tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36174289908576870432024-03-18T16:11:04.025-04:00Bee Haven Acres... Tales From The FarmBee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.comBlogger3932125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-44570079509516647982024-03-18T03:00:00.001-04:002024-03-18T03:00:00.131-04:00The Collective<p style="text-align: center;">There have been geese flying over the farm these days. Migrating, maybe, or maybe just shifting from pond to pond in search of breakfast. Mornings are different now. The sun rises brightly and heads higher in the sky. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoyFg88ECqNDKWu-hzJlQ8wwJ4zglfOVAdHjQukevQ0jT4XLxMmHO62OZ5-HTfH_-iE8qlu4oSUvAFvbqJXJA_7w4jLflad-XsIcRSFSY4hwiJ31EavvildJ7cfWmALDNgwZziWFvoWVlL105ZbhVJ2t_o-zV1FOk0txsICSppQLxh8dW0j-7LOOBAe4/s4032/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoyFg88ECqNDKWu-hzJlQ8wwJ4zglfOVAdHjQukevQ0jT4XLxMmHO62OZ5-HTfH_-iE8qlu4oSUvAFvbqJXJA_7w4jLflad-XsIcRSFSY4hwiJ31EavvildJ7cfWmALDNgwZziWFvoWVlL105ZbhVJ2t_o-zV1FOk0txsICSppQLxh8dW0j-7LOOBAe4/w640-h480/IMG_4340.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The birds sing. Leaves emerge from buds. Green replaces brown. It's a feast and the table is set for everyone. The guest list is inclusive - all are deserving.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xtm_oQiG56TO77lo_bqzs2DdO4-AJInnB64yMO3qTV1ysXag5XBI7CRj78VZ9GznZYSYUXzoZj5aIbFf8rwNyKiCrc8csdZyBAA1xBE_SGJJt6AcYWF1LQdgQ6enrNlq6Wy3F_bYu8flGDxKlREvLgq_OagqZC-g7qQBVmsBUCNWk_6IZSC5_y0GQPU/s4032/IMG_4327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xtm_oQiG56TO77lo_bqzs2DdO4-AJInnB64yMO3qTV1ysXag5XBI7CRj78VZ9GznZYSYUXzoZj5aIbFf8rwNyKiCrc8csdZyBAA1xBE_SGJJt6AcYWF1LQdgQ6enrNlq6Wy3F_bYu8flGDxKlREvLgq_OagqZC-g7qQBVmsBUCNWk_6IZSC5_y0GQPU/w640-h480/IMG_4327.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">This brings to mind.....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><u> <b>WILD GEESE</b>, by Mary Oliver</u></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>You do not have to be good.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>You do not have to walk on your knees</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Meanwhile the world goes on.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>are moving across the landscapes,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>over the prairies and the deep trees,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>the mountains and the rivers.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Meanwhile, the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>are heading home again.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>the world offers itself to your imagination,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>over and over announcing your place</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>in the family of things.