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chickens, guineas and being a turkey (about dpns)

I have a feeling this will be my last post until after Thanksgiving. (And I also have a feeling that's one of the dumbest titles I've ever given one of my posts.)

But anyway….I have apple pies to make, bread to bake and a house to clean. My sister and I will essentially be trading spaces–Dan, the girls and I will be traveling to my mom's for Thanksgiving, my sister will be coming here–staying at our house, taking care of our chickens, keeping the fire burning–and spending Thanksgiving with our dad and grandmother.

In the meantime, a few odds and ends:

I did it! ...almost

Last night, after several attempts, I conquered my fear of the dpn. I have some serious mental-block, motor-skill issues when it comes to dpns. I cast on several times yesterday afternoon, got twisted, frustrated and gave up. Then last night, I decided to give it one more try. With a lot of jaw-clenching and concentration I finally mastered them and I'm feeling pretty much like dpn hot-stuff. All I want is a pair of Leslie's Toast-for my too-long-arms, too-short-sleeves, freezing cold farmhouse. And I'm ignoring the fact that Ms. Urchin can whip up a pair in two hours. Maybe I should have started this in July.

pinecone turkeys==the all-natural version
natural hair extensions OR we need to get out more

Emma and I did a little classic pinecone turkey craft for the babycenter blogs. Then we got a little carried away and started making them with all natural materials. It was sticky, sappy business. Emma decided she needed hair extensions au naturel. I think we need to get out more.

taking them in for the night

And can I just say how much I love having these chickens and guineas? They are so much fun–my favorite part being able to go outside and call: "HEEEERE guinea, guinea, guineas!" or "Heeeere chick, chick, chickies!" And they come running–heads down, feathers spread just a little, waddling as fast as their little yellow legs will carry them, hoping I'll have a big scoop of grain to toss them.

I also love watching Emma, carrying her bright green bucket out to the coop with the whole entourage skittering behind her. I can only imagine how much I'll love these girls when they start giving us eggs. (I do mind however, that two of the girls have become quite fascinated with the road. I have to admit that I hold my breath every time I walk outside, checking the yellow line for "feathers". yikes.)

And last of all, just a few words to say how thankful I am for all of you. I can honestly say that I am touched daily by your emails full of kind words, encouragement, understanding, humor. Thanks for making this documenting of life so enjoyable and fulfilling.

Happy Thanksgiving.
xo.

I have a feeling this will be my last post until after Thanksgiving. (And I also have a feeling that's one of the dumbest titles I've ever given one of my posts.)

But anyway….I have apple pies to make, bread to bake and a house to clean. My sister and I will essentially be trading spaces–Dan, the girls and I will be traveling to my mom's for Thanksgiving, my sister will be coming here–staying at our house, taking care of our chickens, keeping the fire burning–and spending Thanksgiving with our dad and grandmother.

In the meantime, a few odds and ends:

I did it! ...almost

Last night, after several attempts, I conquered my fear of the dpn. I have some serious mental-block, motor-skill issues when it comes to dpns. I cast on several times yesterday afternoon, got twisted, frustrated and gave up. Then last night, I decided to give it one more try. With a lot of jaw-clenching and concentration I finally mastered them and I'm feeling pretty much like dpn hot-stuff. All I want is a pair of Leslie's Toast-for my too-long-arms, too-short-sleeves, freezing cold farmhouse. And I'm ignoring the fact that Ms. Urchin can whip up a pair in two hours. Maybe I should have started this in July.

pinecone turkeys==the all-natural version
natural hair extensions OR we need to get out more

Emma and I did a little classic pinecone turkey craft for the babycenter blogs. Then we got a little carried away and started making them with all natural materials. It was sticky, sappy business. Emma decided she needed hair extensions au naturel. I think we need to get out more.

taking them in for the night

And can I just say how much I love having these chickens and guineas? They are so much fun–my favorite part being able to go outside and call: "HEEEERE guinea, guinea, guineas!" or "Heeeere chick, chick, chickies!" And they come running–heads down, feathers spread just a little, waddling as fast as their little yellow legs will carry them, hoping I'll have a big scoop of grain to toss them.

I also love watching Emma, carrying her bright green bucket out to the coop with the whole entourage skittering behind her. I can only imagine how much I'll love these girls when they start giving us eggs. (I do mind however, that two of the girls have become quite fascinated with the road. I have to admit that I hold my breath every time I walk outside, checking the yellow line for "feathers". yikes.)

And last of all, just a few words to say how thankful I am for all of you. I can honestly say that I am touched daily by your emails full of kind words, encouragement, understanding, humor. Thanks for making this documenting of life so enjoyable and fulfilling.

Happy Thanksgiving.
xo.

18 comments on “chickens, guineas and being a turkey (about dpns)”

  1. dpns are so scary until you actually get them in your hands, then not so bad as long as you don’t drop a million stitches! I’m glad you’ve joined the other side of dpns…Toast is so much fun to knit up (yes, you can do it in about 3 hours!!!)

  2. You know… if you didn’t occasionally write about the difficult stuff, I’d swear your life was too idyllic to be believable!

    As for dpn… I’m a cheater, I must admit. I cast onto round a round needle, knit a row or two and then knit onto dpn. Keeps it fun lol.

    Happy Thanksgiving in the meantime :)Peace

  3. 1. your arms are not too long.

    2. you’ll be done with those toast warmers by the time you get home from thanksgiving. they’re quick now that you’re going.

    3. love the idea of swapping places with your sister!

    4. so so thankful for you, friend.

    5. xoxo.

  4. Hey Molly–I’ve been a reader and occasional poster here for a long time now and I check in pretty much every day or so to see if there’s something new. As much as you say you gain from the kind comments of others, I have to tell you–I gain from reading your blog. Things have been kind of rough here for a while and I check in regularly, as even though I don’t have kids or chickens, the calmness you project–and your honesty when there isn’t calm–is something I find reassuring.

  5. HA! I got over my fear of dpn’s when I thought of them as a straight needle with hinges.I lurve the hair extensions, the green bucket and that yarn!

  6. texting, dpn-ing, feeding chickens and guineas, raising 3 beautiful girls, being a wife, *and* being so cool… how do you do it?I can barely keep it together and I’m merely a wife. xoxo.

  7. I LOVE your description of the chickens! We’re getting some in the spring and I can hardly wait! Happiest of Thankgivings to you, and know how thankful all of your readers are for your shared creativity in this space!

  8. As much as birds terrify me I have to say yours are quite fun to see and read about, especially since they are, you know, nowhere where they could possibly peck me, look at me with their beady eyes or flap their wings at me… yours are really beautiful…

  9. I don’t even know what dpns are, but I do know that many needles at once scares me.

    I have the long-arm problem, too. I’ve had to start buying tall shirts.

    Happy Thanksgiving, Molly!

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