Miller Farm Friday

4 08, 2017

Sharing Dresses Across Time and Space

By |2017-08-03T11:55:05-05:00August 4th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|0 Comments

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

When I was in high school, one of my favorite styles of dress was made by a company called Gunne Sax. They were old fashioned dresses with lace up bodices and high necks.  I wore one to my junior prom and my grandmother made one for my senior prom.

I also had some short versions which I wore for piano recitals.  My mom saved them all and gave them to me when they were cleaning out the closet in my old room.  Since I have been married for nearly 30 years, the dresses are in remarkable condition.

This summer I saw the following Facebook post:

Hi everyone, My oldest daughter is really in love with Victorian girls’ dresses at this time. She is 10 years old. I have been searching online to buy a dress for her but could not find anything. Anyone know where to go or if you have one and want to sell it please let me know.

The daughter was one of my piano students. We have known the family for years.  So at her next lesson I got out my old dresses.  Both the older girls were thrilled.  They asked about having them altered and I told them that was fine. Better to have the dresses worn and enjoyed than hanging in my closet.

She  posted this picture.  The dresses and the girls were very happy.

I saw the dresses at church and even at piano lessons.  It made me smile.

The family splits their time between Texas and Thailand.  The dad is a doctor and the mom is from Thailand originally.  They moved back to Thailand last month.  My dresses have now brought joy in two separate generations in two separate countries.

While at my parent’s house recently my mom and I found the picture of me in one of the dresses. I may have thought my mom was a little crazy for carefully storing and labeling all those old pictures, but I was sure glad when she could find this one.Hanging on to things for many, many years is is good thing.  Being able to find them and pass them on is priceless.

28 07, 2017

Gifts from Afar

By |2017-07-27T17:59:39-05:00July 28th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Beekeeper Brian recently travelled to Southeast Asia with a team of people to help with a cultural exchange camp. The team taught art classes as well as the American sports of football, basketball, and baseball. They were treated to performances by a Minority Group from a nearby village.  They also experienced the culture through food.

On the last day, they went shopping and Brian found the perfect gifts for me.The rooster sits on my piano next to my rooster clock.  The chopsticks are at my place at the table.  I try to use them but it is a very slow process.  I’ve decided they make a good diet tool.

I would be worried that Beekeeper Brian was trying to tell me something but the chopsticks have chickens on them so I know that is why he got them.  After all I am the Chicken Wrangler – just not so good with chopsticks.Catherine, our oldest daughter, recently told me I should watch the movie Moana.  She said there is a chicken in there who reminds her of me.

I suppose there are worse things with which to be associated.

21 07, 2017

Miller Farm Summer Project

By |2017-07-19T12:30:23-05:00July 21st, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

This summer I decided to set some goals for myself. One goal is to learn to play the harmonica. 

My father plays and one of my students taught themselves this year so I am inspired.

I’ve bought the harmonicas and a book.  Now I have to learn so I can teach the rest of my students.  I need a break from teaching the recorder.

My second goal is to repair our chicken quilt.

This quilt belonged to my mother-in-law and we have stored it for nearly 30 years now. I remembered it had some seams coming out and some of the quilting needed repair.

When I dug it out, I realized most of the seams were undone and much of the quilting has disintegrated.

Undeterred by this daunting task, I have begun the restoration work.  The plan is to display it in our living room.

The colors do not match anything we have but it is chickens so it has a place on Miller Farm.

This year has been very difficult physically and emotionally.  As I work on the quilt, I find it somewhat therapeutic.  I can sense myself stitching back the undone seams of the past year. Slowly life is coming  together again.  Hopefully by the end of the summer both the Chicken Wrangler and the Chicken Quilt will be restored.

7 07, 2017

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale Without Going Crazy-Part 2

By |2017-06-21T13:21:26-05:00July 7th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Last week I talked about getting ready for your sale and preparing for the actual garage sale site.

The next step in having a garage sale is selecting, pricing, and marketing items.

The temptation may be to throw things away before the sale even begins. A good rule of thumb is: nothing gets thrown away before the sale except embarrassing items such as torn underwear, unidentifiable items or items received as gifts from relatives who may attend the sale.

If you are combining with other people, you may fight the urge to simply exchange stuff. Beware – you could end up with more things and less money than when you started.  This would be counter-productive.

Nothing is more frustrating than going to a garage sale where nothing is marked. While clearly marking every item is tedious, it is the most efficient wat to run a garage sale.  Multifamily sales need to have codes to ensure money goes to the right people. If there are many items in one category, a sign with prices is appropriate (books – paperback 50 cents, hard back $1.00.) The person collecting money should have a list of all items priced as a group to avoid confusion.

If people offer less than the marked price, refer to your purpose.

