the new guy

It's been over a year since our dear Red Star Hen, Freida, disappeared, and we all miss her, including Maisie, who had become quite fond of the ginger chicken who had one day claimed us as her family. (You really haven't lived until you've seen a chicken excitedly run to greet you like a dog.) Perry could certainly never replace Freida, nor is the rooster ours, but he--along with an entourage of three loyal hens--made his debut appearance on our property the evening of the 25th, and, with those striking blue feathers, what a sight he was!

Maisie was thrilled to be in the company of chickens again. Our shepherd-beagle has zero prey instinct. Instead, she loves, watches over, and protects every living thing that wanders into her yard (delivery drivers and solicitors excluded). Here's hoping Perry and his flock return. At our home, chickens and animals of every kind are always most welcome.

If you listen carefully, somewhere in this echo-chamber of a valley, you can hear Perry right at this moment, our blue-feathered buddy boisterously belting out the blues.