tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43146519908280415352024-02-19T09:45:50.895-05:00Rural RhapsodyCountry living in my worldAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-63923001924670104792016-12-17T13:17:00.000-05:002018-03-03T07:23:10.487-05:00Now, Where Did I Leave My Body Parts?There is a common expression, and one I've used personally, that refers to the non-sensical issue of losing an item. It goes something like, "if my head wasn't attached I'd lose that too". Losing anything is frustrating as well as time consuming.<br />
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All too often we're in a hurry to get somewhere, or even finish a project. I'm a good one for leaving my tools in odd spots when I'm working in the outbuildings. Since my memory is so vague I spend more time retracing my steps trying to find where I left something than actually getting anything done. Now, if I also had to deal with keeping track of my various body parts along the way, I don't think I'd ever find myself in one piece again.<br />
<br />
I can imagine looking for the tape measure and finding one of my ears hidden under a newspaper. Or looking for the hammer and realizing, "oh, that's where I left my toe!". It's one thing finding my coffee cup on a fence post, but to find a butt cheek flopped over the clothesline is another thing.<br />
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I've even misplaced a shoe before, but to find the foot I've been missing along with the shoe would really make me question my sanity. Although, much to my relief, I have looked in an old jacket only to find an item I thought was lost for good. But to find where I left my nose would feel like winning a jackpot.<br />
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And what about finding lost items on the road? Many of us drive cars so it would be much easier to find our missing body parts in our vehicles. But what about those of us who ride motorcycles? Heaven forbid if we're ever behind a motorcyclist who doesn't have their head on right.<br />
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I know I've lost my mind before but at the present time I'm 93% sure it's where I left it. But, naturally, that's not saying I won't lose it in the future along with a few other things. Makes me think that's why fanny packs were invented. Why else would they be used?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for nose clipart" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTGqtZ0cOZ1fE4XCQ_QyA4HujeDV2QjLU6-MhVw_HM8GRWViGzTZA" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-53168186115180370642016-11-13T13:27:00.001-05:002016-12-17T13:19:41.877-05:00I Heard Someone Crying In The NightI heard someone crying in the night.<br />
How I had wondered of their plight.<br />
If I'd not been so busy with my tomorrows,<br />
Maybe I would have asked about their sorrows.<br />
<br />
I heard someone crying in the night.<br />
Sounded as though they'd been in a fight.<br />
But I was too busy to offer a hand,<br />
And wasn't quite sure if I would understand.<br />
<br />
I heard someone crying in the night.<br />
I'm sure by morning they will be all right.<br />
Now I'm far too busy to stop and listen.<br />
Doesn't matter to me what trouble they're in.<br />
<br />
I heard someone crying in the night.<br />
This time it's me and there's no one in sight.<br />
Now I'm all alone with problems to share.<br />
Is this my sad fate for failing to care?<br />
- Jo MarieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-80519468740874287912016-08-09T16:17:00.001-04:002016-08-09T16:17:42.072-04:00These Ducks Go Into a Bar...It all started one blissful day last year. My dad says to me, "I'm getting some ducks. Want some?"<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qd_S3FhDhf-SL34M2B0ZcgwfhpKgBfzPrl0YlE0jVyOuskTyMjRUBfHspzPof_Zxlz3sVSstq3OkYvHbKWcsuQaY54GdeN3KLwZyz3FmhyphenhyphenfvGyH4QGaqxlLDe_UM1zB72PCntjmAZMM/s1600/Ducks+-+Mike+Mrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qd_S3FhDhf-SL34M2B0ZcgwfhpKgBfzPrl0YlE0jVyOuskTyMjRUBfHspzPof_Zxlz3sVSstq3OkYvHbKWcsuQaY54GdeN3KLwZyz3FmhyphenhyphenfvGyH4QGaqxlLDe_UM1zB72PCntjmAZMM/s320/Ducks+-+Mike+Mrs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mike (in foreground) and Mrs Mike<br /></td></tr>
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"Where art thou, oh Blissful Ignorance?" moans the Idiot.<br />
<br />
Experience replies, "She has left town, and I know not where she has ventured."<br />
<br />
"Bring her back! Send her an urgent letter, or better yet, a text demanding her rapid return."<br />
<br />
"Nope. Can't do it. She left no forwarding address as to her whereabouts."<br />
<br />
(Sob). "But all I wanted was just a couple ducks. Not a lot. Just a couple. You know, for Cute's sake."<br />
<br />
"You leave me out of this!" retorts Cute. "You know good and well I can only last so long. Mine is a temporary assignment. When I'm gone, you're left with...well, you know how it goes."<br />
<br />
(Sob, sob). "EXPERIENCE! I demand you do something about all these DUCKS!" cries the Idiot.<br />
<br />
"Oh, stop your bellyaching".<br />
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<br />
Just this year: 29 hatched and counting. (Sob).<br />
<br />
Moral of the story: Never let ducks go into a bar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four hens left of the first six ducklings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wCcUpC0LJWnglgotf5_ds9gibNRWIut78ce9A1wUYZiL7LYlZ5q_RzqVF1HxEPZw3Ls5x564Dsy6rGiucqRcb8YWIQuF5CEVrlct3FNEyNM29tEzq1qERLfIV8XNunqJGkRJigJLJuo/s1600/Ducks++7-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wCcUpC0LJWnglgotf5_ds9gibNRWIut78ce9A1wUYZiL7LYlZ5q_RzqVF1HxEPZw3Ls5x564Dsy6rGiucqRcb8YWIQuF5CEVrlct3FNEyNM29tEzq1qERLfIV8XNunqJGkRJigJLJuo/s320/Ducks++7-2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two hens and brood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQHLZJE6wpzjIglz6gLa5JKc_hX5b2VYwWzD_-XY_fQ2YsRdjmZC78hvDewf55Y4Om3BKxXNU2lTCiI4q-6TtYCro_4DWyhfxy9SweFQwTj-YfqJBmvN6brPOUeM8WyoYAWYvAX-hYbY/s1600/Ducks+-+new+8-9-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQHLZJE6wpzjIglz6gLa5JKc_hX5b2VYwWzD_-XY_fQ2YsRdjmZC78hvDewf55Y4Om3BKxXNU2lTCiI4q-6TtYCro_4DWyhfxy9SweFQwTj-YfqJBmvN6brPOUeM8WyoYAWYvAX-hYbY/s320/Ducks+-+new+8-9-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The maiden voyage of the latest ducklings with two hens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T4DPQD7_OWsvUWSKqRMkMTwlh0CaUw4f69gdSBcbV7r7F4a4dV_QrzMClG6zDz8e0-vKrHVjGKzTd9wpqFfL1RPgqdAu3CQ5XKsQFm9WSuOp_DIyU7YQd9ayIXq9nM1hqIO2F7HFOpI/s1600/Ducks+hen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T4DPQD7_OWsvUWSKqRMkMTwlh0CaUw4f69gdSBcbV7r7F4a4dV_QrzMClG6zDz8e0-vKrHVjGKzTd9wpqFfL1RPgqdAu3CQ5XKsQFm9WSuOp_DIyU7YQd9ayIXq9nM1hqIO2F7HFOpI/s320/Ducks+hen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooding hen #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8BlVn5Su3HHTvZxK4T2k3VqQBPrIPUMRGDyDW5nyY_AE6hz8jaONNjPYN_K6rRCVsJajivNKgUnAUDMbRmw9We4b_-1fOBMa4zzEa6saga4wq5Xi00OQVOOuZuqh1e6k0p2w3xwYQxg/s1600/Ducks+hen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8BlVn5Su3HHTvZxK4T2k3VqQBPrIPUMRGDyDW5nyY_AE6hz8jaONNjPYN_K6rRCVsJajivNKgUnAUDMbRmw9We4b_-1fOBMa4zzEa6saga4wq5Xi00OQVOOuZuqh1e6k0p2w3xwYQxg/s320/Ducks+hen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooding hen #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUW9sVDX1owguBI6FxXa4zrbsWmOYv4t2877PBPGfNE3ONwFDGQuJs-lsmjs3SNdvWYvzncqg9i7KKSWRSWkWErYiBQDvla3ZvBc3G6soP2lH7TitIL7xz5xzTnKrIUGSKSvgx8gOCfc/s1600/Ducks+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUW9sVDX1owguBI6FxXa4zrbsWmOYv4t2877PBPGfNE3ONwFDGQuJs-lsmjs3SNdvWYvzncqg9i7KKSWRSWkWErYiBQDvla3ZvBc3G6soP2lH7TitIL7xz5xzTnKrIUGSKSvgx8gOCfc/s320/Ducks+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hey! Get back in here and hatch out these last two eggs!"</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-36319349403891447172014-09-10T13:22:00.000-04:002014-09-10T13:22:26.439-04:00Four Reasons For a Vacation and Where is The Farm Fairy When You Need One?Question: What is life without a vacation?<div>
Answer: Busy</div>
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I love my life here on my little farm and operating a bed & breakfast in the middle of Michigan. What more could I ask for when it comes to a way of life. I wake up everyday to the welcoming committe of Purdy and the various critters outside who see me as a walking food bank. I see green everywhere from all the grass I mow. And when the sun shines I know the day is starting out right unless the temperature is in the 80's at 6am. From my kitchen window I see all that I've done, and unfortunately, all that still needs to be done.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, why would I need a vacation? Let me count the ways:</div>
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1. Change of scenery - there are different shades of green elsewhere</div>
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2. To hear the distant sound of anything but Loony Tunes Farm</div>
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3. Change of weather - different degree of Michigan-like weather and a few more bugs</div>
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4. Rest from all that needs to be done - waiting for the Farm Fairy to chip in</div>
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John and I recently took a much needed fishing trip to Canada where we escaped from jobs, chores, cell phones, electricity and blacktop. And even though we were on vacation we still had a daily agenda of tasks we wanted to accomplish while we were AWOJCCPEB. Besides eating fish til we developed gills in place of our ears, we wanted to bring home our limit of Walleye, Northern Pike and Perch. </div>
<div>
The fishing was great (I caught the two largest fish: 36" Northern Pike and a 24" Lake Trout), we packaged our limit to bring home, and we didn't kill ourselves in the process of portaging across three counties with everything including the kitchen sink just to find that perfect fishing spot.</div>
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The secluded cabin we stayed in for a week was situated on the edge of a large lake instead of a noisy blacktop highway. The weather was mild and sunny on days we fished; cool and rainy on days we didn't. The wood-fired cook stove is always my favorite thing about retreating to the cabin in the woods and one day I will get one of my own to use in a summer kitchen.</div>
<div>
I relish the time I'm able to escape to the wilderness with John, but there was something on my list that I have been wanting to do ever since he began taking me to the high country four years ago. And that was to mix a few colors and paint a view from the cabin. Not knowing really where to begin I'm glad I tried.</div>
<div>
