As the Silkie Turns at Hi Ho

BEEN WAY TO LONG

Ry — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:13:00 GMT

Well I just figured out how to get back into this site and now I know why so much was not making it my direction from the website email. I had like thousands of comments that were spam blocking my emails and waiting for approval! What a damn mess. The same thing for the Guestbook.
Well all is good we are just working way to much. Rod is improving and things have sure changed. I still have all my birds and even purchased a new incubator this year. New used bator and the DIckey is being sold. SO contrary to wish full thinking and popular rumors I am going no place. A lot of things have happened in the last year or so and I had to take time to handle life in itself. I think the latest statements being said have been pretty foolish but it will all work out in the end . I feel like I am watching 2006 happen all over again but its all good,
For those that did not make it to Shawnee you really missed a great show. From what I could see of it anyways. Tons of fantastic birds were there!

Long Long Time

Ry — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:08:00 GMT

          Yes times get busy no doubt. There have been many changes to my lifestyle this year. All of them I am enjoying. I am selling a lot of Pet Quality birds as well as retiring several old hens this coming year, I will continue to maintain 40-50 birds but not the numbers I am keeping right now. This will allow plenty of room for raising babies. This have become so swamped its unreal. Not to mention my son moved out ..... I took over his room for my office and he moved home again. I no longer have an office or any space to call my own. After the first of the year all my boxed office items as well as my PC are moving to an office....Whew because I feel like I have stuff scattered from downstairs to upstairs. I have a tote full of Club things that will be completed when the new office is open.
     Speaking of Club stuff who else is running ads in the ASBC Directory?
   I do hope this blog finds everyone well. Today should be another 16 hour day. We will be trying to locate another vehicle for my son to drive because he is in mine. This completely clips my wings and sends me into a tizzy. I guess it will all work out soon but for now there is not any Xmas shopping done and really I don't care to do much at all this year. I sold our big tree and gave the Oklahoma Poultry Federation our small tree. This leaves just the pre-decorated tree medium in size. LOL I guess if everyone else wants a Xmas tree they better get it put up . I suppose someone will be cooking this year but I personally have done no baking either. This has never happened in history! Oh well things change all the time and maybe someone who is in the xmas mood will come down my chimney and fix things up and if not oh well. Maybe next year when I have a office and I will get motivated for a tree. I like those funky little colored trees! You never know but I doubt seriously I will be at the after Xmas sales looking for next years tree.
     Wondering what we have been up to? We decided to get out Bail Bonds License back in June. Its something I have been exposed to on and off for many years and the kids are old enough I might began to have my own life again.Bail Bonds and some recovery has been very rewarding. Oh yeah we have disconnected the Vonage Phone ( never used ) , house phone (never used). and Takota now has her own cell phone so paying out extra money for these other phones is a waste of money. I will be checking in soon. My personal computer will be in my grasp very soon.

What is going on?

Ry — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Well I have been questioned about my blog and thought I should put something back up here. A lot of happenings are going on. I realize some of us get busy and distracted and in todays world it is acceptable. This time of the year is great people are breeding and preparing for spring shows and that is super. We are only doing a couple of shows and I am actually looking forward to the break. This yeah is my first year for my Dickies incubator to be running and its pretty neat. Getting over the hurdle of fearing I am going to just hatch and hatch so many I will be in trouble was tough! I am ok now I have self control! Haha. I have also decided I will be purchasing an additional hatcher versus using the hatcher in the bottom of the bator.
I see so much is going on with the buying and selling of the birds. I realized when I got started 3 years ago it was very exciting but I look back and realize I always had intentions of being a show person. No doubt about it. I love the creative aspect of some of the new colors or in some cases some old colors that we considered less than perfect based on color! If people would spend more time working on colors instead of telling others what they would do or not do or to sell or not sell I feel like the other colored Silkies would have progressed at a faster pace. There is a lot to learn out there and I would hope that all intentions of the new varieties are for the better of the Silkie.
   I would like to go to the LA. show coming up but there is no way at this point. I hope everyone gets lots of pictures! I realize other Countries have more variety's of Silkies and that is because when we get off colors they are culled but others see the beauty in off colors and consider it a challenge to perfect it. I prefer the challenge method. For those working on AOV keep it up because there will be a time they will get accepted as a Variety.
   March 1st I lost my mother. It came from out of the blue and I had just spoke with her a couple of days before it happened. Its one of life's lessons in my brain. It took a little while to deal with it but when coming out of stages of grief I realized many things and how things change in a blink of an eye. Life is to short to waste time on lala garbage and people rarely change their ways they just learn to dress it a little better. When you have the chance to really watch people in action after a death or trauma it gives you one hell of an insight of who they really are and I am grateful I do not have the ugly person on the inside of me like I have seen in many others. I can sleep well and relax easily because I have nothing to hide and dealing with my mothers death makes me realize how selfish and self motivated people can be and the other side o the spectrum you learn those you would never suspect have a heart! In all of this. I am also resting easy knowing my mother is as peace and not subjected to her in-laws with pretty ugly motives. It's ratcher sick actually that people feed on being miserable and making other miserable. You have to wonder what makes a person to feel the need to have such dominating control? Really it does not matter because those types of people end up in ugly lonely deaths so in the long run I can find peace in that as well.
   Well I have some studying to do and things to get handled today , the weather is ugly today and I should be able to work on some other things including more time with my birds.

