tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55106417448895810852024-03-14T15:35:08.030-04:00Sandy Miller Pottery & GardenSandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-27378363153683058362024-03-06T12:23:00.000-05:002024-03-06T12:23:24.135-05:00Winter respite over!<p style="text-align: center;"> It's happening!!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tGlNOOYGWtJYEAwOSsS8FsRnsaRDrkcg6gMBxV9b-LurGXWSG_CslQG7VIKN-yPOh3ozortzEXmhYqIAKZFeB1DhmNqI8clcHQ1VcYZcgNlQvzsYPBvDeOXJXta7Z41eg_JvkPQ2FRMstcZObfEiuUmNL3MH-4bTE5jT_w33IJn712kXzQbOe5OqnCE/s3561/IMG_5836.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3561" data-original-width="2671" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tGlNOOYGWtJYEAwOSsS8FsRnsaRDrkcg6gMBxV9b-LurGXWSG_CslQG7VIKN-yPOh3ozortzEXmhYqIAKZFeB1DhmNqI8clcHQ1VcYZcgNlQvzsYPBvDeOXJXta7Z41eg_JvkPQ2FRMstcZObfEiuUmNL3MH-4bTE5jT_w33IJn712kXzQbOe5OqnCE/s320/IMG_5836.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJWZK-LsakWK39hv9YBFwMeOr5QGGDAaYjyQamRSU5OhyphenhyphenU7CTXPegvzGEoFNgo5wszlmKkC7QxCivOQzh_4s9OgEVX_-N4IsbB3YOpCCfkG9GYTYPG5gwNKfoTZnrAIQyIi4tAHm2ta2iDYHYqAQKUtyhyHmvW5HoNOEko66nj2MpiM0oZ5Wc4-gtt7s/s4032/IMG_5831.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJWZK-LsakWK39hv9YBFwMeOr5QGGDAaYjyQamRSU5OhyphenhyphenU7CTXPegvzGEoFNgo5wszlmKkC7QxCivOQzh_4s9OgEVX_-N4IsbB3YOpCCfkG9GYTYPG5gwNKfoTZnrAIQyIi4tAHm2ta2iDYHYqAQKUtyhyHmvW5HoNOEko66nj2MpiM0oZ5Wc4-gtt7s/s320/IMG_5831.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But this morning a front has moved in, bringing rain, fog and much cooler weather. The fog is thick and muffles all the urban noises. Yet the titmouse and red wing blackbird calls pierce the air. There will be no gardening today. This will be a laundry and get more seeds started day. A drink one more cup of coffee day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The past few days have catapulted us into Springs intoxication and Spring chores. The winter chore list just got filed in the circular receptacle because it's over! Those lazy mornings with coffee and seed catalogs, over! Pads on, tools in all my back pockets, Felcos (pruners) holstered like a sidearm and we are off to the races. I have managed a bit of pruning; fruit trees and elderberries but not much else. As I age those Spring energy bursts of, don't stop until dark are but a distant memory and I am trying to adjust to my older body. I stop for lunch and coffee now, take my boots off, telling myself this reflection will make me a much better gardener. Please leave me those grand illusions! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The changes in the way back garden have begun! After two 75 degree days, it was a dawn to dusk work out, although I'm definitely moving slower! I have been dreading this job but the calvary is not showing up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have lived with the cement block beds for 6 years now. They do not work. This way back garden area doesn't have easy access to water. Stuff gets planted and then stuff better buck up. I found the cement block wicks water away from the beds and the beds dry out super fast, even with heavy mulch. I planted strawberries into compost filled holes ringing the perimeter of each bed. I had visions of strawberry plants laden with fruit hanging over the edge waiting to be picked. It worked if I kept the blocks watered daily. I watched with mouth watering anticipation for the first red berries. I walked to the garden one warm morning in June, bowl in hand to find every berry had been stripped in the middle of the night. As my empty bowl was placed on a block to move plants around, wondering if any had been hidden, I watch a pair of fat ass chipmunks work the row next to me. I had planted a buffet for the chipmunks and ground loving critters. Not to mention the birds. I let the berry plants go to ground cover and it worked extremely well. The entire back was covered in strawberry plants last year and we did harvest 30 pounds of berries. The dangling berries did keep the chipmunks out of the beds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This area is now shaded from so many trees, things I used to grow no longer do very well, due to lack of sun. Time for change.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50ER0QEpBfiMuzop6xYPrW9n7WZeOKz1S-mneEVllF6XKtrpqkg3WpVttlZAHwc6LWl4c5KrppH3CTlkrrmzTsA6MeED9HS1wG9HjGVoD9QNqQIpvzDBu2ahu_IqunTpKDdz4414Yq74Kl6rPU5k6EvK77KoISOJTfDz3VioLj7E9EYpK6Wvd9j8GTQ/s4032/67406137604__D00D74E1-3F66-44CF-A63A-82BAF35CD065.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50ER0QEpBfiMuzop6xYPrW9n7WZeOKz1S-mneEVllF6XKtrpqkg3WpVttlZAHwc6LWl4c5KrppH3CTlkrrmzTsA6MeED9HS1wG9HjGVoD9QNqQIpvzDBu2ahu_IqunTpKDdz4414Yq74Kl6rPU5k6EvK77KoISOJTfDz3VioLj7E9EYpK6Wvd9j8GTQ/s320/67406137604__D00D74E1-3F66-44CF-A63A-82BAF35CD065.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkMz2EXx_0k1FQrOFxW1O3URBZlcy_75z6Qzo_zoRmfRUbMZ9waqUyhTqh56Oh6qLkLcGj9bJuxdfW8JgNeQvTbCwBlNOc2jLCVPFlca0fmIqcL2ypbZKIRmLnDu-SdP2k3zxjdGB3XCz5cPUwvFoN5hJW4PxtW1lxCpn33vYr9tJcdAkdylxAGx0fXw/s4032/IMG_4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkMz2EXx_0k1FQrOFxW1O3URBZlcy_75z6Qzo_zoRmfRUbMZ9waqUyhTqh56Oh6qLkLcGj9bJuxdfW8JgNeQvTbCwBlNOc2jLCVPFlca0fmIqcL2ypbZKIRmLnDu-SdP2k3zxjdGB3XCz5cPUwvFoN5hJW4PxtW1lxCpn33vYr9tJcdAkdylxAGx0fXw/s320/IMG_4618.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">out with the cement block! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yU3FV6tmrbbB_hhho-zDIJFq71ZICWY3a9IE-cJnZoPWCdE19f_0gZsQGiq8Xn5qRZE2m-nQ94rfFCrflcZWN0UR079Ar5HyyHSn-cOsW9NGBS97ug2Otdd7PgwAyo_GwKAEWD5WO7pCeccCwrQRPnXZEf6AtuSSo9dwjSKhQ4cbc5s3A1XV-iZQ60c/s1800/C75251B3-2259-47CD-9922-348FEFB8B91C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yU3FV6tmrbbB_hhho-zDIJFq71ZICWY3a9IE-cJnZoPWCdE19f_0gZsQGiq8Xn5qRZE2m-nQ94rfFCrflcZWN0UR079Ar5HyyHSn-cOsW9NGBS97ug2Otdd7PgwAyo_GwKAEWD5WO7pCeccCwrQRPnXZEf6AtuSSo9dwjSKhQ4cbc5s3A1XV-iZQ60c/s320/C75251B3-2259-47CD-9922-348FEFB8B91C.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-enforcing the compost pile and blocking all chicken escape hatches. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLEMeywinaoNdB1Ikf5yyu1T4DIBixKloBRrbO_EwMN0Dl8k03Unkz0pO28djin4avfuccVkK-3IamkSIE7nVFCH0NA-5BkwCcRItnLnpYREch0WKAICYtD2UP13JykSjrayZw1TpZwQfF5fv95bCRGAkZWtctyjuUgQL6cFxm-n99iNvrDDEpKl-hQA/s1800/FF472A1A-9AC8-49B8-9355-EBD88490372F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLEMeywinaoNdB1Ikf5yyu1T4DIBixKloBRrbO_EwMN0Dl8k03Unkz0pO28djin4avfuccVkK-3IamkSIE7nVFCH0NA-5BkwCcRItnLnpYREch0WKAICYtD2UP13JykSjrayZw1TpZwQfF5fv95bCRGAkZWtctyjuUgQL6cFxm-n99iNvrDDEpKl-hQA/s320/FF472A1A-9AC8-49B8-9355-EBD88490372F.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCw9gPgMw5v67Vh4_KWhpKUPHzuvLkOg6SUqsCgntVOVqgPrn6nxNmtbD23qnXgCy_08ummGPPydJI6bccUmCUPD-1_QLV4MtLvkYhfyNu2MyDjCYVdE9HDHyhq5nyIajQg28bywYJFPFPxEBof_o0VYvkekcaZk8n0e1dMlMtZr04maSwk5TiC3_ZnY/s1800/ECF683FE-7341-4F69-828C-A25067D54D04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCw9gPgMw5v67Vh4_KWhpKUPHzuvLkOg6SUqsCgntVOVqgPrn6nxNmtbD23qnXgCy_08ummGPPydJI6bccUmCUPD-1_QLV4MtLvkYhfyNu2MyDjCYVdE9HDHyhq5nyIajQg28bywYJFPFPxEBof_o0VYvkekcaZk8n0e1dMlMtZr04maSwk5TiC3_ZnY/s320/ECF683FE-7341-4F69-828C-A25067D54D04.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OMG, I will not be hiring myself out to lay brick or block anytime soon! Three beds down and three more to go. Landscape fabric was peeled a way. That stuff should be outlawed! The tree roots were imbedded and had grown above the fabric. I used the heavy duty, nursery landscape cloth and it was a fight to the death to get that crap out of the garden! I like to ease my body into the garden season and this was akin to be plunged head first into the landfill and digging your way out. March 3rd and already the sweat was sliding down my face and into my ears, my underwear was plastered to my butt. But I have the vision and the end result, well it's a very big brass ring to grab for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what edibles grow well at the edge at the forest? I'm opting for blueberries and raspberries. I wrestled out three of the largest blueberry bushes. I still have three more to go. Gosh I learned so much when I dug them up about root structure and why some bushes were doing so well and others dwarfed. It was not the variety but the roots! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blueberries re-homed in the new bed....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4adfwDNkPZtpqaN5RuAU2dQXVsNDjuIdfzdXXAyzo0Y4wvnTNhZ3IHnw-veHUithFgXPTlJtwQAxwqZeNFcPLgiyeu2XCglURk8kX1RJVWntsihFsoptsdDBGdljIhTY3YXMYASvPshZPh4OYi6b6FRK9AKDZrhwnYL9tOJAfa17t4jL4THzFVluAMs/s4032/IMG_5849.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4adfwDNkPZtpqaN5RuAU2dQXVsNDjuIdfzdXXAyzo0Y4wvnTNhZ3IHnw-veHUithFgXPTlJtwQAxwqZeNFcPLgiyeu2XCglURk8kX1RJVWntsihFsoptsdDBGdljIhTY3YXMYASvPshZPh4OYi6b6FRK9AKDZrhwnYL9tOJAfa17t4jL4THzFVluAMs/s320/IMG_5849.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The old bed will have a cattle panel hoop house installed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soon I hope!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRVQm_-JN4Q6wZrjDDtlbvrP9OZpBhqq9U8sQaTAbFo8Y82NmWnpBtnISHNUQACI8eU3UnOUkLwQq0H1Ok0mhn3qvIPkOueRF4Jyl17L9GpaKcYVD00bDkmeVV-IQ9VhvNAx9l8s0fiw-SvHemGHusijmB1RHgmIGR2rtinp0oeO_yUoum3Y6eUu2nVQ/s4032/IMG_5850.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRVQm_-JN4Q6wZrjDDtlbvrP9OZpBhqq9U8sQaTAbFo8Y82NmWnpBtnISHNUQACI8eU3UnOUkLwQq0H1Ok0mhn3qvIPkOueRF4Jyl17L9GpaKcYVD00bDkmeVV-IQ9VhvNAx9l8s0fiw-SvHemGHusijmB1RHgmIGR2rtinp0oeO_yUoum3Y6eUu2nVQ/s320/IMG_5850.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Across the back where the cement block was taken out and barrels of tree roots excavated. Raspberries have been divided and will run the length of the back garden. They will get great morning sun! The small patch currently producing well, will be tripled in size. The birds don't seem to bother the raspberries very much. Trellises still need to be put in too. No more plants gone wild! I wish I had the space to let the raspberries free range but I don't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">chickens and dirty knees are a sure sign of Spring.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93iK6u361I9pXg544whq807pzUuiMCu4UxKoAKU7G0zyjjzeoSnnFjXtKrKTKads6Ptp3yR6L68XLyenqRhyOUfXCKEmoCsKnfy2cJ4nlgs5Be2K0Iemitrb8WPPA7v38D029ZPJ7fSLfHPb43_tvnuACsRlcA9IqEdG2h9fK-ejPFFX6ozdgagFldX0/s4032/IMG_5828.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93iK6u361I9pXg544whq807pzUuiMCu4UxKoAKU7G0zyjjzeoSnnFjXtKrKTKads6Ptp3yR6L68XLyenqRhyOUfXCKEmoCsKnfy2cJ4nlgs5Be2K0Iemitrb8WPPA7v38D029ZPJ7fSLfHPb43_tvnuACsRlcA9IqEdG2h9fK-ejPFFX6ozdgagFldX0/s320/IMG_5828.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last of the carry over winter projects is ongoing. Mortaring old fieldstone in the foundation and new basement stairs. Yee Haw! I have to tie myself off to get down these steps. I used to have my laundry in the basement and at one time my studio. A basement with a dirt floor, a river running through it and so low you can knock yourself out with one wrong move. I am not sure how I carried 50 pound boxes of clay down these steps and fired pots back up. These stairs were original and rickety, rickety is being nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During canning season, loaded down with jars I'm up and down so many times a day I loose count. The basement has a dirt floor and honestly for all our food storage from the garden I love it. Think French cheese caves and wine cellars....... again with the illusions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJGbr4JNoikDpIsTTbqpMaf1qsERwKAKUY2VTulPwpdcm6MWkAVyUXoGhUBsfT7hOcN8zgJa-hcYbdHnBx_ii4EavZVjW42eXfwRM3qeYgpBSWmmfU9OAid3tZpkxlGYPNrz23-xq7e46Ay_yK-TAXxfc4qX4QMdB2Q4W3CmgvBqm4xdayE7xT38Af7g/s4032/IMG_5852.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJGbr4JNoikDpIsTTbqpMaf1qsERwKAKUY2VTulPwpdcm6MWkAVyUXoGhUBsfT7hOcN8zgJa-hcYbdHnBx_ii4EavZVjW42eXfwRM3qeYgpBSWmmfU9OAid3tZpkxlGYPNrz23-xq7e46Ay_yK-TAXxfc4qX4QMdB2Q4W3CmgvBqm4xdayE7xT38Af7g/s320/IMG_5852.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lumber..... when a 2x6 was really a 2x6!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWBUe8rb1cqhEYv4F2AcRjAVj9P9q_C_Ufj1NTwvmF3157n08YJGSB04giWJGmgnBdnL4Qq58KqW3J0Vg2mgEU1kmBqYewq8L3PCBl4uLUhoFTvlzBGNl3Le_vtvVi3l_7qM2-Bi7bsrbar5Psq0CZD-89vkDkeKz6HVR9apLJP8wSbxk_Ed5gNidqIM/s4032/IMG_5851.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWBUe8rb1cqhEYv4F2AcRjAVj9P9q_C_Ufj1NTwvmF3157n08YJGSB04giWJGmgnBdnL4Qq58KqW3J0Vg2mgEU1kmBqYewq8L3PCBl4uLUhoFTvlzBGNl3Le_vtvVi3l_7qM2-Bi7bsrbar5Psq0CZD-89vkDkeKz6HVR9apLJP8wSbxk_Ed5gNidqIM/s320/IMG_5851.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bathroom is next on the long list ......... pray for me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next blog post I will discuss more of carbon foot prints, and cow poop..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for now I leave you with this...... embrace the change π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoPle3-YBmuV6NKPaflQw8TdCaBGq5LJBncbrxYL8WhsNu_bdc5aDLXF70M29DYpui-v2AS4G-xIJ12onTTTPBOVRAZJzCNBG5X6YJFEQsUaQQrWaxxRsJfNrtYcY2L-OT1ykDZp7T5EVhGAMQrZ4Tdm6Vr_kvigWZDkdxpk4WNSdMeiwYmpz01Xax60/s1284/IMG_5811.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1284" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoPle3-YBmuV6NKPaflQw8TdCaBGq5LJBncbrxYL8WhsNu_bdc5aDLXF70M29DYpui-v2AS4G-xIJ12onTTTPBOVRAZJzCNBG5X6YJFEQsUaQQrWaxxRsJfNrtYcY2L-OT1ykDZp7T5EVhGAMQrZ4Tdm6Vr_kvigWZDkdxpk4WNSdMeiwYmpz01Xax60/s320/IMG_5811.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-49492935007604039952024-02-26T10:29:00.002-05:002024-02-26T10:29:26.223-05:00Monday morning rants..........<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3s8cuHMPyWH9z67oXyBweQZttvo5ap93MIthiF_XWlRZrKRK9M1rDIRU-qFPEU5vYM67ioOhxZXQCsrSl0Wd-7KllTFpBja8MoPgcLJYXXBhVfiP_ZHMTjLy1gP3NANH3gqDgv6fNASJj850aifo6rmLrnRqqtK6aUrQGbQCqo0ZhNI5IASUP9SvUs0/s1284/IMG_5752.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1284" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3s8cuHMPyWH9z67oXyBweQZttvo5ap93MIthiF_XWlRZrKRK9M1rDIRU-qFPEU5vYM67ioOhxZXQCsrSl0Wd-7KllTFpBja8MoPgcLJYXXBhVfiP_ZHMTjLy1gP3NANH3gqDgv6fNASJj850aifo6rmLrnRqqtK6aUrQGbQCqo0ZhNI5IASUP9SvUs0/s320/IMG_5752.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monday morning rants....... turn back now if you need a smiley face.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back from a weaving workshop, a group of 6 lovely woman who attended a 3 day basket making workshop about 17 miles up the road. I thought it would be attended by local basket makers although Winter Weave has been around since 1988, I know as I attended, that is how long I have been weaving. Although I only wove baskets for a few years, taking a hard right turn to ceramics I have always found it creeping back into my day to day life through knotting, darning socks, gardening etc. I think it's in our DNA..... woven strands of deoxyribonucleic acid actually a double helix that looks a lot like twining. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was an 8 hour day of intensive twining. My group was composed of 3 local weavers and 3 weavers who have traveled from New York and Pennsylvania. All totaled there were 38 weavers who attended from several different states. There was time for meeting, discussing world issues, eating and weaving. I love small groups where everyone can express an opinion and be heard. We shared what life was like in a their neck of the woods. But what I was really dumb struck by, most of this traveling band of weavers, travel the world yes, the world attending or organizing basket weaving events. π€― </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had Sunday to mull a few things over and have a few questions, no I have a lot of damn questions. As we all know from this blog I am an avid gardener, I spend quite a bit of time outside and that has turned me into a consummate weather watcher. I am very aware of rainfall, rainfall patterns and as the years have progressed become more and more alarmed. It is about the climate and my carbon footprint! This is a precursor to my AH-HA moment on my Sunday morning walk around the yard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My awareness of climate change started around 1999 when I was working as a hired an estate gardener in and around Cuyahoga County, northeast Ohio, zone 5a growing season. Something was happening but didn't know what and so it has gone these last 25 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to basketweaving. I looked at what the other teachers were teaching and materials used. The youngest teacher in her 20's was teaching painted paper baskets and they were stunning. The other teachers (all over 60) were making baskets, made out of rattan. Rattan comes from the rainforests of Southeastern Asia, put on a boat and shipped over to the states. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you would like to know more: read, <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/x9923e/x9923e03.htm" target="_blank">Rattan Industry Overview</a> or watch, <a href="https://youtu.be/-CcGRX4JGU0?si=CWu5wvX3cnNUMsmj" target="_blank">Rattan harvest</a>. It is not a pretty story and pretty damn alarming. China is now the #1 producer of rattan. The room was a sea of rattan baskets, there were kits available, the stuff was everywhere. A ball room filled with rattan, compounded with a herd of traveling people descending on northeast Ohio to make something pretty to sit in their house. My carbon awareness was in the stratosphere and it was gasping for oxygen! Why isn't there a movement to weave from materials locally grown, like willow? I know of two willow farmers here in Northeastern Ohio. It's sustainable and in our backyard. The ash trees are gone due to the emerald ash borer but the oaks and hickory are still plentiful. There are brambles by the boat load. I can honestly say I no longer support this activity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the last month I have become pretty pissed off with "eco-tourism". Hey let's go to Alaska on a cruise ship! Here is a mind blowing look at the environmental impact: <a href="https://www.ktoo.org/2023/04/03/alaska-cruise-ship-environmental-impacts/" target="_blank">Alaskan cruise impact</a> I understand that people made their retirement and then wanted to see the world. It was what the old industrialist tycoons and their families did..... meanwhile my family was in steerage fleeing eastern Europe. or Ireland from a potato famine. Spend your retirement on saving world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMCzFWt5s6Kz8xg863o8x8BSkzkpQRUhiRihYWe41rvqcBFDxsGjn7MY9RevEqnf37w8w42HPpqY4qIhKJODEFdxbltfhNyV4cxrP-QWN4CGQAO46_F1SkftbWovFY9hIhoQkYvESJYlxdKVm3ivpOipV1C6ukTMIidnmqUyVZd09pAgDtFT1hjajnrE/s299/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMCzFWt5s6Kz8xg863o8x8BSkzkpQRUhiRihYWe41rvqcBFDxsGjn7MY9RevEqnf37w8w42HPpqY4qIhKJODEFdxbltfhNyV4cxrP-QWN4CGQAO46_F1SkftbWovFY9hIhoQkYvESJYlxdKVm3ivpOipV1C6ukTMIidnmqUyVZd09pAgDtFT1hjajnrE/s1600/download.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't do it! Stay home and watch a documentary on Alaska and indigenous people or go flush your cruise ship toilet into the pristine waters of an Alaska bay. Watch the orca whales swimming in your last nights sewage because that is what is happening. Wake the fuck up! One ship carries 4000 passengers, that is so much bilge to empty into harbors or even worse out at sea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or no wait how about Antarctica? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooyoykiHXdUit_AES1sqPnpB2zkZHe5k-iZyVmnRIL7ysSfpwq7fet-C1x4M9A4dTroduG4PiGbst7Nunbb5EhMe78U8UZf9dBIF67hye541ilCYO0yD_Wxdnf46K5c00pHe9DtFUnaJSlrTQwGDrvRpRf-EL3HTo8zeQU6RX1Z4Tg9RnS1W0dHbiY38/s290/download-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="290" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooyoykiHXdUit_AES1sqPnpB2zkZHe5k-iZyVmnRIL7ysSfpwq7fet-C1x4M9A4dTroduG4PiGbst7Nunbb5EhMe78U8UZf9dBIF67hye541ilCYO0yD_Wxdnf46K5c00pHe9DtFUnaJSlrTQwGDrvRpRf-EL3HTo8zeQU6RX1Z4Tg9RnS1W0dHbiY38/s1600/download-1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this is from a cruise ship that sank in 2007 and left a huge diesel oil spill affecting thousands of migrating penguins. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22039975" target="_blank">nbcnews</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For those of us in Northeastern Ohio, that entails hopping on a plane to get the boat departing for some place we really should not be going. If you're a scientist, great and I will even help buy your ticket! But if you're a bored old person with too much money lets take a minute and think about this. As I now know 3 people who have done the Antarctic cruise I am thinking this is the new Hawaii of my parents generation. All of these people dashing off to Antarctica have grandchildren. Did they take them? No. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's look at the breakdown:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The average per-passenger CO2 emissions for an Antarctic vacation are 4.14 tons or the same amount of carbon pollution the average human produces for one year. Each tourist arrival accounts for average 83 tons of snow loss a 2022 paper found <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28560-w" target="_blank">nature.com</a> . Add the risk of fuel spills, non-native species hitchhiking on tourists clothing. Scientists are finding invasive species particularly urgent because most tourism is concentrated in ice-free coastal areas that have the continent's greatest terrestrial biodiversity. Non-native plants will only become more tenacious as the climate warms. Think this is crazy? Antarctic ecologist Dana Berstrom, lead an international program called Island of Antarctica; they spent time vacuuming tourists and national program people and analyzing the data. All major weed species in North America and Europe were found. The most common, Poa annua, whose seeds stay viable for 4 years now has an established foothold in Antarctica....... Kentucky Bluegrass! If you would like to read more, here is the link: <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/traveling-antarctica-environmentally-defensible" target="_blank">Environmental impact Antarctic cruise ship</a>. The future generations may only see a polar bear or emperor penguins in a zoo at the rate we are going. The average cost of an Antarctic cruise is around $10,000 plus the airfare to get there. Take a child, go to the zoo and donate the $10K to the zoo because they are the hope that future wildlife might survive the next many years of a warming planet. The last time the earth saw carbon in the atmosphere this high was the Pliocene era (3-5 million years ago) and we all know what happened; read more here <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/7/graphic-carbon-dioxide-hits-new-high/#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20the%20Pliocene.,high%20as%20they%20are%20today." target="_blank">NASA</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We cannot simply go about the world on whims anymore. I don't have grand children but I do care about the future of the planet. Human rights and politics are important but there will not be a piece of land to fight on if the climate doesn't turn around. Do you honestly think the woman or man holding a dying child in a third world country grieves less than you do when famine or flood hits as the earth warms? We are the privileged, the educated who are supposed know better but we don't, we stay in our little bubble. We say we care but look at our behavior, it sucks for the rest of the world. In my lifetime my growing zone has increased two times. I am now attempting to garden in zone 7a and this last week of February we are going to be setting heat records. Again, wake the fuck up people! Every single issue that sets our underpants on fire is nothing compared to climate change. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have too much money? Send your money to plant trees, check out <a href="https://www.arborday.org/takeaction/" target="_blank">Arbor Day foundation</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the stack on my desk from one days mail asking for donations to support the environment! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pick one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6vmz2zwXsn6epA7igq-p3MWiaJqMn42V6MC9c94BenR2nKnT9tdKi16zvYy18Oi3nOgz8UFNFjjjDZ56JzvtESv2mSoCjgfbjw3sFH9gf_HwnN07C9W6zItDx9U-jPxc9VYB_DYnmi5_eE6Al1ZRm2e5ri6H6jzUebWk2OH2XTNANK8fW7vI_qWU1OI/s4032/IMG_5753.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6vmz2zwXsn6epA7igq-p3MWiaJqMn42V6MC9c94BenR2nKnT9tdKi16zvYy18Oi3nOgz8UFNFjjjDZ56JzvtESv2mSoCjgfbjw3sFH9gf_HwnN07C9W6zItDx9U-jPxc9VYB_DYnmi5_eE6Al1ZRm2e5ri6H6jzUebWk2OH2XTNANK8fW7vI_qWU1OI/s320/IMG_5753.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">want to adjust your carbon footprint use an app, I am using Klima <a href="https://klima.com" target="_blank">https://klima.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am also loving the Treecard app: <a href="https://www.treecard.org/get-the-app" target="_blank">https://www.treecard.org/get-the-app</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many ways to get started "just do it"!! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">(sorry as Nike emitted 10 million metric tons of CO2 last year) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am off to put up a low tunnel and plant some lettuce and radishes. Hope springs eternal around this place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTpYHiE8-vZsOPmfXZKDwnb3ou-NcD9Hn-k7UKJHb-TNKvoZAsMnQtmsI2bI6T1O_cbIzfrOGvsxqrvcCLgvlf1ouXBNDtxv5k60leXwUpz8KAlijlhE75EHv0fEtwJaDQOpfPBAjsM-5rO3LYvyDi6cKdxKN6m0Q95b01VB5evdJHJuYRxi3K17jMcA/s4032/IMG_5754.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTpYHiE8-vZsOPmfXZKDwnb3ou-NcD9Hn-k7UKJHb-TNKvoZAsMnQtmsI2bI6T1O_cbIzfrOGvsxqrvcCLgvlf1ouXBNDtxv5k60leXwUpz8KAlijlhE75EHv0fEtwJaDQOpfPBAjsM-5rO3LYvyDi6cKdxKN6m0Q95b01VB5evdJHJuYRxi3K17jMcA/s320/IMG_5754.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbHQgb1mqknHEkGcgt0-2vH0MwIS9kJs05OVzG2SEiKqhi4MbvrO07gEWbutqTcDy8fJmOWaJ9INejSiWUfLWfp8pKJvD90jj0UwINRxVu2O2Utax8qKT_UWWM3pn7a5kO85sOPdtHF4R3ModdasHQBDurzBRM3CjOFDDriSKmwS1HEKLdMOrSH3_2vc/s1284/IMG_5750.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1284" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbHQgb1mqknHEkGcgt0-2vH0MwIS9kJs05OVzG2SEiKqhi4MbvrO07gEWbutqTcDy8fJmOWaJ9INejSiWUfLWfp8pKJvD90jj0UwINRxVu2O2Utax8qKT_UWWM3pn7a5kO85sOPdtHF4R3ModdasHQBDurzBRM3CjOFDDriSKmwS1HEKLdMOrSH3_2vc/s320/IMG_5750.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's NOT!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-4491291897883072772024-02-20T10:17:00.000-05:002024-02-20T10:17:02.006-05:00February ferments.......<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPpdSIhPwnceMw8tsHK8fRvXs1ZAOd7bLdphS9vRrwMnWkFpiQAUHCioSPVBIxr0HT_Q-QTYYvGS_rj3DEXpT1sV4pjSRc0hHrTgLzoPwdwIk9Vt4H4i06_krfG0Bjj_GO44F-Gdc66wy7pFzTiBdZBLhpPl4aUPw4MqHzHx32QkG2BSYnAT5iNzeUeQ/s4032/IMG_5729.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPpdSIhPwnceMw8tsHK8fRvXs1ZAOd7bLdphS9vRrwMnWkFpiQAUHCioSPVBIxr0HT_Q-QTYYvGS_rj3DEXpT1sV4pjSRc0hHrTgLzoPwdwIk9Vt4H4i06_krfG0Bjj_GO44F-Gdc66wy7pFzTiBdZBLhpPl4aUPw4MqHzHx32QkG2BSYnAT5iNzeUeQ/s320/IMG_5729.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ginger beer has been a good way to get through February.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_6m1eiKl5t_q_vTLOfwRNDTqkZqUKWhiQqp6tJnPwjlBcuQ7ElVvJskVQQuSPv8b9CayMKgs8YRWb1tVZKqz7NeDIOCc2i8aZeYrETWzbo4tOJdh2c9JlSBSJEhLB1ec83fMDUi4QaOmDPvei7lTbWhAlrBU2GpSNh2Ki2wxd_lhASnC-HyeBiv8rFY/s4032/IMG_5728.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_6m1eiKl5t_q_vTLOfwRNDTqkZqUKWhiQqp6tJnPwjlBcuQ7ElVvJskVQQuSPv8b9CayMKgs8YRWb1tVZKqz7NeDIOCc2i8aZeYrETWzbo4tOJdh2c9JlSBSJEhLB1ec83fMDUi4QaOmDPvei7lTbWhAlrBU2GpSNh2Ki2wxd_lhASnC-HyeBiv8rFY/s320/IMG_5728.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ginger bug for the ginger beer, Water kefir grains and lemon flavored water kefir ready to drink. The counters are filling with bubbly bottles. Every morning while the coffee pot brews, all the bottles are burped to prevent exploding bottles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my first rodeo with ginger beer and I'm learning a lot! The longer it sits the more alcohol it makes. After two weeks the "beer" does not disappoint but I prefer my ginger beer at 3 days aged. It's pretty easy and pretty delicious! Better than sauerkraut juice if you're trying to get your daily gut fizzies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gardening has turned into a waiting game of sorts. The temperature turned cold enough to freeze the rain barrels and all connections (19F this morning but 50F by lunch). The new roller coaster of winter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a tough winter for Kirby as his arthritis has really kicked his hind quarters. It's kicked mine too as he needs an assist for all steps and car rides. It's been a back and fourth to the vet to manage pain. We finally found the magic bullet, Librela. A once a month injection, no pills. After blood work and lots of poking, prodding, age assessment, weight assessment etc this was the drug recommended. I read so much on this new drug and decided to finally go ahead. It has worked the best on cats and fairly new to canines so there wasn't very much information. In the past we had tried Galliprant but his liver just couldn't handle that drug. However it was recommended we keep a few on hand if he is having a hard day, it is an anti-inflammatory. I tried turmeric too but again his liver just couldn't handle it. After his first injection we were told to wait for any improvement for a month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every trip to the vet also means a trip to the beach. He just goes into terror, tremors and shaky legs at the vet, breaks my heart and sitting on the floor with him doesn't do anything except give him a place to tuck his head. When we're done we head to the beach. It's better than a pup cup and the sand is so much easier for his hind quarters and all trauma floats away. I am mildly hopeful as we have noticed a difference in 24 hours. Less panting, less moving around trying to get comfortable, less sleepless nights for both of us. He still needs an assist on the steps but not quite so much. CBD oil has helped too. Oh the life of a geriatric pup. But beach time takes many years off and makes him so happy. So many more trips to the beach this year! Life is better with dogs...... I think they make us better humans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk553zivVXBQqrk8_ZRu0CzAf0uoDzqHSoOkfRMQ3VIFALKBt9ygKYWym6HtkHN3NXJ7ixDcHxRkUGHH5HyT-h-duYcrHhyphenhyphenXgKfqCPFhROECtxzIGObeDHfmQ7kl3n_TuLM82kZ42bcHTEG4sqq0JACqJThAxcYuxhyl1LIjs9klTXUrQXtyv94qew0U/s4032/IMG_5711.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk553zivVXBQqrk8_ZRu0CzAf0uoDzqHSoOkfRMQ3VIFALKBt9ygKYWym6HtkHN3NXJ7ixDcHxRkUGHH5HyT-h-duYcrHhyphenhyphenXgKfqCPFhROECtxzIGObeDHfmQ7kl3n_TuLM82kZ42bcHTEG4sqq0JACqJThAxcYuxhyl1LIjs9klTXUrQXtyv94qew0U/s320/IMG_5711.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a month of weaving too. I am teaching a workshop this Saturday for Winter Weave in Willoughby, Ohio. We are making these small pots in 8 hours. These ladies better have wicked fast fingers. I am teaching the last day of the three day weaving packed intensive workshop and hope their fingers aren't seized up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BZmsl-9SZ94oNuEXkGmWfZOuBPdWpJadDZb06AhVY3ypHgS4NnllNJvwjwmeNjakz7wgglL54XusabXbVqyKDwxki8kGBu_TEvgz_5TzOZbHrrLVC7NpkI8hp9RjzNo7eTyA3EjtBxLdFLMeSupLp9fNUq7TcMOWNQ1fvMBqRHrBCn06blEWy0_U9io/s4032/IMG_5731.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BZmsl-9SZ94oNuEXkGmWfZOuBPdWpJadDZb06AhVY3ypHgS4NnllNJvwjwmeNjakz7wgglL54XusabXbVqyKDwxki8kGBu_TEvgz_5TzOZbHrrLVC7NpkI8hp9RjzNo7eTyA3EjtBxLdFLMeSupLp9fNUq7TcMOWNQ1fvMBqRHrBCn06blEWy0_U9io/s320/IMG_5731.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Putting kits together for the first time and writing out directions on the process I've been perfecting for so many years has been daunting. As a maker, my job has been to get from point "A" to "B" and not worry about the little stuff. Little stuff; how many wire spokes, threads, beads, miles of waxed linen, tools used etc are in each final piece. You just do it. For each kit everything is counted out, labeled and packaged. Who knew there were 288 pieces of thread around each of those little pots or over 100 beads. The math alone sent to a dark place, something I don't experience when weaving. I have been making these pots a long time and never counted anything or even my time. I just knew what I wanted to achieve and got there. I also never worried about anybody copying these pots because no one in their right mind would ever make these pots but I love making these little pots and big pots too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Ask me on Sunday morning if I would do this again. I am looking forward to meeting other weavers! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d-L0slZjjQDngTOfEQ-QYXNQyMFvOIQooIEHM6zJcd6d0B04eg3UiELWWa0m5Wye6rjXyPr4dmy4dIAORUGvOWrtJziShOeePYco8Cu25JuIGzxkrYwqaFjvWOdaf9eNRKrGEBJD735bd1ewd-1QiMuWUqiHfmkuP5oY2WvxA2vO3xIkH5FIdxNeHQs/s4032/IMG_5730.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d-L0slZjjQDngTOfEQ-QYXNQyMFvOIQooIEHM6zJcd6d0B04eg3UiELWWa0m5Wye6rjXyPr4dmy4dIAORUGvOWrtJziShOeePYco8Cu25JuIGzxkrYwqaFjvWOdaf9eNRKrGEBJD735bd1ewd-1QiMuWUqiHfmkuP5oY2WvxA2vO3xIkH5FIdxNeHQs/s320/IMG_5730.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Sunday garden life begins and I can't wait!! Winter weaving will be done and it will be time to move onto the rhythm of seasons, planting, seed sowing and birds singing. I'm ready! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-DPmqDE4gPOAm_Hgs7qIsEMp2XuK4ucbXAfZ0HksmbiFf8Xz6IxNdPbIfhaJEmTaUVZx7LeWgdOG-_X4VhLH8p0Xjj7ziEz7JGlNTxVdLstFyWwl-NPFkJj2b1qm9_9ZNyJEmbvW7AiX9nVrcIv0irCS4Ie0OxTniI3s8i_vHZaG2SbME2PmwySwlE/s225/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-DPmqDE4gPOAm_Hgs7qIsEMp2XuK4ucbXAfZ0HksmbiFf8Xz6IxNdPbIfhaJEmTaUVZx7LeWgdOG-_X4VhLH8p0Xjj7ziEz7JGlNTxVdLstFyWwl-NPFkJj2b1qm9_9ZNyJEmbvW7AiX9nVrcIv0irCS4Ie0OxTniI3s8i_vHZaG2SbME2PmwySwlE/s1600/download.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-2466998450121528982024-02-11T11:27:00.000-05:002024-02-11T11:27:39.495-05:00A Week of Sun! <p style="text-align: center;"> Blissful sun and outside time. </p><p style="text-align: center;">All that pruning and time for chipping. This chipper is a beast and got a pretty good work out this week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStno2_VAhDtAsO0lDYxBdhnPADEDVHJZTt7xRlZoL6J5iA9FJGF8zrOlhpyiZfITJwrJpVEeFLf6w6kevrmkIBJZa8EAd9wtB0Qckj3FWehKzRJN6QxmzvPXeMv3m4rZYSrNCIud4hW_4nWfqCfcyOHdkMYfc2gcuOwerbn3Q4I4LepTk3II3jmVHCp8/s4032/IMG_5657.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStno2_VAhDtAsO0lDYxBdhnPADEDVHJZTt7xRlZoL6J5iA9FJGF8zrOlhpyiZfITJwrJpVEeFLf6w6kevrmkIBJZa8EAd9wtB0Qckj3FWehKzRJN6QxmzvPXeMv3m4rZYSrNCIud4hW_4nWfqCfcyOHdkMYfc2gcuOwerbn3Q4I4LepTk3II3jmVHCp8/s320/IMG_5657.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The way back is pruned and piles sorted, something my OCD mind enjoys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So much needs to dry before it can be chipped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli6D4uGo6nu5oSX2A4LaEM3QeBh-EwNDJZ_N9lHbZ06SM3egxQaxceUbv2h2X6tZ9y4r-GeJnABDKSIKSIkkBJRrIaaSHkVREDM1KWRUr0FzfxefOSaGwn8jE0vcK4rPge4f91j4tCcZjx-1kfojlJweRpqbcGdGfF0nf0sQIoJZOcRF9VFOIQ5gUpEA/s4032/IMG_5689.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli6D4uGo6nu5oSX2A4LaEM3QeBh-EwNDJZ_N9lHbZ06SM3egxQaxceUbv2h2X6tZ9y4r-GeJnABDKSIKSIkkBJRrIaaSHkVREDM1KWRUr0FzfxefOSaGwn8jE0vcK4rPge4f91j4tCcZjx-1kfojlJweRpqbcGdGfF0nf0sQIoJZOcRF9VFOIQ5gUpEA/s320/IMG_5689.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXyh0AO0ksO-WWtyRfFkIWxXwX39_EF3q9mPd48wd9P1nq82YjUoOmuwhGmA1OKB2Da_v8onc_BQaAtiGMz0vMebEtLbto8ePrCDs6s95J7Lf_rEnq3zegwaQf4EGRnEmoROeCENo3Qp8JeDQrRsaBQxSO7YsvwSiqUD70mMb5m8sjLjal_7yiG1h29Q/s4032/IMG_5690.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXyh0AO0ksO-WWtyRfFkIWxXwX39_EF3q9mPd48wd9P1nq82YjUoOmuwhGmA1OKB2Da_v8onc_BQaAtiGMz0vMebEtLbto8ePrCDs6s95J7Lf_rEnq3zegwaQf4EGRnEmoROeCENo3Qp8JeDQrRsaBQxSO7YsvwSiqUD70mMb5m8sjLjal_7yiG1h29Q/s320/IMG_5690.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After seven days of dry weather the lawn mower even fired up, in February! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not to cut grass but more to mulch leaves for the compost pile and garlic. Nice to see green shoots of garlic breaking through the ground and then unceremoniously covered again. The mulch helps with the wild temperature swings. Last week we hit a high of 65F and next week we are projected to drop to 15F. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bit of insulation will help (I hope). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwueaOQ35dBFC2WWgMn2xAWiULQutr2dG3EPLTjN9UAwEe5bXBDDvykt9TG86htDeexGnNjja8hqiBH8k4IBZ-w8e7sX3_Lh_UDbZoviBcr7VJwXkBXMxKDU7gXD1eEUYfTYoTUwMAhFISpIfxJD-2BIirFrRqdMQ4lwrBMR6KUnGUU9dfkhNT66HaA/s4032/IMG_5687.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwueaOQ35dBFC2WWgMn2xAWiULQutr2dG3EPLTjN9UAwEe5bXBDDvykt9TG86htDeexGnNjja8hqiBH8k4IBZ-w8e7sX3_Lh_UDbZoviBcr7VJwXkBXMxKDU7gXD1eEUYfTYoTUwMAhFISpIfxJD-2BIirFrRqdMQ4lwrBMR6KUnGUU9dfkhNT66HaA/s320/IMG_5687.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXyh0AO0ksO-WWtyRfFkIWxXwX39_EF3q9mPd48wd9P1nq82YjUoOmuwhGmA1OKB2Da_v8onc_BQaAtiGMz0vMebEtLbto8ePrCDs6s95J7Lf_rEnq3zegwaQf4EGRnEmoROeCENo3Qp8JeDQrRsaBQxSO7YsvwSiqUD70mMb5m8sjLjal_7yiG1h29Q/s4032/IMG_5690.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXyh0AO0ksO-WWtyRfFkIWxXwX39_EF3q9mPd48wd9P1nq82YjUoOmuwhGmA1OKB2Da_v8onc_BQaAtiGMz0vMebEtLbto8ePrCDs6s95J7Lf_rEnq3zegwaQf4EGRnEmoROeCENo3Qp8JeDQrRsaBQxSO7YsvwSiqUD70mMb5m8sjLjal_7yiG1h29Q/s320/IMG_5690.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli6D4uGo6nu5oSX2A4LaEM3QeBh-EwNDJZ_N9lHbZ06SM3egxQaxceUbv2h2X6tZ9y4r-GeJnABDKSIKSIkkBJRrIaaSHkVREDM1KWRUr0FzfxefOSaGwn8jE0vcK4rPge4f91j4tCcZjx-1kfojlJweRpqbcGdGfF0nf0sQIoJZOcRF9VFOIQ5gUpEA/s4032/IMG_5689.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli6D4uGo6nu5oSX2A4LaEM3QeBh-EwNDJZ_N9lHbZ06SM3egxQaxceUbv2h2X6tZ9y4r-GeJnABDKSIKSIkkBJRrIaaSHkVREDM1KWRUr0FzfxefOSaGwn8jE0vcK4rPge4f91j4tCcZjx-1kfojlJweRpqbcGdGfF0nf0sQIoJZOcRF9VFOIQ5gUpEA/s320/IMG_5689.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This part done and a wee bit of mulching makes me pretty happy;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> even though there is so much more to do! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpylIhZH6-vkohLcZygh69FCISHtPkKiCPDgCb7Oq1OGnXHQRu9nMMlaHWGKNbbWT1WbZlMtJowxKDqm85KWYYNCVC12ID415F_sTU_1vQvOH2pZ27gUlAFa0R3u4GORqeUwV24GL5GvhRJeWMOFbumOTKaLM-fFRfue7eIjhWOR4VD-9HzdYFYzlRgg/s4032/IMG_5688.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpylIhZH6-vkohLcZygh69FCISHtPkKiCPDgCb7Oq1OGnXHQRu9nMMlaHWGKNbbWT1WbZlMtJowxKDqm85KWYYNCVC12ID415F_sTU_1vQvOH2pZ27gUlAFa0R3u4GORqeUwV24GL5GvhRJeWMOFbumOTKaLM-fFRfue7eIjhWOR4VD-9HzdYFYzlRgg/s320/IMG_5688.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The germination on the seeds has been pretty good! This is the first year I am using </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">collected rainwater and couple caps of liquid fish emulsion every two weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I need to find my fan for a bit of circulation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t4ky-edZXdaj0dmOkipESu7149qKQWx_-eRW_2kK7bRT-Zyqjw9jYyCe22n-9JnfG_-71-PddsH8AvCvpB105qL70ghuV1uWqlWr9RsGuyyvxqw-wUH_s7hBn7S-d62hWkdY_pmhW1whRiQm2WtECjl6w-6OsvZd8fNGDfazC90AYAcclkjXqFYMAXc/s4032/IMG_5686.