It was a wonderful vacation. Maybe next year the Farm Fairy will get things done while I'm gone. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6nXI5SEzWH-l2FkSUVM0FyAklVcNJQOEQLwnnKnUN-clLXPnPKQ5s5OHRcmbCHzDfPEi70MHyGDKxXSjLaTETc5cJkG0PsuuBCcU3QegHVjN_AZmoKe1VRRVsu4Y5VTb-dqJTheZ0Qo/s1600/2014-09-10+12.14.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6nXI5SEzWH-l2FkSUVM0FyAklVcNJQOEQLwnnKnUN-clLXPnPKQ5s5OHRcmbCHzDfPEi70MHyGDKxXSjLaTETc5cJkG0PsuuBCcU3QegHVjN_AZmoKe1VRRVsu4Y5VTb-dqJTheZ0Qo/s1600/2014-09-10+12.14.47.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the window of Cabin 9 - Aug 2014</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-44247051036575435522014-07-19T16:47:00.000-04:002014-07-19T16:47:10.675-04:00Feathered WarfareRaising chickens is an important mainstay of homesteading. The eggs and meat are well worth the effort along with the pest control they provide. In addition, when it comes to entertainment value, chickens are among the best in my book. However, in among all the good of chickens there is an ugly truth: not all traits of a chicken are good.<br />
For example, they are drawn to blood. They are merciless in their attack upon a fellow chicken if it so much as shows a speck of the red stuff. I believe the idea of gang warfare began in the Chickenhood. If one feather duster has a problem with another, and if there’s blood, then feathers are flying and all chip in on the assault.<br />
Yesterday when I left for the grocery store there were two hens, three chicks and one peachick in front of the rabbitry where they do not belong (that is a whole ‘nuther story I may write on later). When I returned, I found all six feather dusters right where I had left them. However, to my dismay the peachick was a mess. From the top of its head down to its back and around the sides of the neck, there was nothing but blood and muscle. Moreover, it was not difficult to point a finger at the responsible parties. All three chicks had blood on their beaks.<br />
How it started would be anyone’s guess. However, I would venture to say it was one of the hens that started the pecking. I know this because I’ve seen her peck at the peachicks before when her three beloved brats did not get the food she thought they should have gotten. Maybe she pecked a little too hard this time and drew a spot of blood. It obviously did not take much for the chicks to take over for mom. And, what gets me is the peachick’s mama hen was right there, and in my opinion, didn’t do a thing to help her adopted child.<br />
We humans, for the most part, are a funny lot of emotional beings. But I have seen instances in the animal world where the young are protected to the best of the parents’ ability. What, then, happened here in this case? Was the peachick’s mother frightened that, if she were to intervene the pulverizing of her youngster, she would be attacked next? Come on, the gang of three was 7 week old chicks!<br />
I could lament on the fact that times have changed, but we’re talking about chickens here. They’re able to free range, are fed non-GMO grains, aren‘t crowded, live in clean conditions and they all know their rank and serial number. I guess I’ll never know the bloody truth of yesterday. Not unless someone speaks up, and I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7K1wFZogs5Jn58lldVdtGOv51VwWH-ZbZBK083L-EvY7-PSDbMl8KrXl6Zu7jzAlVDscNPdIxoZZtqtzmIuVzXFxGzDObui1oZrxtH96xwTwGfNInwwQmoZ765tgbhsQIEDLnbM1Gzg/s1600/the+assaulted+7-18-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7K1wFZogs5Jn58lldVdtGOv51VwWH-ZbZBK083L-EvY7-PSDbMl8KrXl6Zu7jzAlVDscNPdIxoZZtqtzmIuVzXFxGzDObui1oZrxtH96xwTwGfNInwwQmoZ765tgbhsQIEDLnbM1Gzg/s1600/the+assaulted+7-18-14.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The assaulted peachick<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-2240198071767037562014-05-05T18:46:00.001-04:002014-05-05T18:46:50.086-04:00A Bit More SunshineThere was a brief window of opportunity to let the youngsters out to play in the sun. Mind you it was brief. But when it comes to Michigan weather we'll take brief and run with it.<br />
<br />
Pita is growing like a weed, and Browning will soon catch up to her. They are both doing well and frolicking about like two little kids should.<br />
<br />
I've been sick the last couple days and so Purdy and I sat by the hay bale and soaked up some rays.<br />
The sun felt good, but my brain began a public debate with my body. The brain saying "There is so much to do".<br />
"There is no energy to do what needs to be done", says my body.<br />
"But you could at least try".<br />
"I've been trying, and I'm sick".<br />
"Sick is for wienies".<br />
There was a moment of silence.<br />
"Well, call me a wienie and start the grill. I'm not movin'!", exclaimed the body.<br />
And there it is folks. Another wasted day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayCgKl14keD062zUXTOtR1HEpKP2pU6HoyUX2Us9ACdweF29LfzGCDme5S029ueou_WF72YbQ96esAhVHn3Qwid76_hLyYN2tooztGhdi2bOep6BRaE9j2yNhLMQ5DhLmHStjOKsawP4/s1600/Browning3+5-5-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayCgKl14keD062zUXTOtR1HEpKP2pU6HoyUX2Us9ACdweF29LfzGCDme5S029ueou_WF72YbQ96esAhVHn3Qwid76_hLyYN2tooztGhdi2bOep6BRaE9j2yNhLMQ5DhLmHStjOKsawP4/s1600/Browning3+5-5-14.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browning on the run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQN7nkzYHk3R1s6YNBAPf2P219Iv7pOHYMrtZr3WAVKQevtUEPI-VEPPkPfZhA1IBhqvVzG-qDcYRVeIy6faHP3c4b2rsDbqaBxXuHor_500ad1Je8kpgokH5H3vKOS34POnSkf8sTAo/s1600/Pita+5-5-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQN7nkzYHk3R1s6YNBAPf2P219Iv7pOHYMrtZr3WAVKQevtUEPI-VEPPkPfZhA1IBhqvVzG-qDcYRVeIy6faHP3c4b2rsDbqaBxXuHor_500ad1Je8kpgokH5H3vKOS34POnSkf8sTAo/s1600/Pita+5-5-14.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pita in the foreground. Mom Pepper behind her.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-17938042489558703842014-04-24T14:51:00.002-04:002014-04-24T14:51:58.640-04:00Meet BrowningBack in mid-November I acquired an Angora doe from Spinning Moon Farm in southern Michigan. Goats seem to travel well in the backseat of my car and Britches (aka Peaches) was no exception. Give 'em a little hay, turn on some music and away we go.<br />
Britches has adapted well, and today she gave birth to a 7.25 lb little buckling. Prettiest color so far here among the goat herd.<br />
Little Browning seems to be in a daze about this whole birth situation. I get the feeling he doesn't quite like the place to where he's been transported.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browning, Angora buckling 4-24-14</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VUUmKElO-LnJXO8Kf4lJJ_VydkU7D5svME4RdCZf33C7FvMryIDiQyMwzq1Vermm0XK-rOwpIvViaT9o_lCgurktMNLc0HTUANlZRrTGnpgNyUCtNy08jgoxs1KGV3YfbLuTRwyWNF8/s1600/buckling2+4-24-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VUUmKElO-LnJXO8Kf4lJJ_VydkU7D5svME4RdCZf33C7FvMryIDiQyMwzq1Vermm0XK-rOwpIvViaT9o_lCgurktMNLc0HTUANlZRrTGnpgNyUCtNy08jgoxs1KGV3YfbLuTRwyWNF8/s1600/buckling2+4-24-14.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_g5T1SqWxbRMrXKC6K-wlPJ_C3Y23gTr5LBvhyphenhyphen2NT32_Pce04IMNbFU13_DmTJEjps-1gNXcB-9WcuNf268P7O07uFW8C3Ye1feWODdNv_zzgR9EIjoA-qOYozCMMHDm2t3gziCDYq8/s1600/Britches+4-24-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_g5T1SqWxbRMrXKC6K-wlPJ_C3Y23gTr5LBvhyphenhyphen2NT32_Pce04IMNbFU13_DmTJEjps-1gNXcB-9WcuNf268P7O07uFW8C3Ye1feWODdNv_zzgR9EIjoA-qOYozCMMHDm2t3gziCDYq8/s1600/Britches+4-24-14.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britches, 9 yr old Angora doe</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-4172574939002736132014-04-16T18:30:00.000-04:002014-04-16T18:30:27.839-04:00Brown Eggs<div style="text-align: center;">
After cutting the oval and painting my new egg sign I was able to hang it up today. </div>
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What do you think?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildroPZXRkh7_QhGy6NSnOep-6-m2Gjs_P25XzosdICz4dSPHBEC3K0abcQA5D0nKamRAy5LnK6pnhyqsDkdVRicuMRCWPo9IxdJZGC3aoO2mGLHU3oJAi_RnMLm8wDfxtNZMOWjM_h30/s1600/2014-04-16+18.13.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildroPZXRkh7_QhGy6NSnOep-6-m2Gjs_P25XzosdICz4dSPHBEC3K0abcQA5D0nKamRAy5LnK6pnhyqsDkdVRicuMRCWPo9IxdJZGC3aoO2mGLHU3oJAi_RnMLm8wDfxtNZMOWjM_h30/s1600/2014-04-16+18.13.40.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh squeezed brown eggs</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-612103273893090712014-04-14T12:03:00.002-04:002014-04-14T12:03:28.106-04:005 Things To Do Outside During Rain*Below is a post from a year ago. It seems rain is popular at this time of year.<br />
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I'm trying to look at the wet situation outside in a more positive light. Even though the light out there isn't all that positive. It's more like a dim light in a dark closet. Stupid clouds!<br />
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So, in an effort to exude a more positive outlook on this stinkin' Michigan weather I have come up with five things a person could actually do outside in the rain. Now, keep in mind, I'm not saying such a person would be in their right mind, or they haven't been smoking something illegal in most US states.<br />
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1. Take a shower.<br />
2. Wash your clothes<br />
3. Give the cat a bath<br />
4. Dig little trenches to drain off the water<br />
5. Put little leaf boats in the trenches and watch them go bye-bye<br />
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* Disclaimer: Please do not attempt if you live around neighbors. Check local ordinances for any required permits.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-2587172396563560812014-04-02T20:45:00.000-04:002014-04-04T12:40:25.938-04:0016 Uses For Baling Twine<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Oh, what a beautiful day it was! </i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL_qTBErRMA8JA8CFsesgvjGNLifmR3U-ah6wnS3RUGustnZtpUPrMC7lUMYWTA2WLsDhZO3Ru2n-E6gJ7unqgmeoT5LA8zY7Ifd9Tw-yjF8Yl6TZ6V4IpoEoSdtLF3iC9ir73BqOSEA/s1600/peacock3+4-2-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL_qTBErRMA8JA8CFsesgvjGNLifmR3U-ah6wnS3RUGustnZtpUPrMC7lUMYWTA2WLsDhZO3Ru2n-E6gJ7unqgmeoT5LA8zY7Ifd9Tw-yjF8Yl6TZ6V4IpoEoSdtLF3iC9ir73BqOSEA/s1600/peacock3+4-2-14.jpg" height="120" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peacock Sr</td></tr>
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Waking up to sunshine can’t be beat. Add in the welcoming sounds from the animals and a good cup of coffee and you‘ve got a pretty good start to the day. And, its a toss-up as to who is the loudest in the morning. Between the horse, goats, chickens, peafowl and ducks, I think Ducky is the noisiest. In fact, she gets rather excited when she sees me first thing: she <i>sneezes</i> after she quacks. I find this trait of hers funny. Why would a duck sneeze? It made me think of the expression “nothing to sneeze at“ and where it originated. Take a look <a href="http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/03/word-sneeze-came/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> because I’m sure you’ll find it quite interesting. I know I did, and now I’m beginning to think Ducky isn’t so cute.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzDjmawtERlfGo57CeL5-Q5eOiQ9B1bdG2toq7FuU4ovb2MxOuQyqEXo-mxEtWTldHkn7ClHtY_ruZMU8ZdfJrUUjVhYFR8qTIrTmx2RRZBZbhxN-rDnr0DPQyz8a17IV3zsIq0FWbno/s1600/ducky+dizzy+4-2-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzDjmawtERlfGo57CeL5-Q5eOiQ9B1bdG2toq7FuU4ovb2MxOuQyqEXo-mxEtWTldHkn7ClHtY_ruZMU8ZdfJrUUjVhYFR8qTIrTmx2RRZBZbhxN-rDnr0DPQyz8a17IV3zsIq0FWbno/s1600/ducky+dizzy+4-2-14.jpg" height="101" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducky & Dizzy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSw0fG0Vz8ifl31tNhqkwf9OzG0H354BYxezMnYQGXvLKdrZ2csGbBVUnzcIA9JznUdzIUxeprS7idTBLD6iEl9MHvTtbh3VNu3JNNtQiq6MVqRSc-B1Bo4Bq5zuZ6BXUzUpTL1LImXo/s1600/trouble+sandy+4-2-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSw0fG0Vz8ifl31tNhqkwf9OzG0H354BYxezMnYQGXvLKdrZ2csGbBVUnzcIA9JznUdzIUxeprS7idTBLD6iEl9MHvTtbh3VNu3JNNtQiq6MVqRSc-B1Bo4Bq5zuZ6BXUzUpTL1LImXo/s1600/trouble+sandy+4-2-14.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trouble & Sandy sunbathing</td></tr>
