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Aaron’s Instagram

After a year off, we’re hitting the road again in 2019 with @rally_north_america .  Rally North America has raised over $1 Million for various charities over the last 10 years. Our team raised over $3,000 for Hope for the Warriors in 2017 and we would love to exceed that. It’s the time of the year for giving so please make a tax deductible donation to Camp Sunshine today.  A link to our donation page is in my bio. Please help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families attend Camp Sunshine! This past year, more than 600 families from 46 states and 5 countries had the opportunity to regroup, reenergize and restore hope for their future at their lakefront retreat.  Each session Camp Sunshine hosts is disease specific so families have the opportunity to connect with others, perhaps for the first time since their child was diagnosed, who truly understand the challenges they face.

After a year off, we’re hitting the road again in 2019 with @rally_north_america .  Rally North America has raised over $1 Million for various charities over the last 10 years. Our team raised over $3,000 for Hope for the Warriors in 2017 and we would love to exceed that.

It’s the time of the year for giving so please make a tax deductible donation to Camp Sunshine today.  A link to our donation page is in my bio.

Please help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families attend Camp Sunshine!

This past year, more than 600 families from 46 states and 5 countries had the opportunity to regroup, reenergize and restore hope for their future at their lakefront retreat.  Each session Camp Sunshine hosts is disease specific so families have the opportunity to connect with others, perhaps for the first time since their child was diagnosed, who truly understand the challenges they face.

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

Aaron’s Instagram

366 days to 40. Time to get back at it with a 2000 calorie workout, fueled by apple pie for breakfast... If anyone wants to be my workout buddy on the myzones tracker let me know. They have a system that equals out points for people of different fitness levels. We have a new charity we're working with if there is interest to put together a contest with monetary penalties (to a good cause) as motivation 😎

366 days to 40. Time to get back at it with a 2000 calorie workout, fueled by apple pie for breakfast… If anyone wants to be my workout buddy on the myzones tracker let me know. They have a system that equals out points for people of different fitness levels. We have a new charity we’re working with if there is interest to put together a contest with monetary penalties (to a good cause) as motivation 😎

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

Aaron’s Instagram

Cold morning at but plenty of great trucks to check out. After our trip out west I'm in love with these huge overland motorhomes. Nothing like taking a hot shower and air conditioning deep into the back country.

Cold morning at #overlandexpo but plenty of great trucks to check out. After our trip out west I’m in love with these huge overland motorhomes. Nothing like taking a hot shower and air conditioning deep into the back country.

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

Aaron’s Instagram

For my birthday I need a lift and maybe a larger fire extinguisher... After a month of sitting in the garage, I'm finally fixing the hole in my exhaust and the bonus hole in the floor I received from some road debris on our last road trip.

For my birthday I need a lift and maybe a larger fire extinguisher… After a month of sitting in the garage, I’m finally fixing the hole in my exhaust and the bonus hole in the floor I received from some road debris on our last road trip.

#tigwelding #e63wagon #e63amg #e63 #e63samg #e63s #mercedes #mercedesbenz #htpwelders

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

Jesse’s Instagram

No bath has ever been as satisfying as this dirt bath. Sigh. Hawk was here first and briefly lost her spot to Vi but then Vi relocated to a spot further away from the rooster. Glo joined Hawk in this spot for a best friends bath. Notice Glo's one tail feather? Poor thing is doing a serious molt. The dirt flurry in the background is Wilge on the far side of the hill. It was a serious dirt bath afternoon!

No bath has ever been as satisfying as this dirt bath. Sigh.
Hawk was here first and briefly lost her spot to Vi but then Vi relocated to a spot further away from the rooster. Glo joined Hawk in this spot for a best friends bath. Notice Glo’s one tail feather? Poor thing is doing a serious molt.

The dirt flurry in the background is Wilge on the far side of the hill. It was a serious dirt bath afternoon!
#petchicken #dirtbath #oliveegger #EasterEgger #chickens #petchickens #pigpen #Tasmaniandevil #Gwinnettcounty

Jesse’s Instagram

It looks like we murdered an angel over here! Glo is having her first big molt and seems very confused about. She has four tailfeathers left. I think she might have been a little prideful about her plumage.

It looks like we murdered an angel over here! Glo is having her first big molt and seems very confused about. She has four tailfeathers left. I think she might have been a little prideful about her plumage.
#petchicken #oliveegger #molting #backyardpoultry #tinyfarmer #whitefeathers #comb #fresheggs #extratreats

Jesse’s Instagram

I love how the Mom deer stamps her foot at me. Umm, I live here lady. Also, we have a very tall fence. How did you even get in? There are two babies. The obvious one and then one hiding behind the bush on the right. You can see it move a little a few seconds into the video. These cuties show up in the yard every couple of days. I think they live on our road and rotate properties. I've known them since the babies had spots! Please don't eat my garden!

