Chooks make me happy

It's been an exciting week around here as our new chook palace has been completed!

Our friend Tom has done a fantastic job, I couldn't be happier. Although I loved the charm of our old chook pen, it's gaps and worn bits were a calling card to Mr Fox. The new and improved pen is so much safer and has a great yard for the chooks to hang out in when they aren't free ranging.

We tried to re use as much as possible including old bolts. Keep Out Foxy Loxy!

I love that the clothes line is next to the chook pen, now I can chat to the girls (and boy) and watch them going about their chookie business. 

 As you know I'm a big fan of the Hills Hoist, many a pleasant morning is spent underneath it, hanging out the washing, dreaming, listening to the birds and hiding from my family. Ha!

I'm loving the way this project has me seeing the garden in a different way. Now that the massive cyprus tree has gone a whole new world is opening up. The quince tree, above left, that has been in the shade for the last twenty or more years is looking so much happier. The garden is full of so much more light and sky.

In the next couple of weeks we are hoping to move the little cubby/house that is currently attached to our house. It will be craned into position to the right of the shed above. It's front door will face the house and we will make a little path that will lead around it. I also want to plant some creepers or roses against the posts of the chook pen. Lots of fun projects ahead.

Final inspection. Yep, it's ok...!

Today was the best day ever as we finally bought home some beautiful new chickens. Yay!

 This is Smoky, Sunday's chook. She is so pretty, well they both are :) Smoky & Bill's chook, Gelati, have already laid an egg each! Wow, the first day and they are already laying. We have also moved our lone rooster from the front yard into the new chook pen. From a lonely bachelor life to moving in with five ladies...he's looking pretty happy too.

This is Maria, Rosie's little bantam. She is a feisty little number, and seems to be the boss of the chook house already. I love her spots, she's such a gorgeous girl!

I love chooks, can you tell? Our whole family are crazy about them. They just seem to make life complete. There's something kind of comforting about a happy chicken, scratching in the hay, clucking around the yard. Do you have chooks? Have you thought about getting some? You really should, I bet they'll make you smile too.

See you soon lovely ones xo

Autumn is..

..apples.

Lots and lots of apples. It's a good thing we like apple pie! 

Our trees have been full of fruit this year and although we've shared quite a few with the local cockatoos,

we still have lots left. Our lovely neighbours are making cider, their hallway full of boxes of apples. Maybe we will make some too!

Autumn is quinces. Big, fat, golden quinces.

I love everything about this beautiful ancient fruit. The tree it grows on with it's wide green leaves, that shade our ducks from the warm autumn sun. I love collecting the fruit after a windy day, storing it inside where it gives off it's distinctive quincy smell. I love cutting into each piece, it's such a satisfying feeling. Cubing, boiling, straining. Adding, watching, waiting.

Then suddenly!

Magical jars of ruby goodness. I love quince jelly on sour dough toast with a cup of hot, hot tea. 

I love autumn.

Autumn is Sports Day! A day of red, yellow and blue.

A day of friends, and fun.

And trying hard, of ribbons and family.

And smiles! lots of lovely smiles.

Autumn is potato season. It's brown fields, blue skies, tractors and crates.

Autumn is a time of birthdays - one tomorrow! 

Although it's sad to say goodbye to summer, and although the thought of a long cold winter ahead makes me a little anxious..I really do love autumn. So I'm celebrating being in the now,

I'm loving the cool nights and warm days. Although there is some sadness in my life too right now, I'm embracing all the beauty, the colour and life of this season, of this time. Maybe even more so.

I hope you are too, lovely ones,

see you soon xo

ps: If you haven't entered my giveway yet it's not too late! I'll be drawing out a winner in the next couple of days. It might be you! xo