Yes, YOU can.

The weather finally cooled off enough to bake bread again. I was seriously going to have to buy a loaf soon if we hadn't had some relief.  The bread I make is so easy anyone can do it. I have the recipe memorized, but I encourage you to get a copy of the "Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day" book.  There are lots of variations on the main recipe and every one of them that I've tried has turned out well.  Let me show you, in a nutshell, how to do it.  Do not be afraid, Grasshopper, you can do this.  First, gather your ingredients:
3 cups of lukewarm water
1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast ( I like Red Star brand. There's the regular and the quick rise...use either one)
1 1/2 tablespoons of salt (I use fine sea salt, as I've read that the iodized salt can affect the yeast. ???)
6 1/2 cups All-pupose flour (I buy the unbleached.  It's the same color as the bleached so what's the point??)

Edit:  My biology major college student son has informed me that iodized salt affects the dough in this way; Iodine in salt is held as Nal and when mixed with water, breaks the ionic bond to form Na+ and l-the free iodine ions are easily taken up by the yeast cells where it de-natures the  free-floating cysteine and methionine preventing protein synthesis.  This prevents yeast from replicating, meaning that your bread does not rise as effervescently.  In other words, the dough won't rise as much. Use sea salt instead. **Thanks, Booie. Love, Mom**

This recipe makes 4 one-pound loaves. You can easily halve it to make just 2 if you so desire. If the math befuddles you, call a third grade teacher. :)

Put all this together in a large bowl. Remember, it's going to swell up. Stir it well and let it sit on the counter, covered, for a couple of hours.  You can spray some plastic wrap and loosely drape it over the dough, or you can wet a nice fuzz-free kitchen towel and use that. Either one is fine. Be sure to spray the plastic, though, or you'll have a gooey sticky mess when you pull it away after it's risen.

All the above takes maybe 3 minutes and it will look like this when you first stir it:

and it will look like this after it's risen:

It's best to do this the day before you want to bake bread, because it's really sticky.  Refrigerate the dough, covering loosely.  The next day, or baking day (the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks)  get a bit of flour and dust the top of the dough, then with one hand, scoop out a grapefruit size piece of dough, and with a bit more flour, over the kitchen sink to keep the mess contained, lightly sprinkle with more flour, as you stretch the dough from the top around to the bottom on all sides. Basically, just form it into a loaf. Don't use too much flour, though, just enough to keep it from being crazy sticky.  Place it on a pizza peel, or an old bread board that has been dusted generously with cornmeal. This is where it will rest for the next hour or 90 minutes. Remember the dough has been chilled for a day or more. It has to warm up, and it will raise some more, as well:

All of this takes maybe a minute or two. Really, that's all.  Let it rest for the alloted time.  About 20 minutes before  you're ready to bake it, put a pizza stone on the middle rack in your oven, then turn the oven on to 450 degrees. The stone needs to heat up, too.  Now, get a serrated bread knife and slash the bread in a few places.  This will help the bread to rise even more while it's baking.  Use a slight dusting of flour on the top so the knife will go through, or you can wet the knife between each slash.  If I'm making a cheese bread, I also sprinkle on some finely grated cheddar at this point, or some Parmesan/Romano/Asiago cheese in a can from the fridge.  Both are delicious:

When the oven indicates the temperature has been reached, put a pan or something that can take the heat on the shelf below the stone. You'll want to put a cup of very hot water in it, because the steam helps create the great artisan crust on the bread. I didn't take a pic of this part, and if you forget it, it's no great shakes, but I do think it adds something to the bread.  Anywhoo, now it's time to bake.  You might need a spatula to assist, but the idea is to slide the bread off the board it's been rising on, onto the hot stone in the oven. Do that as expediently as possible, so as not to cool the oven down. Add that water for steam, set the timer for 25 minutes for that size loaf (you know your oven, if you have an oven that takes longer than a recipe says to bake something, just add a couple more minutes to the baking time) and wait...and wait....and wait...when you're anxious for fresh bread it seems like a very long time. At my house it's only:

I do have to take a peek, but try not to more than once. You really don't want the oven to cool down too much.

