I'm baaaack, part deux

Okay, I know, I have been totally negligent in posting...but I vow to be better - I do! Really!
School has started...Captain Smartypants is now a senior in high school! When did that happen?! Yesterday, we ordered his cap & gown (gasp!) and invitations (aargh!) for graduation. Next week, we have a college interview. I just can't believe that my little baby is graduating and going off to college in less than a year...where does the time go?
The Large Child is playing Varsity football at his junior high - one of only two eighth graders on the team. Go Cougs! They are undefeated in league play so far, their cumulative points are something like 79-6. We hope they continue their winning streak and are league champs.
My foray into chicken farming is going pretty well. Since I got the first 8 chicks, I've also acquired 4 older chickens, 3 hens and 1 rooster. Two of the hens lay regularly, the other isn't laying at all and is destined for that soup pot in the sky. Then, I got 4 more - purebred Welsummers. They lay a very dark brown egg. These guys (3 hens and a rooster) are about 4months old and I'm hoping for eggs soon. They start laying later than most breeds, so we'll see. I am enjoying the fresh eggs, though. I can't wait for more!!
My photography is going well - I did a Senior portrait shoot with my photography meetup group and C.S. picked one that I took to go in the school yearbook. We got copies of all the photos we liked, and he got his Senior Portraits for free!! It only costs a few cents each to make more copies. Then, I did a pregnancy photo shoot with my friend's son and daughter-in-law. That was fun! I'll ask her if I can post some here. (I think they turned out really well!)
I'm reading 4 different how-to books on Photoshop CS2, I should have that figured out in 5 or 10 years. About the same time I figure out how to use my camera...
My DH was laid off again...after working only 3 1/2 months in the last year. Our renter moved out of our condo and the taxes are due at the end of the month. I pray daily that he gets re-hired and we find a new renter.
So, that's what's been happening here. I PROMISE I'll lost more often!!

I'm baaaack

Wow, has it been that long since I last posted? I know I said I'd be back on the 11th, but things have been so busy!! My big news for this week is that I finally got some chicks. Yea! Finally...
I kept them in the coop for a couple of days, then decided it was time to let them out into their run. They immediately found an escape route through the chain-link fence. One had to be caught, the other three squeezed back through. I put them back in the coop while I covered the fence with chicken wire.
Okay, so now it's time to let them out again. I was out there with them for about 5 minutes, when from out of nowhere a hawk comes swooping down, talons at the ready to carry off my little babies! Thanks goodness I was right there and was able to scare it off before it grabbed one. The Large Child, who was inside the house at the time, heard me yelling, as did the other Tall One and my DH, who were in the driveway. They all thought the dog had gotten in the coop. Out came the bird netting, and I'm proud to report that all 8 are now safe and secure. (I'm surprised they all didn't drop dead from fright right then and there!!) Here are a couple of pics...

On Vacation

Well, in the frenzy to get out of here Friday morning, I forgot to post that we were going on vacation. I am now at our friend's in the Bellingham area, and starting today we will be camping with no internet access. (sigh) Last weekend we were at my husband's family reunion, (also camping), so that's why I haven't kept up on my posting. Look for some great pictures and a new post on August 11th. Until then, have fun and enjoy your summer!

Do you need a smile? Just watch this!

My favorite recipe links

I don't have any new pictures or stories to post today, so I thought I'd dedicate today's blog to some of my favorite recipe links. Enjoy!!

For your abundance of zucchini...
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Homemade Yogurt. Mmmmmm. Can you say "fresh raspberries"?
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=70639#p70639

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno thingies
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/bacon-wrapped_j/

Onion Strings
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/onion-strings-oh-yeah-baby/

Citrus-Basil Vinaigrette (my favorite salad dressing)
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Citrus-Basil-Vinaigrette/Detail.aspx

Well, that should keep you busy for a couple of days. Give any of these a try, and let me know what you think!

Oh, and I do have one picture and one little bit of news. (Sorry for lying to you earlier!)

Meet my new babies!!! I answered a Craiglist ad for a poultry waterer and feeder (15 bucks!!) and when I got there I was greeted by an abundance of cats and kittens. These two are brother and sister and are about 4 weeks old. They will be ready to come home with me when I get back from vacation on the 9th. Maybe I should have a naming contest? Let me know what you think! The female is on the left,male on the right. Aren't they darling?!

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Photo stroll at Ft. Steilacoom Park

Last night, Bev and I went to Ft. Steilacoom Park with my Photography Meetup group.
(For those of you who have never heard of Meetup.com, check it out!)
We were able to get some fun shots of the barns and Waughop Lake in the evening light.

They have a fantastic off-leash dog park. It's HUGE!

This is Belle, our Meetup organizer's dog.

This is one of the other dogs at the park. What a sweetie!


Anyway, it was a fun evening meeting new people and getting some fun shots. To see more, click here.