Chickens!

On Saturday Miss Morgan and I took a drive to my friend Melissa's house who lives about a half hour out of town.  I think it was supposed to be for knitting club, or whatever we call ourselves.  But I'm the only one who actually did any knitting, so I'm not quite sure we can call it that this time.  Melissa did give me a brief lesson on spinning wool though, which was soooo cool.  I need to do this. 

Melissa's home is gorgeous.  It sits on an amazing 75 acres of beautiful land with a hay field on one side, a little creek running through another, and lots and lots of pretty trees.

Her porch goes all the way around the whole house except for one tiny little part in the back.  She even has a porch swing.  I don't think I'd ever leave that swing if I lived in this house.  The weather was perfect, wind was blowing through the trees, and birds were chirping.  It was so peaceful and perfect.  I did not want to leave.

Melissa and her family raise chickens.  Can you even stand it?  I can't imagine being able to have all those fresh eggs on hand. 

Her little setup for them couldn't be more perfect.  An old dog house left by the previous owners makes for a perfect little shady feeding area.

These twelve girls were born just this year and are already growing like mad.  They also have six older chickens from last year that can roam free during the day (don't ask why I have no pictures of them.  I have no idea why I didn't take any).  The babies aren't quite to be trusted yet, and would make a fine meal for some mean predator in the woods, so they are kept penned for now.

They get to be out in the pen for a few hours each day, and then go inside this building, which is an old sauna!  Couldn't be more perfect for them.

 So many different varieties and pretty colors!  I love these little stripes on her feathers.

Morgan loved watching them waddle around and eat their food.  She asked if we could get some, and then I reminded her that we have just a smidge less land than Melissa.

Melissa's two kids get to help name the chickens.  The ones I can remember are Lucy, Honey, and Handy Manny.  Melissa's daughter is 3.  And likes cartoons.  I absolutely love the name she chose.

Morgan and I had so much fun visiting with everyone and enjoying your setup Melissa.  Sooo peaceful!  It was great to catch up with everyone too.  We have one person getting married in July, one moving to start a new business venture and is going to be a first time grandma in November, one who has a daughter getting married very soon, and one who chases her beautiful kids around 75 acres and raises chickens. 

Then there is me.  I also chase my kids around, usually between baseball fields, hockey rinks, and dance studios.  I'm so glad I'm able to take time out and visit with friends and relax a bit.  My trip to Melissa's house made me realize I need to simplify.  In every sense of the word.  I don't need to spend as much money as I do.  I have too much "stuff" in my house.  I need a major declutter session in there.  I think it's important to be where you want to be, and do what makes you happy. 

Mel, I'm so happy for you.  Enjoy your family, and your space, and your hobbies.  You are at such an awesome place in your life, and I can tell you are truly happy in what you are doing.  That is so wonderful!  Thank you for having us over on Saturday.  I hope we are invited back sometime to swing on your porch swing.

To all the rest of you crazy ladies, best of luck to you all on your exciting things you have right around the corner!  I can't wait to hear about them the next time we get together.  Who knows?  We may even knit!!

XOXOX

NH