When the timer beeps, take out your bread. The stone will be exremely hot and stay that way for quite a while. Use an oven mitt or some protection, to transfer your bread to a cooling rack. It's tempting to rip it open RIGHT NOW AND SLATHER ON SOME BUTTER, but try not to do that. Wait until the bread cools for a while...completely is best, but at least 15-20 minutes, at least. There is still some baking going on inside, and something about re-absorbing something, but it will be better if you wait. Here is my finished loaf:

I wish you could smell how my house smells right now. MMMMM.  Not counting the rising times and baking time, and time spent in refrigerator camp, it does really only take 5 minutes or so...maybe a couple more for beginners, but it is that easy. No kneading, no judging for elasticity, just great, artisan bread. So, what are you waiting for??? You can do this. I want to hear back from everyone that tries it.  You can thank me later :)  btw...if you know you just aren't going to do this, but want some fresh bread anyway, check out Farmer's Markets around the area. I know there are some great bakers out there showing up to sell their wares.
Blessings,
Brenda

One of my favorite scents

When I moved here in the early 80's, there was a nice clothesline. I used it a lot. I loved it. There is nothing better than sleeping on freshly laundered sheets that have been dried on a clothesline, kissed by the sun and fresh air. For me, at least, it is a surefire way to a good night's sleep.  Then it happened. We had one storm too many, and one Bradford pear tree wiped out my clothesline. Not only did the lines go down, but one of the poles was bent so badly it was unfit for repair. I grieved. It isn't a job I can do myself, and there were always more important things to do. After a couple of years, I got used to not using one, but I want one now. I want to look out my kitchen window and see this:

I also want to look out my kitchen window and see this:

Well, maybe not THIS particular one, but one of my own design and construction. An adorable clothespin bag. There are fabrics now that come laminated and ready for waterproof applications, such as water bottle holders, diaper bags, and whatever.  This is a blog I check out from time-to-time, and today especially tugged at my heart. I loved it.  There are links to the free pattern from this blog:
http://www.sewwequilt.com/

Such a cute idea.  Make sure you read Madame Samms poem, too.  She says it much better than I ever could.

OK.  So now the next project around here will absolutely be a new clothesline for me. I. Have. Spoken.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Blessings,
Brenda

I love a rainy night...or THANK YOU Ms. Nature

Shortly after midnight, the storm rolled in. Not a vicious, horrible, damaging storm, but a storm with just enough punch to demand respect and bring silent sighs of relief.  We were blessed with .7" rain, almost 3/4" inch, and it was needed badly.  I feel like we bought some time. June hasn't even begun yet, and it's a full three weeks before summer officially begins, so it's anybody's guess as to how "normal" or "extreme" our summer weather will be. Let's hope we get regular rains and moderate temps.  At least for now, all is well.

Blessings,
Brenda

Tempting fate

This post is about rain, or rather, the lack of it. We badly need rain in our neck of the woods.  It is way too soon for trees, shrubs and other vegetation to be showing signs of drought stress, but they are certainly doing just that.  I've watered and watered, but it isn't the same as a nice drenching rain from the heavens above.

I have decided instead of washing the car to tempt fate, I'll just post some pictures of lovely raindrops and try to remember what it's like to receive them.  We sorely need them now.


Beautiful rain falling on trees.

This looks like too little, too late, but I'll still take it.

Beautiful. 

Can't you just hear the flowers going "ahhhhh."

Beautiful. (I love raindrops on green leaves.)

 Ok.  Looks like there was a little wind, but that's ok, too.  A nice gully-washer would be much appreciated.

drip. drip. drip.

There!!  Mother Nature....please, please send us some refreshing rain soon.
We have a 50% chance of rain tonight. I've done my part, now get out there and do a raindance. My garden and, trees, and animals, and newly planted fruit trees, and all the corn and soybean fields will be eternally grateful. Thank you.
Blessings,
Brenda

p.s.  Thank you for hearing my plea, Ms. Nature.  We got a lovely rain just after midnight, measuring nearly 3/4".  The moisture was greatly appreciated by all living things residing in my yard and the surrounding fields. I don't even mind that I had to mop up wet floors from the rain that blew in through the screens.  Now, just don't forget about us.  I love a rainy night.