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t4ky-edZXdaj0dmOkipESu7149qKQWx_-eRW_2kK7bRT-Zyqjw9jYyCe22n-9JnfG_-71-PddsH8AvCvpB105qL70ghuV1uWqlWr9RsGuyyvxqw-wUH_s7hBn7S-d62hWkdY_pmhW1whRiQm2WtECjl6w-6OsvZd8fNGDfazC90AYAcclkjXqFYMAXc/s320/IMG_5686.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The leeks never came up so I will plant a few more and hope for the best! Black seeded simpson lettuce has not germinated well either so time for fresh seed. Fingers crossed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the clay world, chemicals are disappearing at an alarming rate! I use quite a bit of kaolin (EPK). When I started 40 years ago the general consensus among the great clay pontificators: "Oh we will never run out of EPK!" It's mined in Edgar, Florida. Well I tried to order it last October and nobody had it, I mean nobody! I have other kaolins I was subbing but I like EPK and don't need to make chemical adjustments. Called my chemical supplier, two and half hours away and they could part with two bags (100 pounds) but only if I had ordered in the past. Phew, I had! I paid over the phone and said I'd be down in the morning. Friday, a day I really should have been in the garden or fishing but I made a chemical run. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fl6l6TaT9IfZxU4HlMKGWG6rSCUGWK74mkeEz4G-nfKMgEcONTsVoqpePDnscfw3cb4LhgcwrVIwNyNGnu1jIIrRBQEnzeTzFh_MV8f6GEw4NbZJdWMmlG61Kl66wkWMj2wCgLPMMlxPUGCIq51Q3RWOxvcvayX4y4SWNf20n_l90HACwF_pPYu4hGY/s4032/IMG_5682.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fl6l6TaT9IfZxU4HlMKGWG6rSCUGWK74mkeEz4G-nfKMgEcONTsVoqpePDnscfw3cb4LhgcwrVIwNyNGnu1jIIrRBQEnzeTzFh_MV8f6GEw4NbZJdWMmlG61Kl66wkWMj2wCgLPMMlxPUGCIq51Q3RWOxvcvayX4y4SWNf20n_l90HACwF_pPYu4hGY/s320/IMG_5682.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I crossed the river and saw people fishing in shirt sleeves. I cried. As the year is advancing I am becoming more and more untethered to all the ceramics and clay. As the mines close and chemicals disappear or become cost prohibitive to purchase I don't think I want to put the work into re-formulating glazes. I've become comfortable with these studios glazes over the years; I know their quirks and firing schedules. The stuff coming out of the ground and the world too is changing and we are exhausting world resources. I'm not sure I want to be party to that anymore. I think I'd rather spend my time regenerating soil, backyard food supplies, pollinators and making a haven for birds. I am ready to divest my chemical hoard of Custer Feldspar (mine closed 2023), Gerstley Borate (mine closed by US Borax in 2000), Nytal talc (mine closed 2012) and host of other bags labeled and stashed in the studio. Do I really need all the raku equipment? I have beautiful Mark Ward burners that could go to a good home and free up space. So much stuff... a talisman sieve used twice and 40 years of accumulation is just too much! Spring cleaning is definitely happening in the studio this year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday is hunt, gather and food prep day around here. Butch has been tagging along recently and when I got home and unloaded it made me laugh! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My pile.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1EFzVF-hVhM625zaN60W8NS-hW0cpMvjwDOe9xybZ2dwK9wUi1kVPCvvsB2AA4fhyphenhyphen2GdMQxsPghySDV7oWCdWp3MyJeXzJJ5yNSmAUMZND_nNh58cvdrRa1qfBp8ThrkXNEckFEdoCOTZTL9r0kuOYYTJ3IFwS28joXT1lVT_06VJ25BgMiKoSDAvxI/s4032/IMG_5684.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1EFzVF-hVhM625zaN60W8NS-hW0cpMvjwDOe9xybZ2dwK9wUi1kVPCvvsB2AA4fhyphenhyphen2GdMQxsPghySDV7oWCdWp3MyJeXzJJ5yNSmAUMZND_nNh58cvdrRa1qfBp8ThrkXNEckFEdoCOTZTL9r0kuOYYTJ3IFwS28joXT1lVT_06VJ25BgMiKoSDAvxI/s320/IMG_5684.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His pile.... otherwise known as; How'd that get in the cart? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh2I8v0tETAmlSY77UeItjB-g396RH0MDNIYMQQPwKf0KOYEHB5eiNWKncoU4Eq0zNINbkWKWtkH3Sy4x0OmnIOOgWidVjZufaXHgRzihgy0iZYBMLafxy_GqNCKffMdrL9MyzmKjzYFxI-SZEMB0AyyEKn57vwLMGt_ZKaJ1DTV1HKDttTqr4i5pKzU/s4032/IMG_5683.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh2I8v0tETAmlSY77UeItjB-g396RH0MDNIYMQQPwKf0KOYEHB5eiNWKncoU4Eq0zNINbkWKWtkH3Sy4x0OmnIOOgWidVjZufaXHgRzihgy0iZYBMLafxy_GqNCKffMdrL9MyzmKjzYFxI-SZEMB0AyyEKn57vwLMGt_ZKaJ1DTV1HKDttTqr4i5pKzU/s320/IMG_5683.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My list for Saturday food prep.... I don't think I could get much done without lists! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday is bread day and it's already on the rise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_naFKbTU3GPZmkc0CcUur2OkfoLzgmqns0VsRriDfUKZauxyZRXFFcbt8GyYgDcmEWUADJZeVoccP0NMz7g7G95atNb_zO1V_r34mJODQdjlk4QwEUs3OX3PXE3yUqwZpOyc6xt2hiLCis0k3Fdo6HJmEECBsvjMnR8iAH8XYh7ZABhwD_3SJ6y_RQLc/s4032/IMG_5691.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_naFKbTU3GPZmkc0CcUur2OkfoLzgmqns0VsRriDfUKZauxyZRXFFcbt8GyYgDcmEWUADJZeVoccP0NMz7g7G95atNb_zO1V_r34mJODQdjlk4QwEUs3OX3PXE3yUqwZpOyc6xt2hiLCis0k3Fdo6HJmEECBsvjMnR8iAH8XYh7ZABhwD_3SJ6y_RQLc/s320/IMG_5691.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His and hers salads should last until Wednesday..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmPzpc3SxgG8DDKopes-tfAUZSylz7lJLESSXOIfAvDh2Imp3NqHvXcApouwGmvKDvU3siuEHdNrEVqhopOKbv44_nDGsbGZab3BIN0dXmh9zphosk3xWEBE63fUVcJgf-1bVC61KKPlGVYGwaDyMccCDWkJrLftrHnVQNne_9xOVqouwTxiR4IMgUJg/s4032/IMG_5513.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmPzpc3SxgG8DDKopes-tfAUZSylz7lJLESSXOIfAvDh2Imp3NqHvXcApouwGmvKDvU3siuEHdNrEVqhopOKbv44_nDGsbGZab3BIN0dXmh9zphosk3xWEBE63fUVcJgf-1bVC61KKPlGVYGwaDyMccCDWkJrLftrHnVQNne_9xOVqouwTxiR4IMgUJg/s320/IMG_5513.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's been a very good week.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2It-1Y-Gpj7nVb5WPKmimfgrN4rtTf20IxBejwlFhytzMblo_1sa5kv_RR-EvUDXkwY5RWlwa3EEVIxDBfHmFo6Pm62gVRHHXAS25DqOtD3z4P2vMdrG1TzHFLTXiNyLN3wGgTVYewsaGK_vy3CVWnuMnOCg1Tb9ZPnp9WUiKue9_X6-wdU-6A3nJy24/s1328/IMG_5510.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2It-1Y-Gpj7nVb5WPKmimfgrN4rtTf20IxBejwlFhytzMblo_1sa5kv_RR-EvUDXkwY5RWlwa3EEVIxDBfHmFo6Pm62gVRHHXAS25DqOtD3z4P2vMdrG1TzHFLTXiNyLN3wGgTVYewsaGK_vy3CVWnuMnOCg1Tb9ZPnp9WUiKue9_X6-wdU-6A3nJy24/s320/IMG_5510.PNG" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-89004987166351817432024-02-04T12:07:00.000-05:002024-02-04T12:07:29.534-05:00February and things are moving!<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome February and some much needed sun! January was the third cloudiest on record! Clouds covered that shiny white thing in the sky 83.6% of the month. Rain was relentless and then a polar vortex hit. Argh it was month of saying; it's gotta get better! </p><p style="text-align: center;">The finches have been at the bird feeder more than any other bird and clean it out daily. The squirrel baffel went up a couple weeks ago and I have not had one squirrel butt picture! Yay! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDOo3h6BEWCJRFKcZ_D1j-BdbKu7XHK3prRztC3YYFLbV4jplO3ocSqJ-1Hmdgm8V04mhrOER9yU05S_cS5Rd9VY5ZtWJH_Kw5VD5iuzX-4eNF4sI0FxaOCRg-bf-z4swnP1BmJZFJgql2WZzctRW8_X9N1PS7hZch3tmdpmnObaKAXz2s57uImmnM3U/s2592/C6A5AEEB-EE8F-4D3C-9543-2B431DC6511B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDOo3h6BEWCJRFKcZ_D1j-BdbKu7XHK3prRztC3YYFLbV4jplO3ocSqJ-1Hmdgm8V04mhrOER9yU05S_cS5Rd9VY5ZtWJH_Kw5VD5iuzX-4eNF4sI0FxaOCRg-bf-z4swnP1BmJZFJgql2WZzctRW8_X9N1PS7hZch3tmdpmnObaKAXz2s57uImmnM3U/s320/C6A5AEEB-EE8F-4D3C-9543-2B431DC6511B.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However on the tree pig front, we are over run! Not only do we have 5 fat fox squirrels but a couple cute little red squirrels have moved into the locust and conifer trees. The red squirrels are so territorial they have kept the fox squirrels out of the chicken coop. I'll have more time to monitor the squirrel fights as garden season has begun! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have had two days of sun! I woke up to a serenade of birds, before the sun was above the horizon. It was wonderful. Thinking hard about cracking my bedroom window tonight. The red shoulder hawks have been soaring and loud; counted 3 in the sky yesterday, the chickens seemed undeterred by all the hawk activity. This morning on my walk out to chicken central, the red bellied woodpecker was in a yelling contest with the titmice, nut hatch, carolina wren and pileated woodpecker; it was awesome and I have missed the morning cacophony. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After deciding on no more art shows and seeds showing up daily in the mailbox, it is time to get to work! The way back gardens were somewhat neglected at the end of last year and I knew I wanted to make changes, big changes! I did what every burned out gardener does at the end of the season...... walk away and deal with it next year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seeds are started and sprouting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aehxgG7Jxgne7WdqgwO38Xy69VGaafJT8lkNZaJFM9LFu04l_BrV9CU1PW2XMOVuVi13fc1AWWSLAhf3JsBFIR8so8qzoVW2yVeG2jfvu75JtIsf_71ookoeaKBfRkbgV9VTRAagGQSkrSGuWEQyXLY1aDpYeMus5z1FDj1AoebhqemvUw-SE7ZF9w/s4032/IMG_5643.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aehxgG7Jxgne7WdqgwO38Xy69VGaafJT8lkNZaJFM9LFu04l_BrV9CU1PW2XMOVuVi13fc1AWWSLAhf3JsBFIR8so8qzoVW2yVeG2jfvu75JtIsf_71ookoeaKBfRkbgV9VTRAagGQSkrSGuWEQyXLY1aDpYeMus5z1FDj1AoebhqemvUw-SE7ZF9w/s320/IMG_5643.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year is another year of fiddling around to find what does best on this small piece of ground. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the very last day of January seed trays were sterilized and the potting mix was dragged out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kale (blue dazzle), Lettuce (winter destiny & blk seeded simpson), Kohlrabi (kossack & quick silver), Turnip (white hakurie), Chinese Cabbage (china star & minuette), Spinach (dash). I also couldn't stop myself and foolishly planted cabbage (tiara, fomosa, purple & Jersey wakefield), cauliflower (skywalker), broccoli (purple) and brussels sprouts (jade cross & long island) The onions are doing well. The leeks have not germinated but they do take longer so my fingers are still crossed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh and use those old blinds for plant tags! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInnsUlemq7X0ejvpd1-6-MmyNt4hmtoBpGiPJ8SI4oK4DiF0b1OBD3F2k5_F-bYU927In0LOZB1scJ8IiKEW1935Gr8IMvbrdybM6v06J3Ca1pO7w069QASg5qr0351Ee6IK6qheTGjj3kPwrQ7WAT9jVcucVCzfMR9Exp9J46NoGryUaF1TPg4RSKU8/s4032/IMG_5654.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInnsUlemq7X0ejvpd1-6-MmyNt4hmtoBpGiPJ8SI4oK4DiF0b1OBD3F2k5_F-bYU927In0LOZB1scJ8IiKEW1935Gr8IMvbrdybM6v06J3Ca1pO7w069QASg5qr0351Ee6IK6qheTGjj3kPwrQ7WAT9jVcucVCzfMR9Exp9J46NoGryUaF1TPg4RSKU8/s320/IMG_5654.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peppers, eggplant, more lettuce and parsley will start this week. Oh the list is long....... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where to put it all? The clearing has begun in the way back! Raspberries and old asparagus plants cut down too. The chipping begins today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfv0UN6p3mlNh-yC4XZL-v2wimxGBq8SGalrkDmwj-Shk6f6_TH2hp7IXyiaVpOOHdW9tU1FympbUdRi6xG_dBUaBdCHhz3-juqCLNcNbyWyVIh9k9RFGSoRU5MX6ffQELVEcHEt5LC5LfB82S_5QPKa4fQiqmlydc5cxHIlPB0LINZmr9bL6fkprck8/s4032/IMG_5649.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfv0UN6p3mlNh-yC4XZL-v2wimxGBq8SGalrkDmwj-Shk6f6_TH2hp7IXyiaVpOOHdW9tU1FympbUdRi6xG_dBUaBdCHhz3-juqCLNcNbyWyVIh9k9RFGSoRU5MX6ffQELVEcHEt5LC5LfB82S_5QPKa4fQiqmlydc5cxHIlPB0LINZmr9bL6fkprck8/s320/IMG_5649.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vnLtMGB6aN6BkzwRv2i7SXetdkRLTY0aFWxN1QzN2b4735UmKrTKA7cbwS_PnHSiRRjVD7LXzSjU7W8pt46B3yEerhlKshhT4d6wtuHjno_h4FLZ52yZ43oBASc95QLQ8U-f5CwPvgaEgPv3lmMNxEdUAtwR0XFGcQzuvRdSfkCbu3TdSJuGeFifU2g/s4032/IMG_5648.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vnLtMGB6aN6BkzwRv2i7SXetdkRLTY0aFWxN1QzN2b4735UmKrTKA7cbwS_PnHSiRRjVD7LXzSjU7W8pt46B3yEerhlKshhT4d6wtuHjno_h4FLZ52yZ43oBASc95QLQ8U-f5CwPvgaEgPv3lmMNxEdUAtwR0XFGcQzuvRdSfkCbu3TdSJuGeFifU2g/s320/IMG_5648.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSNY3t08O7kge58t1NThOP8Nr_MxegrTpdRWVZmrwtVJeKvRP5MFGwU6mZzbpclDRWxKm1JZSHY9eaqYOP8x4Ly1Z_kh-gRDVUx9sRhofnjEmqmyHvpaMjpswQMxJO_7skQSAN7z82KlYhKSOITRRYQ0tW77o9_IoWTGOOW8fj2BvC1qy5gnj50gPmCw/s4032/IMG_5647.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSNY3t08O7kge58t1NThOP8Nr_MxegrTpdRWVZmrwtVJeKvRP5MFGwU6mZzbpclDRWxKm1JZSHY9eaqYOP8x4Ly1Z_kh-gRDVUx9sRhofnjEmqmyHvpaMjpswQMxJO_7skQSAN7z82KlYhKSOITRRYQ0tW77o9_IoWTGOOW8fj2BvC1qy5gnj50gPmCw/s320/IMG_5647.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifLhYoj0zV2HuxWFyUmUH2D7w5WJx-TJNDcbB23L0qFHqD1K2DvZChFnHI3MxHjeaN1xmyiOkv4fidHeZRLD6nwvQoLuBJ5V_Zb9tsv0gXNP5VLph7lIJ8XyLk-GyXInEusF6eOEHtfuupwUhqAfzgKiQcwDjs0E6EtmZglUBiWDAwQ-fqV9jw_fJ3rA/s4032/IMG_5646.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifLhYoj0zV2HuxWFyUmUH2D7w5WJx-TJNDcbB23L0qFHqD1K2DvZChFnHI3MxHjeaN1xmyiOkv4fidHeZRLD6nwvQoLuBJ5V_Zb9tsv0gXNP5VLph7lIJ8XyLk-GyXInEusF6eOEHtfuupwUhqAfzgKiQcwDjs0E6EtmZglUBiWDAwQ-fqV9jw_fJ3rA/s320/IMG_5646.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I planted the way back area in my estate gardening days so many years ago. Lilacs, sweet bay, magnolia, exchorda etc. Well they are gone, to be replaced with espalier apples and pears. I am positive the deer will just love it! The fence is coming down, temporarily and all the cement block is coming out. No more raised beds. Blueberries are being transplanted today and the sunny areas will be more productive, I hope. I have the cattle panels ready to go for a green house and it is pedal to the metal, game on gardening! and it's February! I am hoping if I get the back taken care of now, the other parts of the garden will go much quicker. Keep telling yourself those garden lies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year I used strawberry plants as ground cover around the blueberries and wow did that work well! Those will need to be transplanted as well some time this week. Break out the headlamp for gardening in the dark! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some type of deer protection needs to go around my blackberries. About the time the plants are looking good or start to bloom the deer eat them to the ground. This is the third year and I'm kind of over it. Thinking hard on installing the water squirting system when the cross the barrier.... works great on a cranky neighbor too. He mowed my blackberries one too many times a few years ago but after the survey crew established the property lines it's game on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New chicken runways this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And about the time I can't lug one more wheelbarrow..... canning season starts! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buckle up 2024! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I have had time to work on new designs.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA7u9aoF2B8n7dsrfQyGNFz9KXOd-FhRPB9MQOTrf9YWibR0M1crwZvPVUuWDLSr8Lyyc0bfWFVnXJvhP9VYIt9p2XlLyZFPa_7sssi9Q85d56jzlTi8EfbLHxSbT3o-YKybqR4BdgzGxQEVyajFNVNfVm_x2dayAoCKxVkVBRV1EUmvfhODmdUhupO0/s4032/IMG_5655.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA7u9aoF2B8n7dsrfQyGNFz9KXOd-FhRPB9MQOTrf9YWibR0M1crwZvPVUuWDLSr8Lyyc0bfWFVnXJvhP9VYIt9p2XlLyZFPa_7sssi9Q85d56jzlTi8EfbLHxSbT3o-YKybqR4BdgzGxQEVyajFNVNfVm_x2dayAoCKxVkVBRV1EUmvfhODmdUhupO0/s320/IMG_5655.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-51552312159474099752024-01-20T15:20:00.003-05:002024-01-20T16:55:53.847-05:00<p style="text-align: center;">The January slog continues.......</p><p style="text-align: center;">Kirby has taken to walking out the door and squatting on the patio, first thing in the morning. He can't even lift his leg, the wind has been so stiff. Squat and don't take in any cold air, retreat! Morning aerobics done, feed me! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Not so fast, let's walk out and check on the chickens, Kirby grumbles all the way to the coop. I toss a bit of snow on him and it's game on. He really does love this weather! Me, not so much but life is more fun with a dog. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrJxlxJSITVKBQ8l4LUhL0-qaJMSvrd0z1dMOCYG717JKVSBDcZDtgQvU5k-WR6Hhl_1DspOAsZXpGhkG20j7N2SnV5E3MeAzHXXpjwcMznCVnEWwf5oYQdU3ikO61X1RUAedaf52hgK16vz1a6ueb_mtvoysUlv8wZZRqThdtVehe9W-BANLNQX9J6U/s4032/IMG_5506.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrJxlxJSITVKBQ8l4LUhL0-qaJMSvrd0z1dMOCYG717JKVSBDcZDtgQvU5k-WR6Hhl_1DspOAsZXpGhkG20j7N2SnV5E3MeAzHXXpjwcMznCVnEWwf5oYQdU3ikO61X1RUAedaf52hgK16vz1a6ueb_mtvoysUlv8wZZRqThdtVehe9W-BANLNQX9J6U/s320/IMG_5506.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yRhC90HHFhdGuINxJYrXtYgQkz1Zt9ZnpWTO6yTrWcCc2KOJRS1NBI867G1y7GLvpoErSyjXu9n_ylO73GBYtSPOZ2nSvbj9aCuEZOH6pPwnJa9gbOsEgZwUrxYYEoiwwTV8c1RS_15kSriN7-wdyu0sIHCHFDG307g9ELmnQ89fbhb8RrPh-DNhA7o/s4032/IMG_5505.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yRhC90HHFhdGuINxJYrXtYgQkz1Zt9ZnpWTO6yTrWcCc2KOJRS1NBI867G1y7GLvpoErSyjXu9n_ylO73GBYtSPOZ2nSvbj9aCuEZOH6pPwnJa9gbOsEgZwUrxYYEoiwwTV8c1RS_15kSriN7-wdyu0sIHCHFDG307g9ELmnQ89fbhb8RrPh-DNhA7o/s320/IMG_5505.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Breakfast is served buddy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My phone records that I have walked 946 steps, only 9,054 more to go. Not happening! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until Bird Buddy, the smart bird feeder with a camera, sends me a postcard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_t8sfdEI9nXDjZvsWikYvRM5vRS2QKGIb4QMBWcODhlL2MJriq9jBkXG9hjcKTEPamLkbm0P6WM-LtdwNYrmCwFw1Qdbzshrmpy8h7BrtA0uuXXJKlqWxCPjs47A382jrrWsC71p6WIN7CZHCDM1rTGEe1JzQImG6ejyfkBeeNVxrcdRAe6HJ5wfexk/s810/Bird-Buddy-Smart-Bird-Feeder-3-810x538.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="810" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_t8sfdEI9nXDjZvsWikYvRM5vRS2QKGIb4QMBWcODhlL2MJriq9jBkXG9hjcKTEPamLkbm0P6WM-LtdwNYrmCwFw1Qdbzshrmpy8h7BrtA0uuXXJKlqWxCPjs47A382jrrWsC71p6WIN7CZHCDM1rTGEe1JzQImG6ejyfkBeeNVxrcdRAe6HJ5wfexk/s320/Bird-Buddy-Smart-Bird-Feeder-3-810x538.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YOU HAVE A VISTOR! or IT'S RUSH HOUR AT THE FEEDER! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember when email made its debut; Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were teenagers. Remember that little bell on your computer; The icon; "You've got mail" popped on your screen?! And we salivated over each pop up, until we wised up and turned that button off! Bird Buddy has tapped into that same pavlovian brain wave. This is akin to crack for birdwatchers. How can you not look? Talk about clickbait! Who has visited the feeder at this ungodly, barely light breaking hour? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always, before the sun is up in the sky, this guy sends me a postcard, every morning. Who needs a rooster. The female cardinal is next, she likes to sleep in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl1TESfP0mtwQNgtP0ofMKa8qm14dJu34djsCJK5irC9mtuVGe4cHvDOldbPwpiN64s7GOSjWY5CqBue_yr5x9uQJ7CIA229NsA1NgW0pkyqANd-OewG1vZ-2pdkwKQQk_DiJ_z0Lq3n2iiYWIeImlv2n3ZcMN1DJwFcUdTGwOnmXYB8ko_M2rLwvnWQ/s2592/IMG_5508.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl1TESfP0mtwQNgtP0ofMKa8qm14dJu34djsCJK5irC9mtuVGe4cHvDOldbPwpiN64s7GOSjWY5CqBue_yr5x9uQJ7CIA229NsA1NgW0pkyqANd-OewG1vZ-2pdkwKQQk_DiJ_z0Lq3n2iiYWIeImlv2n3ZcMN1DJwFcUdTGwOnmXYB8ko_M2rLwvnWQ/s320/IMG_5508.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the parade begins..... finches, titmice, juncos, blue jays, song sparrows, woodpeckers, a flicker</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can check with livestream from my phone. Bird buddy tells me it's waking up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tH2l-b5pfEjDhm43oI-68xBEZszVDALIsjRPEolghU-2WiIU2PBzAaG_OPE1pN2jpeqkmakZj8GnyKgLyWMvqttQm_lMnXMVWuvT2ApNt1FFyplc9UzUjWIK5dFLf04xVckk8oCHy4wyAOOkdLrvzJgbNkIarDcti85Gh4RxyOD-ssWs9e5mA4yJx0Y/s2032/IMG_5509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="1263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tH2l-b5pfEjDhm43oI-68xBEZszVDALIsjRPEolghU-2WiIU2PBzAaG_OPE1pN2jpeqkmakZj8GnyKgLyWMvqttQm_lMnXMVWuvT2ApNt1FFyplc9UzUjWIK5dFLf04xVckk8oCHy4wyAOOkdLrvzJgbNkIarDcti85Gh4RxyOD-ssWs9e5mA4yJx0Y/s320/IMG_5509.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then this...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpM8r1qcv7s7f9vnj0yxJNes8sRu3ApVtqzwK2daFyWFUNpoER2yDXfIGr1JBzTrkgmyf6cQG5Qo2_ifm1zsM2lIWQosHW_Jzqk6iHshKwT_3_oIBddn_5F0EWF1WWiQOySDAVzXX2nOKYJy2RioNWwbULR0lyKY9cwna-zl81BXbvQHKbLyd0V-s9k/s259/images-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpM8r1qcv7s7f9vnj0yxJNes8sRu3ApVtqzwK2daFyWFUNpoER2yDXfIGr1JBzTrkgmyf6cQG5Qo2_ifm1zsM2lIWQosHW_Jzqk6iHshKwT_3_oIBddn_5F0EWF1WWiQOySDAVzXX2nOKYJy2RioNWwbULR0lyKY9cwna-zl81BXbvQHKbLyd0V-s9k/s1600/images-1.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Excuse me, did you know you're out of feed? Would you like to buy some girl scout cookies? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or I just get a squirrel butt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then I leap from my chair! I can be doing anything and I can launch myself out the back door faster than a woodchuck hitting the electric fence and yelling like a crazy person. One squirrel can empty out this small feeder in one sitting. The juncos and doves, ground feeders, are at the base of the feeder having a party because squirrels are just tree pigs! On my mad dash to the feeder I step on pile of frozen, snow covered dog poop and go down like....... a woodchuck hitting the electric fence. These are my morning aerobics, tuck and roll. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is not an endorsement for Bird Buddy the smart bird feeder because it takes me forever to pair with it my phone and hook up to the wifi every time I charge it. I think this might be my problem though and not the feeder but time will tell...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile Rufus and his little brother are watching the show out the back window...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGALIjrUH9cGo1_SMRq1LFg7ahaXk-9kKZkHQ7Nkw3NZy5f9yn1njRyRoiIfzfXO4UNRpUfI4zMyKTST8qb9ewjtiQFuMNukZDuIJ2nWmFIL7hW2sgk5BPfRkclbG_XfRJZueaTCzdVT7lgtHeMt-QbyEhC-urJXABCKm5DxeaMRvHpbGZTfwiRVGx-vA/s4032/IMG_1107.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGALIjrUH9cGo1_SMRq1LFg7ahaXk-9kKZkHQ7Nkw3NZy5f9yn1njRyRoiIfzfXO4UNRpUfI4zMyKTST8qb9ewjtiQFuMNukZDuIJ2nWmFIL7hW2sgk5BPfRkclbG_XfRJZueaTCzdVT7lgtHeMt-QbyEhC-urJXABCKm5DxeaMRvHpbGZTfwiRVGx-vA/s320/IMG_1107.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The brothers are stuck indoors and brushing up on their reading; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They go this website regularly on snowy days... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.meowlibrary.com/" target="_blank">Meow Library</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnrvd_ohRbKxetnKCV3AGSYTrXgTxWcpHThj_6ajf_6u4jkmpwdxcZSbyb6az89JmbkZU9q_h1qtU89g_clCdKzqWaS9l5yyZddIRST_prCzJ3odHjHS-vm7L1-aSH1YlhZWUGXrv7Co-GGBSUj2DEpKutZ_X8qcr6Tkv26DDjNK53mq-Un4WBHOatHE/s771/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-20%20at%202.55.32%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="771" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnrvd_ohRbKxetnKCV3AGSYTrXgTxWcpHThj_6ajf_6u4jkmpwdxcZSbyb6az89JmbkZU9q_h1qtU89g_clCdKzqWaS9l5yyZddIRST_prCzJ3odHjHS-vm7L1-aSH1YlhZWUGXrv7Co-GGBSUj2DEpKutZ_X8qcr6Tkv26DDjNK53mq-Un4WBHOatHE/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-20%20at%202.55.32%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">because it's January in Ohio.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and all that running back and forth to the bird feeder, no problem hitting those 10,000 steps. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the seeds have started to arrive ππ₯³</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqruSOTjTd62XhWA7sU1uN07m25rz04wiSCxQeVbJSdgqRmE_oR3__X0IrPUXO_UnIqrsChjgfioGlAcG1zOu6k1Lt4ETeXbHLfwQP0CM9f8nBo1WbdvJS5mLGo4Q2ErzBzwrKBUKdJGYD6PTKF8oYbJEgZiHZcZptPhC2N0xwJahKVnA_rSW0fcGiQyc/s4032/IMG_5494.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqruSOTjTd62XhWA7sU1uN07m25rz04wiSCxQeVbJSdgqRmE_oR3__X0IrPUXO_UnIqrsChjgfioGlAcG1zOu6k1Lt4ETeXbHLfwQP0CM9f8nBo1WbdvJS5mLGo4Q2ErzBzwrKBUKdJGYD6PTKF8oYbJEgZiHZcZptPhC2N0xwJahKVnA_rSW0fcGiQyc/w240-h305/IMG_5494.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawhvWU09__luP3z0CtHwAjHFIKubKmXkBxxgU-IUdMfLyG6635xJggvGvr_8Elumlai2C1mXo85-t94ixB3A94BPlVslo2owb9sQo3ci9ecZryjrOPX3SdOdq-OhOqW0C6nsHxW-RkdOc7W1jiz4Dx85RBWz5cNBFzn41cxk6xj_QXsh66lLZ9HY8vJQ/s4032/IMG_5493.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawhvWU09__luP3z0CtHwAjHFIKubKmXkBxxgU-IUdMfLyG6635xJggvGvr_8Elumlai2C1mXo85-t94ixB3A94BPlVslo2owb9sQo3ci9ecZryjrOPX3SdOdq-OhOqW0C6nsHxW-RkdOc7W1jiz4Dx85RBWz5cNBFzn41cxk6xj_QXsh66lLZ9HY8vJQ/s320/IMG_5493.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-80749646697718031622024-01-16T14:24:00.000-05:002024-01-16T14:24:16.268-05:00Moon is in Aries ....pew-pew-pew! <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello deep January. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The penetrating cold and darkness is seeping into my old bones and although I waited, dreamed and waxed poetically about these January days last August, I'm kind of over it. Just a week into freezing my ass off, schlepping wood, and snot freezing to my face, I realize it takes longer to suit up for one of Kirby's constitutionals than the actual walk and pee. The wind has been relentless, 60 mph gusts and 40 mph sustained, the studio hasn't been above 40F this entire week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULhEyHqxKoGUDwxABwHJF08LoGbF9AhLl005AqTWMK7wF7s42BYdkrOqewU2_NAuaRj8LEnZ0sVX-uy7MDK-fdqZxD7kToSAhGK46jQP31lkDRiQ5a6AHQ5IB1E1v9TMUUJCpl3z3eHE2bmOES-F9MKt_NZmYRTgHx0GvB5jI9pGggAhKHPH1ALKe4As/s4032/IMG_5473.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULhEyHqxKoGUDwxABwHJF08LoGbF9AhLl005AqTWMK7wF7s42BYdkrOqewU2_NAuaRj8LEnZ0sVX-uy7MDK-fdqZxD7kToSAhGK46jQP31lkDRiQ5a6AHQ5IB1E1v9TMUUJCpl3z3eHE2bmOES-F9MKt_NZmYRTgHx0GvB5jI9pGggAhKHPH1ALKe4As/s320/IMG_5473.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M4YoFpHbOdqR8CvW5aq3aqaSEZ6PrBpM27-fyh-1thYlgScg6P0iDMUIVA7zFy_DpuTE4EwEXFBtuNnKnri9IiOgD4WIB3VUrqP7BOmyXvIYzq8djuRdNzVWvrmigudf1atlphnjh16eLnHf1w9nOHIrYgogTRwl_5XVEjW_ezKKxKXa2Y38Nx1jJiQ/s4032/IMG_5474.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M4YoFpHbOdqR8CvW5aq3aqaSEZ6PrBpM27-fyh-1thYlgScg6P0iDMUIVA7zFy_DpuTE4EwEXFBtuNnKnri9IiOgD4WIB3VUrqP7BOmyXvIYzq8djuRdNzVWvrmigudf1atlphnjh16eLnHf1w9nOHIrYgogTRwl_5XVEjW_ezKKxKXa2Y38Nx1jJiQ/s320/IMG_5474.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The January rampage begins....... dentist appointments and taxes! All in one day. So happy I do not need to return to the dentist for another 6 months but I always walk away thinking; is this the best they can do? Poke, poke, poke, x-ray and then the cleaning! Well, Mrs Miller, we are using the new water turboblaster to get the plaque off your teeth. ( My inside voice; shit, why not a weedwacker. ). I hate the dentist, but even more the hygienist! Not only are you going to touch me, you are going to touch the inside of my mouth! Then for this rollicking good time they will now extract so many $$$ from my bank account. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Laying prone in the tipped back chair with blood rushing to my brain while being sprayed with high powered dentist juice, I have a moment of clarity. For what this is costing I could fly to France, sit on Seine River, sip a bowl of bouillabaisse while sucking down a bottle of french wine with a straw (no teeth needed)! Alas, while in my delusional state, a lightening bolt of pain hurls to my brain and I hear; "you have a lot of exposed nerve tissue down here". Just a suggestion, maybe a bit of warm water or no water (why cold water?) and back out of my oral cavity Hilda because you cannot clean my teeth while I'm on the ceiling! Hey and what happened to spitting? Now they suck everything out, including your sinuses and uvula. That hay hook hanging out the side of my mouth, has enough suction it could have pumped out and saved the Titanic while it was going down. It is not better than the days of rinse and spit. Now Mrs Miller just close your mouth and just like that the few brain cells I have left are gone, sucked through the hose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear God, I hate leaving the compound. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An hour later I was home downing a couple aspirin and talking to my therapy dog, Kirby. Suited up, braced for the subzero weather and took Kirby back to check on the chickens. The chickens finally ventured out of the coop and were snuggled into a pile of straw and not peep could be heard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been such a banner day, let's just sit down and hammer out the state sales tax, due next week. If you're going to have a bad day, have a really bad day. I am totaled out for 2023, proving once again, I need to stop doing shows. However after sending in my sales tax and getting my seed bill for the year, I seriously need to get to work or get a job!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The good news; I found the top of my desk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxDJvIJMcjDJVQIQq5XH7aMgJkjGnWGczI8BBCVZsExaS_amia5HRXmInwKkqz9YRQJuQTIDYSx7H9Az1UCt8o7bDyqPee-44DaABYVgT1WxK4YV0LRffm9vuahEt2hDePHKZfdcOtFCdP4SF4a1DjGcDebuN5fJPyrA8p1CJ2RZ1uU0LXDKDPPwc-ao/s4032/IMG_5472.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxDJvIJMcjDJVQIQq5XH7aMgJkjGnWGczI8BBCVZsExaS_amia5HRXmInwKkqz9YRQJuQTIDYSx7H9Az1UCt8o7bDyqPee-44DaABYVgT1WxK4YV0LRffm9vuahEt2hDePHKZfdcOtFCdP4SF4a1DjGcDebuN5fJPyrA8p1CJ2RZ1uU0LXDKDPPwc-ao/s320/IMG_5472.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Found my way back to the studio.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovsMuIgsUgjg6Z4yT4hjI7qBtsoUd8DiurysPfVrhaQXavR50BBl-jqRI97Nm2wNb4hrAqB6K0Gm1k8cdtbsH-NLxZAm-JgZaZ5gJSMeP0SHOUwgzXrCcZGlglLN6xa54bgCu9ZLfsIUFNtCtQU1Bk34y8Q05bdkWJokor6jDQXys60qFaQX3ITD2Y0M/s4032/IMG_5451.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovsMuIgsUgjg6Z4yT4hjI7qBtsoUd8DiurysPfVrhaQXavR50BBl-jqRI97Nm2wNb4hrAqB6K0Gm1k8cdtbsH-NLxZAm-JgZaZ5gJSMeP0SHOUwgzXrCcZGlglLN6xa54bgCu9ZLfsIUFNtCtQU1Bk34y8Q05bdkWJokor6jDQXys60qFaQX3ITD2Y0M/s320/IMG_5451.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrr6PsKETEv2CkxmqNdOEUSLqJObV0yjrqB9dzqFcLu6HvRfD2cr87vg4GaIzVOAj1FmbetlY-78f5gR9a4s__1TIMCaLYD21vPBb3DfekN2XDE4UnqFbCx-7z6uDhJwAUjJOik0qHsRf4qaODpig69qskNn1ncFeOzOsFOWdChe_CRW0KEaZ5JJFbBY/s1935/EB12314B-CBDD-40C5-9998-B6B4F4ABA66F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1935" data-original-width="1935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrr6PsKETEv2CkxmqNdOEUSLqJObV0yjrqB9dzqFcLu6HvRfD2cr87vg4GaIzVOAj1FmbetlY-78f5gR9a4s__1TIMCaLYD21vPBb3DfekN2XDE4UnqFbCx-7z6uDhJwAUjJOik0qHsRf4qaODpig69qskNn1ncFeOzOsFOWdChe_CRW0KEaZ5JJFbBY/s320/EB12314B-CBDD-40C5-9998-B6B4F4ABA66F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and started seeds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patterson and Alisa Craig onions, Leeks,<br />Heshiko and Blushing bunching onions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is 2023 seed and I am curious to see how viable this seed will be. I still have time to plant </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fresh seed in case this seed doesn't germinate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78u6DQ-9eKIv7fTdXrsjgi7_bhh18ba60AeZdYFsxiFy4IT38jayzZYZFwP4LJCkElndZXpB4Zphop5nMT5da_rtMyc-Ckj40AZOyGZIRonKZpyGnGz-qncWq_MM1DkJs4-bY8vMLy3b6b0svMkpawfeaeA-pcweTMYb-Q8gc0SBZ9NqzBYMYkq4z2jE/s4032/IMG_5456.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78u6DQ-9eKIv7fTdXrsjgi7_bhh18ba60AeZdYFsxiFy4IT38jayzZYZFwP4LJCkElndZXpB4Zphop5nMT5da_rtMyc-Ckj40AZOyGZIRonKZpyGnGz-qncWq_MM1DkJs4-bY8vMLy3b6b0svMkpawfeaeA-pcweTMYb-Q8gc0SBZ9NqzBYMYkq4z2jE/s320/IMG_5456.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After my last war and peace blog I am vowing to write shorter blogs more often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLnNEHDTMzFZyoc6Kq4EPCSVYOiwKpr1D-rRjS65boc30vA605uZxlKBzrIhnNa1ingcWdxhevJktPKYsCT4zhRlkTxcLXl5wAgZpPr4Y8VP1_T1EfRqo3IHbRYwtgCZke81nbnvmemqbOV3X03hxjQkIu3R-NVXMYg6h2ZL2COZCyWeH6sfT6QUZks8/s1621/IMG_5446.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLnNEHDTMzFZyoc6Kq4EPCSVYOiwKpr1D-rRjS65boc30vA605uZxlKBzrIhnNa1ingcWdxhevJktPKYsCT4zhRlkTxcLXl5wAgZpPr4Y8VP1_T1EfRqo3IHbRYwtgCZke81nbnvmemqbOV3X03hxjQkIu3R-NVXMYg6h2ZL2COZCyWeH6sfT6QUZks8/s320/IMG_5446.PNG" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Iowa Caucus did not help my frame of mind when I sat down to write this blog..... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-52644727594138928942024-01-10T16:29:00.000-05:002024-01-10T16:29:06.438-05:00 Happy New Year! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiPRcPNi2LQIMHKD7aPL5MYf0bNKa6UylAEfJkiirz4Tqdm_5haRgnvKAIZ61e7w7GA3fXGhZBwlv-8DGTrx1FDbdOuEeyv1M63bXYKKbZ48Oh9Y_SHPTrXU7ZgxjfOs19Y7hG4lNucwmjrY2wdiDg6xi1r_T1gZ4JdagP_LVSzIOTkVS-cmZhr4xlB8/s4032/IMG_5434.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiPRcPNi2LQIMHKD7aPL5MYf0bNKa6UylAEfJkiirz4Tqdm_5haRgnvKAIZ61e7w7GA3fXGhZBwlv-8DGTrx1FDbdOuEeyv1M63bXYKKbZ48Oh9Y_SHPTrXU7ZgxjfOs19Y7hG4lNucwmjrY2wdiDg6xi1r_T1gZ4JdagP_LVSzIOTkVS-cmZhr4xlB8/s320/IMG_5434.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Yikes, 2024! If you had asked me what 2024 would be like when I was 17, I would have laughed big snorting laughs and said; I have no plans on being around. I really didn't! We lived hard, we lived without cares and we lived a lot of stupid. So many stories; I have to say now that I am this many years old some of those stories have come back to haunt me and made me a very tolerable person. There really is no earthly reason I should have lived through any of it but I did and its's 2024. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank God for gardening and all things dirt! At 17 I took my first full time job for an old grain farmer, it was a life changer. He was in his 70's and scratched his head a lot. The first day I worked for him; a very cold snowy March morning I showed up in cut off bib overalls and a pair of lace up boots, cotton t-shirt, topped with an LL Bean wind breaker I borrowed from Dad, with strict instructions to bring it back. It was the early 70's and we all had a pair of overalls somewhere in the closet. Mr Bartter sent me off to prune grape vines at 8:00 am. I remember standing there with a pair of pruners and seeing endless acres of vines. He gave me one lesson on pruning and ball of twine and said he'd back to get me for lunch. He drove away in his rattle trap farm truck. I stood there for a couple a minutes; the snow devils swirled between the rows as the wind blew, damn it was cold. I had a very thin pair of garden gloves and realized; nobody was coming to bale me out of this one. For hours I snipped and tied my way down the endless rows of tangled vines and wiped snot from running nose with my Dads windbreaker. My bare legs were raspberry red by the time lunch rolled around and my fingers were all but frozen to the grapevine wires. But he rolled up around noon and we went up to the house for a hot lunch and coffee and it was heaven. After lunch I had the choice to return to the grapes or head for home. After careful thought I asked if he would mind if I left and could come back in the morning. I returned the next day wearing long johns, flannel lined jeans, a knitted hat and insulated gloves. Mr Bartter was surprised and smiled when I pulled in the driveway. Years later he confessed he thought I'd never show up again. I took myself to the vines and he came to pick me up for lunch and so it went for three more years........ it was heaven. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">and here I am today, remember those December seed catalogs? .....</p><p style="text-align: center;">It has begun! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEctBRxOG6CFrBa0y7Wc7S3k7QHw2Uus-_Ea5VfIWzEr-gBMulijJmWHMxSVMGTE5cdn-CY5lJuTaqz4O8mFH-nG2R5iZdkv5V-s_o0BiJHxsZpMU7fA2o4siA18DA9gpdmLhYw2cvR8KaESSpgfZyWDpRZkxQQl2UCE7SPF_NN3U-r2ioUt4J528z4I/s4032/IMG_5427.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEctBRxOG6CFrBa0y7Wc7S3k7QHw2Uus-_Ea5VfIWzEr-gBMulijJmWHMxSVMGTE5cdn-CY5lJuTaqz4O8mFH-nG2R5iZdkv5V-s_o0BiJHxsZpMU7fA2o4siA18DA9gpdmLhYw2cvR8KaESSpgfZyWDpRZkxQQl2UCE7SPF_NN3U-r2ioUt4J528z4I/s320/IMG_5427.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today a tray of microgreens finally made it to the seed mat and the garden plan was put to paper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aAqoJ9MjPZJTBx0VP4edgzJsjblXPFCzc2FVS8rnTlzEzNcWGm1S1dRMYI5uXpKgTGPWmgvpvJULbJsIJ5A-_mmo_y6_JxuvC9n4FnOaRguAp3hVmX1cRfyGi-DYpNiMHNLTHnTrQz8bg4jBtlcrUP7cBVmVedE5GNIyjMeR-GEy289JNTm5gPsTjc0/s4032/IMG_5428.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aAqoJ9MjPZJTBx0VP4edgzJsjblXPFCzc2FVS8rnTlzEzNcWGm1S1dRMYI5uXpKgTGPWmgvpvJULbJsIJ5A-_mmo_y6_JxuvC9n4FnOaRguAp3hVmX1cRfyGi-DYpNiMHNLTHnTrQz8bg4jBtlcrUP7cBVmVedE5GNIyjMeR-GEy289JNTm5gPsTjc0/s320/IMG_5428.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTtEIaAXP8zshe_x4VyiSLMWQXLOlDykxh_ljStvgHqyAGlCBT4AgtFpWYMTTGg74iO3lavvUGc5wVTjS8QURkXHGEAGiG5ywB9ajiHkEv3SsxbAO_cHHCpS8E1twYLwF3E3BRQY0tKGuz3zK3qYfCeE-FlgbkLD2UsAnJYZ9hpQeqcWR_R-ORb8U_r8/s4032/IMG_5427.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTtEIaAXP8zshe_x4VyiSLMWQXLOlDykxh_ljStvgHqyAGlCBT4AgtFpWYMTTGg74iO3lavvUGc5wVTjS8QURkXHGEAGiG5ywB9ajiHkEv3SsxbAO_cHHCpS8E1twYLwF3E3BRQY0tKGuz3zK3qYfCeE-FlgbkLD2UsAnJYZ9hpQeqcWR_R-ORb8U_r8/s320/IMG_5427.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> January and February are just a slog around these parts although this year we are missing snow and freezing temperatures. It's really strange and has me wondering what the insect population will be like next summer. I can roll logs over and find a plethora of activity! None of those critters should be above ground right now. I love winter hiking but the last two days we have had 40-60 mph winds with rain. It's all I can do to get Kirby out the back door and yet the birds still come to the feeder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As does that fat bastard squirrel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVuKaLC7L888QiXAAhq_6ZnmK1ZP-71FBO12ZCAn68rn8xxWcRGNYO8vxyfS2prPhr92h48GhAAIlRYYh_eujskSfklJleYolgJFvShWvAH9TUrqmTsH8hdAvs7AJf9Bmc4ZIpCv3pda7P4hlPHgr-rxY-KqZsHhMC6zuwnZnWLKBYIi_kL7fRReH5YE/s275/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVuKaLC7L888QiXAAhq_6ZnmK1ZP-71FBO12ZCAn68rn8xxWcRGNYO8vxyfS2prPhr92h48GhAAIlRYYh_eujskSfklJleYolgJFvShWvAH9TUrqmTsH8hdAvs7AJf9Bmc4ZIpCv3pda7P4hlPHgr-rxY-KqZsHhMC6zuwnZnWLKBYIi_kL7fRReH5YE/s1600/images.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Came home last week to find this.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu-SO_w-KKQ1D6HwY-DZU9fNod_hRRgPxd0aNfthBAdaLDhdUQw5j2oEmio_yUOXiafTRpzSND_IBXlEXe2jqH3G_G-eSyJDsuIug4juV0YT-ahqlyzQJwrXU9RRml-q7QEBeaalfj_NFI0i-oSKiFT6U1YWYf2PVHwv08-s3CeISuLDmtAcdL-8fqOk/s2556/IMG_5411.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2409" data-original-width="2556" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu-SO_w-KKQ1D6HwY-DZU9fNod_hRRgPxd0aNfthBAdaLDhdUQw5j2oEmio_yUOXiafTRpzSND_IBXlEXe2jqH3G_G-eSyJDsuIug4juV0YT-ahqlyzQJwrXU9RRml-q7QEBeaalfj_NFI0i-oSKiFT6U1YWYf2PVHwv08-s3CeISuLDmtAcdL-8fqOk/s320/IMG_5411.