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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Home to Roost

As the leaves continue to swirl down from their summer perch and the frost is heavier with each morning, it's a pleasure to have a spot (or two) to sit by a cozy fire, to unwind after a long day engrossed with spreadsheets and relax with a book or a crochet hook. While not advancing much last winter, I continue teaching myself to crochet. I struggle with understanding the pattern instructions more than how to create different stitches, so, I finally abandoned my beginner booklet and found a simple pattern on Ravelry for a dishcloth that is coming along rather quickly and I've been stitching it up with organic cotton, so lovely on the fingertips.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that chickens are on the brain of just about everyone here at the old farmhouse; I finally decided to delve into this book I found in the bargain section last year and give it a go. Home to Roost: A Backyard Farmer Chases Chickens through the Ages covers the complete array of all things chicken. From their place in various human cultures past and present to their history on this planet and all things in between Bob Sheasley presents a show and tell of the chicken chocked full of humour and personal anecdotes. It's always inspiring when I stumble across another commuter. If I've learned one thing while living in the country it's that we're thick as thieves we are, we who daily leave our heart in the country while heading into the city to keep our dream alive.

And, you know, now that I think of it, there's probably something else I've learned. There ain't no cure for the chicken bug; once you got it, you have it for life.
pretty boy Eli, 19 weeks

~Be well friends~
NapTime MomTog

and then, she {snapped}

19 comments:

Martha said...

Is Eli a Rhode Island Red? We just got 2 chickens a few weeks ago...we live in an urban area and are so excited, hoping for eggs pretty soon!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

LOL.. you are so right! Now I want a few of your variety!

Debbie said...

Oh my neighbors would kill me if I had chickens.

Come and find me on Ravelry. I am 4bookworm

Gail said...

I taught myself to crochet. I had one book with patterns and one book that showed each stitch. I was determined and, eventually, conquered the magic.

Stacy Uncorked said...

We had chickens a few years ago - I actually miss having them! :) Eli is handsome! :)

Vibrant - and Goofy - Fall

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Oh how right you are Andrea...chickens are addicting. I couldn't even imagine a life without them after having them for 5 years. I'll have to look up that book...it sounds interesting. It must be a wonderful feeling coming home from working in the bustling city to your wonderful country life. I know I'm happy to be back on the farm just from being in the city long enough to get groceries or what ever other reason we have to go there. I have NEVER been a city girl. Have fun with your crocheting!
Maura :)

Serendipity is Sweet said...

Awesome! I've never had chickens but my kids would think that was soo cool.
What a handsome boy ;)

Lynne said...

I am enjoying your chicken messages from your country place of heaven and photos of handsome Eli . . .

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh that last statement is so true I really do miss raising chickens. I will look for that magazine it looks great. B

Deb said...

Pretty boy Eli looks a wee bit scary. I love chickens too.

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

I've got the chicken bug and shan't live without chickens ever. Ever I tell you! I'm even going to have turkeys next year. And, I'm going to eat them. I am. I really am. I swear it. Your life sounds quite lovely.

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Crocheting dishcloths is a great way to work on the skill! I taught my kids to knit on dishcloths... if you make a mistake it's not a big deal because it's not a sweater that someone has to wear with a big oops in it!

Aren't chickens funny too? I love to watch them run... they just look so cute when they take off running! I think they look like they're going to tip over with no "arms" :)

~Chris

Tricia said...

Have you tried looking on you tube for a crochet tutorial? I know of someone who taught herself to crochet that way. I've never had chickens, but I'll bet they're so fun to watch :)

Anonymous said...

I love Eli. Too cute.

Seeing Each Day said...

Hi Eli- nice to meet you! Aunty used to have chickens and I used to love going to collect the eggs. Well done on teaching yourself how to crotchetiness.

Gone Country said...

You're absolutely right about the chicken bug! I know I have it!

Susan said...

Oh my, this was awesome. And that chicken!!!

Unknown said...

Somewhat similar days for me too, starting with the frost and foggy windows before the morning commute. Hubby makes mornings much easier by preparing making breakfast and preparing my vehicle. I'll be glad when it isn't so dark in the morning. Our momma rabbit had 6 kits a few weeks back and it is amazing how quickly they are growing. Keep at the crochet, it will become habit in no time.

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I am so loving Eli!
{Did you know that was my great grandfather's name ?}

If you are going to get bit by a bug, I do believe the chicken bug is the one to have!
LYLAS!!
xo, misha