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As I sat in the sunshine for a bit this afternoon untangling baling twine that I refuse to throw away, knotting it together and then winding it onto a hose reel I got to thinking of the reasons why I was taking the time to bother. Well, let me count the ways:<br />
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<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1SqG2iY_pRgAclNyRgaZzoeHS9E3rCK4Lnuyu8E1nwJBB-RnO-F-GE5J0byYs-7QVdTeub4ym5Gt64ya7zqLYardSARTVjGSCq2ezDsnjzJgf9W3r6ZmsomEDys0PSW95LpEYZE0UiQ/s1600/baling+twine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1SqG2iY_pRgAclNyRgaZzoeHS9E3rCK4Lnuyu8E1nwJBB-RnO-F-GE5J0byYs-7QVdTeub4ym5Gt64ya7zqLYardSARTVjGSCq2ezDsnjzJgf9W3r6ZmsomEDys0PSW95LpEYZE0UiQ/s1600/baling+twine.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a>
<li>Use to tie the lid down when hauling something in a vehicle trunk</li>
<li>Make braided lead ropes with clips for the horse, goats, cat, etc</li>
<li>Use it to make a straight fence line, seed rows or plant a straight line of bushes</li>
<li>Weave a floor cloth</li>
<li>Tie newspaper bundles</li>
<li>Crochet a rug</li>
<li>Use it to tie packages.</li>
<li>Make a fish net</li>
<li>Use it for temporary clothesline</li>
<li>Use it for tying down tarps </li>
<li>Hang the chicken feeder</li>
<li>Use it for tying down tents</li>
<li>Make a string trellis for morning glories</li>
<li>Use it for string beans to climb</li>
<li>Use wood and baling twine to make a trellis panel</li>
<li>Use several strands together to make a hammock</li>
</ol>
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I’m sure there are more uses, and I know there are some who would consider my reel of twine an eccentric habit. But it got me to wondering if anyone else would use my reel of baling twine after I’m gone. Naturally, I will leave it to my son. And I would hope he would gladly use it and think of me. But who would use it after him? He and his wife don’t have any children. Who is going to remember it was me that started that reel of twine? And why am I thinking of this baling twine as one of the two things I'd be leaving to posterity? Do I really want to be remembered as that crazy old woman who had a reel of twine and a sneezing duck?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-40613638354203289162014-03-30T16:18:00.000-04:002014-04-04T12:41:36.891-04:00A Sunny DayIt was a wonderful feeling waking up to sunshine and mild temps this morning. And being able to work outside cleaning the yard from the long winter was a real treat. The animals also seemed to appreciate the warmer weather - it was in the mid-forties by mid afternoon. The ducks enjoyed playing in the temporary puddle pond east of the peafowl pen, and the chickens scratched around in the mud and old hay. The tail of Peacock Senior glistening in the sun is a burst of iridescent color in a drab landscape. The Angora goats with their heavy coats of long curls even found the sun welcoming.<br />
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Pita is growing well and full of energy. She will be a week old tomorrow. She has become adept at climbing on anything she can get her little feet on - including mom Pepper, and me. Looking at her shiny black curls I think of how gorgeous they will be spun into yarn.<br />
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Spending time outside almost erases the extreme cabin fever this winter brought on. But then all I have to do is remember we can still be in for more snow. I guess we're not safe until, say, August.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqH0wSPcjpMsJ19ncugOBwg8oP5XzK7_m0x-4CPTsMtbA3ecKqpuF1LTA3inDq7oM0plf-RTQP_ETan2TyjDv1JRL4ggJtWaqslMlB49Wk5UCjzy0xBolo77iRYBr8WAwjDRWoylWcW4/s1600/Pita2+3-30-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqH0wSPcjpMsJ19ncugOBwg8oP5XzK7_m0x-4CPTsMtbA3ecKqpuF1LTA3inDq7oM0plf-RTQP_ETan2TyjDv1JRL4ggJtWaqslMlB49Wk5UCjzy0xBolo77iRYBr8WAwjDRWoylWcW4/s1600/Pita2+3-30-14.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pita at six days old</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAThlLA-LKZYAaNA6bysZfeeLIEiwb3rKl1AN4GW3bY-p2LvsQM_nRdyoCG5jTgpxuhpw4WxxiqSPkAARkgYyYTTjuYvnOWRzfoDlh-1Nk5JZVhCgrVq8A65wDDFY-2Q7nnZ6hsgC9X24/s1600/Pita+3-30-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAThlLA-LKZYAaNA6bysZfeeLIEiwb3rKl1AN4GW3bY-p2LvsQM_nRdyoCG5jTgpxuhpw4WxxiqSPkAARkgYyYTTjuYvnOWRzfoDlh-1Nk5JZVhCgrVq8A65wDDFY-2Q7nnZ6hsgC9X24/s1600/Pita+3-30-14.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pita standing still for a split second</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbJH0p0IbYnAXO1GIWFdbluV2mcmQodjBo7OY1BtweNHm2LrTyC-shbUMcHWNb1eNU5hIZWLcPB67Js63rY3X0aJUnwsgjjJ_ZNMbROtLihNIMwH9zQdmZtGxheaT8a6vVCQh0LBMaLo/s1600/Peanut+3-30-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbJH0p0IbYnAXO1GIWFdbluV2mcmQodjBo7OY1BtweNHm2LrTyC-shbUMcHWNb1eNU5hIZWLcPB67Js63rY3X0aJUnwsgjjJ_ZNMbROtLihNIMwH9zQdmZtGxheaT8a6vVCQh0LBMaLo/s1600/Peanut+3-30-14.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut ready for a haircut</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmuoKZbuFN8LdGDErcorrhdRi41t0XtadVn5kgyUaOcjggiylfs-zRczersY7x0Dx3Mew9cfztqJKclpFWYssInP7WoWMIo8Ws8CrhN0KfiWXId26ODtNL4dkMWOAUrfBmVfJT1zaouY/s1600/Sadie2+3-30-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmuoKZbuFN8LdGDErcorrhdRi41t0XtadVn5kgyUaOcjggiylfs-zRczersY7x0Dx3Mew9cfztqJKclpFWYssInP7WoWMIo8Ws8CrhN0KfiWXId26ODtNL4dkMWOAUrfBmVfJT1zaouY/s1600/Sadie2+3-30-14.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie has to stick her nose into the action</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-13645175310683723562014-03-24T20:35:00.002-04:002014-03-29T12:51:12.246-04:00Meet Little Pita<div>
One of my goats, Pepper, gave birth this morning to a little doeling weighing in at 3 1/2 pounds. I guess she couldn't wait til her due date on Friday March 28 and warmer weather. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX6RSqIypINDbk5YdJJxF_k9-eLT2scTCZ0zJab_Ivo-1YsVv1lheHqB3WOS76ErZxAkp_JgvgvJgTkPLGMjdgGVBV0z4PhKp71mfFihrHv47vs2qSFYN3fvdvActXMkG_0BaXQnAuWU/s1600/Pepper+3-24-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX6RSqIypINDbk5YdJJxF_k9-eLT2scTCZ0zJab_Ivo-1YsVv1lheHqB3WOS76ErZxAkp_JgvgvJgTkPLGMjdgGVBV0z4PhKp71mfFihrHv47vs2qSFYN3fvdvActXMkG_0BaXQnAuWU/s1600/Pepper+3-24-14.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"What are you talking about?"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNltVZe9uIdl1t16ooUNj6qFCxs4vT0a9kI97wuyCfINDfnqzDSFqIZo3E7wTuV_G7U0hjmiBPT74kv87qnPCpTP-8ny0YRh6GFwtM92NFBwx5ydmSmY5Qzhc-qUpQ4_k-ekXXns_60g/s1600/Pita2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNltVZe9uIdl1t16ooUNj6qFCxs4vT0a9kI97wuyCfINDfnqzDSFqIZo3E7wTuV_G7U0hjmiBPT74kv87qnPCpTP-8ny0YRh6GFwtM92NFBwx5ydmSmY5Qzhc-qUpQ4_k-ekXXns_60g/s1600/Pita2.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pita, a couple hours old 3-24-14</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYn4QL5pGvlWa1w-3nPTggLydhrqs7sY8zsbATjiLUvwFH-dM8Q_WTHIYFYCGqirxxsMUOoTLY7Z55LGDcmgaht43k9Dp5AQADl0orqv6d-sohOD0GSzURTmsDpmVgZGeYLQ_pOg1fr4/s1600/Pita3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYn4QL5pGvlWa1w-3nPTggLydhrqs7sY8zsbATjiLUvwFH-dM8Q_WTHIYFYCGqirxxsMUOoTLY7Z55LGDcmgaht43k9Dp5AQADl0orqv6d-sohOD0GSzURTmsDpmVgZGeYLQ_pOg1fr4/s1600/Pita3.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyj2AnV6GlPryQOtpJr1We2HokpjhqMSnP0z7V-MitmMG57vZqSVVGyBt-QiyGmggZsM7B0U5O3DGhoUkoGqZqeWNknX5zTJNUUhGquVqL7YyzwXfP7RbfhyphenhyphenL3xO1AnpaovH4fA5S5nE/s1600/Pita4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyj2AnV6GlPryQOtpJr1We2HokpjhqMSnP0z7V-MitmMG57vZqSVVGyBt-QiyGmggZsM7B0U5O3DGhoUkoGqZqeWNknX5zTJNUUhGquVqL7YyzwXfP7RbfhyphenhyphenL3xO1AnpaovH4fA5S5nE/s1600/Pita4.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">part Angora goat with black shiny curls</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-47291016562529489462014-03-16T21:21:00.000-04:002014-04-02T20:51:21.346-04:00"It's Okay"The mournful cry made my heart ache. It made me want to pick him up and tell him "It's okay - you'll be alright tomorrow". But how do I know that? Because <i>they</i> say time heals all things. And to believe that is easier said than done at the exact time the hearts of both mother and child are breaking.<br />
<br />
I had the chance to catch Peacock Junior (now over 6 months of age) this afternoon in the peafowl pen. He didn't like the experience one bit! I didn't expect him to, and I anticipated a fight on my hands. After a couple of minutes and a few tail feathers missing (his, not mine) I had him under my arm in order to band him with last years color (red for 2013). But there was another reason I wanted to catch him. For one thing, Peacock Senior was pestering Junior every chance he got. And, I also felt it was time for him to go in with the other peachick, who is also in with the chickens. By doing this he gets accustomed to the way of the chickenhood so when I let the chickens out to free range he will follow their habit of going in to roost at night.<br />
<br />
What I did not anticipate was the heart-wrenching cries between mother and son. It made me feel like a heel. I actually went out to the chicken house to see if my presence, at least, would sooth Junior. Yeah, right! What was <i>I</i> thinking? He couldn't care less that my heart was breaking too. So, I stood there like an idiot watching him pace back and forth; both mother and son refusing to go to roost because things weren't the way they were supposed to be. So, back into the house I went, listening all the while to the sad cries from the chickenhood.<br />
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So, we'll see if tomorrow is any better for Junior. It's not like he can't see mom - there is only a screen door between the two. But, for tonight I have to resist the urge to lug my rocker and a baby blanket out to the chicken house and cuddle Junior until he falls asleep. If he only knew just how much better that would make <i>me</i> feel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYRzvOb122_mXxQIXLYWQjRNTW7P6bdEIGvRtKwwio8XlebAqIuBprmF0AqUnznNZIaOKxvrU6W8RgGzhcYBuHVe0ZflStr5AXgK6vL413QbwoCtkJChUJ8IjxP7_uZWjsqYI4cesTGg/s1600/baby-pictures-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYRzvOb122_mXxQIXLYWQjRNTW7P6bdEIGvRtKwwio8XlebAqIuBprmF0AqUnznNZIaOKxvrU6W8RgGzhcYBuHVe0ZflStr5AXgK6vL413QbwoCtkJChUJ8IjxP7_uZWjsqYI4cesTGg/s1600/baby-pictures-22.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-56579206609192261872014-03-10T22:27:00.000-04:002014-03-11T07:09:08.304-04:00Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXEn6mXcCB0FpBc39sxp8CcwNuf8WSb9Ht946VTVtr6sd3r9C9XlVQDIMX6KKUV0MIfx_EqxfrqvbZHJq71eYCQAawmpEKbb7bKAMba2W6AM_AD01uSFOwRcBHxhyzc1xnviFKuL26rc/s1600/Botanical2-Grasses-Wayside-and-Woodland-1895-Plate-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXEn6mXcCB0FpBc39sxp8CcwNuf8WSb9Ht946VTVtr6sd3r9C9XlVQDIMX6KKUV0MIfx_EqxfrqvbZHJq71eYCQAawmpEKbb7bKAMba2W6AM_AD01uSFOwRcBHxhyzc1xnviFKuL26rc/s1600/Botanical2-Grasses-Wayside-and-Woodland-1895-Plate-35.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>