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, women do live longer than men and this nails it. Wait for the day we are getting snow, rain, wind and subzero temperatures to haul out the ladder and crawl on the roof to clean out the flue to the wood stove. These are days I just walk away and listen for the crash.... thankfully everybody lived and no reindeer were harmed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides I had indoor projects. I finally broke down and bought a microwave. I think I had a microwave years ago but it's been so long I honestly can't remember. I walked in to find that same guy on the roof, scraping congealed fat off a jar of soup from the basement. Yes, it is good to scrape the fat cap off the canned turkey but then you should heat it up! Nope, he eats it out of the jar, cold and says out loud: this tastes great. No words on that one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did not want a microwave sitting on precious counter space. When I built this kitchen I carefully measured out under cabinets in case somebody (not me) would want to slide in an appliance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moved the fridge out, drilled the hole, ran the cord through and plugged it in. Stopped 4 or 5 times as Kirby continually whacked his head on the fridge. Buddy take a nap! Slid the fridge back in and the plug to the microwave is not a flush plug and fridge stuck out about 3" from the wall. Ick! I would see that every time I walked in the kitchen and knew it would make me crazy. Also 3" to a blind dog is the difference between a morning concussion and safety on his way to food dish. So pulled the fridge back out, unplugged the microwave and start looking for a new shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNpjxwfA4eyvcEFKjBGTFkparlmYL6jIlbL1VERdh3IVS3aqEytalhRahV-gX5GgkjMJV0pSwQsWBPyxPh7jSoCy2hI5XxOm4G3ouSs8KTQzgXMku6nSohqDTfAdd-BS82mZg_M85e77dq6pMAOnvjMUywiw0UEazZqHXwsFmLyWGxLtsCl4TKY0iFY/s4032/IMG_5377.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNpjxwfA4eyvcEFKjBGTFkparlmYL6jIlbL1VERdh3IVS3aqEytalhRahV-gX5GgkjMJV0pSwQsWBPyxPh7jSoCy2hI5XxOm4G3ouSs8KTQzgXMku6nSohqDTfAdd-BS82mZg_M85e77dq6pMAOnvjMUywiw0UEazZqHXwsFmLyWGxLtsCl4TKY0iFY/s320/IMG_5377.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It works under the coffee station and now he can heat </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">up a breakfast pastry or jar of soup. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVPkbXexUdG9M8hDfqU0BKcNNOay59z2vYvYysp1cBi2PXegBbAG8Ww8USF2ohoypFRr5-FEhSYivguD7vpINA3-71ovahO2SwXtX_jviZGfx8xvuUrsQnn0_M8yYjg-wf8IBOrsQMlHqBN_AeoRjjrcX1m7b7YNRMz5zzKsqERz0Rms07ZNIFPFFxNg/s4032/IMG_5380.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVPkbXexUdG9M8hDfqU0BKcNNOay59z2vYvYysp1cBi2PXegBbAG8Ww8USF2ohoypFRr5-FEhSYivguD7vpINA3-71ovahO2SwXtX_jviZGfx8xvuUrsQnn0_M8yYjg-wf8IBOrsQMlHqBN_AeoRjjrcX1m7b7YNRMz5zzKsqERz0Rms07ZNIFPFFxNg/s320/IMG_5380.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have used it a few times and it is a time saver! Especially for leftovers! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 2024 vibe seems very different this year. I've made a couple decisions on life stuff. I will not be doing Ohio Mart this year. I will jury into Boston Mills just because it's the 50th year anniversary and it seems a very fitting way to conclude 40 years of shows. I don't mind doing a one or two day show but my days of 4 and 5 day shows are just over. I broke down my booth at Ohio Mart and looked at the trampled grass. I had lived in 3'x3' cube for 4 days. I work alone, never sit down, I don't eat lunch or take a bathroom break, there is just never a point of quiet during this show. I also realized I spent 6-7 months making work for this show and in a blink of an eye it vanishes. I am astounded and extremely grateful that people come out to buy work. I never really get a chance to talk to them. I used to chat, and say thank you but recently there has never been enough time for that. I know this all sounds pretty whiney and it is! Twenty years ago I would have been thrilled and even now I am thrilled but now I am realizing we live in a consumer driven world. I loose sleep over where the planet is headed. I am sickened on trash day on my street of the piles hauled off to the landfill. Where do they think it goes? It just doesn't magically disappear. As a kid I remember Sunday shoes, Sunday dinner, holiday dinner dishes, the good table cloth embroidered by a grandma or even great grandma. There were things that were special and only hauled out for special occasions. Some of those "things" were treated with such reverence. Tools for the kitchen, garden or tool box were sharpened, oiled, darned and just take care of. I still use some of those tools and love them. I have a couple mugs that are my Sunday mugs. There were people standing with arm loads of pots. I just jumped my mug prices to $45 because my raw materials have escalated off the richter scale, I agonized over the increase. Yet, people bought mugs in multiples, sometime 4-6 at a crack. I had fooled myself into thinking I was making "special things". I came home, unloaded everything in the studio and walked away, bothered. Is it time to turn over my sales to the galleries and gift shops? Only now am I back in the studio working slowly because I need to find out why I do this pottery thing again. Does this pottery thing bring me as much joy as planting seeds? Not yet but I'm working on it. I am teaching my first class on weaving this February, we will see how it goes. This seems to be the year for changes, buckle up Buttercup!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFszYE0qcbxrQrzDut9Xfoh5ReG5afVhS9QoOcf00klHcjSWXPkIOmo5ka29ahLDcdN8hb_NkDfn7DFYlZFq9v-NsUdYKM6t6OvXpcmiCMnce7UnYsNdj9rYv8-qj_xOzYxc7yun5lLLbJZHCAY7syiCJSHRMrtejZAqLsD9iGcWrJOJC8Y9wB_KEGtLQ/s4032/IMG_5357.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFszYE0qcbxrQrzDut9Xfoh5ReG5afVhS9QoOcf00klHcjSWXPkIOmo5ka29ahLDcdN8hb_NkDfn7DFYlZFq9v-NsUdYKM6t6OvXpcmiCMnce7UnYsNdj9rYv8-qj_xOzYxc7yun5lLLbJZHCAY7syiCJSHRMrtejZAqLsD9iGcWrJOJC8Y9wB_KEGtLQ/s320/IMG_5357.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More spa days for sure! </div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Onions and leeks need to be started and it's game on here in Paine Falls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-13274582109573416612023-12-14T16:51:00.001-05:002023-12-14T16:51:17.907-05:00and the hits just keep on coming..... <p style="text-align: center;">It's mid December and that means it's cookie time but I am knee deep in seed catalogs. I have a hard time switching gears. Stacking the seed catalogs in the ever growing pile, I haul out the recipes for cookies. I have so many recipes from years of baking cookies. I have my Moms recipe box, my binder and my recipe box, put to shame by my Moms (the box in the middle).</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJfLsdvk_Icqc3aRA_nSbSYksEKiocHHhBXiTJYOmlwZQhGnrjctQyxLol-UTG5pgPpM9WVoAsT6Zgsj4DdmJ0kOx7TD00YkfObiyPyqD46_0wWTe2BoGM_TJmURfTqIRxE7gNRKl0DAfE5ASSjdvIfG0WNRLpSVPEc9451jmo67DVjalMZE6NL_QC7k/s4032/IMG_5240.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJfLsdvk_Icqc3aRA_nSbSYksEKiocHHhBXiTJYOmlwZQhGnrjctQyxLol-UTG5pgPpM9WVoAsT6Zgsj4DdmJ0kOx7TD00YkfObiyPyqD46_0wWTe2BoGM_TJmURfTqIRxE7gNRKl0DAfE5ASSjdvIfG0WNRLpSVPEc9451jmo67DVjalMZE6NL_QC7k/s320/IMG_5240.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LoW-zZkM4qbcA5o_3kkHqVlYa2_me0eU2o1XT0TYAYZuTAVDC7tzWoQo5QZ0nCLrkI6Kb0qTzbGZ95ohm3ziFt8IyxA7gHMB-CJSjgKWoUESFrwu6nfgqBS__oxRyH5rxgFgsyn4UeS8QI8E0DVjBFbKzdJxTH4N9eCpVNm8tdFr_dKv1iVyRirYjMk/s4032/IMG_5239.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LoW-zZkM4qbcA5o_3kkHqVlYa2_me0eU2o1XT0TYAYZuTAVDC7tzWoQo5QZ0nCLrkI6Kb0qTzbGZ95ohm3ziFt8IyxA7gHMB-CJSjgKWoUESFrwu6nfgqBS__oxRyH5rxgFgsyn4UeS8QI8E0DVjBFbKzdJxTH4N9eCpVNm8tdFr_dKv1iVyRirYjMk/s320/IMG_5239.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The essential ingredients get this party started! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to the Phat Shack. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiVSSa2JO_pHJsMtvm-4Kl1nLCp5akRfpRvOzcfhTqMq9oIb9mEZOwZonrftWe-KTIUuI4twt1JkDHPyW6ShjWtEfsVGww_8SxGPPo6pyHuReL1GVPJLl4tujVugBVougVBCP8k9OsjMDanxmCotRtST2jxkICVp9sm22WghzQjkuCjIAtmXcSgHBMpY/s4032/IMG_5211.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiVSSa2JO_pHJsMtvm-4Kl1nLCp5akRfpRvOzcfhTqMq9oIb9mEZOwZonrftWe-KTIUuI4twt1JkDHPyW6ShjWtEfsVGww_8SxGPPo6pyHuReL1GVPJLl4tujVugBVougVBCP8k9OsjMDanxmCotRtST2jxkICVp9sm22WghzQjkuCjIAtmXcSgHBMpY/s320/IMG_5211.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pulled out the favorites and whittled the list down to the "must haves" "can't live without" cookies. The list is still too long but I will try my best! Start slow because cookies just don't show up here like they used to. They can be frozen and quite a few cookies ship well..... that increases my list again. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen I am opting to bake one recipe a day until Christmas Eve. Pack them in containers and whisk them away to the freezer. The freezer that is in my studio. I will need to bury the cookies under the pesto and cauliflower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Start slow, go with the good old peanut butter cookies. I bought "natural" peanut butter, the kind that separates in the jar because it's been sitting on the shelf or warehouse for years. Stirring a jar of separated peanut butter is like stirring up a bucket of asphalt driveway sealer. Hey, I use my big drill for that mess so break out the hand mixer/immersion blender! </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1A1nELO8q0tvRrhMKmagcTB1_NEn1dNHeXCA9fUpQwnkQ3ikj0eoCVFlZFQRRepTxvMRGtXtDSB0cg_GLOw0QEKw_c0rBKHwEbbHTCXmL5PkRfRFD2_q3oWMqWA_Walt39FxNVVSqKRJTFs4X-s4nxcRJNAJC7OPYhCRTnPdadwGMLqOmF-3zVVpZvE/s4032/IMG_5176.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1A1nELO8q0tvRrhMKmagcTB1_NEn1dNHeXCA9fUpQwnkQ3ikj0eoCVFlZFQRRepTxvMRGtXtDSB0cg_GLOw0QEKw_c0rBKHwEbbHTCXmL5PkRfRFD2_q3oWMqWA_Walt39FxNVVSqKRJTFs4X-s4nxcRJNAJC7OPYhCRTnPdadwGMLqOmF-3zVVpZvE/s320/IMG_5176.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The oil oozed out and down the sides of the jar, I lost my grip. Oil and peanut butter were on the Tilt-O-Wheel at the county fair! EJECT! I was so panic stricken I pulled the plug out of the wall. This added an extra hour of cleaning and laundry to making simple peanut butter cookies. Kirby did the dance of happiness and couldn't believe his luck to be in the kitchen at exactly the right time for raining peanut butter! Life is good if you're a dog here at Paine Falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slowly I got my groove back for making cookies and it was game on! I had packages to get in the mail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was moving at lightening speed and just like that the brown sugar hit the floor. Pixie dust flew everywhere. Under the wood stove, all over the floor, the carpets. The velocity of the spillage was truly amazing. Again Kirby had a ringside seat, although one lick and he retreated to the landing. Brown sugar needs to be coated in butter to get him excited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0D1P_5DTSw1R6vAjmwhl5BtWjWOxud01teso0U0vbq2EsMkBnIuIT5crt0N9zQWR79WWDEMK90bWSMeF0h9cCi7WAUT_Oiw6D10cklYMNz0jKZVWdrDO77wjQ-OPPnCS8RNW2op2Z-4qiA6ILmV_0XBCV1pkV1_OcaPejs8ooDzilVj0xmVLw5pu18/s4032/IMG_5215.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx0D1P_5DTSw1R6vAjmwhl5BtWjWOxud01teso0U0vbq2EsMkBnIuIT5crt0N9zQWR79WWDEMK90bWSMeF0h9cCi7WAUT_Oiw6D10cklYMNz0jKZVWdrDO77wjQ-OPPnCS8RNW2op2Z-4qiA6ILmV_0XBCV1pkV1_OcaPejs8ooDzilVj0xmVLw5pu18/s320/IMG_5215.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The floors got washed again and the dog got another bath. Alas the cookies were baked and sent off packed, bundled and shipped to the four directions! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7R67OS8oAV-2FO5XrI8Dy6iM42AAZLA3Rju2SGf4OGXqUZYJiATfYFwgi16-Ks-iaWJ7EN7I3JHjeh2PmO6ZlZpp8owLCbW0BwD33QKvmjtBjLxzj4vLuTYmgr-mSVqjkU-0vB-cNMBANxiJOKmyNjvTUluaqX19bjEj77FG4Ka_co7lGnFtvlky6K8/s4032/IMG_5217.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7R67OS8oAV-2FO5XrI8Dy6iM42AAZLA3Rju2SGf4OGXqUZYJiATfYFwgi16-Ks-iaWJ7EN7I3JHjeh2PmO6ZlZpp8owLCbW0BwD33QKvmjtBjLxzj4vLuTYmgr-mSVqjkU-0vB-cNMBANxiJOKmyNjvTUluaqX19bjEj77FG4Ka_co7lGnFtvlky6K8/s320/IMG_5217.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snickerdoodles, Gingersnaps, Melt in Your Mouth Strudel, Russian Tea Cakes and Peanut Butter Cookies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Worried I might push myself into a diabetic coma I opted for car repair. That could turn me into an alcoholic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-8e3NkOolSSEIQ_yyHjJVF7jDiuxuw-z75repCwXrFkXjqwh0bKM_NJrXh6sJHS-Q1PvRawDQWXy3a2HqlYwbKQN29nEsT9OJaM9IjxZ80H3oMtVn9aftFwoBfQx4SjL06ZE9ayICjGgpSykSMl7G94cuK_a1IZTkvw115jTBS5ieB0cyIz4KUpOni8/s4032/IMG_5199.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-8e3NkOolSSEIQ_yyHjJVF7jDiuxuw-z75repCwXrFkXjqwh0bKM_NJrXh6sJHS-Q1PvRawDQWXy3a2HqlYwbKQN29nEsT9OJaM9IjxZ80H3oMtVn9aftFwoBfQx4SjL06ZE9ayICjGgpSykSMl7G94cuK_a1IZTkvw115jTBS5ieB0cyIz4KUpOni8/s320/IMG_5199.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Replaced both air filters (engine & cab), topped off all the fluid levels, filled the low tires and poked around trying to figure out why my engine light was on. Ran up to Autozone and had a fresh faced, dirty handed kid plug the computer into the ailing van; it's free! Well your thermostat is sending a bad signal, we can sell ya one. Ya, let me go home and watch a couple YouTubes before I commit to that repair. It's not that I didn't believe the fresh faced lad, eating a candy bar with black oily covered hands at 9:30 am, it's just better to get a second opinion. I stopped by my favorite mechanic on my way home. It's like stepping into Mordor from the Lord of the Rings. His Dad owned the shop and now he owns the shop. It's like stepping back in time to go visit my Dad at his shop when I was a wee tike. The fumes of welding torches and diesel fuel transport me back to seeing my Dad's legs under a big garbage truck, while he talked to me. Open flames, open pits of oozing iridescent fluids, car parts strewn on the counter and floor, I am very comfortable here. This place is a close runner up to my kitchen after the peanut butter debacle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSuNf2lTmf5Wb_EQ7_m2qser_kzZJKTz7iQYjIg21WpmghIyijkGE0DOk0-vgByPuwk8TFvG63pwG9vn3uXK-yB_EZqy8EoTInTGofMYp52OwnLS0eKls5fCem44vg5s2DzJem9EDeABIlk5X7GRMHBl7yMlYdm3uBfXxuHg9QqHc3zX7fucVZb43ytw/s4032/IMG_5194.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSuNf2lTmf5Wb_EQ7_m2qser_kzZJKTz7iQYjIg21WpmghIyijkGE0DOk0-vgByPuwk8TFvG63pwG9vn3uXK-yB_EZqy8EoTInTGofMYp52OwnLS0eKls5fCem44vg5s2DzJem9EDeABIlk5X7GRMHBl7yMlYdm3uBfXxuHg9QqHc3zX7fucVZb43ytw/s320/IMG_5194.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRwsfJcNvhSUiIsbOoJAN_7MuGeDwMJlrw_pkwHLZEY-lE8AuFndzkq1HwbOQtLAoWF6DyJPZyrWywc5NE6Tv8yAyughovNJqQel4PPuSEfvI4mPXqXrpIKK5e6aGZeGA9CU4DHUShrDGGI27jlGLtp2s3e2D1erk3DkW_cTUeugudhqY-M88bjtl1rY/s4032/IMG_5195.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRwsfJcNvhSUiIsbOoJAN_7MuGeDwMJlrw_pkwHLZEY-lE8AuFndzkq1HwbOQtLAoWF6DyJPZyrWywc5NE6Tv8yAyughovNJqQel4PPuSEfvI4mPXqXrpIKK5e6aGZeGA9CU4DHUShrDGGI27jlGLtp2s3e2D1erk3DkW_cTUeugudhqY-M88bjtl1rY/s320/IMG_5195.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The guy who works here is as honest as the day is long and he said; Let's go look at your van. Yup, it's the thermostat and nope it's not a problem. The computer sent a code from the thermostat back to the computer, the valve just didn't open fast enough so the engine light went on. He re-set the computer and said if the engine light comes on again, call me and we can get you in right away, it's a three hour job. I was charged nothing...... He gets cookies! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After all this it was time to head to the river! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLeyK1EKRLzn3yLS0nEzhSGNyaeU1wO2JiPbK7_FoVNIvvY9BIlqzYVSmwnAgKXh9UVGXgsETl28U2QfclrYQ9CV29TXsFEz1wzlnCV0_TkY42Lz4lazoPg8fp1ANz6J_Z22NdS8K3p4P_OFFt_9ywpLYMlBysH6G4AuCx3StR7p1KgDg2Yzk4fCJ1Kk/s4032/IMG_5202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLeyK1EKRLzn3yLS0nEzhSGNyaeU1wO2JiPbK7_FoVNIvvY9BIlqzYVSmwnAgKXh9UVGXgsETl28U2QfclrYQ9CV29TXsFEz1wzlnCV0_TkY42Lz4lazoPg8fp1ANz6J_Z22NdS8K3p4P_OFFt_9ywpLYMlBysH6G4AuCx3StR7p1KgDg2Yzk4fCJ1Kk/s320/IMG_5202.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKY6s1vB9Y_LQ5TeKEq9o8ClLNT3JEwP_wZFRDTZf1kuTX5ouTEB70UsnKcwzKi8pdsejgokHb1Dq5-X3k46gRUwlYcYB79qBnJFKH5NUVUGHbH4GVIMEENPv4uM59HbynKPfXD-S1yDjDexW3xhQ0sobFS-bKtju-2K61vUW40iK0izBIHX3vVAn3UQ/s4032/IMG_5205.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKY6s1vB9Y_LQ5TeKEq9o8ClLNT3JEwP_wZFRDTZf1kuTX5ouTEB70UsnKcwzKi8pdsejgokHb1Dq5-X3k46gRUwlYcYB79qBnJFKH5NUVUGHbH4GVIMEENPv4uM59HbynKPfXD-S1yDjDexW3xhQ0sobFS-bKtju-2K61vUW40iK0izBIHX3vVAn3UQ/s320/IMG_5205.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't catch a thing but I don't care. Standing in a river on a December day the pixie dust, diesel fumes and Christmas crazy wash away. I walk away with my head clean. Three hours in ice cold water on sunny day is just the best cure for anything that ails the body. The flicker and the kingfisher kicked up a fuss and I watched until the blue jays bombed in. When I could no longer feel my feet it was time to head for home. I miss having a dog to tag along on this trips so maybe that will be on my 2024 "to-do" list. Kirby could use a buddy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got home late and needed to make a butter run for tomorrows cookies. Butch decided he wanted to tag along because he is looking for a light up wreath to hang on the front door. He can't stop himself. Fine, let's just make one stop so we decided on Sam's Club. I hate that place! The only thing that makes it tolerable is Scan & Go. I don't need to talk to anyone and I can check myself out. I can also buy giant bags of broccoli and almonds at a good price. Other than that I don't buy much at that place. Grabbed the butter and broccoli, Butch grabbed a rotisserie chicken. Hey, are you hanging that on the front door? Does it light up? </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;">Butch decided to make homemade broccoli salad for his sailing club Christmas party the next night. The rotisserie chicken was sitting on the counter and the broccoli was dumped in the sink for washing and trimming. I had roasted beets in the oven and left over baked potatoes, a salad was already made from last night. Easy dinner right? Iβm peeling the beets and tossing them in a bowl when I hear this god awful sound and so much swearing. He flipped a whole damn rotisserie chicken off the counter, bouncing off the dog, who thought it was manna from the heavens and plopped on the floor! Grease flew everywhere! My fast dinner ended up scrubbing down cabinets and floors, scooping grease off the floor with a spatula and trying to beat the dog to the carcass, yelling NO, NO BONES!!!!! I won and Kirby is passed out on the landing from doing cleanup on Aisle One. </span>I snatched that chicken off the floor so fast Kirby thought it had legs to run away! I just mopped my floors this morning!!! After the snatch and grab off the floor I ran it under the faucet, patted dry and popped it in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Ran in the basement, grabbed a jar of peach BBQ sauce and said, DINNER....... while Kirby was doing laps around the kitchen trying to figure out where the chicken went. For a blind dog his nose is just amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> If I ever write a recipe book, I'm calling this bouncing chicken! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;">Butch is doing laundry and cleaning up his broccoli salad stuff. I'm washing down the cupboards and floors again. I just took the last batch of pinwheel cookies out of the oven and headed to bed π€¦ββοΈπ€¦ββοΈπ€¦ββοΈ walking away, just walking awayβ¦..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;">I found this poor little guy on my walk this morning and wonder if he ate one too many cookies or just couldn't mop one more floor........ le sigh little one. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;">God speed.. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSXxasLV8K14isuwmKO3JfpwNmzEzTroxbSo355C1Fl252waQ2tKLiu1CqEY77XtjQJXWwQMBHdMEMqimWOWXRgqXb_TyRN4w2GyK7UzxtWauvOqn5OQmCdTrzteubucd8BWSXiJMeHademBSUu3wAVa5O20amdTA0LpcaGXiQw7-kiexiOMbWSn5AYY/s4032/IMG_5185.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSXxasLV8K14isuwmKO3JfpwNmzEzTroxbSo355C1Fl252waQ2tKLiu1CqEY77XtjQJXWwQMBHdMEMqimWOWXRgqXb_TyRN4w2GyK7UzxtWauvOqn5OQmCdTrzteubucd8BWSXiJMeHademBSUu3wAVa5O20amdTA0LpcaGXiQw7-kiexiOMbWSn5AYY/s320/IMG_5185.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-85325524232829183982023-12-04T12:21:00.000-05:002023-12-04T12:21:01.299-05:00It's Dunderhead December........<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_FAaVygLIY4kERpaXLNhTIfTD-WBQU9rP1T-nvEQ0_aGdM7aFDz0UVpjOGRuOQUTm_nYt4Iv-XnA_KwjZC5KsR86aiZuWUFXhEdQazstxjP20UwqAX90xku1umoCFwrPrK3DvrjSboIew2-Lrcwn_sqJzOyozB-6eTfINZsO7NAPT7XuCPyZ1inE8YM/s2367/3FAA2AE3-1CBF-48D0-BFB1-6A893075CBE3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="2367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_FAaVygLIY4kERpaXLNhTIfTD-WBQU9rP1T-nvEQ0_aGdM7aFDz0UVpjOGRuOQUTm_nYt4Iv-XnA_KwjZC5KsR86aiZuWUFXhEdQazstxjP20UwqAX90xku1umoCFwrPrK3DvrjSboIew2-Lrcwn_sqJzOyozB-6eTfINZsO7NAPT7XuCPyZ1inE8YM/s320/3FAA2AE3-1CBF-48D0-BFB1-6A893075CBE3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The indoor pond. Two years ago I invested .15 ea. for 5 goldfish. They did great! Last winter I brought them into the studio to live the cushy life in a 27 gallon black plastic storage container complete with pond plants, snacks and overhead lighting. Unbeknownst to me, I also brought in tiny little pond snails that soon clogged the pump daily and covered the sides of the storage container. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lD1NVohGphQtA5Xj70UUfVqSFZZOdrDmQYCdJT8WbaWy3Nq_NY1RguMBXtVBK5K6DIVzAv8Q9SxWbKDQDD-bVUVCGHFc2t7LAsWBLp6SMNlX40Rn9sR4j9IcEapo5zww57vZT5fzKF58kt3t4jjz7foUW8jfX_wMifsXRhzR_1hBOFHMISxbOe-DduU/s3780/97D3E432-FA6D-4629-98E2-7E7628B23195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lD1NVohGphQtA5Xj70UUfVqSFZZOdrDmQYCdJT8WbaWy3Nq_NY1RguMBXtVBK5K6DIVzAv8Q9SxWbKDQDD-bVUVCGHFc2t7LAsWBLp6SMNlX40Rn9sR4j9IcEapo5zww57vZT5fzKF58kt3t4jjz7foUW8jfX_wMifsXRhzR_1hBOFHMISxbOe-DduU/s320/97D3E432-FA6D-4629-98E2-7E7628B23195.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fish didn't seem to mind. Then merriment ensued and I found three fish had hurled themselves out of the container and onto the concrete floor, leaving me with two robust gold fish that seemed to get along just fine. Spring arrived and they were unceremoniously dumped in the patio pond for another steamy summer. They lived through the pond snakes, raccoons and me cooling my feet off on the hottest days. They got bigger and bigger and I gave them names; Ralph and Ed (from the show The Honeymooners.... I am that old!) They became part of my morning ritual: walk the dog, feed the dog, pick up dog poop, put the chicken feed out, visit with the chickens while I tossed them scratch grains, collect the trail cam video and feed the fish. Then I could sit down, have coffee and watch the nightly carnage in the garden from my four legged neighbors off the trail cam footage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did not have any trouble catching the fish in the pond last year, none, zero! They didn't exactly jump into my bucket but it went pretty well. This year they revolted! And this year I had a coupon for nice glass aquarium we could put in the back room, an indoor pond. I spent a rainy cold day on my hands and knees trying to catch two fish for over an hour and it was not going well! I walked in the house defeated; fine, I'll just save my water hyacinths....... but the fish! It's an ecosystem in that little pond. I transferred 18 gallons of water to the tank and a few unfrozen plants. I had coffee and realized, the indoor pond really needed a of couple fish. The smart thing to do would be to trot back up to Pet Supplies and buy two more fish but then that would mean I would need to dig another pond because my two thug fish would eat them or chase them around the pond until that passed out and drown or offer them up to the raccoons. I just needed to buck up and catch these fish! I stood there looking at the two renegades swimming around flipping me the fin and then I had a moment of clarity; just empty the pond! You have 250 gallons sitting in the rain barrels, it needs to be drained for winter storage, just drain all that rain water into the pond..... after you catch the fish! Genius! I thought I'd just pump out the water into the garden. This will be a breeze. Alas, it was so damn cold the hose was like moving concrete so I got the heat gun out and warmed it enough to bend it toward the garden. But still so stiff I dismantled the waterfall to get to the hose. So many rocks, so many big rocks but finally the pumping began. It's a small pond but it's a deep pond. I dug out this pond by hand and Rachael helped me haul and lay the stone. I'm not sure how we did this because the pump was still pumping an hour later. Well the hose had hose memory and was slowly recoiling and pumping half the water back in the pond. Put a rock on the recalcitrant hose and went in for a re-fueling of caffeine and dry coat. Came back out to the deep end still full of water and the pump sucking air at the other end. Coffee down and start bailing. I bailed and bailed and due to weather conditions I left my body and just aimlessly tossed water into the garden. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of gold and white. RALPH, OMG, so sorry! Scooped him up from under the salvia and ran him in the house, plopping him in the tank. He was a bit stunned but I was so happy! One down and one to go. I kept bailing, I bailed like a an idiot trying to put out a forest fire with a teaspoon of water and no large orange fish.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I bailed all the way down to the muck at the bottom where I found my big frog wintering. Oh so sorry! At this point I realized I am no longer helping! </div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26sE8d4mEF-Ilbwj6Woztwh6r8hbakYVrvFs65lnX_CAGHjh0RPuq9O5Sy3v8myGOicBQedqgZL1KCRSAXeI69PoPJH8Q46OvpvzOE2PEGzn3AiVGG8VYArS8FtTq_Lcu8uaopnHfAAJxCEiIYKldwr0dlP65Ec_psQoyx7_QsZ7TM4VzHo0fTDhX8II/s1667/IMG_5169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26sE8d4mEF-Ilbwj6Woztwh6r8hbakYVrvFs65lnX_CAGHjh0RPuq9O5Sy3v8myGOicBQedqgZL1KCRSAXeI69PoPJH8Q46OvpvzOE2PEGzn3AiVGG8VYArS8FtTq_Lcu8uaopnHfAAJxCEiIYKldwr0dlP65Ec_psQoyx7_QsZ7TM4VzHo0fTDhX8II/s320/IMG_5169.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I need a kayak to get across the patio.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw0CXQgIFGoBHfVYUtLmXXAAuso6hqCDhDTNzuJT9Q0vsDS_4CfJ63EEVU7EsQA121nNSmJVELH0sNFUnrHc5FWnlU03BjijT7q_QraeBGZv9vuBat_DzECQFJs9SWri0XiIqVK6oFvD7uMSZcdJlh9687hbA6jXLntJn4R9S1MhATEX1OFFavY5E7bs/s1740/IMG_5170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1740" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw0CXQgIFGoBHfVYUtLmXXAAuso6hqCDhDTNzuJT9Q0vsDS_4CfJ63EEVU7EsQA121nNSmJVELH0sNFUnrHc5FWnlU03BjijT7q_QraeBGZv9vuBat_DzECQFJs9SWri0XiIqVK6oFvD7uMSZcdJlh9687hbA6jXLntJn4R9S1MhATEX1OFFavY5E7bs/s320/IMG_5170.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am now down to pond sludge and there is no big bright orange fish. Is he wearing the cloak of invisibility? Where is that stupid orange fish? There is no water left in the pond, the frog looks pissed. I scooped all the sludge and leaves out of the pond and took the offending ick back to the compost pile, where the chickens jumped on it! Seriously Ick! But nothing can go through dirt and debris like a chicken so I stood back and thought for sure they'd unearth Ed; I would jump in and save him just before a chicken decided Ed was lunch. No fish..... Back to the pond and ripped out all the salvia and alyssum, nothing. OMG did he fall between the stones while I was madly bailing? I disassembled the pond stones; outside and inside! No fish! I got the the squeegee and started moving water off the patio thinking I would see a gold flash. No gold flash, no fish..... By now I sat on the pile of cold stones and decided the I had failed the .15 fish from Pet Supplies and Ralph would just have a very lonely winter. I looked around the patio and had so many tools out; a heat gun, rakes (yes, more than one) and buckets, it was carnage. By day three Ralph was doing just fine. I sent off a prayer of Godspeed to the giant heavenly pond above and wished Ed well on his next journey while I apologized profusely. I put the stones back, hooked up the pump, re-assembled the waterfall and drained the rain barrels into the pond. I went in the warm house dejected, my hands were bruised, bleeding and cold, I dried off and warmed up with hot tea and a cookie. What a stupid day! I had been out there from 10:30 am to 3:45 pm trying to catch a fish who clearly did not want to be caught..... fine! But it had made me a little crazy as you can see by the last hour of the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh Dear! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDoihLjPqG8-yY1ytay6a1gdC48-Qzf0aM1IspgRwM4lpUKIG2wDF3R2AAC2_N-MVhY6IaxniNJB0XrX3_bJBT6DbzXjQSRxfD2mROGYGP3SEKB_uR-CM5jiRdie6WKk3gJfgP2HSQhFr5LhcNQfrsQNed_l3MzAxm0PAswKW3woH18JkeuLSls1eV14/s1677/IMG_5172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1677" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDoihLjPqG8-yY1ytay6a1gdC48-Qzf0aM1IspgRwM4lpUKIG2wDF3R2AAC2_N-MVhY6IaxniNJB0XrX3_bJBT6DbzXjQSRxfD2mROGYGP3SEKB_uR-CM5jiRdie6WKk3gJfgP2HSQhFr5LhcNQfrsQNed_l3MzAxm0PAswKW3woH18JkeuLSls1eV14/s320/IMG_5172.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm making peace with this, have another cookie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butch rolled in after dark (Noon around here these days or so it seems) and said I only see one fish in the pond. WHAT?!!! I grabbed the flashlight and peered into the murky darkness of the pond and there at the bottom of the pond was that gold flash I had been looking for, everywhere! ED LIVES! Ok where the hell was he? I took out big rocks, small rocks, muck, his buddy the frog! Fine, I'll catch you tomorrow. I was so happy! I have been trying for a week to catch this stupid fish! It has made me crazy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have not put the interior rocks back and yet he still finds places to hide or squish into where I can't get to him. I changed his name to Trump; he is orange, fat and slippery as hell! So this fish might be wintering in the depths of pond, I might calling the pond Mar-a-lago, there is enough muck and sludge still remaining and apparently a few secret hiding places and I really don't care. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile speaking of big and fat and orange....... this showed up in the rain. Rufus the neighborhood cat. He has a lovely family but they needed to escape for a couple days, but the other neighbor takes really good care of him, lets him out, feeds him, spends time with his little brother and leaves the garage door cracked so he can get out of the rain and cold. He has a very cushy life but he stands by my back door crying and I am such a push over and I am so allergic to cats but I just love them so I let him in.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxcRTEbYcbXg5Eiwmrs09LjYm_kLJ6ueD6l9ZB3Hf_comqpJ8QRItL4NrSFn_AjKdWdOhF_hE6G3wKaIuXblB48Hj7h1Z2hSdRljMjN8YU7igYZDVBeqPyLd5sA9WFHKzsKYnskAfnS89aanr2zjdKxnf-HMVJSLTgZ_Xx8K47OfhO13aUCK7soogFJU/s4032/IMG_5126.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxcRTEbYcbXg5Eiwmrs09LjYm_kLJ6ueD6l9ZB3Hf_comqpJ8QRItL4NrSFn_AjKdWdOhF_hE6G3wKaIuXblB48Hj7h1Z2hSdRljMjN8YU7igYZDVBeqPyLd5sA9WFHKzsKYnskAfnS89aanr2zjdKxnf-HMVJSLTgZ_Xx8K47OfhO13aUCK7soogFJU/s320/IMG_5126.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it escalated quickly...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkksi46bwgZixztTaHmJJCasUs7I6mI3O2UxeihB4nJzY9FygRVgfZwwB_x6fApJept3jMW6UCiWBGP6dJJKiM7uEa2BIAcMyzVUY4_q6hyphenhyphenjbAXWskcTQdl6uKlznZtkV-h0fjzdFH3oWgT0TTO6kcUYyKzZiX600mLvojz_PuFWOkpNzKq512sEC8hA/s4032/IMG_5133.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkksi46bwgZixztTaHmJJCasUs7I6mI3O2UxeihB4nJzY9FygRVgfZwwB_x6fApJept3jMW6UCiWBGP6dJJKiM7uEa2BIAcMyzVUY4_q6hyphenhyphenjbAXWskcTQdl6uKlznZtkV-h0fjzdFH3oWgT0TTO6kcUYyKzZiX600mLvojz_PuFWOkpNzKq512sEC8hA/s320/IMG_5133.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then he found Ralph.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-UnTpWtd8_iZ1TTUa5hdwai5psWTNXs96rcXDbiCZe0uJMJV31jFjBsc8gUfihz4xEb8uAYcopgq-30Ap3lrfAl35TYiZr4b-zYqcEXpqdZ2Ulo4DfhtqYoNjan8U71NA7nGcuyXGvVydmQdJKSAOmYXLV4QvOniGqgigqNA2GsS9WLMDXaTxiXL08s/s4032/IMG_5140.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-UnTpWtd8_iZ1TTUa5hdwai5psWTNXs96rcXDbiCZe0uJMJV31jFjBsc8gUfihz4xEb8uAYcopgq-30Ap3lrfAl35TYiZr4b-zYqcEXpqdZ2Ulo4DfhtqYoNjan8U71NA7nGcuyXGvVydmQdJKSAOmYXLV4QvOniGqgigqNA2GsS9WLMDXaTxiXL08s/s320/IMG_5140.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and standing on your hind legs is just too hard so.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L9YaSaXCanb0B6oN6HRezfLVNgL5xhjnpXlYnKNoeStEBMWA6v_3Qh_-n3NxgQd-bclPctYAIoC8RukmmlrJwm6nohAe-fVWqWXPVGpBK-JFFsh1NZmta4r9tQb4EDQBQ9YwouASwgZsp2p54Mc67HKcdUd4mWg0DfiLPgChjOfufuaghyphenhyphenfjYIHXmKo/s4032/IMG_5141.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L9YaSaXCanb0B6oN6HRezfLVNgL5xhjnpXlYnKNoeStEBMWA6v_3Qh_-n3NxgQd-bclPctYAIoC8RukmmlrJwm6nohAe-fVWqWXPVGpBK-JFFsh1NZmta4r9tQb4EDQBQ9YwouASwgZsp2p54Mc67HKcdUd4mWg0DfiLPgChjOfufuaghyphenhyphenfjYIHXmKo/s320/IMG_5141.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and finally......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCappENqmSxRZgcfGkqqXT1S7BLaipQapDtFGEgjLwkNNMJxO333IQyQvbG1l5bQ2IPPz_DlL5G6kAeheJo-mUMg5N9fO7cRN7QdVdfIha_pCYiHtFKGiFMk-vYqaFaNnZFSYMbOPaRhjwSSIm08UNb3br7poDSl1CTwHMiQjCX_UFqLKgOGPmy_NCaI/s4032/IMG_5142.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCappENqmSxRZgcfGkqqXT1S7BLaipQapDtFGEgjLwkNNMJxO333IQyQvbG1l5bQ2IPPz_DlL5G6kAeheJo-mUMg5N9fO7cRN7QdVdfIha_pCYiHtFKGiFMk-vYqaFaNnZFSYMbOPaRhjwSSIm08UNb3br7poDSl1CTwHMiQjCX_UFqLKgOGPmy_NCaI/s320/IMG_5142.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He departed shortly after a nap and a few more snuggles. As he left I had the box of Kleenex under my arm and my red eyes were teary and itchy ..... see ya tomorrow Ru. Took a shower, washed my clothes, washed down the chairs in the back room and vacuumed. Ya, it was worth it π </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its December, let the festivities begin! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL-TBpDmWaavugNO5ZXM8oCwMfnHRqzmUEoJFZfUrUnibCWUKcPd8wTDkDnRjuPjJn5pF6fxwvwbRljnlAn1_cmPhUsH2RB24KXcvvFCUl0OYEm8aKs7tBhdg8mb5HfkEkHHJuVr9VzLVwG0Sv7j2E3zCYPeQgN_59W0gpEDCEW1BYTpejDgnjoG9J5k/s1284/IMG_5114.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1284" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL-TBpDmWaavugNO5ZXM8oCwMfnHRqzmUEoJFZfUrUnibCWUKcPd8wTDkDnRjuPjJn5pF6fxwvwbRljnlAn1_cmPhUsH2RB24KXcvvFCUl0OYEm8aKs7tBhdg8mb5HfkEkHHJuVr9VzLVwG0Sv7j2E3zCYPeQgN_59W0gpEDCEW1BYTpejDgnjoG9J5k/s320/IMG_5114.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-5440626058379984322023-11-08T16:58:00.002-05:002023-11-08T16:58:41.170-05:00Poll Dancer or Pole Dancer?<p style="text-align: center;"> Oh lets start here first......</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYRpRdBttynttAmn8XS3iFK9bwvuDREMLGvPob7lBa6YMj65g48vuysBNPO0fHXg93qXJBj4mn6-B4SZ2zEXaDoUXyhAu2c_lDUhAQziy2XbR5vfAd02iPlCZzhpf2z8xA5jwqG9OZXfToqp7dTQ2rldy0jWQS2CXjaurnFe_p-75RnB8twqxuKeCd8A/s4032/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYRpRdBttynttAmn8XS3iFK9bwvuDREMLGvPob7lBa6YMj65g48vuysBNPO0fHXg93qXJBj4mn6-B4SZ2zEXaDoUXyhAu2c_lDUhAQziy2XbR5vfAd02iPlCZzhpf2z8xA5jwqG9OZXfToqp7dTQ2rldy0jWQS2CXjaurnFe_p-75RnB8twqxuKeCd8A/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a poll worker for the state of Ohio and yesterday was election day. The poll I work at is in a small town, 10 minutes from my house. A town you drive through to get somewhere else; the beach, a restaurant, a leg of the Buckeye Trail or boat storage/marina/yacht club. They have one stop sign and a couple cops who watch it like a hawk! It's a quiet town, nothing much goes on in this town; I love the post office because it's very small and during the holidays they put out homemade cookies or muffins. There are two employees but they get you in and out the door, they smile the entire time and I love it! So when I was assigned to the poll in this sleepy little town I was delighted! This was my 4th election; the presidential election, a May election, a special election in August and the election yesterday. I have been to every training session. The last training session I walked away seriously thinking I did not want to work this election due to two issues on the ballot. Issue One (abortion) and Issue Two (legalize marijuana). Honestly the issues were not the issue; the way the issues were worded on the ballot was a big issue! They were long, involved and very tricky with the wording. If you did not pre-read the issues before you walked up to the voting machine there could be a few problems and there were! The machines would time out after 5 minutes if you didn't touch the screen or if you got frustrated and hit cancel, shutting the voting machine down. Then you needed the secret code and had to get the ballot out of the machine. And save that ballot because each ballot cost .30 per ballot and the BOE is on a very tight budget! We were warned! Of course people didn't read the issues pre-voting. Ten minutes into our voting day 2 of our 4 machines shut down. It was going to be a day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Money flooded in from outside and inside sources for both of these issues. My house phone and cell phone rang constantly, our mailbox was stuffed full, you couldn't get through anything broadcast or streamed without being bombarded by both sides of both issues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AND YET! There were still voters who stood at the ballot in agony, finally flagging down one of the poll workers; "Um what exactly does this say?" (on both issues). "Sorry we can't help you with that, we can only help with the machines and checking you in. The issues are posted over on the wall if you would like to go over read them." Nope! Not one person with questions took the time. "Can I just leave it blank and vote against the road levy?" Yes, you can. (invisible head slap) One guy showed up and wanted to vote for two mayors and just wouldn't take NO for an answer. He like them both. IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our day starts at 5:30 am, I get up at 4:30 am for chicken and dog duty and make gallons of coffee to last until 8:30 pm. I pack a lunch, dinner, snacks and water. I'm out the door and reporting for duty by 5:30 am. We hang the signs, take the oath of office, turn on all the equipment, log security tags, cross check each other as there needs to be a Democrat and Republican doing each task, everything is checked and double checked. If you have ever worried about the security of an election go spend some time as a poll worker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We keep the campaigners 100 feet away from the doors. Yesterday we had an overly aggressive literature tyrant, who just would not back down after several encounters with our big burly poll rovers (guys who spend the day driving from poll to poll to make sure everything is moving along as it should). Finally the Sheriff's dept. was called to action and the guy left but yelling; "I used to work for the board of elections and I am calling your supervisor!" So much drama!! Why didn't they just call the guy who was on the flyers, the guy running for township trustee and say: Hey, you have a jerk out here and here is what he's doing and wow is he costing you votes! Hmmmmm....... would that work? