x-rated website, I know] and a Silver Laced Wyandotte. We named them Foxy Brown and Betty Davis respectively.

Francine (l) and Delilah (r)

Betty Davis (l) and Foxy Brown (r)


Betty Davis eyes the camera


Foxy Brown is a little more camera shy

I was surprised to learn that we didn't need to keep them separated from Francine and Delilah. I was told to rub a towel on the older chicks, then rub the same towel on the babies and introduce them to one of the big girls at a time. If there was any pecking or aggression, take the aggressor out and put them in a dark place with no food or water for a few seconds. Then reintroduce. Keep doing this until they figure out it's bad to pick on babies... Luckily no one had to go into solitary confinement. The girls all got along right away. The problem is that as F & D get bigger, they're a bit gangly and unaware of their own size/strength. I decided that a day of rest was in order for the babes and put them in a separate box anyway, so they could get more sleep/food/water. They're all back together now, though, and seem to be getting along just fine.

Two chicks at once!

Yes, yes, it's every man's fantasy... laying back on the bed while a pair of chicks work you over. It's all good until one of them poops and the other one starts pecking at your eyes. But in spite of the challenges, we've taken the plunge and adopted a pair of baby chicks.


As you can see, they are already very much part of the family and happily making themselves at home. In fact, as I type this very post, Delilah is burrowing into the crook of my arm and Francine is nuzzling my ear.

Delilah arrived Sunday afternoon, a couple hours before we hosted a birthday party for our friend Christine. It was quite a circus around here in those hours, as Jim and I took turns being the hovering, doting parent and tried to get the house ready for guests. Everything worked out fine, though, and Delilah was a big hit.



She came to us already well socialized and very much attached to people. We could tell, however, that the change was a little distressing as she chattered non stop. And if we left her alone she screamed... So, once all the guests were gone and with Jim's urging, I bunked in the guest room with Delilah. And because just being there wasn't quite enough contact for her, I let her sleep in the bed, under the covers with me. It wasn't a particularly restful night for me, as I was paranoid I would roll over and squish her. But we made it without any issues, aside from my waking up covered in chicken poop.


Francine arrived on Monday evening, and after a brief introduction, the two were inseparable and gleefully exploring whatever environment we put them in. Initially Delilah was the chatty one and Francine was the super sleepy one, which made me think of the adage that says pets resemble their owners... no question who takes after who! Tonight, however, Delilah's a bit more calm and quiet, and definitely more sleepy, while Frannie has perked up and has a bit more to say.


Regardless, they are both delightful and we've been quite entertained by their curiosity and distinct personalities. We know they will grow up ridiculously fast, so we're savoring each day of our latest adventure. :8 [this is the chicks' addition to the blog post...not sure what it means]
Much to Jim's delight, Delilah just attacked a spider on command and killed it. She's well on her way to being Daddy's little girl.