Settling In

The chicas are doing a 'high wire act.' When we initially designed the fence around the chicken coop, Geoff felt that 5' high would be sufficient. I pushed for 6'. He argued that chickens can't fly, but I insisted that they make a good try of it. Earlier this week we watched in awed amusement as Gracie walked the perimeter of the yard, 6' above the ground; Sunshine watched enviously from below. Then we found both Luna and Gracie cruising around, outside of their yard. They must have been out for quite some time, because they were very cooperative about returning to their coop. This morning Gracie was taking her morning walk alone. Luna was sitting in her nest box. And Sunshine was pacing anxiously, puffing his feathers and clucking like a leaky balloon. Sunshine is likely too muscle-heavy to get off the ground. Rosie seems uninterested; she's a bit of a homebody.

Today has been quiet. The landscapers poured concrete to build the bar-b-que, and they'll return Monday to finish it. They're practically done; may be just a few touches here and there, and of course settling bills. I thought today would be too quiet. I have grown accustomed to activity and voices. It wasn't too quiet. We filled the void with our activities and our voices and it was pleasant. I am looking forward to claiming our space. Now that the inside is our paint, furniture, pictures and toys, and the outside is finally alive and tended, I am feeling at home.

Alex and I bought pansies and marigolds and he is very eager to plant them. Max insists he wants to plant a fig tree "...and it will be just for me. Do I have to share my fig tree? I want it only to be Max's fig tree, alwight?"

Yesterday we planted a climbing rose. I have been looking for several months for a 'Cecile Brunner;' it will be full of tiny, soft pink roses, that are mildly fragrant and very charming. Max was diligently patting the earth down around the newly planted roses and remarking, "Isn't she so beautiful?"

Have I mentioned the second apple tree I brought home? It is another Fuji apple, but this one is espaliered (pruned for growing against a wall or fence) and we planted it along the corral fence, across from the chicken coop. I warned Geoff that I might just buy some stakes and a roll of chicken wire and somehow create a vegetable garden. He begged me to wait for him; 1/2 out of fear of what I am likely to 'build,' and 1/2 out of not wanting to miss out on the fun. I will wait for him, but it's torture.