Sunday, August 28, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
More Farm Pics
More pics from the farm, back in June.
See previous post for the story, and see an upcoming post for today's news - we went to the farm to visit my babies! And they were great! Story to come. Now, back to packing for DC. I depart tomorrow.
Okay...pictures!
Feels like we're on the great plains, doesn't it?
Hello.
Buffalo chasing dog.
A white silkie chicken. (Their feathers lack the stuff that makes them lay down smooth, so the birds are fluffballs. Notice fluffy feet too!)
A black silkie.
The extended family.
Until we meet again...
See previous post for the story, and see an upcoming post for today's news - we went to the farm to visit my babies! And they were great! Story to come. Now, back to packing for DC. I depart tomorrow.
Okay...pictures!
Feels like we're on the great plains, doesn't it?
Hello.
Buffalo chasing dog.
A white silkie chicken. (Their feathers lack the stuff that makes them lay down smooth, so the birds are fluffballs. Notice fluffy feet too!)
A black silkie.
The extended family.
Until we meet again...
Sunday, August 21, 2005
The Farm Report, Part 2
So we arrived at the farm, R&R Farm, about 10 miles northeast of Northport, Alabama. Bob came out to greet us and we took Scratch and Scout back to their new digs, a spacious, well-appointed stall in a stable. They immediately took to roost on the board suspended high above the ground. Happy in their new home.
Then Bob and I walked around looking at all the other animals he's got out there...and does he have a lot! They are: horses, goats, chickens (many types), peacocks, guinea hens, parrots, dogs, of course, and last but not least, two BUFFALO! Two huge hairy beasts! See pictures below!
So yes, lots of animals. And deer and rabbits sometimes appear too. So we walked around, mingling with creatures and critters, and I petted a goat, who head-butted my butt when I turned away. I looked at all the chickens, of many types and ages. They were good lookin' little people. One of them, Bob said, was Scout's father; I did see a strong resemblence. In fact, there was a whole group of BB Reds in a coop that looked like the extended family of my chickens. Oh, in light of this, even though Bob said that S&S would live separately the whole time, we went ahead and put bands on their legs anyway, just in case they played with others and got mixed in. I'd hate to go back out there and wind up with stranger-chickens.
After being there for an hour and a half or so, it was finally time to head home. I went back to Scratch & Scout's apartment for one last pet and to say goodbye. Happily, they were already comfortable in their stall, and Bob assured my that he would visit and play with them, since they were so used to having a daddy around. I said goodbye, got a last photo, and left.
Home I went, and as sad as it was to take them to the farm and say goodbye, the saddest part was when I came home to an empty home. Normally, when I open the door, I would say "Hello! What are you doing?!" and they would crow and cluck back and be glad to see me. This time, I opened the door, said "Hello!?" and got only silence in return.
It was definitely a sad, quiet house thereafter, espcially when I was cleaning up and putting away their stuff. It was good that I was able to get out of there and go on the South Florida trip the next day.
Oh, one more thing about farm return day. Bob gave me a small egg, fresh from the vent of another chicken, which brought home and scrambled. It was goooood! Fresh eggs are so much better than store bought!
So, that was that. A month and a half ago. Scratch and Scout were back at the farm, and I was off to Florida, then work in Montgomery. I've been back in Tuscaloosa for almost a week now, closing down the summer and getting ready to head to DC for the semester. I've finally written the farm report, and just in time, because I plan on visiting them tomorrow. I called by tonight and left a message saying that I would have to leave them there awhile longer and that I'd like to visit tomorrrow. Hopefully all will be well, and they'll be happy to see me and maybe Scratch will even have some eggs for daddy.
Speaking of eggs, did I ever mention that right before I took them back, I had caught them gettin' busy a couple of times? Yes, it seemed that after a few months as brother and sister, they had become boyfriend and girlfriend. Don't worry; although we don't know if they really are siblings (or half-siblings), incest is not really an issue with chickens. At least not just sweet pets. Maybe if you're raising show chickens; I don't know. Anyway, the point is that maybe she'll have some eggs for me, or maybe some grand-chicks!
Oh you know what? Another thing I forgot to tell the story about is the Chicken Store and Chicken Lounge in Key West, not to mention all of the chickens running wild. I'll save that story for a later post.
Okay, here are some pictures from that day in late June, back to the farm:
Then Bob and I walked around looking at all the other animals he's got out there...and does he have a lot! They are: horses, goats, chickens (many types), peacocks, guinea hens, parrots, dogs, of course, and last but not least, two BUFFALO! Two huge hairy beasts! See pictures below!
