::Chicken Plucker Update and Compassion ::

Hi All! 
After writing the previous post about building our own Chicken Plucker; many of you left comments stating what degree of experience you've had with raising meat chickens.  Some of you are just plain curious and intrigued about the process. 
Most of you are squeamish! 

It got me thinking about the whole Up and Coming process. I thought I'd take a minute to sit down;  To not sugar coat it and  tell you how I really feel! 

With all the reading I've been doing; I've learned it is done quite humanely and it isn't something you want to do ALL THE TIME; otherwise, you become desensitized to it and lose your compassionate edge for animals. 

So believe me, when I say-  I, in No Way...am making a mockery of what these animals are being raised for. 

While our bigger chickens, the first flock of birds we got in October are giving us eggs and we've named them and they are more or less like our pets...

The Nuggets are being raised to put on the table. Period. 

But you know, I must make light of it-- it is my Poker face. Laughter is how I deal with some of the LIFE'S less pleasurable moments. So while I may write a post and speak jokingly about these things. It's just me ...dealing with it. 

Now as to the building of The Machine. 

We've hit a snag with the motor we found in the shed...

***yes, ~Liz, we just happened to have a motor in the shed, ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER JUNK WE'VE SAVED FOR 'JUST IN CASE'. The know how comes from my degree...from the YOU-niversity of TUBE! I am a self educated woman. ;) 

It (the motor) didn't work. It may work with some adjustments and good cleaning. This particular motor had DOBBER's NESTS inside and no plug or cord.  We put a cord on after cleaning it; but is still wouldn't turn. 

We actually have a couple of more motors we're going to work with and hopefully we'll be up and running soon. 

In the mean time, I've been reading up on killing and cleaning chickens that are the age of ours.  Taking precautions to have SALMONELLA-FREE chicken. The benefits of chilling the chickens in Ice Cold running water, cooling them 4-6 hours for tenderness...before freezing, etc. 

Joining here

Deborah Jean's DandelionHouse

Hop on over and see what else is taking place in the world of homesteading! It's NOT all chickens... you're sure to find something you'll enjoy reading about. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

 

::Using What We Have~Homemade Chicken Plucker::

***No chickens were killed during the making of this post. YET. 

"Using What We Have"  is generally code for a FRUGAL Post. 
It doesn't get more frugal than raising your own meat chickens.

We got chicks back in March (THE NUGGETS as we've called them.) ...and we bought them with the good intentions of raising them for meat. 
They are roughly 20 weeks old now...which I've come to understand is already old for meat chickens. Not too old to make broilers out of... but they might not be good for grilling as they may have already become tough.  We'll see. 

This is our first go around with this. If we're successful, hopefully, we will be; and we will do it again in the spring! 

We decided if we're going to do this we need to get going on it--(probably should have done this sooner, I know.)  We HAVE read up on killing chickens...  it may sound bad when you say it that way-- but, it is what it is.  The fastest and easiest way to get rid of the feathers (which is the tedium of killing chickens) is with a CHICKEN PLUCKER.  This would NOT be a FRUGAL POST if we had bought one of these contraptions.  NO. 

So we are building our own; and are not out any money.

So far we've gathered, from around our place:  

A pallet or skid. 

A composite plastic rain barrel. 

With a Sawz-All, we The Honey, cut it in 1/2 and then removed the bottom out of it. 

We found a motor in the shed... that is a work still in progress. 

We (and yes,besides making a MATERIALS LIST, I helped on this part) broke the pallet apart and cut and screwed the boards together for the frame of our Chicken Plucker. 

We added a board for stability and two more for the shaft/rod to go through that turns the inside of the machine. 

...And that's as far as we've gotten. 

Not pictured we also have another pulley and an aluminum plate for the inside. We've still got to put the rubber "fingers" inside that do the plucking while the chicken is in the spin cycle. 

While we worked on it today...the flock was close by. The regular flock is mixed in with 'THE NUGGETS'. They seemed to stay close by the barrel. They are clueless. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

::Etsy~ Tweaking the Shop ::

I want to say a big, big THANK YOU  to EVERYONE that has chimed in lately; to help me with all my questions on starting a shop. I've listened to each and everyone of your comments, suggestions and questions. Your encouragement and thought provoking comments (Robelyn...)  ;)  have all been given serious consideration. It is a work in progress, for sure. I'm learning so much!

I know most of you are probably sick of hearing about the Etsy Shop...that HAS.YET.TO.OPEN. 

But, I tell you it's ...

Today, I worked on my store policies and nailed down some of the final details there. 
I also worked on photos and descriptions...sheesh! that part is hard.  
I only thought I had a hard time putting my thoughts into words, here at my blog... NO! Writing a description for a piece of merchandise that has had a life SOMEWHERE ELSE; in somebody else's possession;  and is at times older than me... 
Well, it's just too wonderful for words! {sarcasm}

So, today-- I was playing with the camera. I did some tweaking on some photos. 

