Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Monday, July 11, 2022
Rewilding
I love gardening. I wanted to talk about rewilding, which is a pretty good description of how I have been managing my 4 acres plus marsh and stream frontage.
I work with what I have, what does well; I usually let volunteers go. I have had different things come on a bit too much; one year I had tons of Queen Anne's lace-I simply snipped the flowerheads as they matured and then threw them along the road frontage.
The road frontage gets periodically razed and ditched by the town, and sprayed and whacked by CMP, and then brush hogged by the town. In order to maintain some sort of vegetated buffer between the dirt road and stream, if I have extra seed heads I toss them down there. This year I actually planted a bunch of fern in the ditch, because I had to rip it out of one of the gardens and hate to kill plants that are doing well.
Then I let the lambsquarters go. This one is easy to weed out as seedlings, and can be eaten fresh or sauteed, but I never seem to get around to eating it. I still have a couple plants here and there this year, because I do like to have it but not SO much of it.
One year I had plantain take over the lawn. This was bad because it is slow to grow in the spring and the Firebird had the lawn a mudfield with his soccer ball. The geese took care of it in the lawn, that and one or two summers pulling the seed stalks. Ditto with heal all.Today I saw some of the blue flowers mixed in with the now in bloom white clover-a must in an "intergrated" wild lawn, but not the WHOLE lawn in the case of heal all.
I do have some flowers and vegetables out there. Tomoatoes, Italian pole beans, Nasturium, sunflowers, bee balm, yarrow, daisys, iris, tulips, on and on..
But it takes a lot of hand weeding, learning what you really won't tolerate (weedy amaranth was a nightmare once it got ahead of me, and I rip every one I see now.)
I lost the battle with the jewel weed, the entire far side of the drive is jewelweed, and also down over the bank. I was actually thinking of buying a weed whacker to knock it back this summer. I am loathe to do it, because it offers excellent cover for the small songbirds, and the bumblebees like it when it is in bloom.
But luckily for me, the deer, who has discovered my garden of delights is no longer scented with dog, likes jewelweed. Sadly, it also LOVES hosta, and they look like bare celery stalks at the moment. It denuded the raspberries and blackberries, comes back every few days and razes the red potatoes(!) loves jeruselum artichoke, and tall phlox. And evening primrose, which was going to be the strong volunteer in the garden this year, but the deer really like it. They actually just basically top what they eat-except for the big blue hosta, where they took every leaf. The first time through it left ONE leaf-it made sure to get it a couple nights later.
I hung a stinky t-shirt on a stick by the poles beans this afternoon hoping to deter it. But since it was weaving through the clotheslines out back this winter, I don't think much is going to stop it. I need to find a motion activated dog barking device.
I can't really be mad at the deer. I mean such variety! Like a kid in a free candy shop.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Nesting Season
Despite the fact that we are forecast to receive 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow night-with 5-9 forecast for Northern parts of the state, the birds have been busy building nests.
The creepers I mentioned in a previous post must have picked a nest site. One of them was picking cedar strings off a piece of slab in the backyard and was so focused on the task at hand that I watched for some minutes from a distance of just a few feet.
Ditto with the black capped chickadees-I had a close up observation of one patiently picking Moonie's fiber off the fence-I couldn't tell if it was after the coarser guard hair or soft undercoat remnants that Moo had wound around the fence while rubbing on it to relieve the itching of shedding.
I have been pretty slack about combing my goats this year- I have at least six large garbage bags full of fiber that needs to be processed and don't see that happening in the near future, so this year is for the birds.
The Phoebes, a type of flycatcher, are back building nest under the eaves. They build a fresh one each year, made of moss and mud. The robin has decided to use the fir by the deck again, despite the giant maple limb dangling straight down from about thirty feet. The limb let go about a month ago and got hung up and since I couldn't pull it free, it will have to stay until fall when the robins migrate.
The limb is actually compressing the fir branches at the nest site even closer together so hopefully the hawk doesn't try to get the nestlings again.
The wayward squirrel nestling is still hanging in there. I had put some sunflower seed on the deck-even though the site on raising squirrels said not to feed them sunflower seed or corn. I figured Momma had been feeding on my offerings and the nestling had access to other things, like the red maple buds which had fallen on the deck which Willow had seen it nibbling.
Today we saw the young squirrel had found the squirrel feeder which I had relocated closer to that side of the house. It tried to climb the young pine the feeder was hanging on , and had some difficulty with slippage, and at one point retreated back under the house, which must have turned into its substitute nest site.
It's quite nice to hear all the seasonal birds -the yak yak of the nuthatches, the robins, goldfinch, and even a pair of purple finch. I have not seen any grosbeaks in years- I used to get rather large flocks of evening grosbeaks in the winter and rose breasted in the summer less then ten miles form here as the bird flies.
It could be habitat, and I am glad that the current birds population can take advantage of the goat fiber, the spilled straw and various dried grasses and herbaceous plant stalks that are readily available in my yard, as well as the moss and mud from the springlet that runs down the drive.
I have a cold frame going this year, and glad for it. All next week we have night lows at freezing, very bizarre for us even though our last frost date is the end of May. I usually pull off getting most of the garden planted by now.
The creepers I mentioned in a previous post must have picked a nest site. One of them was picking cedar strings off a piece of slab in the backyard and was so focused on the task at hand that I watched for some minutes from a distance of just a few feet.
Ditto with the black capped chickadees-I had a close up observation of one patiently picking Moonie's fiber off the fence-I couldn't tell if it was after the coarser guard hair or soft undercoat remnants that Moo had wound around the fence while rubbing on it to relieve the itching of shedding.
I have been pretty slack about combing my goats this year- I have at least six large garbage bags full of fiber that needs to be processed and don't see that happening in the near future, so this year is for the birds.
The Phoebes, a type of flycatcher, are back building nest under the eaves. They build a fresh one each year, made of moss and mud. The robin has decided to use the fir by the deck again, despite the giant maple limb dangling straight down from about thirty feet. The limb let go about a month ago and got hung up and since I couldn't pull it free, it will have to stay until fall when the robins migrate.
The limb is actually compressing the fir branches at the nest site even closer together so hopefully the hawk doesn't try to get the nestlings again.
