Chickens & Cats

Tonight, nothing but chickens and other various and assorted Vance family pets. We’ve been focused on our menagerie this week. We’ve had the addition of a new kitten, Tofu, a black Maine Coon Cat. Our very beloved Harry, who is 19, had to spend some time with the vet this week, using up one of his nine lives to come back home to us. We are very happy to have him back! And, of course, chickens.

Cleo, a cross between our Welsummer hen and a Silkie rooster doesn’t seem to have lost all fear of Harry

Our four fluffy little chicks are now juveniles and in the throes of another round of molting, which makes them look a little bit like an over-loved stuffed animal, with patches missing. They’re outgoing and friendly, and not at all afraid when they’re permitted to roam in the area outside of their coop and covered run with a watchful human and a couple of dogs making sure no one gets into any trouble.

This is Guida. She’s a breed called a Dominique, they’re supposed to be very friendly, although she’s the least likely of the group to seek out attention.

Leeda and Omeleta, the lighter chick, both love watermelon. Omeleta is a Blue Orpington and the friendliest of the chicks. She follows me around and lets me know if I’m not paying her enough attention. Leeda is a Cuckoo Bluebar, and we’re looking forward to her blue eggs. (That’s Guida again, in the back of the photo).

And this is Toot. Toot is a Frost White Legbar, and very pretty and particular about things. She is such a beautiful girl.

It’s really hard to believe they started out this small.

Here’s Tofu. He’s proven to be very difficult to photograph because he never stays still. But he’s a sweet boy with a very loud purr and a love of yarn. I’ve had to learn to put my projects up if I don’t want to find the ball of yarn across the house. Tofu has enchanted all of the people in our house and the dogs, but so far, the none of the cats have shown much interest.

This is the Nellie Neck Warmer from My Favorite Things, for all of the knitters out there. A quick, easy knit, but super practical for early winter mornings feeding chickens!

We are super grateful for our tiny little city lot that somehow manages to cram enough trees, flowers, bushes and herbs in that it feels like a slice of paradise at this time of year, thanks to all the work I was able to get done at the beginning of the pandemic and the constant assist from the chickens who work the soil and fertilize it for me. We love the lizards and the birds—we started seeing hummingbirds in the past couple of weeks, the bees are finally coming back in larger numbers and the butterflies are beautiful this year.

I took most of the day off to hang out with our menagerie and give everyone a little extra attention. It felt like a good moment to take a break, as we seem headed towards “interesting” legal and political times. I hope you too get a chance this weekend to sit under your own vine and fig tree, or whatever nourishes your soul. Lots more to come.

We’re in this together,

Joyce