Sassy & Sweet Notes

A Happy Goose Walk (Video)

Want to take the baby geese for a walk? I thought you might...  *grin*

As always, if you're having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you'll find it on my YouTube channel.

One Wacky Goat (Video)

I was cleaning up one of my camera's memory cards and came across some video clips I took last summer. I thought I'd mash them together into a short video for you .... it just cracks me UP! Moose and I were just returning from a walk, and when we walked by the barnyard Callio-Pea was so funny! And at the end of the video ... *HAHAHAA!* She's so wacky!

If you're having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you'll find it here on YouTube.

Enjoy!

Garden Update: April 21, 2012 (Video)

I took some video clips of the garden yesterday, and thought I'd share!

If you can't view this video here on my blog, check it out here on YouTube.

Have a GREAT Earth Day!!

What's Growin' on the Farm (Video)

Took some video clips this evening showing the progress of some of the garden veggies, the wildflowers in the pastures, and COWS!

If you're not able to view the video here on my blog, you will find it here on YouTube.

Enjoy!

Turkey Feeding Time

Here is a quick video of Dad feeding one of the flocks of wild turkeys in the front yard, Christmas morning.

If you have trouble viewing the video on the blog, you will find it here on YouTube.

Hope you're enjoying your day!

A Drive Through Texas Farmland (Video)

Alan and I made a trip to the farm supply store this evening -- join us as we drive home through Texas farmland.

Video has been edited to 3x time, and ends with a beautiful Texas sunset. It was 96 degrees.

Enjoy!

As always, if you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can also view it on my YouTube channel.

Enjoy the weekend!

High Hopes Holiday Release Blog Hop (Card and Video)

To celebrate the holiday release for High Hopes Rubber Stamps, the designers are participating in a blog hop to showcase the new images. If you're participating in the hop, Andrea was before me and Kristine is next. If you didn't get here from Andrea's blog, you may want to pop on over to the High Hopes blog and start at the top.

Hopefully an added bonus, if you liked the Piggly Wiggly and Coloring a Snowman videos I've shared this week, I've got another treat for you! I filmed myself coloring this image, too! What can I say ... I was on a video roll! (Still no music on the videos... and the goat goober is still present as well. What fun!)

Enjoy this sped up look at me coloring this snowman.

And like always, if you have trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can check it out here on my YouTube channel. Oh! And I wanted to mention too, if you want to get a BIGGER look at the videos, click on the little four arrow button at the far right of the video control bar -- just right of the YouTube button. That will make the video viewing window full screen. Then, to get back to regular viewing, press the ESC key on your keyboard (the ESC key is in the upper left corner of your keyboard, Dad!)  *grin*

To continue on with the blog hop, shake yourself on over to Kristine's blog!

Snowman: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Memento Black Tuxedo Ink
Paper: Neenah, Memory Box, Olive cardstock
Markers: Copic (0; C1; W3, W5, W7; E13, E30, E31, E41, E42, E43, E44; YG95, YG97, YG91; B91, B93, B95; R39, R59; YR14, YR24; R01)

High Hopes Christmas Joy Snowman (Card and Video)

High Hopes Rubber Stamps is releasing new holiday images on Thursday of this week (tomorrow), and today the designers are giving you a look at them. I chose to use this cheery Christmas Joy snowman, dressed up in his finest star buttons.

If you liked the Piggly Wiggly coloring video I shared earlier this week, then I've got a treat for you! I filmed myself coloring this image, too! (Still no music on the videos...)

Enjoy!

Oh, and like always, if you have trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can check it out here on my YouTube channel.

Snowman: High Hopes Rubber Stamps
Memento Black Tuxedo Ink
Paper: Neenah, Memory Box, black cardstock
Markers: Copic (0; C1; W1, W2, W3, W4, W5; E9, E31, E35, E37, E44, E53, E99; BG93, BG70, BG72, BG96; Y17, Y26, Y28; YR14, YR24; R01)

Piggly Wiggly Card (Video)

I get asked frequently if I'll demonstrate how I color or paint the images I use on my projects. So I took a video of the process of me coloring this image, and making the card. The video doesn't have any sound (don't have music files to add to videos), so hum your own tune while you watch. *grin* Also, it's in 3x speed, so not to take up too much of your time!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out here on my YouTube channel.

