As The Garden Begins To Grow

I seem to have been struck with a bronchial infection of some kind that leaves me getting winded doing menial tasks.  As a result of spending the entirety of yesterday on the couch, I am a little more restless today.  So as the kids are enjoying 50 degrees running and exploring outside, I took a little stroll to check the progress of the garden.

The cold frames are humming along.  This first one has a few of the greens that over-wintered ready to make another small salad and the cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels appear to be hardening off nicely.  

The salad greens and rows and rows of radishes are sprouting.  I see a radish green salad in my very near future!

B has utilized every bit of the completed compost to top dress most of the garden beds, and the garlic, shallots and potato onions are beginning to put on a show.

My mouth began to water seeing the alien ruffles of the rhubarb emerging.

Last, but not, least...the chives are beginning to flourish.  Charles hasn't discovered them yet, but I'm sure he'll be coming in the house any time after grazing on his favorite snack!  Crazy Kid!

It seems we are well on our way!

Meet Topaz & Shade!

 Today we trekked up to Mequon, WI to meet one of the few Silkie breeders in the state, and as we found out, this part of the U.S.  We ended up with a pair one female and one... we'll see.  Due to the nature of the breed they can be difficult to sex when they are young.  They are both 2 months old and adorable. 

The breeder is the state representative for the American Silkie Bantam Club, incredibly active in 4H and was happy to give Sid some tips for showing. She also let Sidney know that her birds always show well and, any show they have been entered in have yielded 1st or 2nd place ribbons.  We learned a couple of new things right away....Silkie's have 5 toes!  Crazy to see, especially since we are so used to our little three toed flock.  Also, we learned that the roosters are very broody! 

So the little ones have been settled in, had their first baths (yes these are birds that need to be groomed) and are happily nestled in the basement.  Sidney has also already drawn templates into her 4H journal to use as introduction cards for them when they are shown. A new adventure has begun!