Author: Jesse

Jesse’s Instagram

Look at the 'do on that Roo! He is still sleeping in a nesting box, hasn't crowed in three months and I have no fertilized eggs. I wanted a hen anyway.

Look at the ‘do on that Roo! He is still sleeping in a nesting box, hasn’t crowed in three months and I have no fertilized eggs. I wanted a hen anyway.
#SoniaSotomayor #silkies #silkierooster #fluffybuttfriday #petrooster #petchickens #backyardpoultry #tinyfarm #myflock

Jesse’s Instagram

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watchin' the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watchin' the tide, roll away
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

I left my home in Georgia...

Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes
Watchin’ the ships roll in
Then I watch ’em roll away again

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide, roll away
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

I left my home in Georgia… #visitvallarta #puertovallarta #pvr #hiking #bayofbanderas #cruiseships #Vallarta #cerrodelacruz #memo #airbnbexperience #airbnbexperiences

Jesse’s Instagram

These Snowy Egrets manage look look perpetually sullen that the fishermen won't share. Then one was running so fast my camera captured it as a disembodied foot! Love them!

These Snowy Egrets manage look look perpetually sullen that the fishermen won’t share. Then one was running so fast my camera captured it as a disembodied foot! Love them!
#puertovallarta #Vallarta #malecon #birdwatching #snowyegret #visitpuertovallarta #yellowfeet #naturewalk

Jesse’s Instagram

Vi, it's time to get up.
No.
Violet, I need to put more straw in there. Get up!
Hell no.
Violet Zindars! I made you that special rooster free zone and I can take it away.
Try me lady.
Fine Vi. I will carefully place extra straw gently around your giant puffy self to keep you warm without disturbing you. 
Approved.

Vi, it’s time to get up.
No.
Violet, I need to put more straw in there. Get up!
Hell no.
Violet Zindars! I made you that special rooster free zone and I can take it away.
Try me lady.
Fine Vi. I will carefully place extra straw gently around your giant puffy self to keep you warm without disturbing you.
Approved.
#petchicken #Cochin #silverlacedcochin #sideeye #violetZ #spoiledrotten #spoiledchickens #happyhens

Jesse’s Instagram

I goosed my chicken! And she is SUPER offended! That shocked look on her beak is priceless! (Really she makes that face anytime I try to touch her. I was just trying to get her to look at the camera but she acts like I'm a murderer.) Wilga is finally getting her beard back and I need pictures!

I goosed my chicken! And she is SUPER offended! That shocked look on her beak is priceless! (Really she makes that face anytime I try to touch her. I was just trying to get her to look at the camera but she acts like I’m a murderer.) Wilga is finally getting her beard back and I need pictures!
#salmonfaverolle #wilgefortis #petchicken #backyardpoultry #goosed #beardedlady #beardedchickens #comb #farmherfriday #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

All my lettuces are droopy! It's been below freezing for several hours every night and it is taking a toll on my chicken snacks garden. It's kind of pretty though.

All my lettuces are droopy! It’s been below freezing for several hours every night and it is taking a toll on my chicken snacks garden. It’s kind of pretty though.
#swisschard #brightlights #arugula #zone7b #zone7 #gardeningingeorgia #frozenveggies #growyourown #frozen

Jesse’s Instagram

Expecting a hard freeze here in Georgia so I picked a few more of my broccoli heads. I know the plants will be ok but I don't usually like the texture of frozen-in-the-yard brocoli.

Expecting a hard freeze here in Georgia so I picked a few more of my broccoli heads. I know the plants will be ok but I don’t usually like the texture of frozen-in-the-yard brocoli.
#zone7b #Broccoli #homegrown #tinyfarmer #farmtotable #yardtotable #gardeningingeorgia #freshveggies

Jesse’s Instagram

So, there were seven total mice caught over about a week. I haven't caught one in three days so I think we're out of mice! The family now lives in the woods about a mile away. I hope they are happy, healthy and have forgotten where I live. Martin & Martina were adorable houseguests but they did leave a mess behind.

