Pullet's Corner - Dust Bathing

"Welcome back!"

"We've been enjoying our dust bathing the past few weeks. Bwok, bwok."

"Well, at least until it got hot Sabrina."

"That's right Holly. I like the feel of dirt in my feathers."

"My favorite part is shaking it all off! Cheep, cheep."

"Just the other day we had a little tiff over whose turn it was in the dust bath."

"Ultimately, Sabrina won because she is still bigger than me, but one day that won't be the case. Cheep, cheep."

"We are working out the kinks in how to stay cool this summer. Bwok, bwok."

"If y'all have any ideas, please feel free to share."

"Until next time, keep cluckin'."

Sabrina and Holly

Pullet's Corner - New Accommodations

"Welcome to Pullet's Corner! We are Sabrina and Holly."

"This last week mom realized we needed a little more space and a lot more shade. We needed a quick solution. Bok, bok."

"I was really getting warm Sabrina. Cheep, cheep."

"I hear ya Holly. Didn't you hear all the noise I was making? Bok, bok, bok!"

"Well the solution mom and dad came up with is perfect for the short term, but I'm still holding out for the Taj Mahal of chicken coop/runs. Cheep, cheep."

"I have complete confidence that mom is working on a more permanent solution."

"Check back next week for an update on our new space and dust bathing."

"Until next week, keep cluckin'."

Sabrina and Holly

Time for Relaxing

I have been incredibly busy this past week. I've been grading essays, crocheting a necklace for a garden tea party on Saturday, catching up on housework, gardening, and taking care of my "girls" (chickens). Today I took 30 minutes to relax in front of my picture window with a cup of delicious tea. I cherished the moment.

A new project came to me while sitting in the quiet today. I have decided to ask my readers and friends that have lost their fathers for a favor. I'm putting together a project that requires pictures of the girls with their dads and a brief story of their favorite memory spent with them. If you are interested, please send me an email with the story and 1-3 photographs of yourself and your dad.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Hugs,
Jenni

Pullet's Corner - Mom's Got Work Ahead

"Hi folks! This has been a quiet week."
"We have been growing, cheep, which means more for mom to clean. Isn't that right Sabrina?"
"Absolutely Holly. Cheep! Cheep! However, this is also the week mom has been working up to. You know she is sometimes afraid to pick us up."
"Well that is okay because I'm still afraid to be picked up. Cheeeeep."
"Now Holly, you really need to stop pecking at her when she tries to pick you up. She just wants a little love."
"I guess I will have to work on my jitters Sabrina."
"Cheep! Cheep! This next week mom and dad have some new plans for us."
"Yes. So be sure to check in next week and find out what happened."
"Until then, keep cluckin'."

Sabrina and Holly

My Thornless Raspberry Adventure

I walked out to water my plants this morning and found I had actual raspberries. I was so excited. When I bought the plant from the local nursery it was just a bunch of sticks. The lady at the nursery told me I wouldn't be able to grow this plant in this area. I asked her why they would sell it because it wasn't cheap. My online research told me that it would be fine, as it is a hybrid thornless raspberry. Of course she didn't have an answer. As I was leaving, another employee was so excited about the plant. I relayed what I had just been told and she said that it should do great. Heading home I had mixed feelings about spending so much money on a "maybe" plant.

Over the next few weeks it began to really grow. I was beginning to get a tad excited. Then flowers bloomed and I knew what would follow. So this morning I have actual raspberries. They aren't red yet, but I'm hopeful it will be a wonderful, producing plant.

Do you have favorite plants you are growing? I'd love to hear what plants you absolutely could not live without.

