It’s been a little chaotic on our little homestead the past few weeks. It is mostly related to my turkeys. I don’t know if all turkeys are like this, but my turkeys are mama’s babies and demand a lot of time and attention. They are magnificent and beautiful and so smart, but they are also a challenge. I spend a good bit of time every day having “turkey time.”
They are big enough to spend time outside during the day, outside of their brooder, but they don’t want to be out there by themselves. So I have to sit out there with them for hours. I have much work to do, so I usually sit on a tree stump and grade papers while the turkeys fly around and do their turkey thing. Sometimes, they fly on my head. Sometimes, they get into my lap. Mostly, they just run around and scratch and eat bugs, but as soon as I try to leave, they run after me and then sit at the fence and cry. And cry. And then cry some more.
Ron cannot hear it. It’s too high pitched for his old ears, but mine are not old enough yet, which means I hear it all, feel like a terrible turkey mama,, which I totally am, and then head back outside with my laptop and sit on the hard tree stump to do my work. My tailbone is very sore.
I put them to bed early tonight. My son said, “You’re putting them to bed? It’s only 6:30!”
I said, “Shh. Don’t tell them what time it is.”
And I put them back in the brooder box and told them mama was getting some alone time.
So I get to write this evening.
I hope you are all doing well. There is so much going on. I’m worried about our food supply without proper safety inspections. Are any of you worried about this as well? We grow a lot of our food, but I still rely on the grocery store for quite a few things. I hate the thought of our food getting less safe. I mean, it’s already not great.
Ron and I are keeping up with things but just barely. Poor Ron is still planting and being bitten by black flies, but I think he’s nearing the end. He’s moving the tomatoes from the planters he started the seeds in to the garden today. When he gets to the tomatoes and peppers, he’s getting close to done. I hope he can rest a little. He’s tired too. We both have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.
I made the first round of rhubarb jelly, and I took pictures of the process so I can share the recipe with you. The jelly is already almost gone because we all love it. It’s beautiful jelly.
I will share my pictures and recipe tomorrow–if my turkeys will allow it.
So much of this spoke to me tonight!
My uncle used to call me Turkey, I guess because I acted like a turkey. Joke’s on my family! I’ve always loved the big bro and red ones. America really should have chosen the turkey for its national bird!
My grandmother used to make the best most wonderful strawberry rhubarb jam. I think the last jar was made more than 20 years ago and life has never been the same. At 99, she just can’t do it anymore.
I understand your fear of the food system. I’m worried to.
Agreed
Oh, I love that you were Turkey! For some reason, my Great Uncle called me Catfish, and I have no idea why. Also, I love turkeys too, and I can say for sure they are so smart. I heard they were, but I can see it first hand now. I so agree that the turkey should have been our national bird. And oh my gosh on the strawberry rhubarb jam. I know I will never make it as lovely as your grandmother made it, but I am determined to try to make a jar. <3 Sending love!
It is getting harder and harder to buy healthy food. My latest gripe is the disclaimer “made with bioengineered ingredients.” They are popping up everywhere even in cottage cheese. I don’t think many people are aware of this. The fine print is very tiny. I can only grow a small amount of food in my yard. I admire your efforts. Keep your chin up.
I had not heard this about cottage cheese! I do not eat cottage cheese, but it sounds like it’s in other foods as well. We grow a lot but still get quite a few things at the grocery store. I am going to have to be sure to read the fine print. Thank you for your note!