For the Love of Birds

Hello, friends.  We actually got some rain last week.  Almost 1/4" on Weds., and it's raining as I type this on Sunday, ending up with close to 1/2".  Each time it dips much into freezing temps, J has to drain the pipes leading from the house to the cisterns.  If we don't, the pipes crack.  Ask us how we know.  Which means, each time it rains after a frigid spell, it takes something like 50 gallons to refill the pipes, before it ever starts collecting in the tanks.  So, you can see how collecting water in the winter is a more complicated proposition than in the warmer months.  Our neighbor recently told J his well ran dry.  It replenishes enough that he has access to around 100 gals a day, to provide his household, herd of cows, and flock of chickens, but can't go over that without running dry.  We're all hoping the drought ends soon.  There had been snow forecast for the afternoon, but it stayed north of us. 

 

I'm keeping an eye on the monk's journey, as they get closer.  My sister, niece and little ones, and I are trying to figure out a safe place to witness them.  They're walking in rain and snow today, bless them.  I saw this video and song last week.  I can't watch it or most things, without being moved to tears, as their journey resonates deeply with me.  Wish us luck, in finding a safe, quiet place to honor them.  We were down to our last jar of crowder peas, and I was able to can a batch.  I've continued going through a file cabinet, and shredding much of it.  The shreds are being saved for chicken bedding, which will end up in the compost system.  We've started implementing a compost system the permaculture consultant recommended, which uses the chickens to scratch it up and add their manure.  It's often referred to as a chicken tractor on steroids, which you can find on YouTube.  We need a warmer day or two to get it fully set up.  Hopefully, the chickens will cooperate, and do their part.

Though I still have a long way to go, I've been learning about the effects of light on our body... sunlight, red light, blue light.  There's plenty I don't know, but it's convinced me to pull out every LED bulb I can, and switch back to incandescents.  I've had blue light blocking glasses for the computer, and do use the night light setting to lower blue light in the evening, but now have an amber pair on the way, which apparently does a better job.  I'm very interested in learning more.  If you know of any great resources, especially books, I hope you'll share.  Two resources I've listened to are Sowing Prosperity and Dr. Jack Kruse.  Another health-related item I was recently made aware of, when researching for a safe lipstick, is almost all (as in >99%) is contaminated with lead.  Yikes!  Apparently it's not new, and the FDA allows a certain amount.  I don't know about you, but I really don't want any in something that will be on my lips.  So, now I'm looking into trying to make my own natural version.  I don't wear it very often, but do like it on occasion.  The blue birds began showing up at the fountain and bird bath, which made me happy.

blurry pic, but the best I could do

Last week, J told me he ordered 25 chicks, to arrive in March.  That was a surprise!  That's several more than we've had in the past, so he'll be making an addition to the coop.  It's always interesting, here on the homestead.  Looking over my photos, it seems there's a bird theme going on.  He's making good progress on the skoolie transmission swap.  I should make a separate post soon about that.  Stay well, friends, and may all your surprises be good ones.