This is the rocking chair at the old farmhouse where I spent many hours dreaming about how I wanted my life to be–which turned into the life I have now. Today is my birthday, and because I’m the boss of me (and a nice one!), I’m giving myself the day off regular posting. (I give my kids the day off school on their birthdays, too.) However! I want to share a few of my favorite things that were just a twinkle in my eye back when I was dreaming in that rocking chair.
The Giant Puppy, finally daring the porch steps.
Clover, foiling my milking plans for the one hundred and fifty-third time.
Rams, preparing to debut on the ballet stage.
The sweetness of my first baby chicks.
A very, very good day to remember.
And one last favorite:
Read: This Post Is Stunning.
May your day be stunning today!
Due to a scheduling change, the West Virginia Public Radio piece about Chickens in the Road which was broadcast on WV Morning on March 31 didn’t run on Inside Appalachia last weekend but it will run this weekend. So if you missed it on WV Morning, you can hear it today (Saturday) at 6 am or tomorrow (Sunday) at 6 pm! You can also listen to the interview online here at the West Virginia Public Radio website.
P.S. I’d totally be wearing a tiara today but….
….CLOVER WON’T GIVE IT BACK.
Debbie in Memphis says:
:woof: Happy Birthday, Suzanne! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and an amazing year! :snoopy:
On April 11, 2009 at 1:20 am
Patty says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!!! You are truly an inspiration to the rest of us dreamers out here. I hope your day is stunning!!! :sun:
On April 11, 2009 at 2:39 am
MissyinWV says:
What a great weekend for you and your family, a birthday and Easter! I hope you have the best Birthday ever. :happyflower: Happy Easter!
On April 11, 2009 at 3:22 am
robin says:
:ladybug: Happy Birthday!
You are one of my favorite things!
Enjoy your day!
On April 11, 2009 at 3:22 am
Kathleen in Michigan says:
A very happy birthday to you! :heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 3:39 am
CindyP says:
:snoopy: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Suzanne, Happy Birthday to you :snoopy:
:sun: Hope you have a great, beautiful day! :sun:
:heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 3:59 am
Kathryn says:
The happiest of birthdays to you! I have nothing to give you but my deepest thanks. Thank you for letting me read bits of your life. Thank you for letting me cook wonderful things. Thank you for introducing me to a giant puppy, a diva goat, a sociopathic rooster, and a way to laugh and laugh and laugh at five in the morning!
May your year be filled with joy and wonder! :happyflower:
On April 11, 2009 at 4:08 am
DeeBee says:
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the stories and humor you give us each day. Have a great day.
On April 11, 2009 at 4:29 am
Sheila Z says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
On April 11, 2009 at 4:30 am
Maureen says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!! I hope you have a fantastic day.
On April 11, 2009 at 4:35 am
Lucy says:
I love days like that. Just enjoying nature with no cares or worries.
On April 11, 2009 at 4:44 am
Heidi533 says:
Happy Birthday! :shimmy: :dancingmonster: :snoopy: :woof: :happyfeet:
On April 11, 2009 at 4:45 am
Barbara McDevitt says:
Enjoy your special day! I hope it is a memory maker as well! :sun:
barb
On April 11, 2009 at 5:05 am
anne says:
A Very Happy Birthday, Suzanne !
You start off my everyday with a smile
On April 11, 2009 at 5:20 am
shirley says:
:duck: Happy Birthday to you and have a blessed Easter. :pinkbunny:
On April 11, 2009 at 5:25 am
IowaDeb says:
Have a wonderful day Suzanne! :happyflower:
On April 11, 2009 at 5:33 am
Cathy J. says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :happybutterfly:
On April 11, 2009 at 5:55 am
countryview wood crafts says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!!! I am new here and I LOVE your blog, it is great. I hope you have a stunning day also!!
On April 11, 2009 at 5:58 am
Nancy in Atlanta says:
Yes! Most definitely a Happy Birthday to you! And your favorite things are awesome. And Lucky turned out to be a beautiful hen; I’m so glad she was tenacious.