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Ah, to be able to express these things in a way that only Mary Oliver could.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are times when we feel disconnected from the world, separate and alone. Spring arrives as a poignant reminder that we are all interconnected, </span>part of something greater than ourselves - a collective experience that transcends individual boundaries. Spring teaches us to embrace our interconnectedness, to recognize that our actions ripple through the web of existence, shaping the world around us and contributing to the shared narrative of humanity and the natural world.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcqHNfTEXzofGjjbvPnhpezRX_mznQZPii5Jd5WJswhqWibRupoen38fdMLIjLjaix4wKKp6ec4f6ab6cjlh23hZNZPP9a6V31vtfuxgAzgYcFNtUEWJXEKvn7dqvWroYtIObWBwxnrxdlSXEku_4Y_JOpnyyeX7NlHq7zENoFxxwmMu-jSXAnfl150c/s4032/IMG_4300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcqHNfTEXzofGjjbvPnhpezRX_mznQZPii5Jd5WJswhqWibRupoen38fdMLIjLjaix4wKKp6ec4f6ab6cjlh23hZNZPP9a6V31vtfuxgAzgYcFNtUEWJXEKvn7dqvWroYtIObWBwxnrxdlSXEku_4Y_JOpnyyeX7NlHq7zENoFxxwmMu-jSXAnfl150c/w480-h640/IMG_4300.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Though we are headed into a colder week ahead, there is no doubt that Spring has arrived here on the farm - this year, almost a month ahead of schedule. There are leaves on the willow trees - the earliest I have witnessed here.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVCHbDngHc99Sk9Ho7aLRmkYXrR1Ahyphenhyphen8bcAm1JNK3kNz8LQEgdGud6L8A7YqV5UEKiSMEHq70dmOBlJ0Euxnis0y_SFVBOlaTm7Z2jGdN8fz8qvZz833sKXlGKL54p2-K6TZ7wEHfT4pUFeLAzyeYwLRy47U_Oe8Oglz3pU4dxDLaXOH_-F2tcF2zvzc/s4032/IMG_4331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVCHbDngHc99Sk9Ho7aLRmkYXrR1Ahyphenhyphen8bcAm1JNK3kNz8LQEgdGud6L8A7YqV5UEKiSMEHq70dmOBlJ0Euxnis0y_SFVBOlaTm7Z2jGdN8fz8qvZz833sKXlGKL54p2-K6TZ7wEHfT4pUFeLAzyeYwLRy47U_Oe8Oglz3pU4dxDLaXOH_-F2tcF2zvzc/w480-h640/IMG_4331.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> The daffodils in the front pasture are blooming - weeks ahead of their norm. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyPNBTlmC6oJsANjja2IwnA8VYbWJsnoT3y01OXH429YJuS4wryldGN5Q66TWqGH9nwamOknLlvAt1R1oxBDExluTbbkVoPqaXKJira1YMVVW2ER4lPqIzSnXlJaqXPyY6jD1Cgl2dadl7xc7YaebrkLFfYeypLAWxEBhJbq-tdhl4ATFujTON0umBRk/s4032/IMG_4324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyPNBTlmC6oJsANjja2IwnA8VYbWJsnoT3y01OXH429YJuS4wryldGN5Q66TWqGH9nwamOknLlvAt1R1oxBDExluTbbkVoPqaXKJira1YMVVW2ER4lPqIzSnXlJaqXPyY6jD1Cgl2dadl7xc7YaebrkLFfYeypLAWxEBhJbq-tdhl4ATFujTON0umBRk/w480-h640/IMG_4324.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Wildflowers are emerging in every crack and crevice. There is an explosion of life happening - and I find it all so intoxicating! I am so happy to be able to share it here with you.