My zucchini plants have flowers on them! I'm a little surprised since the plants aren't even that big yet, but the flowers should bring one of my summer favorites. 

I went to two of the local antique shops this weekend. For the most part one carries a lot of junk and the other carries a lot of dolls, btu each have their own flavor and it's nice to sample once in a while. I was pretty lucky this time. I found a lovely 3 in 1 Lightning Shredder and a cool Gillette safety shaver. The shredder is missing one of the pieces, but it's the slicer, which I wouldn't use. The shaver has already been put to use and I have to say that I will be getting rid of my over-priced Soliel with its cute 3-blade replacements.

I have to admit: I was a bit nervous about using this shaver. I just knew I was going to cut my legs to ribbons. First of all, the blade isn't tiny by any stretch of the imagination. Second, it is heavy. Third, they are made for the man's face, not the woman's legs. But, I took a deep breath and started on my lower legs. After getting used to the weight and the angle, it was a breeze. I even shaved my underarms!

There were a few more things I'd like to pick up next time I go down there; like the food grinder. These things are cast iron and are made to grind just about anything. I'm not sure yet whether that would be a good purchase, so I need to research a little more and think about it. I'd also like to find a nice Westinghouse fan.

So many sites talk about doing things for yourself and I can't help but wonder why more people aren't doing that already. It's become such a big deal to bake your own bread, weave a towel, spin some yarn, grow a few tomatoes. Why? These aren't things that are really hard to do. They don't take up lots of space. They don't cost a lot of money to learn. And yet, there are still people who are completely amazed that I knit the socks I'm wearing or grew the tomato in my salad or baked the quiche on the table.

I've had a wonderful conversation with K about the downfall of society and I sometimes think the simple fact that we no longer do things for ourselves has contributed greatly. I know there are people who would argue my point, but do those people know what freshly baked bread tastes like? Or what hand-knit socks feel like? They don't have the time? Yes, they do. Take away one TV program and use that time to learn knitting. Make a washcloth or a simple square. Make a square a week and in a few months you can stitch together all those squares and make a blanket.

I'm so excited! I've actually been saying that for a couple days now. You see, I got permission to have chickens. Here. In town. While renting. Monday I placed an order with Meyer Hatchery for two Rhode Island Reds and one Ameraucana. They will hatch around the 21st and I will be picking them up on the 23rd.

They will be living inside for several weeks in an aquarium I have. I used to have a boa (so I'll need to clean the tank very well to remove any residual odors) and I never got rid of the stuff that I used with her. Once they arrive, I'll put them into the aquarium (The Cozy Coop) and show them where the water and food are. I figure they will need a little time to get over the ride home and get used to being in a new place. Over time I will need to reduce the heat in The Cozy Coop so they can be moved outdoors.

Since I am starting so late in the season I may have an easier time moving them outdoors, but a longer wait until I see eggs. 

I still have so much to do! Clean the tank & set up The Cozy Coop. Build the outdoor coop & nesting box and get it weatherproofed. Build the run to attach to the coop.Decide where the best place for it will be. Research more about winter chickens. I'll just take it one day at a time. I won't need the outdoor coop until the end of July. So, focus on The Cozy Coop.