Oh my! I was taking stock of the front yard yesterday afternoon, planning what needs to be done and what needs to be left alone. Low and behold, there at the end of the gutter at the downspout were two pretty little pines trees, sprouted and growing as pretty as you please. Well, that is a sure sign to get it in gear and clean the gutters out. The only problem is that end of the house is about 20 feet to the gutter and I will not climb that far without proper supervision. So, a good excuse to put it off until I can find a responsible person to take care of that problem - usually my son.
I have to clean some dead and damaged limbs out of the pear trees. These trees have been here over fifty years and have to be petted and pampered at this stage. My pears had some kind of blight last year, previously mentioned here, but they seem to have recovered from this. This year the squirrels feasted on the blooms and the nuts from the baby pears dropping them to the ground for the rabbits to feast on as they came along. Therefore, I had no pears this year either, which makes for two years in a row there will be no preserves. I am thinking I am feeding God's creatures more than keeping food in the pantry.
There are many changes taking place in all our lives and this takes adjustments and reorganizing. I am thankful for all of God's blessing for all time, but especially over the last few months. I am thankful for God hearing and answering our prayers when our cousins serving this country were concerned. One cousin arrived home safe and sound from Iraq this week. Thank you sweet Jesus!
My redneck chihuahuas are having quite a time adjusting to the drastic change in temperatures we have experienced over the last 3 weeks. They have returned to their cuddle mode for warmth and have been spending more time inside. They love the hot sun of summer, but that is passed and they are now waiting for me to build the first fire of fall so they can warm their backsides.
Have much to do so until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Showing posts with label squirrels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label squirrels. Show all posts
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Cooking On My Mind
The cooler mornings stirs my craving to start a pot of soup and something to take care of my sweet tooth. Some delicious Broccoli and Cheese or flavorful Potato Soup would really be yummy. I have promised Dad for two weeks a pot of vegetable soup and that would work wonders also. The smell of onions, celery and garlic in a rich chicken broth gets the saliva flowing and comforts the mind and body.
I discussed with my nephew this week - he is a great Paula Dean fan - possibilities for our Thanksgiving Dinner. He is a wonderful cook and always surprises us with his delicious creations. I thought I might need to give him a heads up so he could start planning which dishes he would like to bring. I know, we still have two and half months to go, but I told you these cool mornings get me going. I can already taste the cranberry salad with the cream cheese and pecans just flowing over my taste buds and bringing a smile to my face.
I think I will bake more bread this year also. It isn't good for the waistline, but it is a sure stress reliever and makes me happy. There is nothing better than a good sweetbread fresh from the bread machine. Yes, I cheat! That machine can bring forth the same delectable aromas and the wonderful taste as my mixing and kneading ever thought about and in much less time.
I haven't checked the pecan trees this year, but I am hoping that we have a decent crop. Some toasted pecans drizzled with butter would be real good about now, but the time is not too far away. The squirrels not only raped my corn feeders this year but also took every pear off three trees and got most of the plums to boot. Anything with a seed was fair game this year for those little varmints and I intend on getting some back in the form of squirrel dumplings in the not too distant future. They are nice and plump after a summer filled with eating.
Well, I think it is time to start the potato soup so I will leave you with your thoughts for now. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
I discussed with my nephew this week - he is a great Paula Dean fan - possibilities for our Thanksgiving Dinner. He is a wonderful cook and always surprises us with his delicious creations. I thought I might need to give him a heads up so he could start planning which dishes he would like to bring. I know, we still have two and half months to go, but I told you these cool mornings get me going. I can already taste the cranberry salad with the cream cheese and pecans just flowing over my taste buds and bringing a smile to my face.
I think I will bake more bread this year also. It isn't good for the waistline, but it is a sure stress reliever and makes me happy. There is nothing better than a good sweetbread fresh from the bread machine. Yes, I cheat! That machine can bring forth the same delectable aromas and the wonderful taste as my mixing and kneading ever thought about and in much less time.
I haven't checked the pecan trees this year, but I am hoping that we have a decent crop. Some toasted pecans drizzled with butter would be real good about now, but the time is not too far away. The squirrels not only raped my corn feeders this year but also took every pear off three trees and got most of the plums to boot. Anything with a seed was fair game this year for those little varmints and I intend on getting some back in the form of squirrel dumplings in the not too distant future. They are nice and plump after a summer filled with eating.