Here We Are Again

Ry — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Well it's January and its either freezing out with wind or almost 60 degrees! We are taking advantage of the warmer weather today to finish cleaning cages and re-arrange the chicken room. I have to sell birds... I have to sell birds. I have to keep telling myself this because it is not easy to force myself into this. I think I did a little hoarding this year and will be parting with some. I will have pet birds for sale also . In times like this you never know what the weather is going to be like so I would like to ship when the shipping is good and no time can be wasted . I also have a few birds that are returning home to their owners so that is going to help with the numbers in the coop. I have decided to move all of the chicken items to the coop including the incubator . I have a working outlet and will be trying to fix the others so I can move the incubator to the rooms out there.
Things are holding up around here and we are taking the cat to the vet to be fixed tomorrow and hopefully that will go well but I want no more kittens or no more animals period. Although they are fun and cute there is not enough time in the day to run an animal daycare and feel like a kennel assistant while you are doing it. I hope spring comes early this year for those that are hatching.

Been long Time

Ry — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:12:00 GMT

It has been a very long time. Things have been pretty incredible! From showing this fall to the Nationals! The results are on the front page of our club website. There is no reason for me to duplicate everything again. We are adding more pictures and I will be editing more pictures to ad to the Club website.
   I have big incubator sitting behind me that probably should kick on but I am afraid of my self! I look at that thing and thing wow the babies I can hatch! I am not sure where else I can be putting birds but give me a little time and I will figure it out. I arranged a few chicken panels so this years pullets have plenty of room. I will be dropping a few more in there to grow. More than likely they will be the group shown in the spring because I won't be using them for breeding yet. After I hatch a few from my hens many of those might be sold but maybe not. I have a pretty good group of birds downstairs and will decide who will go where later. We got the coolest black hen in! She is just cool and a tad on the queen side! We cannot thank Myron Turk enough for her.
   The Nationals was a consuming affair but we pulled it off and did well! Everyone had a great time and everyone worked so hard together! I could never say it was a one man show because it was a big team! I could write for an hour about how much fun we all had but most of its on the Clubs own Forum so I do not need to repeat myself or anyone else words. The only downside to our Nationals is my daughters hen was taken. Bigger white hen that was older. Of course I am not short numbers of birds and somehow I ended up with a pullet that was sold to another person at that show? I guess at this point Takota has learned padlocks and to not let her guard down. I know this was none of our mistake but it was my mistake for not taking care of those birds across the show room floor first thing and that will never happen again. Our affairs will be handled first.
   It seems this year has been a real learning time about people and how they really are so for the next year I think focusing on the real people and real issues involving the breed would be best for the breed. No more drama on the who is who and or what they said unless it's to benefit something because some people will always be filled with hate and others have short memories. People make mistakes , no doubt about it but when things are done out of being purely a jerk take it elsewhere nobody has the need for these types of things in their life.
Well as I sit here and cough and hack I think about all the great stuff on sale and how I should be waking Takota up to take her shopping! Both of these kids had a wonderful holiday and they need to be out shopping and having a good time with their xmas money.

Stories and Tales

Ry — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:24:00 GMT

   You know its that time of the year again. Show season is on us! In our case we have been so busy with other things I just thought oh wow what are we going to do? Looks like just a little at this point! It will work out because its about raising the birds to be good versus buying good birds to show. No biggie on our side. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone this year! It seems this year is going to have great people coming back into the shows and that will make it all worth while!
     In recent conversations with people it is exciting to hear them and what they are doing with their birds. This spans from pet bird owners to people that have goals to raise good birds. Silkies are so good with kids and families it is hard to tell some of this kids they cannot bring them in the house! Silkies seem to be great for these families that are getting started because the whole family is involved with them. It makes it pretty nice for those of us raising birds to show because there is always good homes for the other birds. I would hate to be in the postition of raising birds to sell for profit because in the end it never works out best for the breed just for the pocket book until something hits your place or something goes wrong for the breeder. I am glad there are tons of good hobby breeders not looking for the buck but looking out for the breed. It gives hope to the future of all Poultry people.
   Speaking of Poultry people for anyone that has not been to the larger shows please take the time to go. The education you will get from many of these Masters of Poultry will stick with you a lifetime. Take the time to look at your flock and compare to educate yourself. Listen to those that have already been there and done that because that is knowledge that can be lost and that will never benefit the breeds you are involved in. Have respect for these people and the years and time they have been involved with the breed because without these people you would not be in the position you are in now. We have been very lucky in the breeders of all breeds of Poultry we have met and the learning lessons are never ending just like the wisdom they share about not only the breed but the wisdom of life lessons within the Poultry world. Learning from your mistakes and making the choices based on knowledge and wisdom will never hinder the breed .

Going Great...

