And then there were four....

Our flock has grown, and we now have four chicks: Pinky, Patsy, Cleo (on top of the feeder in the photo above) and Digby Chicken Caesar. Since Simone doesn't really want to share her blog with the birds, we decided to set them up their own at http://www.thechickenchronicles.com

Although I hoped the chickens would benefit from a steady stream of classical music during the daylight hours, I have to agree wholeheartedly with my friend Carol who grew up on a farm....chickens are NOT smart. They are not at all like Simone and will never be able to compete with her ever increasing vocabulary and ability to spell. Oh well. I think Simone prefers it that way. The chickens are entertaining for the three of us to watch though, and Simone's so funny....when I ask her if she wants to go see the chickens, she stands right up....and then licks her lips.

Let's hope nurture overrules nature.

Monday Night Snuggle

Snuggles never get old in our house. Here Simone enjoys a Monday night snuggle with mom on the couch.

Guess who's living in the bathtub?

After several years of discussion, we decided to take the plunge and get a few chickens.

Simone isn't too sure about this.

She's only known birds as fun flying creatures good for chasing, and now there are two of them living in our bathtub for the next several weeks. Until they get bigger and we have time to build them a proper chicken coop, that is.


In the meantime, we're taking time to sit with her and the birds and hope that her ability to listen to us will outweigh her desire to pick them up and shake them. Or devour them.

Against the advice of others, we've decided to go ahead and name them.

Meet Pinky, a Silver Laced Wyandotte.


And Patsy, a Buff Orphingon.


We also have plans to add two more to the flock, a couple of Ameraucanas (a.k.a the ones that lay the blue or green eggs) as soon as we are able to locate them.

In the meantime, Simone will be patiently watching.

When One Pillow Just Isn't Enough...

Simone's latest pillow configuration:
one lengthwise under her torso, and one crosswise under her head.

This girl certainly likes to be comfortable!

Spring Bike Ride

After a long hiatus (we won't say how long), we decided to break out the bikes and bike trailer and go for a family bike ride on a sunny almost spring day.

We rode three miles down to Avery Park, laid down on the grass to watch the clouds until Simone couldn't take the inactivity any more, and then rode back home.

She did surprisingly well in the bike trailer, and had no problem getting in and watching the scenery go by.


It went so well we will definitely do it again soon!

Sideways Log Roll

Simone's latest napping position: the sideways log roll.

Tuckered Out

Tuckered out after a day at the beach, Simone and grandpa snooze side-by-side.

Seal Rock

After we went crabbing on the docks in Waldport (a "no dogs allowed" zone), we drove up to Seal Rock for a little time on the beach so the puppies could get their paws wet.

Simone immediately set to finding a stick to carry and romp around with.


Rosie, Odie, and Simone all ran on the beach and had a grand time.


Simone had her fair share of sea water...

When everyone was tuckered out, we headed back and everyone snored all the way home to Corvallis.

Foot Fetish

Simone lays under the dining room table at breakfast, making sure she was in contact with grandpa at all times.

Visit from Grandpa

After five long years, grandpa and grandma drove up from Nevada for a visit.

Simone about lost her mind when she came outside and realized who was here.

She quickly settled down though and enjoyed a cuddle with grandpa.

Saturday Morning Snuggle

Doubled Up

Simone invents yet another new configuration for the futon pillows.

Couch Cozy

All on her own, Simone deposited several toys from her basket into the cradle created by the folds of the sheet on her futon.

Brunch with the Abels

After opening gifts, we drove up to Salem for Christmas brunch with the Abels.

Simone wasn't quite sure what to think about Brendan's new robot.

But she had a nice time hanging out with the family and visiting with Grandma.

Waiting Patiently

Simone waits patiently for dad to wake up so she can open the gifts in her stocking.

'Tis the Season

Simone basks in the light of the newly erected Christmas tree.

Oregon Dunes

As if running around the sane dune in Florence wasn't enough, our next stop was Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, about 10 miles south.

It was a long trek from the parking lot to the top of the dune, but it was worth the view.


Simone then got to go run and play in the ocean too.

She had a grand time!

Florence Sand Dune

We stopped in Florence after visiting the Sea Lion Caves and found a park for Simone to get out and run around.

Simone was pretty excited to be able to run around the sand dunes.

She sat satisfied on the top of the dune before running and sliding back down.

Yachats Thanksgiving

After we arrived at the Fireside in Yachats Thanksgiving afternoon, we wandered down to the rocky beach to check things out. It was warm but windy and the surf was high.

Happy Girl