Fain-XX Farm pronounced fān’nĭks

10/13/2026

I’ve had my suspicions lately, but today, the home-hatched Tori we were sure was a pullet just proved it’s a cockerel.

Meet Thorn, our latest Roo.

10/11/2026

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The October issue of “Sarcasm and a Wooden Spoon” is finished if anyone is interested. We appreciate your support. It keeps us in ingredients!

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10/09/2026

Mike’s Log:

I just love finding strange, creepy things in the woods… especially this time of year. 😁

10/02/2026

Mike’s Log:

Welcome to October! Glad it’s here.

September was strange, but fun. This year, the month that summer ends and fall begins saw a blistering high temperature of 101 and a chilling low of 43. It was mostly dry, but a few days brought strong storms and heavy rains.

The last four days brought a resurgence of day time summer temps in the 80s, but fall still has the nights. Today looks like the last day in the 80’s with the 10-day showing temps back in the mid 70s starting tomorrow.

On another note, Salle, our estranged duck matriarch, has rejoined the rest of the flock as of yesterday. She has been hiding from the drakes since early spring only coming back in the evenings to stay in the garage. Happy to see her reintegrated now that the drake libidos have cooled with the weather.

09/25/2026

Mike’s Log:

Fall has finally arrived. Temperature dropped sharply yesterday, only in the high 70s after plenty of rain. Tomorrows high is forecasted for 69 with lows in the 40s. This is my kind of weather.

09/03/2026

Mike’s Log:

COVID has hit our home again. This is the third time; all three times in September, though our last battle with the virus was four years ago. Hard to believe this thing has been around that long. Joshua and I are on the mend, but Jessica is just getting started. 

Interestingly enough though, I believe this is the first time that the outside temperature has matched Jessica’s fever. Yes, we soared beyond the century mark today and that may be the first time since we came here in 2020. Relief does not look close either, not according to the extended forecast. It has been hot, but this summer has provided plenty of rain until now. Hasn’t rained for a week and only a 50 percent chance this weekend. It has wrecked havoc on my tomatoes this year. Peppers are loving it though.

Despite the reduction in tomato harvest, about 50 pounds compared to nearly 200 pounds by this time last year, I canned another eight pints of sauce today. I canned at a disadvantage today to considering COVID has my taste buds all screwed up, but I stuck to the basics today and didn’t try to dress it up.

It’s been so hot I’ve actually started misting where the chickens like to hang out near the back porch. They seem to enjoy it, ducks too when they aren’t in the creek.

The brooding season has drawn to a close with one new chick that I’m still speculating with a high degree of accuracy is a pullet (thankfully) and one new duckling that is anybody’s guess still. Unfortunately, we lost the only other surviving duckling the day after I announced it. I’m counting on things being better next year as we are working on a second coop now and a new duck house soon. 

08/31/2026

Mike’s Log:

Chicken ducks and garden.

08/25/2026

This is just the worst news. The picture of us on this page was taken in front of the DollyWood entry sign.

Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. The country music legend was known for songs including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” She also starred in movies like ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘The Best Little Wh******se in Texas’.