Sunday Rain

Saturday we saw the sun. Our neighborhood was abuzz with the sound of lawnmowers, everyone frantically getting outside chores accomplished before the return of the rain. This morning the rain did indeed return, as is apparent in these garden photos. The perennial bed is lush and filling in nicely however, the snails and slugs are enjoying quite a feast. I have read putting saucers of beer in the garden will draw them away from the plants. I suppose they become intoxicated and drown, if the rain continues I'll have to give this a try.Look at this sweet face, meet Edythe LaRue. She has resided with us for a week, her personality is blooming. She definitely is an Edythe, a strong willed kitty, but very loving. Winslow is not sure about Edythe, since she still spends most of her time upstairs; Winslow does not climb stairs. Emma spends her time residing on the back of the couch, minding her own business. The "chooks" are going to need raincoats and galoshes if this rain continues, Eve send us some of your Alabama sunshine!

Where is summer!

Here at Dog Trot Farm we are blanketed by fog, thunder showers and hail looming for this afternoon. Where is summer! Snails are invading my gardens, root rot is a true possibility and soon I'm going to have to check the "girls" for moldy feathers! Someone hear my plea, send sunshine!

Thank you "Farm Tails"

First and foremost I want to thank Farm Tails for bestowing me the HONEST SCRAP award. I feel honored to have received this, my very first award. The down side is I truly am computer illiterate trying to figure this "link" business out: well lets just say I don't have the patience or better yet, my menopausal brain does not always function properly. However, that being said, I would like to participate and offer my readers 10 true things about me:

1. I start my day listening to IMUS IN THE MORNING
2. I love to vacuum
3. I no not like seafood, yes that includes Lobster
4. I love shoes, a girl in my opinion can never have enough shoes
5. I have never drank a cup of coffee or a glass of beer
6. I drive a Jetta, I am a Volkswagen fan
7. I love my Vera Bradley bags
8. I would love to own Llama's
9. The late Tasha Tudor is my inspiration, I seem to connect with the way of life which she represents
10.I enjoy baking, making pies, breads, jams and jellies, preserving, but hate to cook
Well, there you go hope you gained a little in site in to my world.

Pinky finds a home

Meet the new addition to our family: "Pinky". On Saturday my DH and I traveled to an animal shelter in Western Maine. I have been visiting shelters in the area for over six months, attempting to find a suitable feline match for our family. Once at a shelter I would feel so overcome with guilt- how do you choose one cat when I wanted to take them all home?- I would leave empty handed. That was till Sunday. "Pinkie" is not the cat we had intended on adopting. She did not attempt to gain our attention, but stayed in the pose as seen in the upper photo. I inquired about her past history and learned she and her former family had become homeless due to a house fire. Everyone had escaped without harm except Pinky, she was burned. She was brought to the animal shelter where she received proper medical treatment and eventually healed. Her spirit however, had been wounded. The shelter attendant informed me she felt Pinky had given up trying to find a family of her own. Well, that was Sunday. This is Monday and Pinky is now part of our family.

Yes, she was cautious upon leaving her carrier and promptly hid under the bed. However, by morning she was talking, purring, eating, had introduced herself to Emma Lou and began exploring her new "digs" Pinky is a lovely girl, her spark seems to be returning, I think she has been patiently waiting for us to find her. Now the name" Pinky," it's cute however I like proper names for my pets, so her new name will be changed to Edyth or Ellie. I like the way each of these names sound with Emma Lou as in "Emma and Edyth or Emma and Ellie. I would love to hear your input, what say you?

Rain

I'm sorry Gladys it's still raining, you can't go out and play.

The Rain's Are Coming

Rain is predicted for the rest of the week into the weekend, Winslow and I headed out early to get our walk in. We travel through the woods past the old pond Along the stream
Up the back field

By the old park bench

Our humble home off in the distance

Thanks for joining us, Winslow and I hope the sun is shining in your neck of the woods!

Under The Apple Tree

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.~Charles W. Eliot

My new favorite reading spot.