Well, I think it is time to start the potato soup so I will leave you with your thoughts for now. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Belle and her business
I am ready for some squirrel dumplings which should be really good with all the scratch feed they have consumed this summer. They are starting on their third 50 pound bag and I have given up trying to put a stop to their antics. They must have heard me load the rifle - they have started hiding from me rather than swishing their bushy tails in my face as they scamper across the yard. They are going in the stew pot, along with that chicken that isn't laying but loves to eat. She is good and fat, too and will be real good with some dumplings. Oh my, I am getting hungry just thinking about it.
Have you ever stopped to really look at a feather. Mr. Rooster lost a tail feather the other day in his prancing around and jumping at the neighbor's rooster. The feather is really beautiful and the colors are outstanding. The soft downy dark grays tipped with rust at the base give way to the shimmering greenish blues all the way to the swirling tip. Amazing! Even the hens rusty feathers are each unique in their colors and shape.
The change in the weather makes me change my cooking style - I must be from the old country. Cooler air means heavier meals. There goes our diets - it is not salad weather. Well, I take that back. I usually don't buy potatoes, but picked up a bag the other day and made potato salad. Yummy! Then I got carried away and made garlic mash potatoes. Believe it or not hubby can have a small serving of potatoes with his diet. Of course you need to use the fat free milk and the Heart Smart butter, but they were still delicious. I think I have finally figured out that I won't have to work so hard in the early spring to get the jelly rolls off if I don't stuff my face so much during those cold days of winter. But oh how I do love food.
I have started diligently working on my yard again. Fall temps do that for me along with the change in my cooking. I have pull out dead limbs and deadheaded all my flowers. Plan to do a light fertilizer today and contemplate where I am going to move some shrubs around. I am also trying to coordinate all my old scattered plants - lamb's ear, four o'clocks, mums, day lilies - and decide where they will be happiest come spring. My hostas did not get enough shade this year and I will be moving them. I have moved my elephant ear as it wasn't getting enough sun and it is doing great. It just needed some loamier ground and more sun. I have some trimming on the agenda also. I have waited too late to move the forsythia and still have it bloom next year, but may fore go the blooms to get them moved.
I have a pomegranate that I plan to move this fall also. It is surrounded with trees and not growing at all. It is from the old homestead that was once on the farm and is now overgrown, not receiving any light and is starved in its present location. The pears will be severely pruned this year as they have become misshapen with many dead limbs caught in the tops. The production was real low this year, but the fruit it produced was large and juicy. These trees were also a gift of the old homestead. I would love to add a couple of apple trees to my collection, but have been advised the cedars would gift them with disease. I will need to do more research on this. I cannot give up all my cedars, fruit or no fruit.
For those who don't know the history of my little farm - my Dad bought this property consisting of 98 +/- acres in 1948. He farmed much of the land until the mid 1980's. There is a wonderful creek and many wet springs on the property. When Dad farmed it, it was mostly pasture and field. It is now mostly wooded as a result of Dad planting pines. When Dad quit farming, he sold most of the land and it now has produced many neighbors and provided homes for some 14 families. Through the years we have been able to purchase surrounding parcels and add to our little farm. We are blessed with good neighbors and a relatively quiet neighborhood.
Till next time - keep smiling and share it with someone.
Belle
Have you ever stopped to really look at a feather. Mr. Rooster lost a tail feather the other day in his prancing around and jumping at the neighbor's rooster. The feather is really beautiful and the colors are outstanding. The soft downy dark grays tipped with rust at the base give way to the shimmering greenish blues all the way to the swirling tip. Amazing! Even the hens rusty feathers are each unique in their colors and shape.
The change in the weather makes me change my cooking style - I must be from the old country. Cooler air means heavier meals. There goes our diets - it is not salad weather. Well, I take that back. I usually don't buy potatoes, but picked up a bag the other day and made potato salad. Yummy! Then I got carried away and made garlic mash potatoes. Believe it or not hubby can have a small serving of potatoes with his diet. Of course you need to use the fat free milk and the Heart Smart butter, but they were still delicious. I think I have finally figured out that I won't have to work so hard in the early spring to get the jelly rolls off if I don't stuff my face so much during those cold days of winter. But oh how I do love food.