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The polls open at 6:30 am, there are alway the early birds who are knocking on the door at 5:45 am asking to vote. Come back later.... and it's always a guy, why is that? When the doors finally open at 6:30 am we had a line. People headed to work, the place smells like soap and clean clothes. People are patient and friendly. Even when two of our machines went down 30 minutes into voting. Our VLM (voting location manager) is awesome and got everything running again. We only had 4 machines. This group was mostly men. At 8:00 am I looked up and we had a line of women, 100%! They were all headed to work, chatting, reading the ballot samples, had their ID's out and voted quickly. Not one machine timed out or canceled off. Well Done. 10:30 am the brunch crowd shows up; white haired, retired, taking it slow and telling me; "Honey, I have all the time in the world". Some funny and engaged, others lugging an oxygen tank and wheelchairs. I thought somebody might have parked The Sunshine Bus Tour outside. One grey haired guy with two canes, full of piss and vinegar just wanted to know where the voting machine was as he was only voting on Issue One (abortion). Seriously? Sir you are 90 years old and you're worried about my uterus? Could you even find one on an anatomical map? The lunch crowd was dashing in on their lunch break. The afternoon crowd was the best. Again the grey haired regatta blew in but then we had a guy who reeked of pot and I was high just getting him to the voting machine. You guessed it, I only wanna vote on one thing, will my ballot still count? Yes, it will just hit print when you're finished. He thanked me kindly and carried on. Then there was the drunk guy who seemed fine but I don't think I'd light a match standing next to him. He wife waited patiently for him at the door. The grey haired gang of four, all wearing the T-shirt stating; "We the People...... are Pissed Off", alas they were friendly and jovial. The woman who coughed the death cough from the time she walked in the door. She coughed all over the machine, she coughed while I explained how the machine worked, she coughed while she put her ballot in the ballot box and just as her hand was on the door, she turned around and asked; "Does anyone have any hand sanitizer?" Lady I am going to use it to bathe in and then hose down your voting machine! The 3:30 - 6:30 pm crowd had come from work. For the most part hard working people who do physical labor; men and woman. Postal workers, UPS drivers, CarMax delivery guy, mechanics who didn't have time to wash up and they voted! They stood in line and waited to vote. We stayed busy the entire day. The last guy came in with a broke ankle on a scooter at 7:26 pm and finished voting at 7:30 pm. The VLM said: Lock the Door! It was over, we made it. We six woman looked at each other and said lets' pack this place up! Our numbers need to tally out, provisional ballots counted and locked, machines broken down, signage pulled down and ready for the next election. Everything sealed and tagged and logged by two people of opposing parties or an independent. One gal counted the ballots 6 times and finally said; We can't do math after a day like this, I'm so tired! But we made it work; everything was bagged, tagged, put away and loaded into the VLM's car and taken to the board of elections. Someone from the opposing party must accompany the VLM to the Board of Elections and the was me. Alas it was on my way home. I ate my lunch and dinner salad at 9:00 pm and walked Kirby. Butch had been driving back and forth to take of Kirby so I could work the polls. I watched the the results roll in....... Ohio you rocked it last night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will forever remember the Mom's bringing in their daughters and showing them how to vote. The little girls in pink tulle, twirling around their Mom while she voted wearing her Women Rights t-shirt. The Dad who brought his teenage daughter in and voted and showed her how to vote because she would be voting in 4 years and explaining to her how important it was to vote. The elderly who come out to vote because it's a social experience This is America folks and it is important! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To everyone who worked and everyone who voted....... I am humbled and thankful and tired today! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and now back to my regularly scheduled pole work....... post hole digging fencing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6eNKzdFxXHzKoEt9JIl6Vk60qqYfaB0y-0sB4-p6nJcAaOYtqTxzoxAKQg0NJ2FMlR0Ju1Vgw7PKRulFb6ctc3CknmFARyMgUO0bWap689Ci6eYPbbjRKRQ8hEpf_6qPfTzoDfnkB8tpDqdTjqvlV-rmN57f4tbaTgLFYXI-dFrsdDDbuvMSrSUzC9Y/s4032/72099252699__BFE47B0F-E8C9-4E0F-A585-F85206934EAC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6eNKzdFxXHzKoEt9JIl6Vk60qqYfaB0y-0sB4-p6nJcAaOYtqTxzoxAKQg0NJ2FMlR0Ju1Vgw7PKRulFb6ctc3CknmFARyMgUO0bWap689Ci6eYPbbjRKRQ8hEpf_6qPfTzoDfnkB8tpDqdTjqvlV-rmN57f4tbaTgLFYXI-dFrsdDDbuvMSrSUzC9Y/s320/72099252699__BFE47B0F-E8C9-4E0F-A585-F85206934EAC.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3mRCk_eKRBlqf2MUM4NypHf6D8U2GzL9biuV9f4ygderLVx2xsiQQ6j5dSclliy2QhAgRUV3u2LvRPrH-qJ_VwL2Vq-OI8sA4xOFCPuJLz-qhrakiRaRVF5m2k1xLo-8MBivUOKN6OiuBoOrqHUwfejVJjz_n7eeSGdpy3oY54pV192Q1Rv_l7sS8EA/s1800/FBA04AFA-4568-4CAA-837D-1C82235D463F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3mRCk_eKRBlqf2MUM4NypHf6D8U2GzL9biuV9f4ygderLVx2xsiQQ6j5dSclliy2QhAgRUV3u2LvRPrH-qJ_VwL2Vq-OI8sA4xOFCPuJLz-qhrakiRaRVF5m2k1xLo-8MBivUOKN6OiuBoOrqHUwfejVJjz_n7eeSGdpy3oY54pV192Q1Rv_l7sS8EA/s320/FBA04AFA-4568-4CAA-837D-1C82235D463F.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-66552392528122088892023-11-03T16:11:00.001-04:002023-11-03T16:15:29.382-04:00Canning season is a wrap for 2023! <p> Well is it ever really over? No sooner did I print out my master list than I realized I hadn't made enough jams or jellies, pickled carrots were missing and a new recipe for chicken pot pie filling. But I am out of jars, but they are on sale at Walmart! The majority of the work is done and I can fill in on rainy snowy days. There are 30 pounds of strawberries, 10 pounds of rhubarb and 30 pounds of blueberries waiting for me in the freezer. The garden is pretty much done. The freezer is stocked, the shelves are groaning with overload and I just got back from an over due hike! I am stupid happy at the moment! I love food preservation, everything about it! The gardening, the putting up everything in sight. We get this over abundance of everything from May-June thru the end of Thanksgiving and I am here for the party! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLcaKHoiTjux8g5JUI3rmgAGjiXzauj53A9KDw9AG43-05P5U5z-wnJyXmnjKWWTgbDuoE1mQDTW521PtWeyJiIRy4nMsGRdbTTaZyRY6lVMnsUezGaWl2imuH2iqAAaHkV81miVC1tmZANbhNOPKYTy6q_Sde5SoRHPKJ69aKzIuHIVUCNTkIGXT90g/s1681/60248D7B-681A-44D4-A625-2D499788C849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLcaKHoiTjux8g5JUI3rmgAGjiXzauj53A9KDw9AG43-05P5U5z-wnJyXmnjKWWTgbDuoE1mQDTW521PtWeyJiIRy4nMsGRdbTTaZyRY6lVMnsUezGaWl2imuH2iqAAaHkV81miVC1tmZANbhNOPKYTy6q_Sde5SoRHPKJ69aKzIuHIVUCNTkIGXT90g/s320/60248D7B-681A-44D4-A625-2D499788C849.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgtP2l1QR-HZWYK9lnH2jZu2r8SzU189Ip-3XENxYEvhaNTIrkXJsuf2Qb2GX1_MwkGIHlVADcOgLUaUuKHAHmtBpfWhAZH2QVBzqB4q_j1TAFPiImVD9Ugq9Zl8eiVEuHGPc4CaT12UviLDG_e7A75P-9rY1IVYIqcs7SObNvy1v4DaGgWoRVmrzCZI/s1674/43D5F1D3-980E-4E67-8CCC-DC7DF69C044E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgtP2l1QR-HZWYK9lnH2jZu2r8SzU189Ip-3XENxYEvhaNTIrkXJsuf2Qb2GX1_MwkGIHlVADcOgLUaUuKHAHmtBpfWhAZH2QVBzqB4q_j1TAFPiImVD9Ugq9Zl8eiVEuHGPc4CaT12UviLDG_e7A75P-9rY1IVYIqcs7SObNvy1v4DaGgWoRVmrzCZI/s320/43D5F1D3-980E-4E67-8CCC-DC7DF69C044E.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought new canning books this year, I attended a canning class in PA and learned about low temperature pasteurization for crunchy pickles and steam canning, I bought a steam canner. I love the steam canner. It's game changer! It saves water and time! Lugging that big pot of boiling water from the sink to the stove was no picnic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1GNlnB10EyTeItqc_rZXffWXaQivGdoPCG9fsgIG2JXXl5VRcAO4nw6aGf9pctHjDbnHkZsKR3t95IfvgriGDXj-ciTJW7YzLeW6KRfgDtVSVYzJpuKw2Fr0MlljdwrGPVmMoO4ebrnIn9t4LQF0MzaKY2QZincccGwceuxNLTnTqNOUSwttoVqtCXM/s4032/IMG_4733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1GNlnB10EyTeItqc_rZXffWXaQivGdoPCG9fsgIG2JXXl5VRcAO4nw6aGf9pctHjDbnHkZsKR3t95IfvgriGDXj-ciTJW7YzLeW6KRfgDtVSVYzJpuKw2Fr0MlljdwrGPVmMoO4ebrnIn9t4LQF0MzaKY2QZincccGwceuxNLTnTqNOUSwttoVqtCXM/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZJ_Knj4Mnar-0dHoLJOOuvjnLCZNgkHu0mbhX_PE9mr_NOwfk269J6zC99R-2J3bzqM6IHRQaFh4twL6c_LReb13GYVoWs21tq6LJW5T2lXBz9C1A0zD0YP4w__zUzjjMtHMlgspv-hdLW5zt7Wj4HHSxhE9RcU75vKH_70mpicGlK82GjFTnuv6BLI/s4032/IMG_4732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZJ_Knj4Mnar-0dHoLJOOuvjnLCZNgkHu0mbhX_PE9mr_NOwfk269J6zC99R-2J3bzqM6IHRQaFh4twL6c_LReb13GYVoWs21tq6LJW5T2lXBz9C1A0zD0YP4w__zUzjjMtHMlgspv-hdLW5zt7Wj4HHSxhE9RcU75vKH_70mpicGlK82GjFTnuv6BLI/s320/IMG_4732.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a bang'n pepper crop this year so I stuffed peppers and froze them. I also bought a lot of chicken on sale. I did the math. This is the math they don't teach you in school. Was I really saving money? I already had the jars and most of the lids I would need this year. Supplementing my garden produce from local farmers was a win and I love that relationship! Who doesn't love a farmer? I stayed out of the grocery stores all summer! I didn't miss them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did not need to buy any peppers this year, so I started stuffing. I also chopped and froze in bags.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhsT4n3_XIVfp6VIuf85o3YENEbAMimakQuanw4Uagn6LllR-yqH4XlzVBdj8RbHljDdjDgyCv40UH0ks6Pw4KQ-LwwPDCt2m8r2SF2bi_qjMByl9XHq17LF32YrvEdgxlnRO9802w3n7WgLM7-Zeu2QBvKHYAcH0GYGeya1zCg9Dswbj3EXUYB8vDkI/s4032/IMG_4829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhsT4n3_XIVfp6VIuf85o3YENEbAMimakQuanw4Uagn6LllR-yqH4XlzVBdj8RbHljDdjDgyCv40UH0ks6Pw4KQ-LwwPDCt2m8r2SF2bi_qjMByl9XHq17LF32YrvEdgxlnRO9802w3n7WgLM7-Zeu2QBvKHYAcH0GYGeya1zCg9Dswbj3EXUYB8vDkI/s320/IMG_4829.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This was the left over stuffing mix that can go into acorn squash or zucchini or anything I feel like stuffing this winter. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrWXxAixSnhMoDW0UjrJK3VBl9k44qEdgXaXSxNmYU-SWZIPEQObkOSRJ_iYiaUtlDoDeoAiNryw8zS058ipU3MgM7dXx4QpvUZotwqPuGy8hrRg3CJZuwjhqYkdmO6tfgObzCrGjatTMPzsLag6T3EqjRU3ss_fZxuxWSF29zgj0Z1DmTMnPXoAju4s/s4032/IMG_4832.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrWXxAixSnhMoDW0UjrJK3VBl9k44qEdgXaXSxNmYU-SWZIPEQObkOSRJ_iYiaUtlDoDeoAiNryw8zS058ipU3MgM7dXx4QpvUZotwqPuGy8hrRg3CJZuwjhqYkdmO6tfgObzCrGjatTMPzsLag6T3EqjRU3ss_fZxuxWSF29zgj0Z1DmTMnPXoAju4s/s320/IMG_4832.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chicken bought on sale from my favorite butcher in Middlefield. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL2q4ZHKGnTsUIJwgrByLEcvu_rr_xoncI8Y391rQ6Hp0JjBXxkpioLD0C6FdJC04Cj9B01uFBAoZBuw7Ky7PCXQNQJhysLkbEToCeEq7TVe_2W4dg56fuopciq_FDOwGxwNYPq9zo_enDHIRL7A8q8eLuf_4zW9jjT9f5yriIGHWEhH6xdtYAgQ2Awc/s4032/IMG_4831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL2q4ZHKGnTsUIJwgrByLEcvu_rr_xoncI8Y391rQ6Hp0JjBXxkpioLD0C6FdJC04Cj9B01uFBAoZBuw7Ky7PCXQNQJhysLkbEToCeEq7TVe_2W4dg56fuopciq_FDOwGxwNYPq9zo_enDHIRL7A8q8eLuf_4zW9jjT9f5yriIGHWEhH6xdtYAgQ2Awc/s320/IMG_4831.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuffed peppers in the freezer waiting to be bagged and tagged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stuffed with Italian sweet sausage, brown rice, mushrooms, a bit of cheese (from the Middlefield Coop and its grass fed!) and onions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bake them in 375F oven topped with canned pasta sauce I have stashed in the basement. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsnjXHcssTbjPCnU6ryhWY3zsaHPL-EyHcRItSHTmo79KPT3B2hWufdDd8J2cxjOxCh_YroQNaaTnwyA1ohSCn3J1m9KlSmR0H_qyjcIK8IRAT3VU1LZUNP9MOyfOaAm9ZSwFM3k9r0hsejKE61Nt7LGROcxceP1YJ-vI0va_6eZXOtcbLKgXOQzIF1k/s4032/IMG_4830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsnjXHcssTbjPCnU6ryhWY3zsaHPL-EyHcRItSHTmo79KPT3B2hWufdDd8J2cxjOxCh_YroQNaaTnwyA1ohSCn3J1m9KlSmR0H_qyjcIK8IRAT3VU1LZUNP9MOyfOaAm9ZSwFM3k9r0hsejKE61Nt7LGROcxceP1YJ-vI0va_6eZXOtcbLKgXOQzIF1k/s320/IMG_4830.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is kitchen math! $1.24 per person per meal for 20-21 meals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winner winner chicken dinner! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW6IVi0_FnOX39hg9Xn6yPAmiZmkfIBHlNOPX2U8NzRW7uqDX_xYKRinRC-RRWLs24AbplKtZTNA9U2ay8bDEaO3xEiSQP_GC40YX5HMfWM6VGhnOSMV79nof5WAKQ4v_rplaVLTyX-YeRRjKBgrGA6VIVAtTYboCH65XpkMaIl__BUTfsut5pXKnK4I/s4032/72003731354__3A790823-17B4-4351-A048-C36C80B2FC0C.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW6IVi0_FnOX39hg9Xn6yPAmiZmkfIBHlNOPX2U8NzRW7uqDX_xYKRinRC-RRWLs24AbplKtZTNA9U2ay8bDEaO3xEiSQP_GC40YX5HMfWM6VGhnOSMV79nof5WAKQ4v_rplaVLTyX-YeRRjKBgrGA6VIVAtTYboCH65XpkMaIl__BUTfsut5pXKnK4I/s320/72003731354__3A790823-17B4-4351-A048-C36C80B2FC0C.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I currently stand at 476 jars in the basement and the pesto, tomato pesto, blueberry curd and garlic scape pesto in the freezer puts me in at over 500 jars. That really should hold us for quite awhile! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RaJiYse2udblXD_JPoe-fjKVSZMlKjSQYZ0_0C7uUdaVlOQhZ0p-crxuEsy6Wfr6m1doZcmPYaiQFzwSbXyOva89-7lOdgq2DvYJvWa1xrqWbkW6mVf09CMNxf8fnfrcoBE0LeFOamEs6fWDf1UB-53-2dMULPH2rzxYEN9JlBpCQS09tsiOKqslLvk/s848/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%204.13.25%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RaJiYse2udblXD_JPoe-fjKVSZMlKjSQYZ0_0C7uUdaVlOQhZ0p-crxuEsy6Wfr6m1doZcmPYaiQFzwSbXyOva89-7lOdgq2DvYJvWa1xrqWbkW6mVf09CMNxf8fnfrcoBE0LeFOamEs6fWDf1UB-53-2dMULPH2rzxYEN9JlBpCQS09tsiOKqslLvk/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%204.13.25%20PM.png" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFQa5HsEttVbm4x-96E3_eCmmzHmW2MC_C6x06d8nJT03l9jzLholnLAgKO6rX8mNBVSj-Dsu0zteyMvo_8_8CMkC8tiF9G7ndKaAKC2SCIsE_dkA8DGU-XQpzOAyW2mQ-mrjXjHWPjVsfkxTfXl6meUi-kaY8OiBCveG87IiOoEaH2yWGLklk7VrzU4/s858/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%204.14.14%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFQa5HsEttVbm4x-96E3_eCmmzHmW2MC_C6x06d8nJT03l9jzLholnLAgKO6rX8mNBVSj-Dsu0zteyMvo_8_8CMkC8tiF9G7ndKaAKC2SCIsE_dkA8DGU-XQpzOAyW2mQ-mrjXjHWPjVsfkxTfXl6meUi-kaY8OiBCveG87IiOoEaH2yWGLklk7VrzU4/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%204.14.14%20PM.png" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">November 3rd, canning is over. I also finished up my last show of the season and should be making a few pots but then this happened and yes I am so old ....... but after buying fishing licenses my entire life this was awesome! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwx4PE2PGHUDPQjHqEt2VSn8UJutjrJ7hFfMwVvitpa1R7OpuUj5EqUTyI50Uu7WyI6Zg29MUxp9ec937_a-bKpk3XubQCDWRINwtshtyrjrG2H4O9P38WoZ0rW9yIv7OuCCSNF2uf-3YrBP419l3929MCTDRIxDMJzFdAmsF4H-83_fBUhCdl8Y6B08/s1936/IMG_4935.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwx4PE2PGHUDPQjHqEt2VSn8UJutjrJ7hFfMwVvitpa1R7OpuUj5EqUTyI50Uu7WyI6Zg29MUxp9ec937_a-bKpk3XubQCDWRINwtshtyrjrG2H4O9P38WoZ0rW9yIv7OuCCSNF2uf-3YrBP419l3929MCTDRIxDMJzFdAmsF4H-83_fBUhCdl8Y6B08/s320/IMG_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I am that old! I finally have my lifetime fishing license! Pick up the gear and go! I have a few other things I have been missing too so those pots are just going to have to wait.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I am walking down to the polls to vote as I will be working the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7th. We start at 5:30 am and close around 8:30 pm. It's a very long day but we need people to work the polls and we sure need everybody to vote. If you live in Ohio read the issues before you head to the polls because they sure didn't make it easy this time! There are levies and school board candidates and new council people and charter amendments and and and. Oh if you stand there reading this stuff at the voting machine, just a heads up, the machines shut off if you don't vote within 5 minutes. Ya, I think this one might be a nightmare election in Ohio...... and don't get mad and storm off, your vote counts! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-17147138342674011412023-10-30T21:11:00.002-04:002023-10-30T21:11:36.409-04:00Coming up for air.......<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RqSFGRbIzBL7QG_oNjERBH266Caa2OrLcjV0vzDEvPv3z-oKb1nrOWYUMrc5q_5FEeE-OOx_aqdQ6OphCfl_SEfO1e1HAmvSnHy_yrknWDKEaS9UsiojVdZLhDA84kjRFsikOx9EzMuW85LIr1JHVSIt7JSGqdCu4IIvH1dbvttGEJTTId53e_ibw-E/s3827/IMG_4822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3827" data-original-width="2870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RqSFGRbIzBL7QG_oNjERBH266Caa2OrLcjV0vzDEvPv3z-oKb1nrOWYUMrc5q_5FEeE-OOx_aqdQ6OphCfl_SEfO1e1HAmvSnHy_yrknWDKEaS9UsiojVdZLhDA84kjRFsikOx9EzMuW85LIr1JHVSIt7JSGqdCu4IIvH1dbvttGEJTTId53e_ibw-E/s320/IMG_4822.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year has just flown and wading through the golden leaves from the norway maple on the way out to check on the chickens this morning I am reminded, Fall has arrived. Change is forever on the move here in Northeastern Ohio. The weather patterns have been inconsistent but the last three days we have been living the dream of 70F degree days and gentle winds. My biggest show of the year is over and I have had time to lick my wounds over this grueling 5 day show. Time to fish again, time to hike again, time to just watch the leaves fall. Time to realize I am slowing down...... I guess I have entered my Fall years too :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am walking, wading and reflecting and deciding where my next steps will take me. I made a list of the things I love and make me feel like I'm 12 years old again...... Oh glorious 12 years old! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time to take off your shoes, roll up your pant legs and wade the rocky bottom of the river, flipping small rocks over with your toes hoping something swims away. Oh how I miss that 12 year old and now there is nobody to call you home before the street lights go on so you can stay as long as you want; until your feet are blue and toes are numb but still you stand in the river because there is just no better place and geese fly over so low the breeze caresses your top your head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been sitting at a wheel spinning pots for over 40 years and have missed so many Falls and late Summers as shows and galleries are relentless this time of year. Not this year! This year I am fishing, canning and gardening. The house is winning and there are so many repairs that need addressed before the snow flies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been busy with shows this year and a trip to Alaska sparked my wild woman outside spirit! Sleep in the back of pick up trucks, fish till you can't hold the rod and eat whatever your hand touches ( a cold reindeer sausage) in the cooler because you rolled in after dark, very hangry and very tired and you get up the next morning and can't wait to do it again! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXhTHYorEFrbOLPtS3pZZ6f9juHV5eeSQK95okIku-sXGA6CTBRyg81MeYlJ_uja0ATEOc_eOLPjewEw5FMeF4FGSwTizkS-YHoA5lhELI1y-4bd9tZdeFV3F3BpEe-OnZ24E_2KccmuGU63NALLj25gW75LdKNRw44v67mse5DPEdtAjTj67IaUF3DM/s4032/IMG_7667.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXhTHYorEFrbOLPtS3pZZ6f9juHV5eeSQK95okIku-sXGA6CTBRyg81MeYlJ_uja0ATEOc_eOLPjewEw5FMeF4FGSwTizkS-YHoA5lhELI1y-4bd9tZdeFV3F3BpEe-OnZ24E_2KccmuGU63NALLj25gW75LdKNRw44v67mse5DPEdtAjTj67IaUF3DM/s320/IMG_7667.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHrPtmySjiRJrNZJgPwubMK1650UDrVxE-Po8yBmJyNQv15ADUGjWCmYrX-9Hg-xCVv2o1nGtyCm5TMHSusKAkzLYb4SPF70ieEZioJlYpyWSTmun-CEh6D4IquuX2quJXcdf1zvCRlDVS8kSAAYQPHMk0AtqIdYXGhuFLN7QCrcoBROfhRW210oG2j0/s4032/IMG_7717.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHrPtmySjiRJrNZJgPwubMK1650UDrVxE-Po8yBmJyNQv15ADUGjWCmYrX-9Hg-xCVv2o1nGtyCm5TMHSusKAkzLYb4SPF70ieEZioJlYpyWSTmun-CEh6D4IquuX2quJXcdf1zvCRlDVS8kSAAYQPHMk0AtqIdYXGhuFLN7QCrcoBROfhRW210oG2j0/s320/IMG_7717.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbem3Xr85vybvnivYd0O7BoVdx7C5fR60mybVNs64J6hQMOhH9eNriTe3uHWL8AGKOeuR5F3JTVCl7JTAYDVKCzaaUIG0TtjgvJh27rrzq1HrGDmIhdq-RXALmdDn9n0hg3cxozB5yxkUEq_-ktlq1XnIIUQD__osn9Qdb8UyG5uzK4sg1xQksHBicj4/s11156/IMG_7722.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3816" data-original-width="11156" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbem3Xr85vybvnivYd0O7BoVdx7C5fR60mybVNs64J6hQMOhH9eNriTe3uHWL8AGKOeuR5F3JTVCl7JTAYDVKCzaaUIG0TtjgvJh27rrzq1HrGDmIhdq-RXALmdDn9n0hg3cxozB5yxkUEq_-ktlq1XnIIUQD__osn9Qdb8UyG5uzK4sg1xQksHBicj4/s320/IMG_7722.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowDZseEp8ZPCD5IV9uMQfPY2SkqUWpji9jDVmIPmy7_luu5-Rb0cfPvCGxwNKn7vsnlqXybzDQD5dZA5c5xcmdbwoVu_zUaWNvcVJV80UoEY9LQparVo9v1-iFnH-qPjWS-3gEoz_3aOw9cF1uueZ9YcC0b5yUFDiAQmSxOzmY8cZ65fEQD4bfj3Fruw/s10372/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3692" data-original-width="10372" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowDZseEp8ZPCD5IV9uMQfPY2SkqUWpji9jDVmIPmy7_luu5-Rb0cfPvCGxwNKn7vsnlqXybzDQD5dZA5c5xcmdbwoVu_zUaWNvcVJV80UoEY9LQparVo9v1-iFnH-qPjWS-3gEoz_3aOw9cF1uueZ9YcC0b5yUFDiAQmSxOzmY8cZ65fEQD4bfj3Fruw/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't get to can any thing last year and the basement shelves looked like Old Mother Hubbard lived here. Every jar was empty and the spiders had moved in. In the past I did all the canning and still had time to do shows, I'm definitely slowing down and I'm not happy about it. I'm making life decisions and realized I am on one hell of journey, an adventure to be sure. I will not be potting as much but not closing up the studio. Gardening more, fishing more, commenting under my breath on life's little observations and if I want to take day and just watch the river go by it just might happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLAv2pfFyqz1Ca32dumhJLlYQZXhrVAmqq7iFVn2vDrAfWJz_kjJjwFPCFaiVYu4x2kUpUJpHY-tHWBLnV7Gu7AkO8WilnCxrHbQ0t2qk8B8O7QSfcB3k2sMZoE7wGXkb0Cj8xdnLbXxP2JuMCbbDt5_dMK1cqrsCs-QRLMP76Pk2G9hV0SatNcLi4r4/s4032/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLAv2pfFyqz1Ca32dumhJLlYQZXhrVAmqq7iFVn2vDrAfWJz_kjJjwFPCFaiVYu4x2kUpUJpHY-tHWBLnV7Gu7AkO8WilnCxrHbQ0t2qk8B8O7QSfcB3k2sMZoE7wGXkb0Cj8xdnLbXxP2JuMCbbDt5_dMK1cqrsCs-QRLMP76Pk2G9hV0SatNcLi4r4/s320/IMG_4750.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I miss glaze development. How can you stand in a river, waist deep in crystal clear water, engrossed by the transparency and movement of water and the textures just beneath the surface and not want to race home and start tinkering with chemicals to capture the illusion of water on the surface of a pot. That will never grow old for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or this ......... how do I get this into a glaze? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHzKl7p6JNLpgdL4er2jFd9-1Jfzr8mX_yGlMOVFb07swaBtwU1Iv9N9whlrjcT_thdqXU4iP9Hj1EC1DNaeEdvmAgznTgM6nNawXirsF9MaKoPNk09Zkhg3O36bvx3mptFxPUACkqZGRdnjnyKdXT3fXFN3xpf0HX7p0_jzRwQqbwpZJwkyuK69J2tQ/s4032/IMG_4838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHzKl7p6JNLpgdL4er2jFd9-1Jfzr8mX_yGlMOVFb07swaBtwU1Iv9N9whlrjcT_thdqXU4iP9Hj1EC1DNaeEdvmAgznTgM6nNawXirsF9MaKoPNk09Zkhg3O36bvx3mptFxPUACkqZGRdnjnyKdXT3fXFN3xpf0HX7p0_jzRwQqbwpZJwkyuK69J2tQ/s320/IMG_4838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have time to make cordage, and collect plant material again. I am teaching a weaving class in February! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The basement is full again! More on that in another post but I am over the moon happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have had time to take canning classes on steam canners, gluten free bread baking and making cordage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have time to write again too......... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwYhKDAJAJZ9x9pr-4yx4IiO9ej2-58eG1XPXyBOwTdOTDMzz-Fq-iRiJbIRqo2bS5HKfdf5rH2X3-ogd5pG66AA4OEcQO776j9VP5wNLXEkl3GNVSiHiCmaOF9_akZkFZM7CZiSLeqjLGN54zqmazMtKa7UPCViQA1Pot3BCdy4pjlwPFcVC7SnkOg/s1285/IMG_4019%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwYhKDAJAJZ9x9pr-4yx4IiO9ej2-58eG1XPXyBOwTdOTDMzz-Fq-iRiJbIRqo2bS5HKfdf5rH2X3-ogd5pG66AA4OEcQO776j9VP5wNLXEkl3GNVSiHiCmaOF9_akZkFZM7CZiSLeqjLGN54zqmazMtKa7UPCViQA1Pot3BCdy4pjlwPFcVC7SnkOg/s320/IMG_4019%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-64743524276510398332023-10-27T09:39:00.000-04:002023-10-27T09:39:18.484-04:00Summer living......... <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o_LVswDrinZkEIVUXkzKA36Go5ft7gslBF0qVG-xkafyU1yK60wp1hVO9i8ZgVrnozu2jhBjUVRlusGqx6P4MzfCGiMWIUTHSg6Pplc2rAxImEzDUibRxlcjTzMxEy65dpQtf-x92ln9QhHM5Gcp6rHSnl8FrZh2NlyKk4KP4_IhRel4cABb6Kx4vwE/s1152/IMG_098CDB9F95D2-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1135" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o_LVswDrinZkEIVUXkzKA36Go5ft7gslBF0qVG-xkafyU1yK60wp1hVO9i8ZgVrnozu2jhBjUVRlusGqx6P4MzfCGiMWIUTHSg6Pplc2rAxImEzDUibRxlcjTzMxEy65dpQtf-x92ln9QhHM5Gcp6rHSnl8FrZh2NlyKk4KP4_IhRel4cABb6Kx4vwE/s320/IMG_098CDB9F95D2-1.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The month of May was one long drought and a couple hard freezes but now it's mid July and my underwear has mildew. You just don't get summer until you find yourself swearing and out of breath wrestling on a uni-boob sports bra. I bend over in the garden and there is a rainbow over my butt..... it has been that wet. It is still better than dragging a hose around everyday or watching plants die; I will take the rain! </p><p style="text-align: center;">This small half acre has fed us beyond my wildest dreams. There is cauliflower in the freezer! </p><p style="text-align: center;">All those seeds started in the cold studio in February thrived for the most part. We did have wild weather swings and so many plants couldn't decide what to do so they bolted, biennials should not be going to seed until next year. Swiss Chard and Onions have bolted even though they were started from seed. The plants are telling me they are stressed, especially the onions. I grew a lot of storage onions, placed all over the yard. The only place they didn't bolt was the back garden which is somewhat shady. The onions in full sun bolted, even though watered and mulched. Onions that bolt or go to seed do not store well. What to do with 200 onions I cannot store? Time to start canning stocks, dehydrating, canning with port wine reduction and making a puree with olive oil and tossing it in the freezer. It's a lot of onions to deal with! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NM9k8gpM2KrU1WMr9oaVPM3Ffvwika4dYFwq2MiowrDP8mNjbB-_sXLi2oiL-Bjzp1qRqcV9MekLRx2bml2mj5B7YB2w9Y7FyMvxeb5E94HMPaVrIr-5GtfxoN0AOm9Pfz7xDG9xwS9OdYEP0vqC4Znbq8Aj9FjLj9DTUaZN1CgDlxDQog9hV7h6J4M/s4032/IMG_4015%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NM9k8gpM2KrU1WMr9oaVPM3Ffvwika4dYFwq2MiowrDP8mNjbB-_sXLi2oiL-Bjzp1qRqcV9MekLRx2bml2mj5B7YB2w9Y7FyMvxeb5E94HMPaVrIr-5GtfxoN0AOm9Pfz7xDG9xwS9OdYEP0vqC4Znbq8Aj9FjLj9DTUaZN1CgDlxDQog9hV7h6J4M/s320/IMG_4015%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I grew three varieties: Patterson (long term storage), Blush (long term storage) & Alisa Craig for grilling immediately. Learn to punt! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have eaten so much cole slaw this year as the cabbage was stupendous! Lesson learned from last year, use all the insect netting! Cover everything! It worked! I planted three varieties: Savoy (crinkle leaved & huge), Little Tiara (small & compact), Red Dutch (large & later producer) Hands down the Little Tiara is my favorite. Small tight heads and super sweet. You can plant quite a few in a very small space. Red Dutch is having trouble forming heads but leaves have been good to stir fry. The savoy is a winner and I plant it every year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4t7U45NUVIyT1vlPza8kq2lxuNyKSwKNL1xgPC4HvY-l3UMSDWJ--oUrPfv3oDAxQ-nIKfvgh7AgMPHEBe1lxzXkNlF8VE2WZz5950jvPIXOHJJAko5k3BEBVsRMPOXOtrBoBA9o77Qc0wOGFyfwB8cyYDkc_BpuJ2oaKlOfpORFPUlOfDIPvHB9ywk/s4032/IMG_3910%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4t7U45NUVIyT1vlPza8kq2lxuNyKSwKNL1xgPC4HvY-l3UMSDWJ--oUrPfv3oDAxQ-nIKfvgh7AgMPHEBe1lxzXkNlF8VE2WZz5950jvPIXOHJJAko5k3BEBVsRMPOXOtrBoBA9o77Qc0wOGFyfwB8cyYDkc_BpuJ2oaKlOfpORFPUlOfDIPvHB9ywk/s320/IMG_3910%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used strawberry plants to border the gardens and as a ground cover around the asparagus and blueberry plants. All I can say is WOW! We picked every day for two weeks. The rains came, the nights cooled off and strawberries went into hyper berry season. We picked over 30 pounds, freezing most. The deer leave them alone, although not the chipmunks or the raccoons. It was a fight early on when a family of raccoons descended on the berry patches and cleaned them out. They rolled around in the beds smashing plants and berries. When they used the backside of the pond (right next to the patio where I drink my morning coffee) as the woodland powder room it was game over. Pooping on the top rocks as the water cascaded over the rocks and the Miller relocation van started rolling. For eight straight nights the van drove into the night looking for just right place with water, woods and free range and they lived happily ever after. The cats put out the word on the chipmunk condos, also living in the stones around the pond and Poof the chipmunks were gone. Thank you neighborhood thug cats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully I only put in 4 swiss chard plants because who knew they would take over half a row. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhgnWpSDLZpbpqJPXYTPF4O1J7KgwCqNvTDYSCinl-QcG3AKWPbl7YiBCenKTyMwpwxRbuIZOe2bI7dw_CCMRe8Ve3ZKWuLhaSv5ByK8FcLYNEMW4_CsTFfrS6kDzvHFhoc3OTAgALfwVUyezhBwQmGgHiG7RLe4gmGmGCPXfrxp3iWZueGvnvYZK3PE/s4032/IMG_4016%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhgnWpSDLZpbpqJPXYTPF4O1J7KgwCqNvTDYSCinl-QcG3AKWPbl7YiBCenKTyMwpwxRbuIZOe2bI7dw_CCMRe8Ve3ZKWuLhaSv5ByK8FcLYNEMW4_CsTFfrS6kDzvHFhoc3OTAgALfwVUyezhBwQmGgHiG7RLe4gmGmGCPXfrxp3iWZueGvnvYZK3PE/s320/IMG_4016%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been planting swiss chard for as many years as I've had a garden and never liked the way my teeth would feel when I ate it. Started doing a bit of digging around to understand why. It's loaded with oxalate crystals or oxalic acid. Hard on the kidneys but great for removing rust. If you blanch swiss chard for 3 minutes it removes 72% of the oxalic acid from the swiss chard. How am I this old and not know this? The blanching water is brown! I blanch the leaves first and then the stalks and no more gritty teeth! Whoa, game changer! This works on beet greens and spinach too! I had been dehydrating all the green leafy tops of everything and dehydrating to make green power. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beets, pickled and roasted. Green powder in the blender jar and bowl of pea pods. Dinner is served! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMkwhh_aUE6xUF7aT6Ey9e6nG-HkXjkgUYBjWyI1Evq_51Ujm0G5_-VSDYJ7Hf_tvtmRTN4sUfcr3c9G0x0ZQRkteUXLkAjCGxHFK95N6jxqkrv1a7JV_YyWUT8IIScCUd_GY84Mc6H9SMVMu3pRUO1iPOw1vGNsu6H2Pygm7spe7QPMeybrP68sCGKI/s3780/CD5A9116-DE06-41A7-B663-3CD84C36D722%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMkwhh_aUE6xUF7aT6Ey9e6nG-HkXjkgUYBjWyI1Evq_51Ujm0G5_-VSDYJ7Hf_tvtmRTN4sUfcr3c9G0x0ZQRkteUXLkAjCGxHFK95N6jxqkrv1a7JV_YyWUT8IIScCUd_GY84Mc6H9SMVMu3pRUO1iPOw1vGNsu6H2Pygm7spe7QPMeybrP68sCGKI/s320/CD5A9116-DE06-41A7-B663-3CD84C36D722%202.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cucumbers are just appearing, along with the striped cucumber beetle. Stay tuned for that battle! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-75072270110705793852023-05-20T12:47:00.000-04:002023-05-20T12:47:06.615-04:00Wicked Busy! <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">Well some of us are wicked busy....... </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y9SwKc9b5iam9lHCVu1xgUdLF8oC_axOXw7zPjGV07VUtwFdU3nFIBSLoNqTk4wug462_4zdbX2uv4FIBoenvfxfUACQRQb4zdlWvr3oPo8n3DK64KdGszCjvPIioDFoqL0-Jjdr5vhzv3GB5gBZUF1PhcIkOd1t02Wusko6ejIz80k6kMxx7GF7/s4032/IMG_3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y9SwKc9b5iam9lHCVu1xgUdLF8oC_axOXw7zPjGV07VUtwFdU3nFIBSLoNqTk4wug462_4zdbX2uv4FIBoenvfxfUACQRQb4zdlWvr3oPo8n3DK64KdGszCjvPIioDFoqL0-Jjdr5vhzv3GB5gBZUF1PhcIkOd1t02Wusko6ejIz80k6kMxx7GF7/s320/IMG_3618.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">May is stupid busy. It always has been and I think always will be; making me wicked stupid somedays. Since my last post we have not had a drop rain, until last night. Three weeks with no rain and the hose dragging began last week. Rain barrels were about empty. It wasn't August dry but it wasn't plant thriving wet either. The sun was out non-stop and we had wind, transpiration is an issue. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This is the first morning we have had good rain in a month! The gardens look FAB! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlEaVzN7xMrYerp2LQbA2pweuzc3XnIcx0IxjR2KjKbtoejLeXHTlJ-oH-OgCVlCh4ffCLrqQ2c0_IpIezVsoVR2PdhJ03xMX7J2bpdgYQlno_JdvgAMRobiCjKkPneEtHyjdWg6QSnLgWBBh6LF7efXqJG7gXJC3xxRs1eujTYPTAasWKjDNjfgn/s4032/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlEaVzN7xMrYerp2LQbA2pweuzc3XnIcx0IxjR2KjKbtoejLeXHTlJ-oH-OgCVlCh4ffCLrqQ2c0_IpIezVsoVR2PdhJ03xMX7J2bpdgYQlno_JdvgAMRobiCjKkPneEtHyjdWg6QSnLgWBBh6LF7efXqJG7gXJC3xxRs1eujTYPTAasWKjDNjfgn/s320/IMG_3624.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Big news I am opting out of the annual mountain of mulch (25 yards and lots of $$) I didn't feel like it was adding to the soil in a beneficial way, even though I was told it was organic and yadda yadda yadda. Just wasn't getting the results I wanted. I bought a Troybilt chipper shredder that will take 3 inch sticks and as many leaves as you can feed it, it's a beast!. Facebook marketplace rocked last Fall! I started saving and stockpiling all the downed branches and leaves I could find, including my neighbors. We started chipping a few weeks ago. All grass clippings went in the middle bin of the compost trilogy, mixed with shredded leaves. That's it! No chicken bedding or kitchen scraps, that went in the first bin of the compost trilogy and will age until next year. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBfsbmm-BDGn7zfrT5edlkGBA56Wx5POO1GM5wTZnczbsRK9qUdv6bpn1lHB-4Ozf4F9aFXHvuxrUPAf4rZOGEWQpoLnbNfEEOb-HLZnYEFgMLMuKYK9xqu0kmn9xcnSXpR5wnxdJIRxjKquh7QyCtspI71OANUnMcNBlO9Vf4fZMceouv9BXWD5U/s4032/IMG_3603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBfsbmm-BDGn7zfrT5edlkGBA56Wx5POO1GM5wTZnczbsRK9qUdv6bpn1lHB-4Ozf4F9aFXHvuxrUPAf4rZOGEWQpoLnbNfEEOb-HLZnYEFgMLMuKYK9xqu0kmn9xcnSXpR5wnxdJIRxjKquh7QyCtspI71OANUnMcNBlO9Vf4fZMceouv9BXWD5U/s320/IMG_3603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the world of "landscaping 101" this is blasphemy! In the world of gardening, the more I read the more I think this is a good thing. It slowly releases nitrogen into the soil, breaks down adding organic material to the soil and keeps the moisture in the ground. It should cut way back on watering too. Another big experiment but my fingers are crossed. The plants that were mulched did well the last week with no watering. I think it keeps the ground cooler too for those cold weather loving brassicas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has been a cold Spring here. We had a hard frost last week. The peach, plum and cherry had already set blossoms so not sure what if any stone fruit will appear this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8MexlNH_s3NJk-Q-2bKiRD7lf4vsik9zuNKYEVp56RWShquPyfTjTzjVFZ0wQT6QpOO1KEtEWdhrwy4K9qcox6m8ca8cHyfaKiDQhN96I1SUDpaGGnKZhbvbaDls0ykKR5vsHG9oVCarDmdscfpolxN5FJ1PowVqpn50jEVoEX23RwbZeDpEfLm2/s3780/F595D9D1-CBCB-40C8-B4AD-1E5AE4DAFF4D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8MexlNH_s3NJk-Q-2bKiRD7lf4vsik9zuNKYEVp56RWShquPyfTjTzjVFZ0wQT6QpOO1KEtEWdhrwy4K9qcox6m8ca8cHyfaKiDQhN96I1SUDpaGGnKZhbvbaDls0ykKR5vsHG9oVCarDmdscfpolxN5FJ1PowVqpn50jEVoEX23RwbZeDpEfLm2/s320/F595D9D1-CBCB-40C8-B4AD-1E5AE4DAFF4D.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even with the garden in full swing I lacked a moment of clarity and sent in my booth fee for Boston Mills. Honestly, I'd just stay in the garden and on the compound and be perfectly happy. I swore I would not do another decal or transfer pattern but I quickly realized, you just cannot stop. It's so abrupt! I had piles of pots that were sitting waiting to be worked on. I had hit a hard wall but every time I walked in the studio I couldn't face it and would find something else to do. Pay an exorbitant booth fee and that will kick you in the pants to get moving. $500 is great motivation! I had to sit down and make a list to get my head back in the game. I like ticking off tasks on a list so it worked. The kiln got fired and I was off and happy to be in the studio again. Phew! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit14Rco5dbJPj2umZw2U604_b7n4ERNvxiyZHzGDi_kVmIfR_X9aHvfkzFdo1jrzAxHpG4yDtyPjU06pQeEzopIFs95RsJQHKAcUERa8vy4awrtqeb8GidMjmYQRABqa5Gz8syNxTXUA0zMgYQEBKwa8F7JUyfcsnZt_AiPhbEcjnoyE41jks3fDSL/s4032/70536905521__92057321-B7AB-4F15-A697-142ADB47CB53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit14Rco5dbJPj2umZw2U604_b7n4ERNvxiyZHzGDi_kVmIfR_X9aHvfkzFdo1jrzAxHpG4yDtyPjU06pQeEzopIFs95RsJQHKAcUERa8vy4awrtqeb8GidMjmYQRABqa5Gz8syNxTXUA0zMgYQEBKwa8F7JUyfcsnZt_AiPhbEcjnoyE41jks3fDSL/s320/70536905521__92057321-B7AB-4F15-A697-142ADB47CB53.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So bite the bullet, put on a good audiobook and get busy! I couldn't get to anything until this was done and it was time to clear the decks! I still have transfer paper I need to use too. I hate wasting stuff. So after much bitching and denial my feet are still firmly planted in both worlds. At least the glaze table is clear so I can mix new tests and glazes and get back to the pots I really love. Pots with color and presence. Pots with weaving. But Boston Mills is in 6 weeks and time is ticking! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTKr4n0vmBEvp8ndTH3509b8hVArVXB93xn-W9PSiO_9Xm0eL7L89HnpH9AhNYfsp9qQmLl91c2-pUhzfB-30nU64u32bJRxmWs1W76JqL1zo15tWGCncmEX6wRYqQnZz6xvfE_lRssECbMsSNYkXZtJBXdh9Ls-rodVhgE_LJzIwiaXLr3bQ7hnd/s4032/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTKr4n0vmBEvp8ndTH3509b8hVArVXB93xn-W9PSiO_9Xm0eL7L89HnpH9AhNYfsp9qQmLl91c2-pUhzfB-30nU64u32bJRxmWs1W76JqL1zo15tWGCncmEX6wRYqQnZz6xvfE_lRssECbMsSNYkXZtJBXdh9Ls-rodVhgE_LJzIwiaXLr3bQ7hnd/s320/IMG_3608.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the things that made the transfer ware so difficult was my lack of organizational skills. Joann's Stores had a sale on their photo box organizers for $14 each. I bought 6 and it was free shipping! They landed on my doorstep a few days later. The joy of getting rid of the shoeboxes, baggies with clothes pins and just general chaos! Two of the six went for seeds immediately; flowers in one and veggies in the other as I was using the same shoebox, clothespin method for those too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxp2SYCzZWHuMDWYVpuxZG5v4cClTNNm35t66Ie-kC-y7ye0XCNVH9d3nFIcUs4d1vdwtVNt_EyMD2RilX7Mw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This has been a game changer! For seeds and decal organization! They line up on a shelf and I can grab what I need in minute. I can also see when I'm low on anything. