Filter posts by category

Nature

More Exciting Around Here Than Christmas

I’m guessing you can tell from all the pond shots over the years, that we really love our pond.

A friend described it as sort of like a big outdoor rug,  the decorating element that anchors the room—in this case, our outdoor room.

And I’d have to agree, though I’d put it a little differently. It’s the gravitational pull of our property that draws all living things to it. For its calming, meditative effect. For its nourishment. And for the … Read More

Space Weather Alert Service — Way Cool!

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know that I’ve been a long-time amateur astronomer. Going back to my early childhood, I’ve had a fascination for all things up in the sky. It’s a fascination that Cait has come to share.  We’ve spent many a night (and early morning) outside looking up at planets in conjunction and watching spectacular meteor showers. We’ve recently discovered this service that alerts us to cool stuff going on overhead.  Check it out … Read More

Time to Fix the Fence

Graidy is my early bird; he likes to start the day around 5 AM-ish. Once he gets me up, it’s rare that I can get back to sleep. So we hang out and take in the early morning sights.

Once the sun came up, this is what we saw this morning.

Deer1

There are actually five, all total, though it’s hard to see the fifth one. Two families of three and two.

deer2

Pretty scene, isn’t it?

deer3

And I’m glad my bumper … Read More

Garden Experiment 2009

It’s that time of year; hard frosts herald the end of my gardening year.  As I work to put my garden to bed until next spring, it’s a good time to take stock of the growing season. This year, with summer weather more typical of Ireland than upstate NY, and less time available for gardening chores than I like, my garden was more under Mother Nature’s charge than mine. The results were mixed.

As I review the different veggies that … Read More

How to Grow Great Garlic

I’ve been growing my own garlic for about 15 years — all from my own bulbs that I harvest from year to year.  I don’t remember what possessed me to order my first bulbs from Seeds of Change way back when.

After all, garlic seems a slightly peculiar item to grow when they’re so plentiful and cheap at the grocery store. And even more peculiar to fall in love with. I’m not ashamed to admit it. I get a bigger … Read More

Stick THAT in Your Happy Box!

Having recently gone through a growth spurt, Cait was in need of some new clothes. So off to the Mall we went.  We always concentrate our efforts in this one particular store, because we always have good luck finding cloths that fit and that Cait will actually wear.

The tradition is to make our way around each department — shoes, pants, tops, etc.– until, at the very end, we come to the fancy dress section.  This is where the fun … Read More

On the Hunt

It’s in the air today, along with the gathering thunderclouds. Everyone around here is hunting for something.

Our Great Blue Heron is on the hunt for his lunch.

blue-heron1

He seldom misses.

heron1

He’s snagged himself a nice fish.

Oh, there’s something else fishing there along the side of the pond!

maine-coon21

Is it our Fisher (a weasel)?

maine coon

Nope. I’d recognize that fluffy tail anywhere. Looks like Finn’s found some good hunting by the pond too.

Kiera and Wink are hunting for a … Read More

Scroll to Top