I have started diligently working on my yard again. Fall temps do that for me along with the change in my cooking. I have pull out dead limbs and deadheaded all my flowers. Plan to do a light fertilizer today and contemplate where I am going to move some shrubs around. I am also trying to coordinate all my old scattered plants - lamb's ear, four o'clocks, mums, day lilies - and decide where they will be happiest come spring. My hostas did not get enough shade this year and I will be moving them. I have moved my elephant ear as it wasn't getting enough sun and it is doing great. It just needed some loamier ground and more sun. I have some trimming on the agenda also. I have waited too late to move the forsythia and still have it bloom next year, but may fore go the blooms to get them moved.
I have a pomegranate that I plan to move this fall also. It is surrounded with trees and not growing at all. It is from the old homestead that was once on the farm and is now overgrown, not receiving any light and is starved in its present location. The pears will be severely pruned this year as they have become misshapen with many dead limbs caught in the tops. The production was real low this year, but the fruit it produced was large and juicy. These trees were also a gift of the old homestead. I would love to add a couple of apple trees to my collection, but have been advised the cedars would gift them with disease. I will need to do more research on this. I cannot give up all my cedars, fruit or no fruit.
For those who don't know the history of my little farm - my Dad bought this property consisting of 98 +/- acres in 1948. He farmed much of the land until the mid 1980's. There is a wonderful creek and many wet springs on the property. When Dad farmed it, it was mostly pasture and field. It is now mostly wooded as a result of Dad planting pines. When Dad quit farming, he sold most of the land and it now has produced many neighbors and provided homes for some 14 families. Through the years we have been able to purchase surrounding parcels and add to our little farm. We are blessed with good neighbors and a relatively quiet neighborhood.
Till next time - keep smiling and share it with someone.
Belle
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Ode to Oscar
Snug in the covers of sleep and dreams, I felt the warm wet spread slowly across my naked stomach. The dream being too real life, I grabbed the top of the sheet as I tried to roll over. Meeting resistant and acknowledging the weight on my chest and stomach, I slowly opened my eyes. The golden eyes staring back at me were inquisitive and demanding. Startled, I screamed, flinging the bed covers across the room. What was that? Where did it come from? Why was my stomach wet? That odor was horrible and was that poop on my bed? Where did that animal go? The demon cat had arrived and we did not start out on a good note.
I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to clear my head of sleep and get my body in motion for the day. Was that really a cat on my chest this early? Looking around at the scattered bed clothes, the stench of cat urine hit my nose along with the strong poop smell. Gathering the bed clothes, I headed to the laundry, dumping my load into the bleach filled hot water. How in the world did a cat get in the house and where did it come from? We did not have a cat. I headed for a hot shower to remove the waste from my skin, cautiously watching for the varmint that deposited its load of waste on me and the bed.
I heard a strange screech from under the bed. Yes, it was a cat. As I scrubbed from top to bottom, I remembered that Hubby and Friend were turkey hunting this morning. That meant hubby had left early and should be home around lunch. Did Friend bring a cat along this morning? Friend had several cats, but he would never part with them. Where did this cat come from?
Getting dressed and restarting the washer - I was going to make sure these sheets were clean, I started breakfast. Yep, there it was - an empty can of cat food sitting on the counter and an empty dish on the floor. So, friend had come bringing gifts this morning. I returned to the bathroom to check for a litter box. Nope food for the stomach, but no depository for the waste. I finished my breakfast and headed to the barn for a litter box.
I was still contemplating the cat under the bed, not quite ready to get down there and welcome the devil feline that had used me for its litter box this morning. I remembered seeing black and white and those beautiful gold eyes. I am a cat lover. There isn't much more I can say - I love cats. They are warm, cuddly and soothing to the mind and body. You cannot make a cat a pet, but a cat can make you his master.