Ry — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:11:00 GMT

   Wow it has been very busy. We have been getting points together and everything ready for the new site to be launched. I love it when people come together to make things work ! It becomes an inspiration for the better of the breed! I would have never dreamed things would have come together in the rapid pace that they have but because of a team of good people with good intentions for the benefit of the breed it just all falls into place. When I say team I mean all club members! People should be very proud of their actions and dedication to the breed! It will always show to others the good intentions. It is just amazing to me.
   We at HiHo have been Exhibitors of something or another for years. It becomes part of you and your lifestyle. It does not matter if it is flowers to livestock you are doing it for the benefit of the breed. I realize there are others that get into these things with other motives but it does not matter because those that love the breed will always stay together for the breed. Competition is interesting. There is nothing better than to put your birds next to others to learn more and see where improvements can be made. It is about the breed not personal gains. The personal gains I believe come not only from within but when you have improved your stock to compete and do well. Just being involved with Silkies since 2006 it is unreal what we have learned. When you know it all and stop learning it is time to get out of it .... this has been a saying in the horse industry for years. In a lifetime you will always see ugly behavior here and there but when it comes right down to the better of the breed people will always stick together and learn from each other. Anything other than that is not productive at all. It is going to be an exciting couple of years ! Seeing people come together that have a difference of opinion but are still capable of working together without strife is called SUCCESS . It is also the best thing anyone could do for the breed of Silkies. Dealing with the times of today and moving forward at a fast pace takes a lot of people working together and right now staying on the right track with good intentions and showing progress for the breed seems to be priority in many peoples lives and I want to thank everyone for their input and thoughts on all issues. I have mentioned it before but again I am amazed at the support of the American Silkie Bantam Club and progress that has taken place . What a super group of Silkie lovers !

Good Times and Moving Forward!

Ry — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:35:00 GMT

    As always we are looking for great times and great memories and it seems this year it has been never ending. We are thankful for it. There is nothing like watching progress being made and unity at its finest. The ads for the ASBC are complete and that is a great thing so that project will be complete for everyone and the new Directory will be out looking good as usual.
     Today was the first day back to school in this area and it is always cute to watch these kids all dressed up feeling pretty good about themselves! So now the school fun begins. At least with Takota it is just middle school drama versus hearing about adults acting like middle schoolers or better yet watching them act like toddlers. I have to wonder they have a medication for just  about everything else do you think they have one for evil or plain sick in the head and functioning in public? Now there is a thought for the pharmi world. Give this people a pill so they will not feel like they need to stir trouble or they won't need constant attention one them. I bet that would sell really well..... maybe not though because many people like this do not have the abilty to reconize this behavior and can justify it so its a wash as usual.
   Well work is work and I have about 10 hours of it sitting in front of me and we are way behind on our schedule for right now. Not to mention if things work out we will be doing a little construction soon and another company will be put to the test with us. We have been pretty fortunate people with our families and what we all do so we should all be grateful for the abilities we have.

One Way or The Other

Ry — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:24:00 GMT

   Working in this heat is not the best thing for us? We hauled hay last night and it was not to bad... just about 95! These conditions are just not normal but seem to happen every 5-7 years out here. The birds hate it. The kids hate it and so do the rest of the animals.
    We are still waiting for samples to come in regarding awards and another business . I sure hope the wait will be worth it. Like we need more to do right?
    The laptop is still not ready as far as I know and I think I am going to buy a separate piece of software to see if it will work with the older versions of Office . I really have been working on my office to get my things rolling! I am soooo looking forward to getting the points done and having the abilty to move on would be great. Today I have a little running around to get done and after that we are going to be back in the office working. I am even thinking of painting! I need a few things to be a little more color correct. It does get pretty dark in my office.
    I have been hearing of all the drama lately and see how everyone has an opinion and that is great . The right to express your opinion is part of living in a free country. There is a balance between right and wrong and sometimes things can get really blown out .. None of its worth it and it does nothing for the breed. The bad people within breeding will always be bad no matter what they do. No matter what type of animal it is .... scum is scum and leopards do not change their spots. I am positive people that do bad things and have personal habits that could potentially hurt others will never change either. People change but some behaviors will never change or some that feel the need to have the attention on them constantly will never change. It is what it is and just move on. It is amazing what the internet has created.
   Personal opinions on breeding practices is always an interesting subject but once again its personal opinion. Everyone has likes and dislikes and there is a medium when it comes to things concerning any type of livestock. Maybe it is just easier to act one way and dump your culls off so you have no problems. I send my culls to pet homes or I cull them myself. After seeing and reading all of the recent events it is amazing. It has really caused me to rethink and begin thinking like George thought when I met him. Not to sell babies ... not even cheap. It comes back to bite you. Even if you state they are pets.... or you give them away. It comes back to bite you. FORGET EGGS . Not happening. So what do you sell? Well you really do not unless it's to a dealer that will re-sell- someone that wants to eat them-Only adult birds that can be shown. Maybe George is right and this is how it should have been done. So now if you want one of these birds you will pay top dollar for it period.Hands down. No pet quality around. I do not see how this benefits the breed because all birds and others critters are capable of carrying something other than perfect as far as genetics so really what are you selling. So how many times do you have to see trash being talked before you decide its not worth it to sell you birds? How many times does a person have to see this before they feel like these birds are not for them? If the market continues to be killed with bad behavior than what is the point or raising more than a few a year? Maybe it is easiest to think you are on the top and sell any and everything you can so you can pay for your habit and than some. Than you can talk badly about others to make sure you continue to have a market to sell to? Its hard to honestly tell why people do what they do or why they seem to feel only their way is the right way. Recent events have really created open eyes to matters that seem to really have an effect on the breed of Silkies. Trash talking with no back up knowledge just exposes the trash you really are. Making up stories will just puts you in the lesser place as well. Still once again we have to wonder why some of these people will not sell to others and than of course you get accused of being a elite jerk? Maybe that is why ? I have heard people complaining that others will not get back with them? Maybe those others are just smarter than the rest of us dumb friendly people that would help you out. Maybe ?
Is this just an issue in the Silkie women? It also makes it clear why I have seen that others talk about CLICKs. It appears to be exactly that looking from the outside. It really is not there are good people within all of these groups of people. We are not part of any click and never have been. We have met many many people from all over the country and do not feel one side is better than the other. I may wonder and shake my head but that is my problem. We may joke and talk a little trash but it is done in joking and in good fun. Some people have grown far to sensitive and takes themselves way to literal. Thick skin is the answer to this. No different that going to any sporting event. Trash is talked but when its all said and done I do not see boxers or football players cutting each other down or slandering people online or in person. If they have an issue they get it out right there but later they can sit at the same table and eat dinner! They are have sportsmanship . Well most of them do anyways. Most people in general can find a common ground one way or the other and others should really check themselves before they make statements or comments that raise eyebrows . I have said things that have made me look dumber than a box of rocks but I can laugh about it unlike some that get ignorant and mad about it. Check yourselves before others check you. Good lord no matter who ,what or where there is something good about a person and instead of slander. You either put out or shut up. Someday we will be as good as some of the people that have been doing this for many years but in the mean time I will continue to raise and show birds. As for selling well there is a lot to be said for that.I do believe the old way George handled his culls and extras might be the best way to avoid the drama. THERE is no such thing as a perfect bird and I really regret talking people into selling off many culls instead of culling them. They are called culls for a reason and I see that very clearly now. The heck with letting them leave an giving someone a chance to fell superior enough to trash you or to claim they never got their start from you at all ? Knowing there are real people out there that really care for the well being of the breed makes all the rest of it just go away because it is about the bird right ? People will have have a good year or two showing birds.They may have a few bad years until they get on their feet but bad mouthing and behavior only causes new people to step back and honestly can you blame them? If you are out there showing pretty hot and heavy or have a long show history behind you than its all good and you are used to this but for new people stepping in ..... it looks bad. Let your show records speak for themselves because it makes the smarter people that already know how much T. E.E. it took to get those points. T.E.E. = Time - Energy-Effort. That is a subject in itself ! Always remember actions speak louder than words and this includes actions on the keyboards!

