Sunday, November 30, 2014

The Ducks Are Coming!

So, I saw an ad on backyardchickens for six free laying ducks near my area. This is pretty rare in itself as usually most of the ads are for roosters in far-flung locations. We were in no way ready to house ducks, but they are something that we've wanted so I asked Lee if we could get ready. He said yes and started building the duck area! Yay, Lee!

The ducks will be housed next to the chickens. Some folks keep ducks and chickens together, but they have different water needs and ducks can get pretty messy so we will separate them. Here's the start of the duck pen structure.



The start of the pond:

Ender, the construction site supervisor:



November = Nom Nom Nom

I declared that November was going to be a month of deliciousness, and I'm glad to say that it lived up to its expectations. Behold:

Steamed chicken in young pumpkin - Thank you, Mom! 

Crispy pork belly

Mojito fries at Belly in Oakland

Shrimp & Avocado, Belly, and Steak & Eggs tacos at Belly. Thanks, Amelia!

 Roasted catfish and accompanying fresh herbs at Saigon Kitchen. Thank you, Mère!


Moules marinières 

Crab roll (from a joint whose name I can't recall). Thanks, Lee!

 Escargot (et frites) at Shutters 

 Rack of lamb at Shutters. Thank you, Lee and Ava!

 Steamed Dungeness crab

Garlic Dungeness crab (hey, it's crab season in the Bay!)

 Salami and Castelvetrano olives

Roasted Brussels sprouts

Heirloom tomato salad (yes, we still have tomatoes from our garden!)

 Bone-in ribeye steak

It's medium rare ;-)

And of course, the best November meal... Thanksgiving!