Tractor!

Dan has been doing a ton of research on the purchase of a tractor and implements. It's about the same money as buying a car, only we never did this much research and thinking on any car we ever bought! Yesterday, Dan called me from the station and we chatted about what Abby and I were doing, and plans for the day.(no mention of the tractor) Fifteen minutes later he calls me back, and say's he just bought a tractor! He got a bit of a deal and is signing the papers today. In case this means anything to you, it's a Kubota B7800HSD, and he bought the front bucket, brush cutter, and roto tiller. We are just going to buy a riding lawn mover instead of the finish mower attachment, so Abby can help with the mowing. I remember I was 12 when I was using the riding mower when we lived in The Lake of the Woods. However, I don't think she will be mowing like I did in a 2 piece bathing suit!

Earlier this week, Dan's dad came out and helped him get a good start on the chicken coop. It looks terrific! Very sturdy, with room on top for hay storage.
Abby is making a sign for the 'Chick House'. Our chickens will have a very cozy and safe place to live.

The chickens are growing, and getting their wing and tail feathers. One of the Black Australorp is very bossy, and will be either a rooster or a top hen, I think. We should be able to start telling the boys from the girls in a few weeks. Betsy has chosen to adopt the runt of the litter (that's how I chose Sam, too) She is a Rhode Island Red and seems to have very small wings and isn't getting the feathers that the others have. I mentioned that would be one to end up getting culled (dinner!) and she was very offended. She says she wants to keep it in her room! (won't happen...)

Today, Abby and will go outside and mark where the gardens should go. Room enough for a big vegetable garden, Abby's corn, and a big patch of mini-sunflowers!