Hooked UP

Ry — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:51:00 GMT

Wow it has been busy... I went from bored to work to do. Whew I am thankful I have my animals to keep me on a level field! Between thoughts and ideas to real life situations it is all good! There is never a perfect anything but be glad we have something good to work on. In the excitement of getting the points information and getting things finalized I realized I forgot to drop one of the laptops off to be repaired!~ So before I can get started I need that laptop back. Takota broke the little thing you plug into? Our repair man has it right now and I hope he does not have to order to much in to repair it. As soon as it is returned I will get to work on the 2008 open points and 2007 Jr points. Thanks for the support everyone.
    I should be selling a load of birds right now but really I have the space for a little bit longer and they can hang around. Nobody is shipping and most of these birds will go out as pets until later this fall and than I will have to decide who and how many to show. This season should be fun and I am so looking forward to the Nationals when everyone can get together and enjoy each others company. We are going to have one heck of a year this fall and I am so looking forward to see real people enjoy each other at these shows.
Today is Takota's 13th BIRTHDAY!!! I am just blown away and in a complete state of denial! So in case anyone asks I am still 29 and holding K? LMAO.... I am not sure what is worse.... her turning 13 or her getting so pretty! Oh horses here we come. I am moving chickens into her room also and she will be saddled with a horse for the next 5 years while she is still living at home! I do not know what else to do? SO keeping her hooked up with showing chickens and sitting on a horse is the only logical solution I know! It is never easy watching them grow up when you know the time is getting close for their wings to fly! Life is a good place to be when you know you have done the best you can with a true heart. These kids tell all and when I watch them I see parts of me within them... I am not saying that is good or bad yet but I see it! LMAO. What I see is honestly and sometimes brutal honesty but that comes naturally to them. Life is not easy and should be spent without lies and drama . I think this includes lies to yourself . I honestly get a good laugh at some of the drama that is created and than I watch the kids and realize wow people wake up and get out of Middle School. I sit with my mouth open and watch these kids! It does not take long to reconize it within the children and it is easily nipped in the bud but with adults it is a bit of a shocker. It is up to us as good humans to knock it off and grow the heck up. Setting the role model for these kids is vital and without good role models people began to get way off track. Maybe in the perfect world this stuff won't stand out so big .... in the perfect world people would not feel the need to stand out all the time so I guess things are what they are and will just fade away in time until the next drama moves forward. Does not really matter as long as we continue on the right track along with other good people with good intentions.
    Well there is tons of stuff to get done over this weekend including find time to look at another BMW for Cody. Considering I have a few expensive parts that came from the last one he rolled! This one might work out and he can sell the old Mercedes.... and its old but still runs. I will go back to being worried because I know the diesel MB will not go to fast anymore and is as solid as a german tank! This other is still pretty heavy and pretty solid also so maybe something good will work out for him and a different car. Time will tell but it is hard when you are just SOOOOO COOOL at 18 years old and your car is not as COOOOOOL as you are ! I am not sure I cared about that stuff growing up or did I date a guy based on what he drove? I really cannot remember that well but it seems to be a real issue to make the surface look good while the inside is ugly... this is just a concept I have a hard time getting my hands around. Oh well maybe Cody will have a better weekend..... I just keep saying please do not look at those " Come Arrest Me Red Cars" LMAO For some reason that seems to be the hot color again? Have a great weekend .

