Feeling Fit as a Fiddle

Meet Celeste. THANKS for Friends! After spending 2 hours Tuesday weeding the garden I felt driven, because the weather was conducive, to weed eat yesterday. Then after 4 hours of that a shower I take off for lunch. I stopped to visit a friend and this is what she gave me. Is that not sweet? Of course today I ache all over, I even have blisters from using the weed eater, how weird is that?

Lace in the Meadow

Did you Know? Queen Anne's Lace is a member of the Parsley family. I found this really fasinating, the red flower in the center represents a blood droplet where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle when she was making the lace Queen Anne's Lace Daucus carota

Thistle

Cirsium is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known popularly as thistles. Today’s picture!

We have something new ...OR

Someone Elsie's Moos Or Begin the Bovine Title wise perhaps is all that is new. Apparently George, the Wonder Springer is now a Cow Consultant. Mooving I see you are thinking. The most amazing thing occurred this past weekend, while sitting comfortably around the small Koi pond it was apparent that George can telepathically connect with my sweetie. How Kewl is that? I sat in UDDER amazement about what George thinks about. In such amazement I thought it worthy to Blog. Recently our neighbor across the creek moved his cattle in that pasture, so we hear the lowing of cows now. There must be some Prior connection in Georges distant past that gives him the ability to telecommunicate. MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Ha Ha must have been the Milk! OK OK its sorta Cheesy aMERICAN cOW pIE How very amoosing :) Lets face it this weekend was a Catharsis! …a sudden overwhelming feelings of great laughter, resulting in the renewal, restoration and revitalization for living. Just ask George!

Fergie Hiding??????

The LADY has a mind of her own

Yesterday Fergie got to show us what she is capable of. She has a beautiful new red Bumper and while she does have a new grill it is not installed as of yet. We continue working on Sarah’s Pond area. The roots of two large trees need to be moved before the rains come. While Fergie indeed did her job there were times when Time stood still. There I am watching, camera in hand, and my Sweetie manages to pop a wheelie going UPHILL on Fergie. Well Fergie showed him as she coasted back down the hill. Then she sat there and contentedly purred as all us wiped the streams of sweat of our brows and heard our heartbeats restored to the proper rhythms. Her gears are more sensitive than Henrys. But then to understand this you would have to read the first post about Henry and Fergie. The Baroness Ferguson! Bottom line Sweetie is fine, the root balls have been moved and Fergie is still holding tight with her gears. The rest of us are grateful that this was not a disaster.

64 and already HUMID today

All of a sudden there seemed to be an explosion coming from within the Hostas. Slowly I see Castor then the tail of Muffasah then The Twizeller bounding up the Pin Oak with Pollex in hot pursuit. Slowly the Dudes begin the playful rituals of kitten hood; their forts are the plants, trees and bushes. In the not to far distance the turkeys are tuning up with their coral rendition of ’Fall is coming ‘ then overhead and a Thicket over the Canada Geese are as well beginning their coral warm up. Meanwhile back at the Hostas the playful energies being to subside and the Dudes take a break for breakfast. On the other side of the Shag Bark Hickory, Mom Ground hog shows her youngster the way to our apple orchard. They live in a hole under the Rhododendron bushes and just to the left of a scraggly Box Elder. It is still early as I ponder One week from today… I need to come up with a Birthday gift for my Sweetie. It is perplexing, sometimes as to what to get for family members for special holidays. Asking just does not seem to always make it any more. Why is that? LOUD SIGH as the Humming bird drain the last essences from the Wild Phlox.

MANY this season…

These are just three I saw the other day. This year has been plentiful for Praying Mantises here. Amazing bugs! Happy Friday!

A Sad day for PLUTO

POOR PLUTO Leading astronomers have declared that Pluto is no longer a planet, approving new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. The International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930.