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONv_bx89fp2KuWdEkBzqjpi9vAPg_kskefKHSCdIyVrTL5tLY4YhGWyEyvgUo63QF6cFbnUNZhfwTVjQ57Y2M7IxgYnxRfU9d0ge7W6fBbC248Y9clkbYx5sVwKYkYNSUwqWkMlIEWLFNAgHTd6v-RmqknNDFcL0613d0okgV-SuTd1VvBEqpU89xVuw/s4032/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONv_bx89fp2KuWdEkBzqjpi9vAPg_kskefKHSCdIyVrTL5tLY4YhGWyEyvgUo63QF6cFbnUNZhfwTVjQ57Y2M7IxgYnxRfU9d0ge7W6fBbC248Y9clkbYx5sVwKYkYNSUwqWkMlIEWLFNAgHTd6v-RmqknNDFcL0613d0okgV-SuTd1VvBEqpU89xVuw/w480-h640/IMG_4305.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a quiet weekend here on the farm. Unbelievably, we had to mow the garden before it became a jungle! I am so excited to have a long spring to enjoy this year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8Dc7ZfL9cbJc4paquj9vzD1s3MUtiUU1DR7lIIq-CS47R3AFPJ8a2gOflTGzQG5ZLiPN3HkcPG4piMVdSsxi7jqfCCIzT9ryDoX6x4r6i5VLlk5kXP-954lexnygkAnRfMfLlsdFZbEwgdcnnhg88vQ7XZWfTjwRNRGZVhwElyAVm7hDuiBlvp5lKAA/s4032/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8Dc7ZfL9cbJc4paquj9vzD1s3MUtiUU1DR7lIIq-CS47R3AFPJ8a2gOflTGzQG5ZLiPN3HkcPG4piMVdSsxi7jqfCCIzT9ryDoX6x4r6i5VLlk5kXP-954lexnygkAnRfMfLlsdFZbEwgdcnnhg88vQ7XZWfTjwRNRGZVhwElyAVm7hDuiBlvp5lKAA/w640-h480/IMG_4322.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago, while on a woods walk I found a stick, bleached by the sun that looked like it would make a beautiful walking stick. Jack took it to his shop, trimmed it, filled in a couple of cracks, and sanded it beautifully. I had an idea in mind to try to carve something into the top of the stick. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xvjk6Wx_lZdInqHRHLMPxESLzOW5Ii6KVhBefmg66NGP7HuJITsjo_qAvCPjJttuFXl9UQd4ckXiSqSv7XEzFcvNc7sf8tAGeMzIbz1_s4C-JlJRaHOe2emrvVSEYw7Fvc4C0xkjE7H4Ggd6sRUm6iSwRn0YRJtVEIIL4i6AA9H7ZPSRCMC0NY5IV4w/s4032/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xvjk6Wx_lZdInqHRHLMPxESLzOW5Ii6KVhBefmg66NGP7HuJITsjo_qAvCPjJttuFXl9UQd4ckXiSqSv7XEzFcvNc7sf8tAGeMzIbz1_s4C-JlJRaHOe2emrvVSEYw7Fvc4C0xkjE7H4Ggd6sRUm6iSwRn0YRJtVEIIL4i6AA9H7ZPSRCMC0NY5IV4w/w480-h640/IMG_4312.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And so, this weekend, I watched a few You Tube videos on the subject of wood carving and gave it a try. Here is the personality that emerged from the wood. What you don't see are the many spots of red further down the stick - blood from the several gouges on my non-dominate thumb and hand. I am hoping to get better at this craft - if I don't bleed myself to death, first!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYTgTkR3WOOOfXj-31e1rNPbE0NOQA-fkHaj0Xyne4RBrVzCHpaC2JBFyRMB0XWX2QLZ12pFgCzQNivrUFoyvAw2Z06efZjSLTi5ED2fTERq-GdyRlXJVyyeUL-VTtOLYXkik8TBijOPWB49SEHvadia9VZlZhpGBvTGUEbRfzUn4YxwpYhpPA4MBDA0/s4032/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYTgTkR3WOOOfXj-31e1rNPbE0NOQA-fkHaj0Xyne4RBrVzCHpaC2JBFyRMB0XWX2QLZ12pFgCzQNivrUFoyvAw2Z06efZjSLTi5ED2fTERq-GdyRlXJVyyeUL-VTtOLYXkik8TBijOPWB49SEHvadia9VZlZhpGBvTGUEbRfzUn4YxwpYhpPA4MBDA0/w480-h640/IMG_4311.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Great news! We have seedlings emerging in the greenhouse!!