Hugs,
Jenni

Pullet's Corner - Sleepless Nights

"Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to Pullet's Corner!"
"We had a sleepless week, didn't we Holly?"
"We sure did, cheep!"
"Let me start by saying, cheep, we absolutely love the dried meal worms mom and dad have been giving us."
"They sure are delicious! Cheep! Cheep! Every time we see mom coming, cheep, I hope we are getting a few."
"Now Holly, we are getting off point. This week we have been visited quite a bit by the neighborhood peacocks."
"At first we were intrigued, but then they didn't stop squawkin' all night. If you could see my eyes you'd see that I have NOT been getting my beauty sleep. And Sabrina is ready to go wing slap 'em."
"I tell ya, those birds are annoying, cheep. Just when you think they have calmed down, they fly into the yard and stir up a ruckus."
"Of course, we do get a kick out of watching mom chase 'em out of the yard. Cheep!"
"It is hysterical. She runs around waving her arms and yelling, 'You are ruining my garden.'"
"Boy am I glad that it's not us! Cheep, cheep!"
"Well if any of you have some ideas on how to keep the peacocks out of our yard, I'm sure mom would be grateful."
"I think our time is up."
"Until next week, keep cluckin'."

Sabrina and Holly

Camping Gadget

I saw this "breakfast station" online today and decided I had to have one for camping. It's small and perfect for 1-2 people. On my next camping adventure I will share photos.

Hugs,
Jenni

Somber Times

Forgive me for not posting this weekend. You see, Christopher's grandma passed away late Thursday night. Although we were expecting it, it doesn't lessen the pain he feels. Death always brings out the feelings of "I wish..." It has been a quiet weekend and we are getting our bearings to start this new week. Bear with me as I try to find the time to post.

Do me a favor; this week, call your loved ones and tell them how much they truly mean to you.

Hugs,
Jenni

Garden Boot Update

After searching for boots to wear while gardening, I decided that I didn't want to risk spending a fortune for something that I wasn't sure about. Target's garden boots fit the bill. They were only $23 and so far they are great! I haven't worn them in the heat of the day, but I did wear them for a couple of hours in my garden. I was even able to fit my pant legs inside. I will give you future updates as I continue to try them out.

Hugs,
Jenni

New Season, New Memories

It's a new baseball season and time to make new memories. Last night I had a rare opportunity to attend an Angel game with just my sister, Melissa. We laughed until we cried. It was a game I will not soon forget. After the game, we made our way out to the front of the stadium. Dad's brick is out front, and my sister has never seen it. While we were getting ready to take photos, a gentleman, who was a little tipsy, offered to take a photo of the two of us together. We were hesitant but figured it couldn't hurt. This photo was the end result. I was truly surprised it came out so nice. I had an amazing time! Thanks Sissa!

Now I'm off to see another Angel game tonight, but this time Christopher is joining me. It will be another great night of memories.

Hugs,
Jenni

Pullet's Corner - Our New Home

Today I would like to introduce my two guest bloggers. Please give them a warm welcome and enjoy their post.

Welcome to Pullet's Corner. We are Sabrina and Holly. We'd like to tell you a little about our experience coming to our new home. First, these two strange people show up to the farm where we were very comfortable living and put us in a bag. A bag! It was scary and intimidating. We've never been so frightened in our short, little lives.

Once we arrived at our new home we were put into a new coop. My oh my was it fancy! It smelled wonderful and that cedar sure helped calm us down. Once inside we can't even begin to tell you how many different folks came by to gawk at us. Our new mom and dad kept picking us up and showing off. It was freaking us out I tell ya!

As the sun went down, mom and dad made us go to bed. We huddled together and had a fitful night. There were so many strange new noises that we weren't used to. We were afraid of what critters might come and get us. Those monsters in the night can be very scary! When the sun came up mom opened the door to the coop. She tried to coax us out, but it took us several hours to come out and play. We roamed. We ate. We had dust baths. It was finally becoming comfortable. We had no problem going to bed or getting up after that.

Mom comes out and sits with us several hours a day. Dad constantly wants to hold us. We aren't 100% comfortable yet, but we are getting there.

Please come back each week and find out what new stories we have to tell.

