VACATIONLAND

Today was a picture perfect day here in Maine. My husband and I took advantage of the weather and drove up the coast to a small town called New Harbor. It is home to Shaw's wharf where they serve local seafood. My DH had to have his clam fix and has always been pleased with the food here. I was quite happy with my Strawberry Poppy seed Salad from Panera Breads. Shaw's wharf is also the location where scene's from the movie Message In A Bottle, starring Kevin Costner and Robyn Wright Penn were filmed. The sun was shining, the fragrance of salt water in the air, scenery breath taking, all I can say, Maine The Way Life Should Be!

A RAINY DAY PROJECT

Rain is predicted for this evening and into tomorrow. It sounds like a broken record around here. So, upon hearing this I decided it was time to pull out a rainy day project. I usually rug hook in the fall and winter season but, with the weather being so dreary and cool, it just feels right to start hooking again. This is a rug design by Sharon Perry, I have changed things up a bit and put my primitive interpretation on it. I'm calling it my Winslow Homer rug; that is Winslow, taking time to smell the flowers. If the weather continues on this way here in Maine, I should have this rug finished in no time. Then what.

OH HAPPY DAY

Can you guess what these flowers have in common?

Did you guess- that's right, their bug free! Oh happy day!

And this is the naughty boy who has been digging in the bug free flower bed!

AN ENGLISH SURPRISE

One of the things my husband and I enjoy is driving along the back roads of Maine. We are famous for taking dirt road detours and sometimes never know where we might end up. Last weekend we were driving through the town of Edgecomb; enjoying the countryside scenery when off into a field I spied a telephone booth. Not just any telephone booth- an English telephone booth. I had my husband turn the car around so I could take a photo, Jenny Wren who resides in England needed to see this. The booth was empty of it's contents, standing lop sided, but remained British proud. We have no idea how it came to be, but it was a delightful discovery. It just goes to show; always take the back roads when you have the opportunity, you never know what you might discover!

THE WAR IS ON!

Okay, no more plucking and dropping into soapy water, this is all out war! I've pulled out the big guns!

GOOD SATURDAY

The sun came out this afternoon and I put the finishing touches on the front of the coop; a yellow tin star and a basketful of Daisies. I had to give it a little"chick" effect. The girls huddled together and all were in agreement they liked the "girly "touch.

Lots of sunbathing and dust baths going on this afternoon, the temperature reached 80 plus degrees. It finally feels like summer has arrived in Maine.

My DH (Demon Husband) only kidding, put together the girl's nesting boxes. We are prepared if nothing else. There is not an exterior access door to the boxes. This morning as I was reading a favorite blog, one of this blogs hen's was killed by a raccoon. Those critter's are very crafty ( as we have experienced) the raccoon unlocked the box, killed and decapitated the hen. I am not taking any chances. I want to be able to count all ten heads in the morning!

I never realized that "Hens and Chickens" had the ability to flower like this. These came from my parent's home on the island. I transplanted them about ten years ago and this is the first time I have noticed blossoms. Who knew.

The Cone flowers are beginning to open; these are called Tiki Torch. I love the vibrant color, it adds a nice pop to the flower garden.

The Blue Lace Cap Hydrangea is also making an appearance. Hydrangea's, especially the color blue, are one of my all time favorites. And finally the blueberries are starting to ripen. There won't be enough to make jam this year as the shrubs are only a year old, however, maybe a pie. Life is good!

FRIDAY MORNING

The morning began with fog and mist; but by noon, The Irish Eyes were smiling,

The Lily's were saluting the sun,

And Winslow Homer was just plain hot! But hey, he's not complaining!

PURE EVIL

I made a deal with the devil this morning, I mean the notorious Japanese Beetle. The beetles have my permission to devour any or all of my Rugosa Roses as long as they remain far away from the rest of my flowers. It remains to be seen if they hold up their end of the bargain, I am holding up mine.

HAPPINESS

Another day of beautiful sunshine, the bird's are singing, the flower's growing.The bee's are buzzing, fragrance is in the air.

A happy dog guarding his flock.

" Chooks" foraging,

and stretching one's legs.

With a little sunshine progress was made on the coop.

Today was a day when everyone was happy.

BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Remember my sweet little "chook" Pip, she has, I mean had, such a sweet little face. She has blossomed, yes, a face only a mother can love!

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Daisy Day's

It's a Daisy kind of day. The sky is blue, highs 82!

Mad As A Wet Hen

Due to the rainy weather we are experiencing here in Maine our Internet service has become very temperamental; meaning it's the luck of the draw if we are able to get on line or not! Oh, by the way, if you are coming to Maine for vacation, these are the only two items you need to pack, the rest you can purchase here!

Dreary Day's

Fog and drizzle linger throughout the day here at Dog Trot Farm.The girls are moving up in the world! To my surprise this was the scene I encountered when securing them for the night.

Unhappy Chooks

As I entered the coop this morning Gladys greeted me with an evil eye. All my girls are very unhappy with this wet and soggy weather; which seems never ending. The chooks are no longer able to visit their outside pen as it is nothing more than a large mud puddle. The forecast is for possible sun on Saturday, the key word being "possible". Please keep your fingers and toes crossed that the sun does indeed shine upon us, if not for my mental well being, the well being of my chooks!

Flowers Of Dog Trot Farm

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. Henry Beecher 1858English Lavender

Sunny Side Up Shasta Daisy

Valerian

Rugosa Rubra

Angelica

Clematis Horn Of Plenty

Althaea Zebrina

Old Fashioned Lilies

Flowers before the invasion of Japanese Beetles!

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!