 I also played around in PicMonkey

Apparently, presentation is key. :) 

I also wrote my policies page. I've taken what I've seen other's do and created an outline...and then just went with it.  I read it to my brother- (have I ever told you, I have no sisters and I have a close relationship with my next younger, than me, brother?) 
TRUE STORY...anyway, I read it to him. 
His words were "Perfect! That's the part I almost never read. It almost put me to sleep. Isn't that was policies are supposed to do?" 

I generally get an honest opinion from him, with out asking for it. :) 

Anyway...that's what I've been up to. I'm tweaking the shop. 



Cozy Little House

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

 

::Etsy, What's in a Name? ::

Some of you have Etsy Shops-- and some of you don't; but you have accounts and shop there-- So I'm posing some questions to you, my faithful and honest readers. I know you'll give me your opinions when asked...and some of you EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT ASKED! ;)
Feel free to leave your remarks and thoughts below.  
Because ...Inquiring minds want to know! 

I have questions about  Etsy Shop Names. I'm wrapping up details...and haven't opened my shop yet (the pictures and detailed descriptions is the hardest part); but one thing I'm having a hard time settling on, is the Name... nothing set in concrete, I know. 

If you remember and have followed me from the beginning of this VERY BLOG...  You may remember, my switching back and forth before settling on Corn in My Coffee Pot. Here and Here (if you'd like to read about the indecisive issues I have going on in my brain) ;) 

On with the questions... 

 If you don't mind my asking... 

• How did you come up with the name of your shop? and...
• Do you think having the name of your shop different from your blog was; good for business, bad...or neither? 

I ask, because, I just don't think "Corn in my Coffee Pot" or any variation on the name "Corn in my Coffee Pot" would be a good name.  I don't want to get 'pigeon holed' into a shop name--all the while people think I'm selling Coffee Pots or crafts made from Coffee Pots... or Pot holders shaped like Coffee Pots...or Lamps repurposed into Coffee Pots... or anything remotely to do with Coffee Pots! 

Here is what I mean: 

You know Linda at  ITSY BITS AND PIECES  -- has a blog. 

She also has three, yes, count them; THREE! shops... 

• itsybitsandpieces
• romanticfarmhouse and 
• whitelilaccottage

Linda, I'd really be interested in your take on this! What say you, hmmm?

Amy at All Things Home has Amy's All Things Home (has been a big help in answering some questions. I've already corresponded with her. THANKS AMY!) 

Gail at My Repurposed Life has her shop at the same... myrepurposedlife  (a new shop) and

Brenda at Cozy Little House  has a variation of her shop name... cozylittlehouseshop 

...both successful shops so far! 

But not everyone has this... some have shops with different names-- 

There is Brin at My Messy Thrilling Life  has balmandhoney (which by the way she is having a sale, you can go to her blog for the code just click on my messy thrilling life...back there,it's linked) 

Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage  has ScoutHarper  different name...But successful.  no link at this time... Claudia? maybe you could fill me in on naming your shop, email me and let me have a link perhaps. 

The list could go on and on... there are so many more of you that have shops... and I've been LURKING AROUND THEM... learning what I can from you. But this...this is just a question I needed to ask.

WHAT'S IN A NAME? 

Anyway... you get the jist of it, don't you? 

Corn in my Coffee Pot is the blog... it is mine, it is what it is... not changing. But to have a shop named that would be a bit much. 

I have some names in mind-- but nothing to do with Coffee, Coffee pots, or Corn. 

And it will be coming soon... if I could just give it a name!!! 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3: 5-6

 

::Kitchen Scenes ::

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

::Etsy Update-- Doing it AFRAID::

I've already told you- I'm getting ready to open up an etsy shop, that being said, I'm scared to death. I've not really ever worked outside our home...but  the schedules I've had, in the home, have been pretty simple and in two parts. 

1.) When Honey left for work. 
2.) When Honey got home. 
Anything else I took part in--happened between those two times of the day. (with a few exceptions) 

::Get Corn in your Email::

...rather than SPAM! ;) ...

Recently, I have received a couple of emails from readers asking about receiving my posts in their emails. 

Today, I received another request and also noticed that CORN IN MY COFFEE POT was mentioned at FRUGAL HACKERS. The article there was talking about the importance of reading COMMENTS on FRUGAL blogs. First I was flattered to be included in the article; and secondly I was so glad to read IN THE COMMENTS a different point of view on getting BLOG POSTS in The Email box.  You can read my thoughts on 'reading comments' ...(in the comments section) on today's post at FRUGAL HACKERS. :) 

So for the readers that have requested it... and maybe some of you that haven't thought about it but would like to receive Corn in my Coffee Pot IN YOUR EMAIL---I'm adding this feature for you!  It is on the side bar right under the RUSTY OLD MAIL BOX.  (this is not my mail box...I found it on the internet...if it's your mail box, thank you for posting a picture of it, I'd love to give you credit for the unbelievably beautiful rusty old mail box!) 

