I’ve been working a lot. My eldest is off to college in his third year and my daughter, who was almost 6 when I started writing this blog is now learning how to drive and in her third year of high school. Time seems to pass so quickly. Chapters close and new chapters arrive.

The flock is small. It has been  so for a while. Panko and Storey are still here, my two Bantam Buff Brahmas and also the three Easter Eggers- Fluffy, Cuddles and Veruca. The girls are older and I am waiting to add to the flock as everyone is happy and getting along well. It’s status quo in the flock and if you know chickens, that is a very good thing! It was difficult last summer as they all seemed to be dying one after the other due to old age. All of my girls are 8-9 years old. But, you know how chicken math goes- perhaps some chicks in the spring.

I am still working as nurse practitioner. I’ve changed to admitting patients to our hospital service. It’s been a nice change of pace the past year or so. The days are long, but fulfilling and I really enjoy my co-workers. I know that the medical field is my first calling. I feel like I can make a difference in peoples’ lives everyday and that for me is really special. My mother always told me I was a nurse from the time I was little. Finally, after all these years,  I would agree.

We took a family vacation this summer. The first time since 2019 before the pandemic. We enjoyed Amsterdam and Prague. It was a lot of fun to vacation with the kids as they are older. They planned and chose many of our adventures. I have been to Amsterdam a few time, but this was a first for me in Prague. If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend exploring this mysterious and medieval city. I cannot wait to return.

I also turned 50 in Prague. It was lovely way to mark my half a century milestone. So, it will probably always be a special place. Plus I am still craving this dessert called a Trdelnik we enjoyed as well toasted to another 50 years. Oh my goodness. It was like a donut made into a cone and then you could fill it with all different varieties of soft serve, fruits, chocolates and nuts.  Yummy!

Yes, I am still keeping bees. Two hives are bustling. One was found queenless this past weekend, and we had to combine the hive with one with a queen. I always find that beekeeping with two hives is important. It allows you to use the other to save a failing one. My guess, is that it swarmed when we were away. I don’t like to do a full inspection when the honey supers are in place. My beekeeping philosophy is that I am more of a helper than a keeper. I like to let them do their thing. They know best.

I am still writing. Most days, still dreaming of the chickens when I can. I have been busy working on a 2024 How to Speak Chicken calendar. It’s available here, here and here. You can also purchase a copy through me. I will get that information up this week on the website. I also have another chicken book for you that I think you going to absolutely love. That is due to publish in early 2025 but should be available for pre-sale during the 2024 Holiday Season. I cannot wait to share more about it once we get closer to the publishing date.

So, my questions to many of you is are you still enjoying the website? Do you want me to keep writing? Are blogs even relevant anymore? I’m at a crossroads here. I still love what I do but certainly, not sure how folks feel these days. The world is such a different place. I was told that peoples’ attention span is now less than a few minutes. Geez, not sure what to make of it all. Maybe you can share your thoughts in the comments.

Be well, happy almost fall. I promise to write more soon.  Thanks for catching up.