Adding to the edible garden

Yesterday we planted a mandarin tree and a grape vine. We put them both in the chook yard to make the most of the wonderful soil that the chickens create. Perfect for growing fruit and veges. Of course, we had some very important helpers.

Nesting Boxes

When we recently had our old bathroom vanity taken out, we were left with the old drawers as they still had bit and pieces in that needed to be rehomed in the new vanity. I decided rather than throw them out, I would repurpose two of them as nesting boxes in the chicken coop.

My five girls have plenty of places to lay their eggs. Where this new 'next' is they used to just like laying there straight on the ground, even though they have a fancy one that Phil made them a couple of years ago. They tend to change their favourite laying spot every month or two.

Sometimes if I change things around in their coop, they get their beaks out of joint and change things too! But this morning I was pleased to find 'someone' (probably Muffin) had laid in their new box!

Even though there is plenty of spots, sometimes chickens like to lay in the same box at the same time!

They don't care whether the box is lined with straw, shredded paper or confetti. As long as it is dry and warm and preferbly dark, then they are happy.

Sometimes they just kind of shove each other out of the way and sit themselves down. The other usually jumps out and finds somewhere else, or comes back later.

You can use almost anything to make a safe nest for your chicken to lay her eggs. These are some cool ones I found on Pinterest! Lots of awesome ideas on there!

Craft Cushion

Ella was occupied one day last week during the school holidays with this little craft cushion! It kept her quiet for ages, and she was super proud of her achievements!

Swan Valley Wagon Trails

It's nearing the end of the school holidays now, and with it forecast to be a beautiful mid-winters day today, I booked in for the girls' and I to do this fabulous wagon trail in our beautiful Swan Valley. I then asked a friend if she and her girls' wanted to join us, and they did! Both our partners are away, so it's nice to have friends to spend outings with and this is a really really good one. It was recently voted number 1 tourist attraction in the Swan Valley. We did the morning tour, which took around 3.5 hours visiting a winery with tastings of local produce. We tried dukkah, several olive oils, olives, raisins, fresh oranges, honey, relishes, pickles and jams. The adults enjoyed the wine tastings and the kids were entertained during this time with colouring-in and ice cream! We visited the oldest church in WA with its beautiful grounds and stunning view. Then onto a favourite of ours - Oggies ice creamery and English lolly shoppe! Our host Ross was very knowledgeable of the Swan Valley and we learnt alot, the kids were well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. They want to go again! Toffee, the beautiful Clydesdale was calm, even when large trucks were passing us! So if you are looking for something to do in the Swan Valley, I highly recommend you check them out!
You can read more about them here

Toffee awaits us in the mid winter sun

The girls took turns at sitting at the front

cute bunnies also enjoyed the mid winter sun

local bee hives

The girls' enjoyed picking fresh citrus

Everyone loved to pat Toffee

Horses around the winery waiting for a pat ...

and a bit of a new hairstyle

Kate was excited to spot this van!

Waiting for the taste testing to begin

Our wine tasting host

more cuddles

The girls' loved it when Toffee got up a bit of speed through thick mud

Off to the church

Ross explains the heritage

Ice cream time!

The final journey home

Deep in thought ...