If you're not familiar with FRUGAL HACKERS, they're a FRUGAL blog written and submitted by bloggers all over the internet. Here is a short list of just some of the things the blog authors there write about : 

• Living a Simple Life
• Saving Money on Groceries
• Growing your own Groceries
• Saving Money on Cleaning Supplies
• Gift Ideas 
• Homemaking Ideas
• Tips for feeding, clothing and raising your children on a tight budget
• Getting the Most out of your wardrobe 
• Buying another Car
• What's in your hand? (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE) 

And LOTS and LOTS of other ideas for running a household and working your budget in this ever growing, tough economy. I love reading FH and find the information helpful and encouraging...I'm glad to know there are others out there, doing some of the same things to help cut corners and save a little bit of money and keep it in the pockets! 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 

::Tweak it Tuesday~ In the Kitchen::

• Black
• White
• Copper Tone-Brown (the tile)
• Light Blue (accent color: lamp, clock,plate,etc. )
• Yellow and
• Red.

These are the colors I found at The Magnolia House--  a while back and 'pinned' them for inspiration! 


Her Kitchen---  

(source) ...again Her Kitchen. 

I love the way this kitchen looks! 
Now, don't get me wrong.  I didn't just find her kitchen and decide to copy it. No. I've had these colors in my kitchen...

• Black
• White
• Copper Tone-Brown (my stove)
• Light Blue (I added in the back splash last November)
• Yellow and
• Red.

The back splash has been 'toned-down' a bit too. I didn't care for the dark charcoal that was rubbed on it. 



I just never quite knew how to put it all together.... OF COURSE, then there was that season of time, that I just couldn't decide if I EVEN LIKED COLOR! 





But...that's over now.

I'm so over the white, gray, tone-on-tone... 
Not because I think it's ugly or PAST TENSE. No. 

I'm over it...because well, it just isn't me. 
Remember?  I live in the rural part of a dusty dry S.E. Texas County... 






...and well, I don't OWN any white, gray, tone- on -tone EQUIPMENT...FOR CREATING THAT SCENE. 





I have sub-conscientiously collected-- THINGS OF COLOR~ 

and in the kitchen ... it is obvious. 

Now, keep in mind...Johnny's kitchen is more of that Modern Country look. 
Mine is more of the Cottage Country look... same color scheme...different Vibes... 

So this is what I'm tweaking this week. In my kitchen. I started painting my lower cabinets black. 

A daring move, since I only have a small window over the sink for natural lighting in here. 

But I think it is turning out pretty nicely. It makes everything a little bit more cohesive in this room, since I have a black refrigerator and I painted the vent hood BLACK 2 years ago(really?) ...in November. 

After I started with the paint...I mentioned that these very OLD Cabinets...were starting to sag. There is no money for new cabinets in our budget. So...I suggested a 4 X 4 post in the barn would make some great feet and help support the cabinets under the toe- kick...and add some dimension or character. (But really, my kitchen has so much character already!) :) 

Anyway-- the counter top is level again! 

Here they are so far. To the left and the right in this picture...they are still painted white! I love picmonkey!  The UPPERS are staying white...but definitely need NEW PAINT. 
They are looking a little bit shabby-- and I don't mean in the chic way either. 

I've also got to replace the knobs. I thought about distressing them...because let's face it. They are BLACK! There is just no depth. But, The Honey likes them this way. So for now...they stay black. 
I'm thinking some brushed nickle knobs or something like that. The handles on my stove are chrome-- and then the front of the fridge is Stainless Steel-- I just might paint these that I have already -- out with some spray paint and call it done. You know I'm not fussy! 


So... I hope to be showing you what I'm doing in here to tie all these things in together; on a very tight budget. I've worked in my kitchen doing a little bit here and there. But nothing ever flows. Finally after all this time-- I think I've found a little bit of direction and have a better plan to get it finished and be done with it! 
It's a work in progress, you know? 

That's why it's called "TWEAKING"

Linking up here: Cozy Little House

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

:: ¿dónde está el pollo?::

WHERE. IS. THE. Chicken?  

This week was spent just working on odd and end little jobs around the house. I hope to get some of that posted this coming week. 
Today,Saturday, was our youngest grand-daughter ~Emily's ~ 2nd Birtthday! She is just 2 months younger than Easton... and so fun and cute to be around.  
She likes Dora the Explorer. (and Dora teaches Spanish on her show) 

 They are such fun, at this age!!!  (we thought she was going to climb inside this bag)  :) 

So... where is the chicken? 

Why, Up on the Roof . OF COURSE!!!!! 
Where else would one of our chickens be?!  I left it there and let it figure out how to get down on it's own. After all...we were heading to a birthday party. 


Never a dull moment around here. 

I'm linking up here and am hoping to have a NON-eventful Somewhat Sunny Simple Sunday. (we had rain today and there is more fore casted for tomorrow)


Sunny Simple Sunday

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. 

~ Proverbs 3:5-6