So, there were seven total mice caught over about a week. I haven’t caught one in three days so I think we’re out of mice! The family now lives in the woods about a mile away. I hope they are happy, healthy and have forgotten where I live. Martin & Martina were adorable houseguests but they did leave a mess behind.
#mouse #housemouse #GwinnettCounty #humanetrap #petmouse

Jesse’s Instagram

Meet Martina! This little home invader enjoys organic cashew butter, my silverware drawer, and now, the woods a mile from my house. Hopefully she has reunited with her husband Martin and they are glad to be out in the world. I've reset the trap but I feel like she was the last one.

Meet Martina! This little home invader enjoys organic cashew butter, my silverware drawer, and now, the woods a mile from my house. Hopefully she has reunited with her husband Martin and they are glad to be out in the world. I’ve reset the trap but I feel like she was the last one.
#mousetrap #housemouse #martinthemouse #martinandmartina #zone7b #cleanedallday #humanetrap

Jesse’s Instagram

Tablescape! 
Anyone know how long cut camellias will last? The rocks are from my trip out west last year. (Collected near national parks but not IN national parks. That's a no-no.) One of my girls is featured in the @mcmurray_hatchery catalog this year! Bryce is on page 10. 
#

Tablescape!
Anyone know how long cut camellias will last? The rocks are from my trip out west last year. (Collected near national parks but not IN national parks. That’s a no-no.) One of my girls is featured in the @mcmurray_hatchery catalog this year! Bryce is on page 10.
#Camellia #rockcollection #petchickens #tablescapes #cutflowers #

Jesse’s Instagram

Did you know that mice can growl? 
This little doe-eyed menace has been invading my kitchen for about a week. I cornered him behind the garbage can a few days ago with the idea of catching him under a cup (it's worked before!) and he growled at me! Like grrrrrrrrr! Silly mouse!
So, I finally got the humane trap set up (with organic cashew butter because that's what I had) and two hours later this adorable vermin was caught! He growled at me though the viewing window! 
His name is Martin and he now lives in the woods about a mile away. Good luck Martin! You'll do Grrrrrr-eat!

Did you know that mice can growl?
This little doe-eyed menace has been invading my kitchen for about a week. I cornered him behind the garbage can a few days ago with the idea of catching him under a cup (it’s worked before!) and he growled at me! Like grrrrrrrrr! Silly mouse!
So, I finally got the humane trap set up (with organic cashew butter because that’s what I had) and two hours later this adorable vermin was caught! He growled at me though the viewing window!
His name is Martin and he now lives in the woods about a mile away. Good luck Martin! You’ll do Grrrrrr-eat!
#mouse #housemouse #mouseinthehouse #petmouse #martinthemouse #mouserelocation #humanetrap #tonythetiger

Jesse’s Instagram

So many Camellias! I read online that I can cut these for an arrangement. I think I'll wander around to the back side and collect a few tomorrow.

So many Camellias! I read online that I can cut these for an arrangement. I think I’ll wander around to the back side and collect a few tomorrow.
#Camellia #pinkcamellia #zone7b #gardener #gardeningingeorgia #camellias

Jesse’s Instagram

I did not even know my garden was growing broccoli heads! I thought we were just getting leaves in this batch. Upon closer examination, these four were chosen for dinner and there are at least six more in the works! Yeah!

I did not even know my garden was growing broccoli heads! I thought we were just getting leaves in this batch. Upon closer examination, these four were chosen for dinner and there are at least six more in the works! Yeah!
#wintergarden #Broccoli #zone7b #mastergardener #gardener #yardtotable #eatlocal #growyourown #organicgardening

Jesse’s Instagram

Donna, you're a dirtball. Why must you take a in the mud? How did you get straw stuck to your chest? Yes, you're gorgeous. Continue being your best self.