Enjoy!

PS: Let me know if this is something you'd like to see more of.

- Hamselot (#CT073): Whipper Snapper Designs
- Sentiment: Garden of Friendship cling set, Whipper Snapper Designs
- Memento Black Tuxedo Ink
- Paper: Neenah, October Afternoon
- Markers: Copic (0, R11, R20, B93, B95, B97, E13, E15, R37, R39, R59, C1, C2, C3, YG03, YG23, YR21, YR24 -- hope I didn't miss any!)
- Colored Pencil: LYRA Pompeian Red 600-91
- MISC: Seam binding, tracing wheel, Tombow Mono Multi glue, antique button, twine, Stampin Up foam dimensionals, Gamsol and paper tortillon for blending
- Smudge on camera lens: Baaaaad Boxcar Betty

Cricket (Video)

Not everyone can have a house chicken, so how about I share mine?

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, check it out here on my YouTube channel.

Stamp Storage (Video)

When I posted the video of my workspace area, I had a request to share how I store and organize my stamps. Soooo, here you go!

If you have trouble viewing this video here on the blog, you can check it out here on my YouTube Channel.

The large containers I use for my Stampin' Up sets are  Stampendous THICKER Stuftainers. They are organized by line art style, and theme. I also use the Stampendous THIN Stuftainers for images I have on cling mount (which isn't all that many).

I keep my Whipper Snapper cling mount sets (which are in their original product CD cases) stored in CD storage boxes, organized by theme. I bought the CD storage cases at Target several years ago on clearance. I'd love to have 1 more!

I keep clear sets and unmounted red rubber stamps in standard white 3-ring binders, organized by manufacturer. Because I am (or was) a designer for various companies, it's important for me to keep some company stamps all together (example: High Hopes, Crafty Secrets, Whipper Snapper Designs).

In the binders I use various sized page protector sleeves. The 2-pocket 5x7 sleeves,9-pocket baseball card sleeves, and the 3-pocket long sleeves are ULTRA-Pro products used for safely storing sports memorabilia. (Links below.) The full-sized sleeves are a heavy duty Avery sleeve. I use heavy duty clear 3M write-on transparency sheets to adhere the unmounted red rubber stamps using Alene's Tack It Over glue, and inexpensive white cardstock for stability in the pockets.

All of these items can be found on Amazon at the following links:

Stampendous Thicker Storage Solutions (5 containers)

Aleene's Tack-It Over & Over Glue

Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Trading Card Pages

Ultra Pro 2-Pocket Pages

Ultra Pro 4-Pocket Pages

Avery Diamond Clear Heavyweight Sheet Protectors

3M - Transparency Sheets (WRITE-ON)

 

Hope this is helpful!

Happy Sunday!!

Workspace (Video)

Alright guys and gals, I've got a video to share with you. Nancy (hi Nancy!) emailed me first thing this morning and asked if I could show more of what I store around my workspace, and any additional info I cared to share. Instead of taking 30 still-photos, I thought I'd brave a short video! Hope this helps you, Nancy!

Honestly, I could have talked for an hour. Haaha! I rushed it into 11 minutes for you, and just hit some highlights.

Also, here is some info worth noting:

Copic Retail Display: I don't have a link for you; I actually ordered mine from a wholesaler. However, if you are in desperate need of one for yourself and cannot find one, I could potentially order one for you. Shipping is going to be heafty, so only serious inquiries, please. Also, I say potentially because it's not an item that is always "in stock", so your patience level must be high. If you want to try and find one online (expect the price to be high!), search for Empty Copic Sketch/Various Ink Retail Display. You might get lucky.