The wayward squirrel nestling is still hanging in there. I had put some sunflower seed on the deck-even though the site on raising squirrels said not to feed them sunflower seed or corn. I figured Momma had been feeding on my offerings and the nestling had access to other things, like the red maple buds which had fallen on the deck which Willow had seen it nibbling.
Today we saw the young squirrel had found the squirrel feeder which I had relocated closer to that side of the house. It tried to climb the young pine the feeder was hanging on , and had some difficulty with slippage, and at one point retreated back under the house, which must have turned into its substitute nest site.
It's quite nice to hear all the seasonal birds -the yak yak of the nuthatches, the robins, goldfinch, and even a pair of purple finch. I have not seen any grosbeaks in years- I used to get rather large flocks of evening grosbeaks in the winter and rose breasted in the summer less then ten miles form here as the bird flies.
It could be habitat, and I am glad that the current birds population can take advantage of the goat fiber, the spilled straw and various dried grasses and herbaceous plant stalks that are readily available in my yard, as well as the moss and mud from the springlet that runs down the drive.
I have a cold frame going this year, and glad for it. All next week we have night lows at freezing, very bizarre for us even though our last frost date is the end of May. I usually pull off getting most of the garden planted by now.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
The Ass end of August
wow that was summer?
Two separate sign thermometers flashed 86F at 430 pm today, and I was clad in a long sleeved shirt and jeans.
The house has been cold and damp, temps at night have been kissing 40 and the sun dipping lower with each day passing just does not give the house enough recovery time.
Mold has been starting to creep in the ground level.
The weathermen seem oblivious, claiming that we are below normal for August in temps-having spent 35 Augusts here I will be the first to tell you that Maine is wet and chilly in August. If you don't get your summer in by the end of July you better be ready to wait a year.
We do have micro climates here-our location at the end of the pond with a stream for frontage does give us a lot more moisture this time of year. We also have snow on the ground long past the neighbors, since snow blows off the pond all winter and dumps in our front yard.
The garden is really floundering. The last few years I have sworn that I am going to give up attempting to grow vegetables. We have been harvesting a few purple beans. And a single zuccini. You know things are bad when you have one zuccini by August 20 and no signs of more. The beans and zuccini were very tasty in a homemade pasta alfredo last night.
We have one early girl tomato turning red. No pumpkins setting fruit. The acorn squash look good. One nice stretch of days I made my way into the garden to find the acorn squash had gone nuts and climbed over the early girls and two rows of beans. I waded in and pinched the grasping tendrils of their clutches and hauled the squash vines back in their assigned places.
Yeah, I have been busy and not finishing anything, started trying to repair the torn building paper on the side of the house and went as high as I dared on the ladder and called it off until I could build or beg staging or a higher ladder. The house is 23 feet on that side.
Been working on the subbie, spent 5 hours digging out a clogged EGR pipe thinking for sure that was the cause of the trouble, and had it run worse than ever afterwards. Have some spark plug wires on order since it is not firing at all on number one and barely on number 3 and the coil pack is good, Could be a head gasket, a death knoll for Betsy.
Summer soccer came and went, The Firebird performing well. Tryouts just ended, Captain of the Varsity team. :) And a senior! The college brochures have been pouring in. We are both suffering separation anxiety already.
his senior pictures are coming due, We went across to the dam and down the stream and I took about 50 pictures over two days, and I think we finally found a keeper. I decided to have the Willow snap one of the two of use, rather impromptu, but I knew I would want to hold the moment in my heart.
Tempus Fugit.
.jpg)
Two separate sign thermometers flashed 86F at 430 pm today, and I was clad in a long sleeved shirt and jeans.
The house has been cold and damp, temps at night have been kissing 40 and the sun dipping lower with each day passing just does not give the house enough recovery time.
Mold has been starting to creep in the ground level.
The weathermen seem oblivious, claiming that we are below normal for August in temps-having spent 35 Augusts here I will be the first to tell you that Maine is wet and chilly in August. If you don't get your summer in by the end of July you better be ready to wait a year.
We do have micro climates here-our location at the end of the pond with a stream for frontage does give us a lot more moisture this time of year. We also have snow on the ground long past the neighbors, since snow blows off the pond all winter and dumps in our front yard.
The garden is really floundering. The last few years I have sworn that I am going to give up attempting to grow vegetables. We have been harvesting a few purple beans. And a single zuccini. You know things are bad when you have one zuccini by August 20 and no signs of more. The beans and zuccini were very tasty in a homemade pasta alfredo last night.
We have one early girl tomato turning red. No pumpkins setting fruit. The acorn squash look good. One nice stretch of days I made my way into the garden to find the acorn squash had gone nuts and climbed over the early girls and two rows of beans. I waded in and pinched the grasping tendrils of their clutches and hauled the squash vines back in their assigned places.
Yeah, I have been busy and not finishing anything, started trying to repair the torn building paper on the side of the house and went as high as I dared on the ladder and called it off until I could build or beg staging or a higher ladder. The house is 23 feet on that side.
Been working on the subbie, spent 5 hours digging out a clogged EGR pipe thinking for sure that was the cause of the trouble, and had it run worse than ever afterwards. Have some spark plug wires on order since it is not firing at all on number one and barely on number 3 and the coil pack is good, Could be a head gasket, a death knoll for Betsy.
Summer soccer came and went, The Firebird performing well. Tryouts just ended, Captain of the Varsity team. :) And a senior! The college brochures have been pouring in. We are both suffering separation anxiety already.
his senior pictures are coming due, We went across to the dam and down the stream and I took about 50 pictures over two days, and I think we finally found a keeper. I decided to have the Willow snap one of the two of use, rather impromptu, but I knew I would want to hold the moment in my heart.
Tempus Fugit.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Yay June
Well we've finally had some nice warm weather! Three days of 80's, but it's supposed to cool down for the next few days.
The dandelions have come and gone. I picked over the lawn for two days and collected enough blossoms for a batch of dandelion wine. That burbled right away for some days. Things have been quiet for a few days and I need to rack it (siphon it off the sediment) and let it settle for a few weeks so I can get it in the bottles.
The lilac put on a good show this year, but the blossoms are fading now. The columbine are in full bloom, singles and double, blue, white, pink. The rocket is in full bloom, and the first bearded iris opened today.