Donna, you’re a dirtball. Why must you take a #dirtbath in the mud? How did you get straw stuck to your chest? Yes, you’re gorgeous. Continue being your best self.
#silkies #partridgesilkie #petchickens #posedown #dirtybird #backyardchickens #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

This is Henri the Heron. He lives at He's been visiting for more than a decade! Do I have any way of knowing it's a boy bird? No. Is it really the same bird year after year? I don't know. Is it possible I see different birds and call them all Henri? Yes, it's possible but that isn't how I tell the story. Happy New Year Henri!
#

This is Henri the Heron. He lives at #TribbleMillPark. He’s been visiting for more than a decade! Do I have any way of knowing it’s a boy bird? No. Is it really the same bird year after year? I don’t know. Is it possible I see different birds and call them all Henri? Yes, it’s possible but that isn’t how I tell the story. Happy New Year Henri!
#heron #GwinnettCounty #birdwatching #tribblemill #5k #happynewyear #

Jesse’s Instagram

While you're all taking down your Christmas trees, I'm letting nature decorate this bush! This is nearly in full bloom and I'm desperate for some sunshine to highlight it! It is at least 12 feet tall. 12 feet of pink blooms and dark, glossy foliage! I applaud the ornament choices. Should I put a star on the top?

While you’re all taking down your Christmas trees, I’m letting nature decorate this bush! This #Camellia is nearly in full bloom and I’m desperate for some sunshine to highlight it! It is at least 12 feet tall. 12 feet of pink blooms and dark, glossy foliage! I applaud the ornament choices. Should I put a star on the top?
#christmasdecorations #pinkcamellia #zone7b #nature #Georgia #gardeningingeorgia #christmastree #perennials #evergreen #coldhardy

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky with the Good Hair is killing it! Giant bouffant, full beard and looong tail feathers. All it took was four months of private quarters and protecting her full time from her feather-plucking sisters. NBD.

Becky with the Good Hair is killing it! Giant bouffant, full beard and looong tail feathers. All it took was four months of private quarters and protecting her full time from her feather-plucking sisters. NBD.
#BuffLacedPolish #whitecrestedblackpolish #Cochin #petchicken #backyardpoultry #beardedlady #myflock #beautyqueen #freerangechickens

Jesse’s Instagram

All of this garbage was deposited on our road by jerks. Have you ever just been driving down quiet rural road and decided to throw trash out your window? I haven't but I guess I'm in the minority. I'm a little concerned about how many people seem to be drinking WHILE driving. The tub on the left is totally full of beer cans and tiny wine bottles. Most of the middle tub is bags of fast food wrappers. The rest is random trash. We also use the tractor to collect big things people toss like mattresses and furniture. I would guess we collect this much every month or so. Jerks.

All of this garbage was deposited on our road by jerks. Have you ever just been driving down quiet rural road and decided to throw trash out your window? I haven’t but I guess I’m in the minority. I’m a little concerned about how many people seem to be drinking WHILE driving. The tub on the left is totally full of beer cans and tiny wine bottles. Most of the middle tub is bags of fast food wrappers. The rest is random trash. We also use the tractor to collect big things people toss like mattresses and furniture. I would guess we collect this much every month or so. Jerks.
#leavenotrace #litter #rural #adoptaroad #GwinnettCounty #streetsweeper #thinklocal #smallfootprint #recycle #dontlitter

Jesse’s Instagram

Sonia the is always keeping an eye out! Currently growing a mean Mohawk after a molt, he is weirdly quiet. I think I have heard only a single crow this month!

Sonia the #EvilRoo is always keeping an eye out! Currently growing a mean Mohawk after a molt, he is weirdly quiet. I think I have heard only a single crow this month!
#silkies #silkierooster #oliveegger #polishchickens #BuffLacedPolish #beckywiththegoodhair #SoniaSotomayor #Gloria #petchicken #petrooster #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Who has a handful of bugs and a bunch of new best friends? This girl!

Who has a handful of bugs and a bunch of new best friends? This girl!
#greedy #grabby #Bitey #starving #aggressive #petchickens #mealworms #silkies #salmonfaverolle #whitelacedredcornish #ruthbaderginsburg #wilgefortis #brycedallashoward

Jesse’s Instagram

The garden survives! Mid-December and all of the greens are thriving. The chickens will have snacks until spring for sure!

