The $42 Chicken Tractor

I didn't want a chicken tractor, 

buuuuuut. . . . 

Well, you see, it's like this:

Mr. LB was grumbling and grumbling about runny store-bought eggs.

Once upon a time I had chickens,

but a mink got into the coop.

Let's just say I really don't like mink.

Gloves and stoles are justified.
I wasn't going to have more chickens until I could build
the fort clucks of chicken coops.

So a couple weeks ago I came home with 4 wee little fluff balls

that made cute little peeping noises.

(as opposed to the dozen I used to keep)

Those fluff balls are about 3 weeks old now and

are making a mess in the shop bathroom.

Last weekend I started what I have been referring to as

The Bird Mobile.

I had Mr. LB bring home 8-2X3s and a 25' roll of 2 ft. wide,

1/2" grid hardware cloth.

(I had actually asked for 1X3s, but 2X3s were cheaper- go figure.)

Cost: boards $15 and wire $25=$40 so far.

I had measurements worked out so I didn't use more than 25 ft.

of the wire.

I actually don't like chicken wire.

It's difficult to work with and small critters can still get through it.

The hardware cloth is sturdier and easier to work with.

I made the box a little shy of 6.5 ft. long and 2 ft. tall.

I wrapped the outer "walls" with the wire stapling it in place.
Then 2 widths across the top one end.

(Never mind the stick sitting on top. Odd, the things that happen when working on a project.)  

The drops from the long sides are what I used for the corner posts

in the cabin/nest box.

These old trim boards were here when we moved in about 15 years ago.

They were in the old leaky falling down shed that is now gone,

then under the lean-to.

One of those things that I knew would someday come in handy.

If you don't have trim boards cluttering up your lean-to,

you could also use pallet boards just as easily.

We also have a plethora of screws in various sizes.

Because these are thinner boards, I did pre-drill the holes.

I know it takes a little longer, but then the boards don't split.

(I will put pine needles and shavings in here for them.)

For the "nest box," I used a scrap of plywood and another trim board.

Again this is something that could be done with pallet wood.

By the end of last weekend, this is as far as I had it.

(I started by pre-staining the boards then just wanted to get it put together.  That's also why there is a sheet under the coop - didn't want the stain on that nice clean shop floor:)

Today, got a few things finished up.

I put a handle on the door which cost about $2.

That brings our total to $42.

I think we have a little latch out in the shop.

If I can't find one and have to buy one, that might add another $2.

Mr. LB made the brackets for the wheels.

The wheels are more of those saved items.

When the kids were little, they had a few hand me down bikes

before they ever got their very own 'new' bikes.

Some of those bikes were still in good enough shape that they were

passed on again.

Those that had lived out their usefulness, 

I kept the wheels and disposed of the rest.
If you know someone who works at the dump/transfer station,
you might ask if they have bikes come in to snag one.

  I suppose part of the keeping things that might someday be useful,

is knowing what sorts of things are useful for your lifestyle.

Mr. LB and I both grew up on ranches, and at times we question

why the other might want to keep a certain item(s) but

we usually end up being okay with the "cluttery" items we keep.
We would probably have no idea what is useful when living a different lifestyle.

(All the same sealant/stain just new wood vs. old wood.)

The roof was more scrap plywood - it had really seen better days,

but it would be covered with tin.

We ended up with a sheet of tin for free.

If you know anyone who does metal buildings,

there is often a misc. piece strapped over the metal for the buildings

so the good metal isn't damaged.

There is nothing wrong with this piece.  

It's simply a different color from the building metal.

For this project, we weren't picky and obviously the price was right.

And in the process of doing this post and uploading pictures,

I did notice that Mr. LB didn't stain the board he used to attach

the wheel brackets.

That was probably so I will something to do tomorrow.

The only thing not in the pictures is that I am going to run a string or rope

from the bottom of the ladder up through the wire 

so I can lift it while moving it.

Since it drags, I don't want it jarred and twisted.

For 4 little birds until we build a 'real coop,'

I think it'll suffice. 

