Jingle Bells

I just had one of those Christmas feelings...you know..the kind you usually get when it's November, and snow is in the air, and you are shopping in the mall with "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" playing over the sound system?? Too bad it's only September...and the only thing in the air down here is humidity and gnats!

Multiplying like....chickens???

We are the not-so-proud "owners" of five chickens. When Luis's family was down in Mexico, a hen and a rooster took up residence in our yard. After a whirlwind honeymoon, eight tiny chicks emerged about a month later. Well, due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control (no, it wasn't Jonathan this time!), the rooster was brutally attacked (and we believe eaten whole, with only a few feathers remaining as evidence!) by one of the bully gang dogs that roam free in this neck of the woods. Then we noticed, one by one, that the chicks were disappearing, until there were only four remaining. (I guess there is some truth to the "survival of the fittest" theory). The other night, Luis left the screen porch door open, and in the morning I was met by four pairs of beady eyes, staring me down as I was going out the door. Apparently I startled them, as they did me, and we all let out a holler! Then, being chickens, they panicked when they couldn't remember how they got in. I had four frantic fowl flying into my screened windows, wishing they were small enough to fit through the tiny holes. Exhausted, (and emotionally drained, I'm sure), they finally found the open door and flew out, without looking back! Well, we hadn't seen their mother in quite some time, and feared that she was the latest victim...and then, yesterday morning, when Luis and I were sitting down to breakfast, we noticed the long lost hen digging in the dirt. Behind her were ten fluffy, newly hatched chicks. Apparently, they have, by way of squatters rights, decided that this is where they will live. I don't know what is their means of sustenance, as we don't feed them. I have a sneaky suspicion they are jumping Uncle David's fence for their morning corn meal, and then returning back to their newly claimed territory, our yard. I guess it's possible that they are surviving purely from the ants that have overtaken our otherwise beautiful green lawn. Either way, it looks like they are here to stay....I know I should be thrilled...organic eggs, chicken, AND our own ant control all wrapped up into one...I'll let you know when the thrill kicks in...don't hold your breath.

Adios Hanna!

Well, Hanna came and went with not as much as a drop of rain (Not that I am complaining!). We are thankful that she decided to scoot past the Lowcountry, and now we are keeping our eye on Ike and Josephine, and praying for Florida and the gulf coast states! Come on November!! :)

Curly Sue

At dinner tonight, I caught Luis looking at me when he was supposed to be eating his chicken enchiladas. So, I grinned and answered with my usual "What?!?" He informed me that my hair reminded him of the style of the girls from the old wild west saloons. I think that was a compliment. To me it looks more like Medusa! Only in the humidity of South Carolina do I have wild and curly hair with zero effort...well, I guess we all have our crosses (haha).

Hitting the mark

Yesterday, Josh and Jonathan waited with bated breath, for the special delivery that was scheduled to arrive. Four o'clock rolled around, yet still no package. I went online to track the package for the third time that day, and reassured them that the UPS man had their surprise on his truck. They sat on the edge of their beds, where they had the best view of the driveway. Four-thirty came and went, still waiting...at four-forty five their eyes lit up as they saw the giant brown delivery truck pull into their driveway. I left the package leaning on my car, as I knew that Dada would be home soon, and would delight in setting it up for the boys upon arrival. As I expected, he came up the driveway right at five fifteen, and without stepping a foot into the house, he opened the package and set up the soccer goal he had bought for his boys. The monster goal was put together in minutes flat. Dada with his boys engaged in a competitive game of "futbol". Perfect timing, as this season's first double-header game is tomorrow! Way to go SuperDad!!