Wednesday, July 6, 2011

SUMMER TIME...

We're having a heat wave...a tropical heat wave....the lazy... hazy days of summer have arrived... flowers appear to bow in the noon day sun...the air thick with humidity and the fragrance of sweet peonies ...'tis...summer time...there are strawberries to pick and jam to make... tall glasses of ice cold lemonade now quench our thirst... roasting marshmallows by the camp fire...simple summer pleasures...


there are weeds to pull and flowers to deadhead...but these are the chores we have been patiently waiting for...we realize just how quickly the summer months pass by...

the tourist have found their way to Maine... also known as Vacationland...Below...my bantams...Loretta...Josephine...Buttercup....and Annabelle...now reside in the coop...but still in the confines of their cage...the girls are still in the getting acquainted mode...a bit of juggling takes place to insure everyone's safety....during the day... while the older hens free range in the yard the younger "peeps" have the coop yard to themselves...a whole new world of discovery has opened up... bugs to chase... dust baths to enjoy....along with perfecting one's flying technique... While the girls were still residing in the house...unbeknown to me...Lida Louise was capable of flying...flying out of the cage that is...now please believe me when I say I do not take this lightly...Here's the scenario...arrived home from running errands...checked on the girls...gave Winslow Homer a pat on the head and gathered laundry to hang out on the clothesline...ten minutes later... walked through the door to find Winslow Homer standing proudly... wagging his tail....yes...sadly... you guessed it... my sweet Lida Louise was clenched firmly in his mouth...I couldn't get angry at Winslow...he was acting on what comes naturally...It was my fault... I should have realized my "peeps" were capable of flying...all I can say is thank goodness my husband was home... mowing the lawn...I ran out the door like a crazy women....Needless to say Lida Louise was buried in the garden next to my girls Pip and Georgia...



and this beautiful girl...my Josephine... has decided to add crowing to her list of tricks...just another day here at Dog Trot Farm...

18 comments:

Larkrise garden girl said...

Years ago we had that problem with our dogs. Winslow homer just was using his instincts. So sorry.I just read about Winslow Homer the painter.Cheri

Jacque. said...

Julie...I love reading your blog. The way you put your words, the things you write, the photos you share. I'm sorry about Lida Louise.

moosecraft said...

Sounds like some good summer days to me! Sorry about Lida though... too funny about Josephine... er, um Joe? ;-)

acorn hollow said...

The tourist have found the beautiful lakes region of New Hampshire too. and my beloved thrift shops boo hoo. oh your poor hen and winslow homer must be feeling a little frisky to chase a hen.
Cathy

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Yup, I think summer is finally here. I've even had to turn the air on in the shop. (I'd much rather leave the front door open - more welcoming to customers.) Your flowers are just beautiful! Enjoy each simple, summer day at "the farm", Dawn

Ginny said...

Sorry to hear about Lida Louise, but like you said, he was doing what comes natural to him. Missed you, was getting concerned. Glad to here it is only Summer keeping you busy.

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

Hi Julie and Winslow Homer...

i love your post here...your flowers and your chickens

thank you for the kind words...so sweet of you to stop by and leave such a lovely comment, my friend

have FUN PIE BAKING !!!!

sending love to you and winslow homer

your friends,
kary and teddy
xx

Debi said...

Yes, I too love the way the N.C. humidty smacks me in the face as I leave out in the early a.m. Just one of the joys of sweet summertime. I didn't know the story was going to end so SAAAADDD!! WoW. I just don't know what to say. Another day on the farm!

Flat Creek Farm said...

So sorry about your little Lida, but nope, can't blame dear little Winslow. These chickens can be so surprising sometimes. Who would have thought?

Your flowers are gorgeous! -Tammy

The Barn Door said...

Love the pics of your flowers and the 'girls'. So sorry about Lida and I'm sure, Winslow Homer felt bad about it later! Maybe??

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Sorry about Lida. But that darling Winslow...how can you be upset with that little guy? Love all the photos. I just getting caught up from the move...got internet only late yesterday!
Courtney

Rugs and Pugs said...

Poor Lida! But you are so right. Winslow did what comes naturally.
There never is a dull moment at Dog Trot Farm, is there?
Gorgeous pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

jill said...

I can't imagine getting within 30 yards of a bonfire down here in this GA heat! The only marshmallows I'll be enjoying will be in rocky road ice cream. LOL

Lucky you...it all sounds so beautiful up there at Dog Trot Farm. Hugs to Winslow Homer, and my sympathies for Lida.

Julia said...

I love the beautiful photos of your hens and flowers. So sorry about the Lida flying the coop and getting mauled by poor Homer. You must feel awful. Homer was probably proud of himself for catching her. He must be feeling better. JB

Rowan said...

Sounds like an improvement on the fog! If the tourists are out in force then home is probably a good place to be. Of course when I visit Maine I'm not a tourist:) You've started me thinking about the saltwater taffy shop in York now! Always one of my must go places.

Terry and Linda said...

Goodness! He killed her! I thought maybe he just had her in his mouth and she was still okay.

Well, dogs are made to hunt. Even cute little dogs!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Eve said...

oh the ups and downs. Everyday is another story. Sorry for your loss Julie. Maybe she broke her neck on her flight and sweet ol Winslow was just trying to save her. Ole would have done the same thing! Your flowers are beautiful. It feels so late in the summer here Julie. I really should go out and take some photos!

Peacemom said...

Oh, your Josephine is crowing...I had to laugh because you know that happened with my Rose, who is now Pete Rose. I saw that first picture of the three girls and thought right away, that one's gonna be a rooster. Handsome, in any case! My Roo is terrorizing my girls in his teenage boy nonsense and he went after my oldest son yesterday, so not sure how long we're going to be able to keep him about. Sad, but I can't have him going after the kids. Sorry to hear about Lida Louise, Winslow probably felt bad afterwards. He is a man of character after all. ~Vonnie, NH