Displaying items is more challenging at the start of the sale but gets easier as things are sold. The easier it is to see the items, the faster they will sell.  Some people may enjoy the challenge of digging through a box of clothes to find the bottoms to a pair of pajamas but most would rather be able to tell at a glance whether or not the items are acceptable.  Displaying items on tables is most desirable.

The more comfortable the customers are, the longer they will stay and the longer they stay, the more they will buy.

“Tables” can be a board across sawhorses or stacked boxes. The idea is to make things easy to see.  If there are electrical items, a cord and plug should be available for customers to test their purchases.  Colorful or interesting items should be placed at the front of the sale to draw people’s attention. If you have baby things, those are usually bright and catch the eye. Some people drive by garage sales slowly and if something looks interesting, they are more likely to stop and get out.

Now that the ad has run, the signs are out all merchandise is clearly marked and attractively displayed the fun can begin.   You should start the day with a good breakfast.

Donuts are the tradition around here. It is a special treat that sets the tone for an exciting day. You can make a game out of predicting which things will sell.  It is fascinating to see what people purchase. In fact people watching can be somewhat of a distraction.  The workers must remember their purpose.

Part of the job is to rearrange items so people see everything.  This is a trick grocery stores use to get you to spend more time in the store looking for things.  It can be frustrating for the grocery shopper but fun for the garage sale shoppers.  Remember, the longer they are there, the more likely they are to buy things and the fewer things will be left to pack up.

Packing up is the final and maybe the least fun part.  The hope is there will be very little to pack up.  Some organizations will come and pick up the leftover things.  It is worth researching this.  At the end of a long, often hot day if you live in Texas, having someone else come in and haul things away is a blessing.

Then it is time for celebratory ice cream or pizza or whatever celebration means at your house.  Hopefully you have made some money, gotten rid of stuff, and been entertained for a few hours.

30 06, 2017

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale Without Going Crazy – Part 1

By |2017-06-21T08:50:17-05:00June 30th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Garage sales, tag sales, rummage sales, yard sales – whatever you choose to call them, these events are a staple of the American life especially during the summer.

People tend to love or hate garage sales based on whether they are having one or attending them. I personally enjoy both sides of the table.

During my years of “garaging” as my mom refers to it, I have made several observations which I will address in two parts.

Part one deals with the preparation for the sale and then how to prepare the actual garage sale site.

First you must determine your purpose for having a sale.  People generally have two reasons – those who wish to get rid of things and those who plan to make money. If you fall into the latter category, you might just resign yourself to a long, grumpy weekend. Most garage sale shoppers are not big spenders.

If, however, your goal is to empty your garage, attic, basement and/or closets, there are several things to keep in mind. Many serious garage sellers prefer to beat the crowds and shop early. Some even drive by the night before a sale.  If you want to sell things and make money, allow these people to purchase things whenever they arrive.

You must also be willing to negotiate. Haggling over prices is a way of life for some people – especially at garage sales. Of course you can send early birds away and stand firm on all prices but you may find yourself refilling your garage, attic or basement.

As with any project, good preparation is a must.  Check all local papers for advertising deadlines.  While running an ad cuts into profit, it increases traffic and you must keep in mind – more customers=less to pack up.

When considering what to say in an ad be honest. Just because your brother dropped off a box of ties does not mean you are having a “multi-family” garage sale. Do specify any large items or categories you know you will have.  Many collectors use garage sales to increase their inventory.

Signs can be more important than an ad if made and placed properly to guide people. Signs need to be large enough to read from a car and are most effective if they are all the same bright color.

Once your color is established, a simple arrow in that color can be sufficient to lead people to the main event. Many neighborhoods have restrictions on using wooden stakes or placing ads on existing signs.  This necessitates creativity.

Many options are available the simplest of which is to place the sign on the side of a large cardboard box which is held in place by a stone. Equally simple is to attach the sign to a bent coat hanger which is stuck in the ground.  A sturdier version of this uses cereal boxes to which the signs are attached before placing the whole ensemble on a hanger. The box prevents the signs from folding over in the wind.

All of these options use recycled items which keeps costs lower. Signs should be placed the day before at every intersection around the house.

Once you have clearly guided people to your location, there are some things that will make the sale more appealing.  Check back next week for these helpful hints.

23 06, 2017

Goodnight, Chickens

By |2017-06-10T12:43:02-05:00June 23rd, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Putting the chickens up at night has become a multi-step process. As we introduce new chicks into the main flock, I must herd them into the coop for the first few nights.

I watched three of the black laced silver Wyandottes get settled one night. They started on the ramp.  

Then one moved onto the roost.

 

 

As I watched, another one squeezed onto the roost.  There was much flapping and squawking but eventually all three piled onto the roost.

