Happy Zombie

I don’t know if there is such a thing as a “flock” of chickens… but it worked for the title of this! Here are the chickens when they are about 3 or 4 weeks old (they were born on March 9, 2006). DS2 is taking them outside for some fresh Oregon air. We kept them in the garage under a heat lamp until they were old enough to be outside 24/7. As of today, they have been outside for about a week now and they love it! Yes… Omelet’s name is misspelled in the photo. Not really misspelled… I changed the name of her spelling since that photo was taken.

Inside the chickies play yard. When we first bought our house there was a tree fort in our side yard. Kind of cool… but it was small and looked like Sergeant Schultz was up there keeping an eye on us. So… DH and DS2 tore down the tree house and built it into one big deck. The underside of the deck became a catchall for all kinds of lumber, the lawn mower, etc. So we had this big idea of enclosing it and making it the play yard for the chickies. Liberty strikes a pose for the camera (er, ah, the phone I guess).

Madison saying hello in her own special way! As the chickens were getting bigger and bigger by the day, we were running out of time to build them a coop. I didn’t just want a box for them… I wanted something that was cute too. After all… it was going to be a part of our landscape. By off chance we had heard that the farm store in Battleground sold coops. Perfect! So on our way to Portland one day, we take a side trip to Battleground and voila… this is our coop! I painted it to match the house. DH and DS2 butted it up to the play yard so the chickens can go in and out as they please (during the day). DS2 rigged the sliding door into a kind of draw bridge (he’s such a McGiver), so it’s easy in… easy out! The coop still needs a little more work, as DS2 is adding shingles to the roof of the coop. I love to reuse and recycle… the shingles were part of a set from the movie “The Ring 2″. Hopefully the coop won’t be haunted.

Omelet and Poppy come to the fence to greet me. I let myself believe it’s because they love me… but it’s really because they hope I have some sort of treat for them. Omelet also likes my wedding ring. Oooh… sparkly… shiny… must peck at it. Omelet is Queen of the Coop. She really runs the show here. The other chickens protest her bossiness, but they always follow her rules in the end. Omelet is also fearless and thinks she’s running the show for the dogs too!

Omelet is not shy either, as she is intrigued by the camera. Poppy and Snowball sit on a perch, way too A-list to have their photos taken. These photos make the play yard appear small… but it’s actually quite a large space for them. I’d say it’s about 10′ x 12′, with a large overhead space so they can fly a little. I have no doubt that in the chicken world, this is a 5 star lodging establishment! Conde Nest??? The play yard is also hilly, with big roots sicking out for perching and climbing, shady areas, sunny areas, nooks and crannies… a real fun place for them!

OK, nothing to do with chickens. In fact… life does not evolve around my chickies… but they are so darn cute! Anyhoo… last Saturday we FINALLY went to the Rebuilding Center in Portland. What a cool place! Not only do they sell salvage… the building itself is a piece of art… all from salvage! If my dad lived up here I bet he’d be visiting the center every weekend! Oh the treasures to be found here!

Walls of windows… made from windows! Walls of walls… made from walls! This is a Recycling Nazi’s utopia! So anyhoo… we finally make the visit to the center. DH had an appointment at OHSU on a SATURDAY, so we pack up the car (snacks, drinks, quilting) and go with him. After the appointment, we search for the center. Not only do we find it with ease (ahem, I was driving)… we discover this cool neighborhood it’s in! The Portland neighborhood known as the Mississippi District. Kind of a mini Berekely! Very ARTSY… Sans the FARTSY!!! Countless outdoor cafes (my fave) and cool little shops. DH was less enthused… but what can I say… he’s a Washatonian!
BTW… photos were taken with my phone. Not bad, eh. I swear (shit, damn, bitch), my phone takes better photos then my camera!

I quilt.
I craft.
I laugh.
I misbehave.
I am inappropriate.
I embarrass my family and friends.
I am the girl your mom didn’t want you to play with.
I like to write meaningless sentences to form a curvy swoosh.

I suck at replies.
Seriously.
I ess you not.
thehappyzombie AT gmail DOT com