With the warm weather (50 degrees), today was a great day for getting outside and spending some time. The blue sky, yellow sun and…green grass! Even though that patch of green was the size of a baby blanket I could have wallowed in it until the cows came home, if it weren’t for the water puddle right in the middle. Nope, didn't want to get wet. After viewing snow and more snow for three long months - even though it felt like seven - that patch of green grass was a sight for sore eyes.<br />
<br />
In my world green is an important color. To me it means warmth. It means there is life after snow and cold. It means I can get out and play in the dirt.<br />
<br />
Throughout the centuries green has played an important role in just about every aspect of human life. An insightful look at Wikipedia.org revealed some interesting facts about the color green:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>In the middle ages social rank and profession were often denoted by clothing color. Merchants wore green.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In the 18th and 19th centuries the Romantic Movement was represented by green in literature and art.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In Medieval times green represented love, and young women who were unmarried wore green clothing.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In the US, ever since 1861 the color green has been used on the back of the dollar bill. Not only was it used to deter counterfeiters, but green did not show through the thin paper of banknotes leaving the faces on the front clear.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div>
Here are some other roles that are represented by the color green: </div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Nature, plants, environment, springtime, growth, regeneration, rebirth, life, renewal, freshness, hope</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Money, Emeralds, Jade</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Good health, vigor, vivacity</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Safety, permission, system on, go</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Restful color (suggested for bedrooms), reduce fatigue</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Inexperience, immaturity </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Political symbol, flags</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Gambling, sports, camouflage</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Religion, holidays</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Monsters, dragons, fairies</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Poison, misfortune, nausea, sickness</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Envy, jealousy</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
If it was up to me, every day in my world would consist of green, blue, yellow and everything in between except WHITE!<br />
<br />
Okay, Readers, if you had to claim a color to represent your world, what would it be?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-8184246853631908412014-03-05T08:42:00.002-05:002014-03-05T08:42:52.509-05:00More Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv_QVR3Z2K7Htbpsl0htKBQjEniMyi6b0z4THptacVY2zOmhRszvbg5iRJv4mmE2gwhwXvccE-WNnJXPxwokDlaaEORQlw_rhqp_KMSRsmjgmHUxXOxpglO4fNkRRtrxa43D5FEI3_kY/s1600/mittens.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv_QVR3Z2K7Htbpsl0htKBQjEniMyi6b0z4THptacVY2zOmhRszvbg5iRJv4mmE2gwhwXvccE-WNnJXPxwokDlaaEORQlw_rhqp_KMSRsmjgmHUxXOxpglO4fNkRRtrxa43D5FEI3_kY/s1600/mittens.png" /></a></div>
I heard yesterday we have two more months of winter. Therefore, I thought I would add some more ways to <a href="http://ruralrhapsody.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-save-on-your-electric-bill.html" target="_blank">save on your electric bill</a>. I had mentioned among other things that if you had a sweater, it would help to keep you warm if you turned down your thermostat. You might want to add three shirts, a pair of long johns, knit cap, mittens, sweat pants, and two pair of thermal socks. Fashion is right up there with interior design when it comes to things we aren't concerned about at this point.<br />
<br />
Here are a few more suggestions you might want to consider.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Go outside for awhile.</b> It's amazing how much warmer the inside of your house feels at 63 when you first come in compared to -20 outside.<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: see number 2.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Visit a neighbor within walking distance.</b> Someone else's house always seems warmer than your own. Chances are your neighbor is heating with wood. Or better yet, they're heating with wood and baking at the same time. Now where would you want to be?<br />
<i>Expensive alternative</i>: drive to your neighbor's house.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Unplug anything that doesn't need to be plugged in 24/7.</b> There are many appliances that steal electricity when not in use just by being plugged in. For example, tv, dvd player, vcr, radio, clock, modem, computer, and kitchen appliances. Its not difficult to plug something in when you need it and then unplug it when you're done.<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: see number 4.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Read a book.</b> Turn the heat down more, grab several blankets, a thermos of hot tea and some reading material. Nothing takes us farther away from our current life in sub-zero weather than reading a good book. And its legal in all states.<br />
<i>Expensive alternative</i>: move to Colorado.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Carry a flashlight.</b> By doing this you can have all the lights off in your house and still be able to see where you're going. Or, don't use any light at all and practice being blind just in case you may need the experience one day. Note: this may not work if you live with someone else, or a dog. Stepping on a dog bone could cause some discomfort, but stubbing your toe and falling face first over the ottoman because someone wanted to add some excitement to the winter is not a good thing.<br />
<i>Alternative</i>: save on batteries and use a solar flashlight. Then lock the other mammal in a spare room.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Turn off the water heater.</b> This appliance can suck electricity faster than a spaghetti eater in a contest. Save the dishes and laundry for every other day or more. Only turn on the water heater long enough to get these chores done, and take a shower. Who needs a shower every day? If you work in a cubicle, who's going to notice?<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: set water jugs in a sunny window.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Take cues from the cat</b>. Cats fend for themselves rather well and are excellent survivalists. Turn down the heat to where the pipes won't freeze and find the cat. You will have found a very warm place.<br />
<i>Alternative</i>: sleep by the door with the dog.<br />
<br />
<div>
* Again, Please Note: These tips are suggestions only. Don't hold me responsible if you were trying to plug the cat in instead of an appliance while all the lights were turned off in the house and the batteries were dead in your flashlight.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-84195244033135094772014-03-03T12:17:00.002-05:002014-03-05T08:12:32.194-05:00How To Save On Your Electric Bill*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those of you who are set up to live without the electric company, I applaud you! I want to be just like you when I grow up. But for those of us who are bound by ball and chain to the electrical current running from our local provider, take heart. There are ways to lower your utility bill even though we are in the tight grip of Old Man Winter with Alzheimer's. It appears he forgot where he put his train ticket in order to get the hell out of Dodge. Maybe, if we all chip in we can carry him to the south pole. They probably wouldn't notice an increase in cold and snow down there...<br />
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Anyway, there are many simple steps that each of us can take to lower our electric usage such as turning off the lights in a room when not needed, opening the drapes to a south window on a sunny day and/or lowering the thermostat a few degrees.<br />
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But what if you've been as vigilant as the self-appointed Electric Gestapo, and you still can't seem to make much of a dent in your electric bill. Then I would say it calls for some drastic measures! Keep in mind the following suggestions are not for everyone. It requires an open mind, willingness to try, and an outlook on life as one long adventure to a Survivalists Weekend.<br />
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Ready? Many of these tips are multi-purpose. Don't scoff until you've tried 'em:<br />
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<b>1. Lower your thermostat another five degrees.</b> If you have carpet in your house, stuffed furniture, window curtains, short ceilings and a sweater, then a person can easily survive in 63 degree temps in their home. The softness of surrounding furnishings seem to help in keeping the chill factor at bay.<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: heat with wood that you have cut, hauled and stacked yourself.<br />
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<b>2. Use heavy fabrics for curtains.</b> The sheer lacy versions are for warmer weather. Get out the quilts, heavy blankets and sleeping bags to use as curtains over windows and doors in the winter. We're not in a home decorating contest at this point.<br />
<i>Expensive alternative</i>: move to Florida.<br />
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<b>3. Use rolled up rugs.</b> One thing about winter is you will always find where the cold is sneaking into your home. And under the doors is one of the places it will leak. Rolling up heavy towels or rugs and placing them along the inside bottom of your entrance doors will help in keeping you and your floors a little warmer.<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: make the dog sleep along the bottom of the door.<br />
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<b>4. Close off any unused rooms.</b> If you don't need the space, turn your spare rooms into refrigerators. It may come in handy when the electric service fails. And, even if it doesn't, put your food in there anyway and turn off the fridge. This will also give you a chance to give the refrigerator a good cleaning.<br />