Sweet Cheeks

The new girls, Betsy, Dolly and Martha are growing up fast. They are mingling with the big girls now, but still give the right-of-way when necessary.  They have ventured out to the yard a time or two, but I've had to pick them up to take them back upstairs where they live, since I was afraid they would get caught out after dark and not know how to "go home" yet.  They are developing their little fluffy cheek feathers, which are so darn cute  Here is Dolly:

Aren't they too cute??  These girls will be my blue egg layers. I'm so excited. Not sure we'll get the henitentiary built this summer, with so much going on....again, but they seem to be doing ok yet in their little brick chick house.  Bok, bok, and
Blessings,
Brenda

The green, green.....greens of home. (sorry Tom Jones)

Beautiful spring weather, access to water when Mother Nature didn't comply, and a bit of seed and time produced this display:

This isn't all of what's out there. The Swiss chard will continue to produce, the spinach may, too, unless it gets really hot, then it will bolt, a few rows of mixed lettuces remain, and there are many other onions out there.  Also, the potatoes, green beans and tomatoes are blooming, and I just planted more baby tomato plants, as well as more pepper plants. If they do what they're supposed to, I will have rainbow colors in the tomatoes and peppers, and long, long, skinny cayenne peppers. Ooooh, yeah.  The peas are still blooming and setting pods, too, and I'm pulled between picking the immature pods and using them in salads, or leaving them be until they fill out and give me little green peas to cook.  Either way is good. Very good. One short row of beets.....even shorter due to certain fowl which shall remain anonymous taking dust baths in that section.....should give us a couple of good meals, as well.  Once the lettuce and spinach is finished, I'll plant more green beans, and come the 26th of July, wet or dry, I'll find a spot for turnips. Look around your landscaping. Is there somewhere you could scratch around and sprinkle out some seed?  In one small area, you can grow so much and it's so gratifying to just step outside and "pick your dinner".  Today's lunch is sandwiches with Boca burgers (husband's new kick), on homemade bread, with homegrown onions and lettuce, wilted Swiss chard, and whatever else we can find.  This is very economical, too.

If you ever ask yourself (WHY would you???  LOL)  "I wonder what Brenda's doing today."....now you know. I'm either mowing, gardening, chicken-keeping, or taking care of something inside. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. I guess that makes me angelic? LOL hahahahaha 
Blessings,
Brenda

5 reasons to enjoy the day.

What a beautiful morning. This is another lovely day in a long string of beautiful spring days.  Here are 5 reasons I plan to enjoy this day:

1.  The sun is shining, warming the soil and all the garden plants I have growing.  We've been enjoying fresh garden salads, with various lettuces and swiss chard and spinach, along with green onions and radishes.  A farm-fresh hard-boiled egg grated on top with the dressing of choice makes it a real treat.

2.  The new chicks are nearly 3 months old now and have their big-girl feathers. They are beautiful golden brown. I like going out and talking to them, getting them used to my voice and hoping they love me as much as my other chickens (with the exception of Thelma and Louise, who I'm quite sure would rather peck my eyeballs out...ingrates).  I am looking forward to gathering the blue or blue/green eggs they will begin laying mid-summer.

3.  DH (hubby) and I will be going to town today. There are several things on our to-do list.  This one could go in either column...enjoy or not, but I will decide to enjoy it. At least I should get lunch out. Probably just a quick sandwich, but restaurant menus always give me ideas as to various ways to dress up home-cooked food.  I hope we get to see the kid today. I love getting texts and phone calls from him, but there's nothing better than wrapping my arms around him and hugging the stuffing out of him. He pretends not to like it, but I'm on to him.

4.  There will be time for yardwork later in the day. I will mow and spruce up here and there. I will water just-planted flowers, and stroll around the yard dreaming of ways I can improve upon the aesthetics of the place.  There is room for improvement here and there.  The birds will be singing. I will hear cardinals, brown thrashers, sparrows, and redwing blackbirds, for starters.  They will serenade my stroll and that will more than likely be the only sounds I hear, other than the clucking of hens and meowing of cats and maybe the occasional dog bark.  We have a wild time out here. If a car happens to pass by, all eyes and ears will be on alert. A hand will raise in a friendly nieghbor greeting. Just the neighbors going to town for supper. They'll be back by in 90 minutes or so. It takes that long to drive there, order, eat and catch up on the local news and drive back home.