   One final thing. I am sorry I did not publish the comments in this blog that others have posted. I had no idea I was suppose to. I get the emails that tell me comments have been made but I did not notice I had to approve them. I will take care of that right now. Thanks for the nice words.

Good Day!

Ry — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:34:00 GMT

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! It was busy as usual but all worth it! Cleaning pens- moving birds stuff like that. We did not have to leave the front porch to watch a lot of firework displays for about 3 days! They still sell bottle rockets and close to commercial type fireworks out here and it just blows my mind what people blow off in the yard! I watched it for hours as I was doing chores. The only thing I keep thinking is look at all the money up in smoke!
      We did get the new bator upstairs in this office without great hassle and looking forward to hatching with it. I now need another office or a whole new building. I eventually might have to build one for another office or place to work ! But its all good! We are just going to need more space for other activities. Lord only knows what I moving towards next. I have recently tried a new health juice and well let me keep trying it... I sorta over indulged at first. Today is a new day.
   Well moving forward as usual I am very excited about changes! Takota is turning 13 and that means OH NO!!! She would like some things re-done in her room and her laptop fixed. So as soon as time allows I am off to the PC man. I need some of the software he has and maybe another pc or laptop for work anyways. Cody has taken over the one pc that was a back up I should say spare so maybe I would be better off getting him a wireless lap top ? Hummm just thoughts for the day.
   For some odd reason I popped right out of bed bright and early and I think my juice has something to do with it?? Maybe it has to do with personal thoughts and goals? Lots on the brain and no time for the outside drama. I would love to see folks come down to earth but for some reality and accountability is not possible. I wish people great luck all the time no matter what, bad and nasty behavior is really an issue with people and it is actually harmful to your well being as far as health goes. I have always thought ugly hearts get cancer faster.... live lonely lives....heart attacks because they are prone to drinking.... I really think it is one full circle and good hearts always get feelings hurt but because they are good they move on. Those with bad hearts or souls how ever a person wants to look at it ... they tend to linger in bad all the time and it is pretty sad and nothing is positive about it nor can you become progressive or stable in your own life living in a live that is not your own. Over this holiday weekend we had the scanners running and just hung around for fun here. After hearing several really ugly domestics call out I thought you know its not worth it and shut them down. I watched tons and tons of fireworks being blown off and was thinking about the families that are not once unit and the tensions that create those fights must be unreal.... makes me think to myself how important that being honestly to yourself is. I am glad there are great times to reflect on small issues to improve our own self. Positive influence and great role models are important to all of us and I guess I have been lucky enough to have the good- bad and the ugly to learn from and know it has made me who I am and how to make the right choices for the long term well being of everything... everyone makes wrong choices but it depends on what they do and how they behave after the fact that shows what type of human they are to begin with.
   Well we are off to check out some thing that I might consider getting involved in If could just have a few more hours in the day... another building and while I am at it I want to paint the floors and gut the kitchen!LMAO I hope all family and friends had a super holiday weekend and all have been safe . I know at times I am hard to get a hold of and I am sorry for that.... as always life gets in the way when you are making it happen!

Summer Vacation for Who?

Ry — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:10:00 GMT

   Now just tell me who calls it summer vacation? I have yet to see the vacation. The kitchen remains a disaster and everyone else has the vacation from cleaning it? Every thing around this entire place needs to be worked on and explain to me where the vacation part comes in? Yeah right.
   Two weekends ago I took a road trip to George Mihaliks home! That was a vacation in a way. I am waiting for the pictures of my car because it was rather funny to look at and took me a day to clean it back up. The incubator made it home safe and so did all the birds! I am happy for John Fitzgerald and all his new birds. I might sneak away from home and take a vacation at Johns house to help him build new cages! My friend Christy is trying to figure out a way to sneak off with me. It is rather funny to be honest we are trying to vacation to do work! I have been spending most of my nights in my chicken coop cleaning and building again. I am heading out there this am.
I returned from George's place on Sunday night and cleaned house all day Monday because in laws were coming in Tues. We spent the rest of that week visiting family and eating out. By the time the weekend came around I slept 12 hours a night! Now it is back to work. We had a great time though.
Birds birds and more birds! Seems I have birds falling out of the cracks again but this time I am ready for them. I have several birds that already have new homes to go to and will have some others for sale soon for pick up only. Like I said today will be my final day in the cleaning coops mode. I have to get this mess in my yard cleaned up and completed so I can get focused on other things. Like finding a house keeper and cook that will work for free or maybe trade for birds? LMAO
   While family was in town we went to the Price Tower. It is a building built by Frank Loyd Wright and it gave me tons more ideas! Nobody else is excited about the stuff because it means work but what ever I can cut the stuff up that I cannot carry with the chain saw and remove it in smaller pieces!! LMAO HAHA. Honestly the carpet is being removed from this house ASAP. I have feeling it is part of the skin problems one of our dogs has. I do believe we will be handling that soon but I think the deck in the back yard should come first.
   My coop flooded on the edges again while I went to George's house. It really bothers me it did that so now I have rain gutters installed. Rod and I put them up last weekend. I realized why and could see exactly how water went into the coop after that. No biggie it is taken care of and after part of this deck comes down I won't have to many water worries again. I am shocked this is going on but when I think about it , nothing surprises me. A lot of this stuff was built when this area was in a drought and people did not think about drainage or the effects of water. In the next week or so it should be all fixed.After that I will focus on other things like finding that housekeeper that works for free?
   I am so looking forward to handling stuff to promote the breed of our birds. I think a Silkie should be in the yards of all good animal people! They seems to be addicting for so many people and I am glad.

