For the record, I am not one of those crazy bird ladies. At least, I don’t consider myself to be…
However, this downy trio has brought me more joy and laughter than I could imagine. Meet (from top) Bandit, Butterscotch and Big Bill, just two days old.
It was always my intention to have ducks, as opposed to chickens. Their eggs are larger and have a longer shelf life.
Not to mention the cuteness factor is off the charts- especially the aptly named Big Bill. I’m surprised he can stand upright.
Due to the “poultry pandemic” in mid-2022, I couldn’t get ducks, so I ended up with guinea hens. Ruth and Boaz are now about 10 weeks old. (Refer to Fowl Play)
They’ve recently discovered the high perches, though their “dismounts” are ungraceful and awkward- like a spiked football.
I handle them a lot, so as to socialize them, though I fear they are now addicted to corn. And back rubs.
From day one, Boaz has had something against the flamingo in the front garden bed, forever pecking at it. Today was TKO…
When ducklings became available, I added these three stooges to my homestead, and it turned into the funny farm.
Somehow we make it work. Speaking of work, ducks require a lot of it. I think I now know where “dirty duck” comes from.
Every evening they have a warm bath. I let them splash around for quite a while in order to tire them out.
I dry them off and cuddle with them, then put them down with fresh bedding, food, and water.
Every morning it looks like the Battle of Antietam was fought in that tote.
Was it Confucius who said “woman who keeps ducks in closet must have bats in belfry”? Nope- pretty sure that was me…
So it’s back into the tub for another bath. They outgrew their wicker basket the first week, so now it’s the laundry basket taxi.
After some trial and error, I found a playground configuration that seemed to work.
I got so tired of Ruth and Boaz jumping on the screen door that covered the ducks, that I began spraying them with water.
I realize they were just trying to get to the food because of their corn addiction, but I still felt bad about doing it.
Thanks to my real estate skills I was able to find the three amigos a good home.
They loved their new digs! Just thrillin’ and chillin’ with their big webbed feet flung out behind their fluffy little bums.
I barricaded the openings to keep their beady-eyed brethren out of their business. This is a quack shack, not a hen den.
I figured pilings would give them added protection and double their space, so it evolved into a two-story.
Wooded lot, no rear neighbors and a garden view. Don’t tell them about the nosy, noisy ones around the corner.
“Have you seen Butterscotch lately?”
“Moving the pool outside was a good idea, but if I had known there was this much traffic, I’d have made it a privacy fence!“
Good Moringa!
I had tried and failed several times to cultivate moringa, so it was a sweet victory to dig that first hole.
A willow-y tree with feathery leaves, it can grow to over 30′. Until now, my friend in Florida was keeping me supplied.
These are branches from Wendy’s trees. Obviously, mine are fledgeling.
This is the fully-dried moringa stripped from each branch with all the sticks removed. Check out the laundry basket.
Here’s a shipment of leaves only, but I still needed to dry them before I could powder it.
This fully packed cup of dried leaves reduces to about 1/2″ of ground product. Just a teaspoonful per day yields incredible health benefits.
I actually ended up with four plantable moringa trees. They all are flourishing and I have had to top a couple of them.
My very first moringa!
Here’s a link for more information, or reach out to me. I definitely recommend it.
Along with moringa, I was also attempting to cultivate turmeric and ginger, and grow some herbs: dill, parsley, basil, etc.
One day I noticed a “predator” all over my dill plant. As I began picking the tiny worms off the plant, it occurred to me that these were butterfly larvae. Duh!
The dill leaves were devoured within days, and the caterpillars migrated over to the parsley, where they grew very plump.
Once that was gone, I put up these bird boxes in my patch of milkweed, hoping to give them a place to metamorphosize.
There are four different types of milkweed planted in this cordoned-off area. For weeds, they were hard to germinate!
Unfortunately, I only saw 2 or 3 cocoons actually make it to the finish line. Lots of hungry critters out there in the field…
Constructive Feedback
In the dimness of a single pole lamp, Joshua’s framing resembled his own jail cell. I’m sure it felt that way…
Once he had wired the lighting and electical fixtures, he began to construct a ceiling of rich, dark, left over wood flooring.
With the drywall up, I could now visualize what I had to work with in this uniquely compact pantry.
Many things hinged on the finished product, and would bring order out of the chaos that is my kitchen at the moment.
The primed walls got two coats of the same ivory color of the kitchen and Joshua began to tile the polygonic floor.
I am embarrassed to bring you up to my messy mezzanine where I will paint trim and baseboard stock.
Meanwhile, Joshua is fashioning sturdy brackets that will support the granite slab destined for the pantry.
I got them painted in record time, so they could dry overnight and be ready to install the next day.
This lovely granite came from one of his remodels. It’s 18” deep- the perfect width, and just fits the entire length of the pantry.
The deep freezer fits perfectly under the stairs, which is the reason for finishing that space. Halleluyah!
So, while it appears cluttered, the reality is that once the shelves are up, all of that will have a place.
Almost forgot to show you the new shutters!
When I look at the older pictures before shutters, it looks really weird. Like a woman without eyebrows…
Waterfront Property?
Considering that two years ago, when I took the photo below, I didn’t even know there was a pond, I feel I am ahead.
The plan is to tame it completely. Filtration, water fountain, fish, and potable water, if possible.
There’s a lot to do, but it’s such an exciting challenge. Besides, the ducks need a place to play. Check back for updates.
May God richly bless all of you who are reading this. Remember to keep your eyes on the skies and the Prize. Leave a comment if you like. Hugs! MH
shalom, it’s elijah
Looks like things are going well, for you
thanks for update
Hello, my sweet friend. So nice to hear from you…Shouldn’t we be in Jerusalem??? Hugs!
Oh Marie. It’s coming along beautifully. I wish I was closer. Everything looks amazing. I know you are loving every moment with your son and those little ducks. Who will not stay small much longer.
Thanks Luz. The ducklings are three weeks today and I just noticed all kinds of new feathers. Their feet are huge! No more closet, either. I have set up another small house right outside my door so I can hear them. The nights are still so mild, it doesn’t make sense to keep them cooped up in a tote any longer. Fingers crossed. Love and hugs. Miss you, my sweet friend!
Oh Marie, this is so amazing. You are so rich! How the Lord blesses what you put your hand to. Never a dull moment for you. Your Moringa looks marvelous.
Shalom, wendy
Your encouragement, as the prayers of a righteous man, avails much. When it comes to moringa, you are the wind beneath my wings. Love and miss you!
So very proud of you. It looks awesome. Doing so well Marie. Who knew you would have all this and family too. You are being blessed. Cannot wait to see more. I had to have tendon surgery on my thumb last wednesday on the hand I broke my wrist. My thumb tendon snapped and had to reroute a tendon from my pointing finger to my thumb. I will be down for six weeks, therapy starts this Thursday. Good grief. Keep me in your healing prayers. Love and miss you. Love the critters. 😅
You are AMAZING my beautiful friend! I miss your smile and laughter. You have done an excellent job with your home and property! I love the photos 😍
Marie, your pictures are great! Things really have come together for you. Your house is so nice. You sound happy and content. Thank you for the birthday wishes. God’s peace and blessings to you. Mary Ann
I enjoy hearing from you and seeing your photos! MayGod Bless you with health and happiness !