Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Chicks!

I have to say that chicks are totally cute. That said, it doesn't last long and they turn into old hens too soon but at least then they lay eggs.

Last week I had to get my brother over to help. A predator of some sort has been getting in the barn and has dispatched and eaten 3 chickens. We made a new hatch and repaired any loose boards in the barn. My brother then set out traps so we can have wildlife control relocate the culprit if we catch it. Of course once identified we will search the woods behind the barn for any young.

Last week I was at Anderson Farm Supply and Mr Anderson told me that many people are having issues with predators this summer. Perhaps it is due to the really mild winter we just had.

So today Mr. Anderson called. A package arrived and I had to go pick it up. Yep, we have some new chicks here!

The Package
Here Are the New Chicks!
The 16 new chicks in a bigger box.
When they are big enough they will meet the older chickens in the barn.
I think Keiko is annoyed that the chicks are in a closed room...

Monday, June 18, 2012

To the Monkey Farm!

After so many rainy days we finally had a gorgeous day here. So last night I finalized plans for today's ride. Ramiro (Rams), Mike, and Erin couldn't make it but my buddy Steve was up for a ride.

He was at my house mid morning and we took a scenic route south along the Connecticut river to our destination in Old Saybrook, The Monkey Farm bar.
We were there early and I was surprised at some of the regulars that filed in and bellied up the bar at 11AM. Steve and I sat at a table on the patio and the staff made a fresh pot of coffee for us.

Lunchtime arrived and I already knew what I wanted: a hot lobster roll. Steve ordered up a huge cheeseburger. The Monkey Farm prides itself on cooking to order so it was a bit of a wait but well worth it. Lobster rolls are a summertime tradition for me and I savored every bite.

After lunch I bought my very first tie-dye tee shirt (I'm such a hippie) with a cute Monkey Farm logo on it, loaded it under Anatra's tail (my Ducati) and we were off again.
We rode the loop around the beaches crossing over the causeway and hugging the shoreline before turning north for home.

My new Arai helmet flows a lot of air and it felt like I had air conditioning om my head. As always my summertime mesh gear felt great too.

Once at my house, I adjusted the new chain on Steve's bike and secured the clips with safety wire. I recently bought a nice set of safety wire pliers and it's my favorite new toy. I just am looking for any opportunity to add safety wire to bike parts.

Steve left a little while ago as he didn't want his wife to worry about him. He asked if he could bring her along next time and of course my attitude is "the more the merrier." Hopefully next time Rams, Mike & Erin, and the rest of our group can make it. They really missed out on a great ride today!

Our bikes outside The Monkey Farm (Anatra's the yellow one) 
My First Lobster Roll of the Season... Yum!