Phatic communion

I just love learning something new! Happy Thursday! phatic (FAT-ik) adjective Relating to a communication meant to generate an atmosphere of social relationship rather than to convey some information. [Coined by anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski (1884-1942). From Greek phatos, from phanai (to speak), which also gave us prophet and aphasia(loss of ability to understand language as a result of an injury).] When you bump into your neighbor on your way out and say, "How are ya?"you're engaging in phatic communion. The idea is not to inquire your neighbor's state of affairs but simply to create a feeling of shared goodwill. Later, at work, when you discuss weather with someone at the water cooler, it's the same idea. -Anu Garg (garg AT wordsmith.org)

One of those days when…

OR am I just due for a bummer of a day? I think cleaning the grill two days straight has made me SILLY [er]! …you do not give a Farkleberry? Or was it the flying Fickle Finger of fate award? Or the Blue bird of Happiness up your snout? Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum Ericaceae Goodness which was it? The Farkle Family was immortalized in the Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In television show (1968 - 1973). The most popular character was Flicker Farkle, the cute little girl of the clan. Farkle (or "farkel") is the name of a family dice game, played with six dice.

Can ya DIG it?

The newest beginning…

Mud Puddling

Why are butterflies attracted to mud. In addition, male butterflies are particularly attracted to mud puddles (they are looking for salts that precipitate out of minerals in the soil). A sunken wet saucer with horticultural sand works well to attract salt-seeking males. And finally, many species of butterflies like to perch on dark flat surfaces, where they can bask and watch for potential mates. A flat rock in a sunny spot will provide for this need. In addition, male butterflies are particularly attracted to mud puddles (they are looking for salts that precipitate out of minerals in the soil). A sunken wet saucer with horticultural sand works well to attract salt-seeking males. And finally, many species of butterflies like to perch on dark flat surfaces, where they can bask and watch for potential mates. A flat rock in a sunny spot will provide for this need.

Drool Time

Quote of the Weekend

“Four more Sundays until we are in Canada” Awesome ey?

Getting to be THAT time of year

So very soon the Jubilee and my sweeties Birthday then the ULTIMATE trip to the Boundary Waters of Canada. The Boundary Waters are located along the Minnesota/Canada border and contain more than 1,100 lakes and more than 1,500 miles of paddling routes. Since motors are allowed on only a small handful of border lakes, paddlers wanting to escape the noise and bustle of civilization value the Boundary Waters. The scenery is breath taking. This is the Entry part.

and I had front row seats…

Yesterday morning I watched the shenanigans of these two Pileated woodpeckers Dryocopus pileatus. It appeared they were using the white oak tree as a rappelling training ground. They were just far enough away that I could not tell if they were the adults or the children. I hear them all the time in the woods but this was the first time I had extended time to observe them. It would be so neat if we could set a cam up like is done on this site. So instead of running for my camera I was content to watch them at the Oak

The First Picture...

The Alpha and Omega of this years Garlic

While not quite the band, still MUSIK rings… Musik Garlic 'Musik' is a hard-neck variety that's hot, pungent and peels easily A hardy, high-yielding hardneck porcelain variety out of Canada that grows well in northern climates. Very large bulbs yield 4 to 5 buff-colored cloves streaked with red. Good hot flavor. Easy to peel. We also planted the German RedOften referred to as a "Rocambole" type, one of the most popular hardnecks for cold climates, large cloves usually 10 to 15 per bulb, prone to double cloves, flower stalk initially forms tight curls and then straightens out.

