Patiently we wait for the first signs of spring. Slowly, gradually, new life begins to emerge. We walk about the garden poking in the ground around mounds of dead leaves looking to see what bits of green life are emerging. We bend the branches of last year's newly planted trees to see a trace of green signifying that the new trees survived the cold, dry winter. The air begins to warm. The sun is sunnier. The house finches begin their mating calls, a beautiful melody sung from the tops of the tallest trees. It is April in all of her glory, warming and wonderful. April showers bring May flowers. We are nearly lusting for the daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips to explode in color. Then the wind comes-- fierce, cold, howling an announcement of the storm on its heals. The storm starts with spits and spatters of rain. We welcome the rain, for there is wildfire raging just west of us in the foothills above Fort Collins. We are hopeful that the rain will drown the flames. We learn later that 15 homes have been lost to the wild flames.
This morning it was 29 degrees. The remnants of the snow had turned to ice. Gardening in Zone 5 is the pits.
Moving Day for the Girls
Eight chicks are now 4 weeks old, four are 3 weeks old, but all are getting feathers and they have outgrown their tub home in the dining room. The hen house is ready. We miss their peeps and chirps and the red glow of the heat lamp that became a night light. This morning the house is quiet and the girls are adjusting to their new home. They will stay in the hen house for a bit longer until the pen has been predator proofed.
Rather scrappy looking in their teen phase of life, this one will be a golden brown. Can't wait to see her adult colors.
Still huddled for security. They are not used to seeing the Mr. standing tall and erect.
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Wildfire, rain and snow... what variations you are getting. The chicks look sweet. Funny how one is really light coloured and the rest are dark.
ReplyDeleteWow Ann, you guys have been having it all. I miss having baby chicks. I would love to see them when they all get their feathers. Enjoy the syrup :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! Those chickens are adorable! Could you believe the snow? Oh my goodness! The wind was so wild here that it woke me up in the night.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are both teachers, gardeners, and grannies! Woo hoo! I'm so happy that I found your blog!
Hi Ann, Your new post has not appeared in my blogroll like it normally would. Sometimes I am thankful for the features available but they are not always reliable.
ReplyDeleteI had imagined that it has been snowing heavily over at your place and am surprised that there is a fire which swept away 15 homes. Your earlier photos did show lots of snow. I guess things change. The same over here. It rained heavily for a few weeks and lately, it is hot and dry.
Do you have names for the chicks?
How gorgeous are those chicks! Eggciting!!
ReplyDeleteBut wildfire and snow?? :(
Fire is a huge concern of ours in Colorado. I hope that we get some needed moisture soon!
ReplyDeleteThe chicks are growing up so fast. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying eggs.
I love reading about the feathered progress - you are a proud mama! XOL
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it break your heart to have snow appear in April? It does to me, that's for sure.
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