Wednesday, 14 November 2007

no such thing as a free lunch


We all know the harsh truth of this saying, but it doesn't stop you hoping...

I was sat in a lunchtime business seminar this week, where all I had to do was 'lend my ears' for an hour, and I would be wowed and wooed to part with large sums of money for business solutions that could not fail.

OK, it didn't exactly say that on the invitation, but it became pretty clear where it was all going, with peer pressure piling on and subliminal messages coming through thick and fast. A polished act from a talented presenter, but I was not ready for any leap of faith that particular lunchtime.

Back at the farm, our newest hens have been pushing the concept of a 'free breakfast, lunch and tea' to its limits. We bought in these new girls as point of lay pullets back in August (that means ready to lay within a couple of weeks.)

September, October and half of November came and went, and still no eggs. I sought the advice of everyone I knew who knew anything about chickens - but no answers and no solutions, except the person who sold me the birds, very decently promised to replace them.

But how to trade in Henrietta, Milkshake, Daisy, Speckle, Blue and Belle? - that is the problem when you are on first name terms with your chickens. I do however, think they are having a laugh, as they go and clear up the garden bird table and its offerings, after having pecked their way through a bowl or two of layers pellets.

I mentally give them until Christmas...

...then today, on my birthday, one of them wins a reprieve for the 'eggless six'.

Implausible to the extreme, but absolutely true - Blue lays an egg while my Dad is cleaning out the chicken shed, (obviously making sure there is someone to witness the event.)

I use the precious egg to make a cake later that day, and as I crack it into the bowl, it's a double yolker...perhaps my own subliminal messages had been getting through after all. Now all Blue needs to do, is lay on a bit of peer pressure, and roast chicken is off the menu.


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