Cleaning and Cleaning

Ry — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:04:00 GMT

I don't think the cleaning ever ends? If it is not cleaning coops it is cleaning house. If not the house it is the barns or taking stuff to the dump? Where do I get all this stuff?. In a couple of weeks I am going to have a yard sale and get rid of tons of it! If it has been in the attic for 2 years than I do not need it!
Today we are cleaning coops and people are coming to get the manure for their compost. I am going to make a garden next year! I do have some veggies coming for my birds from the local gardeners so that is going to help a little. I would like my own large garden next year.
Chicks and more chicks. I have not raised nearly the amount of chicks I would like to this spring but things fell behind and the plan changed midway. I am going to NM to pick up chicks and a new bator so I will be ready for spring next year. For now we are going to remain focused on our birds and this show season. I cannot wait to see everyone this fall. The ASBC is showing strength and it is good to see. Wait until the ABA Yearbook comes out! As Silkie chicken people everyone should be proud of what has been done! A couple of years ago a wise man told me to change things by being involved and he was correct in his statements. Now if we could just get him involved we will be heading in the right directions! Just kidding . Things are becoming more and more progressive by the day and soon things are going to run with out kinks around here.. HAHAHA I am fooling myself right?
Soon enough I will have more new software to learn and this should be fun . But I am looking forward to learning and having the ability to make changes with a few key strokes so that should be a huge asset .
Speaking of assets.... You know there are some people that are worthless in this world and some that you know are worth their salt! When you are put to the test about your word and your word comes back bad it is over in my book. I know not all things work out but if a person is honest and tries it makes all the difference in the world. I recently sent a main rooster to a friend. Something went wrong with the bird about a week after he got there ... it was not viral or sick but an injury like no other. I doubt any of us will ever know what happened or how it happened? I received a lot of voice mails and when I returned the call my bird was already being taken care of . The bird was given special care instead of being tossed off to the side. We still are not 100% sure this bird will come out of it but he has been given the best care possible and it will turn out the way it is suppose to. Trusting the people you work and trade with will always be a huge asset to the breed of Silkies and the Poultry World. I won't mention names or anything but not many men will spend a lot of time soaking a bird in the bath tub to help him!I still laugh because the bird loves his warm bath and you made his day. You know people with honor do their best to handle things correctly and others with honor will trust them in day to day situations. I worry honor and integrity is a falling spirit and it is up to the people to fix it. Some things just work out exactly how they are suppose to work out.

Learning new things daily

Ry — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:48:00 GMT

I heard peeps and remembered I have Polish Bantams trying to hatch soon. I am excited to learn new things with birds. I am glad these have another owner that is going to have a lot of birds very soon if she keeps it up! Just kidding she only has one trio and it is amazing the number of eggs those ladies have created! I am glad she is getting a good start and has intentions of raising birds to start showing. It is never ending the education a person can get from other animal people. I even learned about Llamas this week! I do not need any for my own but they are a very interesting animal to say the least. Maybe later when some of my old farts pass on I can get one for coyote control. I am even thinking donkey in the future just because they are so cute! A donkey can sure enough handle coyotes if you have a good one. We seem to have a pack of coyotes on both sides of us now. Almost daily I see a momma yote' traveling in the neighbors pasture to a better hunting place, she is in no danger of us unless she comes way to close but you never know what happens after dark. A donkey or llama has been known to handle these problems. Most of my horses have plenty of game to them and will chase strays and other things out of the pastures so we have been pretty lucky so far.

Been to Busy!

