finally, spring

it's nearly easter and spring is in the air.  the yard looks so much better with new leaves on the figs and pomegranates.  james planted clover in the veg garden, which is growing fast and will be turned under within the month.  the fruit tree cuttings that rooted a year ago are looking good enough to transplant into larger containers.

the lambs are getting big.  maggie's tail is finally docked, and she's frolicking with the boys.  the ewes are eating up a storm, and enjoying the oranges and tangerines that are blown off the trees.  when the shed is opened in the morning, they storm towards the trees, looking for fruit. everyone loves alfalfa, almost as much as they love sweet feed, and they are treated to a flake or two every day.  abe, levi and ezra are now old enough to graze, and they climb over each other to get to the alfalfa in the feeders. 

we moved stephanie into the bantam coop, so she could be around her friends.  her balance seems to have improved alittle, but we're still feeding her with a syringe.  she seems to be pecking at food and water, and eating alittle.  she enjoys being around the other birds, and occasionally chirps to them.  dr. martin thinks whatever made her blind is progressing to other parts of her brain.  it doesn't look like she'll improve, but we'll let her live out her days as long as she isn't in pain.

more bumblefoot.  the wrapping of chicken feet seems endless.  when one bird heals, another one succumbs.  henrietta's limping has improved since we've been treating and bandaging both feet.  romeo has a bad case, and will probably need to be treated for several weeks.  he's otherwise healthy and romping around, but his feet are a mess.  dr. m was here today to help clean them up and remove any dead tissue.  i've never bought so much gauze and first aid tape in my life...they are a permanent fixture on the laundry room shelf.

we paid a visit to pattie's new kids - a sweet, white doe named pearl, and a white and brown cutie named gypsy.  i held pearl and she snuggled with me - so adorable.  these are the kids of last year's bottle baby, ginger, and their mom's friendliness and sweet disposition have definitely been passed down.  pattie's thinking about keeping one of them, and i'm rooting for pearl.

finally planted some new herbs and flowers in the window boxes - a sign that winter is over. pattie gave us some snow pea shoots, which i'll plant next weekend.  her garden is already going full-tilt.