I heard the car as it started up the drive and started out to meet Hubby and Friend. Friend put Hubby out way down the driveway - I wasn't aware that I was yelling like a banshee, but something must have tipped them off. Friend was gone in a minute and Hubby was walking slowly to the house with head down and shuffling feet. "I guess you found the cat?" Well, you could say that. "No, the cat found me!" That crazy grin never left his face. He had found me a present and was so proud. He just didn't think past his nose.
Hubby had told me of the cat that was found in the bath house of the park where he worked. The lights, motion activated, would come on and off at night and he went in search of the villain. It took several nights, but Hubby found the cat in the bath house and Friend took him home. Friend's other cats never accepted the new feline, so he made him a gift to Hubby.
That was just the beginning of me and the demon cat. Named Oscar, called Big O (for big old cat), this cat grew to be huge. Armed with deadly claws and long fangs, he has ruled home and hearth for many years. He lived inside for many years. When he started slapping my ankles from under the bed, bringing blood and leaving ugly gashes, we made him an outdoor cat. Weaving between your legs, Oscar would give you one chance to answer his request for a rub, if ignored, he would bite whatever was was close, fangs digging in deep with claws bared and ready for a fight. We were here for him and when he demanded attention, we were to respond. It has been a real trip for us and Oscar.
Oscar is probably the sneakiest cat that has claimed us. He can still enter the house undetected to be found curled in the closet, under a chest or out of sight in a corner upstairs. He can slip in and out quietly, quickly, and unseen.
Not long ago I opened the feed room door to find Oscar stalking a squirrel - well, the squirrel was in the feed box chowing down on the chicken scratch and Oscar was watching him intently. When the door opened, Oscar pounced, the squirrel jumped on me, I screamed and the squirrel disappeared up the wall of the barn. Oscar returned to his position of guarding the feed box as if nothing had happened, but looking at me as if I had really messed things up.
Oscar and Baby Red (our "put out" dog) got along tremendously. Oscar slept on Red's back for many years and when Red died this past Spring, Oscar mourned him greatly, going off food for more than a week and refusing to sleep at night. He roamed and screeched at night, sleeping during the day. I destroyed their pallet when Red died and replaced it with a smaller one, which Oscar refuses. Oscar still makes a morning trip to Red's grave to start his day.
Oscar and the chihuahuas do not get along at all. Zero and Sandy snap at Oscar's behind and Oscar slaps Zero and Sandy across the porch. With four years of snapping and slapping you would think they would at least learn to tolerate each other, but it hasn't happened. I think maybe there is too much age difference.
Strange as this old cat is, he is gentle as a lamb with the babies. He follows my angels around and finds a good spot to lay and watch them play, guarding them closely. He has been dressed in bonnets, socks, and shirts with no problem and seems to enjoy the attention of my angels.
We don't know Oscar's age. He was found in 1996 making him at least 13 years old. He doesn't run and leap with the same vigor, but can still catch a squirrel and once in a while brings me a bird. We know he won't be with us for many more years. The animals that have been discarded by others seem to make the better pet. No, we didn't start out on the best of terms, but we have been down a long road together. Oscar is not my favorite pet and I haven't forgotten our tumultuous start, but he has been a blessing to our family.
I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to clear my head of sleep and get my body in motion for the day. Was that really a cat on my chest this early? Looking around at the scattered bed clothes, the stench of cat urine hit my nose along with the strong poop smell. Gathering the bed clothes, I headed to the laundry, dumping my load into the bleach filled hot water. How in the world did a cat get in the house and where did it come from? We did not have a cat. I headed for a hot shower to remove the waste from my skin, cautiously watching for the varmint that deposited its load of waste on me and the bed.
I heard a strange screech from under the bed. Yes, it was a cat. As I scrubbed from top to bottom, I remembered that Hubby and Friend were turkey hunting this morning. That meant hubby had left early and should be home around lunch. Did Friend bring a cat along this morning? Friend had several cats, but he would never part with them. Where did this cat come from?
Getting dressed and restarting the washer - I was going to make sure these sheets were clean, I started breakfast. Yep, there it was - an empty can of cat food sitting on the counter and an empty dish on the floor. So, friend had come bringing gifts this morning. I returned to the bathroom to check for a litter box. Nope food for the stomach, but no depository for the waste. I finished my breakfast and headed to the barn for a litter box.
