Keep out the wolf

 Last night as we were getting ready to call it an evening I heard the girls making all kinds of noise. Flash light in hand I went right out to see what the problem could be. The light was still on in the hen house and all seemed fine however there was a abundance of feathers scattered through out the hen house. The red laced wyndott center hen in the picture seemed to have some ruffled feathers on her back. I picked her up and inspected her back and she seemed fine, no broken skin and no signs of trauma. I have no idea where all the feathers came from. There was no sign of entry to the hen yard. The girls settled right down when I threw some corn in the crock. As you can see in the picture they were very happy and not too bothered. I still have no idea what the problem was. I had become complacent about closing the hen house door eliminating the access to the hen yard. I have always thought they are secure. But after this hen house hassle I am not taking any chances. The door is closed and they are safe and sound and tucked in each night.

Composting for your hens

So here are the girls looking for bugs. They love going through the pile of leaves. Shortly after taking this picture they jumped in and starting kicking the leaves aside looking for worms. They have such keen eyesight that they will see the slightest movement and be right on that bug or grub. I have been a composter for many years and thought maybe I should compost for my hens. I am designing plans for a worm bin that will not only serve my fishing and composting needs but will also give me a good supply of worms for the hens especially in the winter when the natural supply of bugs has gone dormant.

Watch for more info in upcoming posts. I have research to do on worm bins.

Not hens today-Pyrex

How many of you remember the great Pyrex mom or grandma had in their fridge? I have read so many articles about the problems of storing and reheating food in plastic. So out with the plastic, but what to replace it with? Pyrex is the perfect vessel for those left overs and they go directly to the oven or microwave without any concerns. And don't they look good in the fridge.

But where to find them? I have been visiting the

thrift shops, the Goodwill and got some great items from my Mom. Thanks Mom!

There are some great websites all about Pyrex. Check out PyrexLove.com. It has all kinds of vintage Pyrex info I used it to locate pattern information and identified some of my own pieces.

This is Autumn Harvest circa 1982 not that old but very pretty. Keep in mind I graduated from high school in 1981.

The Verde is a two

section divided dish. What a pretty lid. Circa 1960's found this one at the Goodwill.

I found this whole set of mixing bowl at the Goodwill also. I think someone was cleaning out grandma's home at had no idea what they had. They are in great condition. Don't ever put your vintage Pyrex in the dishwasher. It will ruin the shiny finish.

More Pyrex later

My favorites

I purchased this ceramic egg holder at New Seasons. It is great I can wash it and it won't hold bacteria like the cardboard egg cartons that so many of us are using over and over. I save the standard egg cartons for sending eggs home with the kids and guests to our home. The girls are laying well and we give away a least a dozen every week. As you can see the eggs are clean people have a hard time believing they come out of the nest box looking this good. The girls

are very tidy layers

A friend gave me the old Star Egg Tray for my birthday. It is a cool blast from the past. Larry and I looked and looked for an egg scale and found this nice one at an antique expo. Most of our eggs weight in at Large. Way to go girls!

Breakfast served up

The girls are laying well, considering the cold weather and the shorter days. We have the light in the hen house set to come on at 5pm adding additional light for the girls turning off at 10:30 pm

The longer day is the key to keeping them laying. They tend to eat more during the winter. Not as many bugs and foraging go

ing on.

I whipped up some eggs for a quick breakfast.

One of my new passions is collecting some vintage kitchen items. I am in love with old Pyrex. Don't the eggs look pretty in this vintage bowl? This is a great healthy quick meal. Yum Yum.