So yes, lots of animals. And deer and rabbits sometimes appear too. So we walked around, mingling with creatures and critters, and I petted a goat, who head-butted my butt when I turned away. I looked at all the chickens, of many types and ages. They were good lookin' little people. One of them, Bob said, was Scout's father; I did see a strong resemblence. In fact, there was a whole group of BB Reds in a coop that looked like the extended family of my chickens. Oh, in light of this, even though Bob said that S&S would live separately the whole time, we went ahead and put bands on their legs anyway, just in case they played with others and got mixed in. I'd hate to go back out there and wind up with stranger-chickens.
After being there for an hour and a half or so, it was finally time to head home. I went back to Scratch & Scout's apartment for one last pet and to say goodbye. Happily, they were already comfortable in their stall, and Bob assured my that he would visit and play with them, since they were so used to having a daddy around. I said goodbye, got a last photo, and left.
Home I went, and as sad as it was to take them to the farm and say goodbye, the saddest part was when I came home to an empty home. Normally, when I open the door, I would say "Hello! What are you doing?!" and they would crow and cluck back and be glad to see me. This time, I opened the door, said "Hello!?" and got only silence in return.
It was definitely a sad, quiet house thereafter, espcially when I was cleaning up and putting away their stuff. It was good that I was able to get out of there and go on the South Florida trip the next day.
Oh, one more thing about farm return day. Bob gave me a small egg, fresh from the vent of another chicken, which brought home and scrambled. It was goooood! Fresh eggs are so much better than store bought!
So, that was that. A month and a half ago. Scratch and Scout were back at the farm, and I was off to Florida, then work in Montgomery. I've been back in Tuscaloosa for almost a week now, closing down the summer and getting ready to head to DC for the semester. I've finally written the farm report, and just in time, because I plan on visiting them tomorrow. I called by tonight and left a message saying that I would have to leave them there awhile longer and that I'd like to visit tomorrrow. Hopefully all will be well, and they'll be happy to see me and maybe Scratch will even have some eggs for daddy.
Speaking of eggs, did I ever mention that right before I took them back, I had caught them gettin' busy a couple of times? Yes, it seemed that after a few months as brother and sister, they had become boyfriend and girlfriend. Don't worry; although we don't know if they really are siblings (or half-siblings), incest is not really an issue with chickens. At least not just sweet pets. Maybe if you're raising show chickens; I don't know. Anyway, the point is that maybe she'll have some eggs for me, or maybe some grand-chicks!
Oh you know what? Another thing I forgot to tell the story about is the Chicken Store and Chicken Lounge in Key West, not to mention all of the chickens running wild. I'll save that story for a later post.
Okay, here are some pictures from that day in late June, back to the farm:
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
The Farm Report, Part 1
So I'm here in Tuscaloosa, taking care of lots of little tasks before I head to DC early next week. In the next couple of days, I'm going to go visit Scratch and Scout. But before I can report on how they're doing, I need to finally write the report of when I took them there. So here! At long last, the farm report, part one:
It was late June, near the end of summer school, right before our South Florida trip, when the sad day came. I made sure to spend lots of quality time with my chickens before taking them to the farm. We sat outside, they pecked in the yard, clucked and flapped around me, and enjoyed a last meal of pasta, italian sausage, and roasted peppers. It was good.
Eventually, time came to go, and I had the fun task of trying to catch them. In the house at night this was generally little trouble, but outside, during the day, they were not ready to be told to go anywhere other than wherever they wanted. And since I'd taken the little coop down, I didn't have my normal area in which to corner them and grab 'em. So I ran around, chasing chickens, who were making all kinds of noise. We all were. And finally, one and then the other, I was able to get them and put them in the house.
I had already loaded their stuff into the car, and in the house it was easy to pick them up and carry them out. At this point they were good, sweet chickens, happily being held. We took a few photos by the car, said hi to Alison and Amanda, law student neighbors, and got in the Explorer.
The ride was fun; at first they looked out the window like dogs do, but eventually Scratch settled down on the floor and Scout sat on my arm, cruising along. And they were good - no pooping in the car! It was fun having them in the car. Good photo below.
And then, alas, the ride was over, as we arrived at the farm.
At this point I will pause the story and post a few photos. Story to be resumed in a day or so.
Family photo.
Sad.
Corporate Mail.
Lookin' out the window!
Me & my boy, just cruisin' along.
It was late June, near the end of summer school, right before our South Florida trip, when the sad day came. I made sure to spend lots of quality time with my chickens before taking them to the farm. We sat outside, they pecked in the yard, clucked and flapped around me, and enjoyed a last meal of pasta, italian sausage, and roasted peppers. It was good.
