TASHA TUDOR

When I hear the name Tasha Tudor my mind automatically travels to Corgi Cottage, Tasha's beloved home in Vermont. I envision her enchanting cottage dark and cozy as a squirrel's nest. Her beloved corgis would be underfoot all while the magical aroma from the tin kitchen permeated the air. I found a kindred spirit when I discovered the world of Tasha Tudor. Her love of animals, gardens, crafts- and of course her art. She once claimed she was not an artist, but an illustrator, many do not agree with her statement. I have collected many of Tasha's books and her cookbook happens to be one of my favorites. I have made many of her recipes and love the fact that many call for "farm fresh warm eggs". I think to myself "why, I have those on hand" and run to the coop and snatch an egg or two from under one of my girls. Just one of the many pleasures of having your own chickens. This morning I made Tasha's chocolate cookies, I added a dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off.
Not only does Tasha's cookbook offer mouth watering recipes, but you are treated to an insight into the magical world that Tasha created.

The cookies turn out perfectly and were much enjoyed by all. Tasha Tudor is no longer with us, but her spirit lives on. I believe our world is a better place because of her. Thank you Tasha- you are dearly missed.

BATHING BEAUTIES

This morning I informed my "girls" that "Puxatony Phil", the famous groundhog, had seen his shadow (which meant six more weeks of winter). Now if chickens could groan I'm sure mine would have. I swear I saw a tear in Willa's eye. Feeling rather sorry for the "girls" I decided to set them free for a quick bath and stroll.
Some of the "girls" headed straight for the leaves to forage, while others found some grass to nibble on. Frozen, but somewhat edible.

The "girls" are in the beginning phase of molting and would rather not have their photo taken. All of them have taken such pride in their appearance and would rather not disclose their bare spots to the public. A naked chicken butt is not a pretty sight, trust me.

Gladys my glamour girl was happy just to stretch her legs and have some "alone" time.
Being in the constant company of nine other women is not always easy. I hear ya Gladys.

Sweet Henny Penny, my shy little gal wanted her privacy and opted to hide behind the Rhododendron to bathe.

Others opted on a communal bath

Miss Pip headed to her favorite spot secretly hoping she would have it all to herself, unfortunately for her it did not work out that way.

Now, if you have never had the pleasure of watching a chicken bathe, you are truly missing out- it is quite entertaining. Chickens scratch to loosen the soil and proceed to throw it over themselves and usually any others that are near. They flap their wings to make sure the soil gets underneath, they roll themselves over, around and on their back, just as a dog might do. It is a hoot to watch. Once one begins the others soon follow and more than likely will "pig pile" on one other.

Upon completion the chickens stands, fluff their feathers, give sort of a shake and swish their tail feathers back and forth. Now you have a clean and proud hen. Believe me when I say an amazing amount of dirt comes flying out. (Think Pigpen from the Snoopy comic strip) Now you have a clean and hopefully mite free chicken. A clean chicken is a happy chicken.

Charlotte just wanted you to know its not easy maintaining such beauty.

And with that, good night from Dog Trot Farm.

WINTER DAYS

A winter morning. Slowly, I am getting back into my daily routine. Winslow and I walked through the woods this morning. I am still waiting to hear back from the neurologists in regards to blood tests and meds. Such a long drawn out process- however, I am so grateful to be feeling better and glad that my head did not actually explode! For a while there I thought it just might happen. I have been practicing with the chicken diaper. Winslow Homer, as you can see is a hesitant participant. I think, no I know this is going to be a two person job. When the weather warms and the girls are out in the yard I am going to give it a whirl. Eve where are you when I need you!

At this point in the winter season we all need a little sign of the promise of spring. I purchased these Prim Roses at the grocery store, they are just lovely. I bought them for my mom as they are a favorite of hers.

I love these tiny daffodils. Something as simple as flowers can help us to remain up beat and positive during the cold long winter season. I also purchased Country Garden Magazine. I enjoy a lazy afternoon dreaming of what is to come. Is there anyone out in "cyber space" who is missing the loss of Country Home Magazine? I surely am. I just can't seem to find a proper replacement.
If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Eleven eggs were added to my egg basket this morning, someone is working overtime!

With that being said I made another loaf of cranberry banana bread. The recipe from" Olde Crow Primitives" is addictive and oh so delicious. My waistline, not so good.