Locks Of Love

For five years I have been growing my hair for Locks Of Love. The idea originated when a former childcare client of mine was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. This is a lethal form of breast cancer with a very low survival rate. When diagnosed, my friend was given less than a month to live and was told to get her affairs in order. This was absolutely unacceptable. She was a divorced mother of a young son who needed her. With much strength, determination and support from family, friends, and community she fights a most courageous battle. She is my hero. She is approaching the fifth year anniversary of her diagnosis, she has defied the odds. In honor of you my friend, my hair was cut today. Fourteen inches of hair will be donated to Locks of Love, enough I'm told for three wigs. I feel honored to be able to contribute, to put a smile on an innocent child's face. Tomorrow the battle continues, not only for my friend but the many others who are struck down by this hideous disease.

Gladys

Look who flew the coop, yessiree Miss Gladys, she's my adventurous girl. I opened up the gate so her sisters could venture over and acknowledge her accomplishment. Way to go Gladys!

Saturday's post of the girls sitting on my lap, Miss Eve inquired as to why there were no pine chips. I was sitting on the outer section of the coop in front of the doorway, hence no chips. Eve, I know you're just looking out for my girls and they appreciate it.

I discovered this tee shirt at Tractor Supply on Saturday, I think it says it all.

GOOD SATURDAY

Well, hello Gladys how are you this morning. Gladys seems to be the most adventurous of the girls, Gladys and I discussed having a little hen party this morning, her sisters got wind of this idea and were soon to follow.

Hello ladies, they all ventured out of their pen into the outer portion of the coop. A little field trip of sorts.

Miss Beatrix

The girls were given a new treat this morning, oatmeal. Just a small handful they appeared quite appreciative.

Chicks certainly grow quickly, they appear to be quite happy in their new home. Everyone gets along and as of yet no pecking order.


Gladys, I really need to get to work the flower beds are calling.

Winslow spent his day keeping the chipmunk population in check.

Good boy Winslow Homer.

My Favorite Flower

Being that today was sunny and warm Winslow and I decided a little plant shopping was in our future. We headed to Broadway Gardens in South Portland to use a gift certificate that I had received as a Christmas gift. While browsing the plants, I spied a perennial daisy called Sunny Side Up. I love Daisy's they seem like an honest happy flower also my cousin Eve who now resides in Alabama has a blog with the same title" Sunny Side Up."I immediately knew that this Daisy was coming home with me.

Now when I work in my perennial bed I will look at this Daisy and think of Eve, knowing that she too is working in her gardens and I can be sure that Miss Daisy Lu will not be to far from her side!

First Cut Of The Season

Bright and early Monday morning the boys from Parson's Dairy Farm arrived to mow our fields. This is almost two weeks early, typically they arrive on June 16th. How I remember this is our oldest son Kristopher was born on this date. Through the years I planned many a farm themed

birthday party. What a thrill it was to watch the equipment arrive and know with almost certainty Artie would stop and offer you a ride. What a simple joy for a little boy. The fields are planted with Timothy, Alfalfa and Clover. The crop is used as fodder for the Parson's small herd of Dairy cows.

The Parson's Farm is strictly an IH farm( International Harvester) no John Deere Green for them!

At the age of ten Kristopher started working for the Parsons. He farmed up until he went to Community College. He once confided in me ," Mom I would work on the farm for free, I love it so much". Kristopher is employed as a Diesel Mechanic for Southworth Milton CAT, repairs all of the Parsons equipment and now owns tractors of his own. He is partial to IH, but has been known to add a John Deere or two to his tractor collection.

At the age of thirteen my husband also worked for the Parson's Farm. He is now employed as a nuclear inspector, but still has a love for farming and it's machinery.

A second cutting happens usually towards the end of August or early September. Will be looking forward to seeing you then boys. Have a great summer!