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things like this make me way too happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the van is back!! It came back clean, full tank of gas and a $500 check. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVKVvS3RrQRjY2ZNq3WTyvM-8DKc0RZablT7k8fNfc5clzm3mViajO73F0Rf9hfcYsCbSrZ518EmUm95txq2eZLck7o9bPmlWcwjrWYHfWQgfa5GIkESWb7im3RyMwm94AtJmqaBSJvb_jqvY52SW28zL782YYsN_IiCX71ZUswidvG9uKrXYpAu2/s4032/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVKVvS3RrQRjY2ZNq3WTyvM-8DKc0RZablT7k8fNfc5clzm3mViajO73F0Rf9hfcYsCbSrZ518EmUm95txq2eZLck7o9bPmlWcwjrWYHfWQgfa5GIkESWb7im3RyMwm94AtJmqaBSJvb_jqvY52SW28zL782YYsN_IiCX71ZUswidvG9uKrXYpAu2/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuff is spinning in the kitchen too! Need to clean out the freezer to get ready for this year. So last years tomatoes and celery were transformed into Tomato cocktail juice. The last of the dehydrated peppers went in, along with onions and the last of the garlic. Felt good to clean stuff out and drag out the canning equipment and dehydration paraphernalia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTynGUalfvFtqxjH35-53CiXPy-AlvQ1m12BP2jag1bXhqNDl9fmMuY7rf9MeuDD7UlOM_Qt_IwjVPwfebemeBJzjKxYqhcDEZzIbwQu0AtEIJl009GQ5o4a0hGSwBaimJszT3iBfGUfymHv5mmF3Efl2Az4PCtJPT9_k8WmgbI3xdS7TtvsjsZL4T/s4032/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTynGUalfvFtqxjH35-53CiXPy-AlvQ1m12BP2jag1bXhqNDl9fmMuY7rf9MeuDD7UlOM_Qt_IwjVPwfebemeBJzjKxYqhcDEZzIbwQu0AtEIJl009GQ5o4a0hGSwBaimJszT3iBfGUfymHv5mmF3Efl2Az4PCtJPT9_k8WmgbI3xdS7TtvsjsZL4T/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX3raXtA5SGa_URDGDzxXROVTF2aChpI4OyAvTBTFnRk_lcl0BiUTCpcHSHDu9MceTAzj1XP_G-JsfxxWPL9F3XXi3sHpz0a3Jm3vdEttBxsncIfxoBpV9pP2fGNSF5MpPlCq7D1ds-Cu4-z0cwA6S6PPa2zzwzamEinUbehZ0MDyrOpBsph_zfV_/s4032/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX3raXtA5SGa_URDGDzxXROVTF2aChpI4OyAvTBTFnRk_lcl0BiUTCpcHSHDu9MceTAzj1XP_G-JsfxxWPL9F3XXi3sHpz0a3Jm3vdEttBxsncIfxoBpV9pP2fGNSF5MpPlCq7D1ds-Cu4-z0cwA6S6PPa2zzwzamEinUbehZ0MDyrOpBsph_zfV_/s320/IMG_3621.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The flour is flying too....... done for this month! 5 loaves sliced and tucked in the freezer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcDlP2nll1NldfVmu_sxUHWsUmeRtMBwMYN8Np2CJ1_P7h-nMarwQ2DJJKVRqiFDuphyX4OiIDY9orroG0lhYuioQ4e81vPlRYPtCIy2Kh7LHWZ_xQsIhyL-7oYrWmuFYSkCnz5FN_Uu4X2J4VLLJtCptcny-ATnu5sbDQxG79PrI2eBbNXE7U8es/s3780/2CD2350C-2B9C-4419-8B17-DDE88C8FE7C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcDlP2nll1NldfVmu_sxUHWsUmeRtMBwMYN8Np2CJ1_P7h-nMarwQ2DJJKVRqiFDuphyX4OiIDY9orroG0lhYuioQ4e81vPlRYPtCIy2Kh7LHWZ_xQsIhyL-7oYrWmuFYSkCnz5FN_Uu4X2J4VLLJtCptcny-ATnu5sbDQxG79PrI2eBbNXE7U8es/s320/2CD2350C-2B9C-4419-8B17-DDE88C8FE7C3.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and we are eating really well out of the garden again....... the salmon is still from the last Alaska trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-emFoj0FNmiRJjUh_bwvaXk_FRL2bnFXnzf_npCbk81zTCUgEzh9sIg6EZ-C73vVoWRQ2c8aSoRPLHtzTDvdaQ-joJonwwCcrYGHuSAry-nH9qn5EUGfqRCOoIOkkYJf3-GMnrlQpZHUY61Q44LDkpme6W9mv_naKZg4Qw6t-1pEQ4vKhHvQyxFoH/s4032/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-emFoj0FNmiRJjUh_bwvaXk_FRL2bnFXnzf_npCbk81zTCUgEzh9sIg6EZ-C73vVoWRQ2c8aSoRPLHtzTDvdaQ-joJonwwCcrYGHuSAry-nH9qn5EUGfqRCOoIOkkYJf3-GMnrlQpZHUY61Q44LDkpme6W9mv_naKZg4Qw6t-1pEQ4vKhHvQyxFoH/s320/IMG_3561.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of Alaska......... Rachael made it back last night! Drove up the Canadian coast and started counting waking bears. Break up has begun on the lakes and rivers but there is still snow. Her sabbatical is just about over and we all agree she wandered with purpose! We were glad she used us as home base for a few months. Guess it's my turn to head up to Alaska this summer and do a bit of fishing, my sabbatical. and will need a stop over in Oregon too..... West Coast kids :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4sgD0DOOvYgfGcC6L8CkS3qO3lw86_v3EnO3umr3kUzd-4V8VhIZXCS3cPI7x908UEAa2jVh7ZbdinyIGAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This blog post is a quick catch to let everyone know we are still here during longer days but rarely inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be well, be kind and be happy....... signing out for this month π</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-63477634559138543832023-04-28T13:56:00.000-04:002023-04-28T13:56:44.563-04:00I feel like I need a life jacket.......<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9TloCQ1RsQTjZKKEJTKXb7L0Orcu96quCTKd7_8iALJkAZf4-jxfsUbEL0eT923gSsgNkZ8q5uKDKnP0nLx2cSJBi_6CkftnS8MASIH0L_z8AseCEhWZbPwlpsOrO8K0vqIilCni_UhvmqMqVA6Uu93lIR9YTuUq33OmNcEO6kdefGcMzYC3ln8U/s4032/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9TloCQ1RsQTjZKKEJTKXb7L0Orcu96quCTKd7_8iALJkAZf4-jxfsUbEL0eT923gSsgNkZ8q5uKDKnP0nLx2cSJBi_6CkftnS8MASIH0L_z8AseCEhWZbPwlpsOrO8K0vqIilCni_UhvmqMqVA6Uu93lIR9YTuUq33OmNcEO6kdefGcMzYC3ln8U/s320/IMG_3144.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been hot, it's been cold and it's Ohio in April. There is no set schedule but it's always busy! The earth is waking up and then decides to roll over and go back to sleep. Just keep planting, just keep making pots, just keep starting seeds. The days I put my blinders on and don't answer the phone or look at my email I get stuff done! The days I do look or answer the phone, I get stuff done at 10:00 pm. I am glad the days are longer, although I just don't have the energy to garden much past 8 pm or in the dark anymore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The warm days take me an extra hour at night for tick checks........ they are back, they are early and they are abundant! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZMzClKKY9r8v1g9PTd3Y1-w504tyDp6HKIbqjtlh15XyVnStDjy6eSii6oPWw_NVkyPmWUWCvMXMMSalpbD6TqGm40O5QdGcM6RTUyR5PiLD6-mbsioW9vHFB2VAkwK3fVTLaK_rDPInqqWVfKTX1sU3P_urJN9_J-xRlG_hE1-P5WPGgFSQr4R/s2166/BD37F533-229B-4BFF-AF7E-906A8C8B3DF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="2166" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZMzClKKY9r8v1g9PTd3Y1-w504tyDp6HKIbqjtlh15XyVnStDjy6eSii6oPWw_NVkyPmWUWCvMXMMSalpbD6TqGm40O5QdGcM6RTUyR5PiLD6-mbsioW9vHFB2VAkwK3fVTLaK_rDPInqqWVfKTX1sU3P_urJN9_J-xRlG_hE1-P5WPGgFSQr4R/s320/BD37F533-229B-4BFF-AF7E-906A8C8B3DF2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time to release the chickens....... oh but that neighbor who fears for his life when they're out. Me, I'd rather have a pack of rabid chickens with switchblades than a nest of ticks any day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqzclFJcXWDv6GAeRAGrbAo-O3sgII-QyAzoFUkBYut_NhLO0baZjenfaqKm8YvCDxbSqSEq0VPvLBLolo71D9TBKYCG2RVWyLF3fu-UdxTs7-ZjQl0CKMIYzwlaf8lrW4WiRYR5d-HrNBlY0D50WrtGctThirCLb8ObNvzXp3FG5xOZqrZj3Grm7/s4032/IMG_3482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqzclFJcXWDv6GAeRAGrbAo-O3sgII-QyAzoFUkBYut_NhLO0baZjenfaqKm8YvCDxbSqSEq0VPvLBLolo71D9TBKYCG2RVWyLF3fu-UdxTs7-ZjQl0CKMIYzwlaf8lrW4WiRYR5d-HrNBlY0D50WrtGctThirCLb8ObNvzXp3FG5xOZqrZj3Grm7/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls know Spring has sprung too as laying is in hyperdrive! These three sweeties are giving us a dozen plus eggs a week. Tractor Supply, now has a 6 chicken limit and I really don't want 6 more chickens! I wouldn't mind three more but 6 is too many. Chickens are like prunes for breakfast; how many are enough? When is it too many and when you realize it's too many, it's much too late. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garden is ON! I am so excited that we have been eating out of the garden since mid March! And there is so much more to come! I spent a couple days flipping the compost pile and realized some of the chicken bedding from last Fall has not broken down yet. I stopped myself from spreading it on the garden, way too hot and way too much nitrogen! Making a few changes this year on the subject of mulch. I will only be buying a few yards for the shrubs and perennial beds. The vegetable and fruit gardens will be getting mulched with grass clippings mixed with composted leaves. Should keep the moisture in and it will slowly decompose. Again a lot of nitrogen! Too counter all this nitrogen I stepped up my phosphorus. So the mad scientist strikes again. Every year is different but we are off to a good start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4imor_r3y0f8w3ZbcNlbAl7wvs2Mv_uxo8dRHI4MpDFaRqyoNWP-6x3O9ODU1qQxqJ-O95o3is7bEt2kF7pphEPRQTcPeqSvr_eo0k7YnpaLNNOFZ2XYHCSdvugrg0ijU9w31Gx5M3YBvjZVAVSp-6e2KMgkEmsI0I69nEaEbIaJL5N7yoEmFkqcO/s1936/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4imor_r3y0f8w3ZbcNlbAl7wvs2Mv_uxo8dRHI4MpDFaRqyoNWP-6x3O9ODU1qQxqJ-O95o3is7bEt2kF7pphEPRQTcPeqSvr_eo0k7YnpaLNNOFZ2XYHCSdvugrg0ijU9w31Gx5M3YBvjZVAVSp-6e2KMgkEmsI0I69nEaEbIaJL5N7yoEmFkqcO/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planted red chieftain and blue potatoes in grow bags, realized I had way too many potatoes for the amount of grow bags so I sprinkled potato chits all over this place, between the blueberry bushes, the gooseberry bushes, in the strawberry and asparagus patch. The spinach is on round 2, radishes just keep coming, loving the new kale varieties, and the best turnips ever! New favorite radish is "Hailstone"! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDin1J0XGE4M05pEd0cZx_re41jIaW9FQ3TMQttNpZi9QtUIJbNp5EV4BeDvZczVDgvxTToibNLZtkU_i7E1qehCPBX02nbHYDAdsLyjjPA4UT8VvdbO6Gek_bvZ4Qd_TYPmPpbFttyiB66cJhUWhL659qDotYUgQ8rXMmhbVy5bb1S5JMpuaNY-QC/s1936/IMG_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDin1J0XGE4M05pEd0cZx_re41jIaW9FQ3TMQttNpZi9QtUIJbNp5EV4BeDvZczVDgvxTToibNLZtkU_i7E1qehCPBX02nbHYDAdsLyjjPA4UT8VvdbO6Gek_bvZ4Qd_TYPmPpbFttyiB66cJhUWhL659qDotYUgQ8rXMmhbVy5bb1S5JMpuaNY-QC/s320/IMG_3485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still starting seeds (9 flats), several dinners with this years asparagus, so much time hauling trays in and out of the back door twice a day. It really is time for a hoop house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planted 11 new blueberries around the gardens. Trying several dwarf varieties this time. All the branches that have been piling up were run through the shredder and used around the new blueberry bushes. We have had so much wind and cold weather it's been more like March than April. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzlvaoll0g-_Ytrgyw1Nbx9FMN8LaHF114zKqtkN7DdRuJmfDj6BmctNuPsTIoARSSXSO-TdLns78_3mK3XTX2GuL97eOP2jo-HqKZDlo0BqHleJvGNd7WtAvwQxe8NthyEGTFA64vxelnNiLJwPqrjLqlTUkfmHnkXC-ADn9cNLGaPcMS_XkiHtu/s4032/IMG_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzlvaoll0g-_Ytrgyw1Nbx9FMN8LaHF114zKqtkN7DdRuJmfDj6BmctNuPsTIoARSSXSO-TdLns78_3mK3XTX2GuL97eOP2jo-HqKZDlo0BqHleJvGNd7WtAvwQxe8NthyEGTFA64vxelnNiLJwPqrjLqlTUkfmHnkXC-ADn9cNLGaPcMS_XkiHtu/s320/IMG_3281.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rain barrels are now over flowing, during the first planting cycle I drained them down by two thirds, it was that dry! Now the rain won't stop. The lettuce and radishes are so happy! Cool, wet weather, bring on the brassicas! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There has been time for much needed R&R too, botanical gardens and museums. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeEi-lYmZ1d_xLe7wRqVjbqaWqo6_nwt4gitUO1IXJn272op8EbJOySrX3KJkgvVKQuDcnZt3FgST_AQrKEZGvhKWvTY46cyLOkz2NlVJB_6OSssmdk7kSsQ5rqTMOK-355igYZWNk5pCPya_mK82uyPcgIWauSZgRGvgafV17R4ivODe64JTWEzp/s3814/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3814" data-original-width="2860" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeEi-lYmZ1d_xLe7wRqVjbqaWqo6_nwt4gitUO1IXJn272op8EbJOySrX3KJkgvVKQuDcnZt3FgST_AQrKEZGvhKWvTY46cyLOkz2NlVJB_6OSssmdk7kSsQ5rqTMOK-355igYZWNk5pCPya_mK82uyPcgIWauSZgRGvgafV17R4ivODe64JTWEzp/s320/IMG_3456.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the kitchen is always busy.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSXW0cncjk7zI52l2z55k4D4gJxJOKqRSDBLUas6ImGRlwjvcp_J9z8vk_VxOQQBNgtei-_Gg4Ok_5fukTjhmTrg86bFKuXsi0IwRCGHiATTumrcodowemyZ7ieujxDMqrpAY95yd0_y-fl512PQdHPO-E2Nivhp0_m5cZU7MzuCS-vqdFAW9C9h1/s1936/IMG_3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSXW0cncjk7zI52l2z55k4D4gJxJOKqRSDBLUas6ImGRlwjvcp_J9z8vk_VxOQQBNgtei-_Gg4Ok_5fukTjhmTrg86bFKuXsi0IwRCGHiATTumrcodowemyZ7ieujxDMqrpAY95yd0_y-fl512PQdHPO-E2Nivhp0_m5cZU7MzuCS-vqdFAW9C9h1/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then in the middle of blizzard, this winter, I signed up for space in a community garden too. I don't have enough sun to grow everything my heart desires so I rented an 8' x 12' raised bed in the local community garden. I also realize I don't get off the compound much and thought this might be a good way for me to start interacting with the locals again. Ran over and looked at the very small bed and realized the dirt is crap and will need amended before anything goes in the ground! Then I got an email that we were having a work day; 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm on a Tuesday. Cool! It was chilly and the rain was on its way. This garden is on the north end of town and I have no idea what the soil is like on the north end of town. I assumed it would be a lot like I have here, sandy loam. This is what I walked into.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjJ58j3zYJucwAJ5ioATa5PD_JwXK_KKx0MQ5mPRecDairPK_MzgQ5DeVxd4rrituJ_8b3Vl_d1aqsokUkrH5xd19sd9LdwXwmpfEq9hoWwkyzBQDgwvn4DYp4rxAp_C6MHMaj0Eh932IRezCcFNFnBF-8wlYBwq1mASw_j8MKnVSGxk7QEO_rLc5/s4032/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjJ58j3zYJucwAJ5ioATa5PD_JwXK_KKx0MQ5mPRecDairPK_MzgQ5DeVxd4rrituJ_8b3Vl_d1aqsokUkrH5xd19sd9LdwXwmpfEq9hoWwkyzBQDgwvn4DYp4rxAp_C6MHMaj0Eh932IRezCcFNFnBF-8wlYBwq1mASw_j8MKnVSGxk7QEO_rLc5/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muck, black stinking muck. Last year someone had put huge sheets of black plastic over this area to kill the weeds. Big mistake! Weeds were sprouted and ready to emerge when we pulled all that black plastic off. Why not sheet mulch?! Cardboard, wood chips, straw, grass clippings; thick and deep. There were thousands of dead drowned worms laying in pools of water on top of the black plastic. 8 of us slogged through the water, removed heavy pipe and rolls of chain link fence before we could even get to the plastic. Then we had to cut the plastic from the spikes pounded in the ground that plotted out the area. Under stern commands we were told; under no circumstances were we allowed to remove those spikes. By this time I was just pissed. There is no reason to ever ever prep a bed like this..... I probably should have walked away but did I? OH NO....... I stuck it out and sucked up stinky air. Quickly realizing the rest of the world moves at a snails pace and I do not. PEOPLE! We have an hour and half to get this plastic off, rolled up, put away, and the beds staked out. No one was really directing anyone and the rain clouds were looming large. I suggested we work in quadrants in case we got rained out. And one lovely woman came in ballerina flats and her office clothes..... no one had tools to dig the plastic out of the trenches, it was bull shit! One guy, kept standing on the plastic while I was trying to roll it up. Get off the fucking plastic stir or I will roll you up and they won't find you until next Fall when they unroll this holy mess again. And YES let's roll the water into the middle so it's twice as heavy when we have to pick it up and carry it away. WTF? I was covered in mud, my pocket knife was covered in mud, my face had streaks of mud and I don't play well with others. I went into survival mode, and I'm not even going to have a garden in this area as I have a small raised bed I can see from this mud hole. Another tip people; do not leave any tools on the ground because you elevated us from "gardeners" to the Three Stooges! The shovel was worthless. It sunk in the ground and made a sucking noise when you pulled it out. Everything was heavy, everything was wet, everything was covered in mud and I was cranky. I left my compound, never leave the compound. I don't play well with others and I constantly run with scissors. Why is this such a hard lesson for me? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I retreated to the studio and the wheel is spinning again. I have applied to several shows this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honestly I don't know how this year will shake out as keep hearing we are in or headed into a recession but I can't just stop making stuff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwZO-HDYWPNDElLvYHD-0nq33MsVFzSmUu1blVyG2_CEfNaRc-p3IdcVrLWBERbvKGjse2nTIvKKEBZywZX5qj5QF9w_GmKsY3ueVHkAe1orwHUqLLzJhwS6AJKTe-klgc1G1PNk0Jdh4Ag8K_0-dSAukXHC6R9_ufMJg95C2qCDJHbCc_kd6Dfz4/s4032/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwZO-HDYWPNDElLvYHD-0nq33MsVFzSmUu1blVyG2_CEfNaRc-p3IdcVrLWBERbvKGjse2nTIvKKEBZywZX5qj5QF9w_GmKsY3ueVHkAe1orwHUqLLzJhwS6AJKTe-klgc1G1PNk0Jdh4Ag8K_0-dSAukXHC6R9_ufMJg95C2qCDJHbCc_kd6Dfz4/s320/IMG_3156.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDxhZEa2ZPzSXCcoVuTYgUA69zm1JamkJUXEvPnhTaxCsScJodi0ehJ0xiVai7a8EJ-sFb7D0EM_Fo0iRytEOhdppA24R9aVoQ5FIB2xYfsRAxMi_-envuyTky65zy3LZz3lXjLafvrbah_oO1l570Bu8l9TsNtFgDI9Uv3fw4UbP-nKYaOJ7nRAy/s4032/IMG_3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDxhZEa2ZPzSXCcoVuTYgUA69zm1JamkJUXEvPnhTaxCsScJodi0ehJ0xiVai7a8EJ-sFb7D0EM_Fo0iRytEOhdppA24R9aVoQ5FIB2xYfsRAxMi_-envuyTky65zy3LZz3lXjLafvrbah_oO1l570Bu8l9TsNtFgDI9Uv3fw4UbP-nKYaOJ7nRAy/s320/IMG_3475.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW-t51pxvCJGetHMBq3KKdbO6AkGKl5-Uctfgvw_y9S_Z489krnw2PX82Rb3OWo3ZZNIkbGERbGh1QSAqFMDkfGX_yAngxIv_0KAmXEA9YUDtZ_ktDNlc2MBNZluziO3Q5vWsz3cZ6YG4rJ7SsJoOCLUTNAIipk6fLE_HlD186Axk0ko_9S6a8OgU/s4032/IMG_3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW-t51pxvCJGetHMBq3KKdbO6AkGKl5-Uctfgvw_y9S_Z489krnw2PX82Rb3OWo3ZZNIkbGERbGh1QSAqFMDkfGX_yAngxIv_0KAmXEA9YUDtZ_ktDNlc2MBNZluziO3Q5vWsz3cZ6YG4rJ7SsJoOCLUTNAIipk6fLE_HlD186Axk0ko_9S6a8OgU/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ya, there is a lot going on here in Paine Falls but I picked out my new knitting pattern and I'm gonna look great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb-GY6CCZp5GUgcr4myWgLJdk-mJts75PcYjc9LdJh5bJ_yM5C7n3qm9tpkxW6erd6sJ2KJB5sXPZdZdC_AquG-uJ0o4EloLgpbUk_krTApiVePKsx4b2zV0TxcPnx_4H1119SXDNpiKdE0laKzjoPlgOHAXqvSIcZR0JpL4iO9CcZBtabYRoHoIe/s1614/IMG_3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb-GY6CCZp5GUgcr4myWgLJdk-mJts75PcYjc9LdJh5bJ_yM5C7n3qm9tpkxW6erd6sJ2KJB5sXPZdZdC_AquG-uJ0o4EloLgpbUk_krTApiVePKsx4b2zV0TxcPnx_4H1119SXDNpiKdE0laKzjoPlgOHAXqvSIcZR0JpL4iO9CcZBtabYRoHoIe/s320/IMG_3453.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-19699667200063976062023-04-04T21:29:00.000-04:002023-04-04T21:29:25.456-04:00I'm in Hell and my pants are on fire......<p style="text-align: center;"> What can possibly happen in a few weeks since my last post..... oh so much. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I had to adult, I hate adulting and I suck at adulting. </p><p style="text-align: center;">How did you start your day? Here is my view: a seat the local social security office....... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2VaUnDqiDy4x2ABORmjp46QAu8XnZKv-bZIN7gWzMCODUU-34duhlzsTu0SPd9m_3UMi80Zzfja-Avqiexrf2k2nXVCZr5QFtCtmt9It49oGkVdAVK4nU61XUsyvvRQDHs0T7TWEtVhLlKh8Tey80Ku2pPk9u8H-MIafEtHLp5jlMa7yk_NZGs2_/s4032/70231237687__6252358A-9330-4839-B5BA-DF686BC7EB5F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2VaUnDqiDy4x2ABORmjp46QAu8XnZKv-bZIN7gWzMCODUU-34duhlzsTu0SPd9m_3UMi80Zzfja-Avqiexrf2k2nXVCZr5QFtCtmt9It49oGkVdAVK4nU61XUsyvvRQDHs0T7TWEtVhLlKh8Tey80Ku2pPk9u8H-MIafEtHLp5jlMa7yk_NZGs2_/s320/70231237687__6252358A-9330-4839-B5BA-DF686BC7EB5F.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to register for social security during covid when everything was closed and I was told: "It's so easy, do it online!" I did...... for days I entered codes, information only to be kicked off or "please call the Social Security Office". I spent days on hold until I finally got a lovely woman who said: I'm not getting off this call until we have you signed up! She was great and could not figure out why I could not log on either. Then she said the magic words: "We'll just go in the backdoor." I didn't care I'd have taken a flaming door to Hell at that point. However, she did it and I started having money appear in my account every month, it was magic. Well after spending last week filing my annual taxes, I realized I didn't take any deductions out for taxes. Sooooo I spent yesterday in Social Security purgatory. I sat at my desk with my cell phone to one ear and a landline to my other ear. One to the federal office and one to the local office. The federal office had a 10 minute lead on the local office. The local office won after 22 minutes on hold, a real person answered the phone! I was told I had to physically go down to the office and someone had to set up the account. Kill me now I thought. I have been to this office before, it never goes well. The rows of black chairs, the smell of sanitizer, the shiny floors, the very public bathroom, the armed guard with a revolver, mace, handcuffs a P38 and a belt just full of misbehaving toys. I walked up to an electronic greeter box and punched in my SSN#, my reason for being there and it spit out a number. I am #40, the board states they are serving 936-A. One window was open and two other windows were rolled down, hurricane armored shut. One woman behind a hermetically sealed, bulletproof glass, serving a room full of humanity; wheezing, sleeping, whispering in foreign languages.... humanity. Exactly, where does #40 fit into this number sequence? It took me a minute but quickly realized 3 numbers and letter were for Hispanic customers only. Sure enough, as I waited and waited, I realized the couple in front of me spoke not a word of English and the woman at the window spoke not a word of Spanish. They were using google translator off the woman's phone to try and get something done. They went back and forth and back and forth and questions were asked 3-5 times. The woman behind the glass kept asking and smiling. I felt like I was in a game of bad charades; SOUNDS LIKE, 4 LETTERS, try again.... Then the man had to go back out to his car......to retrieve even more papers while the room waited. Yes, please kill me. Hey! I have my papers!! I can be outta here in two minutes, I swear! We live in a community with a huge influx of migrant workers every Spring. Every Spring the nurseries bring them into the Social Security office by the bus loads, 30 at a time, every Fall they return home and the city empties out. It's like the cycle of lemmings or migrating wildebeests. You cannot stop it, nor do I want to stop it; as the nurseries support this community, we have over 100 nurseries in Lake County, Ohio. We ship stock all over the country. It's hard work and doesn't pay very well, I know, I worked in the industry. Not many want to work this hard for this little pay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I beat the buses but still had to watch this unfold. I sat in a room with a man in a wheel chair who was very chatty, a woman on an oxygen tank who finally couldn't take it anymore and went out side for cig. I almost followed her, we could have both gone up in a vapor if the oxygen tank leaked and the smiling security officer. There were so many others; sleeping is good way to pass your time waiting but what if they call your number and your snoring away in the back of the room, drool running out the corner of your mouth. Do I really need Social Security, can I live without it, is this all worth it, am I this fucking old...... maybe but that would be un-American. Right? I endured......everyone lived but why I can't I get this on Amazon? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple months ago a letter showed up in my mailbox from these folks: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://automotivetesting.com/" target="_blank">AUTOMOTIVE TESTING FCA US LLC</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 2017 Dodge Promaster City van is on the hit list for an emissions test IUVP (In-Use Verification Program, regulated by the Federal Clean Air Act through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Air Resources Board, which requires vehicle manufacturers to conduct emissions tests on randomized, privately owned vehicles. And they picked my van...... 40,483 were sold in the US and my van got picked, should I buy a lottery ticket? They called several times, I answered a bunch of questions and they made it sound like I won the lottery. I did not but I care about the planet! A guy drove to my house from Ann Arbor, MI this morning and picked up my van for 4-5 weeks of testing and left me with this.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7crq2OOUoy6IRZ6HJk6ZTAm_BKgZm3xYjZvSR-8dI6SZ-fi4j5I_RCHEYEtQ4rD7LUXZVSZKJcheZ6Oy7NT-kVFn4oA2GN6ncQfNWSAW3avYlOOplN_lMF7cKor_SsZdUAHEPvUs-BlKYMrM21xsPhA1a6XZT7BlNgoQiRkhbNvf-buC4sjluIHj/s4032/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7crq2OOUoy6IRZ6HJk6ZTAm_BKgZm3xYjZvSR-8dI6SZ-fi4j5I_RCHEYEtQ4rD7LUXZVSZKJcheZ6Oy7NT-kVFn4oA2GN6ncQfNWSAW3avYlOOplN_lMF7cKor_SsZdUAHEPvUs-BlKYMrM21xsPhA1a6XZT7BlNgoQiRkhbNvf-buC4sjluIHj/s320/IMG_3233.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get a full tank of gas, unlimited mileage and a $500 check for a the duration of time. Kirby hates it! It has seats, no spacious back area with his orthopedic bed but he has a window...... but wait, he can't see. The interior is black, really clean black, the blackest fabric that works like a magnet for a big yellow dog during shedding season. Bless the person at the rental agency who has to clean this vehicle when it gets back to Ann Arbor. I explained my van was a work vehicle (I work in white porcelain and stoneware) and a yellow dog transport vehicle. This is what they bring. My van has a key, this has button. It took me fifteen minutes to adjust the seat, mirrors and figure out how to start it. I drove it to the Social Security office, I almost backed over a little black Kia. After Social Security I made my monthly trip for supplies; Sam's Club, Trader Joes and Aldi's. I never figured out how to open the tail gate and it still remains a mystery. I rode home with a rotisserie chicken in the front seat and groceries packed in the wheel wells. Bells and alarms going off constantly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then this happened.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I8UCKGgdY1kUEGgI8TEN7OOmDTtaFP6Ofdh6dZA4qVRhyW4Q3aker1klS5V2PiBn4g0h_5dAaphUMsK5TuG-V1VvBVyejpA98dPcm6EtfvuQ4WKenJLzY70VPr3SFi44IjkvMmv3PyP0X8j1rnbcxR0OE8qdQgSvRWecH6F_jUUS0KHA_5CPddgZ/s4032/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I8UCKGgdY1kUEGgI8TEN7OOmDTtaFP6Ofdh6dZA4qVRhyW4Q3aker1klS5V2PiBn4g0h_5dAaphUMsK5TuG-V1VvBVyejpA98dPcm6EtfvuQ4WKenJLzY70VPr3SFi44IjkvMmv3PyP0X8j1rnbcxR0OE8qdQgSvRWecH6F_jUUS0KHA_5CPddgZ/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The washer and dryer we ordered Feb 20th and finally showed up. On a rainy Saturday, the guys unloaded the truck in the driveway and I moved my van. I walked up the driveway and noticed the dryer looked funny. I asked the kid; You know this is a stackable set right? He backed up and looked at it a couple times, snapped his fingers, pointed at me and said: Bingo, you have a good eye. It's the wrong dryer. Great. So they hooked up the washer and I ran back to Lowe's trying to figure out where my dryer was sitting. Nothing, crickets....... someone will call you tomorrow morning. I waited and waited. Finally the delivery company called me and said; the sales guy had ordered the wrong dryer. How long will this one take to get here, I asked. Oh, we have that one in stock all the time. Wait, what?! I had to wait 6 weeks because he said they had to get this dryer from the plant, where ever that might be! Nope, we have these all the time. So I could have had this a month ago? Yes, ma'am and this one is $200.00 cheaper. Great, I already paid for the other one. The same guys came three days later with the correct dryer and set it up. Back to Lowe's for a $200 refund and the extra parts. I did not want a steam dryer but they charged us for all the hookups, $32. Finally, home, read all the directions, load the washer and cannot get it to work for anything. I called Lowe's to see if someone could walk me through all the read outs and prompts. I called Maytag, they do not want talk to anybody, ever! While I was on hold, I sat on my red stool and started punching buttons. I actually got the door to lock and then nothing. After I cursed it, cried a bit and kicked it, I finally figured out the the delivery guy never flipped the valve to turn the water on. Fours hours of my life spent on a washing machine and don't even get me started on the dryer. God, the rocks at the river are looking good! Every thing has a delay and a button to hold and push for 3 seconds and don't forget the power button. Lowe's wanted to charge us $40 for taking the old set away. I asked if they could load it in my van? They could! I took it to the recycling center. I pulled up on the scale, was directed to back into the yard and unload. In muck and mud I opened the back doors of the van and pulled. Nothing, I couldn't budge it. I looked around for a "guy"....... yup there was a guy on a frontend loader. Nope can't help. So I wedged myself between the stacked set and my seats and pushed! It moved a few inches, I pushed again, I took a deep breath and thought delivering my kids was easier than pushing this thing out of my van! Finally it tipped out! I stuck my tongue out at the frontend driver and drove back on the scale. I had delivered a 260 pound baby! I was handed $32.50 and I drove away feeling very good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uRizVVpLHGcxHv7qaMEpS2v-k3EJQnVLEoxPAiV3dC_ETN1sm2jiRrk3xrlAxWMO-By5si7XFwiOmVRXVrZyrGSY9gPiWltpt-6SH2ps0xY8m0vK0onHnn4iLH77j7f0ujPAzOJHTf7dUiyh94LFlQaponfqoH888woZrQ4PBuXAt3WJ2g8pkHdA/s4032/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uRizVVpLHGcxHv7qaMEpS2v-k3EJQnVLEoxPAiV3dC_ETN1sm2jiRrk3xrlAxWMO-By5si7XFwiOmVRXVrZyrGSY9gPiWltpt-6SH2ps0xY8m0vK0onHnn4iLH77j7f0ujPAzOJHTf7dUiyh94LFlQaponfqoH888woZrQ4PBuXAt3WJ2g8pkHdA/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has been a crazy a month and now I am done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to gardens</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1PcNyULndGtsPSyFhadjSE9XT7AwH8ECSh7FXLoNd_hbF-6fJ80X6CrYFlOpNDQ-NZ0oIRQVv6yifDS45kuuTz_hye52FNwW7K24uM4DOT1Q9aVHaAKKXXhgIhC_qhUWuIXLpiu9zex54KUgZhrkMm_x8QtctnBGoDidHdC1X3r65hb4SDD_EtZc/s4032/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1PcNyULndGtsPSyFhadjSE9XT7AwH8ECSh7FXLoNd_hbF-6fJ80X6CrYFlOpNDQ-NZ0oIRQVv6yifDS45kuuTz_hye52FNwW7K24uM4DOT1Q9aVHaAKKXXhgIhC_qhUWuIXLpiu9zex54KUgZhrkMm_x8QtctnBGoDidHdC1X3r65hb4SDD_EtZc/s320/IMG_3221.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Classes on wild edibles at <a href="https://harborgardens.org/" target="_blank">Harbor Gardens in Ashtabula.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0-qVe1FlrZGnqPRK5nCMxX3ycUNLs59RATcRqIHOWyOg-BO8ZvoVvN0teQ549ZNamm4KYwrofRbNg5yZQdx9l9xZ5-dkE5j7pUJ3D8T_f9AjIguQzhJ7bS51i10Hi-1qjFVO4DSfQohfLE_9solJ89GKHOlUuUbOBPZFNm_5SRBBs5ezuvDmjIoX/s4032/IMG_3229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0-qVe1FlrZGnqPRK5nCMxX3ycUNLs59RATcRqIHOWyOg-BO8ZvoVvN0teQ549ZNamm4KYwrofRbNg5yZQdx9l9xZ5-dkE5j7pUJ3D8T_f9AjIguQzhJ7bS51i10Hi-1qjFVO4DSfQohfLE_9solJ89GKHOlUuUbOBPZFNm_5SRBBs5ezuvDmjIoX/s320/IMG_3229.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walking out so many frustrations.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1CzIDSipr7ogkL-xySIMeBCJkazU0FaQIruZoY_18a_Qo0W8LNzwvI2ei1uf59WCqqz_o0tbUmMJa_KQFtSJgzVJhRFPVrG3zpsz7GmPYBNkRYrB3JMJ304GNO-E0NwCKGMIYPTQofy81k34Wt-KVxgoW_c5x6K4GD49rGCiOwBYqX0zu57dhxyt/s2054/IMG_3216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1CzIDSipr7ogkL-xySIMeBCJkazU0FaQIruZoY_18a_Qo0W8LNzwvI2ei1uf59WCqqz_o0tbUmMJa_KQFtSJgzVJhRFPVrG3zpsz7GmPYBNkRYrB3JMJ304GNO-E0NwCKGMIYPTQofy81k34Wt-KVxgoW_c5x6K4GD49rGCiOwBYqX0zu57dhxyt/s320/IMG_3216.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">washing stinking dogs......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NWvS61rZyagqbA4Yo52RDtxBR8WBwWJCETls6Pn6P2W-P-gL3kZ59d4Pls4gNV-ygOTFqakbCOLhvdmua3GwwxxVYtPMvz3yIlwWcvUprd9fwA_dYXeR61ZlWDm_5p5RJOthIKmKdvDdcUvbGZr5CbGao-W_hIyKlCEYi--XltXbucT-6mlBSSbV/s4032/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NWvS61rZyagqbA4Yo52RDtxBR8WBwWJCETls6Pn6P2W-P-gL3kZ59d4Pls4gNV-ygOTFqakbCOLhvdmua3GwwxxVYtPMvz3yIlwWcvUprd9fwA_dYXeR61ZlWDm_5p5RJOthIKmKdvDdcUvbGZr5CbGao-W_hIyKlCEYi--XltXbucT-6mlBSSbV/s320/IMG_3208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mixed up my snacks.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTvixU1MfBBx-GN19NkJBhDSxs4VIBB5ngdHrpOV48b0g0Z5q03PVowVZNjXGT20u8Ufxpwn8hWOvvW3uy7anwzTP6zH30DWrD3tU8JLACVggGWmuGB03HbvKDO-FG63itG1nIQJvL9D9kQ4vk9Vh9ikCq1jvihwLNLCJT8NLTyKGFJvSzlX-UU1Z/s2180/IMG_3201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="1635" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTvixU1MfBBx-GN19NkJBhDSxs4VIBB5ngdHrpOV48b0g0Z5q03PVowVZNjXGT20u8Ufxpwn8hWOvvW3uy7anwzTP6zH30DWrD3tU8JLACVggGWmuGB03HbvKDO-FG63itG1nIQJvL9D9kQ4vk9Vh9ikCq1jvihwLNLCJT8NLTyKGFJvSzlX-UU1Z/s320/IMG_3201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">won't make that mistake again! yuck! π£</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I might even make it back to the studio! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, I drank coffee and walked....... I did a lot of adulting. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-83171757791582258982023-03-14T13:40:00.003-04:002023-03-14T16:32:03.481-04:00March! Buckle up and kiss your asters goodbye.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhxoZoSBMK2JX7rTtjrd2_ktXGNNhITYm0c_ifKwKkbjr2uCTeRpVzpXE7xYACSC0oS1elcUuMAX0UmQaUMpqHI_8l4bdoED7PDzVdRwImCYU5YRNR_wrTn8fi89_0Ev1cOVZUUKcVdknZCiYtM2DLlixbHSeP6fp9LWjjYpAfRHqqYnozRr45Cj_/s259/download-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhxoZoSBMK2JX7rTtjrd2_ktXGNNhITYm0c_ifKwKkbjr2uCTeRpVzpXE7xYACSC0oS1elcUuMAX0UmQaUMpqHI_8l4bdoED7PDzVdRwImCYU5YRNR_wrTn8fi89_0Ev1cOVZUUKcVdknZCiYtM2DLlixbHSeP6fp9LWjjYpAfRHqqYnozRr45Cj_/s1600/download-1.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Happy Pi Day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">March 14th and it's a blizzard out so eat more pie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snow is coming down at a pretty good clip and the wind is howling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wind chill is 19 F. Put those flip flops back in the closet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9ODWlu_6RXYFnLxi7sfSNcPhGbCOfcwslz0zfATh0plye_aqVVCF4Xt9H5-hWU_hd-DFi1bjTJtctIpYJL21fG3hddsqSxH-v8oXuIBEhfgTh2NCXQ5mmCAZ9aNzAO-UJqjg9zk94ShKahDmGKQiUE7Bp9SPbmaFdukitMY8myj_Fiu0FRTPwtJb/s4032/IMG_3075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9ODWlu_6RXYFnLxi7sfSNcPhGbCOfcwslz0zfATh0plye_aqVVCF4Xt9H5-hWU_hd-DFi1bjTJtctIpYJL21fG3hddsqSxH-v8oXuIBEhfgTh2NCXQ5mmCAZ9aNzAO-UJqjg9zk94ShKahDmGKQiUE7Bp9SPbmaFdukitMY8myj_Fiu0FRTPwtJb/s320/IMG_3075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The March shoe collection continues to grow by the back door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No Manolo Blahniks at the back door but we do have teal Sasquatch boots or yak trax that will get you to the van and keep you vertical also a pair of sandals just in case.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBgN0hmZxIuyhxRogRB50Y0ccCvKnN2ljHHdlS76jiNqYPZ4r1k7VfZFPQBnlq-fnlnYz4yxLhMlQJrpIeOe5AoHJ_D2-m-1ydSXUVjPBT5WpPqpyx8TqlKGSyDyKM7BzjxDg6q8HtJ3hbSDSj7_Q85UapcTWeNGjulx_mFsk2EQrerUchG6e4r9k/s4032/IMG_3082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBgN0hmZxIuyhxRogRB50Y0ccCvKnN2ljHHdlS76jiNqYPZ4r1k7VfZFPQBnlq-fnlnYz4yxLhMlQJrpIeOe5AoHJ_D2-m-1ydSXUVjPBT5WpPqpyx8TqlKGSyDyKM7BzjxDg6q8HtJ3hbSDSj7_Q85UapcTWeNGjulx_mFsk2EQrerUchG6e4r9k/s320/IMG_3082.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am ready to garden! I have plants ready to go in the ground with frost cloth and plastic protective layers. If they don't go in soon we are just going to start eating them off the shelf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAhzQ0bAqtsPzQwJB5hDcE3Daebc7ukpR_zIjrVkJvFl-6pxa5Hauru51YhrUXl4-cMa_tfBUAVjq0Z-kMxVxkwF6TF-WlTmJSu_Tz00OooUzzXLP3a71CP0_kEk88_eCRwxVxXe1KgjLMU6OvCOsqdpLUzTPz3vX-31JHa9rOcx_cBlcHtU4l6S0/s4032/IMG_3076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAhzQ0bAqtsPzQwJB5hDcE3Daebc7ukpR_zIjrVkJvFl-6pxa5Hauru51YhrUXl4-cMa_tfBUAVjq0Z-kMxVxkwF6TF-WlTmJSu_Tz00OooUzzXLP3a71CP0_kEk88_eCRwxVxXe1KgjLMU6OvCOsqdpLUzTPz3vX-31JHa9rOcx_cBlcHtU4l6S0/s320/IMG_3076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those 70 degree temps in February had me fooled. I thought we would get a winter blast here or there but not the extended "Arctic Clipper" we are currently enduring followed by a left hit "N'or Easter". Tomorrow is supposed to be better but then I've been telling that to myself for a week. If we do hit 44 tomorrow I am hoping it melts all the white stuff and warms a wee patch of ground so I can get the turnips, radishes, kale and lettuce under cover, along with the onions. The onions have had their bangs trimmed three times, hoping to make stronger roots. Thursday we hit 60 degrees and by the weekend we are back in the deep freeze. Fingers crossed these will do OK. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I wait out Jack Frost I've had time for that annual festivity; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CAULK THE TUB πͺππ₯³</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps8KStBhFDlnJ0GsoUlo7M9R63NDYKO8INiUac3t8Z7234F2Buwc3ECA2n-HMnSD21EyxMOlE27wKiEE6LJw-3fhzRoMO5Hh4z7YNLEpV1rAFfVtiG-epkdrxAXeWc1BiQGUsL2Pn__0j5LER8kDbCdRVmVXcT9kKQtp2jt8eh4Lm0EXzCik37Xrd/s4032/IMG_3058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps8KStBhFDlnJ0GsoUlo7M9R63NDYKO8INiUac3t8Z7234F2Buwc3ECA2n-HMnSD21EyxMOlE27wKiEE6LJw-3fhzRoMO5Hh4z7YNLEpV1rAFfVtiG-epkdrxAXeWc1BiQGUsL2Pn__0j5LER8kDbCdRVmVXcT9kKQtp2jt8eh4Lm0EXzCik37Xrd/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You would think I could do this in my sleep by now ........ nope! I manage to caulk my fingers together, my tools to the tub, the shower head to the wall and myself to the floor. My family went off on holiday to Florida and left me, two dogs and three chickens to 10 glorious days of solitude. They called and said; Mom, do you have cold? You sound funny. I haven't talked to anyone for 6 days, if you don't use your voice you loose it. I had big reno plans but I needed to cut wood in the driveway and make big messes. The weather did not cooperate so I pared down those grandiose ideas; cleaned out the house, cupboards and caulked the dreaded tub. I have a deep and abiding hatred for this chore and put it off as long as possible. The dogs slept peacefully along side the sink and toilet, I caulked them to the floor too, accidentally of course! I freed one and now have a patch of hairy caulk. I was so close to getting the sledgehammer and just demo-ing the whole mess but I stopped myself as I know what lies behind that plastic insert and it ain't pretty. I'd be down to studs and no running water in no time while the dogs snored. Perfect because the new washer and dryer still have not shown up so when I'm down at the river beating my clothes on a rock I can just jump in and take a cold bath. I feel like I'm headed back in time and not forward; the house is winning....... again. Just when I was hitting my stride the oldest called from Florida and requested a pick up at the airport. She was bailing on the Florida trip and coming back to base camp. Nooooooo...... so I finished up a few death cleaning projects and set my alarm to head to the airport at 11:30 pm </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait...... flight delayed it will be more like 12:30 am. The night bus arrived at Platform 9 3/4 right on schedule at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Picking up the stranded witch or wizard for 11 sickles and returning her to the Leaky Cauldron. There were angry muggles everywhere! People, it's 12:30 am be nice or eat a donut! Carnage...... Cleveland we can do better! be nice! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wVgTlyAhpKKX-yGqMsh9W84q10LHCw4lbsQuWclIgryf6nW0z3J0xX_Ml1k3JYHIkCzfYDH7qTRK94GL9UDRiP_84x_vl6DB8hCM9DlrkCHQO6m3GKfhoosnoDyfTAkivlAt8XyjpF7jqJiWPXXs5WwOiWsQJ52AmapQUiHham3ADOgZ4nWEssr/s4032/70037145771__142E0F80-BE08-42C7-9B89-0F19759CFD15.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wVgTlyAhpKKX-yGqMsh9W84q10LHCw4lbsQuWclIgryf6nW0z3J0xX_Ml1k3JYHIkCzfYDH7qTRK94GL9UDRiP_84x_vl6DB8hCM9DlrkCHQO6m3GKfhoosnoDyfTAkivlAt8XyjpF7jqJiWPXXs5WwOiWsQJ52AmapQUiHham3ADOgZ4nWEssr/s320/70037145771__142E0F80-BE08-42C7-9B89-0F19759CFD15.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then the other kid texted, Frontier had just up and cancelled her flight back to Fort Collins. OK airlines WTF? I don't fly. I don't like going through security because I am a smart ass and say things like: don't forget to check for the bomb in my thong, asshole. Nobody has a sense of humor anymore. Honestly having your flight completely cancelled thousands of miles from home would have me postal and nobody would be laughing. Free flight points or trips to the lounge revoked and you ma'am are on the "Do Not Fly List". and I would say thank you! Drinking would be happening. Hey and what about this guy Pete Buttigieg? You know the director of transportation for the entire country, that guy? I live in OHIO, he finally showed up for the February 3rd train derailment in Palestine on February 23rd, probably too many toxic chemicals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How would I fix all these broken systems? What broken systems you might ask? Pick one! Transportation, Schools, Healthcare, Toxic Waste, THE FED, etc Get a few Mom's on these boards who wrangle a couple kids on fixed income everyday! We are talking peanut butter sandwich and white bread Moms who work for a living. Better have a coupon or a BOGO when you show up for the that board meeting. Whaaaat, you left 152 people stranded in Arizona? I revoke all your gold stars and flight hubs and give them to the neighbor kid until you get your ass back in the saddle and say you're sorry. Hey and toss in a free drink or massage on your next flight ...... like if you're ever flying again. I like the reward system. If you screw over 100 people there should be ramifications! If you sit in an airport or hospital emergency room more than an hour there should be penalties. If you put trusting peoples money in junk bonds but give all your employees bonuses before your bank goes bust, your big ass bonus is revoked and given to the guy who couldn't make payroll, you know the people he employees, I think they are called the "little people" or collateral damage. Ask Putin for tips on collateral damage and there is a vile human out of control who seriously needs a trip to the woodshed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The schools? We are fucked if we can't fund education. End of story, end of democracy. Our democracy is looking more like democrazy these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I'm on a rant but the lunatics are running the asylum again, it's happened before in history and it never turns out well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This month of March, show fees are due, the National Clay Conference is in full swing tomorrow, and I'm trying to work stuff out in the studio and life in general. What does one make during these uncertain times? I will barter fermenting jars for grass fed milk; goat, cow or other cloven hoofed animals. I look at the headlines every morning and every morning it's another train wreck, stock crash, bank failure, climate change or mass shooting. I go to the grocery store and have sticker shock. I am trying to look at the big picture. Are we feeling good about any of it? And it's blizzard out and I have daylight savings time adjustment issues. Crank up the violins I'm having a day here........ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9v83s66KXOh_qGK-zzQvhd3tQnu2bFWYCS_fevh6gekRcyRYV-azvQ0rdoRnn0GcIcuJDEekQ1OYyJWRLymgPMBEJh9An5GiAYhG1d623ejqEXLgt83ylePen4_H8yuwjyX3pGJn7giSshD2172N4_xA_zRsjG393NHa9E3Tbid9USvTaDDgfJFe/s1805/IMG_3081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9v83s66KXOh_qGK-zzQvhd3tQnu2bFWYCS_fevh6gekRcyRYV-azvQ0rdoRnn0GcIcuJDEekQ1OYyJWRLymgPMBEJh9An5GiAYhG1d623ejqEXLgt83ylePen4_H8yuwjyX3pGJn7giSshD2172N4_xA_zRsjG393NHa9E3Tbid9USvTaDDgfJFe/s320/IMG_3081.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm running down to Cinncinati in the morning for the opening at the Clay Conference and meet up with a few friends then back home by Wed. night. My attention this year is more garden and food related. I am sick of the grocery store madness and maybe just maybe, home cooked and grown food will be cheaper than government subsidized crap wrapped in plastic and then double wrapped again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lot happens in 10 days ......... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">in other news the chickens are laying and apparently the 17% protein in the feed is working on the chipmunks, I think they finally started laying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbsY-_I1-GbapYjRW1Ggl6gJ0dmG10ysZiweTsPbomjo9496-xC1MSKy5s5PUMAHsRU54eT4dLwjhxtweb4F-ueZJiL3ZLKEA0FtaeQkJPXfu0xIVti7xdq3qdV5-1E8GDUucvlXuq-d_D7ynja7OunLSNF4FabIEsEYVUAIGueP7XgOeEXWg-imT/s4032/IMG_3074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbsY-_I1-GbapYjRW1Ggl6gJ0dmG10ysZiweTsPbomjo9496-xC1MSKy5s5PUMAHsRU54eT4dLwjhxtweb4F-ueZJiL3ZLKEA0FtaeQkJPXfu0xIVti7xdq3qdV5-1E8GDUucvlXuq-d_D7ynja7OunLSNF4FabIEsEYVUAIGueP7XgOeEXWg-imT/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">otherwise known as a fairy egg :) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-64425528871895326392023-03-04T13:51:00.000-05:002023-03-04T13:51:46.443-05:00CSA's and other community related things.......<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGaNX5R2ackdRJySo7JYh0GiEyBLVanighrFOwXzMVQpKaSQYKX9JCYgXrW35wsMxq0jrgPFRNH2-oqjltZKA4GYkCyE1ZldWkxGaiWwGiGU73wjXMEtLZcrdJMaKdydYmpqgT3ilXZfSL2GLcUcDTFyYYwUP-i-EzKvr4q37-G_7aN02CmmZLy3b/s289/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-04%20at%2012.04.31%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="287" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGaNX5R2ackdRJySo7JYh0GiEyBLVanighrFOwXzMVQpKaSQYKX9JCYgXrW35wsMxq0jrgPFRNH2-oqjltZKA4GYkCyE1ZldWkxGaiWwGiGU73wjXMEtLZcrdJMaKdydYmpqgT3ilXZfSL2GLcUcDTFyYYwUP-i-EzKvr4q37-G_7aN02CmmZLy3b/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-04%20at%2012.04.31%20PM.png" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what's a CSA? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Community Supported Agriculture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We decided to sign up for a winter CSA, lasting for 9 weeks (2nd week of January - mid March) The fee was $207 and seemed very fair, also supported a local farmer. Will we do it again? Probably not but glad we did it as it was a great lesson. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I drove out to the farm every Wednesday by 11 am to pick up our weekly share. There were times I got home and scratched my head or looked up recipes for unknown squash varieties. I'm pretty much an acorn or butternut squash gal. There were varieties we received I have pondered over growing and it took those things right off my "To-Grow" list. The other, don't bother growing were sweet potatoes. Sorry but I like the store bought organic ones better. We received sweet potatoes 2 or 3 times and each time was a bit of a let down; although Kirby and chickens loved every tender morsel! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I learned I'm a better gardener than I thought because we received a lot of carrots, onions and potatoes. All, I had in abundance in the ground or basement. Things going in that basement next year: cabbage and winter squash, maybe a few apples. (my basement where we don't have a bar or theater or you can play ping pong but you can have a good game of whack a mole!) We got small bags of parsley (also still picking in the garden), dill (my freezer is full of fresh dill), garlic shoots (I have so much garlic) and so it went. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was hoping for way more green stuff. Like kale, lettuce and bok choi etc. We would get a small plastic sleeve of one of those greens but it was not enough for even one salad. We eat quite a few greens. I know the farm has high tunnels and other winter growing setups and knowing the turn around time on greens is pretty fast I was surprised there were not more greens. I was also surprised at the shelf life of the lettuce. Yes, it's a tender green but if I didn't eat it in the van on the way home it was wilted. Not even an ice cold water bath raised the dead. The hydroponic lettuce I buy from another farmer in Oberlin will last two weeks (saving time & gas). Not sure why but this is very curious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also a surprise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDEElXpvgoZdNg-sS7rkVvK5oPiKRgYdgHwOqGC4x2MMdJcMYK_1d0-9hvi8AhNGVlb6w3pMpazUhbdb4Zl00RHyakFYBBW3_pjPcfDNfLW_5PwNuhA-9aVjYoDhrQSN2xsz6WvgclLopX3ETe8TsDd86lm5GfkpNEJWMhuQdYzf4CEmuYPF0EAul/s4032/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDEElXpvgoZdNg-sS7rkVvK5oPiKRgYdgHwOqGC4x2MMdJcMYK_1d0-9hvi8AhNGVlb6w3pMpazUhbdb4Zl00RHyakFYBBW3_pjPcfDNfLW_5PwNuhA-9aVjYoDhrQSN2xsz6WvgclLopX3ETe8TsDd86lm5GfkpNEJWMhuQdYzf4CEmuYPF0EAul/s320/IMG_2962.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Items not grown and pre-packaged. Mrs Millers cherry jam, ya not this Mrs Miller! We don't eat sugar or use jams and jellies. It's sitting in the fridge because I don't know what to do with it but cannot bring myself to chuck it. Potatoes in those damn plastic netted bags! In fact so much of what we received was in a plastic bag, and put in another plastic bag to get it home it's a biggest reason I will not participate again. Even the "Garlic Expressions" bottle is plastic and full of canola oil. Ya, no canola oil in this house either as it is inflammatory. I'm already inflamed daily just picking up all the plastic on the beach and in the parks. Ya, what about that community mindfulness? We also got a jar of salsa. I am a home canner, I have salsa in the basement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok am I being a little harsh? For us as a family trying to eat as close to the earth as possible; I don't think so. We did enjoy the pea shoots, swiss chard and other greens. However if you're the "average" American buying food from the local Piggly Wiggly or Costco you probably think this is a great CSA and that is fine and I am truly happy for you and your support of a local farm family! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The biggest goal for 2023 is to grow greens through the winter. Whether that will be a hydroponic set up or grow tunnel I'm not sure yet. But after 9 weeks that was the biggest take away; we want greens and no plastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile green is happening here! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m6hZCKTJs0Et-yCitEPYH_DtYzCCtqiy6BDMQbIZzvbgwDR9zQsD1vWZMHyUPZs-MRvxzOc2w4WnCygPZvHMrgVYYcR1WxWTO8vtQy4mWwkh1o3mQRAE_aOKgF_QzaxAQQfuXAQ8M4IeBPNEAGHGqe07NfWDg_ZbDmEbfQOWOEGjkhVUvjmAhS9x/s4032/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m6hZCKTJs0Et-yCitEPYH_DtYzCCtqiy6BDMQbIZzvbgwDR9zQsD1vWZMHyUPZs-MRvxzOc2w4WnCygPZvHMrgVYYcR1WxWTO8vtQy4mWwkh1o3mQRAE_aOKgF_QzaxAQQfuXAQ8M4IeBPNEAGHGqe07NfWDg_ZbDmEbfQOWOEGjkhVUvjmAhS9x/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNcvS9_nmIii_2gRM_sgG3Jie9f9fDiZcmW2k-4Mwd2XqvL6gCcJMF0dc0gcaN315kbZbLpE8lNe0HXK-xvI-3Ag_pW1ung6AuhBcWmWr-c1NAYG6Eq_RTX5vMZRF0LrJnSfY_9QLhvIvzxOX6V4K17L3v8MZkkkWCcvcOEOwEpfihpA6CnfqnEF8/s4032/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNcvS9_nmIii_2gRM_sgG3Jie9f9fDiZcmW2k-4Mwd2XqvL6gCcJMF0dc0gcaN315kbZbLpE8lNe0HXK-xvI-3Ag_pW1ung6AuhBcWmWr-c1NAYG6Eq_RTX5vMZRF0LrJnSfY_9QLhvIvzxOX6V4K17L3v8MZkkkWCcvcOEOwEpfihpA6CnfqnEF8/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">they won't go outside next week but the following week for sure! The seedlings are strong! I left them outside yesterday during a wind, snow and pelting rain day. By the time I arrived back at happy acres I cringed to even see how much damage Mother Nature had inflicted on these little seedlings. They had been subjected to high wind, rain and ice for over 4 hours. The pictures above were taken this morning. Everything looks great, indeed thriving. So they will go out, covered with a frost cloth and stern talking to about bucking up to March gales, although on second thought maybe they should give me a stern lecture on bucking up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here we go again........ caught red handed in the chicken coop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trash bandit was young and immediately relocated to distant land. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He didn't try to tear my hands or face off and was relatively docile compared to past masked marauders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEfhDJzN2fCHQrAndziPyVQTr5VWeVSexhqqk82ZZcKZSIKQDflHsZPkI49LDsewvKdzzr3QKsHFXg3y2C698feyMkzTY3JHdRNtZcspA32KTABh1AwV-gcSC-2aYJ546UGrjtPRWvfh92xiNIZbAMAz05q3C1eT7KcMOuU_-4PyhS1_W7JXsprnc/s4032/IMG_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEfhDJzN2fCHQrAndziPyVQTr5VWeVSexhqqk82ZZcKZSIKQDflHsZPkI49LDsewvKdzzr3QKsHFXg3y2C698feyMkzTY3JHdRNtZcspA32KTABh1AwV-gcSC-2aYJ546UGrjtPRWvfh92xiNIZbAMAz05q3C1eT7KcMOuU_-4PyhS1_W7JXsprnc/s320/IMG_2951.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been watching the mother of all raccoons make a nightly raid in the coop. If I caught this thing it would be like a hooking a marlin on worm. Forget the Old Man and the Sea, more like the Old Woman in the Coop. I am not sure it even fits in the Hav-a Heart trap. I have baited the trap with sardines and dog food, tuna fish and dog kibble, the smeller the better and nothing. Thought I'd give it one more try and trapped Petunia. I felt so bad! I stay up all night checking the trap because I don't want anything traumatized more than me. I apologized profusely, opened the door and she scurried away, grumbling. I shook out the tuna and shrimp tails but they were still there in the morning. The chickens were so happy for the leftovers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89y7lyq_7VT4YTHL1rKFIK4P1MU4QkscqaCF9zHQWn4ojvmHJRKShNqaObY0Kv4QjXOBOoiitUGfLoq3fHo32f4Tig0hNMdjEsy81jDwT_-8_eUlUfG85B63iB8i8UBID_1MyFVEEHjY6Do9BLjchztnVirkbNahyVNbe871GV5TD6PqH-4kkMO9U/s4032/IMG_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89y7lyq_7VT4YTHL1rKFIK4P1MU4QkscqaCF9zHQWn4ojvmHJRKShNqaObY0Kv4QjXOBOoiitUGfLoq3fHo32f4Tig0hNMdjEsy81jDwT_-8_eUlUfG85B63iB8i8UBID_1MyFVEEHjY6Do9BLjchztnVirkbNahyVNbe871GV5TD6PqH-4kkMO9U/s320/IMG_2954.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3Ew2NP2fft4XXaZdUXqQQz7rcHaO0Ohwkw3Lcr2rP93SzK565JpPsm-Z1cYLBoeS5504yP884jPEA3QNV48W844FAA_CvyoFb4_ZLPngVvVMnxsjgl3NYxykgSGP2CWwa0OtkTaLitINvqAmfdC9T1UilVXeC0ZS4Juu-j9tBAkrWpaSZU_L6JLG/s4032/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3Ew2NP2fft4XXaZdUXqQQz7rcHaO0Ohwkw3Lcr2rP93SzK565JpPsm-Z1cYLBoeS5504yP884jPEA3QNV48W844FAA_CvyoFb4_ZLPngVvVMnxsjgl3NYxykgSGP2CWwa0OtkTaLitINvqAmfdC9T1UilVXeC0ZS4Juu-j9tBAkrWpaSZU_L6JLG/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I walk around the garden making arm long lists of chores, it's daunting. Then the wind blows I get a snowflake up my nose and retreat to the studio. Argh the studio....... time for a change! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was sitting here cutting out decal after decal and decided to watch a documentary on Joe Humpherys, the god father of fly fishing. If you don't know who he is you need to know! The man is a legend. He is still alive and still fishing the streams of Pennsylvania and or anywhere the trout are running at the age of 93. I've watched the documentary on his life three times now. It occurred to me, we all need be this happy living! The documentary was not a movie about fly fishing but more a wonderful lesson on how to truly live and be joyful in what you do. He moves constantly! He doesn't garden but the man fishes. I am sitting here cutting out these fucking decals and hating this. I love throwing, gardening, fishing, paddling etc but this sitting on my ass cutting out decals and then sitting on my ass applying the stupid things is killing me. It's gonna upset a whole bunch of people and I've already applied to a bunch of shows; paid the jury fees but thankfully not the booth fees. Not sure where I'm headed but it's going to be very different. I have given these pots the death stare. I will finish out what I have and be done! The financial part is still a quandary but I just cannot make these pots much longer. Feeling a bit lost in the studio for the first in a very long time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make a bowl of popcorn, put your feet up and treat yourself to a wonderful movie: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju20nZ_T6me2v12YErBJWA7JsMnTD6H2KNp_we-bwhaPrW0B-TWgVelDsFfHWhq6YmCx3Ik--2mn5862ps9wXSZzIVPcapN_A1bhqOt1vYs8B7Pkr04F7nGsRyY8JCf9FE2uGMzo4kw3tLqxsk1U9B36jxHLuMITpFgH7n9P7X_DEO0WveuxQXsF0O/s1530/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-04%20at%201.35.01%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1530" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju20nZ_T6me2v12YErBJWA7JsMnTD6H2KNp_we-bwhaPrW0B-TWgVelDsFfHWhq6YmCx3Ik--2mn5862ps9wXSZzIVPcapN_A1bhqOt1vYs8B7Pkr04F7nGsRyY8JCf9FE2uGMzo4kw3tLqxsk1U9B36jxHLuMITpFgH7n9P7X_DEO0WveuxQXsF0O/w400-h158/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-04%20at%201.35.01%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livethestreamfilm.com/#nov5_release" target="_blank">Live the Stream, </a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-15968251893399684352023-02-21T20:17:00.001-05:002023-02-21T20:17:32.615-05:00Chaos in motion.......<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The calm.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKlPzDhO1Jidho0CVrB1Snpw4yyJzas3tVY1UH0yt9utOy72bx0x4ydulgkPmwrK31qxlBD4qMgfVoCeR0d-9TCKD7TRLTZY51FTO-GIlFUUZ_PLM6QNNBAeITYlbInK0kHYjquQOS1FMsLjngm4IMZnUbRZOxoX5FeEVaTRcD4gz0gCYj0MQs8CL/s3780/72CADAC1-FF2D-44BB-9F19-575B50CA5C0E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKlPzDhO1Jidho0CVrB1Snpw4yyJzas3tVY1UH0yt9utOy72bx0x4ydulgkPmwrK31qxlBD4qMgfVoCeR0d-9TCKD7TRLTZY51FTO-GIlFUUZ_PLM6QNNBAeITYlbInK0kHYjquQOS1FMsLjngm4IMZnUbRZOxoX5FeEVaTRcD4gz0gCYj0MQs8CL/s320/72CADAC1-FF2D-44BB-9F19-575B50CA5C0E.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am old, I have been around the sun more time than some and have moss growing on my north side and I don't care. I am old enough to know there are cycles; up and down, droughts and floods, hurricanes and stillness. Usually the plunges aren't chaotic enough to make you sick but rather just a little woozy. This month I'm a little green and it's not the moss on my backside! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a wickedly delicious week, two weeks ago. We had summited Mt Everest with no oxygen tanks. It went like this: Daughter #2 calls from Colorado; the child with a fresh masters degree. Who, upon graduating from Western University in Gunnison, Coloradoπ«to cheers from parents & big sister; packed up lock, stock and barrel, one hot August day, loaded down with a dog & cat, all worldly possessions in her 2009 Ford Taurus with the bumper duct taped to the frame and front seat that reminds me of a Barcalounger from my Moms basement, crossed the Rocky Mountains and drove to Fort Collins in search of a fabulous job. The dog, cat and daughter had stars in their eyes and joy in their hearts. Found a cute apartment next to CSU campus and started applying for jobs, hundreds of jobs (not kidding), no jobs were offered and it has been has been a year of rejection. She found a job tending bar and the Sundance Saloon, boots not included. Since my kids were wee tots I said repeatedly and loudly: IF GOD SENDS THE PEBBLE PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE THE BRICK IS COMING! After so many rejections it was more than a pebble. From August to February anxious parents waited for an email, a text, fireworks, the BRICK....... anything and then it came. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I AM EMPLOYED, I HAVE A JOB! Be still my heart! I called Butch and pulled him out of a very important meeting to tell him; You can retire now, she has a JOB! Where? University of Oregon in Eugene....... she's gonna be a Duck, a mighty Duck! Woo Hoo! We all celebrated, it's a family thing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rinse and repeat: One dog, one cat, all worldly possessions and a 2009 Ford Taurus heading west to Eugene, Oregon and Mighty Duck country.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Beyond Oregon, it's Japan and the Ford will never make it! We are cracking open the Buffalo Trace tonight! Cheers! Butch sent his letter of retirement last weekend. I am scared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Could life get any better? Why YES it can! I occasionally poke around auctions and estate sales. I consider myself a saver of old pots, many forgotten with layers of dust and crud. Over the years I have found some amazing pots but never the holy grail. The day after the JOB announcement I started bidding on a vase that looked a lot like a Hideaki Miyamura pot; The Man of 10,000 glazes. I have loved his pots since I first laid eyes on them in the early 2000's. In the past few years Pucker Gallery out of Boston picked him up and his prices skyrocketed into the thousands. The starting bid was $22.00. I bid $24.00. The last day of the auction I was on pins and needles expecting this thing to skyrocket and it did ..... all the way to $40.00! I bought a Hideaki Miyamura pot for $40.00. I didn't sleep for two nights. Saturday morning, we drove down to an estate and there it was and it was real and I loaded it in the car and drove away. Nobody knew this was his pot, even though it is signed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn0aldixFsbZIqaxF0_tBtC2_0RkaA3Ly8uovJsQ1DF_veHvarFtZi7oH7_HO3_OG0gsxFcP4ik1ITgNoalb-ePp4X6VwtC1LAQCGUF_UAvp3IFlMoFWR63QLGPeRylqObrTgtpqFZRY1Jfq7fWdHhWEqBfZruM9m69O8W5mNCKg0PMDaUWIubXFn/s4032/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn0aldixFsbZIqaxF0_tBtC2_0RkaA3Ly8uovJsQ1DF_veHvarFtZi7oH7_HO3_OG0gsxFcP4ik1ITgNoalb-ePp4X6VwtC1LAQCGUF_UAvp3IFlMoFWR63QLGPeRylqObrTgtpqFZRY1Jfq7fWdHhWEqBfZruM9m69O8W5mNCKg0PMDaUWIubXFn/s320/IMG_2856.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As fast as we had ascended we were now descending. Butch's car with 300,000 miles finally bit the dust. He drives like a coast to coast truck driver for his job. His job eats cars. So on a cold morning he started hunting after we all refused to get in and drive to the airport to pick up daughter #1 from Alaska. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I saw this man walk in my showroom I would put the closed the sign in the window and run. Many years ago we were in the same situation except we had one car, two kids and a beyond tight budget. He was working across the street from a used car lot. He was working in construction and wore flannel shirts and work boots and by noon he looked & smelled like a construction worker. He had his eye on an Audi, a spiffy used Audi with a sun roof. He walked over every day for a month and sat in the car on his lunch hour. Some days he ate his lunch in the car. Finally, after weeks of this, the salesman came out and said: Sir, I will sell this car to you at my cost, if you never walk on to my car lot again. He drove home that night and we all went to the beach with sun roof open. And so it has gone for the 40 years I have known him. He drove home a used Nissan Rouge with 13K miles and more bells and whistles than I can figure out but I do love those heated seats! He got a great deal but it's cash out lay we were not expecting and just ick. I guess the sub-woofer in the trunk makes things more palatable. I'll keep my sub-woofer in the backyard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NwqjFqlXAxddTkPqhH5dHvR1uOe-W6npweNr3O29kWuO1PgpNxDm9tRzijmVJDq2XRHBL7nP2XSfWDFX_1BjVBLPkqxhB6CqqBeqave6nX14IyYWluxppOTaSNO64l1EmXSd-cBshgEx8qYYzEU4L-Ui3CQ0zWoCf8UWb2cVDxfl6VM7iEFoNMYX/s3855/IMG_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3855" data-original-width="2891" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NwqjFqlXAxddTkPqhH5dHvR1uOe-W6npweNr3O29kWuO1PgpNxDm9tRzijmVJDq2XRHBL7nP2XSfWDFX_1BjVBLPkqxhB6CqqBeqave6nX14IyYWluxppOTaSNO64l1EmXSd-cBshgEx8qYYzEU4L-Ui3CQ0zWoCf8UWb2cVDxfl6VM7iEFoNMYX/s320/IMG_2659.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the week went on, the nightly load of laundry went in. The first signs things were going awry. Open the washer door and the plastic fins had their last trip on spin dry, one too many times. Pulled out my jeans and the guts of the washer came with it. But the motor was still good and it still washed so carry on. I said a novena over it, lite a candle and carried on. It seemed to help. Saturday night, we threw the wet clothes in the dryer and went to bed. Ten minutes, just about the time it takes get comfortable and get the sheets warm enough to fall asleep, the dryer made gasping groans. So loud we jumped out of bed, tripped over two panicked dogs and ran down stairs before something really horrible happened. We draped laundry around the house and said we'd deal with it in the morning. This fine set was purchased 24 years ago and it had never stopped. Not through my pottery rags (my clothes after a day in the studio), several dogs, 2 kids, gardening clothes, kitchen disasters and sailing adventures. This set was a work horse for 24 years! We went to Lowe's Presidential Sale and forked over $2200.00 for a damn washer and dryer. Made in America Maytag set. We were asked if I wanted the steam dry add on. I laughed; NO! I'll be down at the river beating my clothes on rock until March 23rd when they promised to deliver it. They wanted $40 to take the old set away. Will they load it in my van for free? Why yes they will little lady. Great I will take it to the recycling center center myself! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you old friend.........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F6KCsIvrFrXtYpcEphlKdVLEs-xSr5RR9e2BHZolW6SGzTpLpij3wMCk9gAjQDOA68--44PjKkhfDFGjr-JbnE2_sAYWhEtB9OHkIU_s3CNAFrTjsrAIsyYKkV8CipimjOg-vplFeZ12iFzHA9pwV0B6lcs-9_bND_oKRdauOMTCtqkIcfdgxVV8/s4032/IMG_2940%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F6KCsIvrFrXtYpcEphlKdVLEs-xSr5RR9e2BHZolW6SGzTpLpij3wMCk9gAjQDOA68--44PjKkhfDFGjr-JbnE2_sAYWhEtB9OHkIU_s3CNAFrTjsrAIsyYKkV8CipimjOg-vplFeZ12iFzHA9pwV0B6lcs-9_bND_oKRdauOMTCtqkIcfdgxVV8/s320/IMG_2940%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point I felt like we were hemorrhaging money! Yes, we plan for these things but when they happen it's a gut punch and I take it very personally. Butch never gets upset about this stuff, I do! I feel like I need to spring into action and do something to fill the bank account again. I had a month of testing glazes and had just about figured out what to take forward and what to leave behind because it was time to put the pedal to the metal and spin clay to gold! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do enjoy testing! Again, it starts out so orderly. I spent hours on chemistry tables; food safe, not food safe. After three days of glaze calculations my brain hurt and it was go time! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How I start:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtn1MZ1Ox6TnHNbxepgXT8V--l1nZ5yiP1hMNizmuj49OeZjOoaTezybMIbO-Pdf3alFmcU1TOGwlBhmoUXqx4gRIHUGErLZbKC4lj1A83pXprap0Ue0FH95RkuKqYpl6jw_NISzrI7SQjwHKjitTFuGehjwgAjXFIevfWvxlEiOIwYeZneh3QerG/s4032/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtn1MZ1Ox6TnHNbxepgXT8V--l1nZ5yiP1hMNizmuj49OeZjOoaTezybMIbO-Pdf3alFmcU1TOGwlBhmoUXqx4gRIHUGErLZbKC4lj1A83pXprap0Ue0FH95RkuKqYpl6jw_NISzrI7SQjwHKjitTFuGehjwgAjXFIevfWvxlEiOIwYeZneh3QerG/s320/IMG_2865.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">half way through and chaos wins..... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyA4N9vyRjVFkA19FpF_dsCXkGAFUFeLHnG-F5KM0c77rkC6pvON_uVz2bYYW6X9zX8x7MjzyAkeDzeiw-llg30FklSOdo9nkmdFKvKZJIVusyorDnAapzMic1wbiIYjL-1lbrKWTLJotZ07pP1lEcUZ3Xu667wE5v2phQ00hKUlpOop_d_deRHkc/s4032/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyA4N9vyRjVFkA19FpF_dsCXkGAFUFeLHnG-F5KM0c77rkC6pvON_uVz2bYYW6X9zX8x7MjzyAkeDzeiw-llg30FklSOdo9nkmdFKvKZJIVusyorDnAapzMic1wbiIYjL-1lbrKWTLJotZ07pP1lEcUZ3Xu667wE5v2phQ00hKUlpOop_d_deRHkc/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and you're left with this........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHH7Jpmi3HkrZ_abtOzoBjouxWglirCBA_h-KsdlHX1X160Al9txLgPPAelD7ADxwlFjBoFyl9HF_lwhP6LBTp3j0dWkjUYzyJDz3Gk8skoUrQ4-z8OsThOOP2pn-2L8W3xflMRBgmFOU2-KeIjsnA9dcwuVeLPM0TCohw3zLgW4d0NOc5VbAczSa/s4032/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHH7Jpmi3HkrZ_abtOzoBjouxWglirCBA_h-KsdlHX1X160Al9txLgPPAelD7ADxwlFjBoFyl9HF_lwhP6LBTp3j0dWkjUYzyJDz3Gk8skoUrQ4-z8OsThOOP2pn-2L8W3xflMRBgmFOU2-KeIjsnA9dcwuVeLPM0TCohw3zLgW4d0NOc5VbAczSa/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSEJS13kKzredQ3kKgAmxlTucPWDVCagiLCKcuw4nDP1zuAHqX-yDzSyn6AiXduzORF3DqztfzE44CTNaJkFs4H9nwXI2JoS_UvqjjZSB7DPdWzSF_FcyDY2AxtZLS7Z-tPL4U-djQFedFXzsH9tVtKyNJTpdjJACtk_Da9QM1kQhdQEA-PY4fdfP/s4032/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSEJS13kKzredQ3kKgAmxlTucPWDVCagiLCKcuw4nDP1zuAHqX-yDzSyn6AiXduzORF3DqztfzE44CTNaJkFs4H9nwXI2JoS_UvqjjZSB7DPdWzSF_FcyDY2AxtZLS7Z-tPL4U-djQFedFXzsH9tVtKyNJTpdjJACtk_Da9QM1kQhdQEA-PY4fdfP/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMTNbupmEz5j_QvNyMM6vfnQeAM4qloPDUWH-3txRjyTghESH4UQJiDs9EC2eKxiBazE9otWgp22N7ecF1uojNCDsxZhwSxc4ZrdVt2Tgz6goKGHY-reKV9rMCtjxQqKs05JjJXq5HiSv0ThaprYV6_jg51b_dMDRBol-CHBvi1rKF7_QPLLgmQwC/s4032/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMTNbupmEz5j_QvNyMM6vfnQeAM4qloPDUWH-3txRjyTghESH4UQJiDs9EC2eKxiBazE9otWgp22N7ecF1uojNCDsxZhwSxc4ZrdVt2Tgz6goKGHY-reKV9rMCtjxQqKs05JjJXq5HiSv0ThaprYV6_jg51b_dMDRBol-CHBvi1rKF7_QPLLgmQwC/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-jP8GubXHKGi0NI8O5mm-MKaDjML30ELOFCCGjEvHiIAu-vMaBcDPdrNbjYXYfDksSv-KQYqx6QrwX5oBpLMNK3Y6FovUSJsnYbb_5T2crT01Huu8Rr5eDcLAm-lsU_YALtFqrtAH1u1WcjXv0XkGPLHhAol6p7ctzrRwoHKMC-bUdGRx2_kGQDK/s1936/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-jP8GubXHKGi0NI8O5mm-MKaDjML30ELOFCCGjEvHiIAu-vMaBcDPdrNbjYXYfDksSv-KQYqx6QrwX5oBpLMNK3Y6FovUSJsnYbb_5T2crT01Huu8Rr5eDcLAm-lsU_YALtFqrtAH1u1WcjXv0XkGPLHhAol6p7ctzrRwoHKMC-bUdGRx2_kGQDK/s320/IMG_2897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Out of 48 tests I have 4 worth working on. I still have a couple more I want to test but they might need to wait while I make pots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did make one discovery. I needed to pickup up porcelain in Cinncinati and stoneware in New York. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Across the Ohio River lies Kentucky, home to some of the best bourbon in the world and I cannot get it in Ohio! It was a 500 pound porcelain and 1 bottle of bourbon pick up. When I drive to Avon, NY I pick up my favorite white stoneware and Butch just realized it's in the Finger Lakes region and wine country so we stopped at 4 wineries and picked up wine. I don't drink so make the perfect designated driver :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBPASjdfSOq4rSajR-7hCv3rJISjgDqpnEFwDYnqQ5doECvJChm7WRR56Q9LNvM0nNTp-0jChLrzQmYYiBRubCtA4q9rS8w2EnEAZrKb7M2AATxJ4-d_WNOAYCdpbDxGOXNLNbEl0PMIAjDv6sovvTzFsSB9XSVJZrqboi76FjWXzdM6O0K5JeYS-/s4032/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBPASjdfSOq4rSajR-7hCv3rJISjgDqpnEFwDYnqQ5doECvJChm7WRR56Q9LNvM0nNTp-0jChLrzQmYYiBRubCtA4q9rS8w2EnEAZrKb7M2AATxJ4-d_WNOAYCdpbDxGOXNLNbEl0PMIAjDv6sovvTzFsSB9XSVJZrqboi76FjWXzdM6O0K5JeYS-/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ys70D18WNxSbqqDENU8gphYsxMaq_TkE4xObdfu-_13fNcz8Yq-2BLwwmu72KZvI3faBLktGDdkaMv6_0tqiGAM0itzGd-iLT8fNQlPuNvwj9hSDB3CLQ04opkmhGgxlhuFOuPYyOZZ7eXICfv7UhScnt4vORu2c6rrzDojjHhuiLPoMf50l1DAJ/s4032/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ys70D18WNxSbqqDENU8gphYsxMaq_TkE4xObdfu-_13fNcz8Yq-2BLwwmu72KZvI3faBLktGDdkaMv6_0tqiGAM0itzGd-iLT8fNQlPuNvwj9hSDB3CLQ04opkmhGgxlhuFOuPYyOZZ7eXICfv7UhScnt4vORu2c6rrzDojjHhuiLPoMf50l1DAJ/s320/IMG_2922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course when he discovered all these clay places were close to his favorite places my trips now take twice as long and we need to take the dogs too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And realizing we might never eat again...... this happened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Again, I start out completely in control and then chaos happens. I am over come with seed-a-phobia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not too early to start brassicas and onions should be started in January along with leeks. The weather is wild too. This is unheard of!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAiPhX32pbU6rL_JJu1p_KMrxcxK0m5gz0okO_A20sJZfPzZ1jCgupOlE-f-YAzanTuP2G_V1d6hAhIty3cY2JgaYufRe7CpkLjx201xYayrpC89aEw9heUTJ3wLzwBNYqiBHrOxG838O8hzq6u-y8MCo_ifivDg_5KG1tTbiR_9iwEVtHiE568Dv/s4032/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAiPhX32pbU6rL_JJu1p_KMrxcxK0m5gz0okO_A20sJZfPzZ1jCgupOlE-f-YAzanTuP2G_V1d6hAhIty3cY2JgaYufRe7CpkLjx201xYayrpC89aEw9heUTJ3wLzwBNYqiBHrOxG838O8hzq6u-y8MCo_ifivDg_5KG1tTbiR_9iwEVtHiE568Dv/s320/IMG_2885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It makes me think I should get cold loving plants started and ready to set out. Everything I started doesn't mind a bit of snow and frost. Plants that bolt in hot weather should be started now. They are not on heating mats and as soon as they germinate I will move this batch to the porch. I can use my fish fertilizer on the porch and not so much in the back room. You only make that mistake once. For three days we walked around the house commenting on the winter kill from Lake Erie smells really bad this year. I finally fessed up and said; it's me, I'm using fish and kelp fertilizer. I expect the raccoons to be breaking down the door any night now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNai5U0deewHwa-4tVH_WTP87R2MUgdPzzhNg99P3XkrAZIMdRyBf7BYr2VRitEyGCW4v9gc0wOFBtdOm6kbzYH8cEC_nRBq7P1Aa2MkWh7llJeu0grvozMP6uGChS_Nb11WTW7jDHN7Qds6H0vVeAvv2xN5zaBmqMDjxRgA8RgTI8deFIP2axeOtJ/s4032/IMG_2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNai5U0deewHwa-4tVH_WTP87R2MUgdPzzhNg99P3XkrAZIMdRyBf7BYr2VRitEyGCW4v9gc0wOFBtdOm6kbzYH8cEC_nRBq7P1Aa2MkWh7llJeu0grvozMP6uGChS_Nb11WTW7jDHN7Qds6H0vVeAvv2xN5zaBmqMDjxRgA8RgTI8deFIP2axeOtJ/s320/IMG_2934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKUz03uOjTewKhx_boA6kufS0QPsvATZyAta0RAmWCPFfE3bF224GanvMLHCvTSWKAxcg4iURxn3BOew6iHSu9Xl5fjKz_oib3W6sCPB2LhJHimAf3WBOF2S94CUF5d6MD4yhCY2VpASlSjOonMgvCeUqf7bPCO26TzBMm8RRwgX6ZGuLTTX_1vZH/s4032/69863553304__D21A8FE9-7AFA-409F-B1A5-208F10A69FF4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKUz03uOjTewKhx_boA6kufS0QPsvATZyAta0RAmWCPFfE3bF224GanvMLHCvTSWKAxcg4iURxn3BOew6iHSu9Xl5fjKz_oib3W6sCPB2LhJHimAf3WBOF2S94CUF5d6MD4yhCY2VpASlSjOonMgvCeUqf7bPCO26TzBMm8RRwgX6ZGuLTTX_1vZH/s320/69863553304__D21A8FE9-7AFA-409F-B1A5-208F10A69FF4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For anyone interested, here is the list:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lettuce: Winter Destiny romaine, Butterhead, Red Velvet Leaf and Heirloom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Broccoli: Purple Sprouting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cauliflower: Adona, Song, Robar, Purple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cabbage: Famosa, Mammoth Red, Intero, Tiara</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kohlrabi: Quickstar, Purple</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Radishes: Watermelon, French Breakfast, Hailstone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Swiss Chard: Ford Hook and Mixed Rainbow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kale: Casper, Black Magic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tatsoi and Bok Choi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purple Turnips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beets: Detroit Red and Boldor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spinach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Celery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parsley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Onions: Patterson, Blush and Alisa Craig</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bunching Onions </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and micro greens..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next big push for seeds will be the second week of April.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is hoping the chaos calms down, the days keep getting longer and I keep breathing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and to add to the calm I used my $9.99 in Amazon points and purchased bird and bunny wall decals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I LOVE these! Yes, I watch the birds but these make me smile, a lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB_mGUFJBmIB_D9pD3OxkBGj1Uh-iE38L4-wcWcIGiTNaIQ9jJ3WITgVsfCNKAuOyMWX9ty0rXc_6uNQXuCRaHb-0LlFKaIQTlA8Nhpck6-M5MzeOOPrKm_ZUOwBFW5NdRgTUf6UY1BpIuXzsl9cr-HaOYbk1olbvrtVAeoKhBCyP8udzO95UfnZ9/s4032/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB_mGUFJBmIB_D9pD3OxkBGj1Uh-iE38L4-wcWcIGiTNaIQ9jJ3WITgVsfCNKAuOyMWX9ty0rXc_6uNQXuCRaHb-0LlFKaIQTlA8Nhpck6-M5MzeOOPrKm_ZUOwBFW5NdRgTUf6UY1BpIuXzsl9cr-HaOYbk1olbvrtVAeoKhBCyP8udzO95UfnZ9/s320/IMG_2935.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm_jHehqGiKEgTQJCKuzJJKwKsHrh5a_uHi-axkaB4i8H55K3INlf8Bvc5oAmZX1A5Pm4nZuEP0KJNv3yV0qsC-r4X1qenaM-66R1vTOlIvs5Oppp6tA_ZjV41P_Z6d11XFzfpSOZRiY1p1gHCQyI9FyN54-0_4MIiC3R0PtcM_joAkzWkHr0vKZY/s4032/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm_jHehqGiKEgTQJCKuzJJKwKsHrh5a_uHi-axkaB4i8H55K3INlf8Bvc5oAmZX1A5Pm4nZuEP0KJNv3yV0qsC-r4X1qenaM-66R1vTOlIvs5Oppp6tA_ZjV41P_Z6d11XFzfpSOZRiY1p1gHCQyI9FyN54-0_4MIiC3R0PtcM_joAkzWkHr0vKZY/s320/IMG_2937.