5.  I will end my day with thanks. I will give thanks that I have been healthy enough to accomplish what I've wanted to do. I will give thanks that we have the means to get what we needed from town. I will give thanks that the animals in my care are doing well and are providing me with love, eggs and entertainment. I will give thanks that my family is nearby. I will give thanks that nature and nurture are vital parts of my world, and that the miracle of life is abundant.

So, there are my 5 reasons. There could just as easily have been 50 of them, but this is long enough. Enjoy this beautiful day, my friends.
Blessings,
Brenda

From lethargy to livid in one swell foop.

Wow...what a difference a minute makes. I posted the blog post, then stepped outside to see this:

 

What's missing is 9 precious poults, better known as "the girls", dustbathing and wallowing in my beets, lettuce and radishes. Bad girls...whatcha gonna do when I come for you??

I caught them red-handed.  I lobbed a piece of stale bread at them and they skedaddled out, dust flying from their feathers. Hmmmmm, this is going to be harder than I thought. Good thing I love 'em.


Dear girls,
You do realize there are 6 acres here and you are free-ranging chickens. Go range somewhere else, please. There are lush weeds growing behind the shed. I know there are worms in the barnlot. I know there are delectable morsels and even dry, "dirty" areas elsewhere. Do you HAVE to choose the spots I'm trying to grow something on? Is it written in the "How to be a Chicken" handbook that you should be on the lookout for fresh garden spots?  Here is a heads-up;  the grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence. It is the same darn green. Comprende'?  Love, Mom.

Blessings,
Brenda

Waxing and Waning

This describes my brain. Just like the moon is full and beautiful then dark and barely there, that is my brain. I think I'm in a waning phase right now, not that my brain is ever full and beautiful, but at least it functions. I'll be back when I can think of something to say. Until then:

Rest assured I'm keeping busy.
Blessings,
Brenda

Live Wire

Just a short post to share a discovery I've made. It's too cool!!  I saw some pictures on someones blog that just blew me away. If you're weird like I am, you'll like them, too.  There is a fairly new annual ornamental grass out there called Live Wire Fiber Optic. You can do so much with it.  This is what I did with the one I bought:

 My kids bought me this topsy-turvey/planter combo last year, and there are tomatoes planted upside down, but the top part is for flowers or herbs or whatever. I put a sweet potato vine in there and a couple of vining flowers, plus the fiber optic grass.  This is not really the best use for this unique plant.  Look what else you could do:

Wouldn't it make great hair????  Just too cool for school.  You'll have to do a search for these head planters, and I know they are very pricey, in the $75-$125 range, so I'll have to come up with a plan B, but by this time next year I'll have some way figured out. If you're out and about, wandering the nurseries for plants and come upon this fiber optic grass, just know you can create cool planters with it.  There are lots of images on the internet, too.   It takes so little to make me happy, It really does. :)
Blessings,
Brenda

New life. Hope. Schemes.

Spring is a season filled with promise. It is a time when we place our faith in the future, a time when we place seeds in the ground and believe they will grow and create nourishing foods for us.  Thank goodness that's how it's turning out.  So many things can short circuit that outcome.  I have seen, with my own peepers, pesky robins pecking holes in the bean leaves. I am guessing they aren't doing that for entertainment, that quite possibly there are little insects they are eating and may even be doing me a favor.  I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that.  The peas are blooming and little pods are forming. I'm harvesting swiss chard, spinach, various lettuces and green onions for delicious salads.  The potatoes are growing.   We've already gone through the early radishes and two more rows are nearly ready.  For the first time this year I planted carrots.  They are up but sparse.  I'll try to do better next year. The elephant garlic is peaking through. There is one short row of beets and the candy onions look great. All of the above is in this section of the garden, which is protected by chicken wire:

A few feet to the right of this spot is another, with caged tomatoes, pepper plants, all protected by chicken wire,  and the blackberries, which are blooming.

About that chicken wire;   the girls are really, really beginning to plot and scheme.  They would love to get in there and scratch around and trample everything.

Laverne:  "Hey, Opal. Whaddya think. If we tried, really, really hard, don't ya think we could get in mom's garden?"
Opal:  "Oh, yum. Worms and grubs and bugs and tender green things.  Bok."

