Signs of Spring

It is that time of year in Tallahassee when Mother Nature wants to tease us unmercifully.  Last week we had temps down into the 20s - but on Saturday the high was 68 and the sun shined so brightly you felt the overwhelming urge to sun tan.  Even the Spratties kept asking for their pool.  We will probably have a few more days of cold weather before spring officially starts in the Big Bend, but the signs are all there. 

Japanese magnolias are blooming prolifically across the city.  Our blueberry bushes have started to bud (really hoping the last frost of winter doesn't hurt those-  we should have a ton of them this year).  In our own yard Jim expanded our garden area and my seeds that I started have already outgrown their starting house. 

Perhaps the most exciting for me is the addition of chickens!  For years I have hinted, asked and outright begged for chickens.  Jim has said no, refused to answer and finally relented.  Yesterday while he was in Gainesville, he stopped by Alachua County Feed & Seed to purchase our chicks.  15 little chicks made their way back to Tallahassee to become part of Magnolia Farms. 

We are still in the process of building their coop (more pictures to follow) but I am already very happy with our decision to get them.  Besides having a ready supply of eggs (in 6 months or so) I think they will help with the mosquito population that takes over our backyard each summer.  The Spratties already adore them as well.  James named one "Chickoway" (Chick-Fil-A) and loves to pet them.  Laura prefers to hold them and squeals in delight when she sees them.  We have three different breeds-  Black Sex Links, Barred Rock and Araucanas.  No I can't tell you which ones are which.  :-)

While spring has not sprung we are enjoying all the signs...