Our backyard chickens are surviving well through this winter’s ice, snow, and feather-burning bulbs. They look plump and healthy and even brave cold feet to come clean up around the base of our bird feeder when there’s no active participation. But they aren’t laying well. We are collecting an average of two eggs a...
Read more →I have had leek and celery packets in my seed stash for two years now. By the time I’m starting all the other seeds I realize I am too late for those. This year, Kate shared a perpetual garden calendar that reminded me I can start leeks indoors now. By the way, I totally...
Read more →Towards the end of last week the antibiotic bugs had beaten down the tonsillitis bugs enough that I had just enough energy to participate in the family again. I even felt well enough to visit Glacier Ridge Metropark yesterday where the icicle picture was taken. I did not have the endurance to steel myself...
Read more →This is our chic Australorp hen, creatively named Austra. I like to call her the queen of the chickens and generally regard her as a bit more intelligent than the rest of the flock. She is the definitely the most responsive to our family’s actions, coming and clucking gently when we call her. I...
Read more →If you are like us and find yourself with an abundance of snow and ennui, try making snow cream. We made it today and here’s what Lil has to say: “Snow cream has two ingredients. First you have to get really fresh fresh snow and get some maple syrup or milk or chocolate syrup...
Read more →“How are your chickens?,” I am asked frequently. The follow-on question is, “Are they ok in the cold?” We chose backyard chicken breeds specifically for cold hardiness. Indeed our Orpingtons, Australorp, and Speckled Sussex seem to be surviving quite well, though they are not clucking and cooing with pleasure as they did in the...
Read more →Are you wondering how to keep your family interested in local foods this winter? Read my Young Palates article, Snow Days, in the most recent Edible Columbus! Pick up a free paper copy of this beautiful magazine at select advertisers listed on the Edible Columbus website.