This is all that's left of my Zinnia bed...
I got oodles of seed from that cutting bed!
Take a look at the Lavender Americaunas, all grown up.
They are simply beauties, I've never seen such unusual chickens as these; stunners, every one....
despite the fact that they are just barely lavender...more silver than anything, and
ever so fluffy!
Lo and behold, my Broody hen, Demelza... (the same Demelza that raised all nine Lavender chicks), managed to sneak off for 3 weeks and hatch an entire new brood.
This time they are all hers, little blond Buff Orpintons, her own little patch of "pumpkins"
EIGHT in all.
EIGHT in all.
I really wish she hadn't done that....
even though they are REALLY cute.
They look like the little chicks in my painting from
summer.
You remember Hettie Pepper the Peahen and her 4 babies?
The 4 peachicks are now teenagers. I think we have 2 males, 2 females: perfect!
I sadly lost one of my sheep when Beatrix passed away this month, she was quite old.
One of my Swedish ducks, Jangles, disappeared.It was very sad because he had been the mate of Mia for at least 4 years. They were inseparable. Since he's been gone she just calls and calls for him. It just makes me want to cry.
I am sure he was taken by a very clever fox in the dead of night, for he would never leave Mia of his own accord.
Let us hope she takes another mate from one of the many White Pekin ducks that hatched over the past year.
I am off to a show In Richmond Va next week... and then 3 more, each in a different state.
After that, I am off for months and can concentrate on those 2 new books.
After that, I am off for months and can concentrate on those 2 new books.
Cheers and good wishes to you all.!
Life on the farm....*sigh*.....Flowers and animals....the cycle of life. I'm sorry to hear about Jangles' disappearance. We have a fox in our woods--have "caught" him/her on our field camera at night and seen it a few times during the early morning passing through. We think it took care of our ground hog problem--the ground hog dug holes under one of our sheds but appears to have vacated the premises. Just how old was Beatrix? One rarely thinks of animals dying of old age! How wonderful that she could live out her life with you.
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy, Beatrix was around 12 yrs old and died quite suddenly. I know sheep live much longer than that, and she had no symptoms of illness, so it was a bit of a puzzle. I was actually more upset about losing the duck because it caused his mate such heartache, birds are like that. I hadn't had a fox problem for years, and now, all of the sudden, ducks are disappearing again. My dogs are not doing their job!
DeleteGood morning, all at the Hollow!
ReplyDeleteOh Jeri, to lose a beloved creature from the farm, that is just too hard for me to imagine! And your chickens are stunning. I'd love to see one of the silvery lavender ladies! And you are one buy WOMAN! I wish you much success on your new adventure. LOVE YA!
Anita, I wish it were a new adventure... but it's the same old, same old. I am always HAPPY when all the shows are over for the year.
DeleteYour lavender chickens are certainly beautiful birds! And those little chicks are adorable. Sorry to hear about the losses, but unfortunately that sometimes comes with the territory. All the best at your shows. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn, Yep, it certainly comes with the territory, new life and that which passes suddenly. We deal with it all the time.
DeleteI am amazed at the size of the Lavenders, they are HUGE birds. I wish I could give away a few of the Roosters, they are prone to fight.
My sympathy for your and Mia's loss. Its very sad to lose friends.
ReplyDeleteWishing you great success in Richmond as well as the rest of the season. The lavenders remind me of the blog, the House of Edward.
May, House of Edward because of the Feather colors? I can see that, Edward has quite nice fur.
DeleteIt is hard to lose one of your beloved farm animals. We get so attached.
ReplyDeleteDear Donna, So good to see you. I've lost several animals this year, mostly birds. It stinks, but the fox has to eat too.... just wish she'd go elsewhere for her dinner!
DeleteI'm so sorry to read of the loss of two of your critters.
ReplyDeleteThose silver/lavender chickens are beautiful and those little golden fluff balls are adorable.
May you do very well at all of your shows.
Happy Fall ~ FlowerLady
Thanks Rainy, I will miss my Beatrix, she was a very sweet lady.
DeleteI do hope the shows are successful for us, it is such a lot of work.
I guess one way to look at all the happenings at the Hollow is that things balance out over the long run. You lose some but others (not necessarily the same species) come into being as somewhat of a replacement.
ReplyDeleteI can understand how sad it makes you to lose a longstanding member of the family of animals and hearing Mia calling for Jangles would be hard to bear. As humans (top of the chain we think) we often don't realize that many animals have a very real emotional life and separation like this does take a toll on them.
Hey Vic. I am happy to report that Mia was seen cozying up to a fine-looking Swedish Drake today. He will make a nice new mate for the widow.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about the losses that have happened at Hopalong Hollow. I see in your response above that Mia may have her eyes on a new mate. Good for her.
ReplyDeleteWhen and where are you in Richmond? I wish you great shows ahead, dear Jeri. ♥
Hi Martha, It would be wonderful to meet you, perhaps you could make it to the show? It is the Craftsmen's Classic starting on Friday Nov. 4th at 10;00 in the morning and running through the entire weekend.:Richmond Raceway Complex
DeleteExhibition, Commonwealth, & Henrico Hall Buildings
600 E. Laburnum Ave. It's a fairly large show and I am not sure what booth I am in yet, but it will be in the program. Let me know if you're coming!
.
Jeri, I am so sorry I was unable to come to your show. I couldn't believe you were so close and I didn't meet you! Maybe one day..I hope the show was successful as well as the upcoming shows. ♥
DeleteOh Jeri,
ReplyDeleteIt just tugs at my heart when I think of Mia calling and calling for Jangles.
So sorry to hear he is gone. And you lost dear Beatrix this month.. Oh gosh, I am so sorry to hear that.. She was so dear.
Wishing you success at the upcoming shows. I know you will walk away happy!
Thank you for coming over to see Lily. It was so good to see you there.
Penny, I am glad I still had some of Beatrix wool to remember her by. I made a little sheep with it for my studio. Mia has mingled into another duck family, and doesn't cry out as much as before. Lily is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAh Jeri only you would have the prettiest chickens. ..wow lavender. Sorry though Demelza was so sneaky. Certainly looks like she got caught: )!! Hugs
ReplyDeleteI love coming here....
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Beatrix and Jangles... that is so sad.. poor little things.. Love our sweet pets and know how it feels to lose one. xo
ReplyDeletethe very best at your christmas sales and with your new books
Awwwwwwwhh :-(
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of Beatrix's passing!! They sure do become so dear to us! Our sweet angora Milly Goat is 17 and I am so surprised to see her greet us every day (so far)~winter is coming~ just don't know that she will survive much longer.
Those Lavender Americaunas are amazing!! They sure are beauties!!
I do hope that all of your shows are, and will, be greatly successful! I am always amazed at what you accomplish and can only imagine the work that you and James put into these shows!!
I have been catching up on some of your posts and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your beautiful felted creature folk!! Just wonderful!!!
Sending love and warmth xx oo Linnie
My condolences on the loss of your Beatrice and Jangles...I know
ReplyDeletehow dear these creatures are to you and James... but glad that Mia
has caught the eye of another admirer to quell her loneliness.
The best of everything in your shows... you are so gifted and an
inspiration to all of us. You bring such continual joy to our
Grandchildren via your exquisite books. Blessed Thanksgiving.