And on the chick front, these young things have now been cast out into the cruel world of their outside home.  The first introduction didn't go well, and I see a pecking order in their future, but in another couple of weeks, they should be able to defend themselves. They are segregated from the big girls for now. Their colors are so pretty and each is different. No names yet, just in case there are casualties. Since they are americaunas, which is very similar to Americana, the patriotic term, I am leaning towards Martha (as in Washington), Betsy (as in Ross), and Dolly (as in Madison). What do you think?

So there you have it. Well, not all of it. I am putting some faith in the distant future, as well. I am in love with Meyer lemons now, and just received my new little dwarf Meyer lemon tree, along with a dwarf lime tree DS wanted. They are so cute. I hope I can keep them alive long enough to harvest fruit from them.

They'll have to come in for the winter, but in 3 or 4 years, we should be enjoying our own fruits from these. Hope. It's a good thing.

Blessings,

Brenda

RAK's Rock!!

You do know what a RAK is, right?  It means Random Act of Kindness. It's like when you're in line at the grocery store and your cart is overflowing and some poor soul is behind you with a loaf of bread and a worried look. Of course you let them go ahead of you, don't you?  It's like when going through the drive-up at Mickey D's and you tell the cashier you want to pay for whatever the person behind you is getting. It's like when you see a parked car with an expired meter and you find a stray quarter and buy them some time.  Or, it's when a good friend, just out of the blue, sends you THIS:

Curious Deciduous dinnerware from Anthropologie.  If you've been reading the blog and my FB posts, you know how I feel about shopping. There are two exceptions. T. J. Maxx, where I usually scan the clothes, but make a beeline to housewares, and Anthropologie, who I'm convinced only exists to torture those of us that love their offerings, but are either, 1) Too cheap to pay the prices, or 2) Too cheap to pay the prices. LOL  I saw these dishes on the Pioneer Woman's blog and immediately fell in love with them. They are pretty. They are quirky.  They just spoke to me.  First thing I knew, the Fed Ex man was in my driveway with all but the dinner plate, which was back-ordered and came today. I love these dishes. THANK YOU MY FRIEND.

Just look at the plate:

Isn't it delightful?  A puffin and a lighthouse and an umbrella and it's soooo cute. It's named "Flutter and Flight." (you can click on the pics to enlarge)

Then there's the salad plate:

There are no words to describe how much I love this.  Just look at the blue bunny. It's called "A Rabbit Named Renee'".

The cup and saucer are adorable, as well. The cup is untitled, but the saucer, with the mushroom is named "Patch of Shade."  What's cool about the cup (she sent two of these....{loverly}) is that it also has my initial on it:

These are by a Louisiana artist named Rebecca Rebouche'.  I just love her style.

RAK's Rock!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend.

May many blessings and RAK's come your way, too.

Brenda

I've been to paradise

Yesterday a friend and I spent a couple of hours visiting another friend. I was instantly transported back to my youth and all the glorious days spent exploring the hardwood forest at my grandparents home. I love every single thing about being in the woods. I love the trees. I love the sounds. I love the smells. I especially love the plants on the understory and floor of the woods. Here is mayapple:

Mayapple is a lovely plant that colonizes under big trees, loving the dappled to dense shade provided there. The female plant produces a fruit that can be harvested and used in making jellies. I've never done that nor tasted it, but you can bet our ancestors made use of it.

There was Virginia creeper climbing up the sides of trees. At first glance it fooled me, thinking it was poison ivy, but I was corrected and then delighted.  Virginia creeper turns a gorgeous scarlet red in the autumn.

The forest makes my soul sing. It's something that is so embedded in my DNA that I literally get weepy every spring and fall, when the urge to be inside a hardwood forest is the strongest.  I love sitting and listening to all of nature's sounds. Water rushing or trickling through a creek. Birds calling out to each other. Squirrels barking (yes, that's what it's called), the leaves in the treetops rustling with the wind. It's green and filled with sights, sounds and smells that fill my soul. When the hot sun is beating down, inside a forest is shady and cool and restorative. This is where I am closest to my God. This is where I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am meant to be. If I can't have this 17 acres of paradise, I have to find a way to at least have a few.  The pathways that were lovingly cut through this forest led us to surprises around each corner.  It was apparent the owners loved every inch of this land, as well. This couple nurtured and built and created a wonderful home and yard and sanctuary second to none. It is a glorious homestead I would love to own, but it isn't going to happen for me. If you are looking for a beautiful country property with a lovely home, great useful outbuildings, and 17 acres of paradise, contact me and I'll connect you with this couple. They have reached a time in their lives when they want to relax and are moving on. I understand and don't blame them.  Paradise is for sale. I am not a realtor, and will receive nothing but the satisfaction knowing someone that will truly appreciate this gem will become caretakers of it. All I ask is that if I call you and you hear sniffling noises,  you take pity and invite me out to walk through your beautiful wooded land. 