Happy Scratching,
Sabrina and Holly

Crochet Flower Garland

Spring brings out the beautiful flowers in the neighborhood. The birds gather round my bird feeders. This is just one time of year that I get an itch to get crafty. This time I have been busy crocheting flower garlands. I started by making a few for my trailer, but that passion grew into making some for my kitchen. When I get them hung up I will take a few photos for y'all to see.

What springtime project are tackling?

Hugs,
Jenni

Starting Spring Cleaning...

It is never my favorite task to "spring clean," but when I am done I feel so incredible. Today I began the sorting process to get rid of stuff. I will continue the sort for the next few weeks. Then I will dive into the crazy thorough scrubbing.

If y'all know of some great homemade cleansers, please share. I'm trying to stay as close to organic and homemade as I can.

Hugs,
Jenni

Welcome Home Chickens

My babies are home. Today Christopher and I made the drive to Norco to pick up our chickens. Here is a glimpse into how we felt:


Christopher thinking, "What has Jenni gotten us into?"


Me thinking, "I can't believe I finally got Christopher to agree to getting chickens! Are we actually going to get them?"

So we arrived at the chicken farm. I was so excited I almost couldn't contain it. Due to the age of chickens I wanted, we had a limited number of choices. However, two of the breeds were available. We got a Buff Orpington and a Maran. When it is time for eggs we will have light brown and chocolate medium sized eggs.

The wonderful gentleman we bought them from put them in a bag with holes in it. At this point, I was a little freaked out. A bag? He told us it was actually better than a box because they were cradled and felt more secure. Okay, it seems to make sense I guess.

When we got home we put them in their new coop. They were incredibly shy, but as the afternoon wore on, they started to warm up. Here I am looking in on them. I was so giddy that I did not realize I had assumed the "little girl" pose.


After a long thought out process, I decided on two names. I am a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and chose two of my favorite character names. So I'd like you to meet Sabrina (Sabrina Fairchild) and Holly (Holly Golightly). Sabrina is the Maran, and Holly is the Buff Orpington.


Sabrina and Holly are looking forward to the weekly blog post featuring them. If you'd like to read more about them, check back every Tuesday for "Pullet's Corner."

Until tomorrow, sweet dreams.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Baseball Season!

In honor of the new baseball season, I thought I'd post an old raffle ticket that I designed for my sister's baby shower a few years ago.

My sister wanted a baseball themed shower. Christopher and I took her over to the high school baseball fields to take pictures. (Christopher is my baseball authority; however, I can hold my own. I was raised an Angels fan.) He posed her for different photographs and I snapped away. One of the final products is this raffle ticket. I also did invites and thank you cards. It was just one of the many party designs I have done. Hope you enjoy it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Garden Boots?

I'm on the lookout for a good pair of garden boots. I have ruined more than one pair of shoes in the yard. I need something I can just hose off when I'm done. Garden boots seem to be just the answer. I love the fun designs that I've found, but I'm not sure the boots will be comfortable. I have athletic calves and need to be sure that my pants and my calves fit in the height of the boot.

Does anyone have any suggestions for boots? I really do not want to spend a fortune on something I will only wear in the garden and chicken run.

Hugs,
Jenni

Chicken Coop is Set Up

I woke up this morning excited to get my chicken coop together. Christopher and I went out in the backyard and worked together to get it up. Once it was up I had to move it around to see where I wanted it. I think I finally settled on a spot, but tomorrow is a new day and I might change my mind again. I'm going to spend the next few days getting it set up and ready for chickens. Saturday we will make the trek to Norco for my new little friends.

Hugs,
Jenni

Chicken Coop Arrived Today!

It's here! It's here! My chicken coop arrived today! The delivery guy thought I was nuts to be so excited. I can't wait to assemble it tomorrow!

I also made the phone call to the chicken supplier and will be picking up my chickens this week. I will keep y'all posted on how it is going.

