M.I.A.

It IS my intention to keep up with our blog and our YouTube channel.

We are FULL speed ahead with projects around here. Many nights we are working until 10 or 11 p.m. and we fall into a shower and bed.

I'm up early working on "my morning routine" - which centers me and keeps me sane. Since the blog and the channel will both provide a family journal/record.....I do whichever is easiest. I'm having trouble with Light Room on the new lap top and haven't had time to figure it out.  I will.

In the meantime, I seem to be posting more videos than blogs. If you've not subscribed to our YouTube channel - you may enjoy doing so.  Click the link or search for Courageous Joy at You Tube.....

It's my goal to catch up.....

7 Week Chicks

It's 9 p.m. 

I looked out the window and the chickens were all in the coop. They ran out as soon as they heard me. I set up a chair and thought it would be a good time to capture some photos. They are 7 weeks old here. 

The one with the crest is an Easter Egger and a Red is in front

The Red is Lucille Ball 

 They all seem to have a need to peck at the holes in my crocs.

The crocodile offends them most. 

Helga stands guard...she switches off with Olga.

Rosie Proudfoot of the furry feet

I thought it rude to just shove them in the coop. It was good Michael came out to move them along, I could have been waiting until mid-night. 

Projects Continue

Helga (the white hen) turns out to be Heinrich.....we discover in a few weeks. 

Our first wildflowers! 

We found this little evergreen. Nolan and I transplanted it to the front. Building that privacy fence. 

I found my rain boots - which are my garden (manure) and chicken boots now. The only problem being the chickens LOVE to peck at the PINK dots. 

Stacia and I pulled weeds, hauled dirt and planted sunflowers here and there and everywhere. 

This seems to be the sweet spot for the woods...they are green enough to provide privacy from the road and neighbors....but not so green that they are over-powering. LOL 

The moose have been eating these trees. We haven't seen them for a bit of time, but they're here. We really hope Mama moose does not have her baby in our yard. We have things to do.

Just Keep Working

The chickens love melon! 

The guys kept working on cementing posts, now that the holes were dug. 

You'll have to see the video (which I've yet to publish) to get the import of THIS statement: Stacia and I worked on hauling dirt and manure to  the first garden plot. We dug the dirt from the side of a hill. 

We all rested well at the end of the day. All a bit frantic as June is approaching and the garden spots aren't ready; the fence isn't up and the trees are planted. The moose may be just around the corner.

Memorial Day 2018 or Building an Orchard Part 2

The kids all came over for lunch at 2 p.m. We were still working on getting our money out of the power auger before it had to be returned. This was a big project....

Alas, it's since dried up and fallen off, but we had the start of fruit. LOL 

Jamin and Josiah dug post holes and holes for planting trees. 

Bella was interested. 

Others visited. 

Bella (2) and Benny (6 1/2 months) 

Benny and Lassie come to an understanding of some sort...

The older ones all had to leave for a softball game in Anchorage. The boys, Michael, Izaak and I worked late into the night.  We shored up some trees, and began the cementing process for the posts.

It was a full day, but in the end we were ready to take the auger back on time and we were done with the job we needed it for. Score.

Dad and Mom G

Kathy sent us these photos from Fort Logan National Cemetery. 

It's been six years at Father's Day. The ache is still acute. There are times I need to simply hear one of Dad G's stories. We still share many of them with each other. Michael puts it best. Over and over there are times he just wishes he could discuss this or that with Dad. 

Feb 2017, Mom G joined Dad in heaven, and then,  at Fort Logan. She is buried in the same plot as Earl and we were allowed to have her information inscribed on the back of his tombstone. 

Tis the Season and Building an Orchard - Part 1

When our sleepy town has traffic jams. The parking lots fill with rented Class C's. Tour buses clog the intersections, and parking lots at rivers. 

It truly is spring time in Alaska. 

Michael rented a power auger to dig the fence posts of our moose fence in. Jamin and Jared decided to come out and spent a couple of hours helping us. We knew the fence wouldn't be done, but it's a start.

Click below to view clips from the day...building an orchard