God bless all you desert-loving people. I'll take the beauty of the hardwood forest anyday.
Blessings,
Brenda
p.s. This IS listed with a realtor that would be very happy to show it to you.  It's an amazing place.

He- we, She-we, We-we

This post is for you couples that don't have clear communication when it comes to division of labor. I wish I could claim credit for thinking of this. I didn't. I read it in a farm magazine, but thought it was brilliant. It sure cuts to the chase.  Here is a sample conversation that may take place at your  (or my) house:

Wife:  "We need to unplug the bathroom drain."

Husband: "Do you have a mouse in your pocket?"

Let me define the terms for you.

He-we:  These are chores or tasks that largely fall on the man of the house.  Things that involve heavy lifting, he-man tools, etc. She may have to help a little bit, but it's largely his baby.

She-we:  These are chores or tasks that largely fall on the woman of the house.  Things that involve making the place cleaner, or prettier, or tastier, or generally less stinky, since the old adage "A man makes a camp, a woman makes a home", is,  generally speaking, a basic truism (channeling Gopher Wad now).  However, even though it may be a She-we task, it doesn't mean She might not need a little help with the task. Never, ever, forget that SHE is the boss, however, on this particular occasion.

We-we:  These are chores or tasks that involve both of you.  It's a joint effort. This is the trickiest category, since it very often involves a power struggle.  You'll have to work this one out between you. Child care and

 yard work are tricky areas, but I have faith that compromises can be made.

And then there is  the "Royal" we.  That's a conversation that would go like this:

She:  "We need to cut down that dead tree before it falls on the house and kills us."

He:  "I'll call Handy Dandy Tree Cutting Service right away." 

This is a perfectly reasonable response from He, since he knows cutting down the tree is not going to happen if  She has to be counted on to actually do it, and He knows he isn't going to do it either. It is a royal we event, meaning more than likely a phone call will be made and a third party will make it happen. These are the easiest we-events of all.  So there you have it. He-we, She-we, We-we. What could be simpler?
  I hope I've helped make life a little easier for you. You're welcome.

Blessings,
Brenda

Size matters.

On April 9, I bought six baby chicks.  One little girl died right away, but the other five are alive and thriving.  Three of them are going to be regular size chickens, and will lay blue or blue/green eggs.  The other two are little banties. These little girls are scrappy and fast. They are bright and loud chirpers. I'm pretty sure they are the alpha chicks in their little chick box world. Here is how two of them measure up against each other:

I haven't named these chicks yet. Of course the banty is on the left, and the Americauna is the larger chick.  They'll be going out in a protected area in another week or so. I'm a bit anxious to see how they are accepted by the big girls outside. You can click on the pic to enlarge it. The lighting in my basement on a gray, rainy day is not the best so it's a bit dark.  Here's a better picture of the big girl:

It's an awkward age. The fluff is being rapidly shed and the real feathers are sprouting. The tail feathers are coming in one-by-one and they generally look like Sunday morning after a rough Saturday night. I'm sure she'll be beautiful one day. Here's a close-up of the banty:

All five have very similar coloring. This is our little redhead, though.  She seems to be the scrappiest of them all. It will be fun to gather little bitty eggs.  Feathers and fluff.  So cute.

All in all, they are fun to have around and I have loved having the bigger girls outside. They're good company.  I highly encourage anyone that has the space and interest to get a few chickens. It really doesn't take much space, either.  They are easy to take care of, and aside from having to deal with poop  fertilizer, they aren't any trouble. My chickens gift me with delicious eggs and the egg salad and noodles, and fried eggs, and omelets, and angel food cakes and.....you get the idea....that I make from the eggs are so good. 

Size doesn't really matter, after all. Banties, standard size, little eggs, big eggs.  As long as there are chickens and eggs at all. 

Blessings,
Brenda