Friday, September 14, 2012

Rust and other stuff...

It seems like I take pictures of the same old stuff....birds, elk, dogs.  
So yesterday, I gave myself the challenge to walk around the farm 
and take pictures of things that don't seem very picture worthy.  

The rust wreath, made from old barbed wire fence. 
Whenever I find a rusty nail or some other do-dad,
it goes on the rust wreath.
Barbed wire wreath
This old barrel has been here forever. 
We suspect it is filled with some horrible concoction that if released, 
might do horrible things to the earth and its occupants. 
We can't get the lid off, and we are not sure we want to.
On the other hand, it is sure to rust through at some point.
It has a Portland, Oregon metal label.  
Perhaps I can put it on Craig's list as an antique.

Not rust, but rusty colored.
I hadn't realized that the old apple tree has been serving as the breakfast table 
for flickers and woodpeckers.  
These holes go all the way up and all the way around the tree.

I would never normally have taken a picture of the tree protectors below.
But for some reason they caught my fancy,
and they are on the light side of rusty.
Recycled tree protectors
These tubes came to the farm to protect the 1000's of new trees and shrubs
that were planted as part of a conservation restoration project.
In a previous life, they protected new grapevines.
I hope that they will have a third life as well.
Hopefully, someone will have  a use for them.

More rust color and more circles.
The old prune orchard that will keep us warm this winter.

And because I simply cannot resist....
The four baby bluebirds from the second clutch have all survived.  
Last night we went out in the front yard with our happy hour toddies 
and watched the bluebirds for a good hour.
At least two are still around from the first clutch, 
so 6 surviving babes this year.
Success!

Things that make me feel rich:  
a nice stack of firewood, 
bluebirds, 
and the ping of canning jars!
This corn relish is yummy and easy to make.
(And I found corn at a local farm for 7 cents an ear!)
Corn relish from freshly picked corn
What makes you feel rich!




Tuesday, September 4, 2012

For the love of turtles...

For the love of western pond turtles, we hauled this big old log from the top of the hill to the pond at the bottom of the hill.  Trying to provide the three turtles with a spot where they can get some sun, yet be safe from predators.

One log didn't seem to be enough, so we hauled in a branch of an old fallen apple tree. Hopefully, the two together will be stable enough to provide the three turtles with safe sunning habitat.
Western Pond Turtle Day Spa
This was one of those things on the "to do" list that seems like it should take about an hour.
In actuality, takes the whole morning. But feels good to have it done.

Next thing on the list:   Blackberry Ketchup. The recipe is linked.  
So yummy!

Friday, August 31, 2012

LIttle visitors...


In the driveway yesterday

Baby Bull Snake aka Pacific Gopher Snake
On the snapdragons yesterday
A huge bumble bee
This bumble bee is three times the size of the average bumble bee. 
He lumbers from blossom to blossom rather than flying. 

I have read that bumblebee flight defies the laws of physics.
However, the latest theory is that they don't defy the laws of physics, 
it is just that scientists haven't figured out how they are able to fly.

I love that!


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Coming home...

Just spent several days in the Canadian Rockies around Jasper and Lake Louise.  Beautiful, beautiful country.  Every place more beautiful than the next.  Mama grizzly bear with three cubs, big horn sheep with triplets -so darned cute-, black bears, elk, and even a wolf.  So busy taking it all in that I got my camera out only one time. 

This is the view that we woke up to during our time at Lake Louise.
Early Morning Picture of Lake Louise


Jack and Libby can relax.  We're home.
Everything is right with their world...and ours, too.

EXCEPT...where in the world did the summer go?
I can hardly believe that tomorrow is the last day of August,
that Labor Day is around the corner and
 school will start in just a few days.

June, July, and August flew right out the window when I wasn't looking.
I am going to do my best to slow the days down
holding tight to September and October.
My favorite months!

I hope your summer has been good....and slow.






Saturday, August 18, 2012

More "products"

Here are the latest "products" going to Portland today.
One for a gender-yet-to-be-determined baby.
One for a baby girl.
With baby caps to match.

I am not sure how I missed putting a tail on this pink product.
 All the other products have had a tail of some sort.

Pattern for the pink "pea baby" is linked.
I am the first to admit that my pea baby is a little malnourished compared to the original pea baby.

Monday, August 13, 2012

McKenzie River

A short camping trip to Paradise Campground on the McKenzie River.
 McKenzie River

Such a beautiful, relaxing spot.
I love this river.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

What's left after the party...

Party by the numbers:

55 friends & neighbors
101 degrees
2 gallons of iced tea
6 gallons of iced water
7 desserts
1 most beautiful loaf of friendship bread
11 salads
1 bowl of yummy strawberries
573 blueberries
2 quarts of vanilla ice cream
No idea how much beer, wine, etc.
12 midnight when the last folks left
2 shooting stars
2 pairs of forgotten sunglasses 
3 food tables
7 eating tables
1 yellow jacket bite (sorry, Luis)
1 canopy made out of chicken feed bags 
(turquoise in the back of the picture)
21 people took the farm tour
7 dining tables
5 wonderful women who just pitch in 
and do whatever needs to be done
2 doggies
9 coolers
11, 263 pounds of ice 
(perhaps an exaggeration)

What's left when everyone goes home?


Naked Tables

Linens Drying on the Line & More in the Washer

Beware of Jackson Posters

Neglected Tableware and Sunglasses

What's left after a party?
Everything that was there before the party.


What's left after a party?
Appreciation for the friends and neighbors who stop by...
(whether in person or via this blog)
Thank you.


(If you click on "Read More" to the left of this, I have posted the picture album that I put together for the farm tour.