All around The Cottage..

 A crooked smile.
Amazing.
She is one of our new hens that we received in June.
When it looked like her beak was growing crooked, we had her beak clipped.
It's supposed to help.
It didn't.
Her beak just keep growing as crooked as can be.

 We decided that perhaps, she might have to be a meat chicken, and become Sunday dinner.
We watched her, and made certain that she was growing at the same rate as the other chicks.
Watched all the chicks to make certain that she wasn't being singled out, and picked on.

In fact.. she's doing terrific.
She's the same size as the other chickens, perhaps just a tad larger.
She has figured out how to deal with her disability just fine.
She eats mash, drinks water, and is able to eat fresh veggies just fine.
The final decision: she'll probably be a great egg layer.
Besides, she adds personality to the barn.
What name would you give her?? Let me know.

Giant pumpkins growing in the pumpkin patch.
This is a variety that is supposed to reach at least 100 pounds.
They are all well on their way to reaching that weight.

Spencer estimates that they are in the 60 pound to 75 pound range at this time.
It seems that we have about four of them. 
Although, with the vines sprawling everywhere, it's a bit hard to tell for sure.

We also have some 'Jack O' Lantern ' pumpkins.
I guess that there are about a dozen or so of them growing.
The nights are getting cooler.. but I think we need a few more weeks of hot weather during the daytime in order for all the pumpkins to reach maturity.

Amazing to me that such a huge pumpkin grows from such a dainty flower.



We've been working on the courtyard.

The area between the garage, granary and barn and patio will be a wonderful courtyard.

We had a smaller patio poured in the courtyard when they poured the front walkway.

It's about 10x10 and we have an old swing that we are renovating to place on that patio.

We have planted all perennials and a drip line will water everything.





We still have a lot to do to finish up the courtyard.
We still need to rototill some of the ground, paint the fence, build a porch on the granary, and re-install the doorway where it was originally...facing the courtyard.
Plant a lot more perennials, and lay down week block cloth and spread more pea gravel.
Also, the swing needs to be completely dismantled, and boards replaced, and the whole swing painted.
Then .. I'm sure that this will be one of our favorite places to be.
Where it's quiet,and we can enjoy the view of the homestead.
A lot of reading and star gazing will be done in the courtyard.
A bit of singing too.

**To see what else we've been up to.. feel free to visit my other blog... "Cottage On Main"

Attitude of gratitude:
~I'm grateful for a long conversation with a dear friend yesterday.
She is taking care of her husband, while he battles cancer. It was so nice to visit with her, and hear her pour out her emotions. She's really like my sister, and I am so grateful for her.
~I'm grateful that Spencer and my sweet husband were able to go fishing yesterday. They caught some dandy sized fish. Perfect for a late summer meal on the patio. Love grilled trout , with lemon and butter.
~I'm grateful that all of our kids are loving school. They are pursuing their educations and goals.