Camano Island

We were going to name Camano Island the "Best Discovery of 2008" but we then realized that lots of other people have found how awesome that island is. JR spawned an always-spontaneous whale watching kayak trip on a dreary Saturday that turned into a great tarp-camping night and beautiful sunny paddle in the morning with porpoises, seals, sun stars - but alas, no gray whales. It did spawn a committment to go back to San Juan Island for the orcas this June for Dad's Day! Some pics of the cabin are from a new park down the way, Cama Beach, a restored 1930s retreat that's very cool. 6 person bungalows for $100/nite anyone?

Chicken update

The ladies (we still think they're all hens) have just spent their first night in the outdoor coop, still unfinished but with a great little sheltered room and their heat lamp to keep them cozy. They love playing in the run in the sunshine, eating and sleeping in dirt clods with Sam the chicken-herding dog close by. Caanan helped me clip their wings for the first time today - Dawn was ready to escape! Logan and Daniel Jr., sons of our neighbor friends, came over the other day to hold them. We love Backyard Urban Farm life! More pictures when the coop is finished.

Chicks are about 5-6 weeks old now. Maybe they'll lay eggs for my birthday! We're already planning a First Egg Bash.

Springtime in Bellingham

The daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are all out at the same time this year - its been sunny but chilly!
"The girls" (chickens) are getting their feathers and becoming pullets, developing lots of personality. This weekend is coop-building weekend!
In order of appearance: Dawn King, Diane (close) and Dinner, Dizzle.

The ceremonial changing of the childhood bedroom to stylish guest room!

Chicken pics

In order of appearance:

Group Portrait in the brooder (they were a little freaked out)

Brooder set up

Checking out a worm (they didn't know what to do!) on their first outdoor outing

Sam LOVES the girls - he couldn't tear himself away for two hours!!

Dawn King (namesake due to the 'do), Diane and Dizzle

Johnson Chicks!!

We are proud to announce the addition of four new members to this Johnson Family: Diane, Dizzle, Dinner, and Dawn King, our new baby chickens!! They are gorgeous girls that will grow up to be the best egg- and compost-making machines for the garden. Xan started off a worried mother, waking up at 2am to check their temperature, but they have now adjusted nicely and are becoming brave, feathered women. They grow up so fast! By JRs birthday (may 16th) they should be ready for the outdoor coop (building in progress). Check out our new blog, Bham Chooks (chooks are what the Aussies call chickens) at http://www.bhamchooks.blogspot.com/ where Xan is joining the community of backyard chicken mamas!

To identify: The blonde is a Polish, Dawn King, the stripey one is a Silver-laced Wyandotte, Diane, the black one with a white spot on her head is a Plymouth Barred Rock, Dinner, or Din-Din (JRs naming, a thrown bone in favor of not naming them Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner), and the grey small one with funny feathers is a Frizzle Bantam, Dizzle, who will grow up to be best buds with Sam. I will try to post the video of their first meeting - Sam is so in love with the girls!