Last spring I put out netting over my sky chair to keep the flies and mosquitoes off as I sat. This fall I noticed it was all in a tangle, then I saw the squirrel bunching the fabric up and trying to haul it off. It might feel nice and soft, but I don’t think nylon netting is a good nesting material!
Mosquito netting in a tangle from squirrel activity
I gathered up all the artificial netting and put out tuffs of alpaca fleece as a natural substitute. This seems to meet the inspector’s approval, because I saw a squirrel pulling apart the fibers and gathering bits. That critter is going to have a soft cozy winter bed!
Should you have need of a tea tray, and also have a nice thick wooden frame laying about, a couple drawer pulls, and some fancy paper, you can make your own.
Picture frame with drawer pulls mounted on the sides
I removed the glass, and used Modge Podge to apply the beautiful paper to the back of the frame insert. I drilled holes for the handles slightly larger than the screws for the drawer pulls. (Remember to measure twice, drill once.) I did need to purchase longer screws to get through the frame because my frame is thicker than a drawer front. When picking screws, use the thread checker at the hardware store to make certain you buy the right thread size. I picked up two lengths, but if you measure the width of the frame side before you go, you can save yourself the extra purchase. (Or dig around in your random screw and nut bin.)
Tea tray made from a picture frame
I put an additional coat of Modge Podge on the top of the paper and let it dry overnight before putting it back in the frame. This is a light duty tray and does fine for a little breakfast. I originally made it as a prop for a play, but it functions well and it pretty to boot.
This is the last egg my hens laid before starting their winter break. I used it to do an egg wash on some rolls. Now I will see how long I can go on the dried and powdered eggs I processed when the chickens were in full production. I won’t use powdered egg for an egg wash, but they work fine for pancakes and meatloaf.
This pumpkin didn’t get any special treatment or cute presentation, I just cut it in half and put it out for the chickens like an instant bowl. Chickens don’t care, they dived right in.
Chickens enjoying half a pumpkin
I’ve read that pumpkin is a natural dewormer for chickens, and although I am becoming more and more suspect of “internet knowledge”, my chickens do like pumpkin, and they seem to digest it better than watermelon or cucumber. Maybe I can freeze some for the large part of the year when fresh pumpkins are not available. Or do something to canned pumpkin to make it less of a mess. Hm.
I thought maybe the hibiscus was done for the season, but it produced another bloom! I took the picture with the morning light shining through from behind.
Hardy Hibiscus
The Shasta Daisy also geared up and is showing off a single bloom.
