In one shady corner of the Porter backyard, just beside where we currently have our production tents set up, is the family's chicken coop. Currently residing there are Ducky, Fiddlesticks, Mr. Chicken, Lulu, Takeout, Admiral, and Henny Penny -- some of the most beautiful chickens you will ever see. (Yes, beautiful chickens -- I didn't believe it either until I saw them, but just check out that sweet plumage in the photos.)

Besides being a source of eggs for the family and a source of amusement for the crew -- especially when Lulu got out and we chased her all over the yard trying to put her back -- the Porter chickens have been a source of inspiration for Guru Alison.

See, there's a really cool, custom-built, one-of-a-kind invention Alison's been working on for the Porters. And strangely enough, it just so happens that throwing chickens in the mix makes it even cooler. That's about all I can say until the big reveal this Sunday (but if you want to throw your wild guesses in the blog comments below, I might be able to tell you if you're getting warmer.)

The good news is that if you live in the Fort Wayne area, you can find out for yourself at the Porter block party, at the same moment the family does. Just check the Casting & Events page for details and maps to both our tech makeover reveals  -- come to both and double your chances of winning a 42" LCD TV or one of several other great prizes!

Posted by Jim 2.0 | tagged: Porter, Alison, behind the scenes, pets, photos, during