Eventually, time came to go, and I had the fun task of trying to catch them. In the house at night this was generally little trouble, but outside, during the day, they were not ready to be told to go anywhere other than wherever they wanted. And since I'd taken the little coop down, I didn't have my normal area in which to corner them and grab 'em. So I ran around, chasing chickens, who were making all kinds of noise. We all were. And finally, one and then the other, I was able to get them and put them in the house.
I had already loaded their stuff into the car, and in the house it was easy to pick them up and carry them out. At this point they were good, sweet chickens, happily being held. We took a few photos by the car, said hi to Alison and Amanda, law student neighbors, and got in the Explorer.
The ride was fun; at first they looked out the window like dogs do, but eventually Scratch settled down on the floor and Scout sat on my arm, cruising along. And they were good - no pooping in the car! It was fun having them in the car. Good photo below.
And then, alas, the ride was over, as we arrived at the farm.
At this point I will pause the story and post a few photos. Story to be resumed in a day or so.
Family photo.
Sad.
Corporate Mail.
Lookin' out the window!
Me & my boy, just cruisin' along.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Chickens in the News!
NYT: "Scratch a Suburb, Find a Chicken"
Also, this is my first post from my new Apple iBook! It finally arrived last Friday and I've been getting it, and myself, up to speed since then, in between fishing and working. Yes, had a good day in the gulf Saturday, hauling in some snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, and lots of grouper. Yum.
Work is fine. Last week some fellow clerks and Josh and I went to a Montgomery Biscuits game. They stomped on my hometown Mobile BayBears. The Biscuits' logo is great - a happy biscuit witth bug-eyes and a tongue of butter.
This computer is amazing. Everything works so well, looks so good. Making the switch has been a joy. I actually did more work today at work because I was so into using it. More on this later; for now, good riddance Dell and Windows!!!
Also, this is my first post from my new Apple iBook! It finally arrived last Friday and I've been getting it, and myself, up to speed since then, in between fishing and working. Yes, had a good day in the gulf Saturday, hauling in some snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, and lots of grouper. Yum.
Work is fine. Last week some fellow clerks and Josh and I went to a Montgomery Biscuits game. They stomped on my hometown Mobile BayBears. The Biscuits' logo is great - a happy biscuit witth bug-eyes and a tongue of butter.
This computer is amazing. Everything works so well, looks so good. Making the switch has been a joy. I actually did more work today at work because I was so into using it. More on this later; for now, good riddance Dell and Windows!!!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Eventful Week
This week I have seen oral arguments before the Alabama Supreme Court once and been to prison twice. Prison! Yesterday I went to Staton Correctional Facility (medium security) with a lawyer (and Tulane buddy of Dan's) to talk to a client (a prison official, not an inmate). Today I went to Kilby Correctional Facility (maximum security) for the regular law clerk tour that every group of clerks gets. It was something. Imagine all that you've seen in prison movies plus overcrowding plus no AC plus summer in central Alabama. NB: try to avoid becoming a prisoner.
Here are pictures from the cellphone cam:
Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes arguing before the Court.
Matt Beam and I at Staton.
Inmates working near Kilby. Just out of view is the big guard with a shotgun.
The front gate at Kilby.
In other news, I finally scanned 90 or so last-couple-of-months photos tonight, mostly of Scratch and Scout. So those will be trickling onto the blog soon.
Here are pictures from the cellphone cam:
Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes arguing before the Court.
Matt Beam and I at Staton.
Inmates working near Kilby. Just out of view is the big guard with a shotgun.
The front gate at Kilby.
In other news, I finally scanned 90 or so last-couple-of-months photos tonight, mostly of Scratch and Scout. So those will be trickling onto the blog soon.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Laid Back
About a week ago, I was driving along in the Explorer and suddenly, the seat broke! Specifically, the latch-thingee down on the side which controls the angle of the back of the seat. It seems that the teeth on the thing have worn down, so the seat won't stay up; it just moves freely. For a few days it was leaning back, but not all the way down. I was able to drive around like a pimp. Then a few days ago I was showing someone the phenomenon when the thing went ahead and broke all the way. Now the seatback is flat, resting firmly on the backseat. So now I have to drive around hunched over the steering wheel, like a large, blond, male old lady. The fun part is at stoplights, where I can just completely lay back, and can just see over the dash enough to see the red lights. So I lay down, and to cars around me, there is no driver. Then the light goes green and I pop up and hit the gas! That's entertainment!
