Chicken Pens & Ankle Mends

Yesterday, after I’d already written the post below, I put away just a few more things and realized that my feet and ankles were hurting. I was soon hobbling around and so sat outside on the deck to rest, and took a long look– puffy! Which means my tendons and ligaments are giving out. Wuh-woh..! So I wrapped said feet and ankles and put those puppies UP.

I entertained myself thereafter watching the gents erect a new outdoor chicken run. Higher, sturdier, and more aesthetically pleasing than the last sad temporary affair– it ran from the doggiedoor-like opening inside the new spacious walk-in coop, to a covered area where their water tower rests, out to a wide yard of their very own! [Pics coming soon.] The guys had to use a pick-axe to help dig their post holes, since much of that section of yard was covered in a layer of gravel 6 inches thick!

Once it was up, just past sunset, we all cheered and let the chickens out to test it. They’ve been trying to escape out to the yard (being confined under a lean-to with just a view of it for a couple of days) and so indulging them felt pretty good. They were pleased, and stayed out longer than usual before finally going back inside their new coop.

Later, after some dinner, I stole outside to the front yard– to look upon the fantastic view whilst listening to the frogs chirruping in our fountain and pond. The south wind was blowing, and the house itself on the south side trapped much of the heat of the day (it hit 81 degrees!) so it was warm and succulent in the breeze. Gerick joined me and we sat outside and I told him this had inspired me to make our front perennial yard have night-blooming flowers as well. It was amazing as a night garden! The perfect summer escape, what with the neighbors all gone inside to watch their screens! He agreed. Now I have yet another part to factor into my garden design ideas!

Today, by contrast, was barely 60, dark and rainy. Gerick and Tad got up before 4 am to carpool in to work, as Tad had a double shift and Gerick is way behind at work and needs to put in some extra long days here and there until he catches up. Darcy and I got up to wave them off, and then toddled back to bed.

I was so exhausted. All day the only thing I managed to do was put away 4 boxes and make our bedroom closet functional. Then I had to lay down and nap! I need to get things done, but while flaring its like I can only do a little, rest, do a little, rest, do a little… Aggravating with so much work staring at me, and I can’t stand not doing anything at so crucial a juncture! Darcy unloaded his Tiny House completely, organized the pole barn, AND nearly finished the wood siding on the gable ceilings of the Tiny House! But it wasn’t until dinnertime that I managed to pull myself out of bed again to wash and put away dishes, and then it was after 9 by the time I made some loaded scrambled eggs for dinners (with smoked gouda cheese, onion, and a little non-vinegar salsa).

By this time, everyone was home and hungry and I made lots for the entire household. Gerick tried to get the washer installed correctly and was a bit snarly as a result. I was pleased to see both Tad & Darcy taste my creation and smile brightly (but in surprise, because I don’t exactly cook a lot– ha ha! I’m pretty good at it naturally when I do it though!)

When I have 2 minutes of energy to rub together, I very much enjoy my moments of peace, satisfaction, etc… However, when I’m so fatigued and so much needs doing, its a sort of torment, because I want to rest and relax, and can’t really until I have a fully functioning house again.

We’re getting there. I’m just impatient. I want to hurry up so I can rest. Silly, isn’t it?