I was still contemplating the cat under the bed, not quite ready to get down there and welcome the devil feline that had used me for its litter box this morning. I remembered seeing black and white and those beautiful gold eyes. I am a cat lover. There isn't much more I can say - I love cats. They are warm, cuddly and soothing to the mind and body. You cannot make a cat a pet, but a cat can make you his master.
I heard the car as it started up the drive and started out to meet Hubby and Friend. Friend put Hubby out way down the driveway - I wasn't aware that I was yelling like a banshee, but something must have tipped them off. Friend was gone in a minute and Hubby was walking slowly to the house with head down and shuffling feet. "I guess you found the cat?" Well, you could say that. "No, the cat found me!" That crazy grin never left his face. He had found me a present and was so proud. He just didn't think past his nose.
Hubby had told me of the cat that was found in the bath house of the park where he worked. The lights, motion activated, would come on and off at night and he went in search of the villain. It took several nights, but Hubby found the cat in the bath house and Friend took him home. Friend's other cats never accepted the new feline, so he made him a gift to Hubby.
That was just the beginning of me and the demon cat. Named Oscar, called Big O (for big old cat), this cat grew to be huge. Armed with deadly claws and long fangs, he has ruled home and hearth for many years. He lived inside for many years. When he started slapping my ankles from under the bed, bringing blood and leaving ugly gashes, we made him an outdoor cat. Weaving between your legs, Oscar would give you one chance to answer his request for a rub, if ignored, he would bite whatever was was close, fangs digging in deep with claws bared and ready for a fight. We were here for him and when he demanded attention, we were to respond. It has been a real trip for us and Oscar.
Oscar is probably the sneakiest cat that has claimed us. He can still enter the house undetected to be found curled in the closet, under a chest or out of sight in a corner upstairs. He can slip in and out quietly, quickly, and unseen.
Not long ago I opened the feed room door to find Oscar stalking a squirrel - well, the squirrel was in the feed box chowing down on the chicken scratch and Oscar was watching him intently. When the door opened, Oscar pounced, the squirrel jumped on me, I screamed and the squirrel disappeared up the wall of the barn. Oscar returned to his position of guarding the feed box as if nothing had happened, but looking at me as if I had really messed things up.
Oscar and Baby Red (our "put out" dog) got along tremendously. Oscar slept on Red's back for many years and when Red died this past Spring, Oscar mourned him greatly, going off food for more than a week and refusing to sleep at night. He roamed and screeched at night, sleeping during the day. I destroyed their pallet when Red died and replaced it with a smaller one, which Oscar refuses. Oscar still makes a morning trip to Red's grave to start his day.
Oscar and the chihuahuas do not get along at all. Zero and Sandy snap at Oscar's behind and Oscar slaps Zero and Sandy across the porch. With four years of snapping and slapping you would think they would at least learn to tolerate each other, but it hasn't happened. I think maybe there is too much age difference.
Strange as this old cat is, he is gentle as a lamb with the babies. He follows my angels around and finds a good spot to lay and watch them play, guarding them closely. He has been dressed in bonnets, socks, and shirts with no problem and seems to enjoy the attention of my angels.
We don't know Oscar's age. He was found in 1996 making him at least 13 years old. He doesn't run and leap with the same vigor, but can still catch a squirrel and once in a while brings me a bird. We know he won't be with us for many more years. The animals that have been discarded by others seem to make the better pet. No, we didn't start out on the best of terms, but we have been down a long road together. Oscar is not my favorite pet and I haven't forgotten our tumultuous start, but he has been a blessing to our family.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Update on Belles Farm
I stepped out on the porch this morning and was met with a cool fresh feeling on my skin. The autumn is slowly moving on us, bringing the cool mornings and hot days. I don't know that I am ready as winter is not my favorite season. There is never enough green in the winter - the dead season. That is probably why I love my cedars - they provide the green of life and growing in the bleak cold days of winter.
