When I went out to the barn this morning it was evident that the chickens rather liked their pen. When I opened the door to their run they weren't at all interested in leaving their cozy house. I have to admit - it did feel like it was at least 5 degrees warmer in there. I honestly don't know what the norm is for feeding and caring for chickens in the Winter but I put water and feed outside, water and a small amount of feed inside. At night I leave only water in their coop, though I'm fairly sure they don't eat or drink all night. I leave the water in there simply to cover me in case I oversleep and don't get out there early. At least I know they'll always have water. I've found that chickens are a lot like people. They each have different personalities and needs. Some like the cold, some don't. Some truly enjoy the rain, others don't; so I'm doing the best I can. I hope to get them all through the cold weather healthy and happy. Three of my chickens headed right on out the door but 5 of them said, "No way man. I'm staying in here!" As usual Hubby just gives me that look and says once again, "They're just chickens." Hmmmph!!! What does he know!
I fixed round steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac 'n cheese, etc., a couple days ago and had some round steak and gravy left over sitting in the frig. Hubby has been after me to give it to Sam, our dog, and I keep saying I've got plans for it. Today is the perfect day for stew! Now, I have a special recipe for stew that is simply unbeatable but today I'm fixing stew the old-fashioned "country" way. I had some leftover buttered potatoes from my meat loaf meal, beef and gravy from the round steak meal and 3 fresh carrots in the frig. I cut up the carrots and boiled them until I could pierce them with a fork, and then put them in my pan, added the leftover buttered potatoes, cubed, and the beef(cubed) and gravy. I then pulled some frozen chopped onions out of the freezer and threw them in for good measure, added 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed, made some biscuits and . . . well, need I say more? Lunch was super!
Talk to you tomorrow.