Gall Bladder vs. Gallbladder

Okay, can someone tell me the correct spelling of Gall bladder. Gallbladder vs. Gall Bladder.
My pre and post surgical paper work spell it Gall Bladder, however, I am not so sure. What say you? All I can say I am glad it is gone! ENOUGH SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG

The girls are tucked in nicely in their new home. Lots of room for them to run and practice takeoff and landing skills, scratch around, and have a dust bath when needed. Who knew that adolescent chickens could be so entertaining. Combs are beginning to grow, down is being replaced by feathers, and different vocals are being heard. As in, get out of my way or I was here first or don't peck on me. One other interesting discovery, when the girls begin to settle down for the night they preform a wing leg stretch. A wing is extended along with a corresponding leg, and then a huddle. While I am recuperating from gall badder surgery my sweet niece Darlena is staying with us. Not because I am ill, but rather she and her husband are waiting to move into their new apartment on Wednesday. Darlena is taking over coop duties for the next few days. Might there be chickens in her future, could be! Till next time.

PIP'S ESCAPE

Last Monday, Memorial Day my parents came in town for a visit. The four of us went to the cemetery and then out to breakfast. Once home my dad went upstairs to pay a visit to the "girls." The next thing I heard was" Julie I think you better come up." Sweet innocent Pip had flown the condo. The netting was off and she was sitting behind the brooder. I scooped her up and placed her back in with her sisters. Upon inspection there were telltale signs of a grand adventure. Bird tracks everywhere. So, as of today Miss Pip and her sisters are being relocated to their coop. Now, I will miss all the chirping and singing, but not the dust that these girls generate. I now understand what my cousin Eve over at" Sunny Side Up" meant when she said "I can't wait to get the guineas out, the dust is driving me crazy". As of this afternoon all ten little "chooks" Pip, Pearl, Willa, Lucy, Gladys, Iris, Beatrix, Henny Penny, Charlotte, and Mable will be safe and sound in their new home.

BYE BYE GALL BLADDER

As of Wednesday at 8:00 pm I am gall bladder free! However, I have been blindsided by all the pain and discomfort it has brought. I have had laparoscopic surgery prior and bounced back quickly. This time however, I feel like a steamroller has run over me. Upon my return home from the surgery center I was instructed to take morphine. (I am camped out on the couch as the thought of climbing stairs is not appealing) I take my morphine at midnight and the next thing I realize I am passed out on the kitchen floor. I crawled back to the couch and did not move for the rest of the night. No more morphine for me! It has been raining since Wednesday, I have not lost any gardening days. But when your down and out you think of the the chores that need to be accomplished. Yes mom I will be patient! Till next time.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

GOD BLESS AMERICA

And I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free

and I won't forget the men who died,

who gave the right to me. ~ Lee Greenwood

IT'S HOT

This thermometer says it all!

GOOD TUESDAY!

No frost this morning for us, however parts of the state did. Just to be on the safe side I brought my tomato plants in last night. Today was a beautiful day to garden, but my gallbladder didn't want to corporate. I did see the surgeon this afternoon and he threw out words like "sluggish" and "thickened" so the gallbladder will go. No date for surgery as off yet, but hope it is soon. I have been searching for an arbor for a while now, but just never quite found what I was looking for. Last Friday I spied this black iron arbor at Lowes for $54.00. It fits nicely against our stone wall and the price was right.

I had purchased this cement stepping stone at the flower show in Fryeburg. I think it will fit nicely placed/planted under the arbor. I hope to plant Moon flowers which will trail up the arbor, that is if the deer don't discover them.

Sweet Emma Lou keeps watch over her "chooks"

This is the lovely Pip the Ameraucana or Easter egg layer. I have a feeling Pip might be a he, but am not positive. Her/his appearance is somewhat different than his counterpart Pearl. Only time will tell.

Lucy and Willa the Barred Rocks with Beatrix and Iris the Buffs. I love to hear their sweet music.

Just look at those sweet little faces. Well, my dear husband, while trying to be tactful announced "it smells like a barn in here". I replied, well there just babies what do you expect. They can't leave their mother yet, isn't that right Emma Lou. She just purred in agreement.