More Hot/Cold Weather, Mother Hens Feel Their Chicks Pain, DIY Rows Cover & Low Tunnels, Fresh Chili Rellenos Casserole

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More Hot/Cold Weather-

Another wacky weather week here in Boise leaves me feeling depressed and losing motivation to do much of anything outside :(  It was in the mid 80's mid week, then dropped to a HIGH of 55 Friday with rain. It was 37 degrees yesterday morning!!! Cold and windy yesterday, but Dave got a ton of yard work done. He finished bark dusting last week in the front. Looks great! We have another cooler week with some rain, then 70's for next weekend. Dave did a few things today after a visit from our daughter. Her hubby worked today so she brought baby Oliver for some Grandparent's time. I just feel like my get up and go, got up and went. I have a major case of the blahs~~~~~ I think some of it is not having all the kids together today, for Mom's Day. I was just pretty bored, a little sad. Next year I am going to a movie or SOMETHING! Since my 2 girls have their own families now things are getting spread out more with various holidays. We will do a belated Mom's Day potluck dinner next Sat. to get together. That will be nice. I still have the blahs. I am hoping the dark chocolate brownies I just pulled out of the oven will help! :)

Mother Hens Feel Their Chicks Pain-
I read this fascinating study- Mother Hens Feel Their Chicks Pain, really interesting! It explains a lot of their protective gestures towards their chicks and potential threats.

Google image, origin unknown

DIY Row Covers and Low Tunnels-

I was thinking I'd do some research on what we could do next year to jump start the garden early. I liked the ideas above and below to build a removable, rigid row cover, and put over your existing garden beds- 

Hinged lids would open, but storing off-season would be an issue for us. I stumbled on this blog post, pretty interesting ideas- 10 Reasons Low Tunnels Are Better Than Cold Frames

Fresh Chili Rellenos Casserole-

A few days ago I found a great deal on fresh Anaheim peppers. I bought 2 packs for $3.00 total-

I did a search for a recipe, similar to my own, and used this- Fresh Chili Rellenos Casserole I microwaved mine for 3 minutes instead of boiling. Next time would do 5 or so. I used Jack cheese, spicy Jack and Feta. Yummy! Served with a little salsa and chips. I used a few more peppers, our own eggs and flour to the recipe and baedk in a 8" x 10" pan, it worked great. Stores well after cooking. I might add onions and diced celery next time.