Hit and miss with the veggies. Older green bean seed failed again, but the purple podded which I saved seed from last year has come up nicely. Peas are up. Older lettuce seed was rather a bomb, with just a few random lettuces and a lot of weeds.
We had a moose walk up the driveway and through the lettuce bed and then up on the lawn-I didn't see it, but I wondered what dug the big hole in the freshly planted lettuce patch and then realized it was a moose track. I back-tracked it up the driveway and it was headed towards the lawn. Just took a short cut through the garden and mis-stepped off the path, lol.
Turnip greens overwintered and are in blossom. It also blossomed last fall and volunteers are coming up all through the bed. The collard green didn't overwinter or set seed this year.
Garlic planted last fall is looking good. Onion sets have sprouted. Older beet seed sprouted well. Older dill, basil, parsley, marigold showed poor or no germination. Older zuccini and summer squash seed appear to have failed, but older acorn squash sprouted at least 20% and have a few nice seedlings in several mounds.
Older pumpkin seed has a few seedlings coming per mound. Sunflower seed germinated. Zinnias have failed, but cosmos and impatiens are coming.
old cherry tomato seed has sprouted. I have 5 out of ten, two year old asparagus crowns have thrown up one stalk each. The largest one was snapped by Jenny the goat, who discovered the electric fence was off and after stuffing herself in the woods walked through the asparagus bed on her way to the gate.
I broke down and bought a six pack each of early girl and roma tomatoes, and one of cayenne peppers @ $2.50 per 6 plants.
I had a bunch of potatoes left from three 50 pound sacks I bought last fall. I also had started digging out the eyes of the ones we were eating late winter and wrapping them in a bit of paper toweling and sticking them in a plastic grocery sack.
I planted the sprouted eyes a week or so before I planted the well sprouted leftover potatoes. I really wondered about saving the eyes, but those came up very well!! And it has taken a couple weeks for those long sprouted whole potatoes to start showing green, but it has finally happened. I just have to keep hilling them, and then we shall see how they turn out.
I am really looking forward to some new red potatoes! Too bad the parsely didn't germinate, nothing like new reds steamed and served with butter and parsley! YUM!
I usually don't bother with potatoes because they take a lot of space, and I bought those 50 pound bags for $6 a bag last fall. But, if I get any potatoes they will be basically free. And I had fun trying some different techniques and making new space for them, so at least the ground is getting worked.
We are all starving for potatoes here. Funny, Maine is potato country, too. But the supermarkets are only carrying California potatoes!!! I have been boycotting CA produce because of concerns about things drifting across the Pacific. I won't say any of the key words. But I have to wonder why CA potatoes are getting shipped to Maine.
I know Maine still has potatoes available because a truck carrying 40,000 + pounds rolled and dumped potatoes all over the place.
I guess they're shipping the Maine potatoes to California.
The dandelions have come and gone. I picked over the lawn for two days and collected enough blossoms for a batch of dandelion wine. That burbled right away for some days. Things have been quiet for a few days and I need to rack it (siphon it off the sediment) and let it settle for a few weeks so I can get it in the bottles.
The lilac put on a good show this year, but the blossoms are fading now. The columbine are in full bloom, singles and double, blue, white, pink. The rocket is in full bloom, and the first bearded iris opened today.
Hit and miss with the veggies. Older green bean seed failed again, but the purple podded which I saved seed from last year has come up nicely. Peas are up. Older lettuce seed was rather a bomb, with just a few random lettuces and a lot of weeds.
We had a moose walk up the driveway and through the lettuce bed and then up on the lawn-I didn't see it, but I wondered what dug the big hole in the freshly planted lettuce patch and then realized it was a moose track. I back-tracked it up the driveway and it was headed towards the lawn. Just took a short cut through the garden and mis-stepped off the path, lol.
Turnip greens overwintered and are in blossom. It also blossomed last fall and volunteers are coming up all through the bed. The collard green didn't overwinter or set seed this year.
Garlic planted last fall is looking good. Onion sets have sprouted. Older beet seed sprouted well. Older dill, basil, parsley, marigold showed poor or no germination. Older zuccini and summer squash seed appear to have failed, but older acorn squash sprouted at least 20% and have a few nice seedlings in several mounds.
Older pumpkin seed has a few seedlings coming per mound. Sunflower seed germinated. Zinnias have failed, but cosmos and impatiens are coming.
old cherry tomato seed has sprouted. I have 5 out of ten, two year old asparagus crowns have thrown up one stalk each. The largest one was snapped by Jenny the goat, who discovered the electric fence was off and after stuffing herself in the woods walked through the asparagus bed on her way to the gate.
I broke down and bought a six pack each of early girl and roma tomatoes, and one of cayenne peppers @ $2.50 per 6 plants.
I had a bunch of potatoes left from three 50 pound sacks I bought last fall. I also had started digging out the eyes of the ones we were eating late winter and wrapping them in a bit of paper toweling and sticking them in a plastic grocery sack.
I planted the sprouted eyes a week or so before I planted the well sprouted leftover potatoes. I really wondered about saving the eyes, but those came up very well!! And it has taken a couple weeks for those long sprouted whole potatoes to start showing green, but it has finally happened. I just have to keep hilling them, and then we shall see how they turn out.
I am really looking forward to some new red potatoes! Too bad the parsely didn't germinate, nothing like new reds steamed and served with butter and parsley! YUM!
I usually don't bother with potatoes because they take a lot of space, and I bought those 50 pound bags for $6 a bag last fall. But, if I get any potatoes they will be basically free. And I had fun trying some different techniques and making new space for them, so at least the ground is getting worked.
We are all starving for potatoes here. Funny, Maine is potato country, too. But the supermarkets are only carrying California potatoes!!! I have been boycotting CA produce because of concerns about things drifting across the Pacific. I won't say any of the key words. But I have to wonder why CA potatoes are getting shipped to Maine.
I know Maine still has potatoes available because a truck carrying 40,000 + pounds rolled and dumped potatoes all over the place.
I guess they're shipping the Maine potatoes to California.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Gardening etc
Been busy doing outside stuff. A lot of the black gold compost was moved the last couple of weeks, at least 10 wheelbarrows onto the lawn, along with a bag of lime, and a dozen or so in the garden beds and mulching roses and grapes and perennials.