Colored Pencil Storage: This is a display unit I purchased (if I remember correctly) at a used retail fixture display store in Portland, Oregon years ago. I believe it was a point-of-purchase display rack that would have been used at a register counter for selling pens or pencils, or possibly even bookmarks, or small reader glasses. Turns out that it works perfect for my pencils! You might try searching eBay for Acrylic display and see what you find... I know I've seen similar items listed, but nothing exactly like the unit I have. Bummer too, because I'd love a second one!

Wooden Ink Pad Storage: Wall Unit Plus by http://www.SUINK.net

Martin Universal Design Mijello Airtight Leak-Proof Palettes: Find them on Amazon.

 

What else would you like to know? *grin*

PS: If you have trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can check it out here on my YouTube Channel.

Horn Worms Make Great Duck Snacks! (Video)

This year the bugs are out of control in the garden. Today I went on a tobacco horn worm hunt (which I've done three times previously earlier this month)!

Real life gummy worm duck snacks! *grin*

If you have trouble viewing the video on the blog (or want to see it larger), you can check it out here on YouTube.

Quack, quack!!

The Nightly Lockdown! (Video)

I decided I would take some video clips last night while I was locking up the chickens. Join me in the fun!

If you're having trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out here on YouTube.

Happy FRIDAY!!

A Celebration! (Video)

Sweet little Ginger has been sitting on some eggs, and what do ya know, but we've got some babies!

If you have trouble viewing this video here on the blog, you can check it out here on YouTube! Enjoy!

Reasons to Secure the Chicken Yard (Video)

I put together a video to demonstrate just why we made sure our chicken yard was very secure... The images in the video aren't new, but some of them are new to YOU! *grin*

Video Description:
I use a Leaf River trail camera to see what kinds of critters visit the chicken coop at night. Here are some images and video clips I've captured, of unwelcome guests at the chicken coop. The wire around our chicken yard goes all the way to the roof. While it may LOOK like there are gaps in the wire, that's only because the wire doesn't show up in the video. The covered (roofed) chicken yard is 10x10, and connects to a larger (uncovered) 30x40 yard. I shut the gait to the larger yard at dusk, to ensure no predators can get into the chicken house, or into the covered yard.

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out on YouTube.

Enjoy!

This and That Around the Farm (Video)

We finally got some much needed rain last night. Oooooh it smells so GOOD! So, since I didn't have to water the garden this morning, I took the camera around to see what some of the critters were up to.

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out here on YouTube!

Enjoy!

Oh, and I've added a link to my YouTube channel on the right in the Sassy & Sweet Stuff list. All of the farm videos are there for your enjoyment. *grin*

A Stroll through the Garden (Video)

I usually do my garden updates w/ still photos, but thought I would capture this garden update on video. Enjoy!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out here on You Tube.

Happy Mother's Day! (Video)

To all the mothers out there, and especially to mine, have a beautiful Mother's Day!

In the morning I plan to do a few odds and ends around the farm, and then we're headed to the city to have lunch with Alan's parents. Then, back to the farm to finish up a few more odds and ends. Supposed to be HOT, near 95. *ugh!* I'd better get some water on the garden in the morning!

I've got a cute little video to share with you. Brown Manetta (one of the Turken hens) hatched some chicks earlier this week. One of them got injured and didn't make it. Then, a couple days later, another chick hatched! But since it was days younger than the others and quite a bit smaller, it had a hard time keeping up with the activities. It ended up getting injured by another hen ... so I brought it in the house for a little extra TLC. Until it gets big and strong, we have a house chick. And just in time for Mother's Day! *grin*

Enjoy!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out here on YouTube.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Today on the Farm (Video)

For you. *grin*

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out on YouTube.

VIDEO: Spring Storm & Around the Farm After the Storm

Here's the video I put together following this afternoon's storm. I'm sorry to have missed filming the earlier part of the storm -- I was so involved in watching what was happening! So, I missed the trees blowing sideways, tree branches blowing across the yard, the rain and huge HAIL blowing completely sideways. I'll be better prepared next time!

Here's a bit of what you'll see:
BIG HAIL (at 1:10 and 1:45ish)
My poor tomatoes and other garden plants
Chickens
The new calf having a milkshake tasting contest, and a RACE!
Rain, rain, RAIN!
5 calves eating hay
Dash on post
And more!