With best regards and the happiest of days to you!
On April 11, 2009 at 5:59 am
Wendy says:
:snoopy: Happy Birthday Suzanne! :heart:
Best wishes for many more!
On April 11, 2009 at 6:02 am
Bee says:
Happy, Happy Birthday! I hope your day is as fun and filled with laughter as the mornings you give to me.
On April 11, 2009 at 6:04 am
Gail says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne! Have a spectacular day! Your blog is one of my favorite things and I thank you for the gift of laughter.
On April 11, 2009 at 6:05 am
heidiannie says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Your birthday/favorite pictures are beautiful and well chosen. May all of your day be blessed with beauty and good choices!
On April 11, 2009 at 6:10 am
Charlene says:
:sheepjump: :sheep: :duck: :snuggle: :pinkbunny: Happy, Happy Birthday, Suzanne!!! Have a wonderful Easter, as well. May you always see the stunning of every day! Thanks for sharing your….dare I say it?…..stunning life with us! :pinkbunny: :snuggle: :duck: :sheep: :sheepjump:
On April 11, 2009 at 6:10 am
Nita in South Carolina says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! :shimmy:
On April 11, 2009 at 6:17 am
Suzanne says:
Have a wonderful Bithday, Thanks for all the smiles you give us.
On April 11, 2009 at 6:17 am
Jeanne says:
Happy Birthday! You are special everyday.
Jeanne :happyflower:
On April 11, 2009 at 6:34 am
Suzanne says:
:happyflower: Happy Birthday, Suzanne! I hope that your day is full of fabulousness and many wonderful blessings in the coming year! :happybutterfly:
Suzanne @ https://sugarloafcottage.blogspot.com :heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 6:52 am
Linda says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE!!!! Hope it is a good one. Enjoy your day.
On April 11, 2009 at 7:02 am
monica says:
:purpleflower:
Happy Birthday!! Have some delicious cake, maybe give Princess atry at baking and you can REALLY have the day off! :hungry:
On April 11, 2009 at 7:04 am
countrygirl221 says:
Happy Birthday. I hope the year ahead is filled with wonderful “memory moments”, too.
On April 11, 2009 at 7:10 am
maddie says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! You are totally my inspiration as I dream about how I want my life to be. I’m getting there. Enjoy your day and thanks so much for the pictures. I love it!
On April 11, 2009 at 7:35 am
Laura says:
Happy Birthday! May the next year be as sweet as the cookies you make.
On April 11, 2009 at 7:37 am
Gwen says:
Happy birthday, may your days be filled with more stories, and ours as well.
I hope you have a wonderfull day!!!
and clover, hang on to it girl, you never know 😆
hugs
gwen :sheep:
On April 11, 2009 at 7:40 am
Fannie M Wiggins says:
Happy Birthday. :happyflower: :heart: :chicken: :sheep: :duck: May there be many more. Hope everyone treats you like the special person you are. I am also wishing you a Blessed Easter. Have a wonderful week-end. :hug:
On April 11, 2009 at 7:42 am
Claudia W. says:
Happy Birthday to you!
You are a testament to the fact that life can go as you dream it! Way to go!
On April 11, 2009 at 7:43 am
The Retired One says:
Have a wonderful birthday!
Maybe the animals were dreaming of you coming into their lives when they were little, too…
On April 11, 2009 at 7:44 am
Fran says:
Happy happy Birthday, Suzanne!!! I hope your day is filled with as much joy as you bring each day to your faithful readers. I know you brighten each day for me. :sun: I love reading about your family, your critters :sheep: :happypuppy: , your cooking and crafts – can’t wait to make yesterday’s cookies! I’ve been looking at chicken butts all month as I wash dishes! And by the way, Lucky has turned into quite a beauty. :chicken: May you be blessed with a great year ahead of you! :snoopy:
On April 11, 2009 at 7:51 am
Angie says:
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
On April 11, 2009 at 8:00 am
Kathleen says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :sun: If you ever get tired of Clover she can stay with me!!! I am so in love with Clover. :hug: Have a great day.
On April 11, 2009 at 8:06 am
sam says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!
Sam
On April 11, 2009 at 8:07 am
mim says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne…. you know what we all need to do…treat everyday as a “birthday” not just once a year but a “birthday” for each day that we get to enjoy the things that are important to us. :ladybug:
On April 11, 2009 at 8:07 am
ticka1 says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne!
Loved your blog about your favorite things. Clover rocked that tiara and necklace….
On April 11, 2009 at 8:08 am
kd (small caps) says:
Happy Birthday. Hope your day is “stunning” in every way!
On April 11, 2009 at 8:33 am
Jan says:
Cheerful Birthday Suzanne1 How nice that you too are a spring chick! I bet you have a swellicious day!
On April 11, 2009 at 8:38 am
Karen B says:
Wishing you much happiness on your birthday. :hug:
On April 11, 2009 at 8:40 am
sondra says:
Happy Birthday! Love your blog! Love your farm!
On April 11, 2009 at 8:44 am
lisa says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I love your blog. I was able to get my husband to read it with me yesterday – you now have two more fans!! You make us smile – you are so talented – Thank You !! Lisa
On April 11, 2009 at 9:10 am
Courtney KS says:
Wishing you a Happy Birthday Miss Suzanne!
On April 11, 2009 at 9:16 am
Jan says:
Happy birthday!
I hope you have a memorable day…and blog about it tomorrow! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful life.
On April 11, 2009 at 9:19 am
mmHoney says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND A BLESSED EASTER.
On April 11, 2009 at 9:20 am
ML says:
Happy Birthday, I hope “someone special” spoils you rotten! Have a great day!!
On April 11, 2009 at 9:39 am
shirley says:
Can’t leave this blog without saying something about the beautiful, fluffy chicken butt.
Lucky turned into quite a lady, didn’t she?
O Lord,help me. I’ve fallen in love with a chicken. :chicken: :airkiss:
On April 11, 2009 at 9:41 am
Winifred says:
Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day. Love the photos, especially the t’rara. Suits her.
On April 11, 2009 at 9:42 am
catslady says:
Time sure flies when you’re having fun – have a wonderful birthday today, Suzanne (forever 39) :heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 9:49 am
trish says:
Happy Birthday to my favorite blogger. A very Happy Easter as well! Lots of Love coming your way from RI. :purpleflower:
On April 11, 2009 at 10:14 am
Amy Lynn says:
:hug: Happy Birthday! :shimmy: I hope you have a wonderful day. :heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 10:28 am
Darlene says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne!
May each day bring you even more blessings and happiness 🙂
You truly make our day a brigher one!
On April 11, 2009 at 10:33 am
Sarah Ouellette says:
A very happy birthday to you! :shimmy: I hope your day is perfect. I just want to thank you for all your posts. I’ve been struggling emotionally in my life, but when I come here it’s a place of peace and happiness. You are such an inspiring woman, and as a new homesteader your ideas are wonderful as well as your recipes. I hope you realize how many lives you touch each day with your blog. Again have a happy birthday, and maybe just for today you will allow yourself to take it easy!
On April 11, 2009 at 10:37 am
Fencepost says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne!
So glad to see your dreams coming true, and I hope that it gets nothing but better from here.
On April 11, 2009 at 10:39 am
Sandra Leigh says:
The life you always wanted is the life you have now. What better birthday present? Have a great day. Don’t forget to eat some chocolate.https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/fairy.gif
On April 11, 2009 at 10:57 am
Cynthia says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne!
Hope your day is filled with all of your favorite things.
On April 11, 2009 at 10:58 am
Jill says:
Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoy your :snoopy: day.
On April 11, 2009 at 11:01 am
jannza says:
Happy Birthday! Hope your day is splendid.
I love your blog. I read it all the time and think to myself: I wish she were my friend. She loves to cook, she loves her animals, she’s great at photography, she’s a fun mom, she’s learning to spin, knit and crochet, and she’s got a darn nice homestead.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful self and life with us!