<i>Alternative</i>: move to a one room hut.<br />
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<b>5. Use the outdoors as a freezer.</b> By placing your frozen items in ice chests and putting them in a safe northern location outside away from sunlight (or in an unheated garage/shed) you can turn off your freezer for a few months. This will also allow you to clean the inside of the freezer without rushing to get the food back in before it thaws. Note: the word "safe" is a key word here. <i>Any type</i> of animal will find a way to get to food if not stored securely.<br />
<i>Inexpensive alternative</i>: go on a diet.<br />
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<b>6. Keep blankets and throws handy.</b> Place these throughout the house for chill attacks. Or just drag one around like its your security blanket. Sucking your thumb is up to you.<br />
<i>Alternative</i>: where your one-piece jammies day and night.<br />
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* Please Note: These tips are suggestions only. Don't hold me responsible if your other half divorces you, your family disowns you, your neighbor wants nothing to do with you, your dog doesn't want to be your best friend anymore, and the cat finds a way to live with the neighbors. I'm only saying...<br />
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Chime in if you have found unique, out-of-the-ordinary ways to save on your utility bills. We can all help each other, even if we think you are a little goofy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-86310950394859117952014-02-27T13:44:00.000-05:002014-03-02T18:22:47.215-05:00How To Do Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKHlaedoKpXOiAN9KEmfQzBti4iwPKF0nU3IGImk8bhGd6IB7gfaxqsphdfkRt28BVJ2vInRYohJF0Hzv2gZtKVonmcXK6S0EwrK5iYvCSQFl7ChMYCHoxHSMSx14XAhTQV1YUZY8FbE/s1600/old+book-mag+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKHlaedoKpXOiAN9KEmfQzBti4iwPKF0nU3IGImk8bhGd6IB7gfaxqsphdfkRt28BVJ2vInRYohJF0Hzv2gZtKVonmcXK6S0EwrK5iYvCSQFl7ChMYCHoxHSMSx14XAhTQV1YUZY8FbE/s1600/old+book-mag+glass.jpg" /></a></div>
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Old books - they are the keys that unlock the passageways of time long gone. To me, everything about an old book evokes a giddy anticipation similar to receiving a wrapped gift. The look and feel of the cover, often times with gold font and flourishes will denote what is inside. Sometimes the musty smell of an old book causes wonderment as to the house or building it has lived in. And then, opening the cover reveals the initial pages - maybe an inscribed name and year of when the book was bought or presented as a gift, and drawings in pen and ink are almost always wonderfully detailed. To sit down with a hot cup of tea, a soft woolen blanket, a reading lamp and an old book is the best past time ever. </div>
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I have a friend who has been sifting and sorting, along with her sisters, through family belongings due to the death of their mom. Granted, it is never an easy job going through years and years of collected personal and family items left behind by the loss of a loved one. The duty can be overwhelming as well as time consuming. But in among the plethora of items a person may find there is always a few that open doors to the past and prove to be interesting and exciting.<br />
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My friend stopped by the other day to show me a book she rescued from a day of sorting and sifting. If she had not been present at the time of this discovery, a fatal death for this book was a surety. Her sister didn't think it was worth keeping. Now, keep in mind, what one person feels is something for the trash is priceless in the eyes of another. This is an aspect of human nature that is essential to preserving the past. </div>
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The rescued book is titled <i>How To Do Things</i> by the Farm Journal and printed by the Wilmer Atkinson Company, publishers of the Farm Journal. The book I hold is not in the greatest shape - the front cover and part of the spine are hanging on by mere threads. The back cover as well as a page inside is missing altogether. But, oh what a find! Written in 1919 this book was a goldmine of ideas and how-tos for busy country folks who were handy with their hands and could make something out of nothing. There are numerous contraptions and ideas that, even today, can easily be made by hand and will work on today's farms and homesteads.</div>
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My friend left the book with me so I could read through and make a note of all I would like to copy. But after doing so, I realized I would need a couple ink cartridges for my printer if I wanted to print off all the information that I found useful. So, I turned to the Internet. There I found a couple copies had been sold and, therefore, unavailable. But looking further I discovered the book is now in the public domain. Meaning that if you <a href="https://play.google.com/books/reader?printsec=frontcover&output=reader&id=WXcaAAAAYAAJ&pg=GBS.PA13" target="_blank">click here</a>, you will be able to access a free ebook version through Google Books in all its copied glory to keep for future reference. Or, even though its not the real thing, you can print off all 550+ pages to hold in your hot little hands.</div>
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Living in a throw-away world as we do some may consider this book dated and worthy of the trash, but to others and myself it is a volume of useful, common sense ideas worthy of a place on the kitchen table (or computer) for everyday use.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strips of newspaper mark the pages of interest</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-51747843170223883112014-02-18T18:13:00.000-05:002014-03-02T10:39:07.844-05:00Do We Really Need More Snow?We've had snow on the ground since November 2013. It hasn't melted like it has in previous years. Now, we have more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An additional 8" of snow 2/18/14</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-86250809208585133702014-02-10T18:56:00.002-05:002014-03-04T10:17:34.806-05:00How to Save on Your Grocery Bill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a firm believer that you can save a few bucks on anything if you do your research. There are different times throughout the year when products from cars to electronics to housewares are offered at sale prices.<br />
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Now, what about food? We all need it to survive. So, I started wondering as to when would be the best time to buy groceries on sale. I did a google search and found through <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5877851/a-month+by+month-guide-for-when-to-buy-certain-grocery-brands-and-foods" target="_blank">Lifehacker.com</a> where <i><a href="http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale" target="_blank">Living Richly on a Budget</a></i> blog has a <a href="http://www.printfriendly.com/print/v2?url=http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale" target="_blank">printable version</a> of when grocery items go on sale throughout the year. It includes the wide spectrum of brands and eats that people need and crave.<br />
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But personally, I cook from scratch and try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Therefore, I need a list of raw and basic ingredients that I could purchase, and stock up if needed, when I know they are to go on sale.<br />
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I revamped the <i>Living Richly on a Budget</i> list to "my kind of items" (listed below; it may look a little screwed up but you get the idea) and put them in a spread sheet by month. Then I can see at a glance the whole year and plan accordingly. The items marked with an * can easily be grown and/or processed at home if you have access to the initial ingredients. This also applies to the majority of fruits and vegetables. And making your own in-ground root cellar allows you to keep root vegetables through the winter.<br />
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Doing a little research and learning to grow and process your own food can save you quite a bit on your grocery bill.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;">J F M A M J J A S O N D
Broth* - - - - - - - - x x x x
Butter* - - - - - - x - - - x x</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre;">Canned goods* - - - - - - - - - x - -</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cheese* - - - x - x - - - - x x
Coconut - - - x - - - - - - x -
Coffee - - - - - - - - - - x -
Cream - - - - - - - - - - - x
Cream Cheese* - - - - - x - - - - - -
Eggs* - - - x - x - - - - - -
Evaporated milk - - - - - - - - - x x -
Flour - - - - - - - - - - - x
Fruit, canned* - x - - - - - - - - x x
Fruit, dried* - - - - - - - - - x - -
Meat: chicken, canned* - x - - - - - - - - - -
Meat: grilling* - - - - x - - - - - - -</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meat: salmon, canned - x - - - - - - - - - -
Meat: seafood - - - - - - - - - x - -
Meat: tuna, canned - x - - - - - - - - - -
Meat: turkey* - - - - - - - - - - x -
Milk* - - - - - x - - - - - -
Oatmeal x x - - - - - - - - x x
Oils - - - - - - - - - - x -
Organic foods* - - - x - - - - - - - -
Peanut butter - - - - - - - x x - - -
Pumpkin, canned* - - - - - - - - - x - -
Salad greens* - - - - x - - - - - - -
Spices - - - x - - - - - - - x
Sugar - - - x - - - - - - - x
Tea - - - - - - - - - - x -
Vegetables, canned* - x - - - - - - - - x x
Vegetables, frozen* - - x - - - - - - - - -
Water chestnuts, canned - x - - - - - - - - - -
Whipping cream - - - - - x - - - - - -
Wine - - - - - - - - x - - -
Yogurt* x - - - - x - - x - - -</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> J F M A M J J A S O N D
Apples - - - - - - - - x x - -
Apples, Gravenstein - - - - - - - x - - - -
Apricots - - - - - x - - - - - -
Artichoke - x x x x - - - x x - -
Arugula - - - - - - - - - x - -
Asparagus - x x x x - - - - - - -
Avocado x x - - x - - - - - - -
Avocado, Haas - - x x - - - x - - - x
Beans - - - - - - - x x - - -
Beans, green - - - - - - - x x - - -
Beets - - - x x - - - - x x -
Berries: Blackberries - - - - - x x - - - - -
Berries: Blueberries - - - - - x - - - - - -
Berries: Boysenberries - - - - - x - - - - - -
Berries: Cranberries - - - - - - - - - x x -
Berries: Raspberries - x - - x x - x - - - -
Berries: Strawberries - x x - x x - - - - - -
Bok Choy - - - - - - - - - - - x
Broccoli x x x x - - - - - x x x
Brussel Sprouts - - - - - - - - - x x x
Cabbage x - x x - - - - - x x -
Cabbage, Napa - - - - - - - - - - - x
Cabbage, red - - - - - - - - - - - x
Cabbage, Savoy - - - - - - - - - - - x
Carrots x x x x x - - - - - x x
Cauliflower x x x - - - - - - - - x
Celery x x x - - - - - - - x x
Chard x x x - - - - - - x - -
Cherries - - - - - x - - - - - -
Collards x x x - - - - - - - - -
Corn - - - - - x x x - - - -
Cucumber - - - - - x x x x - - -
Dates - - - - - - - - - - - x
Egglplant - - - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small; white-space: pre;">- - x x x x - - -</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fennel - - x - - - - - - - - -
