Icicles at the Humanist Center

The sun glistened

in the quiet of the morning.

Only the stove was crackling

and the eaves creaking,

hopefully, not cracking.

It's here

More on the way

First day out in a long time

Talk about being cooped up... My girls haven't been out in a couple weeks. Surprisingly, most of them opted to stay in and wait for more snow to melt when I openend up this morning. But a brave handful came out and lingered on the few patches of bare ground, soaking up the rays. I expect most of the snow will be gone in Chicken Land by late this afternoon. They better enjoy it, I hear there is more on the way.

Is it okay for a grown man cry over the death of a chicken?

I'm hoping it's too early to be writing Rocky's obituary, but things are not looking good for the Grande Dame of Chicken Land. Yesterday, she was balled up on the floor of Unit A when I opened up. And she stayed that way most of the day. I actually considered bringing her inside the house, but I figured Mona would pitch a fit. Last night Mona said she would be okay with that. But this morning Rocky looked a bit better. Somehow, she had made her way up onto the roost (about 2 feet off the floor) and stayed there when I opened up this morning. I locked her in and am counting on the sunshine to keep her warm.

In a touching scene, yesterday, three of her friends came back into the coop after having been let out, and spent the rest of the day keeping watch over her. While they can be moody and especially viscious when maintaining their position in the pecking order, they can also be remakably empathetic. I have seen them mourn the loss of one of the flock on more than one occasion.

Mona says that when she was a kid growing up in Malaysia, they used to disolve an aspirin in water and give it to a sick chicken. I don't know... We are due for some warm weather. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Addendum: I tried the aspirin in water, but she didn't even open her eyes when I tried to give it to her. She wouldn't take any. Her comb feels dry and cold. I don't think she is going to make it through the day. I have brought her in the house. She is so limp, I thought she died while I was carrying her across the yard. The warmth seems to have had an immediate effect. She is breathing more steadily.

Post mortem: Rocky passed at 9:10 this evening after rallying valiantly during the day. She had a seizure while I was trying to get her to take some water. We will bury her tomorrow under the bamboo in a peaceful corner of the yard.

Building inspectors approve construction of new residence

Kalson's senior project is coming along nicely. This jealous bunch, who will continue to live in the older and shabbier Unit A, have chased the Unit B residents out so they can have a look around.

Harry's simple turkey recipe

(Based on Thanksgiving 2008)

12 lb. Turkey at 325 degs. for 3.5 hours

Wash turkey, clean cavity with salt. Stuff cavity with apples and onions. Add a cup of water to bottom of roasting pan. Use a pan that will keep the turkey raised.

Baste with mixture of melted butter, basil, and white wine, then cover turkey with aluminum foil for first 2 hours. Brown for last 1 ½ hours.

Baste every 20 mins. Use fresh mixture for first hour, then baste with drippings from pan. Add water if needed.

Basting Mixture: Melt ¼ lb of butter and add dried basil flakes and a couple dashes of dry white wine.

Substitute freely. Adjust cooking times for size of turkey approximately 20 min. per lb.

The rest:
Dice giblets, brown in butter and add to two jars of Heinz turkey gravy.
Stove Top Turkey Dressing (follow directions on box)
Instant mashed potatoes (ditto)
Wrap sweet potatoes in aluminum foil and place on rack with turkey for last 1 ½ hours.
Get someone else to make the green beans.

The Ohio Vote

If this truck could talk...

I spotted this antique tow truck parked on Short Street next to Deaton's and whipped out my camera. With that, the owner came out the side door, scowled at me, got in and drove off almost before I could get a shot of it.

I did not get a closeup look at it and have not been able to identify its make on the Web. I'd guess it is mid-late 30's vintage. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. Obviously, it has not been restored, but looks like it is still in working condition. I'll bet it has pulled a lot of people out of tough spots over the years.

I wish I'd had time to get it from some different angles.

Backyard Whimsey

I still like 35mm.