A morning's walk around the farm

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place" - Job 38:12

The kids and I have been enjoying morning walks around our farm before it gets too hot each day.  They had been calling them "the Chanticleer walk" since that crazy rooster would follow us the whole time.  But since he was murdered it has been re-named "The Chanticleer Memorial Walk." 

This morning everyone else was busy outside doing other things, so Solomon and I took a walk with my camera.  I thought I'd share a variety of pictures - sad, interesting, and funny:

First the sad: Lilly's memorial garden is not looking good - thanks to a storm and chicken(s) my Lilly-colored pinwheel was busted apart (not in the picture) and there are dug up areas - and nothing in bloom at the moment:

In between the lilies I want to plant some baby's breath.  Also some low growing red flowers and blue flowers.  If you have a suggestion about red or blue flowers - please email me or comment.  This area gets morning sun and afternoon shade.  I really need to add something so I don't feel like a bad mommy neglecting my angel girl's garden.

Daylilies in the front  yard are starting to say "hello":

Next the interesting: Frank is following Back To Eden's recommendations for spending a year preparing the garden soil.  (You can watch the free Back to Eden organic garden movie online here:  http://www.backtoedenfilm.com ) He did plant some climbing zucchini ("zooming zucchini" - trombone zucchini) along the fence though.  It was not at all the zucchini I was expecting.  They are just crazy looking!  Perfect for a self-defense weapon:

Some harvested zucchini.  I admit I'm rather afraid of it ... and not sure how to handle it ...

Finally the funny:  Tabby loves to run and has tons of energy.  What is a more perfect exercise program for her than chasing chickens?:

Pip says "What did you say???":

The "Spice Girls" - Cloves and Nutmeg:

"Krista's Udderly Natural Goat Milk Soap" is Tabby's suggestion for our goat milk soap making endeavor.  Here is our provider feeling honored and special:

 Recently Mrs. L came and gave East and West their "summer cuts".  The dogs were quite embarrassed for several days!  Here is a before:

And after:

 This chicken has the strange name of Houdini's Halloween (she was part of the family of our escape artist chicken Houdini, who is now in chicken heaven):

Looks like Taffeta "shopped until she dropped":

One of our Silkie's has turned out to be a rooster!  Roadrunner has been practicing his crowing.  It is not very strong at all yet.  Sounds sort of like an awkward teenage boy during the voice changing stage:

Solomon was worn out by the end and was ready for his "standing up in the crib while he dozes" nap:

"Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice." - Psalm 55:17