I am getting the ground ready to plant my late summer garden. I am ready for the greens and I am replanting the squash. My tomatoes are looking spiny as they always do at season's end. I have pruned them and will give them a good drink with fertilizer today. I have taken several cuttings from these tomatoes and started the upside down baskets with them. The plant are a beautiful dark green with loads of blooms and several small tomatoes growing. I look forward to having tomatoes a little longer this year.
Today is shrub moving day. I have several shrubs that need to be moved and I want to do it now rather than waiting until spring so the roots can recover during the winter dormant season. I have moved my lamb's ear and tried to gather all the errant seedlings into one nice spot. Lamb's ear spreads like wild fire with all the little seeds scattered throughout the yard and small ears poking up everywhere. Hopefully I have contained most of them at least until the next breeze scatters more seeds.
My Althea has bloomed more this year than any time in memory. The violet seems to be competing with the rose colored bush and the race is neck in neck, but I do believe the rose is winning. My sunflowers are beautiful. The heads large and ready to open in the next week. I only have a few plants as I seem to be feeding all the foul in the county with every seed that goes in the ground.
My pear trees have not produced this year as well as in the past, but the fruit is still large, sweet and juicy. The squirrels love the blooms in late winter. Climbing high in the trees, they sit and crunch the center of the blooms leaving a blanket of white under the trees. I plan to have a large pot of squirrel dumplings this winter. They have ravaged my fruit trees, tomatoes, bird feeders and chicken feed. I have some expensive squirrels in my yard that will make for good eating.
I am getting an egg a day from one of my little hens. I hope that all three will be laying soon, but cooler temperatures are coming and will be lucky to continue with the one a day. The neighbors chicken has hatched two biddies, but only one lived. The tiny thing chases her around the yard, hiding in the tall grass at the edge of the wood when I go out for feeding. They are so fun to watch and the old red rooster is as protective as the mother hen. My own rooster started crowing this weekend and he sounds so funny. Rather high pitched for the first few days, he now has a strong tone. So far his clock is set right - the other starts crowing at 2:30 in the morning.
The writing is coming along, but I have been busy for a couple of weeks and not able to attend as I need. Keep me in your prayers.
Belle
I am getting the ground ready to plant my late summer garden. I am ready for the greens and I am replanting the squash. My tomatoes are looking spiny as they always do at season's end. I have pruned them and will give them a good drink with fertilizer today. I have taken several cuttings from these tomatoes and started the upside down baskets with them. The plant are a beautiful dark green with loads of blooms and several small tomatoes growing. I look forward to having tomatoes a little longer this year.
Today is shrub moving day. I have several shrubs that need to be moved and I want to do it now rather than waiting until spring so the roots can recover during the winter dormant season. I have moved my lamb's ear and tried to gather all the errant seedlings into one nice spot. Lamb's ear spreads like wild fire with all the little seeds scattered throughout the yard and small ears poking up everywhere. Hopefully I have contained most of them at least until the next breeze scatters more seeds.
My Althea has bloomed more this year than any time in memory. The violet seems to be competing with the rose colored bush and the race is neck in neck, but I do believe the rose is winning. My sunflowers are beautiful. The heads large and ready to open in the next week. I only have a few plants as I seem to be feeding all the foul in the county with every seed that goes in the ground.
My pear trees have not produced this year as well as in the past, but the fruit is still large, sweet and juicy. The squirrels love the blooms in late winter. Climbing high in the trees, they sit and crunch the center of the blooms leaving a blanket of white under the trees. I plan to have a large pot of squirrel dumplings this winter. They have ravaged my fruit trees, tomatoes, bird feeders and chicken feed. I have some expensive squirrels in my yard that will make for good eating.
I am getting an egg a day from one of my little hens. I hope that all three will be laying soon, but cooler temperatures are coming and will be lucky to continue with the one a day. The neighbors chicken has hatched two biddies, but only one lived. The tiny thing chases her around the yard, hiding in the tall grass at the edge of the wood when I go out for feeding. They are so fun to watch and the old red rooster is as protective as the mother hen. My own rooster started crowing this weekend and he sounds so funny. Rather high pitched for the first few days, he now has a strong tone. So far his clock is set right - the other starts crowing at 2:30 in the morning.
The writing is coming along, but I have been busy for a couple of weeks and not able to attend as I need. Keep me in your prayers.
Belle
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