Farewell, 2017

Dear 2017:

Sorry to be so blunt, but it's time you left.  

It's not that you were all that bad of a year, but you were one of the worst years in my career at work. There were a lot of problems and issues that we faced this year, and I am glad that you are leaving and am really looking forward to 2018.  We know what needs to be changed, and I am confident and optimistic that we, meaning my department and I, will do better in 2018.

I do thank you for not giving us any major health issues this year.  Other than my bought with the mega cough that was going around in March, the 'Rents and I had a great year health-wise.  I thank you for that.

I also thank you for my opportunity to become a chicken farmer.  If you'd asked me this time last year if I would want to raise six chickens I would have told you that you were crazy.  But thanks again for the opportunity.

I'm not going to say I'm sorry to see you go, but as always, I am thankful for the lessons you taught me this year.

Security Tip Saturday

We're at week 18 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  You know the drill by now. Each week for the past 17 weeks, I've posted a list of items to buy or gather so you can compile an emergency kit for you and your family.  At the end of the 20 weeks, if you've bought or gathered the items listed, you will have compiled the recommended items for an emergency kit for you and your family. 

It's not too late - just check the archives for the previous 17 weeks for the items you need to buy.

Week 18

Child proof lathches (if needed)

Double-sided tape (or Velcro)

Two Plastic buckets with tight lid

Plastic sheeting

Baby, It's Still Cold Outside

Let me just say that anyone that knows me, knows I like the cold.  You've read countless posts about me wanting to flip the switch on the a/c as soon as the temps are above 70.  That having been said, when I say it's cold, then you know it's cold.  And it's cold. 

I still have on my thermals, both the top and bottom, and I wish I'd worn another pair of socks today.  Yes, I know I'm in my nice warm office, but I'm cold.

And it is so cold, the Girls didn't come out of their coop until almost noon today.  

It's supposed to get above 20 tomorrow, but unfortunately they're calling for almost another week of lows in the low teens or single digits.  Tuesday night, they are predicting a low of -4.  I'll shut up now. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

I'm very happy to report that The Girls weren't afraid of their heat light in the coop last night.  When I went out to close the coop door, 5 of them were already inside on the roosting bar, and only one was still outside.  I think she was just wanting to be anti-social.  I picked her up and put her inside the coop without incident and I think she liked the light being on so they could have some more warmth during the night that got down to 7 degrees.

When I went out this morning to open the coop door, they sure weren't in a hurry to get outside.  And I can't blame them one bit.  

But even with the bitter cold, they still gave us 3 eggs today. 

Happy Boxing Day

TWIT and I would like to wish our Canadian friends a very Happy Boxing Day.  

I spent most of Christmas Day on the couch in the nice warm family room with the 'Rents, and was remiss in wishing my faithful readers Merry Christmas.  I hope your Christmas Day was filled with as much love and happiness as mine was!

Happy Christmas Eve

It's not Christmas until we've heard the Sweeney Sisters sing their bells medley.  http://www.downvids.net/sweeney-sisters-bells-medley--259279.html

Security Tip Saturday

We're coming down to the end of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness - we're on week 17.  Hopefully you've been able to buy or gather up the items for the previous 16 weeks.  As always, it's not too late to start.  Just check in the previous 16 Saturday posts for the items to get, and you will be able to put together an emergency kit for you and your household.

Week 17

1 box graham crackers

Assorted plastic containers with lids

Dry cereal

Anti-dirrhea medication

Rubbing alcohol

Antiseptic

Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal