In the interest of fairness, I must also point out that Henry is no slouch at sun-collecting.

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For Christmas the lovely Elisa gave me a wire chicken basket. Martha recommends storing potatoes or onions in it or using it as a centerpiece. I have a much more practical use for it: gathering eggs from the coop. Often on my way out there I am juggling a bin of treats for the girls (vegetable trimmings, leftover food, that sort of thing) and don't have hands free to carry multiple eggs. I know from experience that putting them in your pockets is not a wise choice. When kids visit they love gathering eggs and a toddler's enthusiastic grip is about as reliable as a pocket. Handles are much easier for everyone. I gussied the basket up with a little pad to keep the eggs from rolling around and it is just the thing.

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Eggs laid in the coop today: 3
Eggs laid in the coop Thursday: 2
Eggs laid in the coop this year: 167