Miscalculations

As the chicks have been getting bigger, I have been noticing a lot of signs that three of the four are most likely cockerels instead of pullets.  

They have shiny, pretty feathers, and their tail feathers are just starting to not only have some green feathers, but are starting to drop over instead of stand upright.  I'm not sure about one of them, but I am pretty sure that two are cockerels.  None have started crowing yet, but I think it's pretty safe to say that they aren't all going to be hens, as we had previously thought.  I mentioned it to Lydia, and she admitted that she had noticed, too.  So maybe we'll have some chicken dinners in a few weeks.  

Also, getting dirt delivered to cover my hugelkulturish berm in the front yard has been harder than expected, so nothing can be planted there yet.  I had hoped to have bulbs in the ground by now, but no such luck.  

On the plus side, Nathaniel has been busily chopping up the firewood, and we have had nice, cozy fires to warm the house.  I've been baking up some pumpkins for pies and other things, and school has been going pretty smoothly lately.  Lydia and I are both really enjoying her new art/art history program, Ever Ancient, Ever New, and Gyunay and I have been doing the art projects alongside her.  It's a nice break from math and language.  We've also been doing mini science units with Mystery Science online, to supplement Nathaniel's science lessons.  And I've always got some history project going for them.  Right now, Lydia is on ancient history, and Gyunay is learning some basic American history, in addition to our monthly classes at the history center.

Slug Pumpkin

I baked one of the Long Island Cheese pumpkins that I grew this year, and Lydia was delighted to see that it looked like a giant slug:

Looks aside, it was packed full of bright orange pulp that I will be putting into muffins later (and sneaking into various sauces, like the spaghetti sauce we had last night).

Lydia also took a picture of Midnight on her "throne":

This is the extra booster seat, which stays in the garage when not needed, so Midnight has pretty well claimed it for her own.  

And here is a spot of bright beauty on this cold morning:

We still have snow in our yard, but it should melt today.  Gyunay loved the snow, but it would be nice to have a bit more fall...

Book Review - Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters

Deadly Deceit by Natalie Walters is the second book in her Harbored Secrets series, but it is a stand-alone novel.  It is set in the same town as the first, but no prior knowledge of the characters is needed to follow the story.  Main characters Vivian and Ryan both have issues trusting others, and both had bad experiences with their fathers during childhood.  The author does a good job of writing realistic fiction, and the main characters are certainly believable.  The mystery itself is very intriguing, with a good amount of plot twists woven into the story.  I also like that it is supposed to unfold over weeks, not days, which makes the romance blossoming between Ryan and Vivian more realistic.  I would warn sensitive readers that some of the crime involved is especially heartbreaking, but the writer does not use graphic details to portray the serious subject.  The overarching themes of forgiveness and not letting the past dictate who people are today are very well handled.  The plot moves forward at a good pace, building suspense while giving time to get to know the characters.  Overall, this is solid romantic suspense.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.

Book Review - 100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear by Lisa Jacobson

100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear by Lisa Jacobson is a great reminder of the power of everyday words.  The book is simple and easy to pick up, with each phrase followed by a little story.  The vignettes are mostly about the author's own family, but some examples include other couples she has known, which gives it a more universal quality.   This book would make a great gift for a bridal shower, or given out as a way to strengthen existing marriages.  The writing is conversational, and it's easy to just read a bit at a time.  The book constantly reminds the reader that actually saying the words is important and stresses Christian values.  The author's husband has written a companion book for husbands, too.

I received this book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.

Pancake Lunch

We don't typically eat meat on Fridays, and lunches are usually leftovers or eggs, but today, Lydia decided to make pancakes.

Gyunay was particularly happy with this decision, as he loves to eat pancakes.

Lydia is getting more capable in the kitchen.  She has now nearly mastered flipping pancakes!

Slow Progress

I've been creating a walkway through the new "cottage" garden in the front yard, basically halfway between the new hugelkulturish berm and the front flower beds.  It's going to be a meandering path, probably with stepping stones over clover.  I'm still debating that part.  Fortunately, my husband doesn't seem to mind me tearing up the yard and other projects.

October Harvest Totals

Arugula - 2 c
Beans, crescent - 1.68 lbs
Beans, dragon tongue - .65 lbs
Carrots - 48
Eggs - 89
Jalapenos - 4
Kale - 1 c
Peppers, sweet Bulgarian - 3
Radish - 2
Sweet potatoes - 5.9 oz
Tomatillos - 2 lbs
Tomatoes, ripe:
    Black Krim - 2 oz
    Emmy - 3.1 oz
    Jennifer - 10.5 oz
    Roma - 3.5 oz
Tomatoes, green - 15.6 lbs

plus basil, lemon balm, mint, oregano, and sage

I have been slowly ripening those green tomatoes inside.  That has been going really well, as most of them have ripened, and I've only had to toss one!

This was at the trunk or treat Sunday, when the weather was wonderful.  Last night was frigid and very windy, but these two and Malachi still trick-or-treated for an hour!

Happy All Saints Day!