Happy summer Saturday everyone.
It is a HOT one here. I think the weather is supposed to be around 108 today. And that is just too.darn.hot. if you ask me. So the weekend view this week is about the weather, earthquakes, the chickens & the furniture project update.
Feeling Hot
As I mentioned- it is a *tad* hot this weekend. It honestly has been hot for weeks. It got pretty hot fairly early this year- and it has kind of stayed hot. We are used to hot summer weather- but not usually consistently near or in triple digits without a break so it is unusual. And as I have mentioned before- we don’t have air conditioning in our 1940’s cottage. We don’t usually need it- with the basement and cool evenings- the house stays fairly cool. But right now? It is just warm even early in the morning. No bueno.
The Chickens
Something we worry about with heat like this -the chickens.
They are extra fluffy and start panting when it is even just around 90. We installed a mister for them recently- which they love because it gets the dirt nice and wet so they can scratch and roll around (and get dirty) but just that water mist isn’t enough to keep them cool. So, my husband bought them an air conditioner. He installed it in the barn yesterday and they were much happier when they went inside- some of them even turned around on their branch perch to face the cool air.
The goats on the other hand? They just lay in the blazing sun and nap and don’t seem to be too bothered by it at all. They are in a pen in the barn at night- so they might need a sweater in air conditioning. 🙂
‘I feel the earth move under my feet’
My mom sings that song every time there is an earthquake- and it was an earth moving day on Thursday with several earthquakes in Northern California and on the Nevada border. My husband and I were chatting in the house when the first one started up. It probably lasted only a few seconds- though they always feel much longer. When it stopped- I stood up to check on the china I heard rattling and a few seconds later – a second, stronger quake started. That one shook the chandeliers, mirrors and dishes quite a bit and made us move to the doorway for safety. I haven’t felt an earthquake that big since the Loma Prieta earthquake in 89 in the bay area. That is an earthquake I don’t think I will ever forget.
Furniture Update
Oy vey. That is about all I can say about that. As you know we stripped, cleaned and treated those antique pieces for beetles. And we didn’t see any new activity for several days and so- thought we were good to go with finishing up and waxing. Until I opened a couple drawers the other day just.to.check. I noticed what seemed to be a new ‘beetle line’ and tiny sawdust bits in the drawer bottom- and as I stared at it- a tiny beetle popped out. You can imagine how unimpressed I was at his appearance.
I had already read that even after the wood is treated- you might find beetles popping out for a couple months as the insecticide moves further into the wood- but he looked like he was pretty close to the surface so we decided to treat it again. I ordered a stronger insecticide called Bora Care and it arrived yesterday- so my husband is spraying it today and hopefully we will be able to get it waxed and finished up soon.
Coming your Way
Collecting- dishes and what I look for | A blue & white inspired table setting Wallpaper love & more about Christmas in July with Balsam Hill.
Happy Saturday everyone.
s smoot says
I felt the earthquake here in N. Nv, but it was so slight & none of my critters were freaking out, so i didn’t pay any attention. until i heard on the news. i still remember the sylmar earthquake. when we lived in ak we had little shakes all the time. the plates are shifting again.
I love your little chickens. what kind of goats do you have?
susan
Courtney says
Yes indeed. I think this is the 3rd or 4th quake in the past couple of months- so the the earth is definitely changing positions a bit. Our goats are Nigerian Dwarf goats. Tiny in height but on the chubby side! 🙂
Kim says
Oh no!!! Is there anyway to “Tent” the furniture and flea bomb it, just to make sure? Those beetles are so persistent!
Courtney says
I think so- but not sure if that would be something a professional would need to do? I will have to research it and fingers crossed this new insecticide works this time!
kim says
Honestly, i dont know how you guys do it in the western part of the country. Back here in buffalo ny we deal with an enormous amount of snow. sometimes up to 7ft. Not to happy about that but an earthquake no thanks. So glad you are safe and your chickens.
stay safw and well
Ashley Bergstrom says
I feel your heat here too in southern cali. We do have central air so that is good. I loved reading how your husband put a/c in for the chickens! Love that!! And how sweet it must have been observing them turning to face it to cool off.
Here in San diego, i did not feel the earthquakes at all. Most times i hear them first like the sound of a train rumbling by. Happy you were ok and no breaking of that china!
I cannot imagine doing all thatwork on the furniture piece you got and then finding more live beetles. I think i would have wanted to sit down and cry. lol hope the new treatment works and look forward to the beauty at the end.
Ashley
Connie Deems says
My daughter has chickens they usually quit laying when it gets too hot they do have a coop that is shady and lits of free range time when she is wirking innthe garden. Hope it cools down for you soon!
Adrienne K Boucher says
what type of chickens are the long feather white ones shown
thank you
Courtney says
Hi there- they are silkie chickens
Cindy D says
Hi Courtney. We live in New England and have two dozen chickens. My husband uses solar for electricity for their coop. We have a fan for circulation on those really hot days. We also take the cans of corn and put it in muffin tins and freeze them. They seem to like pecking at it to keep cool. It’s a win win for us. Love your blog my friend.
Aussie Jo says
An enjoyable post, the fluffy chickens are cute
Karen B. says
You and your husband are so caring for your barn animals. I’m sure the chickens and goats love you guys.
That is so disappointing about the beetles. I hope the second spraying works to eradicate the little critters.
Thank you for always inspiring us.
xo,
Karen
Cindy Santiago says
I’m in San Jose so i didn’t feel the one this weekend but like you, I will never forget the one in ’89!
I hope it cools down for you soon! The forcast is only in the 80s today in SJ and down to the 70s later this week!
Lauren says
Im in lOve with the Banty chickens and hope to have a fEw someday .. i dint know why but they just make me smile!!
Nancy says
Love your posts!
When it’s hot, visit pacific grove to cool off. we didn’t feel the recent earthquakes down here, and there are lots of antique/second hand shops in town. my favorite is spirals, a benefit shop for alliance on aging with lots of china and bargains galore!
you have the cutest chickens ever!