Lettuce is planted, peas are coming up. Squash and beans were daringly planted yesterday. Trying broccoli from seed, and collards, and beets for greens. Planted some flower seeds at the end of the road and in the bucket for the mailbox (which got a load of black gold compost and a small ring of hand picked-rock around the base.)
Started a war against the blackberries that took over the big perennial bed and then I was sidetracked. (translated: scratched bloody and retreated in semi-defeat for the time being)
I picked up all the leftover bits of wood and put them in a neat stack. Now for the bags and bags of bottles for the redemption center!
I spent the week outsmarted by a chicken. A white leghorn hen became an escape artist. You can see, with all that planting going on, that could be very disastrous to have a wayward hen in one's tediously planted vegetable garden!
Well, she kept escaping. I kept sewing possible escape routes shut with baling twine. The outdoor chicken run has become almost festive-looking. Each time I fixed it, I would chase her back in. That sounds simple. First one has to lock all the other chickens out, and then chase a chicken in that has no intention of going in. Chickens can run fast.
Last night I clipped her wings. I thought that would slow her down. She acted like I was killing her, sulked in the house for ten minutes, and then escaped again. Finally the Firebird saw where she was getting out. I fixed it today and it took three of us ten minutes slowly slowly acting like well-trained border collies to get her in.
We will see what tomorrow brings.
Lettuce is planted, peas are coming up. Squash and beans were daringly planted yesterday. Trying broccoli from seed, and collards, and beets for greens. Planted some flower seeds at the end of the road and in the bucket for the mailbox (which got a load of black gold compost and a small ring of hand picked-rock around the base.)
Started a war against the blackberries that took over the big perennial bed and then I was sidetracked. (translated: scratched bloody and retreated in semi-defeat for the time being)
I picked up all the leftover bits of wood and put them in a neat stack. Now for the bags and bags of bottles for the redemption center!
I spent the week outsmarted by a chicken. A white leghorn hen became an escape artist. You can see, with all that planting going on, that could be very disastrous to have a wayward hen in one's tediously planted vegetable garden!
Well, she kept escaping. I kept sewing possible escape routes shut with baling twine. The outdoor chicken run has become almost festive-looking. Each time I fixed it, I would chase her back in. That sounds simple. First one has to lock all the other chickens out, and then chase a chicken in that has no intention of going in. Chickens can run fast.
Last night I clipped her wings. I thought that would slow her down. She acted like I was killing her, sulked in the house for ten minutes, and then escaped again. Finally the Firebird saw where she was getting out. I fixed it today and it took three of us ten minutes slowly slowly acting like well-trained border collies to get her in.
We will see what tomorrow brings.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Happy August
I've certainly been wondering if I'm bi-polar lately: periods of short sleep and intense activity followed by two days of crashing...
The garden is wild! Here is one bed, typically overplanted.
I have two types of beans, yellow wax and Italian flat; two types of tomatoes, Roma and Big Boy; a row of potatoes, and some pumpkins. The beans are producing like crazy, and we have harvested a couple of summer squash out of another bed. The carrots flopped, and the bright lights chard had erratic germination but are finally taking off. I gave up on the few carrots and turned them under this weekend.
I've lost a lot of weight. Remember when the doc was giving me a hard time at 130? Down to 115! Ugh skinny boyfriends will be the end of me! That passionate affair ended this weekend in a great crash and burn , so maybe I will put on a few pound seeking solace in endless tubs of ice cream and cookies. Mmmm.
The garden is wild! Here is one bed, typically overplanted.
I have two types of beans, yellow wax and Italian flat; two types of tomatoes, Roma and Big Boy; a row of potatoes, and some pumpkins. The beans are producing like crazy, and we have harvested a couple of summer squash out of another bed. The carrots flopped, and the bright lights chard had erratic germination but are finally taking off. I gave up on the few carrots and turned them under this weekend.
I've lost a lot of weight. Remember when the doc was giving me a hard time at 130? Down to 115! Ugh skinny boyfriends will be the end of me! That passionate affair ended this weekend in a great crash and burn , so maybe I will put on a few pound seeking solace in endless tubs of ice cream and cookies. Mmmm.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Frolic and Gardening
Happy full Moon!
We had a lot of fun at the Fiber Frolic!
The Firebird ditched the boring girls early on and roamed about spending his cash on a falafel, two lemonades, two ice creams, and a soda. He also got a wicked sunburn on his face and forearms.
Willow and I didn't get sunburns, most likely because we have been out in the sun quite a bit already, and also because we spent most of our time in the shade. We spent some time in the children's area, where Willow made a pink felt ball and we spent some time learning to felt designs onto a felt mat. She was a natural at it, like any craft she undertakes. Myself, I kept sticking my finger with the felting needle.
We also spent a lot of time in the barns and display areas. The young bucks were so surprised to see us! Boss seemed surprised when I told her the bucks were in a daze when we went up, and then when we spoke their names we could see recognition in their eyes.
We checked out Alpacas (I did get a pic but it's not downloaded yet) and some really cute little baby goats-both cashmere competition and angora crosses. We also looked at lots of angora bunnies and saw two getting shaved.
All of us enjoyed watching Dave Kennard and his border collies. He was having a bit of a rough go with them this year, but they are still a big crowd pleaser.
Early afternoon we went home briefly to check on Peko-who had done very well home alone for four hours. The Firebird opted to stay home-good thing afterI saw the sunburn that rose by the time Willow and I came home.
When Willow and I returned to the frolic, we came across Boss in the show ring with Uureka and her buckling. I asked Boss if she wanted me to go watch her table for her, and instead she handed over Uureka and the buckling for us to finish. Uureka was not impressed!!! For some reason she is not one of the friendlier farm goats, and it didn't help that Willow and I never combed her this year. She has gotten especially jumpy with the arrival of her first kid, the little buck out of Monarch.
There was quite a large audience, and every cashmere goat exihibitor seemed to be present with goats, as well. Here we were front and center with Uureka and her boy as far from us as they could get, occasionally throttling themselves at the end of their leashes in an attempt to get even further. Good thing I don't have stage fright at these things- I just made the best of it.
