All Is Well With the World

This is one of those evenings where things are so lovely, I couldn't picture living anywhere else. The sun is low in the sky, the temperature is mild, and I just finished planting more perennials here there and everywhere. It's the kind of late spring evening that completely eradicates the harsh memories of winter.
It looks as if, after laying a grand total of 18 eggs, my duck hen Beaner might have finally decided to try hatching. She just settled herself in about an hour ago, and is completely covering the eggs with her body and her wings. I'm a little worried about her safety at night, however. Of course, she didn't lay where I wanted her to where it was more sheltered from the elements and potential critters, but I guess I'll let nature take its course and hope mother duck knows best. Besides, I guess the flapping of those large, strong wings can be quite fearsome.
Finally, the chicken enclosure is complete with the installation of the gate today. The hostas, which they have eaten as if they are lettuce, are safe! I love the look of my flock wandering around the place - it's so pastoral - but man, can they be murder on the gardens! I can't even count how many times I've had to rake the wood chip mulch back into the beds after some vigorous scratching by the girls. I still plan on letting them out just before sunset so they can still get in a good wander under my watchful eye, but their enclosure is very large and has all the things chickens need to be happy - dirt for dust bathing, sunshine and lots of greens to peck at. Speaking of that, I'd better go close the gate for the night.