We’re surrounded by cute little chicks! Well, that may be a slight exaggeration since there are only ten of them at the moment. Another dozen are currently in the hatcher so there will be at least a few more in about a week. They (being fertilized eggs from Claude, a bird loving neighbour) were a fun project initiated by Kamé’s desire to be a mama bird. These little feathery footed chicks have had an adventurous start since they hatched amidst much excitement at Kamé’s school, Trille des Bois, last week. Definitely born in an ambiance of beautiful energetic curiosity, with a good dose of awe, and a touch of love… and a bit of stress too. ;o) I think they met the entire school within a few minutes of life!

Eggs really are perfect symbols of new beginnings and the arrival of lively Spring. Since home, the chicks have been cozily hanging out under a heat lamp, eating leftover muffin crumbs (and organic chick starter of course) and being checked-on VERY regularly. Due to the threat of a skunk lurking around the coop, and taking out the occasional chicken that goes a wanderin’ to find some yummy grubs, we’ve decided to keep the wee chicks inside with us for the time being. We don’t want a repeat of last year. That said, the memory of those adorable duck chicks has us wondering if we shouldn’t have a few this year too…

On the seedling front, we are happy to report that we are on schedule! Mother Nature’s early start to Spring (although she appeared to have doubts last week with the –15 weather) has awoken the cleaning and organizing bug propelled us into the season about 3 weeks earlier than usual. Having Michael, our first wwoofer (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) volunteer, around has been both a wonderful experience and a great motivator to tackle the pre-season clean-up. Tools are sharpened, broken branches are cut and transformed into chips/mulch, raspberry and asparagus patches are tackled, soil blocks are made, extra garlic is planted, tractor and mower are getting their seasonal overhaul, and the summer coop is ready for the birds.

Jean-Pierre, and his side-kick Jean-Francois, seem to have taken up permanent residence in the newly completed wood shop. They have been up to a great many projects, which truly merit their own post. After having done a few passes with the tiller this weekend, Joël is happy to report that, in some places, the ground is ready to go. Last but not least, the long awaited Farm Plan (which helps us figure out the little details like when we get cows and where we plant the fruit trees and grain crops amongst so many other important developments) is wrapping up. We now have a physical “zone” layout which, in my opinion, is going to make this farm even prettier than it already is. Yay for steps, jumps, leaps, forward! And horray for Spring!