Looking forward to fresh eggs and a clean shop bathroom.

Give a Guy a Tractor - Follow up

It's been a while since I did the post

Give a Guy a Tractor

then

Give a Guy a Tractor part 2

and now...

after a little over a year and a half later,

we have underground sprinklers.

Woohoo!

It's difficult to see the sprinklers going during mid-day.
Hubby took this picture yesterday - evening.

There's grass seed down,
now we just have to keep it wet & wait for it to grow.
Yes, we are those kinds of folks who
find it exciting to watch the grass grow.
Again, nothing seems to happen over night around here
so it feels good when a project gets finished-up.
We tend to do these types of projects ourselves
and as we can pay for them,
so we don't expect to have things done by yesterday.
This was Mr. LB's project, and it will be so nice
not to have to drag hoses all over that big ol' yard.
Thank you, Love:)

In the above linked post,
the tree that the trailer is tied up to is going to come out.
I will show you what's going on there when we get to that.
I have a hard time saying okay to cutting down a tree
so there is usually a really good reason for it.
That tree happens to have a crook in it.
If it toppled, it would land on our shop.
Also, we will be able to park the rigs back there and still move.

For the time being,
I'm just grateful for a watered yard.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

~*~*Ta~Da*~*~

We worked and worked and slaved away.

Last week, you saw the beginning of our little project out front.

Here is what has become of it.

And the real surprise is...

After two years,

we got the swing hung up.

I did a little trading: got rid of a desk and acquired the swing.

Brought it home, cleaned it up and sealed it.

Then there it sat.

About 6-8 months ago,

Mr. LB found the length of chain for 60% off so got it.

And there it sat:)

Finally, we put it all together.

It really is level.  The ground is not.

I know I should have a pillow and quilt draped over it for a pretty picture,

but that's not very realistic.

For two evenings now, we've sat out here and watched the water

shoot from the sprinkler after we we've finished-up 'out and around.'

Once summer comes, I imagine there might be a tall glass

of iced tea in our hands but still no pillows.

After the initial clean up,

Mr. LB took the rototiller to it and pulled out at least a cart full

of roots and these rocks.

These were just a few of the big ones.

I put those little ones in a ring around the base of the tree

because I planted a few beans in there to see what would happen.

I also planted corn, broccoli, and celery.

It's a little early, so I am just hoping we don't get a late frost.

I have other things started inside,

but of course, it's too early to put them out.

That is the road that passes in front of the house,

so we want some barrier,

but I will do more cleaning up and plant things with a purpose.

Did you notice?  We also got all the barbed wire and chicken wire out.

As you are looking at the swing, to the right

there are lilacs.

After they've bloomed, we will prune those way back and

clean all the mess out from the bottom portion

and gain even more ground.

I didn't have the heart to do that before they bloomed.

Depending upon where it is,

we have reseeded some the area with grass seed.

We do want some lawn, but

where there is good sun, is reserved for edibles.

Our goal is to have pretty much everything in the landscape

to be edible including flowers.

Think hosta, tiger lily, nasturtium, chamomile, balsam, etc.

It is a process.

None of it happens over night.

This little accomplishment seems big to us.

With every little bit we develop, nurture, and tend to,

we hope to create a natural 'grocery store.' 

Mr. LB is probably tired of hearing me say every time

we eat home canned veggies,

"I just can't believe how much better this tastes."

Not only is home grown/canned tastier,

it's better for us.

We use no chemicals to grow 'bigger/badder.'

Compost is a wonderful thing.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Gaining Ground

It's amazing what can happen when Mr. LB

gets the chainsaw out to trim a dead limb.

That's how it started.

There was a dead limb (or two) in the pear tree.

Once those were removed...

Hun, since you have the chainsaw out......

I have been plugging at this side of the yard 

off and on for years.

Anywhere you see lack of grass is where

there were briars.

It gets great sun so I am hoping to plant

some corn and beans along with flowers.

I'm not sure why it is that at one point in time,

people thought it was a good idea to put in

a barbed wire fence with chicken wire along the bottom

then not maintain it.

