last week of spring

With summer only days away, the meadow has donned a frock of clover and daisies.

While the fields and beds around her are decked out for work, the meadow is dressed for a tea party. And all creatures seem to have been invited. The doe and her fawn arrived this morning and the pheasant has been calling from there all day. I've seen multiple toads, the redwing blackbirds are patrolling, butterflies on the move. The chickens are delighted their yard is tucked into the meadow on 3 sides so they can at least watch the goings on. And truth to tell, the back of their yard is meadow also.

Of course when I arrived to take the party pictures, my shadow, Rosie, had to run out from the dust spa beneath the chicken house to see what I was doing. She was quickly followed by most of the rest of the gang.

All but Minerva, who has gone broody and won't get out of the nest box despite there being no egg beneath her. She is very calm about my putting my hand beneath her to check, and she lets me stroke her while crooning softly. I had thought she was just avoiding the bully antics of Silver Polish who has been quite aggressive of late. Yesterday his tail showed blood. I think one of the girls had had enough and let him have it. Today they all have their party manners in place.