Enjoy!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can always check it out on YouTube!

Today in the Hen House (Video)

The ladies wanted to say hello... *grin*

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can see the video HERE on YouTube.

Snow PLAY! (Video)

Here's another video from today, featuring Mister Farley and Miss Daisy playing in the snow. They had a ball!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can see the video HERE on YouTube.

Tonight promises to be a chilly one! Bundle up, snuggle in, and keep it cozy!

Snow Day (Video)

I went out earlier and took some quick video clips of the farm activities. The snow was really coming down, and still is! About 4" have accumulated now. Fun!

Enjoy the video! ...oh, and you might notice that there isn't a chicken to be seen! They were ALL in the coop. Sissies!

If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can see the video HERE on YouTube.

Happy Snow Day!

PS: For those of you with relatively slow internet connections (Mom and Dad!), start the video, then press the PAUSE button (the button with two vertical bars) and allow the video to download. You will see the download progress by watching the red/pink progress bar extend. Once the progress bar is almost complete, press play again. This will allow you to watch the video without lots of stops and starts.

Painting using Craft/Pigment Ink (Video)

For those who've sent me emails wanting more info how how to paint solid areas using craft/pigment ink pads ... here you go!

This is the first "tutorial" type of video I've ever done (so be kind!) ... hope it gets the job done! Enjoy!

If you're not able to view this video here on my blog, you will find HERE on YouTube.

Two Toads (video)

 
Last night when I was out locking up the chickens for the night, I saw this Gulf Coast toad trying to break into the new bean patch. I have the raised garden bed that the beans are planted in wrapped with bird netting to discourage the raccoons, armadillo, cats, chickens, and dogs from making a mess of the newly planted bed. It seems to be giving the toads fits, too! When the plants get a little bigger, I'll lift the netting so the toads can enjoy bug snacks in the bean patch.

 
I ran to the house to get my camera to see if I could capture it on video. Not only did I catch one toad tryin' to bust in, but it's little buddy too!

We have lots of these toads on the farm. There are a few that gather under the pole light at night at the top of the driveway. They're REALLY fat -- good eattin' under the pole light that attracts all those bugs at night.

How About a Baker's Dozen? (Video)

Happy Saturday morning! I've got a baker's dozen to share with you this morning... enjoy!

Edwina hatched out 13 little itty bitty bantams, and I'm pretty sure they couldn't be any cuter!

The Goats (Video)

For all you Bad Boxcar Betty fans ... *grin*

Joy on the Farm (Video)

Here's a little treat for you today... enjoy!

They Grow Like Weeds! (video)

Here's a short video from earlier today, of the three older ducks that are in the feed storage side of the hen house in a brooder. You can hear the hens and roosters clucking and carrying on in the other side of the hen house, and you can hear the 6 baby chicks who are in a chick brooder at the back of the feed storage area, too. You can even hear Alan running the weed trimmer in the background. He's out working while I'm dinking around with the babies. *grin*

If you have trouble viewing this video here on my blog, you will also find it on YouTube.

Happy Easter!

Luann Lays an Egg! (Video)

 
I took my camera out to the hen house this evening when I went out to collect the last of today's eggs. I collect eggs first thing in the morning, and then again around dinner time, to gather up any stragglers that were left throughout the day.

I noticed Luann was in a nest box "organizing" the wood chips and hay. She's a young pullet and hadn't started laying yet, so it was unusual to see her nesting. A few minutes later, I noticed she was displaying egg laying behaviors, so I started taking video!

Here's Luann, laying her first egg! And it's green! Poor thing -- check out her reaction after laying the egg... imagine her surprise when she realizes that she has to do it all over again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day....

If you're having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also view it on YouTube.

The Little One Learns to Swim (Video)

How cute is this!? She's so LOUD!! *grin* See if you can spot them doing dives!

If you're having trouble viewing this video here on my blog, you can also find it on YouTube.