The buckling had already been evaluated and he won first place for the kid division! Willow was so excited she had to run back and tell Boss. We clipped his blue ribbon to his collar until he tried to eat it.
Then the does were judged-six of them, and I was glad Uureka was called last, as she had adjusted to us a bit better by the time she was called, and I managed to lead her forward without her bolting (cashmere goat shows are much more casual than a dairy goat show where they all parade around so lovely)and Willow brought the buckling forward without event.
Uureka placed second for conformation!! Boss didn't bring her fiber so she wasn't in the class ribbons. So we excused ourselves from the ring and returned the two to their pen. Then Mr. Boss showed up with Uureka's fiber!!! I offerred to run it over to the judge, but Boss said it was ok. The judge had already evaluated all the fiber before the class to speed things up.
Well, then we had a little break before the bucks were called, and I had Boss check out some of our goats fiber. I had brought samples from home. She really liked Nic's fiber! So that was nice. :)
I asked her for a brush and Willow and I cleaned the boys up before their show. Then it was our turn, and of course I asked if Willow could take Bibbles. Boss said yes, and then we had a discussion about the others. I suggested the woman who was volunteering to help should take Rue, since I thought he would be easy for her, and then suggested Boss take Bonnie's Boy, Clyde, since he is skittish. I thought he might be better behaved for Boss than myself after the Uureka incident.
In retrospect, I think Uureka might have been giving Boss a hard time, which is why she handed her over in the middle of the class! Well, I guess I got even by having her take Clyde! He was fine in the ring, but Boss had to drag him there and back, and he would occasionally try to bolt, nearly taking her down.
As we were heading over to the ring, I told Boss the judge would place Clyde first in conformation, and she asked why. I said because he was nice and blocky and the judge was favoring that type.
First the fiber awards for the four were announced. Rue took first, Bibbles took second, Ursula's Boy (now Yul) took third. Then the conformation.
Clyde took first! Boss looked over at me with raised eyebrows and a nod. :D
Willow handled Bibbles so wonderfully! The judge asked if she could walk him, and Willow said, "C'mon Bibbles!" They were the cutest team! I looked at Boss and said I wanted their picture!!! I had my cam in a day sack on my back and didn't want to root around for it in the middle of the class. Plus I wasn't sure if I would spook Yul taking it off. ( oh, I was handling Yul) Yul kept maaing throughout the class. He does have a mouth on him.
Bibbles and Yul tied for second for conformation; that left Rue with third.
Then I thought it was over and Willow and I took the lead out, but then I thought I heard the judge say something, and we had to go back for the class totals. Poor Boss had managed to drag Clyde just out of the ring and had to turn him around and go back. No biggie for Willow and I. :D
Bibbles took best in class!! Willow was sooo happy! Clyde took second, Rue took third. I just realized that left Yul last of the four, and he is my favorite. So I hope that won't cause Boss to eat him. :(
On the way out I had a great long chat with my friends at the gyro stand, prepping for the next day since the fair was closed by then. My girlfriend had run off for supplies, but she and I had exchanged whispers while I was in the ring with Uureka, and she was on the sidelines admiring.
So, I had a chance to chat up her hubby and two of her "boys" ; now big young men that I have watched grow up from tiny tots.
I found out when their next show is and I might have to plan that one into our summer schedule. A music festival. :)
Oh, this is supposed to be about gardening too, but I have gone on too long already. Let's just say we have already had fresh salad greens, the beans and squashes are finally up , and the basil and chard is up-which went in a week later. Bigger seed takes longer to germinate, or warmer weather a week later? Or maybe the moon...;)
Still weeding.
Oh Tonia, if you made it this far, the fort is open to visitors. We didn't go in since it was getting late and we had the dog with us -who likes to eat seatbelts if left unattended in the car. :(
We had a lot of fun at the Fiber Frolic!
The Firebird ditched the boring girls early on and roamed about spending his cash on a falafel, two lemonades, two ice creams, and a soda. He also got a wicked sunburn on his face and forearms.
Willow and I didn't get sunburns, most likely because we have been out in the sun quite a bit already, and also because we spent most of our time in the shade. We spent some time in the children's area, where Willow made a pink felt ball and we spent some time learning to felt designs onto a felt mat. She was a natural at it, like any craft she undertakes. Myself, I kept sticking my finger with the felting needle.
We also spent a lot of time in the barns and display areas. The young bucks were so surprised to see us! Boss seemed surprised when I told her the bucks were in a daze when we went up, and then when we spoke their names we could see recognition in their eyes.
We checked out Alpacas (I did get a pic but it's not downloaded yet) and some really cute little baby goats-both cashmere competition and angora crosses. We also looked at lots of angora bunnies and saw two getting shaved.
All of us enjoyed watching Dave Kennard and his border collies. He was having a bit of a rough go with them this year, but they are still a big crowd pleaser.
Early afternoon we went home briefly to check on Peko-who had done very well home alone for four hours. The Firebird opted to stay home-good thing afterI saw the sunburn that rose by the time Willow and I came home.
When Willow and I returned to the frolic, we came across Boss in the show ring with Uureka and her buckling. I asked Boss if she wanted me to go watch her table for her, and instead she handed over Uureka and the buckling for us to finish. Uureka was not impressed!!! For some reason she is not one of the friendlier farm goats, and it didn't help that Willow and I never combed her this year. She has gotten especially jumpy with the arrival of her first kid, the little buck out of Monarch.
There was quite a large audience, and every cashmere goat exihibitor seemed to be present with goats, as well. Here we were front and center with Uureka and her boy as far from us as they could get, occasionally throttling themselves at the end of their leashes in an attempt to get even further. Good thing I don't have stage fright at these things- I just made the best of it.
The buckling had already been evaluated and he won first place for the kid division! Willow was so excited she had to run back and tell Boss. We clipped his blue ribbon to his collar until he tried to eat it.
Then the does were judged-six of them, and I was glad Uureka was called last, as she had adjusted to us a bit better by the time she was called, and I managed to lead her forward without her bolting (cashmere goat shows are much more casual than a dairy goat show where they all parade around so lovely)and Willow brought the buckling forward without event.
Uureka placed second for conformation!! Boss didn't bring her fiber so she wasn't in the class ribbons. So we excused ourselves from the ring and returned the two to their pen. Then Mr. Boss showed up with Uureka's fiber!!! I offerred to run it over to the judge, but Boss said it was ok. The judge had already evaluated all the fiber before the class to speed things up.