Figs - - - - - - x x - - - -
Garlic - - - - - - x - - - - -
Grapefruit x - - x - - - - - - - x
Grapes - - - - - x x x x - - -
Kale x x x - - - - - - - - x
Kiwi x x - - - - - - - - x x
Kumquats - - - - - - - - - - - x
Leek - - x - - - - - - - - -
Lemons - - x - - - - - - x x x
Limes - - x - - - - - - - - -
Melons, Honeydew - - - - - x - - - - - -
Mushrooms - - x x - - - - - - - -
Nectarines - - - - - x x - - - - -
Nuts - - - - - - - - - - x -
Nuts: Almonds - - - - - - - - - x - -
Nuts: Chestnuts - - - - - - - - - x - -
Onions - - - x - - - x x - - -
Onions, red - - - - - x x - - - - -
Onions, spring - - x - - - - - - - - -
Onions, sweet Vidalia - - - - x x - - - - - -
Oranges x - x - - - - - - - x x
Oranges, valencia - - - - - - x - x - - -
Parsnip - - - - - - - - - x - -
Peaches - - - - - x x x - - - -
Pears x - - - - - - - - x - -
Pears, Anjou - - - - - - - - - - x x
Pears, Asian - - - - - - x - x - - -
Pears, Bartlett - - - - - - x x x - - -
Pears, Bosc - - - - - - - - - - - x
Pears, Comice - - - - - - - - - - x -
Peas - - x x x - - - - - - -
Pepper, Bell - - - - - - x x x - - -
Peppers, Chili - - - - - - - - x - - -
Plums - - - - - - x x - - - -
Pomegranate - - - - - - - - x x - -
Potatoes - x - - - x x - - x x -
Potatoes, new - - - - x - - - - - - -
Potatoes, sweet - - - - - - - - - x - x
Potatoes, white - - - - - - - - - - - x
Pumpkin - - - - - - - - - x - -
Radishes - - x - - - - - - - - -
Rhubarb - - x x - - - - - - - -
Rutabaga - - - - - - - - - - - x
Spinach x x x - - - - - - x - x
Squash, summer - - - - - x x x - - - -
Squash, winter - - - - - - - - x x x x
Tangerines x - x - - - - - - - - -
Tomatillo - - - - - - - x x - - -
Tomatoes - - - - - x x x x - - -
Turnips - - - - - - - - - x - x
Watermelon - - - - - x x - x - - -
Yams - - - - - - - - - x x x</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-39058301726516252014-01-29T12:57:00.000-05:002014-03-13T07:43:54.897-04:00Cabin Fever, Anyone?It's that time of year into winter, between sanity and the deep end, when the idea of counting the hairs on my head would make a perfect cabin fever commercial for Loony Tunes Travel Agency.<br />
<br />
The snowdrifts between me and the outside world are getting higher with every passing day of cold, blistering winds that race across the fields west of me. I can handle the snow and cold when it comes to feeding and watering the animals, but when the wind piles the snow right where I want to walk or open the gate, then I would say it's getting a bit ridiculous. Every time I have to navigate over a snow drift or climb over the gate to water the horse I imagine myself as the abominable snowwoman on a trek across Siberia.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the animals seem to be taking this cold rather well. 5-year-old Miss Kitty races around like a kitten on caffeine, and the Peafowl still roost outside at night in the sub-zero weather even though they are provided with roosts inside their house. The goats with their long Angora fleeces munch on hay in their shelter like it was any day of the year. Out in the rabbitry Gizmo and Fuzz are coping with the cold. But then again they would prefer cold to hot weather any day. In the chicken house the chickens are taking the weather in stride and producing eggs after a short hiatus of mutiny in the chickenhood. I know Ducky and Dizzy will be glad for warmer weather when they can play in the water.<br />
<br />
In the house, Moose (a Lion Head rabbit) and Herbie the chicken are totally unaware of the cold their kin have to deal with outside. They spend their days keeping each other company listening to the water circulating in the fish tank. With an occasional acknowledgement from Purdy the cat.<br />
<br />
Purdy seems to know when I'm getting a touch of cabin fever. Between the two of us we have conversations that usually start by her looking up at me. "Are you staring at me?" I'll ask her. She quietly says "mew". I'll ask what's on her mind. She responds with a "meOW". I ask her if she really knows what she's talking about. She reaches a paw to my face and quietly purrs.<br />
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I think I'll hold off a bit counting hairs...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-43000973903668736792013-12-22T13:22:00.000-05:002014-03-02T10:39:28.040-05:00Under The Needle...Green Block Quilt: This is the latest queen size quilt top I have been working on for the past three or four winters; it seems I didn't want to rush the project. Entirely hand sewn, I've got it to the point now where I can begin hand quilting the layers together. With the amount of snow we have been getting this winter I should be able to finish most of the quilting process before spring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Block quilt</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-28188730434245886972013-12-05T08:33:00.000-05:002014-03-02T10:36:30.174-05:00Purdy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purdy asleep</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-27059032750507038532013-11-03T11:09:00.000-05:002014-03-02T10:36:14.332-05:00Out on the (Funny) FarmGrab something to drink, sit back and relax a bit. This is going to take a while.<br />
<br />
I know I should write about events as they happen here on the farm, but I don't always have the luxury. It has been a full spring and summer, and among the many things that kept me moving during that time was tending to the <a href="http://nestleinnbb.com/" target="_blank" title="bed & breakfast">bed and breakfast</a>, mowing grass, planting and watering flowers, working on the caboose and building the deck, operating the <a href="http://www.crippledchicken.com/" target="_blank">thrift shop</a> along with two big sales, refining the <a href="http://lavendertearoom.weebly.com/" target="_blank" title="Lavender Tea Room">Lavender Tea Room</a> space and helping Sandra with a number of teas, getting the pond ready for the liner, unloading the railroad ties and contemplating the location and size of the raised flower bed, working on the outbuildings, and last but not least, tending to the resident critters who inhabit and create an interesting, pleasant world. There have been changes to the animal population here on the farm, some good, some bad. But overall, if everyone is happy, life is good.<br />
<h2>
Horse of Course! Glory Be!</h2>
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Among the long-standing residents Glory, the Arabian mare, is always a joy. Her pleasant personality and easy keeping is wonderful in spite of the fact she hates to have her rear hooves trimmed. On my to-do list is working with her so she feels comfortable having her feet handled.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.5em;"><b>Peanut and Popeye</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYZpVjmUN4Rs1jPwP-vgdQU_cZNmA5hz30ax7h1HanItCpS5PSt5sJl4BSCVwvIQw-2aI3bfj7SFEHfKbiELuwbonaOfCfBngV3isyARi_vAuHhE2MqF-Gz18nY7mVbnPijGAZhU4SMc/s1600/Popeye-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYZpVjmUN4Rs1jPwP-vgdQU_cZNmA5hz30ax7h1HanItCpS5PSt5sJl4BSCVwvIQw-2aI3bfj7SFEHfKbiELuwbonaOfCfBngV3isyARi_vAuHhE2MqF-Gz18nY7mVbnPijGAZhU4SMc/s1600/Popeye-side.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popeye</td></tr>
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The Angora goat males, Peanut (buck) and Popeye (wether), have been in the west pasture with Glory all summer. They both had their fleeces clipped earlier this year on the goat stand I built, but their fall shearing has been cancelled due to lack of planning on my part and the onset of cold weather. Or maybe it's because I don't have the energy to chase them around the goat yard trying to get a rope around their necks. (Although... I can foresee being able to catch them this winter to trim some of their fleece when they become weighed down with snow and ice).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut</td></tr>
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I had a beast of a time getting Peanut's horns through the head<br />
stock on the stand in the spring, and I know they have grown over the summer. Different measures will need to be taken when I shear him next year. In pre-goat-stand-days I have wrestled him to the ground and positioned my leg over his neck to trim his fleece with scissors. Now, I have sheep shears that I brought from Florida this year and I'm hoping the job will go faster than the hour and a half per goat. Hey, I'm learning! It does help to have the right equipment, and any poor soul willing to help.<br />
<br />
Peanut is happier now that I put him and Popeye in with the girl goats. Planned pregnancies. I aim to be more prepared next year when the kids start popping.<br />
<h2>
Sadie and Sarah</h2>
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Sadie (female goat) is doing well, and she was still nursing ten-month-old Sarah in July when I sold Sarah to a woman from Indian River, Michigan. I don't think it affected Sadie all that much when Sarah left, but it was a sad day for me. She was the first goat birth for six-year-old Sadie, and my first experience of goat labor and birthing; a difficult one too. And Sarah was a joy to watch as she grew to be taller than her mom Sadie.<br />
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Removing Sarah's first fleece in the spring was an interesting experience for I found that when I started out trimming with the scissors all I really had to do was pull her fleece off; a sheet of curls with a felted bottom. The result of mixing an Angora goat with a hair goat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah</td></tr>
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With Sarah gone I had to learn how to milk Sadie. Let me tell you that was fun! I think I'd rather like to learn how to bungee jump from the Mackinaw Bridge. But, after both Sadie and I got the hang of the whole process it wasn't really bad at all. She settled right in to the routine, and I was able to squeeze out milk at a good clip.<br />
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</h2>
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<span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Pepper and Patty</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepper</td></tr>
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Pepper (female goat) is like the middle child. She is there, but doesn't really get noticed all that much because she stays in the background. Well, with the surprise birth of Patty this year I watch her a little more closely.<br />
<br />
Little Patty was totally independent when it came to my attention. She wanted none of it. Born without my help she figured she was good to go. And that she did. I sold her in September when she was six months old to a woman from around the Cadillac, Michigan area. It wasn't so bad for me, but I think Pepper missed her for a few days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patty</td></tr>
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Now, when it came to milking Pepper after Patty was gone: it was a miserable process til the end. I would have to hold a rear leg with one <br />
