Pekin Bantams.

Our two new Pekin Bantams have settled into the coop nicely. I bought them from our local farmers markets a few weekends ago after Jamie had been complaining that we are not getting enough eggs from our two current chooks. I had planned on buying some more Isa Browns, or perhaps a couple of Australorps. But when I saw these two tiny ones in a cage all on their own, well, my heart melted and they came home with me.

When we introduced them into the coop, there was the predictable behaviour from Lady Sussex and Liberty - a couple of pecks to make sure these two new comers understood the pecking order. On the first evening I got a fright, as I couldn't find these two anywhere in the yard. After closer inspection in the nesting box, I discovered two little heads poking out from under the wing of Lady Sussex. These two had wiggled their way under her wings in a search for warmth/comfort, and as she is broody at the moment she was happy to play mum to them!

The ducks are not at all fussed by them, and have carried on as usual.

We haven't named them yet. Jamie has been calling them Houdini 1 and 2, as they have a knack for getting into strange places.

Sam xox

Changing of the seasons.

Yesterday I went to our local farmers markets and stocked up on seedlings. My vegetable garden has been bare for weeks, with the last of my summer crops having finished mid January. After watching how different vegetables grew in my garden last winter, I feel that I have a better understanding of what to place where this time round.

I bought:

Kale

Broccoli

Red cabbage

Perennial capsicums

Two types of chilli plant

Leeks

Spinach

Rocket

Cos lettuce

Garlic chives

I also planted carrots, beetroot and beans from seed.

Here is a before shot...

 And after...

In other news I have taken up horse riding. It is something I have always wanted to try but could never afford when living in Sydney. This is one of my new self care activities. I love animals and being in the outdoors, plus the challenge of learning to communicate with such an animal is such a skill to learn! I have also been having great fun practicing some training drills with my neighbours horse, under her guidance of course :-)

And finally, this little guy has moved in with us. His name is Henry and he is cute as a button. He even came to work with me last week much to the amusement of my colleagues... who spent all day cuddling and fussing over him.

Sam xox

Hiatus.

I'm back from my hiatus. It wasn't planned. To be honest I have had a topsy-turvy couple of months. My world has turned upside down and up again, and it took me some time to regain my footing. Some personal challenges, thrown together with a promotion at work and the commencement of studying a Masters degree at Uni while working a 40 hour week has taken its toll on my crafting among other things.

Sometimes we need to step back and reassess our priorities. For me, surviving the last two months has meant letting my garden fall by the wayside. Not touching any crafts. And being okay with this. Not feeling bad about it. Not worrying what others think. Being honest with myself about what I am able to achieve at the moment, and knowing that this is good enough.

As a mental health worker, who works daily to support those living with mental health issues to overcome stigma, I would feel hypocritical if I didn't acknowledge that I have been struggling with my own mental health issues. I have made an effort over these past few weeks to just focus on my job, my education, my health and most importantly my marriage. And I have turned a corner with the help of supportive relationships, medication, and self care. I can concentrate for longer periods than I have been able to for a long time. My anxiety has settled and I sleep so well now. 

I am feeling happy again,

calm again,

motivated again,

 positive again. 

So on to the fun stuff...

Sam xox