The first batch of broiler chicks arrived today.  We decided to do them in batches of 30 this year as having to process them all at once is WAY too much work.  This way they will be raised in the cooler temperatures of the spring and fall weather.  So in the past 2 weeks we have acquired 25 new chicks to replace the older ladies of the layer flock, 2 piglets to replenish the bacon and ham in November, and the first 30 broilers.  Next week one of the big girls goes off to the processor.  Of course, if you like, you can always go get factory farmed meat like substances they call chicken and pork wrapped in cellophane at your local “grocery store”.  Ick.

In the next several weeks we will begin planting.  Potatoes, carrots, onions and beets can go out most any time now as they grow underground.  The melons, cukes, Zukes, squash, melons, tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos and other above ground plants need to wait until after Memorial Day so they 1. Don’t get destroyed by the hail that comes with the mountain run off and 2. To lessen the chance of them being exposed to a hard freeze.

May is pretty busy.  This year more than most.  We are all proud parents right now as well. My son turned 21 this past weekend and he just found out he aced his Calculus class.  The kid seems to think in numbers.  It was a great confidence builder for him.  Hopefully there will be a good job waiting for him somewhere down the line.