One, two, THREE!

On my last post I mentioned that one of our little ducklings has a bad hip. This is no good for a duck. As they grow, they can get too heavy for their joint to support them, and it makes for hard living as a duck.

Just in case something terrible happens, we didn't want our other duck to be without a friend. So yesterday, I brought home a third little duckling. And little is no lie! Here is a video of them enjoying some snacks, and their WAY FUN water container! They're so CUTE!

If you are having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also find it on YouTube.

Quack!

March 20th, we brought home two baby ducks. I made a video for you, so you can share their bath time! They are swimming in warm water, in a big plastic tub, that's sitting in a bathtub. Perfect for baby duck baths!

You might be able to see that one of the ducks has a bum hip - she kind of holds it out to the side, and a bit farther back than "normal". No good for ducks... more about this a bit later...

Until then, enjoy bath time!

If you are having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also find it on YouTube.

A Visit to the Hen House

I took the camera out to the hen house yesterday evening when I went out to check on the girls. They just crack me up! Here's a short video for you...

The gray hen in the nest box is "broody", which means she wants to spend her days sitting on eggs until they hatch. But, since I gather eggs daily, she's not actually sitting on any eggs. Crazy chicken. *grin*

If you are having trouble viewing the video here on my blog, you can also find it on YouTube.

Happy Weekend!!

We've got a winner, a new record, and a video!

The comments on the Egg-citing Guessing Game are now closed. And what a lot of guessers there were! So many of you were so CLOSE, but only ONE of you was RIGHT!

There were 65 farm fresh eggs in the bowl, and every one of them was gathered on Monday of this week. Until today, that was the highest egg collection day of the week!

The one and only correct guess for Monday's bowl of eggs was submitted by Mary Campbell:

My guess is 65. I was going to take 57 but that was taken several times.
Posted by: Mary Campbell | February 25, 2010 at 09:14 AM

Mary, get in touch with me and I will mail your prize right away!

Seems as though the ladies had a little competition today to see if they could beat their score, and sure enough, they did! They have smashed their previous record by 9 eggs!! I've collected 74 eggs so far today, and the day's not over yet... there's still a chance that I'll find one or two more eggs when I'm locking up the girls for the night.

Update on today's count: Sure enough, I found 2 more eggs while I was locking up the girls for the night. That brings today's total to a WHOPPING 76 eggs! I'm flabbergasted!

I went out to the hen house with the video camera today, and took some short videos. Enjoy!

Having trouble viewing the video here on the blog? You can check it out here on YouTube.

Thanks for playing along in the Egg-citing Guessing Game!

In case you want to see more, here are more videos of life on the farm.

Baby Chicken Update!

Soooooo..... Thursday night with the new babies went great! The babies got warm, and went to town on their food and water. Happy babies!

But... I told Alan I felt really bad leaving the other little bantam chicks at the store. There were only five of them, and remember - they didn't have very good heat until Alan fixed their light. We didn't recall seeing any food in their area either. Granted, chicks can live on the nutrients they get from the egg yolk, but if they've hatched and are ready to eat, they should be fed. We decided that in the morning Alan would go back to the store to get the rest of the bantam chicks. We just had to hope they survived the night.

They DID! When Alan got to the store, the light was where he'd adjusted it to, and they'd been given food. They all looked like they were doing well. He brought the five of them home, along with one more of the standard red chicks. (They require you to buy at least 6.)

They're all getting along well, eating great, and must be part duck as they LOVED to wade in their water dish. They graduated to a chick waterer today, to keep them from just standing in their water dish.

Here's a quick video of the bantam chicks...

If you're not able to see the video embedded here on my blog, you can view the video on YouTube.

Ahhh, love the peep peep peep of happy baby chickens!

Two Baby Chickens!

Here you go! Two baby chickens!

If you're not able to view the embedded video here on my blog, view the video on YouTube.

Let me hear it ... Awwwww!