I love how the Mom deer stamps her foot at me. Umm, I live here lady. Also, we have a very tall fence. How did you even get in? There are two babies. The obvious one and then one hiding behind the bush on the right. You can see it move a little a few seconds into the video. These cuties show up in the yard every couple of days. I think they live on our road and rotate properties. I’ve known them since the babies had spots! Please don’t eat my garden!
#deer #petdeer #wildpets #Gwinnettcounty #deerfamily #mamadeer #babydeer #fawn #deertwins #softie #backyarddeer #vegetarian

Jesse’s Instagram

These are peppers from plants that went in the ground mid-July. I then neglected them for 3 months and they are just now producing huge peppers! About 3 weeks ago I planted my winter garden of cabbages, kale, broccoli and lettuce, some of which will last all winter here in Georgia. Most of that crop is for the chickens. The girls love their winter greens!

These are peppers from plants that went in the ground mid-July. I then neglected them for 3 months and they are just now producing huge peppers! About 3 weeks ago I planted my winter garden of cabbages, kale, broccoli and lettuce, some of which will last all winter here in Georgia. Most of that crop is for the chickens. The girls love their winter greens!
#yardtotable #farmfresh #farmtotable #bellpeppers #cabbage #organic #tinyfarmer #Gwinnettcounty #mastergardener #Chickenfood

Jesse’s Instagram

Donna Martin is definitely an Autumn. Beyond her obvious pumpkin coloring, she is made for sweater weather and is perma-costumed as a bunny. This is your season girl! @torispelling

Donna Martin is definitely an Autumn. Beyond her obvious pumpkin coloring, she is made for sweater weather and is perma-costumed as a bunny. This is your season girl!
#silkies #Silkie #donnamartin #petchicken #petchickens #backyardpoultry #strut #autumn #fluffybuttfriday #rakingleavesformychickens #spoiledchickens @torispelling

Aaron’s Instagram

Installed the massive PTO driven winch on the Unimog today. It looks the business but the extra 400lb sure isn't helping the garbage power to weight ratio. I "raced" a full tanker semi today. I had him to about 35mph...

Installed the massive PTO driven winch on the Unimog today. It looks the business but the extra 400lb sure isn’t helping the garbage power to weight ratio. I “raced” a full tanker semi today. I had him to about 35mph… #unimog404 #unimog #mercedes #mercedesbenz #winch #4×4

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky with the Good Hair is almost back in peak hair form! Her sister Wilga balded her several months ago in a fit of jealousy. Becky finally started a full molt last month, including every single tail feather and most of her wing feathers, so I put her in a safe space to grow all of her feathers back at once. It's working spectacularly! But now what to do with Wilga? She is always pulling feathers off of her sisters!

Becky with the Good Hair is almost back in peak hair form! Her sister Wilga balded her several months ago in a fit of jealousy. Becky finally started a full molt last month, including every single tail feather and most of her wing feathers, so I put her in a safe space to grow all of her feathers back at once. It’s working spectacularly! But now what to do with Wilga? She is always pulling feathers off of her sisters!
#beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #polishchicken #petchicken #molting #newdo #coiffed #featherplucking #fancychick

Aaron’s Instagram

Apparently I need to build a skid plate for the e63 wagon... Couldn't avoid a piece of road debris in southern Illinois that punched a hole in my exhaust. It sounds worse than it looks. Good times.

Apparently I need to build a skid plate for the e63 wagon… Couldn’t avoid a piece of road debris in southern Illinois that punched a hole in my exhaust. It sounds worse than it looks. Good times.
#e63wagon #e63amg #e63 #e63s #mercedes #mercedesbenz

Jesse’s Instagram

Taking a 4 year old to the pumpkin patch is excellent cover. I could pet all the goats, touch all the pumpkins and eat all the donuts under the guise of his enjoyment! Thanks Harrison!

Taking a 4 year old to the pumpkin patch is excellent cover. I could pet all the goats, touch all the pumpkins and eat all the donuts under the guise of his enjoyment! Thanks Harrison!
#curtisorchard #pumpkinpatch #wartypumpkins #heirloompumpkin #donuts #applecider #champaignillinois

Jesse’s Instagram

Common Question: Do your chickens have names? Are you kidding me? My chickens have first names, last names, nicknames, origin stories, best friends, and a Primary Care Physician. They celebrate birthdays, holidays, funerals and happy hour. These chickens do tricks, play games and organize missions. They have a custom coop and can recommend a carpenter. I'm pretty sure they had Uber Eats bring them a snack last night. They also lay eggs. What does your human kid do?