On April 11, 2009 at 11:25 am
Kris7 says:
Happy, happy birthday!
You make soooo many people smile every day!
May your day be filled with relaxation and chocolate!
Kris7
Working hard at http://www.sccworlds.com
On April 11, 2009 at 11:29 am
Brenda S. 'Okie in Colorado' says:
♥♥♥Happy Birthday♥♥♥
Hope you have the greatest one yet. Something tells me Clover will eat birthday cake today.
On April 11, 2009 at 11:43 am
LisaAJB says:
Happy Birthday, Suzan. And thanks for the great pictures!
On April 11, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Lexi Connor says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! I hope it’s a great one!
On April 11, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Susan says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! :hug: Wishing that this birthday is just the beginning of a year filled with happy memories, wonderful moments, and shining dreams! :heart:
On April 11, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Stephanie says:
Happy Birthday! Your favorite things, have turned into one of my favorite things – your blog. May you have a wonderful day and may all of your birthday wishes come true.
On April 11, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Cindy says:
Suzanne – Thanks for sharing your stunningness with us. I can always count on you to give me a smile every day. I’ll be whipping up a batch of surprise cookies real soon. They look yummy. Happy, happy B-day!
On April 11, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Brenda Kula says:
Well, I hope you have a very happy day! It’s good to be the boss. Do the animals know you’re the boss? Mine don’t.
Brenda
On April 11, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Estella says:
Happy birthday, Suzanne!
On April 11, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Elizabeth says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I never miss your blog, and I hope you have a joyous Birthday and Blessed Easter! You are a talented and entertaining lady!
On April 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Gini says:
I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing, laughter-filled birthday, Suzanne! You totally deserve it!
On April 11, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Wheezay says:
Happy Birthday !!! Thank you for all the great stories and pictures !! :snoopy: :woof: :shimmy:
On April 11, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Lisa L. says:
Happy Day! I’m so glad that so many of your dreams have come true — you made them happen. You are awesome!!!
On April 11, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Cranberry says:
Hi, Have the BEST Birthday ever!! :purpleflower:
On April 11, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Liz V. says:
Happy Birthday to an amazing woman!
On April 11, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Liz in PA says:
OH Suzanne~ I think maybe Clover is enjoying her jewelry today!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I hope 52 gives you a truly memorable surprise today!
And I hope your kids will do ALL the Animal Chores and give YOU the day off totally – including cleaning, cooking, and
Baking your Birthday Cake!
Have a wonderful EASTER!
On April 11, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Angela says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Hope you are relaxing and doing just what YOU want! Happy Easter, too.
On April 11, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Jessica says:
Happy Birthday!
On April 11, 2009 at 8:17 pm
JenniferB says:
Happy Birthday Suzanne! I turned 40 last week, and I think us ladies born in April are pretty much the BEST! Have a great one! :snoopy:
On April 11, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Linda says:
Happy Birthday, Hope you had a great one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda B.
On April 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Beth C says:
Happy Birthday!
Long time reader, first comment, I think. We nearly share a Bday – mine is tomorrow, so now I KNOW you are ~special~ without anyone needing to agree :yes:
On April 11, 2009 at 9:48 pm
wildcat says:
Happy Birthday, Suzanne! :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy:
On April 12, 2009 at 7:29 am
propwashz says:
Happy Birthday! To you and to me–Apr 11th is my birthday too… :snoopy:
On April 12, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Raymond Deane says:
Hello Suzanne, I just heard about your blog today on NPR…Happy Birthday for yesterday! You take the most amazing photos…what camera do you use, if I may ask?
On April 12, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Hi, Raymond! Thank you. I use a Canon S5IS!
On April 12, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Ed says:
Happened across your PBS interview this evening and couldn’t wait to get home and check out the site. Way cool. I’m north of you in Tyler County. Way to go lady. Happy birthday and thanks for reminding us how the simple things can be so wonderful.
On April 12, 2009 at 5:36 pm