My daughter and I had ones that were just bracelets with a retractable cord between. She could get up to around four feet from me. We did a lot of hiking since she could walk, and I can't imagine going through some places without it. She's so quick and always loved to peer right over cliff sides. No fear!
Yes! The ecosystem changes are what I'm most excited about. Not so much the mosquito swarms the next year or two, but once the rest of the food chain moves in it'll be wonderful! I have seen a heron a couple times in the swampier parts of the creekbed and if he becomes a consistent visitor to the area I'll be over the moon.
I will report back in a few weeks with more pictures! Also will probably be spamming them all over Lemmy because I just cannot shut up about how cool they are 😅
A beaver (or beavers?) moved into the creek deep in the woods behind my house last fall, and I am SO excited about the beautiful pond they are building.
Right now we have three orpingtons, two brahma, one cochin, three golden comets, two marans, two plymouth rock, one silkie bantam, two sussex, and one wyandotte.
I had more bantams but they are really really good jumpers because they're so small and light, they can nearly fly, and they would insist on roosting in a tree... Their steadfast refusal to come in at night ended in their demise.
It is so hard when you lose one of the flock, and foxes, weasels, raccoons, whatever predators are in your area can smell them for miles and will snatch one eventually. But, for all the sobbing beside a pile of feathers I have done, I still wholeheartedly recommend that you go for it!
You should go for it, raising chickens is surprisingly easy and they are a hoot to watch frolicking around your yard.
However, fuck Tractor Supply for rolling back their DEI initiatives
Search for local hatcheries to buy your chicks. Last spring, I bought ten pre-sexed female chicks (which, admittedly comes with the ethical concerns of what they do with the males) of random "designer" breeds for only $95 including shipping.
I assume you're a better person than me and don't do this, but right now I am absolutely fantasizing about just leaving the dishes and whatever is sticky all over the counters, moving house, and starting a new life.... That's what I imagine when you say you rent a house for thanksgiving and fully support it.
Congee is the ultimate squishy sick food. Cook a cup of rice in 6-8 cups of liquid, with salt to taste, until completely broken down so it's thick and smooth. It's super versatile, can be made savory or sweet depending on the liquid you use to cook and any seasoning you want to add. I like it cooked in diluted coconut milk for a dessert base, then mix in raspberries and honey. Make it savory by cooking it in broth and topping with a soft boiled egg.
⭐ gold star, nailed it on your first try