Common Question: Do your chickens have names?

Are you kidding me? My chickens have first names, last names, nicknames, origin stories, best friends, and a Primary Care Physician. They celebrate birthdays, holidays, funerals and happy hour. These chickens do tricks, play games and organize missions. They have a custom coop and can recommend a carpenter. I’m pretty sure they had Uber Eats bring them a snack last night. They also lay eggs.
What does your human kid do?

#petchickens #gloriavanderbuilt #oliveegger #backyardchickens #chickenportrait #chickensofinstagram #wattlemodel #grubblieshappyhour #glowstick #pets #fresheggs #familypet

Aaron’s Instagram

Spent the afternoon finishing up this 3x5 welding table and various fixtures from certiflat. Should be a great new place for stuff to accumulate in my shop...

Spent the afternoon finishing up this 3×5 welding table and various fixtures from certiflat. Should be a great new place for stuff to accumulate in my shop… #welding #fixturetable #certiflat #tigwelding #migwelding #fabrication #metalworking

Jesse’s Instagram

The face of evil. Sonia Sotomayor is my one year old rooster that is a polarizing figure in my flock. Sonia has recently started sleeping in a nesting box instead of his traditional position on the highest roost. What's up with that? I know silkies are notoriously broody but the rooster too? Maybe it's the feminine name? Too bad! He was supposed to be a girl! She hates Violet, Donna and my mother. She loves Ruthie, Wilga and Glo. Fairly neutral on the other hens. Not a fan of me but knows I am at the top of the pecking order. She used to have a mohawk but seems to have lost it to an aggressive hen. Ha ha. The crowing is too loud and too often but not enough to be banished. Roosters. Eh.

The face of evil.
Sonia Sotomayor is my one year old #Silkie rooster that is a polarizing figure in my flock.
Sonia has recently started sleeping in a nesting box instead of his traditional position on the highest roost. What’s up with that? I know silkies are notoriously broody but the rooster too? Maybe it’s the feminine name? Too bad! He was supposed to be a girl!

She hates Violet, Donna and my mother. She loves Ruthie, Wilga and Glo. Fairly neutral on the other hens. Not a fan of me but knows I am at the top of the pecking order. She used to have a mohawk but seems to have lost it to an aggressive hen. Ha ha.

The crowing is too loud and too often but not enough to be banished. Roosters. Eh.

#petchicken #petrooster #silkierooster #SoniaSotomayor #blacksilkie #sixtoe #wattlemodel #furfeet #backyardpoultry #myflock #comb

Jesse’s Instagram

This crabby guy keeps moving his web closer and closer to my path to the coop. I assume he is beneficial so I'm letting it go for now but one more foot to the left and he's getting relocated.

This crabby guy keeps moving his web closer and closer to my path to the coop. I assume he is beneficial so I’m letting it go for now but one more foot to the left and he’s getting relocated.
#spider #crabby #gardenpests #gardenfriends #Gwinnettcounty

Jesse’s Instagram

If you leave green peppers on the plant they will eventually turn colors. Then rot. I seem to miss the small gap in between colors and rot every single time.

If you leave green peppers on the plant they will eventually turn colors. Then rot. I seem to miss the small gap in between colors and rot every single time.
#mastergardener #greenpepper #redpeppers #yellowpeppers #homegrown #eatlocal #locavore #gardeningfail #bellpeppers

Aaron’s Instagram

New project. 1963 Mercedes Unimog. It's a troop carrier built for the Swiss army. With about 70hp it isn't getting anywhere fast but I have a few ideas on how to make that a bit better.

New project. 1963 Mercedes Unimog. It’s a troop carrier built for the Swiss army. With about 70hp it isn’t getting anywhere fast but I have a few ideas on how to make that a bit better. #unimog #unimog404 #mercedesbenz #mercedes #sprintervan #sprinter3500

Jesse’s Instagram

Very effective circular snacking today. There is some bonus crowing if you turn up the volume. All of my chickens are missing some head or neck feathers. The pecking order has consequences around here!

Very effective circular snacking today. There is some bonus crowing if you turn up the volume. All of my chickens are missing some head or neck feathers. The pecking order has consequences around here!
#petchickens #chickensnacks #chickenvideo #cochins #silkies #rooster #Bantams #Faverolle #EasterEgger #apple