Middleton Market

What a beautiful day. It's been breezy up here on the mountain, but the sun has been shining on and off all day.

I started the morning with a ramble through the fields with Cole. Rob, Ian and Dave were off to the Annapolis River early this morning to start leg one of the annual Amigos Fishing Weekend. Dave caught his first shad and I guess this means the formula used to determine who takes home the trophy will need to be tweaked as it only accounts for pickerel and bass.

When they returned from the river, Cole and I gave Dave the nickle tour of the property before they loaded the boat to head to the lakes.

I spent the afternoon visiting an old friend and learning from a master gardener. I still have to take it easy, so I watched as Debbie G. filled a bed with snap dragons. I toured their new barn to get ideas of what to do with our barn and left with an armful of fresh rhubarb and a promise for some plants this fall so I can grow my own for future years.

One the way home I stopped at the used bookstore in Middleton and picked up a copy of "The Good Life" a book which is considered the forerunner of books for people seeking self-sufficient living. I think all of the books Rob and I have purchased over the last year reference this book.

My final stop of the day was the Middleton Farm Market. I picked up two loaves of bread, a birthday gift for Trudy and two tomato plants from Annapolis Seed.

I think I'll make a rhubarb jam and try that with the bread.

Overall, a busy day and I'm feeling good. I need to behave myself for the rest of the weekend -- no heavy lifting, no stretching. Hopefully the nicer weather will hold and Cole and I can spend some time outdoors.

Surgery Done

Well, the touch ups are done. We had a long day at the hospital. We were there at 7 for the pre-op routine, my surgery was at 10 and I believe it was about 5 when we finally left the building.

The surgery went fine. My surgeon seemed very please when he came to see me. Everything went smoothly. I have a follow-up with him on Monday to remove the dressings.

I was a little queasy following surgery, which seems to be par for the course, but the pain levels are easily manageable without drugs. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days, not lift anything heavy, not lift my arms above my head. I guess that means trying to get the rest of the garden is probably out.

Overall, all is well and I'm recuperating with the chicks at the farm. If the sun comes out I may go sit outside for a little while.

Final Surgery

On Tuesday I have my final surgery.

Unlike the others, this one will be short and sweet. Day surgery only, I should be in and out of surgery within a couple of hours and home in the country again before the end of the day.

The country is where the action is happening. Two weeks ago we purchased three-day-old chicks from a guy in Wilmot. Rob picked up eight Rhode Island Reds, six Barred Plymouth Rocks, a silver-laced and a gold-laced Wyandotte. We originally were going to purchase a dozen Chanteclers, a heritage breed developed right here in Canada, but it didn't work out. The lady wasn't at her home when we arrived, nor had she provided directions to her barn (where she was).

The chicks will grow into our layers and so far they have provided lots of entertainment. We have nick-named the flock the "Tick Disposal Unit." The wood ticks are quiet prevalent right now. Every time we walk through the fields we come back with at least one on us. Cole usually has several on him as well. Two more adventurous chicks will come right up to the edge of the cage to peck a tick from the tip of a finger.

Holding a worm out for them starts a foot race from one end of the dog crate to the other as they engage in a game of keep away, until the worm is gobbled.

We'll pick up two dozen meat birds from the Co-op in mid-June. At which point we'll put the first flock out to pasture. Then their fun and games will have prepared them for foraging for wild food.