The garden survives! Mid-December and all of the greens are thriving. The chickens will have snacks until spring for sure!
#gardeningsuprises #wintergardening #zone7b #zone7 #heartygreens #mastergardener #lettuce #Broccoli #arugula #swisschard

Jesse’s Instagram

Oatmeal snack for the girls! It's getting below freezing at night so I have to go check the waterers in the morning. Since I'm going out anyway I figured I should bring treats! There was a second bowl on the other side of this area so that there was a chance of everyone getting some. However, Vi claimed it as her personal bowl.

Oatmeal snack for the girls! It’s getting below freezing at night so I have to go check the waterers in the morning. Since I’m going out anyway I figured I should bring treats! There was a second bowl on the other side of this area so that there was a chance of everyone getting some. However, Vi claimed it as her personal bowl.
#petchickens #oliveegger #silkies #salmonfaverolle #oatmeal #SicilianButtercup #backyardpoultry #EasterEgger #myflock

Jesse’s Instagram

Goodbye peppers! We finally had a freeze last week and it killed off the pepper plants. The rest of the winter garden is still going strong!

Goodbye peppers! We finally had a freeze last week and it killed off the pepper plants. The rest of the winter garden is still going strong!
#zone7b #gardeningingeorgia #bellpeppers #yellowpeppers #mastergardener #backyardgarden #farmtotable

Jesse’s Instagram

My Thanksgiving bushes are blooming! The big one is running a little behind schedule this year but should be in full bloom next week. Winter flowers are strange.

My Thanksgiving #Camellia bushes are blooming! The big one is running a little behind schedule this year but should be in full bloom next week. Winter flowers are strange.
#zone7b #camellias #mastergardener #wintergarden #winterinterest #gardeningingeorgia #glossyleaves

Jesse’s Instagram

I have provided Donna and Violet with their own personal quarters. They are fenced off from the despised (tiny) rooster. They have their own food, water and treats aplenty. I recently added this cozy nesting box so they aren't exposed to the elements at night. (Neither one lays eggs. They are 7+ years old.) And look at them! They stand at the door giving me side eye like it might be a trap! It's not a trap! I have been coddling and spoiling you for your entire lives! I don't deserve this level of suspicion. Just get into the fresh straw and enjoy your incredibly pampered lives! Dammit.

I have provided Donna and Violet with their own personal quarters. They are fenced off from the despised (tiny) rooster. They have their own food, water and treats aplenty. I recently added this cozy nesting box so they aren’t exposed to the elements at night. (Neither one lays eggs. They are 7+ years old.) And look at them! They stand at the door giving me side eye like it might be a trap! It’s not a trap! I have been coddling and spoiling you for your entire lives! I don’t deserve this level of suspicion. Just get into the fresh straw and enjoy your incredibly pampered lives! Dammit.
#silkies #Cochin #donnamartin #Violet #nestingboxdrama #nestingboxes #cooplife #backyardchickens #myflock #sideeye #petchicken #silverlacedcochin

Jesse’s Instagram

Broody v. Boot. 
Ruthie is desperate to return to her zero eggs in the nesting box. The only access door is behind me. I am using my impenetrable boot to keep her away. She is full time angry clucking but at just six ounces of fury there is very little she can do! I just want her stay out for a while to get some fresh air and food. Is that so wrong? Why are silkies always SO broody?

Broody v. Boot.
Ruthie is desperate to return to her zero eggs in the nesting box. The only access door is behind me. I am using my impenetrable boot to keep her away. She is full time angry clucking but at just six ounces of fury there is very little she can do! I just want her stay out for a while to get some fresh air and food. Is that so wrong? Why are silkies always SO broody?
#silkies #broodychicken #ruthbaderginsburg #mamahen #angrybird #bokbok #Silkie #petchicken #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

The garden inspector stopped by today. She sampled all the greens, dug up some mulch, and deposited a little fertilizer. The garden received a passing grade but increased worm volume and longer available hours were recommended improvements. Glo is tough, but also bossy.