Ry — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:41:00 GMT

   I have to be reminded to update this stuff! It has been a busy time. The pond is finished. Hatching is ending.... I have only hatched about 1/4 of what I hatched last year. I just have a couple of pens to hatch from now and that is it. I am ready for summer and already looking forward to the fall season. I am just waiting to step on the colts and have time to do what we do best and that it the horses. Takota is out of school and this year is her year for colts.... so she eats a little dirt as long as nothing much gets broken she will be just fine. The colts are pretty good so the rest is up to her.
    Our birds are doing well and soon some will be in new places. I will have to have the space to raise chicks and it is time for some of them to go on to greener grass and be chickens. They will get a great place to be. I have to have the space for the babies as they grow.
    Fall will be coming faster than most realize and I am glad for it. We are totally tired of this inflation scam because it is an election year. It is so predictable during times like this and I guess people assume America is not very smart because we put up with it and go into hysteria pretty easily... just sit back all things will change. In recent conversations with friends I have made the comment over and over ... unless we are willing to do something about it ... nothing will change so as a society we get what we deserve. Some things are worth fighting for and others are not. They will self destruct anyways. Choosing battles carefully and wisdom of the enemy means you might have done your history homework because history always repeats itself. This should be in all walks of life including our animals . From horses to chickens it will always be the same. You will always have those that stir and cause grief . I am learning from the children they are called GREIFERS or something like that LMAO. The kids have to educate us on these things? !!! I guess when you have a ugly soul it does not matter who you step on or what type of front you put out there... ugly is ugly. There is no changing these people and the best thing to do is step back. Let it ride because some way some how someone will get bucked off . It does not matter what type of critter we are talking about because GRIEFERS are everywhere. I should state they are the same when it comes to their family lives also... it does not matter . It is not good for all of us as humans let alone it does nothing but bring harm to the breed of animals they are affecting. It is amazing some have raised great kids and I guess we should thank the rest of society for helping shape the kids. I find it amazing and think therapy or meds will not help some of these folks. There is nothing progressive about them ... it will be the same old every year. We all should just be grateful their are people out there that not only have an IQ but loaded with common sense to save some of us from ourselves! Not that I am a hot head or anything LMAO.Things always work out for a reason and sometimes we as groups of people need to understand that .... some people cannot help but to always stand out front and suck up all the energy of others ... I think the term is vampire and others well they like to be the victims? Either way it keeps people in the counseling business with a job. I think you have to know you are sick before you can seek help but hey one can always just choose to move on versus dwell in the dirt.
       Chickens and more chickens..... I am a little concerned for our chickens. The price of feed has hit the roof and I mean hit the roof. Our horse feed is doing the same. In one week our mineral buckets went up 9.00 dollars! It may not seem like much but multiply that times 4 when I am buying feed and that is 36.00! Unreal to think not only can we not afford the gas to go buy feed but we cannot afford to buy it when we get there! It is pretty sad.
Speaking of more money.... Postage went up. It cost be almost 9.00 more to ship a bird a couple of days ago! The Post Office told me they are now going to break shipping Express Mail in zones versus one price on a National level. I am not sure how is was handled before but it seems to have changed. I think what is going to make it hard on all of us is now not know a flat shipping fee to charge. You have to wonder what effect this will have on buying and selling birds? I do think about how many people are on a fixed income and the effect of this. I hope everyone does make it past this election time and we get this over with so we as people can move forward.
   Yes I wrote a book today! There has been a lot going on and that included our Club Ads. The members of the ASBC have done a great job coming through on behalf of the club and it will continue with strong good intentions and progressive in nature for the well being of the breed. My brain still boggles at other breeds but I do believe I only have limited storage space up there! In time I will learn about other breeds because I should. We are looking forward to a strong presence and knowing there is honesty and honor behind some it makes it even better.

Late updates

Ry — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:27:00 GMT

I should start by stating our pond project was not completed for a week! It appeared to be completed but when I returned with plants the water level was receding! Not a fun time folks! It is holding water again and all seems to be in good shape. I will get an updated picture. We have planted a few things but would love help in deciding what will survive and will not. I know there are others that have much more plant knowledge than I do. My rule of thumb is if it looks like a weed than I can grow it. I would love to try my hand at a garden next year but I guess I should see if I can make the small water plants live first?
Lumps and Bumps
Well it has been a long time but I managed to receive a couple lumps and bumps from the horses. Nobody was at fault but me. I know better and knew better at the time. Oh heck I even broke my own rules just to get these few bumps and bruises. I do have one heck of a bruise on my rear! In reality I was on the cell phone when I hit the ground and all I could do was laugh. Rod came out of the feed room looking for me and I was on the ground with my feet hanging out of a stall! I am sure it looked horrible! All I can do is laugh about it because I am not that hurt. Lesson learned for the 100th time.
It is hatching time and I have been busy hatching a few for myself and some for a friend. She just got her first Polish Trio. That darn pair of birds can sure lay eggs! Oops trio but I was not including the cockerel. I cannot wait until they hatch.... these are her first chickens and she is studying hard! I will be hatching them and hehehe I just cannot wait. Her and I have fun teasing each other back and forth. I am going to call her and tell her the chicks are all alive but they only have 4 toes each and I should cull them! We do have a good time with each other and these birds. They like to make fun of my silkies and some of my antics... I won't tell anyone she has a nummy bowl for her Polish and they get it filled every night! Good lord no wonder I have so many eggs of hers to hatch. The two ladies have produced about 28 eggs between the two of them in one laying cycle... I am not sure if they are done yet! Not to mention all of them are fertile! I wonder what is in those nummies! You would think we are having to much fun with this teasing!

Sunday Project

Ry — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:23:00 GMT

You know I think there is a song that says ... "I ain't as good as I once was ...but I am good once as I ever was " Either I had a long winter and have fallen way out of shape or nope nope I am not saying it! I am in denial! I forgot to take my vitamins that is my story and I am sticking to it. Here is what we started yesterday and we built it at least a foot off the ground and surrounded it with these huge colorful rocks we had laying around! There is a lot of work to complete but it is a start. I let birds out this morning and they have no interest in jumping up there so I am glad for that! So far so good. This pond was between the house and the garage and has caused way to many problems. This is going to be great when it is completed.

