~A FIRST BIRTHDAY~

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~

One year ago today this precious little boy, Travis Lloyd came into the world. Mr. Dog Trot and I became first time grandparents...I still can't believe I am old enough to be a Granny...but it is a role I would not relinquish for anything in the world...

Travis has a special connection with his Uncle Kristopher... Uncle Kristopher cannot wait for his little nephew to get a bit bigger to help run farm equipment...

so it came as no surprise that Uncle Kristopher knew exactly what a future farm boy is in need of

A rear steering John Deere pedal tractor...Grampy was impressed...

Today was a lovely day... one filled with family, friends, good food, and a most delicious CAKE...

Happy First Birthday Travis, love Granny...

 

 

 

~BABY PROOFED~

If you are a parent or grandparent to a toddler it is highly likely your home has been baby proofed... Cabinet doors are  donned with fancy locks...gates have been strategically placed ...in other words your home is now a secure  fortress...Below is a photo of a Safely First cabinet lock, let me just state for the record these locks do their job especially well... Mr. Dog Trot and I have a difficult time unlocking them...for instance last evening I wanted to run the dishwasher, unfortunately for me the dish soap was  locked behind this particular cabinet...Mr. Dog Trot was away for the evening...so needless to say...

 I had to wait for Mr. Houdini to arrive...

 

he has no problem whatsoever...go figure...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY~

Happy Mother's Day...

There is no other gift in the world as special as that of a mother...when life gets busy... I may not say it often enough... but mom... I just want you to  know how very fortunate I feel to have been blessed with such a loving, caring mother as you have been and continue to be...not only to me, but our entire family. The love from your heart and warmth of your touch...makes the world a better place...FYI this is a photo of my mother who retired this past December from the postal service at the age of 83 years young...believe me when I say she is a hard act to follow...

~WHAT WAS I THINKING~

Last Tuesday I found myself at the mall...the mall...I am not a good mall shopper...really, I am not a mall shopper at all...but with two hours to kill before a doctor's appointment...I went into Lands End...I like Land's End clothing especially when it's on sale...Well, I found myself  doing something that I never ever do...I tried on clothing...mind you not just any clothing, but bathing suits...yes, you read that correctly...Lord have mercy...what in the world was I thinking...well, I know what I was thinking Granny needs a new bathing suit with SUPPORT...I tell ya... I had a good laugh as well as a good cry...but I was not going to let this experience get the best of me...no s-i-r-r-e-e...I dusted myself off...pulled myself together and drove to Target...

have I told you how much I like shopping at Target?...Travis does too...

~SPRING ROUND UP~

I have great empathy to those of you who are still enduring winter weather, mother nature seems  quite cruel this year... but for those of us who reside in New England spring is here...an early morning walk finds the woods alive with scampering squirrels and the delightful sound of bird song...trees have begun to leaf out while tiny wildflowers show their dainty faces...I do feel the presence of  fairies peering out at me...the woods have taken on a magical quality...
                                       

 The cold wet earth has dried and is warm enough for spring planting to begin... plant sales held by local churches and historic properties are now found on the weekend agenda...I find this a wonderful way to expand one's flower garden and also offer the opportunity to try "new to you" plants... and the much sort after heirloom plants,...a new plant added to my perennial bed this spring is "Leopard's Bane" a yellow daisy like flower...It is  time  for list making...  deciding which plants to fill containers and window boxes...Friday I paid one of my favorite nurseries a visit...I did not purchase anything...but simply enjoyed the warmth, color and fragrance that the greenhouses had to offer...when purchasing plants and flowers I make a great effort to buy local, but I admit, buying inexpensive flats from big box stores, does occur...here at Dog Trot Farm every penny counts... 

It is also time to take note of those plants which did not made it through the long winter...and those plants which give a favorite look and color...My feeling is every garden needs a bit of Lady's Mantle and Rose Campion, these perennials make a flowerbed "'pop...well, my flowerbed anyway...

Now, it would not be spring if I did not mention chickens, specifically chicks...my flock of fifteen are doing well and remain dependable layers...a  chick order form has hung on my refrigerator for two months...I had been on the fence...should I, shouldn't I... ...finally...the decision was made...Travis Lloyd will have his first four chicks arriving the week of May 25th...two Buff and two Barred, these two breeds work well here in Maine. Cold weather hardy, lovely disposition, and adapt well to coop living...Now for those of you who  patiently wait for warm weather, I hope it finds you soon...  remember spring never skips it's turn! Happy gardening everyone...