Sometimes Momma needs to take care of herself too.....

So there are always many different projects happening here at the same time. Currently on any given day we are tending chickens, tending to our growing population of fish in our new tank, planting seeds for the garden, reading, knitting, math, and the list goes on. Recently, we have had some extra crazy situations thrown into the mix. We signed on a loan to renovate the newest member of our fishing fleet. This is a HUGE under taking and very exciting! We recently also found our Rooster dead in our coop, with an unclear cause of death. The same day we found one of our chickens had lodged herself between the house and the coop, and sustained a broken leg. She has been in ICCU (Intensive Chicken Care Unit) aka the dog kennel. One of our sons pushed one of our other sons, off the bed, he hit his head on the windowsill and needed a trip to the ER for 6 staples.......

Through it all we carry on, homeschooling, lobstering, building an Essential Oil business, tending a broken chicken leg, tending to the stapled noggin, making sourdough bread, making kefir water, readying the garden space......and on and on and on.

Momma gets tired.......Wait. Momma. Has. Been. Tired for about 11 years. Since the conception of our oldest child. Growing babies, nursing babies, raising babies......So, sometimes momma has to do something extra nice for herself. Well, that is what I did. I signed up for a service that will shop for me and send me some new clothes as often as I choose. Today I got my first package of new clothes. 5 items that I can choose to keep or send back, and I do not pay for them until I have opted to keep them. I received 3 new shirts, a warm zip-up vest, and a pair of jeans. I am keeping three of the five, and sending two back in a prepaid envelope.

Let me tell you something. I have pinched pennies. I have cut corners. I have cut hair at home to save money. I have/do use(d) cloth diapers. I have nursed babies. I have made homemade baby food. I have shopped at Salvation Army and Goodwill. I have worn the same fleece coat since I was 18...... Today, I put on a pair of jeans that are as comfortable as yoga pants. Today I opened a package of brand new clothes, that someone else put together for me. I did not have to go into a store, and try to find myself something to wear, with five kids in tow......I cannot wait to get dressed tomorrow and put on my new jeans and a new comfy shirt. Hell, maybe I will even shower tomorrow!!

Sometimes Momma needs to take care of herself too........I invite you to try this Stitch Fix too. You have nothing to lose. If you don't like any of it, you just send it back!!

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/6509275

Blessings to you.

Thanks for reading,

Island Momma

4:45 am........!!!!??!?!

Captain Lewis "Louie" Magellan of Lowell is our new, and first ever, Rooster. In less than 48 hours of being with us he has schooled us in the lifestyles of roosters, real quick! I love animals though, especially my chickens, and I am really hoping we can work together and find a mutual peace....

I have huge goals for this tiny parcel of land. I am going to tackle this barren tenth of an acre from a permaculture perspective. I am going to prove to myself that I can cultivate lots of nourishment right here in this tiny space. The chickens are part of the plan. Of course they give us beautiful eggs, but there is more to it than that. Chickens can be great garden helpers.

Last spring we lost one of our Austrolorps to a hawk. Here in our new house, we have already chased a hawk away. We have also had multiple Eagle sightings overhead. They would love a tasty chicken dinner. A friend offered some insight as to the importance of adding a Rooster to the flock. Captain Louie's job is to protect my ladies (well, technically I would say they are his ladies now, if you know what I mean). The hope is that he will keep watch and call out a warning when needed.

Here is the thing though, that I can't figure out......What is so dangerous about 4:45 am??? I know, I know, DUH, Roosters are loud, really loud!! 4:45 though buddy? So, out of desperation, compassion, and a distaste for failure..I googled it! How to quiet a Rooster. I know I don't need to capitalize the word Rooster, but a Rooster as loud and beautiful as Captain Lewis Magellan of Lowell, deserves the big R! Here is what I found, multiple sites offering the same advice.....A Rooster Collar!! What? Yup, you read that right, a Rooster collar.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iJkFJrVq87Y

It just so happens that we had some Velcro on hand! So, we are in the stages of testing this fantastic idea. If we can get the results we are looking for then everyone wins! The neighbors, Captain Louie, the chickens, and everyone in this house who wakes up at to the smallest sound......meaning me, the tired mom! If this works, Louie stays here, where he will not be dinner, he will hopefully be a daddy! He will carry out his days guarding his ladies and sharing his love. We will keep getting homegrown eggs, maybe some sweet little chicks, all the chicken poop we could ever want for our garden, bug control, free composting help, and so much more!!!! Stay tuned to find out what Captain Louie's fate will be. Maybe we can convince you to get a Rooster too......

Blessings to all.

Thanks for reading,

Island Momma