This is always how it looks.

Actually, I should clarify,

this is how it looks after we pulled all the lilac suckers,

black berries, briars, and weeds.

I've owned two homes in my adult life.

They have both come with such "fences."

Needless to say, it's coming out.

One other thing I have done periodically is

tie a bright ribbon around plants/trees I don't want cut down.

Here it's on a mock orange that smells delicious when it blooms.

I started doing this after Mr. LB

took the weed wacker around and eliminated

a young cedar, the wisteria, cauliflower, and raspberries.

It's fun to tease him about it now,

but he felt pretty bad at the time, 

especially since he likes all those things.

Also, I try to let him know if I have planted something in an odd spot

which I often do.

We gained about a 10' X 40' swath (roughly.)

Now, I just need to finish the clean up.

We will probably till it with some compost for good measure

since it's never been planted.

There will also be another little project over here

that I hope to share with you soon.

Just have to make a parts run in order to finish.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Sweet Scent of Spring

The wild plums are beginning to blossom.

They certainly are a heavenly sight after winter greys.

The feathery petals are soft and pure.

At times, I think flower petals and butterfly wings

must be spun from the same fiber.

We have had an extremely mild and dry winter

which is worrisome in the way of water for summer.

There is little snow-pack in the mountains,

and we have had only a few rains.

The good news is that I began working the garden.

While last year at this time,

the ground was frozen solid.

I just got my potatoes in the ground and

am hoping to get radishes, carrots and beets in soon.

Our last freeze date is about the middle of June,

but I am following a little different advice this year.

You can read some of that in this garden post.

Our daffys aren't quite blooming yet,

but it will only be a matter of days.

I have some pretty ambitious yard and garden plans this year.

We'll see how much of it materializes.

I will keep you posted and hopefully have a mini tour coming soon.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

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Give a Guy a Tractor and...

yes, he will dig!

This is our front 'lawn' at the moment.

Ain't it just a bute?

It will actually be nice.

We are putting in underground sprinklers

and while we're at it,

we might as well level out a few spots.

I say 'we' like I've done anything

but take pictures.
We've been having issues with voles for the past year or two.
This made me think of that movie
(Caddyshack???)
where he goes after the mole on the golf course.

It all started...

back here, behind the shop.

'WE' are laying rock and gravel

under the lean-to and

decided to gravel clear back to the fence.

There are plenty of rocks,

and good topsoil is valuable so

it has become quite the operation.

He is referring to this as the 

redneck sifting outfit.

Our poor trailer.

And when it's finished here,

it's off to haul fire wood.

The pile of dirt in the back ground

is 1/2" minus for the garden.

I think it's all getting closer to finished.

The front yard is a mess,

and he has sifted just about everything.

He has been leveling things

out front and getting it 'all pretty.'

Still need to finish trenches

for the sprinkler stages,

but that should go a little quicker than all this.

It's getting there.

Someday - hopefully by spring

I will show you the after shot.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

One Man's Trash

We had a busy but fun weekend.
My mother-in-law and I went to Portland to 
their largest yard sale.
Over 400 vendors in one building.
We went last year as well.
We seemed to find a lot more last year:
however, we did find a little something.

This is just part of the spoils.

 I love intaglios.  I have an amber glass intaglio necklace.  
This is clear so it actually shows the color behind it. 
I have a bit of a collection of beaded collars.
I'm not quite sure  why I just am so drawn to them.
The two strands of beads are just to use in whatever,
but I was sure I needed them.

 Always on the hunt for fabric.
A piece of homespun, wool, and cotton.
It's the quilter in me.

She reminded me of Holly Hobby.

An old pot holder that I'll wash and use.

 I have always wanted a half doll pincushion so
I finally found one - and a mother-of-pearl pin.

We returned home (to in-laws) and across the street,

a neighbor was having a yard sale.  I found this lamp that

is not old, but will be a great bedside lamp.  I

should have straightened the shade before taking the picture.

I did get just a couple other things, but they are

for others so I don't want them to see before they

receive them.

