So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Raising Chickens - Why Not?

By Tom Francis

Theres something nice about keeping your own chickens and its no wonder that so many people choose to keep a few chickens.

The chickens will supply you with all the eggs you need, and maybe with enough to sell to shops or at the local market.

They are one of my favorite foods, without a doubt. You can beat the taste, and you can have so much variety with eggs. The common uses are of course, boiling, frying and poaching. But there are so many other applications, in baking cakes, quiches etc.

I live in the city and I am a regular consumer of eggs. I get mine in the local grocery store or supermarket. They are OK I guess, but have you ever tasted real free-range eggs?

I usually spend a weekend in the country with my mom, every five or six weeks. And she always seems to have a supply of "free free range" eggs at the ready. She gets them from a local farmer who calls to the door. Now these eggs are about as far from battery eggs as it's possible to get.

And boy do I enjoy those eggs. Theres just no comparison with shop eggs, bless them. And I have my doubts if shop eggs (even the free-range variety) are really free-range.

I think its because I grew up on that same farm, and enjoyed those free free range eggs every day, that I got the taste for them. You are never happy with second best.

And it's quite easy to get started with your own chickens. That's one of the big attractions. With a back garden of a reasonable size, you could soon build a coop at a reasonable price, and get a few chickens who will call your place home! Not to mention - the daily supply of fresh eggs.

And I think that it's hard not to get attached to the chickens - they can be so endearing. You can of course keep them for the eggs, but they can turn out to be like pets!

Believe it or not, I could watch chickens for ages. I find them so interesting (and funny). The sounds, the head movements and the way they forage around the yard, all amuse me. (Maybe that's easily done)!

Each one has their own particular traits - some are loud and and boisterous, while others are more laid-back, or timid. And when they lay an egg, they let you know, loud and clear!

And the chickens come in many beautiful colors and varieties, such as Golden Campines, Blue Andalusians or the popular Rhode Island Reds.

They can be kept as pets, of course, but they will keep producing eggs. What other pet gives something back? I cant think of any!

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