Today I finally got a pillow to provide a little support to my back, but it really doesn't do much. It really just makes it more comfortable to lay back. One result of all this is that I have learned that the broken lever is not called a "latch thingie" but a "recliner," and I should have a new one put in this week, after calling numerous junkyards and parts people in Montgomery and Mobile and locating the part. More news on this as it happens. In the meantime, enjoy these action shots:
Wanna go for a ride?
Who needs a seatback?!
Starting to lose it.
Oh, daddy.
Today I finally got a pillow to provide a little support to my back, but it really doesn't do much. It really just makes it more comfortable to lay back. One result of all this is that I have learned that the broken lever is not called a "latch thingie" but a "recliner," and I should have a new one put in this week, after calling numerous junkyards and parts people in Montgomery and Mobile and locating the part. More news on this as it happens. In the meantime, enjoy these action shots:
Wanna go for a ride?
Who needs a seatback?!
Starting to lose it.
Oh, daddy.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Bolivian Wrasslin'
Doesn't this look fun?!
For more, see NYT: "In This Corner, in the Flouncy Skirt and Bowler Hat..."
I got a bitchin' new car battery today. Now the Explorer starts with a vengance.
Montgomery is Damn Hot! No coastal breeze = sweaty duress.
For more, see NYT: "In This Corner, in the Flouncy Skirt and Bowler Hat..."
I got a bitchin' new car battery today. Now the Explorer starts with a vengance.
Montgomery is Damn Hot! No coastal breeze = sweaty duress.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Man Dies After Sex with an Arabian Stallion!
Did you see this?!?! I missed it last week but thankfully Stephanie just told me about it so I was able to look it up. It seems that, until recently, out in Washington there was a popular livestock whorehouse.
MSNBC (from Reuters): "Seattle man dies after sex with horse"
KOMO TV (Seattle): "Man Dies in Bizarre Case of Beastiality"
News24 (Cape Town): "Man dies after sex with horse"
Did you notice the good news that it was FILMED?
I hope no chickens were harmed in these activities.
MSNBC (from Reuters): "Seattle man dies after sex with horse"
KOMO TV (Seattle): "Man Dies in Bizarre Case of Beastiality"
News24 (Cape Town): "Man dies after sex with horse"
Did you notice the good news that it was FILMED?
I hope no chickens were harmed in these activities.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Discovery
I stumbled upon this today:
Have you ever hit the F11 key while in your browser?
Do it. See what happens.
Radical.
---------------------------------------------
Edit, 11:48pm:
I just realized, I think the phenomenon mentioned above is probably Windows only, 'cause I know F11 does different things on a Mac. I guess all I know for sure is that it works in Firefox and IE.
For those who are unable to enjoy the effect that I'm talking about, when you hit F11 it makes your browser fill up the whole screen. I don't mean just maximise it; it actually takes away the status bars, toolbars, everything. You're left with only the window of content (if you have multiple tabs open in Firefox you see those too).
Kinda neat!
Have you ever hit the F11 key while in your browser?
Do it. See what happens.
Radical.
---------------------------------------------
Edit, 11:48pm:
I just realized, I think the phenomenon mentioned above is probably Windows only, 'cause I know F11 does different things on a Mac. I guess all I know for sure is that it works in Firefox and IE.
For those who are unable to enjoy the effect that I'm talking about, when you hit F11 it makes your browser fill up the whole screen. I don't mean just maximise it; it actually takes away the status bars, toolbars, everything. You're left with only the window of content (if you have multiple tabs open in Firefox you see those too).
Kinda neat!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
John Roberts
So the nominee has been announced. As I'll be working for the Judiciary Committee in the fall, please promptly submit all questions you'd like asked of Judge Roberts.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
International Recognition
My keen eye and skills with a camera and with chicken stewardship have earned me a warm mention on The Ferocious Reader, the blog of Anna-Lisa, our favorite Southern Californian-turned-Edinburgher. She happens to be a skilled wordsmith, and her dad is a hell of a dancer.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Drinking
As Scratch helps herself to a sip of my water, Scout looks a bit leery of the idea.
"Should I drink that?"
"What's wrong with you? Of course you should."
"Ah, what the hell."
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Work and Chickens
Two days of work at the Attorney General's office, Civil Division, and it's been good so far. Nice lawyers, nice fellow clerks, interesting work (although sometimes it makes me a little sleepy). Yesterday, my first day, I walked in and had been there literally 5 minutes before I was off to court with a lawyer and two clerks to watch a hearing. Neat.
Yesterday morning I called Bob to ask how Scratch and Scout were doing. He said my babies were doing very well! They've been personable and chatty, and it seems that Scratch has made a little next in the nest-box in the corner! I can't wait to go back and see them.
More photos coming up.