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQPRLt0fI_nlwOVirfsUyT3QQWF1yPXC9XNQ0rwXXE3oRuu-CkeSUOqeqf2K1hkA7HjzsZFWERWj0m5YMCILB-Mu8BwUtMYUVifIQoRHZRln4LVS50VcHIZHSLubxgM5RaGwciTADs4RVFgWlcDxTfizikhLKzKIGKLWMwda4YYLfOgaC73hOmRct/s2787/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="2423" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQPRLt0fI_nlwOVirfsUyT3QQWF1yPXC9XNQ0rwXXE3oRuu-CkeSUOqeqf2K1hkA7HjzsZFWERWj0m5YMCILB-Mu8BwUtMYUVifIQoRHZRln4LVS50VcHIZHSLubxgM5RaGwciTADs4RVFgWlcDxTfizikhLKzKIGKLWMwda4YYLfOgaC73hOmRct/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7Qqs8PepOjI6ZfS2HyYe7RbW-_pDwpSEqFIUOwoAHYJNNbO64g3Y7iTtlYD5f8aomRB3A8m1IAgk9Iu9otNek3JgLI4Ayfs3h3tLyoFSoC0zitPPHqJJx6cRUHanSNGHmReBQmorAr86hQ_gqG8M7jfKMKiCalQ0OnQRTXcwUMmn4jUOW6JSJF2/s3275/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3275" data-original-width="2611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7Qqs8PepOjI6ZfS2HyYe7RbW-_pDwpSEqFIUOwoAHYJNNbO64g3Y7iTtlYD5f8aomRB3A8m1IAgk9Iu9otNek3JgLI4Ayfs3h3tLyoFSoC0zitPPHqJJx6cRUHanSNGHmReBQmorAr86hQ_gqG8M7jfKMKiCalQ0OnQRTXcwUMmn4jUOW6JSJF2/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTY8j1yqEI0oIPXXZ5oJ8jyIXVEWDsEd-TdLi5sOM8gAuZ2JlLR5GawZWm4cyTOLPME42H3gxPSH0tCXXOrVn-j5AE1BAnVpWREYdbXQQ-YIxTqG4T5gNT9J64zw2mcrE6_dZGfbPJXm9Q8tx0cxrW8pVMCG2TDw7LgiQ8DszYdiDU97Nqj8IQZub/s4032/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTY8j1yqEI0oIPXXZ5oJ8jyIXVEWDsEd-TdLi5sOM8gAuZ2JlLR5GawZWm4cyTOLPME42H3gxPSH0tCXXOrVn-j5AE1BAnVpWREYdbXQQ-YIxTqG4T5gNT9J64zw2mcrE6_dZGfbPJXm9Q8tx0cxrW8pVMCG2TDw7LgiQ8DszYdiDU97Nqj8IQZub/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor2nYoLX2mDYdi65TqY2jFstFQHIiHQidmfntuAoqIo6qAdzMJa2gcJqBeplvo_VPo-q_bXH0P4ZxYc4xcjVqyV4As3DZ9qSGohIRVPXaZSEH2rhfw0t3_rg9LBPSEy5Ng7urX-vyqZ0VTy4o0C67mIbGMbrPfLwWDruAfKVlGpccERRWgOkKlGc5/s4032/IMG_2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor2nYoLX2mDYdi65TqY2jFstFQHIiHQidmfntuAoqIo6qAdzMJa2gcJqBeplvo_VPo-q_bXH0P4ZxYc4xcjVqyV4As3DZ9qSGohIRVPXaZSEH2rhfw0t3_rg9LBPSEy5Ng7urX-vyqZ0VTy4o0C67mIbGMbrPfLwWDruAfKVlGpccERRWgOkKlGc5/s320/IMG_2936.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">c'mon March!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-11859969113647520642023-02-01T15:00:00.001-05:002023-02-01T19:08:50.695-05:00February ......... waiting on Punxsutawney Phil. <p style="text-align: center;"> Waiting on Phil and fair warning my furry, trench digging, garden destroying pronosticator, it better be good! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRRaQ6cfka95f-lZjUj2kf_vI6jMJ1fXeQHLbYYVY5QcyFTSaitzYmIH3tEbUdfjfTM01LrXNrZsdzBVRNjsBjYFu6qY02gjG4mg6PWn8JRG3jS8WC9F3k87LNd20L1xnivtY296xhMtVA3D5Gl-rmOF7ZXCLxgV6K6hGxT14-hwQ97ofcab4SAkF/s960/G5LKZ4TNHMI6FMH6EW2TINRGAE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="960" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRRaQ6cfka95f-lZjUj2kf_vI6jMJ1fXeQHLbYYVY5QcyFTSaitzYmIH3tEbUdfjfTM01LrXNrZsdzBVRNjsBjYFu6qY02gjG4mg6PWn8JRG3jS8WC9F3k87LNd20L1xnivtY296xhMtVA3D5Gl-rmOF7ZXCLxgV6K6hGxT14-hwQ97ofcab4SAkF/s320/G5LKZ4TNHMI6FMH6EW2TINRGAE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">If anyone needs Phil's website, latest products (t-shirt, shot glass, favorite coffee) or tickets to the Punsutawney Ground Hog Banquet; here is the link: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundhog.org/" target="_blank">https://www.groundhog.org/</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">No pressure Phil........ it's January in Ohio and today we have high temperature of 22 degrees F. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EB65sGeYh21Cc5C367syUpo9kT_tgt7EK-Q625c6GZuo8uhdTrLoFrm7EWscIM4sHYjsnoedSJ17446Ju9H6T0BE4FLf1wpgZkUg37MCyqyYkT8dseGgfRVEWU92Gv7jtRp6iGjDugXIAgTdqZae5rpyBgzBicvrV3_XJbLDpW1CUHPsfl_Ck73d/s474/8d652e7e81f565dc6736877de2fd02fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EB65sGeYh21Cc5C367syUpo9kT_tgt7EK-Q625c6GZuo8uhdTrLoFrm7EWscIM4sHYjsnoedSJ17446Ju9H6T0BE4FLf1wpgZkUg37MCyqyYkT8dseGgfRVEWU92Gv7jtRp6iGjDugXIAgTdqZae5rpyBgzBicvrV3_XJbLDpW1CUHPsfl_Ck73d/w263-h263/8d652e7e81f565dc6736877de2fd02fa.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought I would be posting at least twice a month but it's been a tad bit busy around Paine Falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The studio is humming right along and glazing has commenced, mostly to keep the studio warm! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday the studio never got above 52 degrees F. Thank goodness for crockpot warm throwing water! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w4a2ADaiRyfxvBAA-47IOg43Ma4YhKU4cWB7-eaA1QUSoeSKH_sa0YLuImbJyFqmkqpgnKiG46AJof-4mCzDBmCRufqrNKAPQwM6-nNFrMDzXoUtV95fEBHHzM61HdrM6Odi4_ykp4eyflbruaxHEHqxPY42pROoHMm1N-Wi5uqzlXl-hq3A0zA3/s4032/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w4a2ADaiRyfxvBAA-47IOg43Ma4YhKU4cWB7-eaA1QUSoeSKH_sa0YLuImbJyFqmkqpgnKiG46AJof-4mCzDBmCRufqrNKAPQwM6-nNFrMDzXoUtV95fEBHHzM61HdrM6Odi4_ykp4eyflbruaxHEHqxPY42pROoHMm1N-Wi5uqzlXl-hq3A0zA3/s320/IMG_2749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqOKr_w4-vqSILj0C4Ip3qmatpsumM0N_VnzTtnKucyqE20YYtuuq6uh3oJeEn3BOhLzgcVWrDi3kYJ-t2zSgi-1gOMUD_mf9SdP7y5RlhSin4Qa3II9IMz4pNCB4bvFwR8OW6tp7hA3Lmsw6witmxmOITi8oLBICymS0TrrJIWGUJsL0Ha2xt_nh/s4032/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqOKr_w4-vqSILj0C4Ip3qmatpsumM0N_VnzTtnKucyqE20YYtuuq6uh3oJeEn3BOhLzgcVWrDi3kYJ-t2zSgi-1gOMUD_mf9SdP7y5RlhSin4Qa3II9IMz4pNCB4bvFwR8OW6tp7hA3Lmsw6witmxmOITi8oLBICymS0TrrJIWGUJsL0Ha2xt_nh/s320/IMG_2750.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right now there is a bit of time to fiddle around with new forms. Winter is perfect for stuff like this because once Spring hits there wont be enough hours in the day. Show entries have started piling up. Hoping to get a summer show in this year and have decided to stay in state. Boston Mills is finally opening up after a 3 year hiatus; Woo Hoo! However at this age I'm not sure I want to stand in a 100 degree tent for 4 days and shelp my booth across a gravel parking lot. In my head I say; Immediately NO! and then I look up and see the greenhouse I've been lusting after for a couple years. So maybe my granny panties will be turned into a thong or plastered to my thighs because I really want the greenhouse! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pond plants are still alive and so are two of the five fish! It was survival of the fittest with these fish. I watched them chase a fish around the bin until the poor thing jumped out of the tank and landed on the concrete floor. I dusted off the dog hair and tossed him back in the bin. The next morning he was on the floor again, hard as a rock. The chickens enjoyed him very much. So now down to two fish and they seem to always be together and are just fine for now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw2fOrLWUhhqcZyBXOMFGcSZzSMY4COvsFl6KdbSj2tVZIKDla2ElHAcUqZOZdOAfpQ0MQ_7_BU5x8RZ9F39cm794m1E9-QzuEQ20VPl6qOLVHVp3G4ym3pylivbJW3DFhVGR8S4EY4NrjKFDj4iRGDeVIM_2QFKatJwuKjOGQqJTsSQpQdASqSF-/s4032/IMG_2753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw2fOrLWUhhqcZyBXOMFGcSZzSMY4COvsFl6KdbSj2tVZIKDla2ElHAcUqZOZdOAfpQ0MQ_7_BU5x8RZ9F39cm794m1E9-QzuEQ20VPl6qOLVHVp3G4ym3pylivbJW3DFhVGR8S4EY4NrjKFDj4iRGDeVIM_2QFKatJwuKjOGQqJTsSQpQdASqSF-/s320/IMG_2753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pump plugs up regularly from snails and snail eggs. Welcome to the speakeasy pond, so much snail fornicating going on in the dark corners. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The water is pretty chilly but the snails seem happy judging by the amount of egg sacks plugging up the pump intake! I don't want to know what is happening out there when I turn the lights out at the end of day! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_I5t0lo2velaugduFBQal9UjYZ0Jr7rW6VkhOx1nf-HnH5pYh0hZn9rqz3tvIaWMIi3EpZyo4kFjLd5FhQRjEm9YzJ4Gr-phop9GmWVIN-oEiHw-_pstRPbGelwIUQJQGY04CbyDIgSIL9Ebapvn9yMPEiUXqPooB0x1BH5MMnnhfSbMtGNMpTRG/s4032/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_I5t0lo2velaugduFBQal9UjYZ0Jr7rW6VkhOx1nf-HnH5pYh0hZn9rqz3tvIaWMIi3EpZyo4kFjLd5FhQRjEm9YzJ4Gr-phop9GmWVIN-oEiHw-_pstRPbGelwIUQJQGY04CbyDIgSIL9Ebapvn9yMPEiUXqPooB0x1BH5MMnnhfSbMtGNMpTRG/s320/IMG_2752.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The onions are doing well so I started a batch of leeks! I planted Patterson onions for storage, Alisa Craig for grilling and Blush onions because I had a bumper crop this year. They are also great storage onions. Patterson has had almost 100% germination as did the Alisa Craig. The Blush variety is about 80% germination. We'll see how the leeks germinate in the next couple weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSb7uvrLfvVl55bdiuSh2PypiMZxoTSvBXo4q6ThrwVqbLigSdM9gG-D5pwYxmB5XY7c9sHS1EH-J4bYarDSdFRZzbRj7B_0UYrLnYqaqCPE8oQ4-cBOmxkzygxFwh1wHRsNxkkCBgC0Dgfu-POrLeh8Wm3TWuDaKfJzx3gumgdvy-J75-TQw6MTn/s3208/IMG_2757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="2406" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSb7uvrLfvVl55bdiuSh2PypiMZxoTSvBXo4q6ThrwVqbLigSdM9gG-D5pwYxmB5XY7c9sHS1EH-J4bYarDSdFRZzbRj7B_0UYrLnYqaqCPE8oQ4-cBOmxkzygxFwh1wHRsNxkkCBgC0Dgfu-POrLeh8Wm3TWuDaKfJzx3gumgdvy-J75-TQw6MTn/s320/IMG_2757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seed starting central! See that gallon of fish fertilizer sitting on the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garden tip: don't use on indoor plants as it takes about a 4 days for the smell to go away. π©</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPvxAqMCwDYGqN0Cjj_vFO6XupUBOjFih-7UYFE9segCo7Pap9BaXYt4BXqJpSKHODx2zlDpZmaSqJJCS3eXD3b9TPxI0KiC3kWt2v-kaFNqVg5e4_XGq3LnU_nfi0KZyKFS2H_0y1mTfYIRKAqifdQKHexePVA5Au4uoB5Eftou4G3w8j2KHVJW4/s4032/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPvxAqMCwDYGqN0Cjj_vFO6XupUBOjFih-7UYFE9segCo7Pap9BaXYt4BXqJpSKHODx2zlDpZmaSqJJCS3eXD3b9TPxI0KiC3kWt2v-kaFNqVg5e4_XGq3LnU_nfi0KZyKFS2H_0y1mTfYIRKAqifdQKHexePVA5Au4uoB5Eftou4G3w8j2KHVJW4/s320/IMG_2751.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The darling chickens have started eating their own eggs so back to the store for eggs. It's pretty cold and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm just not wanting to run out there 4-5 times a day to yell at them and fight for an egg. New girls are coming in the Spring so get ready ladies you can be out sourced! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8p1unBqmwG02qZ1wxNQIr81J5moFHEnQj0gVqlUwjmIWFBVfy_ghsy0458Gvg4TWIoP6kLnCcToMc6reFck__KEAk7mD6Y5sWVEVd5t7OJpNTFckLpdf86D2c8AiFZOLQnp08Ws8cLDPoKMWRQQ4fL8Ol_1sbMfeiNpEu8BY8qmuw0L778AsWG-F/s4032/IMG_2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8p1unBqmwG02qZ1wxNQIr81J5moFHEnQj0gVqlUwjmIWFBVfy_ghsy0458Gvg4TWIoP6kLnCcToMc6reFck__KEAk7mD6Y5sWVEVd5t7OJpNTFckLpdf86D2c8AiFZOLQnp08Ws8cLDPoKMWRQQ4fL8Ol_1sbMfeiNpEu8BY8qmuw0L778AsWG-F/s320/IMG_2754.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The deer have found the bird feeder and I can not justify feeding deer when we have a herd the size of the migrating caribou herds thundering across the frozen tundra! Garden tip #2: use the old recycling bin on top of the bird feeder at night. The deer still come and clean up all the kicked out seed from the blue jays but then they move on, greatly reducing my birdseed budget! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best thing ever! Rechargeable Light Collars! Jabba the Mutt lives!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> No more tripping over dogs. Brown dog, brown floor; no problem! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I can let Kirby out at dark thirty and watch him wander through the backyard bouncing off the bushes and stone paths. It's like watching a pin ball game but he goes out to the way back garden and finds his way back, 90% of the time! In the middle of January this is huge! Pretty sure you can see him from space, this thing is awesome! I can turn it to strobe light or casual blinking or just ON. They come in green or orange and are rechargeable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjqiYUqUi8tzcWM3FAvnKc2jAnCu3_uAXO7ohP9XG_KITWlDAWK29pJjr65X3Scyv23IE6tlNZnUnGcB9LBUuy1v7WsrTjLSo2SFD2vWzRRemW61PIO6gAvyVAUKkA5lZQdwCNFkSsUF0qck_2XavSlAw3OfGkDv51fTKGr4ufeuVk6A4I1eo2AKt/s4032/IMG_2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjqiYUqUi8tzcWM3FAvnKc2jAnCu3_uAXO7ohP9XG_KITWlDAWK29pJjr65X3Scyv23IE6tlNZnUnGcB9LBUuy1v7WsrTjLSo2SFD2vWzRRemW61PIO6gAvyVAUKkA5lZQdwCNFkSsUF0qck_2XavSlAw3OfGkDv51fTKGr4ufeuVk6A4I1eo2AKt/s320/IMG_2758.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt8SSIt8wl2hEmrPKhRRn1BD5ReKr1pquD0BBsrKPvMCOupOpY9HEB_aJBGPsAS8r_O5pTVENuNrjHvbP5KlXIwxER5koBhm_Zhkp17hdaGKRaJovWTost6_iIrGcKyehq8bZCRzzOPe_j84RKlE2FK4D8d1PyfM4DtijEw4vseRWFdcBDcvv5YRv/s4032/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt8SSIt8wl2hEmrPKhRRn1BD5ReKr1pquD0BBsrKPvMCOupOpY9HEB_aJBGPsAS8r_O5pTVENuNrjHvbP5KlXIwxER5koBhm_Zhkp17hdaGKRaJovWTost6_iIrGcKyehq8bZCRzzOPe_j84RKlE2FK4D8d1PyfM4DtijEw4vseRWFdcBDcvv5YRv/s320/IMG_2760.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In other dog news...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember those radishes I planted in the cold frame way back when? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLcL7a0TGev68DSV0L2DdWIqqFOTr2tL9gWWiRnZiZ_ZqchEJuiBbj50sMeQkeTW1yXAtJAvE4CG_ss3zRw7QkdfMmusmA2FJYj_Rxs85MtsmfWIY7FfhLf0P3O-mv5I57kQ5bATne0tTzLgtR3MeZtn-hnwQIunW3j5oTF7BLzVFs9x-BhR__8ap/s4032/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLcL7a0TGev68DSV0L2DdWIqqFOTr2tL9gWWiRnZiZ_ZqchEJuiBbj50sMeQkeTW1yXAtJAvE4CG_ss3zRw7QkdfMmusmA2FJYj_Rxs85MtsmfWIY7FfhLf0P3O-mv5I57kQ5bATne0tTzLgtR3MeZtn-hnwQIunW3j5oTF7BLzVFs9x-BhR__8ap/s320/IMG_2756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I use old storm windows as covers and it's worked for years! Until Lizzy from Alaska decided to dance on top of them. She crashed through, cut her leg, broken glass everywhere and we were all hysterical for a day! Got out the flashlights, headlamps, hydrogen peroxide. She was so patient as she was poked and prodded to see if any glass was still in the wound. Patched her up and watched her for 24 hours. She limped around and we wouldn't let her do the stairs. It was a tense 24 hours. She limped out for her morning routine and saw squirrel .... the angels sang and she was HEALED! The power of SQUIRREL! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The drama of January is over and Phil I'm waiting........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIVsML1o2w3K3JcPVOoZEZVMwWaIvp_nBrKpxdhyn5IppP_4OuRzqj7JtJsWt1Y5dhC6dxsCn8-_X3TNxBBUWKpgjW6wOf-2V_dCD-3nVjakgvz_zItfRhPCG607xASxRO8U73OyRdVgRqbSYW10E9TvRYig0B5goxEaMwePMxdgtrLegYa73jJo9/s1371/IMG_2140.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIVsML1o2w3K3JcPVOoZEZVMwWaIvp_nBrKpxdhyn5IppP_4OuRzqj7JtJsWt1Y5dhC6dxsCn8-_X3TNxBBUWKpgjW6wOf-2V_dCD-3nVjakgvz_zItfRhPCG607xASxRO8U73OyRdVgRqbSYW10E9TvRYig0B5goxEaMwePMxdgtrLegYa73jJo9/s320/IMG_2140.PNG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-39809936165359659892023-01-12T21:30:00.001-05:002023-04-28T14:10:07.898-04:00Ahhhhhh 2023,<p style="text-align: center;"> Dear 2023 good luck getting past Kirby; you better have treats, cookies, toys and many pets to make up for those last two years. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My nightly view for the last 7 years. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr-RG7aW3sw0UQnnYmpXlEkdelLIKmW617tvto5LSSvCD7scDAszYO3E9hLXo4VhS2cg5P1dXJWIs8fMUO9cjV52XxUCRNqVxFCVBlkAXg_KwQ_tFIZLvkFyHfMhC6BMLOqybDTQwCwlKAqjHKBtXBPFybN6JmVaMFf-ko_M6pVbFl7KSXLGXbrQu/s2633/IMG_2655%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2633" data-original-width="2479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr-RG7aW3sw0UQnnYmpXlEkdelLIKmW617tvto5LSSvCD7scDAszYO3E9hLXo4VhS2cg5P1dXJWIs8fMUO9cjV52XxUCRNqVxFCVBlkAXg_KwQ_tFIZLvkFyHfMhC6BMLOqybDTQwCwlKAqjHKBtXBPFybN6JmVaMFf-ko_M6pVbFl7KSXLGXbrQu/s320/IMG_2655%202.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well the year just kind of rolled in. Butch was coming off the crud and I was neck deep in the crud and laying on the couch. 2022 came and went through the veil of closed eyelids and snot rockets. I don't think I can suck down anymore soup for a good while. All in all we lost about 6 weeks of festivities. Somehow the house got decorated and un-decorated. It's going to be fun opening those boxes next year; "Hey, why is there Kleenex and a dirty sock in the baby Jesus box?" Not sure I've ever been that sick on Christmas and New Years before. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachael was off to help a friend sail a boat somewhere on the Baja Peninsula to La Paz, Mexico, six days at sea and tales of hung over and puking into "bio-luminescent seas, it was so kewl" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">La-Pleeeze, I had my own biosphere/biohazard going on right here at home. The only thing glowing was my nose, I could have been the lead on Santa's sleigh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year just feels different and it's only January 12th. One word keeps floating to surface; Nimble. Stay nimble. So far I've raked leaves, walked around the yard and found bulbs breaking the surface and buds swollen. The chickens have started laying again and they look down right impressive! Feathers have grown back in full formal egg laying attire, crowns and waddles are bright red and just like that eggs started appearing. The days are getting longer and they noticed or it could be the guy on the next street that got a rooster! Judging by the price of eggs at the grocery store every little bundle of goodness helps! Time to double the flock! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCHzrv8T8-NIOzrTRnGQNa2mTFBO54iw3qKVK1hUFGWkVPRBqIcz-9tzLguurq4sE6D9lzpal0HT4KHJ1wxad95Pu7URH02MNWtREhcKlF6yedsFlLqMkidHd1yAj1uEoxsy-K5IouqS_Z3Wm2Rhc0q3YwokAx_o8WYM2q_0fJK7iFwwcNkxzpqtM/s4096/IMG_20210416_182302837_Original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCHzrv8T8-NIOzrTRnGQNa2mTFBO54iw3qKVK1hUFGWkVPRBqIcz-9tzLguurq4sE6D9lzpal0HT4KHJ1wxad95Pu7URH02MNWtREhcKlF6yedsFlLqMkidHd1yAj1uEoxsy-K5IouqS_Z3Wm2Rhc0q3YwokAx_o8WYM2q_0fJK7iFwwcNkxzpqtM/s320/IMG_20210416_182302837_Original.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things that have happened in the first 12 days of January. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fooling around with planting radishes and onions, outside! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Normally I cannot get to the back yard without a team of huskies and snowshoes but climate change has turned snow into rain and mud. Just hip boots and knee pads. I will be floored if these sprout but stay nimble and stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeXfRhSMtBCm9Y2tTz6ykHVSG68spMQ-auq1DohxxUorUPHlXF-5wO9uOHVjT-jCkdPhP-IAWv2YIT-RJV2l2wsuiLQsydPFDM28jpo4k4sxecUPKjZN_Yx1ck8DSM9irjGIABycIIeuiLccJuHhVnhHZAjhGppsbQ46_SaOOd50LW98DT2k_-cRP/s4032/IMG_2673%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeXfRhSMtBCm9Y2tTz6ykHVSG68spMQ-auq1DohxxUorUPHlXF-5wO9uOHVjT-jCkdPhP-IAWv2YIT-RJV2l2wsuiLQsydPFDM28jpo4k4sxecUPKjZN_Yx1ck8DSM9irjGIABycIIeuiLccJuHhVnhHZAjhGppsbQ46_SaOOd50LW98DT2k_-cRP/s320/IMG_2673%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that is green grass! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the Teucrium is still bright green, it should be lovely bronze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Does this look bronze?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScU4jRlQoQNHCHCgSAG1PQOleXdiDVEWp20FcWPtZnlCZoPBB73ns0mpOHri_ZnsZklHb1iun1NrDrJA4MLJXHQOh3yu5FVYcM3HA-RlcX7SCA_FnnTAgFutuSlUvoCfcK-AEf_S8VQBXuHiwcGKcCU-d_oB2_epSZ4qK9sqMD-NjF0iS-yreZd1a/s4032/IMG_2672%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScU4jRlQoQNHCHCgSAG1PQOleXdiDVEWp20FcWPtZnlCZoPBB73ns0mpOHri_ZnsZklHb1iun1NrDrJA4MLJXHQOh3yu5FVYcM3HA-RlcX7SCA_FnnTAgFutuSlUvoCfcK-AEf_S8VQBXuHiwcGKcCU-d_oB2_epSZ4qK9sqMD-NjF0iS-yreZd1a/s320/IMG_2672%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the garlic has sprouted...... and was immediately covered with a thick blanket of leaves! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Raking leaves in January is just wrong in my humble opinion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3qyKQ6gu0gsmgWeE8C0z_NAV9pl1lM7AVYU_gp8hauupnTCcv3_luYpXm_4kgWOsAdw6OggwHXkLYMr73BpRDdn3e2RqN_mA9zRbjhISDODdEkVbDudK8k9sfymza3GV7F8-y_lM87B2tqmfNBj4tAImqYhaXXws5RDQq0W6_hFOqlC0cJa4R6gc/s4032/IMG_2686%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3qyKQ6gu0gsmgWeE8C0z_NAV9pl1lM7AVYU_gp8hauupnTCcv3_luYpXm_4kgWOsAdw6OggwHXkLYMr73BpRDdn3e2RqN_mA9zRbjhISDODdEkVbDudK8k9sfymza3GV7F8-y_lM87B2tqmfNBj4tAImqYhaXXws5RDQq0W6_hFOqlC0cJa4R6gc/s320/IMG_2686%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After last summer's drought I am happy to report the water table should be replenished, the Grand is running high and fast. Steelhead fishing is at peak! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PQF5ZbKIDx4Al7ZwOEpeOB6ZhigIr6AVz_iSqINW_bgfZGtuQ1byCtn2xxNQsZKN5R9JONlqcjPIibVPdZnjCeN-2xyzYreu1bgdwYImNfQBQovGbuf9Syl5JvqER89hBc83R7hlkvYfNewFK6-8U3cJk9pCDVEFdrZKZSgGvPp15AYuoGOXzaDC/s3578/IMG_2684%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="2684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PQF5ZbKIDx4Al7ZwOEpeOB6ZhigIr6AVz_iSqINW_bgfZGtuQ1byCtn2xxNQsZKN5R9JONlqcjPIibVPdZnjCeN-2xyzYreu1bgdwYImNfQBQovGbuf9Syl5JvqER89hBc83R7hlkvYfNewFK6-8U3cJk9pCDVEFdrZKZSgGvPp15AYuoGOXzaDC/s320/IMG_2684%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In other news, I have reached the pinnacle of my time on social media. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been banned from Twitter! No four letter words were involved and I thought I had posted a somewhat tongue-in-cheek sarcastic tweet on a post by Jerry Saltz; senior art critic for New York Magazine, Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, Author NYT best seller "How To Be an Artist" and on and on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He tweeted that he wished MBA students would stop asking their parents for advice and yadda, yadda, yadda. He tweets a lot, sometimes 17 times in one day! He has a lot to say! Me, not so much. He has no children, I do. I wasn't going to comment and then I started reading the comments and I was shocked! So many tweets were from a parent or parents or the other way around; kids tweeting on parents and all tethered tightly but the thing that I was reading (between the lines of course). Don't let your kid fail; on any level. Not all the comments were like that but an overwhelming majority were. And the purse strings were hanging out there too! So I posted. I am a mother of two women who have made their way through the world, around the world, back home, they touch base when they want to. They were allowed to fail on so many levels. I still have fond memories of the oldest being dangled on a climbing rope upside down begging to be let down from a dizzying height and someone yelled; "FIGURE IT OUT, IT BUILDS CHARACTER!" and she did and we all cheered! I remember putting the cereal on the shelf of the bottom cupboard and saying; LOOK BREAKFAST! Yes, milk was spilled and we all lived and the dog cleaned up the mess with gusto and sometimes you did stick to the floor when we dance! When they were on the fence for making life decisions I remember saying; "Go play in traffic, if you don't you'll never get hit." (tongue in cheek people!! my kids got it) But we were there for every graduation, every parent teacher meeting and other milestones. I tweeted! and just like that I got an email.....(yes my twitter account was Votingfordogs..... can you not agree that a Poodle would have more power as speaker of the House π)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid06_0HV2oqbvi3TM-DwNS-oWZ2CzC6MEpj2CWLG6DhR97-5FJimwbLVDPO5swapeFitSg44NDSE69fXfiffG1mhIefi_QLL2RON3s0dO6TKqf1_vycNxbbKr4Ix-IgirOSS_YSvfLqAIVN1Fhe21tfVvbvmybRzmuNeBQ4QYo-eQQci_Cboa3l84N/s527/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-12%20at%208.08.22%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid06_0HV2oqbvi3TM-DwNS-oWZ2CzC6MEpj2CWLG6DhR97-5FJimwbLVDPO5swapeFitSg44NDSE69fXfiffG1mhIefi_QLL2RON3s0dO6TKqf1_vycNxbbKr4Ix-IgirOSS_YSvfLqAIVN1Fhe21tfVvbvmybRzmuNeBQ4QYo-eQQci_Cboa3l84N/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-12%20at%208.08.22%20PM.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I might frame this email because is just sums up so much about where are right now in this fragile, teetering country. Buck up people, take a chance, live your best life and pet all the dogs and if somebody is jerk and liar say something! Excuse me George Santos........ is he banned from Twitter? Nope he is not. I really wish my Mom was alive to comment on all this because I have stories! She was a full time working Hungarian Mom in the early 60's; Her book would have been penned "Raised By Wolves" by Lone She Wolf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Screw social media, body check back to reality...... I have more time to order seeds. (do you have whiplash yet, stay nimble readers!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ordered so many seeds!! I am so excited! The mailman asked me last week how many more seed catalogs he'd be lugging to my door. None, I've ordered and now there will be packages of seeds showing up any day now! The onions should have been planted last week! When you're sick, laying on the couch for days on end, in a hooded sweatshirt over your head, piles of Kleenex on your chest, Kleenex stuffed up your schnoz, a dog languishing on the floor, giving up all hope of ever going on a walk again....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT9B5NQXNWD_gQHCRBb6EGVvElPONOLPu3HpZLT9uJaCr1cHyM3dODqAio0XEwnUAR4ctCQc2UXIeJuMqlQmBG_iUA0g2IS9C6_rlD7Nzx3kmU0ruaknHDh9sBbm0nGYRKiKyATGmTOm-XrV88D3qs0N8otdJzIuQr0YCZBbqnf336xmz2_74gYp_/s4032/69453843506__F550E382-9CA6-4E9D-8E22-E2C495856757%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfT9B5NQXNWD_gQHCRBb6EGVvElPONOLPu3HpZLT9uJaCr1cHyM3dODqAio0XEwnUAR4ctCQc2UXIeJuMqlQmBG_iUA0g2IS9C6_rlD7Nzx3kmU0ruaknHDh9sBbm0nGYRKiKyATGmTOm-XrV88D3qs0N8otdJzIuQr0YCZBbqnf336xmz2_74gYp_/s320/69453843506__F550E382-9CA6-4E9D-8E22-E2C495856757%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking at page after page of beautiful pictures of vegetables and fruits and dreaming about the summer that is going to be the best ever ...... because your head is swimming and your brain has been replaced with sinuses the size of a walrus, you fellow gardener are delusional! There was no one home to rip that catalog out of my hand and take away my credit card. And then I ordered this! (hear the trumpets on high?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmx1mxf69JZaR3fE9vP3CvG8fYljTig5H0bdv2HOeFYbuYRG9F_9McEeX1RmrFeeuWIaIJh9PBUbbuSjl9Sqsgprr0UTjlin1gXvicg-0HzBXGSWs3Iux6YyodTH0qQE2S1yIfrv61S70DPqjRnIOuLukb-B9VcOh0R0sqGsxjGwSLlfniqifis74/s4032/IMG_2692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmx1mxf69JZaR3fE9vP3CvG8fYljTig5H0bdv2HOeFYbuYRG9F_9McEeX1RmrFeeuWIaIJh9PBUbbuSjl9Sqsgprr0UTjlin1gXvicg-0HzBXGSWs3Iux6YyodTH0qQE2S1yIfrv61S70DPqjRnIOuLukb-B9VcOh0R0sqGsxjGwSLlfniqifis74/s320/IMG_2692.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shelves and lights and I put it together while going through a box of Kleenex and gasping for breath every time I bent over! And I tucked all my sun loving plants under the brilliant, daylight balanced bulbs, brighter than the sun and BEHOLD! oh shit! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvfSsWSTaxa8eXDWi0RS7XBysYA0FsQNG4ekYffZEyXGnhjWAcn6husWxuyt8Y1xZi9ifrtRCGDtmTGtOFXViXVvifNQiazu-bjsp37ZPeoDFaNRm6vs1XdJjzxg6QpIeijKH3yAR6vkjM2D10eFKC3evZO81Oj9tA3jF3E5IzZCfWnrwN4J5jYRi/s4032/IMG_2693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvfSsWSTaxa8eXDWi0RS7XBysYA0FsQNG4ekYffZEyXGnhjWAcn6husWxuyt8Y1xZi9ifrtRCGDtmTGtOFXViXVvifNQiazu-bjsp37ZPeoDFaNRm6vs1XdJjzxg6QpIeijKH3yAR6vkjM2D10eFKC3evZO81Oj9tA3jF3E5IzZCfWnrwN4J5jYRi/s320/IMG_2693.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes! I killed a desert loving succulent in 12 hours flat! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's gonna be a year this 2023! Stay nimble!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuh2St1nqg_kO0yf3GAP4CRyE4ZpOEtAYkit--bpjci130317LhJEfu4y-bCO7Mu_CES1JYUIsXXyIk5LkNaq7gtVJ2aW_Ia9mPuMOaGe7o-BtuTUwRmjVp5Jnob9CKLefT4CzFYEUlmQtrIKuOaMUr6RaCQMS98YsnGu2JbifiYp0QpAOEGf1vvr/s525/image021.GIF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuh2St1nqg_kO0yf3GAP4CRyE4ZpOEtAYkit--bpjci130317LhJEfu4y-bCO7Mu_CES1JYUIsXXyIk5LkNaq7gtVJ2aW_Ia9mPuMOaGe7o-BtuTUwRmjVp5Jnob9CKLefT4CzFYEUlmQtrIKuOaMUr6RaCQMS98YsnGu2JbifiYp0QpAOEGf1vvr/s320/image021.GIF" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-48517275623599623392022-12-06T12:04:00.000-05:002022-12-06T12:04:00.689-05:00The Yin and Yang of Dogβ¦β¦..<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, it's been too long! My fingers are rusty and wondering where the last 7 months have gone. It's been a flurry or I should say furry!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Oldest kid is on sabbatical from Alaskan Pacific University and driving around the lower 48. She brought her trusty side kick, Lizzy. They landed in the driveway a couple weeks ago and this small house became home base. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVgHWp9K8uyXn5igFtBpS-YbJSPUvQClYMy86wO6d1u4qrF_UbBZPNuD3aRovqer0sJIwfw4yE4CSteyxC-pEbDaxH54JLnuKK51EuJlzVDGwu6iTXXu3HfX7RmhttrVGnnROvSVfCA2De9e-jcdw-6tY8Vt7U8AvBwnNRbTtq47hi3TwoevQtDBz/s6048/3CC3D69F-CB27-43CD-8153-B5E2475AD7BD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="6048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVgHWp9K8uyXn5igFtBpS-YbJSPUvQClYMy86wO6d1u4qrF_UbBZPNuD3aRovqer0sJIwfw4yE4CSteyxC-pEbDaxH54JLnuKK51EuJlzVDGwu6iTXXu3HfX7RmhttrVGnnROvSVfCA2De9e-jcdw-6tY8Vt7U8AvBwnNRbTtq47hi3TwoevQtDBz/s320/3CC3D69F-CB27-43CD-8153-B5E2475AD7BD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More dinners, more hikes, more fires and more fun. Then the reality of another dog, a chocolate brown dog, the exact color of my espresso paper floor and dark rugs, a dog who enjoys being in the kitchen at all times, and a sighted dog too. Lizzy is the exact opposite of Kirby in every way. Here is an up date on living with two very different dogs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kirby is almost like having a stuffed dog, except he eats and poopsβ¦.. a lot! He holds the floor down, isnβt very interested in kitchen stuff, unless I open a can sardines or fry a bit of bacon, then he magically appears from thin air, very stealth. You can set your watch by his eating habits; 6:30 am, short walk, check on the chickens, in the back door and eat breakfast immediately. Lick bowl clean and retire to the landing or studio until lunch, exactly 1:30 pm. Eat, walk around the backyard, and back to napping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP-9InjLlYuKhxCyTsYabHGaCrACEPI7xgALLLBmPkBs6_aM158UiYoHOsp7MY4N6Kb3C_H9YdPdS7cwRye81lZ7Hw5Pv_iacjrqAfQEKFTO_MsxBmf8m_-KEnkbO3M6zWA0mc-sCebvxpkRLtjRtjp1FLNDOfIZdoUAzDKd0hqWVetcwS_9m_oLy/s2048/32EBA8AB-1933-41C9-9914-00CB05839B5C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP-9InjLlYuKhxCyTsYabHGaCrACEPI7xgALLLBmPkBs6_aM158UiYoHOsp7MY4N6Kb3C_H9YdPdS7cwRye81lZ7Hw5Pv_iacjrqAfQEKFTO_MsxBmf8m_-KEnkbO3M6zWA0mc-sCebvxpkRLtjRtjp1FLNDOfIZdoUAzDKd0hqWVetcwS_9m_oLy/s320/32EBA8AB-1933-41C9-9914-00CB05839B5C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> He wakes up at 3 pm for our coffee break, a cookie, an outside toot, check on chickens again. Returning to the studio and naps until 6 pm β¦β¦ I have found him standing with his head against the studio door if Iβm running late washing down the tables and wheel, covering pots; he has a schedule! Eats dinner, hangs out at the kitchen table and heads to the upstairs landing until 10 pm. Pre-bedtime walk, quickly, a cookie and back to sleep. The next day it begins again. Donβt move the furniture and donβt change the schedule. He is like clockwork! I depend on him to let me know what time it is and its been like this the last seven years. We are comfortable. He has entered the Koala years and sleeps 22 hours a day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enter Lizzy on November 22, just before Thanksgiving. Lizzy is 10 years old, a sighted, engaged, real dog with toys and leashes and special dog food and many beds and needs. She is stubborn and not happy that our little half acre is not the free range mountains of Alaska. I am having flash backs to me as a young pup with my dogs visiting my Mom and Dad and now I βget itβ. We are still adjusting to occasional doggie rectum rockets, in the house. This is shocking because Kirby has never ever in the 7 years he has been here had one accident in the house. He eats everything, his gut must be made out of kryptonite. Lizzy not so muchβ¦.. and no popcorn, EVER! Lesson learned on that mistake. Kirby ate half the bowl with nutritional yeast and thought it was great! Slept like a baby. Lizzy got the hot zoomies! It was a sight to behold, actually a sound to behold. She zoomed out the back door into the darkness, no leash. Panic!!! Grabbed the flashlight and found her in the middle of perennial beds butt trumpeting. She looked relived and the carpets were saved this time! Not so much last night or a couple weeks ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lizzy is dark chocolate, like 70% cacao. I canβt see her, she is the same color as the floor. I made meatloaf a couple weeks ago. The best meatloaf ever! Put a slice on a dish and took it to Butch, standing by the wood stove in the kitchen. I came around the corner and went down face first, meatloaf flying, plate flying. I can recall Butchβs face as I was headed down, his first words: I was here this time and your head was a half inch from hitting the stone hearth, you are so lucky. I belly flopped hard, my shoulder and knees are still bruised but healing. While bouncing off the stone floor I felt 4 paws running over me and leaving skid marks on the back of my head while Lizzy dove for the meatloaf and plate. I couldnβt even find crumbs to wipe up and thankfully the plate didnβt break. We are working on Lizzy laying on a white rug in the kitchen area or a light up color. I can see her and she can see everything, like flying meatloaf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachael is off to a conference in Canada for a week and I am here with two Yin and Yang dogs. Kirby loves the leash as it gives him security. If I unclip his leash on walk, he stands frozen in place; I am his eyes. Getting the leashes out for a walk and Lizzy looks like Iβm going to beat her. Head down, tail down, dejected, not happy but will tolerate it as she wants to go out. We get to the sidewalk and Kirby is pulling and excited and Lizzy puts the brakes on. Kirby is new to this as we walk pretty fast and weβre just not going fast enough so in blind dog frustration he spins and can moonwalk right out of his collar. Lizzy is not phased and stubbornly digs in. I run for untethered Kirby on the tree lawn and now Lizzy is gleefully sprinting away. Free at last, free at last!! Two days of that and decided it was time for the dog park! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kirby figured out pretty quick he was safe and happy to be off the leash. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj088Cd5vPD5Gu9X6WGGoG01Msb593zJU1bhcim4w4X6bsCewATOTk0ZlhhnT8sdK7OcAZBeNWZW3VbftxEc1DvhonWUgsjlaUK_Zoc6tktiaw8prY5XdueDEDf43T0ibbsm7M-mvbzwyxz_yq_9Qmeqk2dZCXW0IU0yvQsIXYsTSvwhyhQ5QE7BthX/s2048/04D97FD4-4CE6-43C4-A24E-E2231811E188.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj088Cd5vPD5Gu9X6WGGoG01Msb593zJU1bhcim4w4X6bsCewATOTk0ZlhhnT8sdK7OcAZBeNWZW3VbftxEc1DvhonWUgsjlaUK_Zoc6tktiaw8prY5XdueDEDf43T0ibbsm7M-mvbzwyxz_yq_9Qmeqk2dZCXW0IU0yvQsIXYsTSvwhyhQ5QE7BthX/s320/04D97FD4-4CE6-43C4-A24E-E2231811E188.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lizzy: βWhat fresh Hell is this?β</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKqaof-9lrt6DRcMlOt6mI2So0qOxDXtJ7oEKeDf4klLdhOp2SduQJwiPlkLP14W5HkkZufQvrG3-37iwew12Zna0448eazfW5hag20ulNsKgV4jt6hX8Dzrb-nYQgc0I6UJNnJ1Eoiso-C0nY0e7-Sw742DC9-GoQdfAUBnCtsEmpXvPjYSRgUmr/s2048/7E3EB00D-0C69-4248-A8FE-77431E7D2769.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKqaof-9lrt6DRcMlOt6mI2So0qOxDXtJ7oEKeDf4klLdhOp2SduQJwiPlkLP14W5HkkZufQvrG3-37iwew12Zna0448eazfW5hag20ulNsKgV4jt6hX8Dzrb-nYQgc0I6UJNnJ1Eoiso-C0nY0e7-Sw742DC9-GoQdfAUBnCtsEmpXvPjYSRgUmr/s320/7E3EB00D-0C69-4248-A8FE-77431E7D2769.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kirby met 3 feral children and everybody had so much fun! Except Lizzy who seemed to know these were βthose cousinsβ that show up at Christmas once a year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwFrW_M8TIQQXOrgYseM11eGHO1BEJDYC1kasu4-O-_mkVVLtceq36Yxu6Hi2XPGKYmSsDwljVQFmCWdgWdTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I donβt know Kirbyβs history but he must have been around kids, feral kids. He heard them and got kind of excited; tail wagging, engaged. The kids asked if he was friendly, yup. Explained he was blind so he couldnβt see them. They were unphased and adjusted. No ball throwing but lots of pets and yelling. If he ran toward the building they all ran in front of the building to stop him from banging his head. It was 42 degrees with a stiff wind and these kids had no coats and didnβt seem to mind the cold. I asked them where their dog was, and what were they doing in the dog park? Bobby Ray explained; our dog Sam is a biter so he has to stay over there in the vicious dog area. I didnβt even know there was a vicious dog area. Sure enough there was their Mom with a white boxer sort of dog who was charging the fence, teeth barred. YIKES! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ended our dog park visit, Lizzy seemed relived. Kirby wants to know when were going back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First week here Rachael wanted to rearrange the furniture and put the sofa in the back room in front of the TV. You cannot move furniture when you have a blind dog. But the porch is working just fine :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwqrsNK34ifudTmkBibQwjCMQhaKA7tDfVSUtvHhZkyVv4nXziWA0f2K1uPCiQ83R17zSY3Von3yhhH1NwGI2AJbj3-b0JzgvHvODHjNCclfccYkQExq2Ly_-NrvMhWsWptYioSPDorjKlMxEnMUETuQ3leD82ivyij5XZj31UGvScsZQrKMYR9FE/s2048/D5F9679A-226F-4F83-8185-37FF9D216EC5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwqrsNK34ifudTmkBibQwjCMQhaKA7tDfVSUtvHhZkyVv4nXziWA0f2K1uPCiQ83R17zSY3Von3yhhH1NwGI2AJbj3-b0JzgvHvODHjNCclfccYkQExq2Ly_-NrvMhWsWptYioSPDorjKlMxEnMUETuQ3leD82ivyij5XZj31UGvScsZQrKMYR9FE/s320/D5F9679A-226F-4F83-8185-37FF9D216EC5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helloβ¦β¦itβs me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was wondering if after all these years youβd like to meet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helloβ¦β¦ can you hear me?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Apologies to Adele) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrRM4jtIMXrh503fIJ5ay98K6zhrMZXObK6DiXEutamMbXHjhYLz3zqzVKzGRl-nFPHRO5p3fkWebN8dqDmDQPpGa_1B2yNg_nb9uAADP4NATzmErtdCDadlvL8-QZ55XhGojJRn4bLhWm5qEXnu80qiRrtdMfAQAgaZMhqwtI37Aj2nx4MbEuQ05/s2048/02198A4A-5ED6-45BB-A25E-D2F4B3DD7A13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrRM4jtIMXrh503fIJ5ay98K6zhrMZXObK6DiXEutamMbXHjhYLz3zqzVKzGRl-nFPHRO5p3fkWebN8dqDmDQPpGa_1B2yNg_nb9uAADP4NATzmErtdCDadlvL8-QZ55XhGojJRn4bLhWm5qEXnu80qiRrtdMfAQAgaZMhqwtI37Aj2nx4MbEuQ05/s320/02198A4A-5ED6-45BB-A25E-D2F4B3DD7A13.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-50078983553778262802022-05-27T13:11:00.004-04:002022-05-27T13:18:21.331-04:00Definitely Can Live Without!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> Who knew the list would be uploaded in record time? Since Monday the fur has been flying and the only reason I'm pounding away at my desk this morning, rain. Sweet wonderful rain, we needed it! </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is not a Beatrix Potter post.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWhRA8i0oCvuXgd-N7X3yQA7HxELTdjcTvOZXrv_ubusmAglcCpOL3WT6UYT_Jo36a6tr_L7WeDIQoYTGbM6Cz6EM7JYLWiFBX0hZwp_S7vs1tpl0UiFjZ4Tcnm133WyOg3RL0ZZHUCWL1i-gxMV3oJhajlke1idjQiAUMaTYHwG7VYnzWuDnnSQ7/s1050/peter_rabbit_books_1050x700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWhRA8i0oCvuXgd-N7X3yQA7HxELTdjcTvOZXrv_ubusmAglcCpOL3WT6UYT_Jo36a6tr_L7WeDIQoYTGbM6Cz6EM7JYLWiFBX0hZwp_S7vs1tpl0UiFjZ4Tcnm133WyOg3RL0ZZHUCWL1i-gxMV3oJhajlke1idjQiAUMaTYHwG7VYnzWuDnnSQ7/s320/peter_rabbit_books_1050x700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we returned from Colorado and I started weeding and popping seeds in the raised beds in the way back garden I noticed a garter snake. I don't see very many around here so I thought great! Came in for lunch and went back out to find a bigger garter snake french kissing a toad but the toad became dinner within a few minutes, OUCH! