One of the only things I do miss when winter turns to spring is not being able to see the wild turkeys here as easily. We have a flock of wild turkeys that likes to roost in the trees around our farm. (We have a wild peacock that likes to hang out with them sometimes too.) With the trees baren for winter, its much easier to see these beautiful birds. I love spring, and while I may not be a spring chicken anymore, I also love my winter turkeys too. 

To all you young spring chickens out there - have a safe and happy weekend!

There are two things that will always welcome you to The Lavender Apple Farm when you come visit. First, after you've found your way down our windy lane, over the bridge and up our road.... A lovely lavender gate will welcome you to our homestead. 

The second thing that is always here to greet our guests, is our large bull mastiffs. They guard our lavender as if it was a field full of kibble and bits. 

But in addition to these two things, you will of course be greeted by fields of lavender as well, which is kind of the best part. But even in these tough winter months, we have a lavender cottage here as well. Our local friends can come shop here any time they'd like. Just give us a call and let us know you'd like to come by, and we'd be more than happy to let you browse our cottage shop. 

We love having chickens on our farm. Sure, we love the delicious fresh eggs they bear us, but there are so many other reasons we love having these birds around. 

The most economically compelling reason to keep chickens is to recycle food waste. This composts it into a wonderful organic soil builder for your garden as well. The more kitchen waste you feed your chickens, the more nitrogen rich fertilizer they will give you to compost with. 

Hand in hand with that is their natural digging, pecking, and scratching abilities. This helps you to create top notch gardening beds. You can grow more produce in a smaller space, which means less water - which should be important to us all. 

Chickens also love to eat all of those nasty protein packet insects in your yard. This is awesome for you because maybe it will save you from a tick bite or two, but it will also protect your precious garden as well. They also love to eat most weeds, making your work load much lighter. 

And my favorite reason? Chickens are loveable pets. Increase your stress lowering hormones and form a relationship with these useful and happy birds. Some chickens are even bred as therapy birds. We find the most happiness in caring for our chickens, just getting outside with them each day and exchanging food for eggs and giving them a hello is enough to make all of us smile. 

Have an egg-stra special day!

We are taking the rest of the week off from blogging to enjoy some basting, baking, and all sorts of other culinary delights in our kitchen. We hope your thanksgiving is full of family, friends, and great food. 

• It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord:Ps. 92:1;