Orpington Dreams and Warm Buddhas

Well, we sold the television and cancelled Netflix. Woot!

Within 5 minutes of our last blog posting, the idiot box was sold for $70. We've now saved $120 toward our new hen house we've planned for the spring.

With our weight training, it takes A LOT of protein to keep us going and in a home that is vegetarian, that means cage free eggs. LOTS of cage free eggs. And the freaking things are expensive but better than cramming beakless birds into a cage the size of a microwave. Speaking of microwaves, I hate them. I don't like irradiating my food. However, Jamie has one that is permanently installed, so I give it dirty looks. I must admit, (with shame) to using it a time or two. I had to admit it, because Jamie had photographic evidence.

Anyway, back to the hens...Our research has shown that the best birds for us are orpingtons. They are small and friendly, lay eggs large for their size, and are consistent layers. Being small, the cost of feed is affordable. But we're only buying females. No cocks for this household! :) Now to find a supplier.

Orpington Cockerel

The freezing weather surprised us recently. The farm house can be cold. Thanks to a tip from daughter Amber, we lined our outer bedroom wall with quilts Jamie had made. It was a significant help. We've been able to keep the electric bill low this winter by keeping the thermostat at 65 degrees, using 13 watt energy efficient bulbs to replace our 60 watt bulbs. They are brighter, even. Cuddling and puppy piles have also been very effective in helping us to stay warm. 

I needed a hat to keep me warm on the way to work, so I crocheted an awesome beret one evening while Jamie wrote and we listened to celtic music. Now I'm working on a scarf. Buddha thinks the hat rocks.

 I made an interesting meal for Sunday dinner. Apple empanada and carrot and potato hash browns. While one would expect apples in an apple empanada, one would not expect peppers, onions,  tomatoes and apples with a home made pie crust. Surprise!! Served over an imported brown rice from our local Chinese market, it was a hit. I know because Jamie didn't sneak her plate under the table to the dogs. She even went back for seconds...especially the hash browns.

So I'm off to finish my scarf. Buddha might get chilly tonight.