Spring?

Ry — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:24:00 GMT

I guess we could say spring is in the air? These recent storms have been taking their toll on my mental state. We have lost power one to many times and for the next batch of storms we are getting the generator ready. Between the brooder and Bator I was losing it!
With spring in the air this also means a few road trips! Wahoooo. We have been extremely busy lately so a could of road trips will help keep things in perspective for me.
Hatching? How is hatching going for everyone? I hope a lot less eventful that mine . This time of the year is so fun . I am excited to be doing it but wish it to be almost over and fall to be here! I missed a couple of shows this spring and am looking forward to the fall shows. If we do not stop losing power I will be showing the old ladies but that is ok I can still see my friends.
We have not even come close to mapping some of these area out yet . I have a traveling partner now that has polish and we can at least split hotel rooms. That will be a big relief.

Here We Are Again

Ry — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:10:00 GMT

Well I decided to take some of my own advice. Ignore the rest and focus on my birds and it works wonders. Why ...is all we would like to ask people? You have to wonder if other people have so much turmoil in their hearts they have to create it for others... It is much better to be outside enjoying the animals you have versus making heart ache and drama for others. I will pretty much step out from this point on. I am shocked at people and the child like behavior . Oh well so be it .
   On some great notes Barb Aerni you did it again! We are so proud of you! You have been through some tough times with a house fire to bad predators and still you endured it and moved forward with your birds! Huge congrats with your Rs FL ! I will look forward to visiting you in the fall and hope to see some super good colored birds. Hard work and honestly always pays off!
I am also excited about the comments that have been made regarding the awards! I am glad most people are happy with them. Things are in progress and will only get better so be patient. I will do my best to handle my part.
   We spent most of yesterday in the coop. Rod built me a shelf so to speak and I set up the stainless steel brooders.I also have room for my show boxes underneath! George gave me these cages and I am very proud of them! Thank You again. Well three on the bottom have 1/4 inch wire and the three on the top have smooth and flat stainless steel grate. Later we will build wood brooders with 1/4 inch wire and use these cages for the next transfer of babies as they grow. In that same room we moved a wall cage that has four large compartments for the final stages before the babies hit the floor. I am about 65% finished with that room. I have another room for storage and food prep that needs a lot of organizing! I think I should have a yard sale very soon and get many many things I thought she have been kept gone! Tons of kids clothing! It is amazing the amount of clothes my kids have... we walk around in our same old stuff but darn it they just keep growing.
My son will be 18 years old! WOW what a life of experience he has ahead of him... brings tears you my eyes to think my baby boy is now a big baby boy! Maybe this year when we are starting colts I can get him back on one? You know is always an ego adjustment? LOL.
Today will be a big day... grocery shopping and I have to get chicken groceries also! I am enjoying our new food for the coop and look forward to a lot less hassle preparing feed. Yes they are a little spoiled but so what. I cannot wait to get this yard sale mess over and have a nice food prep area. The final thing I need it going to be a sink.... hint hint hehe. You know I ran my poor husband out of our previous shop for the birds and now I have taken the entire garage and two 8x10 storage rooms from him. I guess it is only fair he kicks our chickens and I out of the house right? Mostly the kitchen is where I do damage but during show season the living room and my office looks like a chicken pet store! So he has me about 90 percent kicked out! The incubator - hatcher are remaining in. I am still allowed to use the kitchen sink to bath birds in! I think that is because he knows I feel bad for taking over and making a huge mess so I clean the entire kitchen when I am done... Rods comment is well at least the kitchen is clean!
    We are excited about the first couple of hatches but I think that is normal! I am sure that by the time we are finished hatching I won't be as excited but this is life!

It's Monday!

Ry — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:41:00 GMT

Wow after a long weekend it is over.... It seems like a week ago. Have you ever noticed when you have a lot of things to get done and you have a plan something throws a curve ball. We lost power on bird washing day! I was extremely grateful I spent a lot of time setting things up to work like an assembly line because when we lost power I did not have any wet birds! WHEW. It set us way back though.... after a all nighter with bird prep we were running late on travel day! I think we ran late until the show was over!
Hutchinson Show .....
What a great place to go! We had to take the new family addition with us and Ms Hemi did just fine aside from her feet never touched the concrete!
I have to finish cleaning the car out and I will get the info and make preparations to send it in the ASBC
I did want to give a huge congrats to Barb Aerni for her BV-BB- and Res FL bird! Super job lady and all your hard work is paying off! Maybe next time I will bring more ASBC goodies with me. Thank you for the renewal also. Keep up the work and keep in touch more often.
I think so many of these shows are so much fun because of the great people that help create them. Without their hard work there would be no shows so please keep supporting these shows. Even if you cannot attend ,support them. A lack of communication will create failed Poultry Clubs and it will only hurt the industry. I heard several stories this weekend regarding clubs and not holding shows because there is nobody to help set up or the new facilities are just way to expensive and that is a shame! Things will settle down soon and maybe others will step up to the plate and help out also. I am still learning and maybe by this fall I can be in a better position to help at the shows.