Well, then we had a little break before the bucks were called, and I had Boss check out some of our goats fiber. I had brought samples from home. She really liked Nic's fiber! So that was nice. :)
I asked her for a brush and Willow and I cleaned the boys up before their show. Then it was our turn, and of course I asked if Willow could take Bibbles. Boss said yes, and then we had a discussion about the others. I suggested the woman who was volunteering to help should take Rue, since I thought he would be easy for her, and then suggested Boss take Bonnie's Boy, Clyde, since he is skittish. I thought he might be better behaved for Boss than myself after the Uureka incident.
In retrospect, I think Uureka might have been giving Boss a hard time, which is why she handed her over in the middle of the class! Well, I guess I got even by having her take Clyde! He was fine in the ring, but Boss had to drag him there and back, and he would occasionally try to bolt, nearly taking her down.
As we were heading over to the ring, I told Boss the judge would place Clyde first in conformation, and she asked why. I said because he was nice and blocky and the judge was favoring that type.
First the fiber awards for the four were announced. Rue took first, Bibbles took second, Ursula's Boy (now Yul) took third. Then the conformation.
Clyde took first! Boss looked over at me with raised eyebrows and a nod. :D
Willow handled Bibbles so wonderfully! The judge asked if she could walk him, and Willow said, "C'mon Bibbles!" They were the cutest team! I looked at Boss and said I wanted their picture!!! I had my cam in a day sack on my back and didn't want to root around for it in the middle of the class. Plus I wasn't sure if I would spook Yul taking it off. ( oh, I was handling Yul) Yul kept maaing throughout the class. He does have a mouth on him.
Bibbles and Yul tied for second for conformation; that left Rue with third.
Then I thought it was over and Willow and I took the lead out, but then I thought I heard the judge say something, and we had to go back for the class totals. Poor Boss had managed to drag Clyde just out of the ring and had to turn him around and go back. No biggie for Willow and I. :D
Bibbles took best in class!! Willow was sooo happy! Clyde took second, Rue took third. I just realized that left Yul last of the four, and he is my favorite. So I hope that won't cause Boss to eat him. :(
On the way out I had a great long chat with my friends at the gyro stand, prepping for the next day since the fair was closed by then. My girlfriend had run off for supplies, but she and I had exchanged whispers while I was in the ring with Uureka, and she was on the sidelines admiring.
So, I had a chance to chat up her hubby and two of her "boys" ; now big young men that I have watched grow up from tiny tots.
I found out when their next show is and I might have to plan that one into our summer schedule. A music festival. :)
Oh, this is supposed to be about gardening too, but I have gone on too long already. Let's just say we have already had fresh salad greens, the beans and squashes are finally up , and the basil and chard is up-which went in a week later. Bigger seed takes longer to germinate, or warmer weather a week later? Or maybe the moon...;)
Still weeding.
Oh Tonia, if you made it this far, the fort is open to visitors. We didn't go in since it was getting late and we had the dog with us -who likes to eat seatbelts if left unattended in the car. :(
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday
I received word from Boss-combing is finished. But she is looking forward to having assistance with the young bucks at the fiber frolic Saturday. I know she is at least taking Bibbles and Rue. She took four yearling bucks last year. Willow had watched from the bench last year, but she was very excited to hear the news-she wants to show Bibbles for Boss if possible.
My friends run a falafel/Gyro stand. Mouse had inquired about Gyros, perhaps I have misspelled them. The way I understand it, the Gyro is greek in origin. It is customarily ground goat meat packed and then cooked on a spindle, and then sliced in long bits as it is cooked. Sometimes my friends use lamb and sometimes mix it with beef. My friends then serve it on wood-stove cooked mid-eastern flatbread. That is an adventure in itself, they haul two woodcookstoves to fairs and the make doughballs, which get rolled like a pizza crust and then are cooked over the open flame til they puff up.
This bread is then filled with the sliced gyro meat, or falafel (fried ground soybean balls) and lettuce and a variety of toppings tomato, etc., and sauces, dang I forgot the name of them all, at least salsa, and the one with yogurt and dill..(long pause, still forget...)
If we pass on that feast, there is still the ice cream stand or hand cut french fries (chips).
On the homefront, another busy day. Dropped some more trees in the goat pen. Yesterday we took the goats for a long pig out in the marsh-for them eating the alders, etc, and the mozzies eating us...
Today I undid a big section of fencing and rebuilt the old outhouse pen for the returned rooster. That took all afternoon. :(
Weeding the garden this am-a never ending chore. So glad I can do it this year since last year I was in screaming agonies with piriformis syndrome. So far so good this year, *knock on wood* The back is a little twangy on uneven ground and occasionally when I sneeze, but all things considered I am enjoying this early summer IMMENSELY! Ya-hoo. Be glad for your health and life!
I took one look at the pics Boss took of us holding pelts and started chopping my hair. I looked like a wild witch in the pix! Just too thick. Layering helps for the time being, but when it grows out I am wild again! We'll see what happens when I wash and condition later-I might be kicking myself in the arse over the chop job. Curly hair, anyone?
My friends run a falafel/Gyro stand. Mouse had inquired about Gyros, perhaps I have misspelled them. The way I understand it, the Gyro is greek in origin. It is customarily ground goat meat packed and then cooked on a spindle, and then sliced in long bits as it is cooked. Sometimes my friends use lamb and sometimes mix it with beef. My friends then serve it on wood-stove cooked mid-eastern flatbread. That is an adventure in itself, they haul two woodcookstoves to fairs and the make doughballs, which get rolled like a pizza crust and then are cooked over the open flame til they puff up.
This bread is then filled with the sliced gyro meat, or falafel (fried ground soybean balls) and lettuce and a variety of toppings tomato, etc., and sauces, dang I forgot the name of them all, at least salsa, and the one with yogurt and dill..(long pause, still forget...)
If we pass on that feast, there is still the ice cream stand or hand cut french fries (chips).
On the homefront, another busy day. Dropped some more trees in the goat pen. Yesterday we took the goats for a long pig out in the marsh-for them eating the alders, etc, and the mozzies eating us...