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoJ1OxSj_BvpWC9i2Ijt4_jhIijUcydeqVdeGAAwreHkh0B8w6DsLUhAl14Xn28KOxo2TxWYAvmxh25s0e91dsO6ExeBVM9PXCGXBRSih-ZzxoHVpOVZvSHeEg5MyXiHaExl2F1Z62GxmcWaMSJz-p97sNWnKImTZ-s7jxOn-a-lLmMSOerR2eOhN/s1800/F0855FFD-2AE2-426C-A50E-6284FA25E826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoJ1OxSj_BvpWC9i2Ijt4_jhIijUcydeqVdeGAAwreHkh0B8w6DsLUhAl14Xn28KOxo2TxWYAvmxh25s0e91dsO6ExeBVM9PXCGXBRSih-ZzxoHVpOVZvSHeEg5MyXiHaExl2F1Z62GxmcWaMSJz-p97sNWnKImTZ-s7jxOn-a-lLmMSOerR2eOhN/s320/F0855FFD-2AE2-426C-A50E-6284FA25E826.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I uploaded the entire video to Instagram while still standing in the garden. As I loaded the video another skinny garter snake slithered over my boots. Eeeeck! I have never seen this many snakes here before. But no worries they eat stuff like grasshoppers and locusts and other garden pests but I wish they'd leave my toads alone! I kept weeding and emptied my bucket of weeds on the compost pile and saw this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFYmy_BuTf0ZXvUsgtzSZ_k0TwThIq0h65V1UE2No6amLpEkjfHxWm9lMYlndOOP4nT67lxh15cmm_JegVT2i6SBwjvDi2jfuooydzmo8G7bt1k3eJ3lgEnS7tk_tl1oxcn0P88DXVzej8QerYjJj_mEFp-HGEO-FDkPIPXnd-Lv0WPzpcaD2bFtF/s4032/IMG_0890.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFYmy_BuTf0ZXvUsgtzSZ_k0TwThIq0h65V1UE2No6amLpEkjfHxWm9lMYlndOOP4nT67lxh15cmm_JegVT2i6SBwjvDi2jfuooydzmo8G7bt1k3eJ3lgEnS7tk_tl1oxcn0P88DXVzej8QerYjJj_mEFp-HGEO-FDkPIPXnd-Lv0WPzpcaD2bFtF/s320/IMG_0890.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betina, look at this! Whadd'ya think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ethel does it taste like chicken? Dunno, let's ask Elinor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and off they toddled, leaving the snake alone. The snake exited using a chipmunk hole </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls never returned. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I declared: We shall live in peace this year of 2022! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had the rhode island red chickens been here, otherwise lovingly referred to as the idiots, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this snake would have been lunch! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyf3-fpef3MglRy0pFnypgrCAOrvJZM_QLDc4IHmn1oU0lyDj6P9GQQ-ea1-U21mg3Q7MGwVNw_Pk5-NY2Mlt0KMgxJy9VsXjlY1_1kyjoabYaXYXRb88uT1TSZ3CcZ0-05VvUdbCDOOjVThWzzgk0I5_0n5gzMjbWUnCOPx06XRk80tBMdqE5nNE/s3780/BA02F288-8F4D-438A-80E0-2F1B1AF96AE8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyf3-fpef3MglRy0pFnypgrCAOrvJZM_QLDc4IHmn1oU0lyDj6P9GQQ-ea1-U21mg3Q7MGwVNw_Pk5-NY2Mlt0KMgxJy9VsXjlY1_1kyjoabYaXYXRb88uT1TSZ3CcZ0-05VvUdbCDOOjVThWzzgk0I5_0n5gzMjbWUnCOPx06XRk80tBMdqE5nNE/s320/BA02F288-8F4D-438A-80E0-2F1B1AF96AE8.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And so we live in peace with the snakes but while cleaning out the flower beds around the pond I found a skin and a smaller snake in the iris bed. This is so many more snakes than we have ever had here at happy acres. Not sure why because we had a pretty hard winter. I am sure they will be in the basement soon and that will end the 2022 dΓ©tente. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday night I strolled to the back 40 putting the ladies to bed and close the coop for the night. Head count, 3 happy chickens perched and murmuring to each other. I say goodnight ladies, and they always coo back as I drop the door, putting put a brick in front. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Walked around the back to pick up the food and water for the night, unlocked the door, reached in and recoiled in terror! A masked trash panda was siting on his backside propped up agains the chickenwire fence shoveling in arm loads of pellets! He was as shocked too and couldn't get his grimy little paws under his chonky butt and gatored in the dirty for a few a seconds, then whizzed past me on a tear and up the post to the compost pile. He turned and looked at me like I was the intruder. Oh ya buddy game on because I am coming for you! I like my chickens alive and I like my one or two eggs a day. He'd eaten enough chicken chow he should be laying a couple eggs by dawn! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Closed the coop, grabbed the food and water and began plotting! Find the trap and now what to use as bait? They love corn and watermelon but not in season yet. Hmmmm peanut butter on an apple! </div><div style="text-align: center;">The very next night I loaded the trap with a smelly apple and put it next to the coop. Went out at 10:00 pm and two beady eyes stared back at me ..... from inside the trap! YES! Gotcha and I happy danced off to get the wheel barrow. Put a tarp in the back of the van and tossed a towel over the trap to calm the snarling, teeth barring, raging coon into silence. Tossed him in the wheel barrow and rolled him to the van. Tossed him on the tarp, towel still intact and Millers relocation service was back on the road.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZHqqsxEyK4WBO70VYHzYnj5zGIen9fVRMbNsbJkdo_52Aw43yXCfhBqZFh2Y3RifDuhitqmBKTBA3AppexBz8y432aWUIM-R2PuC7WpWYL-d-SzYEKXN_OA9Li_teC5UhP_iDkXKpeqEgFXdWFxAZsJ-YpoEZGo5UCpxxs4SONjjuk574olx55GZ/s2180/IMG_0907.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="1634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZHqqsxEyK4WBO70VYHzYnj5zGIen9fVRMbNsbJkdo_52Aw43yXCfhBqZFh2Y3RifDuhitqmBKTBA3AppexBz8y432aWUIM-R2PuC7WpWYL-d-SzYEKXN_OA9Li_teC5UhP_iDkXKpeqEgFXdWFxAZsJ-YpoEZGo5UCpxxs4SONjjuk574olx55GZ/s320/IMG_0907.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading out to my usual spot where I can back the van in, drop, release and flee the scene in the darkness of night. It's been a plan that has worked pretty well the last few years. As I approached my turnoff I noticed a Sheriff sitting in a parking lot watching the light. Crap! Nobody and I mean nobody heads down this road unless they're dumping something; bodies, washing machines, trash, trash pandas; all illegal. It's dark and deserted but has water, lots of water, trees galore, and trash cans. Raccoon paradise. I drove down anyway, watching in my review mirror and noticed somebody following and not only that, parked at the end was a park ranger vehicle! This is not happening! Plan B, keep driving to the next favorite place. Slowing down and pulling in a small parking lot sits a large pick up truck, Ford 250 and small white Honda with windows fogged. Really? It's Tuesday night get a room I am driving around with a ball of angry terror and followed by the cops! So I moved to the next place which is no where, I don't have a plan C but keep moving! Finally I pulled over to gas line installation in a wooded area of an industrial park that has lovely ponds and prayed it was too early to have any security cameras. I didn't even shut the van off, I ran around back, grabbed the trap, fumbled with the door and he was gone! Toss the trap in the back of the van and noticed he had relieved himself all over the tarp. I rode home with the windows open and gagging. Tossed the tarp on the driveway and would hose it down in the morning. It was 1:45 am. Everybody is good, all fingers accounted for and chickens! Lights out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning I got up to hose down the tarp and start gardening when I saw fur up and down the driveway in the front yard! Horrors! A bunny nest and my prize hostas strewn over the beds and driveway. Behind the taxus on the front of the house a public toilet of raccoon pooh. For the love of all things furry you too are going down tonight! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlBjpEqBgVdgWt5Bw5gmaDaZLBeVo-x_QrfFaRfzlV1cUnMjTlFBAXfQxKG_fTEyerUHsPFlC_hDpaD_xpmPvBEss413C5QgLrGwWKYKoZd09LTRCoekQggkGWuQgP_-hhRWp6z4BURpqtHvgmgPOhxCKYNpXPBOSyKuaMjjurh0zuDVlOnMmJ3fA/s4032/IMG_0939.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlBjpEqBgVdgWt5Bw5gmaDaZLBeVo-x_QrfFaRfzlV1cUnMjTlFBAXfQxKG_fTEyerUHsPFlC_hDpaD_xpmPvBEss413C5QgLrGwWKYKoZd09LTRCoekQggkGWuQgP_-hhRWp6z4BURpqtHvgmgPOhxCKYNpXPBOSyKuaMjjurh0zuDVlOnMmJ3fA/s320/IMG_0939.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu2bc2IObMxU4VX9wcFRg5LEpY1sMGbjEdOp2R6vh-SKQ9pvy-_XBJpJnb2qpA8pGYtmhkJtaPHdD7tnNr7zuXAtQIDE4GtIf5vvZjB1DYi-P3prlCbRgGSe45dkdj_c-TpYQLyEUwAion6tAtzP1PZ07wcQ99yousHxUmtD9LsrffBoG7wZQKWEC/s4032/IMG_0940.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu2bc2IObMxU4VX9wcFRg5LEpY1sMGbjEdOp2R6vh-SKQ9pvy-_XBJpJnb2qpA8pGYtmhkJtaPHdD7tnNr7zuXAtQIDE4GtIf5vvZjB1DYi-P3prlCbRgGSe45dkdj_c-TpYQLyEUwAion6tAtzP1PZ07wcQ99yousHxUmtD9LsrffBoG7wZQKWEC/s320/IMG_0940.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsTbB_ZbeQ4x8jrcbVq_v0k5C1B2uMf3oOEfe1_2GxPSx-Ld5LKHpCaoAg0IgkiADByViU97f4oMH_EaW4dL4tbkfAvMMdkURtyYkOFE8fwf8USV0mMgaLSDtU8ao3IkpH4ckKGHRQ2hGvqfFeVPmFiPfOE_t_gjHcZ5gMdJ4MQ7w8UFTxSF8kfWI/s4032/IMG_0937.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsTbB_ZbeQ4x8jrcbVq_v0k5C1B2uMf3oOEfe1_2GxPSx-Ld5LKHpCaoAg0IgkiADByViU97f4oMH_EaW4dL4tbkfAvMMdkURtyYkOFE8fwf8USV0mMgaLSDtU8ao3IkpH4ckKGHRQ2hGvqfFeVPmFiPfOE_t_gjHcZ5gMdJ4MQ7w8UFTxSF8kfWI/s320/IMG_0937.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loaded up the apple and peanut butter and nestled the trap around the shredded hostas. I was tired and really wanted this to end quickly. By 10:30 pm #2 was trapped, loaded and relocated to a different place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBiTPmnktEX9P1DCeKMUAnS4rp2FWYobB4uWkaJVMIG1oJn086vklPZuY3Y6KGxwmAfWmo9mc6W5hBUrNX0POXZYWxZJeCom6s_LqE2bbM6N23mJYB1iz7bU_h995UYTZ312tMMu9FhVs5pVsaRDWi9nOLYM-3X_yobfI82hyEWDhRWSoZH9h_fLV/s2180/IMG_0951.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="1634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBiTPmnktEX9P1DCeKMUAnS4rp2FWYobB4uWkaJVMIG1oJn086vklPZuY3Y6KGxwmAfWmo9mc6W5hBUrNX0POXZYWxZJeCom6s_LqE2bbM6N23mJYB1iz7bU_h995UYTZ312tMMu9FhVs5pVsaRDWi9nOLYM-3X_yobfI82hyEWDhRWSoZH9h_fLV/s320/IMG_0951.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was home by 11:15 pm, as this one went very well and he seemed happy to be released. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was on a roll and it was early so I loaded the trap again but was out of peanut butter so I switched to sardines. Phew this should bring in everybody! Set the trap in the way back again around the chicken coop and checked it in 30 minutes. #3 was in the trap. Yes! grab the wheel barrow, tarp the van and off we went into the darkness by 1:15 am. Again the Sheriffs SUV sat at the light! I started making up stories; my husband forgot his lunch, um ya it's a sardine sandwich sir, heard there were shooting stars tonight and thought the park was perfect, couldn't sleep so out for a drive. Please just sit there and ignore the white van with all the subversive bumperstickers........ GIVE PEAS A CHANCE! He stayed put but now I decided to head south, driving down back roads, around curves I remembered a favorite fishing spot in the middle of nowhere. Takes awhile but so worth it as this daunting feeling that, little old me could be pulled over at any moment with a raccoon in a trap. Even with a towel over him so he wasn't visible, except for that little searching paw sticking out, the stench of sardines was enough to make an officer want a second look. What's under the towel lady? Would I say it? "Not without a warrant sir." YUP! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally got to the fishing hole, raced to the back and opened the trap. Nothing. You're free, go off and maim things here in this lovely place. Nothing. Seriously? I took the towel off to see what the problem was. He was facing the wrong direction! Now I am standing in a dark parking lot trying to cajole a stupid raccoon out of the trap. I tipped it on end, I shook the living daylights out of it..... I had captured velcro raccoon! Still facing the wrong way I held it over my head to see if his foot was caught. I have never had this happen, ever! I shook and cursed and poked for a good 10 minutes, I was exhausted; Mr Velcro not so much. I put the trap down and said; Please just go and he calmly walked out of the trap and into the tall weeds. Tossed the trap in the van and rolled home in my stench laden van with a cloud of raccoon stink and sardines. I crawled into bed at 3:42 am, Mr Potter rolled over and groaned. Swear, I'll shower in the morning and wash the sheets. I should have stopped at two but OH NO why would I do that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am now waiting for the ground hogs to show up........ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnbL-GnyqvI9pSZQyUSN_f4fZ2PvLw5UzXVcYvo4LXebuozIsCxV5P-TS0j4TkutXi4IfXL2KXzQQf18kXJQintla16yhFqSBuT2I6vE1AaYZ49khjXU08xGuFZoT2k3XxBBrswEUze62Fv1EmS7pXAjfqUkWnJ34LlcvC1xZUqpe9SqrWYS1wBwl/s2180/IMG_0948.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="1634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnbL-GnyqvI9pSZQyUSN_f4fZ2PvLw5UzXVcYvo4LXebuozIsCxV5P-TS0j4TkutXi4IfXL2KXzQQf18kXJQintla16yhFqSBuT2I6vE1AaYZ49khjXU08xGuFZoT2k3XxBBrswEUze62Fv1EmS7pXAjfqUkWnJ34LlcvC1xZUqpe9SqrWYS1wBwl/s320/IMG_0948.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent big bucks and got this: an automatic chicken door. I have been getting up at the butt crack of dawn to let chickens out for years. Have left art opening to close the door before the nocturnal creatures started their nightly jaunts. It gave me a reason to jump out of bed in the morning and I loved it! I have done this for years and most times it was a great excuse to leave the party. I never once missed putting the girls to bed and this is my second flock. This closes at dusk, has a little flashing blue light to alert the chickens lock down will begin shortly. It also automatically opens at the crack of dawn. I still have a dog that wakes me up but the urgency is gone! I walk out to 3 pairs of eyes excitedly watching me walk across the lawn with feed and water accompanied by the dancing dog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it's been kind of a game changer. I stood out there for three days making sure it worked the way it was promised to work. What I don't like, there is no magic beam to stop the door from closing; it's not toddler proof. I may walk out to a decapitated chicken someday but for right now it's awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlmXJ2qlP9WXVm2DZH9zjjMDI7Vs-UVFXD9d6pkEIjzZqf0zGfHfpgo9GMxx55iL6IEN3cPKcftxh_2NrAx63yk868cRGaVZjlKuSnXI0vgi18SjYcxjVrblx2_mrp8qYkXrRn1eNarB9ATEBnV-DiSV3BY8j8A4fOeW08tyAt7VANr0aE5N1tUuB/s4032/IMG_0850.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlmXJ2qlP9WXVm2DZH9zjjMDI7Vs-UVFXD9d6pkEIjzZqf0zGfHfpgo9GMxx55iL6IEN3cPKcftxh_2NrAx63yk868cRGaVZjlKuSnXI0vgi18SjYcxjVrblx2_mrp8qYkXrRn1eNarB9ATEBnV-DiSV3BY8j8A4fOeW08tyAt7VANr0aE5N1tUuB/s320/IMG_0850.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish to be left to my illusions of what goes on in the garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprHzKe72SjVrAKUbP2RJXSn_IAs8AuukHCHDFcP3-2blnohC2qUVKg1pD3l0qZ6IAgdkQeHiqwU9DdvoTsNwBjv2N9HZj5CYSYjdAmG0AWgUj2NPU1DcO7IhHZerrXck7JySjt6L2meByR0eiZjUmW2p5fB-N-1D4lMqsl9zNe9QhA9Lx54JVgIR3/s1447/IMG_0813.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprHzKe72SjVrAKUbP2RJXSn_IAs8AuukHCHDFcP3-2blnohC2qUVKg1pD3l0qZ6IAgdkQeHiqwU9DdvoTsNwBjv2N9HZj5CYSYjdAmG0AWgUj2NPU1DcO7IhHZerrXck7JySjt6L2meByR0eiZjUmW2p5fB-N-1D4lMqsl9zNe9QhA9Lx54JVgIR3/s320/IMG_0813.PNG" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But in reality it's an eat or be eaten kind of world and face it baby bunnies are the McNuggets of the garden world. They reproduce at an alarming rate but I don't want to see the massacre. I just don't and yet as I walked out the back door this morning the hundred baby preying mantis had hatched and they were a reminder the dΓ©tente will end sooner than hoped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8ZN8_EpYyIzbJs8bIoATJBUv2ozPxnVEvP3AzC4IYh9ZgpYdoxJViyuEm5UwhMvv0slExZdG_JPpW4Aa0BxAuCsvJwuDjocwNncHiqQk6A1vKhj-ETAzElz8BhG9BQQ98sksmkt_7XRPTQu7JABGVpnC3OLu_QOPn3QkDzGmLaBDG4PByFnq55ge/s4032/IMG_0972.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8ZN8_EpYyIzbJs8bIoATJBUv2ozPxnVEvP3AzC4IYh9ZgpYdoxJViyuEm5UwhMvv0slExZdG_JPpW4Aa0BxAuCsvJwuDjocwNncHiqQk6A1vKhj-ETAzElz8BhG9BQQ98sksmkt_7XRPTQu7JABGVpnC3OLu_QOPn3QkDzGmLaBDG4PByFnq55ge/s320/IMG_0972.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So today I am staying in the kitchen and doing other fun things. Only the radishes were harmed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OmOCiUN9M44dnO5q_JyjX2GQkWpB8VMRt0bbkWhi3BnbWTRJPgU6MejXTIzZQKSzVLdxGlBNauamVmg1EF5Gwe2Joj4cn2XdO_2t3tAUX9lehOa8xl7UPAcOY9_9VDVlBsInv_sNelRQtpGeM1oGpLgQeoWpSOLAFxZjW797NGQmiYyoXXYjl5fL/s3780/E8735029-390D-4A95-AE88-EEDA3AF9C260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OmOCiUN9M44dnO5q_JyjX2GQkWpB8VMRt0bbkWhi3BnbWTRJPgU6MejXTIzZQKSzVLdxGlBNauamVmg1EF5Gwe2Joj4cn2XdO_2t3tAUX9lehOa8xl7UPAcOY9_9VDVlBsInv_sNelRQtpGeM1oGpLgQeoWpSOLAFxZjW797NGQmiYyoXXYjl5fL/s320/E8735029-390D-4A95-AE88-EEDA3AF9C260.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fermenting has begun! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvStZ9aEDr1i3GFIkiKew6vr8AKSx7nWF5WZe6KYz1ZPhBJip0HvOKAsVhxsYilnFvmYkNGyblXaN0cl5jrWFhLhVb3aqaEE6igDkbcUmyhy2sVDtKctLlvnRG2ERd6rdQ2jHSYzKQVCWjZAbpgJjSL24knQZPCiDJut2BebA4yeIBWeju_d3wgdL3/s4032/IMG_0975.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvStZ9aEDr1i3GFIkiKew6vr8AKSx7nWF5WZe6KYz1ZPhBJip0HvOKAsVhxsYilnFvmYkNGyblXaN0cl5jrWFhLhVb3aqaEE6igDkbcUmyhy2sVDtKctLlvnRG2ERd6rdQ2jHSYzKQVCWjZAbpgJjSL24knQZPCiDJut2BebA4yeIBWeju_d3wgdL3/s320/IMG_0975.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5510641744889581085.post-89046533600442605822022-05-23T13:34:00.003-04:002022-05-23T15:31:30.005-04:00WHAT CAN I LIVE WITH AND WITHOUT IN 2022....... <p style="text-align: center;">We are 5 months into the dumpster fire of 2022. I have passed my bone density test and getting better everyday, especially now that Spring is here. Where to begin....... there has been cross country trip to Colorado for a mega graduation and back in record speed. On that long, straight-through drive of 26 hours; I take the 10 pm to 6 am shift, there is quite a bit of peering into the darkness looking for ...... WHAT? I don't know but a lot stuff shakes out of the darkness; thin white lines, glowing red tail lights. Where the hell are we going this year? I wish I could say there was a great white light and the answers appeared on the back door of an 18 wheeler headed east at 3 a.m. but honestly who knew there were so many truckers out looking for Jesus or a truck wash because scribbled in dirt it states; "WASH ME" or "Honk if you love Jesus". </p><p style="text-align: center;">I started compiling a list of what I will choose to live with and without in this year of 2022 and maybe ever after. </p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <b> I will not leave my little plot of land in the month May...... EVER! </b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">1a. <b>I cannot live without green and growing things, preferably a garden.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I wait all winter for gardens and green and Spring flowers. You know that new Spring green that appears in a sliver of time when everything is waking up. The halo on the tops of trees in the early morning sun and you just know something BIG is starting. It is like sticking your finger in electrical outlet. April was a roller coaster and the weather kind of sucked, so May is big pay off month. When April showers turn into ice and snow, we bide our time waiting for May. May is all outside time! May sets the gardener up for the rest of the year and it's a breathless time. The weather broke on May 2nd. Tiny little plants were slammed in the ground at head spinning rate. Sprinkled seeds randomly, shoved bulbs, corms and root cuttings in the ground, divided what turned out to be an 80 pound rooted hosta into 4 giant plants (almost killing myself), raked leaves, filled the compost pile to a groaning level and said the gardeners prayer; GROW DAMMIT! Do your best, buck up and I will be back but I know not when. I am sorry. Prayed there would be rain, no frost, the squirrels would meet the hawks, the deer would stay in the woods having their Bambi moment and the gardens would grow. We backed out of the driveway on May 4th; dirt still under my fingernails, exhausted, and packed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp0T8vKEUlsPMiGkFes-hfDzGulNZxP-46_mfOKTA5EhiwXLpjvaRPBxUGaHQcFEK-pfR9Q31sGIGtSV7MiKrV05ekoEqhYE_evN1mCfzCtch3-rQYd1X5d6g0Fd-0UOFl-G4-NGjGUgxrGGfm53DrOOE8imTPtdPDtRY9KBpLmlTsc0rJVmLl6fk/s4032/67320978126__0D7C125E-CFB9-491A-BC9E-4A2A2723DE8C.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp0T8vKEUlsPMiGkFes-hfDzGulNZxP-46_mfOKTA5EhiwXLpjvaRPBxUGaHQcFEK-pfR9Q31sGIGtSV7MiKrV05ekoEqhYE_evN1mCfzCtch3-rQYd1X5d6g0Fd-0UOFl-G4-NGjGUgxrGGfm53DrOOE8imTPtdPDtRY9KBpLmlTsc0rJVmLl6fk/s320/67320978126__0D7C125E-CFB9-491A-BC9E-4A2A2723DE8C.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hosta madness......</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gbulYamPxzdbv6JRfkir5ajO2Fq-DhHI9nUnLB-YCoow2RIox7j1WmK3onHDpo62gwvtQb-RVVBCbHknKlE7qu0HwMbgMeChRj_BMrL43hfcaJVrnFdfCuG4dDtj100CJ67s4RbNbvC50DGm2gkGUGOXR5xUSj2NE9ju33tQxVAfY1oqYiJgMxa8/s4032/67311880533__4DDD6959-0FED-4635-B681-28029615753D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gbulYamPxzdbv6JRfkir5ajO2Fq-DhHI9nUnLB-YCoow2RIox7j1WmK3onHDpo62gwvtQb-RVVBCbHknKlE7qu0HwMbgMeChRj_BMrL43hfcaJVrnFdfCuG4dDtj100CJ67s4RbNbvC50DGm2gkGUGOXR5xUSj2NE9ju33tQxVAfY1oqYiJgMxa8/s320/67311880533__4DDD6959-0FED-4635-B681-28029615753D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all the starts waiting to go in the ground....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA-_RKVLtIEhCMw3jWwwEaU_IQh4yd_cYd7eDCdazI7b9-_fbSbkz0nNNqrEVCpM5m3o6blIz-Qx6kI_-sNrslDyjwBr4-8sSQcAVGiiSEu080b7Q8FUPB6JLObmm2bT_tII53dmcYUQMRW6a-YvUNctlzxEN-YQFRNYD9vWmB-Y6ZRsrpSNHyqiI/s4032/67311879236__281F917C-41BD-4C3C-A0C6-EC7874B60B0B.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA-_RKVLtIEhCMw3jWwwEaU_IQh4yd_cYd7eDCdazI7b9-_fbSbkz0nNNqrEVCpM5m3o6blIz-Qx6kI_-sNrslDyjwBr4-8sSQcAVGiiSEu080b7Q8FUPB6JLObmm2bT_tII53dmcYUQMRW6a-YvUNctlzxEN-YQFRNYD9vWmB-Y6ZRsrpSNHyqiI/s320/67311879236__281F917C-41BD-4C3C-A0C6-EC7874B60B0B.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">beds prepped and compost spread........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eHQ0ZMuToQN8-V1DVy9F3F3wzl_F9UKs7-ux_toGbLEEQp1IWWE3xhy1vvfnSibZcFbtmt_NuPSmJuunAAls9JtLrK0CHmkGB0FFTtwaSZ5X0aG5nLcXvarxaS8MY8GS7UO52l0HErtX5G8Qsso1Zr2KnFvbAnSBU-f2jZccGg9pSBj4DPHRJXLH/s4032/IMG_0624.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eHQ0ZMuToQN8-V1DVy9F3F3wzl_F9UKs7-ux_toGbLEEQp1IWWE3xhy1vvfnSibZcFbtmt_NuPSmJuunAAls9JtLrK0CHmkGB0FFTtwaSZ5X0aG5nLcXvarxaS8MY8GS7UO52l0HErtX5G8Qsso1Zr2KnFvbAnSBU-f2jZccGg9pSBj4DPHRJXLH/s320/IMG_0624.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leeks and shallots....... thank you Nancy FG!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9lxiaBjV9Yjyz5rHoGTjV-B2OT-Awtl3ICe2a-84_k63zc_ot5r6JvTL7j9rg_zzHwIdYjFfJJfZ5ubtdgB4y7e60ullajjHU10KBBjSHW48Eg4NwmTzrovzhd0c8J7rpsudoG1UGMEIzqJDk2gjivFe-3GJ57_UGokoGnbDJnyk_5QDJxdPUKXE/s4032/IMG_0623.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9lxiaBjV9Yjyz5rHoGTjV-B2OT-Awtl3ICe2a-84_k63zc_ot5r6JvTL7j9rg_zzHwIdYjFfJJfZ5ubtdgB4y7e60ullajjHU10KBBjSHW48Eg4NwmTzrovzhd0c8J7rpsudoG1UGMEIzqJDk2gjivFe-3GJ57_UGokoGnbDJnyk_5QDJxdPUKXE/s320/IMG_0623.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 types of kale, onion seeds and marigolds.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and dug up the next day by evil tree rats! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all beds netted but still one more thing argh! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2mcYwSuoK295Qa6CHEOpVRheGHQ2PrLnYCBBc_G-W25I8cb_TfO4xDu6TIEEO-zVIGx9O6ZNpqhdUfotvyoZGENYK_SSk7Cp_S3KJWn1Kevk_YIT04PDoGtuIneoQPuwfUMgZ3YpiFCFHwc43J5nCSZQYn8Fj1ZQnX3sGQsvu_qJICrlqikRJOPs/s4032/IMG_0788.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2mcYwSuoK295Qa6CHEOpVRheGHQ2PrLnYCBBc_G-W25I8cb_TfO4xDu6TIEEO-zVIGx9O6ZNpqhdUfotvyoZGENYK_SSk7Cp_S3KJWn1Kevk_YIT04PDoGtuIneoQPuwfUMgZ3YpiFCFHwc43J5nCSZQYn8Fj1ZQnX3sGQsvu_qJICrlqikRJOPs/s320/IMG_0788.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">they dug up the transplanted strawberries too...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">also netted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIntnoJq0DvSsvox00xrbZGXIMXs12Vbl6W_-DMeGak4Ircyqva7JfarzyRaTFw1tMs1H54z2pJ_g57QavoRNi8vggJogaREUbK-tvAmdPUkOvF4JZep7vcUxgAYg0DFlC2jqmfpyPL26mmNxJMeZhaDaEQmimmkk6YS90RuOBozHnNJnN9knkqLJa/s4032/IMG_0625.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIntnoJq0DvSsvox00xrbZGXIMXs12Vbl6W_-DMeGak4Ircyqva7JfarzyRaTFw1tMs1H54z2pJ_g57QavoRNi8vggJogaREUbK-tvAmdPUkOvF4JZep7vcUxgAYg0DFlC2jqmfpyPL26mmNxJMeZhaDaEQmimmkk6YS90RuOBozHnNJnN9knkqLJa/s320/IMG_0625.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The morning of May 3rd, chickens were wrangled and hustled off to <a href="https://flanneldogfarm.com/" target="_blank">Flannel Dog Farm</a> chicken camp. It was that or the freezer. When I didn't get hold of the head dog at FDF I went right to the dark side and started looking for my killing cone but alas sanity prevailed and contact was made! I excel at heading to the dark side when under time constraints and madness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The chickens and the flock mistress thank you <a href="https://flanneldogfarm.com/" target="_blank">Flannel Dog Farm</a> from the bottom of our coop ππ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWooOK-Da9HSF4x931YU7-X1QHWduKEhNHAzYcHywe9YHxTAqJLMicOHA1QoMVBstSGrcezGf8P-aSQSb1ZlCX1Qa2iZb0oDdDlWq2F5pwPX-1pQ2OnFWIiF896yDUw18PTiK7sGYQkDpXb030xyAx96jNPS_pW61HusduAXXLy7JKlqk74aox_Dv/s1358/E7158BF9-2C89-40AF-9AF6-BD83C1056002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1358" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWooOK-Da9HSF4x931YU7-X1QHWduKEhNHAzYcHywe9YHxTAqJLMicOHA1QoMVBstSGrcezGf8P-aSQSb1ZlCX1Qa2iZb0oDdDlWq2F5pwPX-1pQ2OnFWIiF896yDUw18PTiK7sGYQkDpXb030xyAx96jNPS_pW61HusduAXXLy7JKlqk74aox_Dv/s320/E7158BF9-2C89-40AF-9AF6-BD83C1056002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. I cannot live without chickens. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My long list was checked off and we headed to Columbus.......Are we there yet? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK87tBvyxQDL78B0Du_IwBwd7TVx0mYoJVBzHoWbEA8YEmzJjToNtX3tNCpXwgZhXO6dgLYwtTc_5BP38i1vs8-7XIjzActtpJpo3mB3berP9UjNslkc7aCwE0_X5dogHKi15-xAk2ABKIJPdGxBMbpEVRf6wrus4k5jmKbAIiBIjZLH_nDYLc-oY/s4032/67366682982__3D630C66-9F95-4E9A-9563-7F2BB60B013D.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOK87tBvyxQDL78B0Du_IwBwd7TVx0mYoJVBzHoWbEA8YEmzJjToNtX3tNCpXwgZhXO6dgLYwtTc_5BP38i1vs8-7XIjzActtpJpo3mB3berP9UjNslkc7aCwE0_X5dogHKi15-xAk2ABKIJPdGxBMbpEVRf6wrus4k5jmKbAIiBIjZLH_nDYLc-oY/s320/67366682982__3D630C66-9F95-4E9A-9563-7F2BB60B013D.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. Can't live without a dog. That is all....... </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4. I cannot live without coffee. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is right up there with green growing things and fluffy feathered things that deposit eggs. While I slammed plants in the ground I had the epiphany, coffee shops have been closing by 7 or 9 pm. I knew I would be driving the nightshift, what to do? From the garden, while on my knees, I ordered this! Jeff Bezos sucks but sometimes Amazon is amazing, it was here that afternoon and I used my amazon points so it was FREE (well sort of but I am working the system) ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok it's magical to make hot water while driving down a dark a road at 2 am. This thing fits in my cup holder and tells me when it's ready! It does not prevent me from pouring boiling water over myself so pull over and make coffee, walk the dog and look at the stars over Missouri or Kansas. I also brought the french press for breakfast and packed snacks! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjGfSDTbVZDlqDwg8PS_3yLLXu0RwUDSQhWUIZ3Svmh9xmlVd0tmn4I8XBORigi99gVHIjAAu7Gx_WUzxAiF1m4IyABpUMJA9QJXFSw-oV9mY4HOrJild7RjVTXcKw5Y00Dy9-Vpnrc0psQw83XX_SQGrzEDej1KB89JjGYb_saQgxq_wkTWkgakm/s4032/IMG_0936.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjGfSDTbVZDlqDwg8PS_3yLLXu0RwUDSQhWUIZ3Svmh9xmlVd0tmn4I8XBORigi99gVHIjAAu7Gx_WUzxAiF1m4IyABpUMJA9QJXFSw-oV9mY4HOrJild7RjVTXcKw5Y00Dy9-Vpnrc0psQw83XX_SQGrzEDej1KB89JjGYb_saQgxq_wkTWkgakm/s320/IMG_0936.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Starbucks instant coffee, who knew!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T9fOeXbyYQybuyiYQQVeMmJ-RziKS3_SDDr7SGaUSXP4lpMgqto6ywH5sB3TaH66AZoewQahm_-V2hZKPaRQv61dpdeVyywnv-KTIPMgf6nEHpXlGLC7oCyF81UtiOTK3oVua5zbJ8Dire82wiOIxL1unO_FH8D3ffMXE67rPQM_BNUPHRKGL0EH/s3691/IMG_0684.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3691" data-original-width="2768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T9fOeXbyYQybuyiYQQVeMmJ-RziKS3_SDDr7SGaUSXP4lpMgqto6ywH5sB3TaH66AZoewQahm_-V2hZKPaRQv61dpdeVyywnv-KTIPMgf6nEHpXlGLC7oCyF81UtiOTK3oVua5zbJ8Dire82wiOIxL1unO_FH8D3ffMXE67rPQM_BNUPHRKGL0EH/s320/IMG_0684.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Break time for Kirby too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5. I can live without the spiffy little kettle but it was very nice :) </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>6. I cannot live without family fun and this was a blast to see everybody. (but not in May!) </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvWDXTprLUwPsPQTBUdpKqZE49BYp4jaffuIU7kVYGEkcNolOI5zqwgXu8iNb1MtrxjIU55EZrRVLf-qKsq-DROHRE0-CRycn4xjFWU35fq1M73yeKsiAr8yTDprjthSFbnI00C4GfITpIVqOen01rMwc9iyf3Ed7ZgPk_TT3MRJyepvIZ5l1n5JG/s4032/IMG_0706.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvWDXTprLUwPsPQTBUdpKqZE49BYp4jaffuIU7kVYGEkcNolOI5zqwgXu8iNb1MtrxjIU55EZrRVLf-qKsq-DROHRE0-CRycn4xjFWU35fq1M73yeKsiAr8yTDprjthSFbnI00C4GfITpIVqOen01rMwc9iyf3Ed7ZgPk_TT3MRJyepvIZ5l1n5JG/s320/IMG_0706.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElYIokwY47gpzkVXyj9XxdG5el22GDoD21XEReP0FeB14XVU_wnz1Z2128ad0XXY8d6vl2K0UptVwFMwM4DbqFKhpSnp0Axv41Yyn8p1Q6u1wS-99maeR0pw6Rpor8_FvRglwY7uGgztGmfpa2QCWB0PYZUwgz8yuJT0KdQeVFUW2Ne0cHr2oikhI/s4032/IMG_0722.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElYIokwY47gpzkVXyj9XxdG5el22GDoD21XEReP0FeB14XVU_wnz1Z2128ad0XXY8d6vl2K0UptVwFMwM4DbqFKhpSnp0Axv41Yyn8p1Q6u1wS-99maeR0pw6Rpor8_FvRglwY7uGgztGmfpa2QCWB0PYZUwgz8yuJT0KdQeVFUW2Ne0cHr2oikhI/s320/IMG_0722.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Congratulations Abby!!! Just WOW! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>7. We cannot live without making new friends.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilndSg3GjyWILWIr8ppEdMPwzvwIaD7-Uqr_osXZvZfmj3oHO_2TRt0ew16WZGGOicR4pRFMj4hd8eVygTP_QF_6QnE9XYlOxqjjB9_b5c1KTHef8lPwAR8qoCwOLf4JLlzWuA1OZZ-9G-eGfpnIHleX8tBuOO7rnwwvo2F5rj5Ob8BGtSHP4OwocL/s4032/IMG_0704.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilndSg3GjyWILWIr8ppEdMPwzvwIaD7-Uqr_osXZvZfmj3oHO_2TRt0ew16WZGGOicR4pRFMj4hd8eVygTP_QF_6QnE9XYlOxqjjB9_b5c1KTHef8lPwAR8qoCwOLf4JLlzWuA1OZZ-9G-eGfpnIHleX8tBuOO7rnwwvo2F5rj5Ob8BGtSHP4OwocL/s320/IMG_0704.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tsGySg4GRbiOwTSicGJCrwzd8-3h9GQWG-n2b4br521q8rAINqBUuVMO0jLRECXtzdAwDOaM0DRTriXrvK4NuD_sbp3aCGSs7Pt-wM0940wXr8yI9ti8I-uZS-vIDYSstawvujCpKR57xeVafZlBtfASgDM3HEIXVPEgL8nD2A85vq42j8FQDoDU/s4032/IMG_0701.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tsGySg4GRbiOwTSicGJCrwzd8-3h9GQWG-n2b4br521q8rAINqBUuVMO0jLRECXtzdAwDOaM0DRTriXrvK4NuD_sbp3aCGSs7Pt-wM0940wXr8yI9ti8I-uZS-vIDYSstawvujCpKR57xeVafZlBtfASgDM3HEIXVPEgL8nD2A85vq42j8FQDoDU/s320/IMG_0701.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was another Miller whirlwind trip but the observations were real.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colorado is on fire and is in a drought. Every single body of water we hiked or passed by was down, significantly. Where there were large bodies of water and even yacht clubs, boats lay abandoned on dry land. Even in the mountains we thought the snow run off would fill the reservoirs but they were down, very far down and it's May! We saw more fire damage and heard reports of major fires in New Mexico with Colorado not far behind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>8. Cannot live without WATER! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFzYhiLXngW7nkuVsIdIGXZNwGO-b2ZHWtK7KaLiL1p_QRVBF6aom9RG3s8hwRBQFabEAc93hQs2woD5hvK-YeSKX8uxvmawXVTTheaRTxMoe6-3B5FBtlBlVUJToLqmXPw6Hu2PiuZnkc0Zxk0FSfN49oACwcjQkQM5n858JJ0Iah-NExF17h7Ez/s8578/IMG_0737.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3842" data-original-width="8578" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFzYhiLXngW7nkuVsIdIGXZNwGO-b2ZHWtK7KaLiL1p_QRVBF6aom9RG3s8hwRBQFabEAc93hQs2woD5hvK-YeSKX8uxvmawXVTTheaRTxMoe6-3B5FBtlBlVUJToLqmXPw6Hu2PiuZnkc0Zxk0FSfN49oACwcjQkQM5n858JJ0Iah-NExF17h7Ez/s320/IMG_0737.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM8YzGwAGzqiPpL8gH9AP1izKw-YzNSszJ5-_crQ7tpqzLyH_yyB-r_euZc2A04ZYveJ3pofqI64rsqr9pcjScBrHq2tXWCo3C6QXh3g-mxac4v-hssb8Ynu0B4WKLG8_8Yn6dWWLa4nWLTTU7CUPowH5PHp0p_5tE7_2YJK0LgAs59phTX8zjBwv/s4032/IMG_0741.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM8YzGwAGzqiPpL8gH9AP1izKw-YzNSszJ5-_crQ7tpqzLyH_yyB-r_euZc2A04ZYveJ3pofqI64rsqr9pcjScBrHq2tXWCo3C6QXh3g-mxac4v-hssb8Ynu0B4WKLG8_8Yn6dWWLa4nWLTTU7CUPowH5PHp0p_5tE7_2YJK0LgAs59phTX8zjBwv/s320/IMG_0741.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We crossed into Kansas and it was so bleak. Over grazing, so much irrigation, so much brown. it is estimated the Ogallala aquifer will be 70% depleted in 48 years and yet building new homes and businesses is fierce. Mono-crops and cows for miles. Nice to see windmills too but you cannot drive across this country and think everything is fine. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5CdzeP4zCLc5uS6lccdtDSMfxjPtsMqfC_e0Z923jVqjhFhIMMM3L3IMY0NU_-0PeAXlt0qKgcSuidUgwKgpdfeFBz7VxtUg7BpMpnPKObhUszDfUXN027jeZWyOqUehcotkdT1x5k8iCTVoAZaSy-nSelHggyYN0MEh7Pk6biX7AB9mHnlQ1lKR/s4032/IMG_0742.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5CdzeP4zCLc5uS6lccdtDSMfxjPtsMqfC_e0Z923jVqjhFhIMMM3L3IMY0NU_-0PeAXlt0qKgcSuidUgwKgpdfeFBz7VxtUg7BpMpnPKObhUszDfUXN027jeZWyOqUehcotkdT1x5k8iCTVoAZaSy-nSelHggyYN0MEh7Pk6biX7AB9mHnlQ1lKR/s320/IMG_0742.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSHCyBq56DcaNx75BQCaXepG7egs66H2HiokNtuhrlZBXbx49x-VkJzjmjcxmYnxFD2jXVYv2Q5jJKbo04jHrlT0VAtkvREVJna9RnG7-Tj6K21-er_zKITprRT1YOAUbWpZmEM8wyaFBPhQOIVMtlfzTAc_0_h0Hd4B5uYsRFhZsa9TsiB8NMysJ/s2719/IMG_0744.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2719" data-original-width="2708" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSHCyBq56DcaNx75BQCaXepG7egs66H2HiokNtuhrlZBXbx49x-VkJzjmjcxmYnxFD2jXVYv2Q5jJKbo04jHrlT0VAtkvREVJna9RnG7-Tj6K21-er_zKITprRT1YOAUbWpZmEM8wyaFBPhQOIVMtlfzTAc_0_h0Hd4B5uYsRFhZsa9TsiB8NMysJ/s320/IMG_0744.HEIC" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFKw_ROAs_FJJfZzcs3nMhlsxy2q0JTx-X7DSwCU9AiYcwYCUXLYDS7wnnlF35efNUKDfkTSIZL96wdquhpJAVyv7prQwq2F80kkuwZF-caK60Erf4QMVAbP-AXkbW5JBgikbF6iXfxIvT-dktpKlyiluJPF6oSdyi4tGOV_cHkkmO1cpNc3l8dDv/s4032/IMG_0723.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFKw_ROAs_FJJfZzcs3nMhlsxy2q0JTx-X7DSwCU9AiYcwYCUXLYDS7wnnlF35efNUKDfkTSIZL96wdquhpJAVyv7prQwq2F80kkuwZF-caK60Erf4QMVAbP-AXkbW5JBgikbF6iXfxIvT-dktpKlyiluJPF6oSdyi4tGOV_cHkkmO1cpNc3l8dDv/s320/IMG_0723.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just outside Limon, CO. we hit our first dust storm. It clogged our air filter on the van. I pulled over and banged it on the pavement while the tumble weeds rolled past. Even in the car it felt like we had steel wool in our eyes. We kept driving to get out of it, my god we didn't even see roadkill. Just as evening fell half way across Kansas we hit a hail storm of grasshoppers or locusts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>9. I can live without giant grasshoppers and murder hornets.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will never get those bug guts out of my fenders or grill. I kept saying; holy crap, this is MAY! I texted the kids: Stay tuned for more pestilence and plague updates on the drive home! But alas they had flown to San Diego for a friends wedding and were living their best lives...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFG_N6n8uZU1g8r04zge7BUUmG_rT_7-6WlKs8F4RrCDDjbLZnvKl1m8DC2jWCXDQSXScowOvs5MLhVCoJ_KnugJSSnLOVYQBwvCw8E0BWuz05Iml6cNuzHUIsyhneoP5HhqaJDRU4nmUmg-Gq8R6IytTGj0ztbadSONuK72BPWVxhuaYW_Niy2qG/s1636/IMG_0748.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFG_N6n8uZU1g8r04zge7BUUmG_rT_7-6WlKs8F4RrCDDjbLZnvKl1m8DC2jWCXDQSXScowOvs5MLhVCoJ_KnugJSSnLOVYQBwvCw8E0BWuz05Iml6cNuzHUIsyhneoP5HhqaJDRU4nmUmg-Gq8R6IytTGj0ztbadSONuK72BPWVxhuaYW_Niy2qG/s320/IMG_0748.PNG" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello Ohio.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClBybeNdsQuwud6QD603qETVqO2o8CAvK60reuXhxVP_TidukCyODgLOttQRyDy7BkMuDE1_e0Vbn7WVuppDb2_xvsIVFwZBm6n44PooaXBgpu-xFUO3d5pH6URGSmy8kbGYZWPz0MPWtS2kxRwlGnxbXWrzW7C8DhvbMSK496AoVbuGSrlWBI1f_/s4032/67380220337__CB5D3123-A296-43C8-ACD7-311B87EE8D26.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClBybeNdsQuwud6QD603qETVqO2o8CAvK60reuXhxVP_TidukCyODgLOttQRyDy7BkMuDE1_e0Vbn7WVuppDb2_xvsIVFwZBm6n44PooaXBgpu-xFUO3d5pH6URGSmy8kbGYZWPz0MPWtS2kxRwlGnxbXWrzW7C8DhvbMSK496AoVbuGSrlWBI1f_/s320/67380220337__CB5D3123-A296-43C8-ACD7-311B87EE8D26.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello Lake Erie......</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMGYfA8i_bP-yxud9rgHBvy8mCoDmWgV0tG7n_m5BK4IA0lveM-DBAlIhFrUjyB60WDYWqXrzXoK3GdvrlMhxDvegXWwwMA6TYYPUpNrArzkUCoigbXBgoLphQGx2rPpEK30yKvgX1MrvOTOzo9Tvu54O33-6lct234J0gmfxV7v5C6QlXAfaWsam/s4032/IMG_0783.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMGYfA8i_bP-yxud9rgHBvy8mCoDmWgV0tG7n_m5BK4IA0lveM-DBAlIhFrUjyB60WDYWqXrzXoK3GdvrlMhxDvegXWwwMA6TYYPUpNrArzkUCoigbXBgoLphQGx2rPpEK30yKvgX1MrvOTOzo9Tvu54O33-6lct234J0gmfxV7v5C6QlXAfaWsam/s320/IMG_0783.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>10. I cannot live without a sense of humor π</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExY5ARPZ2LgpASg2kD4Hy5EQ0IB9LxOdjEWaCPdjAryP8OprUOlDTBN-x69T9girbR27CF_1kaobJ8yCjNapBmcCDfOPFkk2AE9xVky4l-vwfJte5zh8jH9FCQa87F4gNoZo9Bi87N9AKbpFRaUx3XW6TrcAMPCaNBoQ5vWYR-VIcXh945VRKnzEI/s1296/IMG_1883.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="884" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExY5ARPZ2LgpASg2kD4Hy5EQ0IB9LxOdjEWaCPdjAryP8OprUOlDTBN-x69T9girbR27CF_1kaobJ8yCjNapBmcCDfOPFkk2AE9xVky4l-vwfJte5zh8jH9FCQa87F4gNoZo9Bi87N9AKbpFRaUx3XW6TrcAMPCaNBoQ5vWYR-VIcXh945VRKnzEI/s320/IMG_1883.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtFuW8ZfRx_vj_DB7HZkgIeyfGpabzv_gMqX6G1CQvm9gd5X_iCfVugtWd6_110hfEZLK6ZuWdkyLC6X-9ONlQf-3YaHYQcy4vXTYxISbVH1WwW5y0_XyLlvpRpWmwg8DpQ10Al1AKu5ajizYErjgylDOw-1fi3XRL7RYxG78BHX0qmQ5l7YDWzL7/s1187/IMG_0751.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1187" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtFuW8ZfRx_vj_DB7HZkgIeyfGpabzv_gMqX6G1CQvm9gd5X_iCfVugtWd6_110hfEZLK6ZuWdkyLC6X-9ONlQf-3YaHYQcy4vXTYxISbVH1WwW5y0_XyLlvpRpWmwg8DpQ10Al1AKu5ajizYErjgylDOw-1fi3XRL7RYxG78BHX0qmQ5l7YDWzL7/s320/IMG_0751.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will be updating the list as 2022 plods on, in dust bowl and tumble weed fashion. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sandy Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10718069049436444431noreply@blogger.com0