Here I am on our porch drinking my coffee.  I got a late start this morning, but I figure that's okay every now and then.  I love our porch.  We get such a nice breeze, and it's usually at least a few degrees cooler than in the yard.  This is my little sanctuary.  The rest of the house is a mess, but my porch table is tidy and flower-filled. 

The duck babies (now 8 weeks old) are enjoying some front yard time to themselves before the big ducks are let out.  The chickens are still in the coop for another hour or so.  I'm hoping my girls will give me a few more eggs today.  I spoil them, but they have been stingy with their eggies.  Maybe they're irritated at having all the new babies around.  I don't know if they've been producing wild hen-fruit, or if production has just been low.  Keeping them in the coop may reinforce the proper laying habits.

Lately, I much prefer the company of my feather-babies.  The kid has been quite difficult this summer.  So far, honestly and sadly, it has not been a great summer vacation.  Don't get me wrong, it's not all miserable...  I think Emma-Kid, now 8 years old, is learning how to navigate her own emotions.  She needs more "play-dates," but they're hard to come by where we're at.  We chose to not put her in the Summer Enrichment program through school because it makes for such a long day.  She needs to be able to chill out and not be so scheduled.  We're not full schedule people.  I miss my baby.  She seems so angst-ridden, but she's only eight?!  I want my happy little turd back!  One of the most frustrating sides to this is that she doesn't even realized how snotty she's being.  I may go on a few day strike of whatevers and sures, distance myself a bit.  Maybe.  I'm really not sure what direction to go in, but I know that I need to do something to help us get over this funk!