Life is insane here these days. A couple years ago, we decided that if we ever have any hope of retiring, we have to make our land pay its way. We only have 2 acres, but here in New York State, we are infamous for our high tax rates, a reputation fairly earned, and one that seems unlikely to be rehabilitated anytime soon. So, in our quest to achieve a higher degree of food independence, by raising more of it ourselves on those highly taxes acres, we decided this was the time to dive into a few projects we’d been putting off for the last 30 years or so. Like starting a fruit orchard. And an asparagus bed. Plus we decided to get some chickens again, after a hiatus of about 10 years. I also started all of our veggie plants from seed, as well as some of the perennials and annuals I’ll be planting this summer. As always, my garden [as in, the decorative one] continues to expand.
This photo of a vinca flower twining through an emerging ‘Kabitan’ hosta has absolutely nothing to do with any of this. I just like it.
Insane life? Yes. But also a very satisfying one. Happy Spring!
Lots and lots of work, but rewarding work. I’ve often thought that I wanted chickens. They would be interesting to have.
I cannot wait to come visit! And I just heard Gov. Cuomo yelling on the news about the 7% increase on NY property taxes….New York and Connecticut are going to be empty if they don’t stop. Sigh. Now back to your yard!
Kate – chickens are a total gas! They each have individual personalities and are smarter than you would expect them to be.
The best time to get here MPM, is about 6:30 or so – it’s you-know-what time :)
It sounds more like the land is making YOU work! Good luck with all of your plans and can’t wait for some delicious asparagus recipes.
We finally decided that we can’t do chickens. At only a little more than a third of an acre and inside city limits, it just won’t work. That and our dogs would bake their lives unbearable. Dang it!
Have fun! I can’t wait to see the photos when y’all have things in the ground!
Trisha – we are happy about that – it’s a good arrangement :)
Flea – dogs and chickens often learn to co-exist peacefully, but the amount of space would be pretty restrictive. You get to enjoy a nice garden though!
Hey I wan tto see a picture of the new chickens. I am so jealous but Scott is not budging on getting any. I guess years of childhood mucking out coops that are bigger than most peoples homes, has left him with a, odious opinion for keeping chickens. However, that doesn’t stop him from eating them.
You will have to come and visit them in person Louise!