Yesterday I checked on the egg in the incubator. It was pipping (that's what it's called when a chick breaks a small area through the shell near it's beak). I made a quick trip to the post office (less than 10 minutes), and shortly after, Alan came home. He went to check on the egg, and she'd hatched! So I missed the whole thing! I had planned to create a hatching video... I guess we'll make plans for that next time!

I thought this chick might be a Peanut/Zippidydoodah baby, but turns out it's a Peanut/Edward Scissorbeak baby! So, she's a Mille Fleur (Peanut) and Ameraucana (Edward Scissorbeak) cross.

Shame on you, Peanut!! What will the neighbors think!?

But still, cute as can be!! Here's a video for you of the chick still in the incubator drying off. This video was taken last night. After she dried off, I moved her in with the other chick. Finally, a friend!

If you aren't able to see the embedded video here on my blog, you may view the video posted on YouTube.

Poultry in Motion...

Finally! YouTube success!! Here's a short video I put together last night. Miss Daisy even makes an appearance!

The video: Sizzle!

To watch the video on the YouTube site, click here.

What's that!? BABIES!!

We had excitement on the farm today, in the form of BABIES! Little Brown Barn Hen (LBBH) has been sitting on 18 eggs for some time...about 21 days, actually! And this morning, 5 of the eggs hatched!

One of the chicks didn't make it, but the other four did. Alan and I needed to move her and the babies to a warmer location in the barn. Unfortunately, LBBH wasn't interested on sitting on the remaining 13 eggs. Two of them had started to hatch, and we couldn't chance leaving them there with it being so chilly. So, in the house they went.

We also decided that we'd take the rest of the eggs too (that hadn't started hatching). They wouldn't have a chance for survival if mama hen stayed off the nest much longer. So, in the house they went... We put them in an incubator. I'm not sure how many will hatch, but we'll give it our best shot.

The two chicks that had started hatching were successful, and they're doing GREAT! The photo above is them, fresh out of their shells. Another one is working on escaping from it's shell currently, and I expect it to be fully hatched by early morning. So, that will make four chicks outside with Little Brown Barn Hen, and three in the house so far... You know how much I love chickens, and BABY chickens are even BETTER! 

Take a look at how CUTE they are! You should be able to view the video here on my blog, but if not you might have better luck where it's posted directly on YouTube.

I love baby chickens! *grin*

Tiny Tim Learns to Crow

I can't even begin to tell you just how hard I've been laughing, for two days now! Yesterday evening, Tiny Tim started crowing. We've never heard him crow before, and it's likely that he's just now figuring out how.

The nights have been in the low 30s to high 20s, and that's just too cold for Tiny Tim to be out with the others, so we keep him in a small kennel in our utility room at night. I took this little video this morning, while we waited for it to warm up enough for him to go back outside with the rest of his chicken friends.

The little "hiccup" he does at the end of his crow is there every time! It's a stinkin' RIOT!!

Oh, and by the way, to make the entries about Tiny Tim easier to find, I've created a Tiny Tim the Frizzled Roo category - you'll find it over on the right side, in the categories section. Who knew such a crazy little chicken would have such a following! I'll get the other posts about Tiny Tim added to that category as well.

The video:

You should be able to view the video here on my blog, but if not here is a link to the video as posted on YouTube.

PS: Looks like it's time to toss Tiny Tim's coat in the wash! *grin*

Tiny Tim's New Coat

By request, here is Tiny Tim & his new coat!
(Mom and Dad, you've got to watch this!) *grin*

Sorry for the choppy quality ... I tried to get the video file smaller than 130mb, and I think YouTube reduces the quality even more!

The video is posted on YouTube.

A Barnyard Home Movie...

For those of you who would like to see a little video I made today of some random farm activities (basically animals eating and being, well, odd)... The little red rooster in the beginning is Little Buddy. He was sitting on my knee when I took the clips of him. The rooster at the end is a black Japanese Bantam. He's TINY! He might weigh 2 pounds. Maybe. But he's not the smallest rooster we have, if you can believe it!

If you have a slow internet connection (ie: Dial-Up), if you chose to view the file, it will take you a LONG time to download the video...it's 8mb! Sorry about that!