Ruby — Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

The Boat Builder

July 29, 2010 By Judy

Last summer Chad built a boat. He had no plans . . he just started building and it ended up weighing a ton. They put it in someone’s pool for a few days but it eventually ended up being dismantled.

This summer he’s building another boat and he ordered a set of plans. This boat will be for duck hunting and will be rigged up with some kind of camo covering. Today, even though it’s hotter than heck, he’s out fiberglassing the boat.

He’s worked really hard on it and it’s looking great.

I won’t be going for a ride in it but it should do what he needs it to do.

Ruby said: Where’s my life jacket? I’m going for a boat ride!

Tagged boat, Chad, duck hunting, Ruby Filed Under Family 3 Comments

Spring Treats

March 28, 2010 By Judy

Yum! The dandelions have bloomed. That doesn’t make the gardener in the family happy but that’s not a problem at our house because . . no one is a gardener!

The chickens on the other hand . . they’re so thrilled when the dandelions begin blooming! They love them! Especially when we pick bowls full and deliver them to the chickens.

There’s one left, Ruby! Grab it before someone else sees it!

So, all you gardeners out there, when you see the dandelions pop up in your yard, and you want to scream, just remember there are chickens somewhere would would be thrilled to have your dandelions.

Tagged Backyard Chickens, Dandelions, Ruby Filed Under Home & Garden 6 Comments

Happy First Day of Spring

March 20, 2010 By Judy

Finally, spring is here. Winter is history. It’s been a snowy, cold winter and even as much as I dislike the miserable heat and humidity of summer, I’m so thrilled to welcome spring and send Old Man Winter packing!

What are you doing this first day of spring? Maybe we’ll work in our little garden spot!

But . . wait! What’s that white stuff? Yep, you guessed it.

Even the chickens have barricaded themselves inside the coop. Ruby, the official spokeswoman said . . We’re not coming out til Spring! I said . . but Ruby, honey! Today is the first day of Spring. She’s not buying it and neither am I.

It’s National Quilting Day so I’ll just park myself in the basement and sew all day! The weatherman said we were getting 10″, then they said 5. Last time I looked, they said 7.9″. Why didn’t they just say 8″? In fact, why do we have to have snow today at all?

The good news is that Monday the highs will be in the mid-40′s. Tuesday in the mid-50′s and I hope by the end of the day on Tuesday, all snow will be gone, never to be seen again til maybe November!

Tagged Backyard Chickens, Ruby, Snow, Spring Filed Under Home & Garden 11 Comments

Back in Good Graces

March 19, 2010 By Judy

After having been gone for almost four weeks Speck was so happy to see me. He didn’t care that I’d been gone for 26 days . . he was just glad I was home. Vince was happy to see me. He could get home cooked meals again. Chad . . well, it’s spring break and he’s touring the fishing spots in Arkansas and I haven’t seen him yet. But . . Ruby . . she wasn’t so quick to forgive me for leaving her for so long!

I tried talking to her and she just stared at me! Very aloof . . not her usual friendly, outgoing self! She wouldn’t have anything to do with me . . she was downright aggravated with me! She kept her distance.

But I begged, and I sweet talked to her and eventually she came around a bit. She still wanted me to promise that I wasn’t going to leave for 4 weeks again!