Finally, I again want to thank Leslie for the generous blogger award. Leslie I am going to publicly admit I do not know how to link back to someone else's blog. Every attempt I have made I end up messing up my own blog. I am sorry, but there you have it. Maybe when my head finally clears I can figure it out. I will remain positive and not give up. Even an "old dog" can learn a new trick!

ICE FISHING

On this frigid January morning DH and I don our long underwear, flannel jeans and layer up. Our instructions were to head to Tricky Pond in Naples Maine and look for the ice shack in the distance. Wrong ice shack, we are now informed it is painted red.Okay, spied the red ice shack....
and a newly drilled hole....

and bait on the line....
Notice the pink ice trap, made in Maine.

The cutie tending the trap is Megan, our youngest son's girlfriend...

and as we say in Maine, this gal is a "keepa."

IT'S HERE!

Finally, the surprise for the girls arrived on Saturday. Winslow was the first to inspect the arrival, just to let you know he was not impressed- I on the other hand was very excited.
Pip, my lovely girl you are to be my first victim, um
let me rephrase that, my first student- okay how about model.

Now girls, be patient everyone
will have a turn in due time.

Wait till you see it, it's quite pretty- if I do say so.

That's correct, one day soon you'll be walking through this door

Really, I'm not kidding you'll be able to listen to Imus In The Morning with me, maybe share a bowl of oatmeal, yes you can have blueberries too.

Ta Da......

Yes that's right a diaper! now aren't you impressed? But girls it has flowers on it....

Girls where did ya go, Pip oh Pip.....

Oh Pip my pretty girl you'll look lovely in black, I promise.

DIGGING OUT

Here at Dog Trot Farm we are digging out from under fifteen inches of new snow. I personally have been digging my way back to the land of the living. For the past month I have had a headache, yes you read that correctly a month. Monday it turned into a severe migraine, cluster, tension headache. Coming from stubborn and stoic stock, I felt I could win this battle on my own. Wrong by 4:15 Monday I was in urgent care, and then proceeded to the CT scanner. Being that it was late in the day the radiologist was long gone. This urgent care doc was wonderful, my CT scan was sent via technology to New Zealand, you read that correctly, and by the time I walked through my door, there was a message waiting for me. The results were normal and I now had an appointment with a Neurologist Tuesday the next morning. I am not a huge fan of pharmaceuticals, but after this experience I will gladly administer anything that brings relief. Hence my lack of computer and blog time. The medications are beginning to provide relief, but I still have a ways to go.

With all that said and done, I would like to express my thanks to Leslie from the wonderful blog "In The Shadow Of Juniper Hill " honoring me with a Best Blog Award. My small blog can not compare to some, but I do enjoy sharing my stories from Dog Trot Farm. I have found so many wonderful blogs each different and unique in their own way. I enjoy them all. As soon as my head returns to normal I will complete the conditions to the award. I also want to thank cousin Eve, who posted the award for me via technology, she's my go to tech gal, and with a brain like mine I need all the help I can get!!!

S-N-O-W

Winter has found it's way back to Dog Trot Farm. Ten inches of snow fell over night and is still coming down. Not a good morning to be out and about. Winslow Homer has returned to his bed and the "girls" are "hunkered" down in their coop. DH is off plowing and it's time for me to start the snow blower. Good news, we have 27 minutes of extra daylight! Hope the sun is shining in your neck of the woods.

HEN HOUSE RAMBLES

That girl of mine- she just can't keep a secret. She ran to the hen house just as fast as her little legs would carry her.

Before I knew it the "girls" were at the front door. Henny Penny wanted to know if what she had heard was true. "Why yes my dear it is and you may be the first to try it out". That is all I'm going to say about that till the mystery gift arrives.
Next time Henny Penny I think you might want to consider flossing before I snap your picture.

My Christmas Amaryliss is in full bloom and such a welcomed sight.

My motivation for crafting has been lacking. It does help however, reading all the wonderful blogs that offer such interesting crafting ideas and inspiration, you all put me to shame. I did manage to find my dye pot and proceeded to dye more wool for my "Emma" rug. The sky this evening was just beautiful

and did you notice the days are getting longer?!
Now where is my Johnny Seeds Catalog.