Happy 24th!

Mayfield puts on a big shin-dig for the 24th every year. This year we made plans with Brian & Crystal to check it out. The parade started at 10, and the way we are, of course we were late. But only by a few minutes. We were able to pull off the side of the road and watch the parade. The poor folks behind us were waiting to go up the canyon and had to wait at the road block until the parade was over.

It was a cute small town parade: fire truck, ambulance, kids on 4-wheelers, guys in tractors were all dressed up and throwing candy and snacks to the kids lining the streets. Afterwards we headed to the park where they had food and games. The girls, of course, couldn't make up their minds about what to do or what to see. They settled for the train ride around the park - the train was actually pulled by an atv. They finally agreed on fishing, and each 'reeled' in a cute stuffed animal. And there was no hesitation on butterfly tattoos for each girl.

We decided we had enough fun, and heat; we loaded up and headed up the mountain. Brian & Crystal wanted to take us to their fishing spot at Emerald Lake. It was beautiful. Though the fishing sucked, it was a good time hanging out and the kids were able to play and get wet.

We then drove down to Deep Lake to 'catch some fish,' but Crystal realized what time it had gotten to be and had to be to work early in the morning. They all drove home and we went on over to Six Mile Ponds. We told ourselves we would only be an hour, but the fish turned on right about the time it was time to go. It was so good in fact, Jason made sure he had set the hook real good and handed the pole to Chey. She reeled and reeled:


Then she felt the fish fighting! With a look on her face too cute to put in words, she says, "I got fishy!"


Without much help she was able to reel her fish all the way to shore.


She was completely thrilled with her first fish! She even screamed, "My first fish ever!"


Another fishergirl is born!

Chicken Run XII

We've been calling our spread 'The Thomas Tiny Ranch' since we moved here because we finally got out of the Big Shitty and have our small piece of country. Well! We have now become official! With our garden growing pretty well, and now, our chickens running the yard! (well, in a couple weeks they will be)

We have an out-building in the back that someone previously used to house rabbits, and then we fenced it for a dog-run. A dog run that has now become over grown since the Hudini act that could've been fatal.

Some friends of ours have chickens, the neighbors all around us have chickens. Our friends hatched and were raising some chicks for us when their son forgot to shut the door properly and their dog had a hay-day! So, we got online for our own.

Some one in Centerfield listed some chickens on KSL. $5 a piece for 3 year old layers and if we bought 10 he would throw in a rooster. Sounded good to us. The chickens were in Box Elder County and so it would take a couple weeks for them to be delivered. But that gave us the time to prepare. Jason spent 2 whole days turning this rabbit-house/dog-run in to a suitable chicken run. I love my handy-man!


Here's the ramps Jason built so they can get from one side to the other


The left side has another ramp to get on top to the nests.


And more nests on the right side.


Then we waited. Patience does not reside in this house, so it was a long wait, especially when they didn't show up the night they were supposed to. But I got a call this morning saying they were in town, but...they weren't the chickens we thought we were getting and there were only 6. Instead of chickens that are good for eating and lay large eggs, they are Bantams. They are a quarter to half the size of standard chickens and lay little eggs. But $10 for 6 hens and a rooster, we thought it was a good start.

In a week we will let them out in the run, then after a week of that they will be free-ranging! Our backyard-chickens!