One is the Loneliest Number

I      Just      Can't      Keep      Up.

Started this morning at 6:30, letting the cockers out.  Sad news.  One of the eggs under MB2 hatched early.  I guess the chick was dead.  She had drug it into her yard.   It was three days early so it must have been dead.  But at least I know some of the others may be fertile.  Monday and Tuesday are the ETA.  And I have another broody hen, maybe MB3 again and I am trying to get her sorted out early.  Locked all the cockers out of the coop for the whole afternoon.

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Well !*@&#(@*!!!.  I went out to check on MB2 and JW had somehow gotten into her yard!  I didn't think he could fly that high.  This could be a problem.  I got him out by opening the door and grabbing another chicken.  She clucked loud and that brought him out.  I gave him the chicken and closed MB2's gate.  Damn, this is getting complicated.

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Then I sewed my new hoop house where two pieces joined.  I tried duct tape, but the rain loosened it, so I had to sew it.  I don't even sew buttons on.  It took me 5 minutes just to thread the needle.  But it is whole now.

my first hoop house.

I hope this will deter the squash borers.

Then I planted my other row of potatoes in the row next to the hoop house row.  I also filled in some holes where JW got into the garden and ripped up my chiogga beets.  I swear it only took him seconds to  scratch out about 6 hills.  I was so mad I ran at him, he jumped up and I actually grabbed him in mid air and threw him out of the gate.  I think he was too startled to try to peck me.  He landed and stalked off.

Then I transplanted some chives into the second cold frame.  I noticed there were volunteer toms all over the frame.  These are probably hardy like last year's volunteers so I will plant these in the old garden next to the basil and hope they won't get the wilt. 

Then I finished putting the hay I had left on some of my back beans.  I need more hay and more newspaper.

it's a hay's bean

Jim did help me put up the pole bean trellis, then he headed off to work on the church shed.  I followed shortly in my car.  I helped him with the bits he couldn't handle by hisself, then headed to Burgaw for chicken scratch and more oyster shell, since my other bag is a temporary nursery.   I picked up a few things at food lion as well.

Then I swung back by the church to check on Jim and met an new young lady who moved here from NY.  She is thinking of joining the church.  Very interesting.  She rescues horses.  We talked for a bit then I had to go.

Back to the house.  By this time it's hot and humid but there is more to do.  I gathered the eggs then walked out to the back forty to check on things.  My melons are just coming up.

Then time to tackle some of the weeds so got out the old Mantis.  I drove down through most of the rows and got what I could.

More weeds!!!????

But they'll be back.

Then I went into the house and took some veges out to thaw so I can make a gumbo for Easter sunday tomorrow.  I also need to make some curried eggs and something with strawberries (last of the frozen).

Walked outside again and looked around.  Good God, the whole place needs mowing.  The field grass is as high as a nelephant's eye, and I haven't started the mower since last year.  

I     Just    Can't     Keep    UP. 

I need field hands.  I need Scarlett.

Time for a glass of wine.

bak bak