I like to bake. Probably I like baking cookies the most, but bread is a close second. There’s a difference between “like” and “find the time.” Lately I’ve been forcing the issue, and making the time to at least bake bread around other tasks. It helps to be able to throw the dough in the stand mixer and work on something different at the same time.
This morning’s baking provided a few moments to consider what I’ll do if all fifty-three of the quail eggs that are currently incubating hatch. Now, we know that won’t exactly happen, and I’m thinking at least half may not even be fertile. But what if? They’ll be fine in my indoor hutch at first, as they are only quarter-sized as chicks.
Quail grow to adulthood in six weeks, so rather than divide them all up into smaller, makeshift bins, I may see if the grocery store could spare one of those giant fruit boxes.
The goal is to hatch only enough hens to ensure the ongoing health of my own coveys, and then maybe sell the rest of the chicks.
There were also moments to remind myself to get more hog panels for the veggie garden. I want to create an additional archway over the big in-ground patch, for tomatoes or squash… whatever I grow there in a season. It’s so much easier to maintain where vines aren’t taking over the ground. Easier to water, tend, and harvest.
Hog panels are perfect for archways, holding their form with only t-bars anchoring them at the ground.
I ought to be installing package bees in one month. Time to get crack-a-lackin’ on the new top bars I want to make. Should be an afternoon task. I still have parts cut for three new hives,1 floors and roofs included, but that’s on hold. My existing hives will do, for now. I’m excited for bee season.
The bread turned out extra soft and good today. I have a cottage food producer registration. Maybe I’ll put a couple of loaves on my market stand this year. And some cookies.