Today I undid a big section of fencing and rebuilt the old outhouse pen for the returned rooster. That took all afternoon. :(
Weeding the garden this am-a never ending chore. So glad I can do it this year since last year I was in screaming agonies with piriformis syndrome. So far so good this year, *knock on wood* The back is a little twangy on uneven ground and occasionally when I sneeze, but all things considered I am enjoying this early summer IMMENSELY! Ya-hoo. Be glad for your health and life!
I took one look at the pics Boss took of us holding pelts and started chopping my hair. I looked like a wild witch in the pix! Just too thick. Layering helps for the time being, but when it grows out I am wild again! We'll see what happens when I wash and condition later-I might be kicking myself in the arse over the chop job. Curly hair, anyone?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Mmmmm dirty laundry
Here is Panther finding a cozy spot in the sun which happened to be shining on the laundry basket.
The dawn dawned with fog. And more fog. Thick and grey and bright in my east window. I soooo wanted to get up and take some pix, but it was just too cozy in bed. The fog burned off by the time I got up, and I let the geese out while the coffee was brewing.
The goats started yelling-sunshine usually means an early feeding for them since I usually comb at the farm.. Tough luck, kids...
Well, we have been getting lots done in the garden.! Put in some early red potatoes, and finally planted the pumpkins. Also planted some green onion seed, basil, and bright lights swiss chard.
We were skunked at fishing all week. Yesterday Willow no sooner had her line in, a wicked thunderstorm broke and we fled home. Today, it started raining as soon as they got lines in, and then stopped raining, but still no bites. Just raining again now as I type.
Did some goat hooves earlier in the week: Cricket and Anakin. Everyone looks pretty good, but we have lots of rock for them to play on in the summer, and I think that help keep the hooves ground down.
Fiber Frolic coming up Saturday. Willow has soooo wanted to enter showmanship, but we would have to be there, with goats, all day. I told her I don't need a judge to tell me she knows goats. And the only cashmere we might enter for the goat show part would be Nic, and he's a wether anyhow, although it would be a tempting excuse to offer him for sale, lol. She had wanted to show Daph or Obiwan in showmanship. So the plan is to go mid-day to catch the goat show as watchers, eat some gyros from my friends stand, and maybe check out the used equipment.
Watch this space for photos. :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday
I think we are finished combing cashmere at the farm. We worked today and Boss said she wanted to have the combing finished today because it was supposed to rain the next three days.
We finished off the little grey wether at the main barn, the last one of the main herd still shedding. Then Willow and I hustled up to the hill and worked on Jacolby and Ursula's boy. R came up and said we were needed to hold pelts for photos down by the cottage. We went down and took turns holding up pelts for photos.
Someone wants to buy some for costumes, so Boss was taking the photos to show what was available.
Then we went to the bucks, R weedwhacked while Willow and I cleaned and set up. I took a horn tip in the lip from Monarch while I was collaring him. It hurt but I didn't even get a fat lip. Darn, and I thought it was cheaper than collagen implants.
We combed and finished Homer, Hjalmar and Duke. Duke has the nicest fiber and has produced bags and bags this year. If I was starting a herd I would pick him as one of the herd sires, for sure.
Poor Willow filled her rubber boot with water while trying to lug the old water to dump in the ditch, and had to change into her clogs. Then she was combing Homer and started shrieking. Yep, her buddy Homer urinated a huge shower all over her. Homer got Boss last year, too. Glad it wasn't me. I had to swap combing slickers with Willow because she thought hers had pee on it.
We left without any fanfare. There are still a few bucks with some fiber-I guess someone else will get to them, or not, or perhaps we might do one more day next week if needed. Willow still wants to go back and visit.
On the home front, we planted tomatoes, zuccini, summer squash, all our flowers we bought, and morning glories. I planted pole beans and gourds. Willow tried to help with the latter, but the mozzies were so bad she ran back to the house. That was Saturday.
Today the morning glories are up, and I had the job of tying the strings to the telephone pole. That is a picky job I don't really care for, but it looks so pretty when they are blooming.
The mixed greens are nearly ready for early harvesting, and the peas are coming along too. I still need to get some potatoes in and plant pumpkins. I have been putting off the pumpkins since last year something ate all the seedlings. I blamed slugs, but it may have been turkeys.
Last night we had frost warnings and all I did was swear when I heard it. The tomatoes and morning glories looked fine, so I guess it missed us. Knocked the mozzies back a bit, anyhow, although they were attacking me this afternoon while I was stringing the morning glories.
I dropped a few trees in the goat pen this afternoon. First the chainsaw kept stalling out, but I finally got it going. Then I hung up a good sized oak and had to rope it down. The Firebird was keeping me company (I like to have him there to call the ambulance if I do something stupid) and he told me to just drop small trees after that.
Of course I saw a big fir later I wanted to drop, and nearly had it on Nic's head. I had to stop and have the Firebird run and get some hay to get the goats away so I could finished cutting it down.
That was about enough for me. I had some more I wanted to take out, but I could see a breeze riffling the tops of the larger trees, and I am too chicken to attempt that. Besides, I felt like I was already tempting fate with the way things were going.
I am jonesing for some fresh tobacco. The kind I smoke, Bali Shag, is having a power struggle trying to get re-listed as pipe tobacco to avoid the huge new tax. So all the stores are out of stock. I have been smoking all the bottoms of cans I had been saving for a rainy day, and boy is it stale! I may just have to take up smoking a pipe at this rate. Maybe it will keep the mosquitoes at bay...
We finished off the little grey wether at the main barn, the last one of the main herd still shedding. Then Willow and I hustled up to the hill and worked on Jacolby and Ursula's boy. R came up and said we were needed to hold pelts for photos down by the cottage. We went down and took turns holding up pelts for photos.
Someone wants to buy some for costumes, so Boss was taking the photos to show what was available.
Then we went to the bucks, R weedwhacked while Willow and I cleaned and set up. I took a horn tip in the lip from Monarch while I was collaring him. It hurt but I didn't even get a fat lip. Darn, and I thought it was cheaper than collagen implants.
We combed and finished Homer, Hjalmar and Duke. Duke has the nicest fiber and has produced bags and bags this year. If I was starting a herd I would pick him as one of the herd sires, for sure.