 

 

 

 

Some have decided to sleep in the old bantam coop which has no door. We figured at least they are sheltered from the weather and somewhat hidden from things that would eat them – possums mainly.Then there are the bantams in the color project runs.  Most of them just roost on top of their coops.  Except for these two who prefer to balance on the fence.So my nightly routine involves saying “goodnight chickens” to the big coop, old bantam coop, color runs and the chick pen.

It’s not rocking babies, but it is a routine.

16 06, 2017

Natural Habitat

By |2017-06-10T12:19:14-05:00June 16th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|2 Comments

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

It is interesting how each of our six dachshunds has their own personality. Add Miller, the one we keep when his owner is out of town and we have general chaos.

I tried to get a picture of all seven on the couch and planned to name them after the seven dwarves.  Even with Rachel’s help, I gave up.I have all new respect for photographers who work with animals.

Our dogs are much happier in their natural habitats.

For Penelope that is in the chair on the back patio.  I think she considers it her throne.  I call her Princess Penelope after a book by that name.

I bought it for Rachel.

 

Sadie likes to sit on the window ledge and watch lizards.  She has been known to slip off and get stuck.

Bella prefers to watch the chickens.

 

Tucker, Max, and Coco have not chosen a particular place but rather prefer to be with a person. Max and Tucker are partial to Brian and Coco is my baby.

When people first meet all our dogs they ask “How can you tell them apart?”

I suppose they are similar in appearance but their personalities are completely different.

9 06, 2017

Here a Chick There a Chick

By |2017-06-05T09:03:45-05:00June 9th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

We recently moved chicks from the long run on saw horses to a small pen on the ground.  It is actually one of the bantam pens that is currently vacant.  At first the chicks were thrilled to be on the ground. They scratched and pecked to their heart’s content.

When we checked on them later, however, they had gotten out and were everywhere.  Some were in the pen with Richard and Isabella.  Fortunately, Richard didn’t seem to mind.

Others had gotten in between the two fences.  Rachel has much experience in chick removal and was able to retrieve them fairly easily.

Gradually they are adjusting to their new home.  Only three continue to wander.  Last night I extracted them from the pile of chicks in the big coop.

They didn’t fuss. In fact, they seemed to be relieved to be back with their pen-mates.

If only they would stay there.

2 06, 2017

Multipurpose Net

By |2017-05-21T21:25:25-05:00June 2nd, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Retrieving eggs from the bantam coops has always presented a bit of a challenge. For a while, I had to scoop them forward and then grab them before they rolled back into the coop. Then in the new coops, I could move them forward with a stick and they stayed put until I picked them up.

However, one day I discovered the perfect egg grabbing tool at the 99 Cent Store.  It was marketed as a butterfly net. In fact, the cashier asked if I was going to catch butterflies. Now mind you she was wearing bunny ears so I knew whatever I said would be accepted without judgment.

“Actually,” I said, “I am going to gather eggs from our chicken coops.”

She suggested I wear bunny ears while doing so.  I assured her I already had some and would consider it.

This is the multi-purpose net

And a close up of the egg to be grabbed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since acquiring this magical net, we have discovered other uses.  It is perfect for scooping up chickens that are between the chain link and privacy fences.  The chickens are not thrilled with this process but they really don’t like being trapped either.

The net is also good for catching escapee chicks.  We can get to them from a distance, contain them, and then put them back where they belong.

We have already had to replace one egg-getting, chicken-scooping, chick-catching net. I have an extra one as a BUN – Back-up-net.

Last time I was at the 99 Cent store there was a stunning lack of what they call butterfly nets.  I guess we’ll have to be careful with ours until they can get more in stock.

26 05, 2017

d’Uccle Chicks

By |2017-05-21T06:48:21-05:00May 26th, 2017|Miller Farm Friday|1 Comment

A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

Among Rachel’s recent acquisition of chicks is a pair of d’Uccles. This breed has very long feathers on its feet.

For the longest time, I couldn’t understand what Rachel was saying and called the chicks “duseldorfers”.

Rachel, having lived with me all her life, would patiently repeat “d’Uccles, Mom, D’Uccles”

I finally looked them up and seeing the name in writing helped it stay in my head.  It also convinced me Rachel was not just making this all up.

She moved the d’Uccle chicks out of the chick pen in with the big girls.  Since there are two we figured they would keep each other company.  However, they have bird brains and one of them spent much of its time running up and down the chicken wire fence enclosing the chick pen.

The other night I discovered the poor chick with its head stuck in the chicken wire. I was afraid it was dead, but I got to it in time.  I carefully removed its head from the chicken wire and returned it to the big pen with the other d’Uccle.

This afternoon I found them both in the chick pen.  I have no idea how they got there but I’m leaving them alone.  They may have bird brains but they know where they want to be.

Go to Top