5AM on a mid summers morning

The light creeps slowly to fill the openings among the tree branches. The birds have yet to wake, there are a few stray lightning bugs wafting down from the higher branches of the stately pine trees. The fingernail moon gently rests on the wisp of a cloud. In the distance the crowing of a rooster, the sounds of the water cascading down the rocks and the snore of the faithful dog by my side…the smells of the remaining garlic in the dehydrator on the deck, the gentle hum of the machine. The coffee looking like the murky Little Kanawha River. A cat prances toward my robed lap uttering deep purrs of delight. I sit, I stretch, and I take in the quiet beauty that surrounds me. The cat and I are like one in our morning aerobics. The light becomes more intense as do the cauliflower clouds as they are quickly consuming the moon; the birds begin their coral arrangements as the raccoon sidles off the porch, having consumed his or her morning breakfast. There is an exclamation cloud showing the trail of a jet overhead…time for more coffee. No city lights, no city sounds and no city smells…I like this place I call HOME! Time to allow SOUNDS to enter, radios, showers, TV’s, people, cars, trucks…and Dishwashers. Happy Friday!

QUACK

English Call Ducks taking the little ducklings on the Grand Tour of the FUNNY FARM

Happy Birthday Daddy

YAWN

Open Wide Big Mouth

Catch and Release of the Day...Bass 16 inches and @ 3 1/2 pounds easy!

New Realm of Gardening

The Koi factor... Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

The flowers that go with THE DAY OF DAYS…

Languid

The mist gently rolls low to the grass. Delicate drops of dew lazily roll from side to side in the crab grass almost ready to make the slide to the earth. The sun eases gently through the mist and gently dismisses it to the creek. The low-lying cobwebs look like miniature hammocks made from ethereal gossamer. The stillness is punctuated with only the birds gathering for their flight lessons. The Flights of Fall Training time has approached.

Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on

It is so good to have my camera back. When I took these pictures, the song just POPPED into my mind… Of course I was also thinking about SLURPIES… Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on(yeah) (yeah) (yeah) (yeah) (yeah) (yeah) When a small rock group from Ohio named the McCoys recorded Hang On Sloopy in 1965, who would have guessed that decades later the song would become synonymous with Ohio State Football?

Early Addition of the ELEVEN O’CLOCK News

As Promised…Before and After Shots Zelda was really hoping to have this chance for a Photo OP! 30 QUARTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~of the most heavenly golden West Virginia Peaches

Outlook is SUNNY

Today is gonna be PEACHY

Here is an almost 16 inch @ 2 1/2 # bass from our farm pond…and other things from here on the Funny Farm.

Grand news, my camera is back from Sick Bay. After a mere 52 shots to be sure it works I am satisfied. Thanks to my Sweetie for lending me his in the interim!

…As for the Peachy… News and Pictures at Eleven!

Today is the Day of Days

Happy Anniversary my love ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let there be spaces in your togetherness And let the winds of heaven dance between you ~~~~~~Kahil Gibran~~~~~~~

Fast Food?

If you look closely there are three of the Koi Last night I caught Castor and Pollex drooling… Here I sit awaiting prices on the couch and chairs we picked out as well as resting from one hour of weed eating. Just had to share the pictures… Ha what else is new?

On the pond ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of ours nesting this past April Last evening before we went fishing we saw a family of Canada Geese and their little ones. We have geese here in our country and of course they have Geese in Canada. However the goose family that was on our pond were in fact Canada Geese. A specific species, aka Branta canadensis . There are so many breeds of Geese. We started with the Embden Goose breed also known as the Bremen and although a German name most historical sources place this as a northern Dutch breed that also migrated throughout Europe to Italy where it was imported from to cross with our native white breeds. Also known as L'oie d'Emden in France/Belgium. That how they started our about thirty years ago, it is obvious that ours were at some point bred with the Toulouse Geese. The Toulouse was originally bred in France and is one of the most common and popular barnyard geese. They are beautiful, prolific and can be grown for meat, too.

Flamenco Dancer?

Picture a lone flamenco bailaora dancing with passionate intensity in the dusty heat of Southern Spain. A rose between her teeth, her olive skin, brown hair and expressive dark eyes contrast with the long, full dress that hugs her hour-glass figure. This is not that …check the [picture] but it reminded me of that. Pollex is such a ham! I am GLAD I got the shot~~~~tee hee!

Will there be a new tractor on the Horizon?