The garden inspector stopped by today. She sampled all the greens, dug up some mulch, and deposited a little fertilizer. The garden received a passing grade but increased worm volume and longer available hours were recommended improvements. Glo is tough, but also bossy.
#oliveegger #petchicken #wintergarden #swisschard #brightlights #kale #brocoli #zone7b #snoopervisor #eatlocal #backyardchickens #tinyfarmer

Jesse’s Instagram

The broccoli is not even trying. There are zero heads on any of these plants. Luckily the chickens are cool with broccoli greens as a snack. Other chicken snacks include some lucious green leaf lettuce and some kind of cabbage I don't recognize.

The broccoli is not even trying. There are zero heads on any of these plants. Luckily the chickens are cool with broccoli greens as a snack. Other chicken snacks include some lucious green leaf lettuce and some kind of cabbage I don’t recognize.
#wintergarden #greenleaf #eatlocal #Chickenfood #chickensnacks #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

Still, peppers? There are probably 20 or 30 peppers waiting to be picked. I already have plenty in the freezer. What should I do with therm?

Still, peppers? There are probably 20 or 30 peppers waiting to be picked. I already have plenty in the freezer. What should I do with therm?
#bellpeppers #zone7b #wintergarden #snacks #gardenfresh #growyourown #kitchengarden #gardentotable

Jesse’s Instagram

My winter greens garden is lush! I'm having trouble picking anything because it just looks so good. I love growing things in the fall when all the bugs are gone.

My winter greens garden is lush! I’m having trouble picking anything because it just looks so good. I love growing things in the fall when all the bugs are gone.
#swisschard #Broccoli #collardgreens #kale #arugula #cabbage #kitchengarden #farmtotable #chickentreats #organic #Gwinnettcounty #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

The nightmare continues. So, the bottom is definitely the face end which means it has fake eyes on the butt end. It had those ugly front legs tucked in pretty well the other day. The leg stripes are a frightening revelation. Anyone have a summer home in Antarctica? I think there are no spiders there.
@alongcame_dolly_andchicks

The nightmare continues. So, the bottom is definitely the face end which means it has fake eyes on the butt end. It had those ugly front legs tucked in pretty well the other day. The leg stripes are a frightening revelation. Anyone have a summer home in Antarctica? I think there are no spiders there.
#spider #wildlifephotography #terror #furryspider #arachnid #arachnophobia #roommate #Gwinnettcounty #zone7b #territorial @alongcame_dolly_andchicks

Jesse’s Instagram

My zombie chicken eats graaaaainz! Poor Grethen is molting hard and since her shoulder feathers came out it has revealed the long wing feathers below. It makes it look like her ribs are showing. This is also the moment she decided to sleep outside in the cold. She may actually be undead!

My zombie chicken eats graaaaainz! Poor Grethen is molting hard and since her shoulder feathers came out it has revealed the long wing feathers below. It makes it look like her ribs are showing. This is also the moment she decided to sleep outside in the cold. She may actually be undead!
#SicilianButtercup #zombiechicken #petchicken #backyardchickens #molting #pinfeathers #nakedchicken

Jesse’s Instagram

Umm, Becky? Did you hire a Lighting Director to showcase your your new hairdo? It was totally worth it but you need to run these things by me first!

Umm, Becky? Did you hire a Lighting Director to showcase your your new hairdo? It was totally worth it but you need to run these things by me first!
#beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #polishchicken #petchicken #molting #dramaqueen #Becky #beautyqueen #bighairdontcare #fancychick

Jesse’s Instagram

Poor Kahlo is having a super awkward molt. Look at her little tail nubbins starting to come in! Vi is very sympathetic as she also just completed a porcupine session.

Poor Kahlo is having a super awkward molt. Look at her little tail nubbins starting to come in! Vi is very sympathetic as she also just completed a porcupine session.
#petchicken #polishchicken #Cochin #molting #backyardchickens #myflock #awkward #porcupine

Jesse’s Instagram

Late October and I'm still growing food and pests! I'm happy to have the fresh peppers but you'd think the bugs would have given up by now!

Late October and I’m still growing food and pests! I’m happy to have the fresh peppers but you’d think the bugs would have given up by now!
#bellpeppers #greenpepper #leaflegbug #zone7b #gardeningingeorgia #latebloomer #wintergarden #farmfresh #yardtotable #futuresalad