Sideways Chickens

Once again it's the onslaught of brutal gray skies, and enough pouring rain to require a rowboat to feed the critters. After yesterday's rain the wind is blowing hard enough I'm thinking it's trying to knock the caboose off its tracks.

I figure it's time for a Florida Flashback. I can look at the photos and instantly find myself walking the two-mile stretch of road. A far cry from sitting here watching the chickens walk sideways.

Tree at the bend in the road

Stop and smell the flowers

On the edge of the orange grove

Lots of sunshine

Clouds and sun

An Ohio sunset

Sunshine State of Mind Two

I'm sitting here looking out my kitchen window at pools of water. Everywhere. Ever since I got home to Michigan from Florida on Sunday it has been raining since Monday, and four days later it doesn't look like there are immediate plans of the rain stopping anytime soon. I require true sunshine, and the gray days just don't cut it.

It's nice to reflect on the photos I took while in Florida. Sunshine is the perfect illuminating source for the vibrant colors found there. And the various animal tracks I shot are more interesting than my muddy boot prints recently.

Turkey tracks

Bug tracks

Leaf tracks

My shoe tracks

iPod tracks

Bass fishing

You, Me and the Duck

 John likes to go to Florida every year.  I have gone with him, and it's nice to soak up some much-needed sunshine and warm weather. It does John some good also, because it helps him get ready for the busy work season that usually starts before we get back.

This year, however, was different. With the mild winter and onset of early warm weather, I know for me, heading south would have been time I could be using in getting a start on an early spring, like starting seeds in the greenhouse, getting the rabbits bred and doing some much-needed yard work.

So, the trip to Florida isn't happening for me this year. But, for John, it should have happened. And it might yet. This is a stressful time for him, and he still talks about closing up the house and heading south at least for a couple of weeks. I tell him he should. It would do me good if he went.

In the meantime, spring has sprung and life begins to multiply here at Nestle Inn. The sparrows are hoarding the birdhouses, Miss Kitty is due to drop a boat-load of kittens any time and Daffy has joined the farm.

Meet Daffy Duck. He is two years old and alone. But, he's alive. Currently he is in with Rooster and the Ladies with his tub of water. I will search for a mate for him so he won't be "alone".

The next day after Daffy joined the family, John and I were talking about all the work he has to do. With a straight face and a determined tone he says, "We should go to Florida. You, me and the duck."

Daffy Duck