'Christus natus est', said the Cockerel

I saw this beautiful stained glass on a recent visit to Oxford. It hangs in Magdalen College Chapel and represents the Nativity.

I found it so beautiful and touching that it was thought on the night of Christ's Nativity, the birds and animals were able to talk and they even spoke in Latin!

I love the fact that the stunning cockerel was at the top of the tree and telling the other animals that Christ was born.

Mystic Hen - The Summer Solstice

It's time to celebrate the Summer Solstice!  I know, we have not seen much of the Sun just lately so most of us don't even feel like it's Summer but we just have to celebrate the fact that it's not freezing cold and snowing!  I had weeks of being in the coop with all that snow and couldn't even get out to scratch around.

This is such a magical time of year for humans and for chickens too so enjoy what bit of sunshine we do have, that way you can re-charge your batteries if it rains again.   

So now for your Hen Horoscope ( Humans may want to take note also, this could apply to you)    

Any Gemini hens out there? This is your time. You are great communicators so get out there and mix with people and do what you are good at.  Just don't try to do too many things at once, concentrate on what is important to you now and you may just find what you are looking for.

                                                                  Gemini - The Twins

A sticky find

The Bitterley Time Team have been at it again! This is their latest find. It's amazing what they dig up when they are left to roam the garden.  Although it may not be worth a great deal of money, I love the fact that they are constantly delving up a bit of history that has lay untouched for years. I believe this style of tin was used in the 1950's so it's certainly getting on for 60 years old. I wouldn't care to use the plasters if there were any inside though!

Bethan in front leads the dig to see what else they can uncover. The great thing is, they do all my weeding too. They cleared the sides of this path within a few minutes and all I had to do was rake it up! 

I should pay them an hourly rate really as they are not just keeping my garden tidy, one day they may just find a hoard of treasure!

I spy five little hens!

It was lovely to let the hens out today after the constant rain we have had recently, and even better to discover that I could still keep an eye on them when I am up in my attic doing a bit of writing.  I've never noticed that before as when I get to my desk, I hardly move until I have finished what I am working on.   

Sometimes I prefer to keep them in until I can be with them as I really worry about what they may get up to. Plus the fact that Mr Fox could visit at any time, or my little ex battery hens may squeeze through places they shouldn't as they are so small compared to Blodwyn and Bethan.

I went out to check them when they moved out of site from my window and they were all sunbathing!

This way, that way.

'Come on, Eggs this way.'

'Oh what fun, really?'

'He said this way, quick, we have to find the eggs.'

'None here.'

'Actually, they are this way.'

'Where? Where are they? There are no eggs here.'

'OK, I reckon Mr Easter Bunny is playing tricks with those little hens. Think I will go and have a quiet word with him.'

'OK Big ears, why are are you sending those little hens on a wild goose chase? They have never had the fun of an Easter Egg hunt and you are spoiling it for them.'

'OK, don't get your feathers in a twist, I was just having some fun. Really, they are that way.'

' I found one, I found one!'

I found two!

'Hope you are you going to share that?

Happy Easter everyone!

'Ouch! I bet that hurt!

My lovely little hens are still laying like crazy. Think this must be an XXL!

The most beautiful view of all

I went on a beautiful walk this morning. I saw stunning stately homes situated in acres of rolling green pasture and park land.

I enjoyed bird song as I walked the old bridle path, not meeting another person on my entire journey.

I delighted in the far reaching views ahead and wondered what secrets the old walled garden in front of me kept locked inside it's walls.

I saw sparkling cascades and rivers that flowed through stunning woodland.

I crossed the bridge over the river and it felt like I was entering another kingdom.

Because that was when I saw the most beautiful view of all. Well over 1000 little hens enjoying the spring sunshine.

To see these little hens enjoying freedom was so wonderful, I just wish all the hens in the world could live like this.