Indeed so and they will meet tonight. …A Sister to the Ford 8 N Manufactured: 1939 - 1942 So now there is an Older sister it seemed proper to name them: Henry and The Baroness Ferguson aka Fergie Why these names? Development and marketing of the Ford-Ferguson 9N tractor began with a gentleman handshake agreement between Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson in October of 1938. What Fergie looked like when she was younger The cost of these tractors THEN! These tractors were one of the most important technological developments in America. SO lets hear her Purr…Fire up the 9N!

BNL in our garden

This is Lycoris squamagera, common names are Mystery Lily, Naked Lady. The leaves come up in the spring with the daffodils then die down and the flower comes up 'naked' so to speak, now. They are related to amaryllis. Lots of fun, I love them, and with hostas is a good place to plant them! Bare Naked Ladies~~~~~~~~~~~ Good music, have a couple of their CD'S

Just one more cup of coffee please!

The Rotational mechanized nun chuck pierced the stillness of the morning mist. The Ninja of the morning bestowing blow after blow to the innocent Box Elders! The water roots of the Alternated leafed dogwood stood breathless. Whom do we take HOSTA? But Ivy stays there in totally defiance. My task is to aid in the demise of Ivy and assist to the uprooting of invasive things. Brick by brick no stone unturned…no worm unearthed we shall plod forth as the sweat drips from our brow. Am I ready for this daunting task? Almost, the socks, boots, gloves and other necessary uniform is almost ready to be placed… Thirty-two years ago my concern was that my nails looked good…at least for a few days… But Just one more cup of coffee please!

Dragons and Damsels

Happy Friday you all! Tene this is for you so you do not crash when driving home!!!! Wonderful pictures! Awesome stuff! Congratulation upon being an Aunt again…The John Lennon Baby Blanket was awesome!

One week from this day!

The Illusive Golden Couch!

Boggles MY mind Whoo Hoooooooooooooo, going furniture buying. A furniture shopping we will go.............a furniture shopping we will go (can't remember the last piece of furniture we bought, how sad is THAT) Unless you count the $14 dollar Thing, but that IS Special! A nightmare of couches swooping in and out of the night’s oppressive heat. Mocking couches, angry sales people, ugly materials…OH NO! A memory of the couch I sat in as a wee child, before Mom got the hideous French provincial sofa that no one sat on. Well Plastic over fabric Bites. Plus it was beige, and I was a tom girl, yikes Pressure even then! I need a respite from all of this. There is way too much information out there. I have an idea. Yup time to get another pedicure. Ummmmmm what colour this time? Silly? Well no actually. You see when one is looking at sofas and chairs one need to get comfortable in them, Its called The 'tush test'! [Tee hee then I can admire my toes ;0] Of course if I get that tattoo... Yup since last week I/we have been test driving products, you need to know whether the sofa you're considering can stand up to your flop. Yesterday Sharon and I test-drove several. The other person sitting on the other end will give you an idea of how it responds when two people sit on it. Serious things like… Is the seat depth right? When you scoot back, do your feet touch the floor with knees comfortably bent? A real challenge for the vertically challenged! Can you stand up easily from it? Next time I go out to test drive I shall take my knitting and a book. Fully stretch out as I would at home. Stay awhile. Try a variety of positions. Could you nap on it? Watch TV? Figure at the end there will be a lot of “Tweaking” as far as fabrics that will work, colours etc. Tell ya what while we are enveloped in this heat wave, at least furniture stores have AC. And heck I can get some knitting accomplished too boot! Updates later especially when I begin to dissect the potential illusive Golden Couch! Look out I have the Consumer Report in hand!

Some aside August Stuff

National Raspberry Cream Pie Day--August 1 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day--August 2 Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Night--August 8 Now that is FUNNY, only if you ever raised Zucchini’s! Now off in search of the Illusive golden couch!

Today’s Forecast

AHEM Announcement! Oh dear I must admit this is nothing new... Be careful out there!