Yesterday morning I called Bob to ask how Scratch and Scout were doing. He said my babies were doing very well! They've been personable and chatty, and it seems that Scratch has made a little next in the nest-box in the corner! I can't wait to go back and see them.
More photos coming up.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Last Days
Well Dannis came and went, with a stiff breeze and lot of rain, but otherwise not much punch by the time he got up here. Mobile and Orange Beach were spared too. And tonight I head down to Montgomery to start work tomorrow.
So, after the Florida trip, final exams, and Dennis, I am finally able to resume the chronology of my life with chickens. Here are some excellent photos of the fun we had during the last few days before the trip back to the farm.
One afternoon Scout decided to give the dining room light a try...
...but it was steep and slippery, so that experiment didn't last long.
So, after the Florida trip, final exams, and Dennis, I am finally able to resume the chronology of my life with chickens. Here are some excellent photos of the fun we had during the last few days before the trip back to the farm.
One afternoon Scout decided to give the dining room light a try...
...but it was steep and slippery, so that experiment didn't last long.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Dennis Lashes Key West
What are the chickens going to do?!?!
In other news, I finally finished by summer school exams today. Yes! Now, no law school until January!
I spoke to the AG's office yesterday; due to Hurricane Dennis, I won't be starting work down there until Tuesday at the earliest. Speaking of Dennis, hopefully he won't destroy our home or our condo, which only recently became fixed and reusable after Ivan's destruction last year.
Lastly, back to the topic of "stay tuned," today I picked up the photos from Scratch and Scout's return to the farm, as well as those from the Florida trip, so soon I will post stories and photos from said events. That is, if Dennis doesn't knock out my power.
In other news, I finally finished by summer school exams today. Yes! Now, no law school until January!
I spoke to the AG's office yesterday; due to Hurricane Dennis, I won't be starting work down there until Tuesday at the earliest. Speaking of Dennis, hopefully he won't destroy our home or our condo, which only recently became fixed and reusable after Ivan's destruction last year.
Lastly, back to the topic of "stay tuned," today I picked up the photos from Scratch and Scout's return to the farm, as well as those from the Florida trip, so soon I will post stories and photos from said events. That is, if Dennis doesn't knock out my power.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Back in T-Town
I'm back in Tuscaloosa; my bag is not. Yes, more trouble with Delta. We got separated from our luggage both flying down last week and flying back last night. Delta sucks.
Other fun: Stephanie and I got to town today at 12:30, I was at school taking a final by 1:30, and now I have two more to finish by tomorrow afternoon. Then move to Montgomery. Fun weekend!
Stay tuned for report and photos from Scratch and Scout's return to the farm and from the trip.
Also, Congratulations to John and Molly Sanders on the arrival of Kate!
And condolences to my beloved London for the attacks on the Tube today.
Until next time, enjoy The Chicken Store.
Other fun: Stephanie and I got to town today at 12:30, I was at school taking a final by 1:30, and now I have two more to finish by tomorrow afternoon. Then move to Montgomery. Fun weekend!
Stay tuned for report and photos from Scratch and Scout's return to the farm and from the trip.
Also, Congratulations to John and Molly Sanders on the arrival of Kate!
And condolences to my beloved London for the attacks on the Tube today.
Until next time, enjoy The Chicken Store.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Key West & Ft. Lauderdale
As some of you may know, there are LOTS of CHICKENS in Key West! It was great! And we went to The Chicken Store!
Not so many chickens in Fort Lauderdale, where I currently sit.
In depth report to follow.
Not so many chickens in Fort Lauderdale, where I currently sit.
In depth report to follow.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Marathon
Reporting live from Marathon, FL.
Trip (Mom, Dad, me & Stephanie) has been a bit bumpy so far...luggage delayed, nearly had hotel reservations yanked out from under us, I've had to do schoolwork...but overall we're in South Florida so it's hard to complain. I'll take palm trees and blue water over pine trees and bland land anytime.
The only real problem: we don't have any chickens with us! Luckily, Key West has them running amok, so hopefully I'll get some good chicken time down there.
Hopefully Scratch and Scout are adjusting well to the farm. I'll have to call and check on them soon.
Hasta luego.
Trip (Mom, Dad, me & Stephanie) has been a bit bumpy so far...luggage delayed, nearly had hotel reservations yanked out from under us, I've had to do schoolwork...but overall we're in South Florida so it's hard to complain. I'll take palm trees and blue water over pine trees and bland land anytime.
The only real problem: we don't have any chickens with us! Luckily, Key West has them running amok, so hopefully I'll get some good chicken time down there.
Hopefully Scratch and Scout are adjusting well to the farm. I'll have to call and check on them soon.
Hasta luego.
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