If you have chickens or have any more insights you'd like to share, I'd love to hear it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Taking SoCal Gal Out

I just returned from my trip with Sisters on the Fly. I've been working on SoCal Gal (1983 Palomino Tent Trailer), but she is definitely not done. Although I've got plenty of work left to do on her, I thought it would be fun to take her on her maiden "sister only" voyage. She's been out once before on a "sister/mister" trip that I took my dad on.

I went to Lake Skinner for "Springtime in Temecula" with my "sisters." A little socializing, wine, and shopping are all great ingredients for a good time.

Here are a few images of my girl:

My cozy corner...



Food prep/clean up station...



Dinette/storage...



Outside table...



The whole look...



My set up is not complete by any means, but I'm on my way.

Do you have any special must haves when you are camping? Please share with me. I'm always looking for new tips.

Hugs,
Jenni

Celebrating Family

Happy Easter! I hope the day has been full of love and hugs for you. I spent part of the day with my family. Here are a few pictures of our wild and crazy crew...

"Are we ready for the hunt yet?"


"I found one!"


"I may look tough, but I'm a lover."


"I'm so hot from running around!"


"Stand up straight and smile."


"Direct hit!"


"I love my Peeps!"


"Uncle Chris that tickles!"


"Aren't we beautiful?"


"The Eternally Happy Couple!"


Hope your day was blessed.

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings... Disneyland

During a recent trip to Disneyland I took a serious look at the beauty of the art work. Whether it be paintings or architecture, Disneyland is overflowing with works of art. I remember being a little girl in awe of the ride, "It's a Small World." Every time I visit I'm sure to head over and take a trip down memory lane. Every ride is full of art that inspires you to picture yourself in the fairytale. It's no wonder children fall in love with Disneyland. Next time you take a trip somewhere be sure to look for the artistic side of things.

Hugs,
Jenni

Knitting a Block a Month

I've been working on a block a month project. The blocks all come from the book, "Building Blocks," by Michelle Hunter. I just finished my block for March, so I might get a head start on my block for April.

Hugs,
Jenni

Raising Chickens

I'm on the lookout for a chicken coop. Christopher and I have decided to get chickens. I think we are going to start with two and see how it goes. I'm excited to finally be in the prepping stages. We have talked about this for two years, but haven't been ready until now. If anyone has tips or advice on breeds or raising chickens I'd love to hear about it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Goodbye Baby

Today was a tremendously difficult day for me. I had to say goodbye to my baby, Dyson.

We arrived at the vet's office, and then had to wait about 30 minutes in the waiting room. We were surrounded by loyal companions and their parents. We discovered that the end of the day is reserved for appointments that do not have a happy ending. I noticed that as each parent came out, muffling their crying in a tissue, they were presented with a white package from the vet. When it was our turn we went in the office and got to spend a few more minutes with our precious baby. They laid him on the table and he snuggled into us as he finally fell asleep forever.

On our way out of the office, we were presented with a white package. Inside was a candle and a poem attached to it. Here is the poem:

My Forever Friend

I know that it must be different,
Now that I am no longer here.
I realize how much I was loved
And how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
When you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
Or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see,
Although it'll take some time,
The happy times you shared with me,
The memories are yours and mine.

I'll remember you, my family,
And how much you meant to me.
So please don't grieve and don't be sad,
It was just my time to leave.
************************
Now that you may be crying yourself, here is my note to Dyson.

Dyson, I will miss coming home to your hugs and kisses. I will miss our cuddle sessions on the bed while watching TV (especially after daddy left for work in the morning). Most of all, I will miss how no matter where I went you had to sit on my lap. You were the largest, but definitely, the best lap dog I ever had. You were loved beyond belief and will be missed every day. I love you baby.