hand while milking with the other. I think we were both glad when milking wasn't required any longer.<br />
<h2>
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<h2>
Rooster, the Ladies and Herbie</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs51D7MCwefMtA-HzI-76M30Qmtt_51prCeBhka1FBVG64elCzAyeK7b1u5aK2uNX9RWwYrpk5f_H0brT8sOLKabCm3xygINTu2aqm5OTEtkU_8EMgMVrNZBJhyphenhyphenarw6lBoGTnUVzjdL4/s1600/2013+Pullets+11-3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs51D7MCwefMtA-HzI-76M30Qmtt_51prCeBhka1FBVG64elCzAyeK7b1u5aK2uNX9RWwYrpk5f_H0brT8sOLKabCm3xygINTu2aqm5OTEtkU_8EMgMVrNZBJhyphenhyphenarw6lBoGTnUVzjdL4/s1600/2013+Pullets+11-3-13.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 pullets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I've been raising my own flock of chickens over the last eleven years this is the first year I have had more than one hen set on eggs. Six hens to be exact. They helped hatch out fourteen chicks. Key word here is "helped". The hens totally reared thirteen chicks on their own: set, hatched and raised. I was able to put six young roosters and the year-and-a-half-old white Columbian Wyandotte rooster in the freezer. Makes for some yummy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.<br />
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Now as for the fourteenth chick, that is a whole 'nother story. The hen that was setting on it before it hatched started out with seven eggs. But with other hens wanting to lay eggs in the same nest box as she was setting resulted in six of the eggs getting broken, ending with only one egg in the nest. It came down to the last day for hatching. I go out in the morning to find the one egg warm in the nest and no hen. Well, I figured she was getting food, water, a little fresh air. I go back out in the afternoon to gather eggs. And I find the one egg now cold in the nest. No hen. How much fresh air does she thinks she needs anyway?! Great! Twenty-one days wasted and no chicks. "This egg will get tossed".<br />
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If there is one thing that still works good for me is my hearing. My eyesight is less than desired, but I can hear a pin drop a mile away as long as my ears aren't ringing too loudly. On this particular day (9/24/13) after I gathered all the eggs I kept hearing a tiny peep. Didn't know where it was coming from until I realized it was coming from the twenty-one-day-old cold egg I was holding in my hand. In my mind I'm picturing the doctor who put Frankenstein together exclaiming, "It's alive!".<br />
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As I'm quickly walking to the house with this cold egg I'm talking to it like it needs my encouragement to stay alive long enough to hatch. (At times it really is a good thing I live by myself, and no guests). In the house I turn on the oven light, grab a large pan, add a towel, the egg and thermometer and place it all in the oven, all the while making a mental note that the use of the oven is off-limits for a couple of days. Again, in my mind I'm picturing a new dish titled "Baked Egg Surprise". Not a good thought.<br />
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Before I go to bed that night I talk to the egg in the oven. Now, by this time I have named what is inside the egg "Herbie". I'm actually hoping for a male chick that would grow to someday replace Rooster when he is no longer around. In the course of my conversation with the peeping egg I explain there is nothing I can do on my end except keep it warm. I want so badly to open a hole in the shell to help him along, but that can end badly.<br />
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The next day I check on Herbie and he's peeping louder than the day <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlYu_NY0Lsgv8NZ39arQC81E-fcMwYkM7bo-sE3srJvRCK5WQHMsYrmSpnf0irZY34LQK3ZbstF88hcOs_1oLoA26yhcAuaHOsr2uzMPC0xvK2cVliRGQn8FnyO0mYAHgF9CppP5ivWs/s1600/2013+Herbie+11-1-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlYu_NY0Lsgv8NZ39arQC81E-fcMwYkM7bo-sE3srJvRCK5WQHMsYrmSpnf0irZY34LQK3ZbstF88hcOs_1oLoA26yhcAuaHOsr2uzMPC0xvK2cVliRGQn8FnyO0mYAHgF9CppP5ivWs/s1600/2013+Herbie+11-1-13.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbie</td></tr>
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before. This is really a good sign. He's alive for one thing, and there's hope he will hatch. Let's just make it quick. I wanna use my oven. All morning long I talk to the egg and it peeps in response. Before I head outside in the afternoon I give it a good pep talk. "Come on, it's up to you Herbie. I can't do it for you. Let's get with the program". It must have worked. I came in early evening and there he was all hatched out and wobbly, still attached to the shell.<br />
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So, Herbie spent the first week of his life in a tote in the kitchen with a light. But, with the onset of cold weather Herbie will have to stay in the basement (no electricity in the outbuildings), and he won't go out with the other chickens until spring. But that's not the kicker. Herbie is a pullet.<br />
<h2>
Moose</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMj8kPQMzkwI-FtYw71wK2mlTy3Ru3aYqbWHYk1HBOp4oEn1Nu2Zizb7qqkh-ghHPuFiai38QQpAkYVzIbHwLEFlC1u02XGSTwSwWzfnHEgjPH4cQ-tPvL5vl7BeBy14rGDtBGiH_xJc/s1600/11-1-13+Moose-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMj8kPQMzkwI-FtYw71wK2mlTy3Ru3aYqbWHYk1HBOp4oEn1Nu2Zizb7qqkh-ghHPuFiai38QQpAkYVzIbHwLEFlC1u02XGSTwSwWzfnHEgjPH4cQ-tPvL5vl7BeBy14rGDtBGiH_xJc/s1600/11-1-13+Moose-front.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr>
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My friend Mary will send me e-mails whenever she receives any that concern animals that people are no longer able to keep. One of the e-mails she sent to me involved a Lionhead rabbit. His name is Moose. After several e-mails with the girl who had Moose, my friends Melissa and Mary stopped by to pick him up in Ann Arbor, Michigan before they headed up to my place for the day on 7/16/13.<br />
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Moose is a cute, stocky dude with white and black fur. The fibers gleaned when I brush Moose can be spun and plied to make a soft yarn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jlJC8ATubFPm_bP_x-1d7WLwi_3tBbKcS3O0ceE7wjs54Z6gj0ytw5r5cQpY5UzITa2Gg17hEA3ndESrqbh2gewJK3RD8OY5pcgNxtEOM3UaHbSgTzoqVyxQKezevVns3rMvBROveUg/s1600/Moose+Herbie+11-1-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jlJC8ATubFPm_bP_x-1d7WLwi_3tBbKcS3O0ceE7wjs54Z6gj0ytw5r5cQpY5UzITa2Gg17hEA3ndESrqbh2gewJK3RD8OY5pcgNxtEOM3UaHbSgTzoqVyxQKezevVns3rMvBROveUg/s1600/Moose+Herbie+11-1-13.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbie and Moose facing off</td></tr>
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Moose is an indoor rabbit, neutered, trained to use a litter box and lives in the basement with my cat Purdy, and now Herbie. Purdy plays with Moose by tackling him, and Herbie has a blast chasing him around occasionally.<br />
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<h2>
Gizmo and Fuzz</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23EeZMqJmP4rcgDZYvxLbEEOjoIKOmVYMohyJytQK-eZlkWWYJ3tpKzUB2DDgwOIaR7o1MtVrmbsiLRZqqsXfzRI7y-oT-6pcRceCoAIA6gsMlwQJCarD4dDRE5RlbWZl6-IJ1H4sEt0/s1600/11-3-13+Fuzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23EeZMqJmP4rcgDZYvxLbEEOjoIKOmVYMohyJytQK-eZlkWWYJ3tpKzUB2DDgwOIaR7o1MtVrmbsiLRZqqsXfzRI7y-oT-6pcRceCoAIA6gsMlwQJCarD4dDRE5RlbWZl6-IJ1H4sEt0/s1600/11-3-13+Fuzz.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuzz</td></tr>
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Gizmo, the Angora rabbit, is still going strong. I know he's a couple of years old because that's about how long I've had him. But other than that he could be a hundred years old. He lives in the rabbitry where he has the chickens for company. But since 10/10/13 he has company by the name of Fuzz, a small black Lionhead rabbit, given to me by the father of a son who would no longer take charge of his care.<br />
Fuzz is adorable, and tiny compared to some of the rabbits I've had. I haven't investigated whether Fuzz is male or female. It doesn't matter at this point because I don't intend to use Fuzz for breeding.<br />
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<h2>
Ducky and Dizzy</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN2aemN1i8FTAFyWBCHkq3biFDcRJQmbL2CQmPQhYuy4OfwSWiYMAduxT3KC1ot6YCu4enbtKmBSvdN7-c6PxRd16PlRYTrLi7gAK8DI9NRYOhjdhtGzZSFI0Br32SvFOAl5GghLe6UA/s1600/Ducky+4-19-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN2aemN1i8FTAFyWBCHkq3biFDcRJQmbL2CQmPQhYuy4OfwSWiYMAduxT3KC1ot6YCu4enbtKmBSvdN7-c6PxRd16PlRYTrLi7gAK8DI9NRYOhjdhtGzZSFI0Br32SvFOAl5GghLe6UA/s1600/Ducky+4-19-13.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducky as a duckling</td></tr>
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I believe I have mentioned Ducky and Dizzy before. Maybe not. My memory is right down there with my eyesight. Anyway, I received Ducky (my guess is Peking Duck mix), when she was just a few weeks old, from Mom back in March of this year. I had the duckling for about a month when I decided it needed a friend. I found a woman in Bentley, Michigan who raises Indian Runner ducks. She had one that was just a week old, and blind. She gave me the duckling and I brought it home.<br />
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When the weather turned warm enough in <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivH9sVpGo13bk3zVBUruwHqWJnLav4sMq6imqGbtANII5ep0ly4uMltIyS8DRIZI44H0lecUsaOx9nDwkCoVC_KIZauVcGzUakTJVEy_UqpADWTYo8kZgSwVQXyK2ohs_eBHPE7aCAcI/s1600/Ducky2+10-18-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivH9sVpGo13bk3zVBUruwHqWJnLav4sMq6imqGbtANII5ep0ly4uMltIyS8DRIZI44H0lecUsaOx9nDwkCoVC_KIZauVcGzUakTJVEy_UqpADWTYo8kZgSwVQXyK2ohs_eBHPE7aCAcI/s1600/Ducky2+10-18-13.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducky</td></tr>
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the spring I put the two ducks outside in their own pen. I still hadn't come up with a name for the blind duck until one day as I was watching him walk in circles wherever he went. The name Dizzy just seemed to fit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAj5WWzl3qYniihraagvzJEkRaj-1xPHfNgA_S6qiYY_RgVwPwJhVzmBY-_ujsbIIbJE7f2q2t5E07hX8Y9REazHJZ-FapBwqGfaXn3xLlCF_-kKUIrkLzLTnv13PcOjN4MsP4dc-CVU/s1600/Ducky+Dizzy+11-3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAj5WWzl3qYniihraagvzJEkRaj-1xPHfNgA_S6qiYY_RgVwPwJhVzmBY-_ujsbIIbJE7f2q2t5E07hX8Y9REazHJZ-FapBwqGfaXn3xLlCF_-kKUIrkLzLTnv13PcOjN4MsP4dc-CVU/s1600/Ducky+Dizzy+11-3-13.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dizzy and Ducky</td></tr>
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Being blind, he was easy to catch when he was younger. But now, he has developed acute hearing and he can hear me walking. As he has gotten older though, I've noticed that he can distinguish color and shape out of his right eye, but he is totally blind in his left eye. If I need to catch him, all I have to do is sneak up on his left side reeeeeally quiet.<br />