A fun weekend but as always,

it feels good to be home.

Hope you have a beautiful Monday.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers & Even Stitches

Gifts

Just a quick post to let you know what is new.  I was fortunate enough to happen by a sale that was at the home of an artist.  I found typing paper, water-color paper, a bunch of cookie cutters, and several odds. 

The gold medals have already been removed from the board and cleaned and might become the 'pulls' for some creative bell-pulls.  I have a bit of a collection of tea cups & tea pots.  My dishes are all white (one of the smartest moves I've made) so this little sweetie just fits right in.  There were several fabrics - old small prints :)  and an antique compass that still works! 

I am still stitching on the same projects so won't bother with those, but will share with you a wonderful gift from God.  As I was looking out my front window to see how the sprinkler was doing, I spied this view.

That's mama eating my plum tree.

*One of the fawns*  I took these photos through my front window - I didn't want to scare them by opening the door.  The fun thing is - this doe and her twins have made their home in our yards.  Our neighbors (within a couple miles) and ourselves - have all been watching out for them since they were born.  They have enjoyed spending time in the middle of the road.  Either the pavement was warm for the babies or they are just suicidal.  We have 'shooed' them off the road more than once.  I hadn't seen them for a few weeks so was glad to see that all three are still kicken'.  We don't even mind them being in the yard - until they start destroying things.  It's all part of living in this beautiful place.  If I wanted a town yard, I would live in town.  We also saw a bear cub yesterday - think we spooked him.  He raced right up a tree and held on tight!  I didn't have my camera out and ready so no picture - sorry.  Just in case you are wondering, you don't try to get too close to cubs or spend much time trying to get their pictures.  Where there is a cub, there is a mama who doesn't want you bothering her cub.  It's best to leave them alone. 

Off to work on my challenge quilt - hoping to finish it up this week - will share after the show.  Until then, happy stitches and nimble fingers. 

Diamonds in the Dust

*First, I would just like to say that I think my computer is being abducted by aliens.  We will see what happens when I try to make a post.

I hope everybody had a fantastic weekend.  I was lucky enough to get some stitching time in.  I love the folklore of having a spider in a crazy quilt so usually try to add one or more into the works.  By doing so, I have made various types and styles of spiders, but I have to say, "This just might be my favorite."  I can't even tell you where I got the charm.  I have been known to buy 'odd' garments at a yard sale etc. just for the buttons.  About a week ago, I ended up with about a measuring cup full of single earrings, odd pieces of jewelry, and 'imperfect' miscellaneous pieces for a dollar.  I was thrilled.  The folks running the sale were kinda looking at me funny.  There was an older fella there, and he asked what I was going to do with them.  I told him I like to make crazy quilts so I like to have little treasures on hand.  He smiled and said, "Crazy quilts huh."  We didn't get to chat as others were needing his attention, but I am just guessing he had a story. 

Friday, I went to a downsizing/moving sale and found this beauty. 

Now hang on a minute.  Look closer.  I gave 50 cents and look what I got.  I wasn't after the polyester gabradine with the stain or even the fashion statement of the 1960's elderly population.  It was this.

It took a matter of minutes to remove them from the dress, and I now have these beauties to use on some fun project.

A couple of other goodies I found at the same sale:

This recipe book has a copyright of 1882 & includes instructions like, "use a piece of butter or over the eggs pour the lot."  I was having a blast reading it.  Our language has certainly changed over the years.

The point of all of this is that 'junking' has become quite fashionable within recent years, and we are eager to dig into what appears to be... well - junk.  Maybe, we should do that more often with people.  It might only take a moment to offer a kind word, and our treasure might not be tangible, but it will be priceless.  Think about your friends.  How many of them were introduced to you, and how many began simply as strangers then a smile and hello were made?  Please don't mistake me - People are not junk, but there are millions of them around & isn't it just amazing when we pick one and turn them into a friend?

Until Next Time - Even Stitches & Many Smiles

P.S.  I didn't mean to tease you with only the picture of the spider.  I will show you the rest of the quilt when it is finished:)