Hugs,
Jenni

Deliciously, Yummy Yarn

I'm working on a project with this deliciously, yummy looking yarn. It is so soft and I just want to wrap myself up in it. I will share when it is finished.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

It was chilly this evening and I wanted a hot beverage. I pulled out my Peanut Butter and Company cookbook and found the perfect tasty treat.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups light cream
2/3 cup Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter (To 1 cup of smooth natural peanut butter, add 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips, gently melted.)
Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or Marshmallow Fluff, for serving

Process:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla until hot. Whisk in the cocoa and sugar and continue stirring until dissolved. Add the cream and peanut butter and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

2. Serve in warm mugs with mini marshmallows, a big dollop of whipped cream, or Marshmallow Fluff.

Makes 4 servings
*Recipe compliments of Peanut Butter and Company.

Hugs,
Jenni

Sketchbook Inspiration

After spending some time in my sketchbook today, I came up with an idea for prints and a notecard set. This is a preview. I'll be finishing a set this week and posting in my Etsy shop. I'll keep you posted.

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings... Simple Color Wheel

I taught a GATE painting workshop today for middle school students. I introduced them to the color wheel and we created our own simple color wheel. The exciting part was that each student drew an image to create their color wheel. We only discussed primary and secondary colors, but I think everyone had fun. I look forward to teaching them monochromatic painting on Wednesday.

Hugs,
Jenni

Polaroid... Instant Gratification

Once upon a time people were in need of instant gratification when it came to photography. The Polaroid camera and instant film came about. Then we had digital photography. It brought about the ability to take multiple photos without worrying too much what they were like (we could edit later). However, people realized that they may be taking photos, but how many did they actually print and put into a photo book? Surprisingly, with the advent of digital photography we are only saving photos digitally and printing very few. Polaroid decided to tap into a possible market for instant gratification once again. Of course, being obsessed with photography and technology, I purchased the Polaroid 300. It not only provides me with instant gratification, but awesome wallet-sized Polaroids. I will post samples of my photos here on my blog, so be sure to check back for updates.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's T-Ball Time!

Christopher and I went to our nephew's first t-ball game today. It was adorable! I laughed so hard that my sides hurt. It was hysterical to watch the kids run to the wrong base, play in the dirt, and complain they were thirsty after getting to first base. If you need a good laugh, just visit a t-ball field. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.

Hugs,
Jenni

My Apologies... I'm Back!

I'm sorry I've been MIA this week. My unexpected trip to Utah was productive, but left me with little time for blogging. On the bright side, I did get to spend some great time with my cousins. I'm now back and on track.

Hugs,
Jenni

Beautiful Icicles

I don't live where it snows, so I see beauty in an icicle. Before those of you that live in conditions that provide for icicles go crazy, yes, I know they can be deadly. However, it is another wonder that amazes me. I truly enjoy the beauty. Obviously, I love the photo opportunities the icicle can provide for me. Wherever I am and wherever I go, I am always on the lookout for places or things that provide for great photos. If you only had an opportunity to take one more photograph for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings... Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Today we celebrate Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He was a brilliant Impressionist painter. I highly recommend checking out his body of work.

"An innovative artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born on February 25, 1841, in Limoges, France. He started out as an apprentice to a porcelain painter and studied drawing in his free time. After years as a struggling painter, Renoir helped launch an artistic movement called Impressionism in 1870s. He eventually became one of the most highly regarded artists of his time." (www.biography.com)

Hugs,
Jenni

Last Minute Packing

Last minute trips always leave me feeling like I have forgotten to pack something. I received a phone call today that my uncle in Utah is not doing well. Mom decided we needed to make a quick trip to see him, so we leave in a few hours. Hope I remembered everything required for chilly temperatures...

Hugs,
Jenni

Yard Clean Up

Christopher and I spent a good portion of the day cutting down three disease ridden trees in our backyard. It was exhausting and we are only half way there. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow we will work some more.



In the meantime, I've got a question for all of you. I recently read somewhere that if I paint rocks to look like strawberries it will help keep the birds away. Is this true? I don't want to invest too much time painting rocks if this doesn't work. I'd love any gardening tips you've got for me.

Hugs,
Jenni