Advent day 6: Snowy day Snowglobes

The weather has been cold and very windy.

Too cold to spend anymore time outside, than is really necessary.

Thankfully, today, the wind eased.

And hatchlings could get outside,

and burn off some of their cooped up in the house,

bored with all things indoors

energy.

Some of the ducks came out of their house

and followed the hatchlings.

Never seeming to mind being the target of many a snowball.

This guy here,

he does not accept his ducks being turned into targets.

After giving his siblings a very loud lecture, he herded the ducks to safety.

Ducks do not listen to good advice.

Hence, they were back out chasing snowballs and lying down next to the hatchlings' snow fort projects within minutes.

The hens found the best sunbeam.

Before too long the wind picked back up.

When the girls declared they were cold, I made the boys come inside to dry their mittens. (I am so pleased with these. I've knitted at least a dozen pairs this year.)

Kitties snooze by the radiator.

Today's craft was snow globes. 

Made with clear plastic bowls.

So much easier than leaky, water filled jars. 

No broken glass either. Should your three year old throw his snow globe in the air with excitement.

Happy snowy day!

Mr. Duck's bad day

Once upon a time, there was a very curious duck.

He climbed through barbed wire fences this way, and on top of fallen pallets that way.

And when the day ended, he had a very sore foot.

Soon, his foot became infected, despite his human helpers efforts.

One fine sunny morning, he was found, lying on his side, his abscess having burst wide open, 

and everyone grew concerned.

Poor Mr. Duck, a trip to the vet resulted in antibiotics, pain medication and house confinement.

Though, he is adapting very well.

'Hey room service! Where's my Ribena?'

Mr. Duck is not amused. 

Nonetheless, he does appear well and truly on the mend.

The duck side

This side of the house - 

is the duck side.

They have taken over and even the chickens won't go there. 

I have repeatedly been told by others that there are no mentionable differences between an Aylesbury and a CherryValley duck. We have some of each: the one with the grey green bill is a 20 week old CherryValley, and the one behind is an Aylesbury. She is 15 weeks old and is a slow growing heritage strain.

I don't think we will bother with CherryValley ducks next year.

If I want a big white duck, I'll rear Aylesburys.

These two white ducks are a pair of our white Campbells. They have become our permanent 'babies'.

The ones behind, we adopted at a week old from someone who couldn't care for them. I have no idea what breed they are! Though, I'm secretly hoping they might be Appleyards. 

We also have a breeding pair of Khaki Campbells. Hopefully, next year they will provide us with some  cute little ducklings.

A great day to be alive

I woke up this morning to the most beautiful day.

The sun and the sea... I am truly blessed to be.

We have had a busy morning with football matches and chores.

Treats received for a good football game.

He is pretty pleased with himself.

Bunnies to tidy up after.

So cute that furry nose!

Chickens everywhere!

This poulet is going to have such lovely markings.

We bathed the grubby ducklings. 

Before heading down to the beach.

Isn't that water gorgeous!

The hatchlings ran around collecting shells,

splashing in waves,

until some friends came along to bbq on the beach with us.

There was many treasures buried and recovered.

Does this girl not have the most awesome taste in shoes!

Hatchling no4 ran off with the remaining baguette,

before this hatchling ran out of steam.

So we waved goodbye, and returned home, thankful for such a wonderful day.

A cute day

Today, we have been blessed with a day abundant in cute.

Campbell ducklings are so much smaller than our Aylesburys were.

The hatchlings threw the ducklings a birthday party. 

All the animals had to come dressed in their best.

(Puss is still refusing to come out from under the bed in his frilly knickers.)

Welcome to the world ducklings!