WINTER DAMAGE

As you can see we've had some winter damage on our large chicken coop.

The snow load was more than the beam could handle and this must be repaired before our chickens arrive in May.

Since the entire coop is wrapped in chicken wire I plan to insert a new beam and jack it into place. I will add an additional beam the full length of the coop just as added security. My beams are simply tree trunks cut from our property so I have plenty to choose from.

Looks rather sad and forlorn sitting there neglected in the snow.

Hope you are staying safe from the COVID 19 virus. Ontario now has over 1,700 confirmed cases.

SEQUENCE

Everything has a proper sequence, the right time and order to do the job so it gets done without wasting time and energy. Winter is the season to collect firewood for next winter. The wood is frozen, so much easier to split and there is less damage to the ground as it is frozen and protected with a layer of snow.

Once the tree is down I cut the limbs off then cut the trunk into short logs that will fit our woodstove. These are called bucks and need to be split into firewood. The easiest way is to collect several and place them inside an old tire or wrap a chain around them to hold them in place.

I then load my sled and haul it over to a storage cube for a year of drying. Hauling the sled full of firewood makes me feel like the work horses on my uncle's farm; hard, physical labour and a good workout for my legs and heart.

The cubes are made from old skids leftover from our house construction. They are ideal for storage as they let the breeze in and I can easily move them with the bobcat.

Still lots of work to do before I have enough firewood drying. The days are getting warmer and the snow is melting so the race is on. Time to get back to work.

Thanks for stopping by and stay safe everyone.

WATERING PLANTS

Mary has a Fig tree which has 21 figs hanging on its branches now. We were to be in Virginia Beach for a month (until the COVID 19 virus struck) and we needed a way to water the tree while away.

We ordered these spikes whose green tops you can see in the pot. The spike is made from ceramic material that allows the water to trickle into the soil at a controlled rate.

We use one gallon jugs and they last a week so someone does need to come in and fill them.

So far very happy with the system and it does exactly what we want it to do. Can you see the figs hanging from the branch? (cluster of 5)


Stay safe and well and thanks for keeping an eye on us.

THE HOUSE IS QUIET

Owen and Kate went home on Saturday and now our house is quiet. The dust has settled and there is no-one to chase or play hide and seek with. They are such a delight to have around and when they are here there is no reason to go to the gym. They provide all the activity and cardio workout I need.

So now we are back to more sedate, mundane activities, like growing sprouts. I can handle that.

We are experimenting with trays of sunflower as well as mixed greens sprouts.

These were planted four days ago and seem to be doing well.

Days that we get full sun we move the trays to the south windows where the sprouts soak up the sun's energy.

At night we move the trays into the warmest room of the house and place them under grow lights. Hopefully in a few weeks we will be adding them to our salads. I'll post more pictures once we get to that stage.

 Although we are not in lockdown here in Canada  we are encouraged to stay home and only go out for necessities as our country, like the rest of the world, tries to wrestle this COVID-19 virus to the ground.

In the meantime stay safe and healthy and let us know how you are doing through your comments below.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

This morning the kids got their own breakfast and then worked quietly on a few craft projects while we slept in; perfect start to the day.

When Oma got up she helped Owen tie off his braclet and Kate got ready to make a second craft card out of buttons and stickers.

Yesterday they helped me make fire-starters using old egg cartons and wood shavings. They packed the cartons and I poured the wax over the shavings to hold everything in place. They do make starting the morning fire so much easier.

We've had a great week together, doing lots of fun things even though we are in a restrictive movement time with new guidlines concerning the Coronavirus-19.

Hope everyone stays healthy and your are helping your neighbours get through these challenging days.

Stay safe and well whereever you are.

NERF GUNFIGHT

Our quiet homestead has become active central since Owen and Kate came for a visit. No chance to sit and watch the clouds all day, we are usually outdoors and active. Yesterday it was dodging bullets from their Nerf Guns.

Kate was just a blur as she dashed about avoiding the bullets and trying to stay protected. The kids wore protective eye covering and never complained when a nerf bullet hit their arm or leg. These bullets are made from spunge and don't even leave a mark.

We stopped frequently to reload as each gun only held six bullets.

After most of the bullets were lost in the snow the kids decided it was perfect conditions for making a snowman. It was a great way to spend some time outside.

FUN ON THE LAKE

These are uncertain times for travellers. My sister was all set to fly home from Honduras today until the president annonced last night that all airports there have been closed for a week. Guess they will get an extended holiday. Our son is in South Carolina with his family and all is quiet and normal. Businesses are open and no one is stockpiling toilete paper like they are here. 

Back at home we are having fun with Owen and Kate. Yesterday the weather was perfect for being outside so the kids had a blast on the hill. They were up and down at least 10 times before we moved on to a hike across the lake.

Kate used Oma's walking sticks to keep her balance.

Out on the lake the snow is all gone but the ice is still 30 inches thick.

The kids had a blast running and sliding across the ice.

Our destination was the island in the middle of the lake. Oma and Grandpa managed to get there without falling; YEA!!!

The kids did spend a lot of time on their knees, but they yelled and laughed with every inch of progress.

It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with our grandchildren.

DONUTS

It's March Break here in Ontario and we have our grandkids for a few days of fun and adventures. Today Oma is busy teaching them how to make homemade donuts. Here Owen and Kate place the dough on a tray. In a few hours Oma will show them how to bake them in a frying pan full of avocado oil.

They also made "Fuzzy Eruptions" by using baking soda and food colouring.

Full concentration; making "fuzzy eruptions" is serious business.

Can you tell they are having fun?

Tomorrow it's "squishy soap"  making and I have no idea what that involves. I just take the pictures and enjoying the fun they have with Oma.

UP-DATE

Mary did get the donuts baked later that day.

Once the donuts were cooked the kids rolled them in cinnamon and sugar then placed them on the drying rack to cool. They are delicious and so tempting; can't stop at just one.

NEXT WINTER'S FIREWOOD

This morning Jamie split a stack of wood for me.

Last week I dropped several trees close to the house. It was great to have Jamie here to help get it cut and split into firewood.

I loaded the sleigh and hauled the logs over to Jamie.

Jamie refused to use my log-splitter and preferred swinging the axe to split the logs into firewood.

We wrapped a cable around the logs and ........

soon had the job done.

Thanks to Jamie we now have another row of firewood drying for next winter.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

FRIDGE CLEANING

Have you looked behind your fridge lately?

It's been eight years since I pulled the fridge out and gave it a good cleaning so it was well overdue.

With just a few screws to remove it's an easy job.

With the cover off it was easy accesss to the compressor, I cleaned as much as I could see and reach then re-installed the cover plate. Quick and easy but essential if your fridge is going to keep running efficiently. Next fridge will have the coils on the back where they are visible and much easier to clean.

Time for breakfast.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

ICE-FISHING

Our lake is natorious for excellent ice-fishing and today we had several groups out trying to catch supper.

I was intrigued with the ice-auger here that was run from a cordless drill. He claimed he did 15 holes one day and still had power left in the battery; impressive. The ice today is two feet thick.

Any powerful drill of your choice can be used and as long as the battery is full you can drill as many holes as you need.

I believe he bought the auger at Canadian Tire but I'm sure many places carry them.

So far just one fish and he figures he needs another ten for supper.

Maybe next week we will bring our own gear down and try our luck. Mary prefers the "splake" as they are a lovely pink colour and worm free.

Still a great morning for a walk on the lake.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.