Frustratedearthmother's Journaling Journey

[Marianne]

I have four guineas now. I bought the keets last year primarily for squash bug control. I hit the panic button whenever they fly over into the fenced yard for the dogs. My dogs would eat them, for sure. Those suckers can sure fly, too. I went outside one time and there was one on the peak of our shop. To do their job, they need to free range, but if you have neighbors that don't appreciate them, then that's a big problem.

Have you tried borax in the yard? I buy a couple boxes of borax every 2-3 years, sprinkle in the dog's yard right before it rains, or water it down. That usually takes care of the fleas, most of them anyway. No need to reapply the next year. I put that around our foundation every few years, too. Helps keep bugs out of the house.

I use DE on my cats and dogs for fleas. I just rub some in my hands, rub it into their fur around neck and rear end (the moist areas) It takes a full week anyway to break the flea cycle. And even though I don't smell anything, my cats go running whenever I have it on my hands.

Ticks? I hate those things. I just check the dogs regularly. I tried wiping them down with ACV, don't know if that helps or not. My boxers are usually in the house.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Thanks for the ideas Marianne.

While we do have fleas, I've never seen a tick on my dogs. But, when we butchered the pigs - one of them, (just one - not both) had a few ticks on him... ugh! It was disgusting.

I don't think my neighbors would have a problem with the guineas, they are very tolerant of all my critters. In fact, sometimes I think the neighbors like 'em better than I do, lol. They get all the enjoyment of watching them, the benefits of free eggs and pork, and they don't have to do any of the work!

 

[Wannabefree]

Guineas are in a league all their own though I need to let mine out to roam, but I want some eggs, and the pester all the other birds, pace at the fence, and try to fight through the wire...annoying bullies

Glad you're getting a day off!!!!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

All in all, it was a pretty good day off---except for one thing. I was moving the chicken tractor and broke one of the chicks legs... We still don't have the wheels on it, so sometimes I have to give it a good jerk to get it moving. I jerked and the chicken didn't jump fast enough... I hate that! And, the break is up in the thigh...ewww... I could feel it grating in there. I dunno... I've got it in a little pet crate and it's eating and drinking, but maybe it would've been kinder to just put it down. I'll give it a chance...

Other than that, I got lots of stuff done today, but I didn't kill myself doing it. I planted corn, lima beans, winter squashes and pumpkins. I weeded a little bit, cuz the nasty boogers are NOT planning on giving me a break this year. I've got most of the garden mulched so they're not that bad. Just tryin' to stay on top of it.

I could've used today to finish the mulching, but didn't really want to mess too much with hay since our winds are topping 20mph and predicted to get worse by tomorrow. But, I DID at least put fresh hay in the nest boxes in anticipation of muddy feet.

I did a couple loads of laundry and I'm just about to make eggplant parmesan for dinner. Only leaves one question - what's for dessert?????

 

[Wannabefree]

Ugh...sorry about the chick

Sounds like most of the rest of the day went pretty well though. That's good!

 

[Denim Deb]

Any chance you can splint the leg? I remember someone on here did that w/a turkey poult's leg.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I'm was thinking that I'd pick up some vet wrap tomorrow and try to just bind the thigh to the body... hopefully that will keep it immobilized. I should have done it today, but didn't have any wrap....but the little chickster isn't trying to put any weight on it all. I've got food and water on each side of it and all he/she has to do is turn his head to get whatever he/she wants.

On top of all the other stuff I did, I managed to get the yard mowed and the front flower bed weeded before I cooked dinner.

And, I must say.... dinner turned out sooooo good! (I about hurt myelf trying to pat myself on the back, lol) I didn't even feel guilty about going back for seconds. I figure I worked hard enough today to make up for it.

Wind is howling outside and I felt a couple of drops on my head the last time I went out. Hope it doesn't keep me awake, cuz I'm a little tired.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Decisions, decisions.....I'm not good at making decisions... Here' the facts:

1. Dh took his car in today because it has a few problems. A couple buttons on the steering wheel aren't doing what they're supposed to do. The A/C isn't coming on as soon as he pushes the button - it's delayed for some reason... So, off to the dealership he goes for a diagnostic. Now - his car is about 6 years old and PAID FOR so of course it's trying to fall apart now. But, it gets almost 50mpg.... Several different switches and cables and thingy's are shorted out, or broken or just generally don't work anymore... All the repairs are going to cost about $1300. ugh...

2. My car is fine... so far... it's paid for too so I'm sure it'll do something stoopid soon enough - but for now - it's fine.

3. I need a truck.

4. I own a truck. It's nearly 20 years old, but I do own a truck.

5. Unfortunately, my truck does not live at my house. It lives at my son's house and for some reason I don't think it's ever coming home.

6. DH doesn't really trust the 20 year old truck, so even if it lived at my house he wouldn't trust it much further than a 20 mile radius from home. (even though my son drives it over 80 miles per day)

7. DH would like a different truck.

8. I've been scoping out different trucks.

9. I like my car, but I no longer like DH's car

Summary: I'm going to test drive a truck tomorrow. ARGH! I really don't want to be back in debt, but maybe I can claim this as a farm truck and depreciate it????

Ugh.

 

[Wannabefree]

Wait for it......

Don't buy tomorrow, just get a feel for the market and find what kind of truck you want. Tax season is always jacked up prices!!! Wait till Fall, and get a good truck, for a much lower price, meanwhile, save your pennies back to pay cash for it. Trust meh....

 

[Wannabefree]

Oh and sell ME the car!! 50 MPG!??!?! I don't care if both bumpers are hanging off and doors won't open I need a good ole beater...that's a car with CHARACHTER