Whew, what a day. Busy but oh so productive and oh so blessed. Dad started off with an early meeting, so the kids started butchering without him while I ran things inside. The kids did great, and Dad joined in when he got home from his meeting. All 50 or so were done by noon; I’m thankful for more chicken in the freezer. It started out mighty cool, but by the time we were done the sun had warmed everything up nice. Next was a trip north to pick up Jesse’s new tractor, while we girls did kitchen work and ironing, and I started getting out winter clothes for the girls. I guess winter is coming and I’m thankful our house is prepared. I started a walk but met my men at Broadway and hopped in with them so I could watch (and photograph) Jesse unload his tractor – it’s pretty neat. Dad left all the boys here to chore and took Sarah and Jewel with him to do a couple of errands in Morton. Home for supper, baths/showers, Bibletime, UNO, dvd for kids while Dad paid bills and I managed, and then beds for all. Levi went to the Beutel Young Group Chili Supper and got home around 10:00; Dad and I heard all about his evening before we crashed too. Sounded like he had a nice time; I’m glad he enjoyed going.
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HUGE birds.
Everybody helps (Kate was photographer).
Happy kittens…Lovey gave each kitten a head, and then she kept taking them until there was a little pile of extras. She and the kittens were so FAT.
I was told they were admiring the death nerve twitches…a leg would kick, and some were moving almost like breathing.
Scalding.
Cleaning the last few feathers, cutting off legs and wing tips.
Last time we butchered, Rascal ate too much and was sick - - huge, bloated, fat and just laid around the rest of the day; this time the kids saw her burying chicken parts to save for later. Smart dog.
Cleaned, ready to gut.
Lots of big knives – lots of blood, but thankfully no human blood.
Joshua had a great time playing with the water…and getting soaked.
Sarah entertained kittens when she wasn’t being runner girl.
Jacob insisted he was NOT cold, although the rest of us were in long sleeved sweatshirts (??).
Hard workers.
Gutted and ready to piece.
Piecing – cutting off legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
Pieces (legs, thighs, wings) ready to bag.
Breasts ready to bag.
Carcasses ready to bag.
Draining.
4# breasts.
5 1/2# pieces.
FINALLY Jesse’s tractor is home.
Dad and I enjoyed the GORGEOUS sunset while we walked, and after we got home I snapped a few pictures.
Dad had a turn at driving Jesse’s tractor.
I have a feeling I’ll be seeing this scene for quite awhile – a bunch of gearheads looking at whatever it is gearheads look at.
Since I was out there, I took this picture of our garden. Not much left but a few pepper and tomato plants. To the right it’s pretty clear where the watermelon plastic was – no weeds.
Blueberry plant.
PRECIOUS baby loves his biggest sister.
That’s it.
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