Poor Willow filled her rubber boot with water while trying to lug the old water to dump in the ditch, and had to change into her clogs. Then she was combing Homer and started shrieking. Yep, her buddy Homer urinated a huge shower all over her. Homer got Boss last year, too. Glad it wasn't me. I had to swap combing slickers with Willow because she thought hers had pee on it.
We left without any fanfare. There are still a few bucks with some fiber-I guess someone else will get to them, or not, or perhaps we might do one more day next week if needed. Willow still wants to go back and visit.
On the home front, we planted tomatoes, zuccini, summer squash, all our flowers we bought, and morning glories. I planted pole beans and gourds. Willow tried to help with the latter, but the mozzies were so bad she ran back to the house. That was Saturday.
Today the morning glories are up, and I had the job of tying the strings to the telephone pole. That is a picky job I don't really care for, but it looks so pretty when they are blooming.
The mixed greens are nearly ready for early harvesting, and the peas are coming along too. I still need to get some potatoes in and plant pumpkins. I have been putting off the pumpkins since last year something ate all the seedlings. I blamed slugs, but it may have been turkeys.
Last night we had frost warnings and all I did was swear when I heard it. The tomatoes and morning glories looked fine, so I guess it missed us. Knocked the mozzies back a bit, anyhow, although they were attacking me this afternoon while I was stringing the morning glories.
I dropped a few trees in the goat pen this afternoon. First the chainsaw kept stalling out, but I finally got it going. Then I hung up a good sized oak and had to rope it down. The Firebird was keeping me company (I like to have him there to call the ambulance if I do something stupid) and he told me to just drop small trees after that.
Of course I saw a big fir later I wanted to drop, and nearly had it on Nic's head. I had to stop and have the Firebird run and get some hay to get the goats away so I could finished cutting it down.
That was about enough for me. I had some more I wanted to take out, but I could see a breeze riffling the tops of the larger trees, and I am too chicken to attempt that. Besides, I felt like I was already tempting fate with the way things were going.
I am jonesing for some fresh tobacco. The kind I smoke, Bali Shag, is having a power struggle trying to get re-listed as pipe tobacco to avoid the huge new tax. So all the stores are out of stock. I have been smoking all the bottoms of cans I had been saving for a rainy day, and boy is it stale! I may just have to take up smoking a pipe at this rate. Maybe it will keep the mosquitoes at bay...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday
Phew! Been working hard the last few days trying to take advantage of the good weather.
Worked the last two days at the farm:
Bonnie has finally started to shed great gobs. Coretta just needed a clean up. Both does have new kids, so it gave Willow and I a chance to hang out with them while we were combing their Moms.
Coretta's black doeling is definitely my favorite. She has blue eyes, and I couldn't resist nestling her in my arms twice yesterday. She returned the affection by standing on her back legs and imitating my combing motions by pawing me with one of her tiny hooves. Willow got a great kick out of it.
Bonnie's little buck was the star of the show today. He is also black, with a white star,white front feet, a spot on his chin, and one on the tip of his tail. Very blocky little buck. Bonnie is quite possessive of him.
Sugreca dropped a set of twin bucks yesterday. One grey, one black, both with white stars. They have been sleeping while we were in the stall, and their Mom is quite skittish, so we haven't played with them yet.
On the home front, I was working on the raspberry patch yesterday, and my arms are still stinging. This afternoon we dug out three goat houses-quite deep in bedding from the winter. The goats all had to take turns trying to help. The saplings were great helpers. I had one tense moment with them when Willow started digging a giant pile I didn't want to start yet, and the Firebird kept leaving the backup barrow in the way. But, I got over it after a break and the kids kept digging and hauling.
Then the tire fell off one of the wheelbarrows, and while I was searching for a replacement nut, the Firebird mucked out the end of the big house. We still have the back half of the big house, the lean to, and more out in the pen to clean up, but after three hours all of us were done in.
Buds are just starting to come on the maples. We are so happy spring is here, although it means so much yard work! I am grateful my piriformis syndrome seems to be finally cured and I can do these big jobs without collapsing in agony. The kids are a lot bigger this year, and very hard workers. Wow. The Firebird must have hauled and dumped twenty wheelbarrows today, and the Willow dug like a little woodchuck.
Now three days of rain, and then maybe 70's for Saturday! Can't wait for then when we will do some planting in the garden!
Worked the last two days at the farm:
Bonnie has finally started to shed great gobs. Coretta just needed a clean up. Both does have new kids, so it gave Willow and I a chance to hang out with them while we were combing their Moms.
Coretta's black doeling is definitely my favorite. She has blue eyes, and I couldn't resist nestling her in my arms twice yesterday. She returned the affection by standing on her back legs and imitating my combing motions by pawing me with one of her tiny hooves. Willow got a great kick out of it.
Bonnie's little buck was the star of the show today. He is also black, with a white star,white front feet, a spot on his chin, and one on the tip of his tail. Very blocky little buck. Bonnie is quite possessive of him.
Sugreca dropped a set of twin bucks yesterday. One grey, one black, both with white stars. They have been sleeping while we were in the stall, and their Mom is quite skittish, so we haven't played with them yet.
On the home front, I was working on the raspberry patch yesterday, and my arms are still stinging. This afternoon we dug out three goat houses-quite deep in bedding from the winter. The goats all had to take turns trying to help. The saplings were great helpers. I had one tense moment with them when Willow started digging a giant pile I didn't want to start yet, and the Firebird kept leaving the backup barrow in the way. But, I got over it after a break and the kids kept digging and hauling.
Then the tire fell off one of the wheelbarrows, and while I was searching for a replacement nut, the Firebird mucked out the end of the big house. We still have the back half of the big house, the lean to, and more out in the pen to clean up, but after three hours all of us were done in.
Buds are just starting to come on the maples. We are so happy spring is here, although it means so much yard work! I am grateful my piriformis syndrome seems to be finally cured and I can do these big jobs without collapsing in agony. The kids are a lot bigger this year, and very hard workers. Wow. The Firebird must have hauled and dumped twenty wheelbarrows today, and the Willow dug like a little woodchuck.
Now three days of rain, and then maybe 70's for Saturday! Can't wait for then when we will do some planting in the garden!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