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Back in August of this year I had gone to Canada for a week with John fishing for Walleye and Pike. When I returned one of the things I found new with the animals is that there was a pile of wood shavings in the inside corner of the duck house. In the top of this pile were duck eggs. At that time I hadn't known if the ducks were male and female. But now I knew one of them was a female, but didn't know which one since I couldn't catch one or the other on the nest. After researching on the internet, I realized Dizzy was a male Indian Runner. That left Ducky as the one laying the eggs.<br />
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Ducky finally began sitting on the eggs. She must have figured she had enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4_AnJYqTszcvN0WoLK41o5s_ovDwNxK13b4sEVWzAt0hyLFBXAhjPPS95mI9O_cB-z2pJtum_M2nPn9HHsx0YQsSJp-QUBxynpb2HBE5Bd_b1C0qrtUN15ZD3qcEsH2N6alR48tS6Xs/s1600/Duck+nest+10-18-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4_AnJYqTszcvN0WoLK41o5s_ovDwNxK13b4sEVWzAt0hyLFBXAhjPPS95mI9O_cB-z2pJtum_M2nPn9HHsx0YQsSJp-QUBxynpb2HBE5Bd_b1C0qrtUN15ZD3qcEsH2N6alR48tS6Xs/s1600/Duck+nest+10-18-13.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducky's nest</td></tr>
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The only time Ducky would leave the nest was to make a mad dash to get water and food, and back she would go again. When the day neared for the eggs to hatch I kept my eye on Ducky to see what would happen. The day came (I had figured 10/15/13) and went. Add a few more days, and I guess Ducky decided nothing was going to happen so she stopped setting. Thanks, Ducky! Leaving me to do away with a pile of rotten eggs.<br />
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What's a person to do? Grab a bucket and begin counting duck eggs. Twenty-three to be exact. And as I'm doing my job, I begin pondering the whole situation about these eggs. First of all, I thought it was kind of late in the season for a duck to lay eggs, let alone set on them for close to a month. Second, I never saw Ducky and Dizzy get reeeeally friendly. The only time I saw Dizzy on top of Ducky was when he would trip over her because he couldn't see where he was going. Don't they need to be in water to mate? I guess I need to research the mating habits of ducks. And then at least I would know if there was any hanky-panky going on.<br />
<h2>
Peafowl</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO_It2NXZsYHhTw1Pt_sCrU-uE_B0csw7PF8QY-jQi6h6sdoqaDgSBebzaz4gRBMf9j28ZhpJYs5a1832qdjzCHx-SCLQGv2ZwPEffMaDu_WRHuby_UvxvTqlJVnPghQBtU2TdSO1a1Q/s1600/11-3-13+White+peachick-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO_It2NXZsYHhTw1Pt_sCrU-uE_B0csw7PF8QY-jQi6h6sdoqaDgSBebzaz4gRBMf9j28ZhpJYs5a1832qdjzCHx-SCLQGv2ZwPEffMaDu_WRHuby_UvxvTqlJVnPghQBtU2TdSO1a1Q/s1600/11-3-13+White+peachick-side.jpg" height="200" width="113" /></a></div>
In the month of June my friend Sandra was moving and couldn't take all her peafowl so I acquired three of them, a India Blue peacock and two India Blue peahens. Did you know peafowl are related to the turkey and pheasant? It has been fascinating watching and learning their habits over the summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfUszobtCU47fGUunG99I43sgNjsuStEQOunjyeaYZ0GqKzo3tNLZkNmDpK_Bocj70BPsB4Hy_U8iTOsPvQjg7dGtPKbUI53BYkLHJOhX2t-QWICaAvWbaRCJbqpt7VolklW47gYsS8g/s1600/06-24-13+Hen+peachick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfUszobtCU47fGUunG99I43sgNjsuStEQOunjyeaYZ0GqKzo3tNLZkNmDpK_Bocj70BPsB4Hy_U8iTOsPvQjg7dGtPKbUI53BYkLHJOhX2t-QWICaAvWbaRCJbqpt7VolklW47gYsS8g/s1600/06-24-13+Hen+peachick.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barred Rock hen and peachick</td></tr>
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Prior to receiving my three peafowl Sandra had been getting eggs from her flock of peafowl so she brought over a few to put under my chickens that were setting on eggs at the time. Three of the peafowl eggs hatched on June 23 and 24. Of the three one white peachick lived, and is now 19 weeks old and doing well. I have no idea whether its male or female. Time will tell. In the meantime, it thinks it's a chicken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4XpoXEKK-X5zd9idHFMEWPZEoRwsVpdWqxKqyyHeVsqDcPWoL8gBS_bg8flsbptA_6k9d6m24x7Bkr1KH3SxMVJa6PB_PteLgL8spy0PMqapa0mwfmbn24nE0E4gNva6AmnbfK8rPTo/s1600/11-3-13+Peafowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4XpoXEKK-X5zd9idHFMEWPZEoRwsVpdWqxKqyyHeVsqDcPWoL8gBS_bg8flsbptA_6k9d6m24x7Bkr1KH3SxMVJa6PB_PteLgL8spy0PMqapa0mwfmbn24nE0E4gNva6AmnbfK8rPTo/s1600/11-3-13+Peafowl.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peacock, peahens and peachick</td></tr>
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The peafowl must have felt comfortable in their new home, because by the end of July the two peahens were setting on a shallow nest of four eggs. When I returned from the trip to Canada one of the other new things I discovered was a new peachick running around. Once this youngster had hatched the peahens stopped setting on the other three eggs. The new peachick is now over eight weeks old and growing well. Again, time will tell whether it is male or female.<br />
<h2>
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<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Billie</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QfiejUJG4gQ-Be4QRCtpM6draV6xXHwSX8sPVqUDzkFmMdHjtBdqyFY7RJsf4Mlgy6yNkdyRJmKSohuDhZ0EfyuDRQZb9p15XRgc0azEzd9C9Cp9LcosTDar6tCMdD_tkJBteDplj4c/s1600/Billie-side+11-3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QfiejUJG4gQ-Be4QRCtpM6draV6xXHwSX8sPVqUDzkFmMdHjtBdqyFY7RJsf4Mlgy6yNkdyRJmKSohuDhZ0EfyuDRQZb9p15XRgc0azEzd9C9Cp9LcosTDar6tCMdD_tkJBteDplj4c/s1600/Billie-side+11-3-13.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billie</td></tr>
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When I received Fuzz, the little black Lionhead rabbit, at that time I also inherited from the same people a female, white and black pygmy goat by the name of Billie. She is about the size of Pepper. She has a very nice temperament and has settled into her new home. In talking with the previous owner I discovered Billie is about nine years old and never been bred. Well, since she is now in with the other does who are accompanied by Peanut, her non-pregnancy life may have changed. We'll see what happens in five months with all three does.<br />
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<h2>
Pond Fish</h2>
Last year I began catching the bright-colored or uniquely marked ornamental fish from my small pond. I put them in a large 81 gallon fish tank and it sits right inside the side door entrance of the house. I figured it would be a good spot that could hold 850 pounds of tank, water, gravel and fish. Under the wood flooring is cement.<br />
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There are two doors from the house going into this room where the aquarium sits, and last winter most of the time the inside doors were closed and I kept blankets over the tank to help keep it warm (the fish do not need to be fed once the water temp goes below about 54 degrees). Well, I learned that this year at least one door must remain open to allow heat into the room.<br />
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One evening last winter as I was checking doors I stopped in my tracks by the fish tank. For some reason I wasn't hearing the gentle sound of the filter or water. I gently lifted the corner of the blanket and to my horror the top half of the water had turned to ice. I immediately set up the heater in the room, and after about three days the ice was gone. The fish was fine, much to my relief. But the result of that ice, I'm assuming, did not show itself until months later in July.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3yhOnB2tTAdZXFiwPI48on1xtZGITuKOjg7cDT6-6xaXtEOTn5i30XP-eMiu4HppQkIzuR3DUsfiIz8wK87VpRU05992hkeDaY4dIHA1iySoGwTjbfMdrNw1qqrvUe7uY9dxzItj7KE/s1600/Red+Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3yhOnB2tTAdZXFiwPI48on1xtZGITuKOjg7cDT6-6xaXtEOTn5i30XP-eMiu4HppQkIzuR3DUsfiIz8wK87VpRU05992hkeDaY4dIHA1iySoGwTjbfMdrNw1qqrvUe7uY9dxzItj7KE/s1600/Red+Fish.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Shubunkin</td></tr>
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It was July 14, 2013 early in the morning when I ventured to the kitchen in my pjs to get a cup of coffee. However, again I stopped in my tracks because I was hearing something that didn't sound right. I open the kitchen door to find water all over the floor from a leak that was spewing out from the fish tank about a third of the way down. My first reaction was to naturally put my finger over the leak to keep any more water from evacuating the aquarium. Ok, now what do I do? I'm standing there in my nighty with a finger on the fish tank unsuccessfully stopping the flow of water. There was a way to go before the water level was down to where the hole in the tank was located. And I wasn't going to let all that water end up on the floor. Or was I? Oh, what the hell! I ran outside to find a hose to siphon the water from the aquarium. What a mess! It took me a few hours to clean up all the water, transfer the fish to the outside bath tub and finish siphoning off the remaining water in the tank.<br />
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By August 13 I had repaired the aquarium by removing the old sealant, adding new and letting it cure, filling the tank, adding gravel, set up the filter and add the fish a few days later. So far, so good.<br />
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I still have fish in the bath tub because I caught the rest of the fish from the pond, and I will need to move them to the basement for the winter. I'm in the process of getting the pond ready for a liner, and then it will need to be filled and allowed to condition itself for a few months. By spring I figured I can put the fish from the basement back out in the pond.<br />
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I look forward to marking one more thing off my list as done...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-90611506903703553422013-10-10T04:00:00.000-04:002014-03-04T09:55:50.149-05:00Thought For Thursday - Bacon<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Age appears to be best in four things, - old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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- Francis Bacon</div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9DLDfRS-uXsF5YndAArxuLvgHmaxnKPS1EfkihkTPnFBxQ_UX8m2s7wcnC9l5IOTnZAW-6ZWcvPEIjsl-pm1WwhnzhSuGtQ1lDbyEd02W2K4SO0hFGhnDSQCkXJCb2ksO9POoklBcFY/s1600/tree+gnarled-bewick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9DLDfRS-uXsF5YndAArxuLvgHmaxnKPS1EfkihkTPnFBxQ_UX8m2s7wcnC9l5IOTnZAW-6ZWcvPEIjsl-pm1WwhnzhSuGtQ1lDbyEd02W2K4SO0hFGhnDSQCkXJCb2ksO9POoklBcFY/s1600/tree+gnarled-bewick.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187030787261633598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314651990828041535.post-46602852193389010372013-10-03T04:00:00.000-04:002014-03-04T09:58:37.585-05:00Thought For Thursday - Lincoln<blockquote>
"I have never had a policy. I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came."<br />
<br />
- Abraham Lincoln</blockquote>
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