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriRN1cY5wV2TSJGl4lMzXdwmdYHFftrmvKz6pC0DD9h24AEWF2x0OhTbqQH3bZGBHIb6midXDEAHWv82n8p6mSIzZx0Jgtde45nodCNGnHCmYWfSQ0pCqRySepI-XpNUE4JJ05wUkdoCK0_TdqUyRkNdeKQnUn6gI3T2-OU08Xmv07EguFh_WfD6Rcak/s4032/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriRN1cY5wV2TSJGl4lMzXdwmdYHFftrmvKz6pC0DD9h24AEWF2x0OhTbqQH3bZGBHIb6midXDEAHWv82n8p6mSIzZx0Jgtde45nodCNGnHCmYWfSQ0pCqRySepI-XpNUE4JJ05wUkdoCK0_TdqUyRkNdeKQnUn6gI3T2-OU08Xmv07EguFh_WfD6Rcak/w480-h640/IMG_4321.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And... I have decided upon a color scheme for Maven Haven. As soon as the weather is warm enough, I will begin to paint her in this color scheme...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1YyA2sANF2EpHg-gjV1vswcShs9O2r5HFhx4HxzvuYpjjVI1nlgqRucsyrKCJn9zzSYye0j3apfL5L7VxPlEe6ObsQOHN82qXJvUGSmLnIvEeZAKTL9n5JA1uUePbef8ByxMuXiKOgtCd0llWF_flRAuimc-nsXOLpTDyjT0eLUAd4t-XXVzDW30wPo/s960/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="723" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1YyA2sANF2EpHg-gjV1vswcShs9O2r5HFhx4HxzvuYpjjVI1nlgqRucsyrKCJn9zzSYye0j3apfL5L7VxPlEe6ObsQOHN82qXJvUGSmLnIvEeZAKTL9n5JA1uUePbef8ByxMuXiKOgtCd0llWF_flRAuimc-nsXOLpTDyjT0eLUAd4t-XXVzDW30wPo/w482-h640/IMG_4301.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Truth be told... this little house would be my perfect house to live in!)</div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-59670502816702535072024-03-15T03:00:00.012-04:002024-03-15T08:01:31.768-04:00This And That<p style="text-align: center;"> It's no surprise that this week has been quiet and slow... much slower than is typical. But, nonetheless, the week has been beautiful and I have enjoyed each spring-like day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yCtLHmt6DEs2b6B8BKbsdlh9W7nlb1wd-9L_RfE9Tsn4cnStxAApiT-ULIul5Xtoq3WA2-WsjmaxKkClkKHaQISG12RS9bt27iELYcyeB_GzbWNMWMQzIW1IEoFuvdBba8HR_q33nU27qiPVKOpFdVIwqrozCV0MbCE5IfoRdZFkqrmmt2FzoZMv0p8/s4032/IMG_4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yCtLHmt6DEs2b6B8BKbsdlh9W7nlb1wd-9L_RfE9Tsn4cnStxAApiT-ULIul5Xtoq3WA2-WsjmaxKkClkKHaQISG12RS9bt27iELYcyeB_GzbWNMWMQzIW1IEoFuvdBba8HR_q33nU27qiPVKOpFdVIwqrozCV0MbCE5IfoRdZFkqrmmt2FzoZMv0p8/w480-h640/IMG_4298.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> As I mentioned earlier this week, March's weather is erratic and this weeks temperate days </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAaGxhQkQUBfkxY3VQ9Om_cH2TSSbxNe0jHdsWdref-2AvqoZQvcNOQpqOJjET8qQOW8s8UwpWdzrji2ARy82p_ZOdeT6TcDPC2cjJnUjKMMrNOjDea93QjNxKG9IjBs5cP6QXwfWFWnDkc0b_bCxkBfjQPlWZQMk8eYwQSZF1t1WmKhe083rDzU_c8I/s4032/IMG_4300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAaGxhQkQUBfkxY3VQ9Om_cH2TSSbxNe0jHdsWdref-2AvqoZQvcNOQpqOJjET8qQOW8s8UwpWdzrji2ARy82p_ZOdeT6TcDPC2cjJnUjKMMrNOjDea93QjNxKG9IjBs5cP6QXwfWFWnDkc0b_bCxkBfjQPlWZQMk8eYwQSZF1t1WmKhe083rDzU_c8I/w480-h640/IMG_4300.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">are going to be replaced, next week, with "fireplace" days and nights dipping down into the 20's. We've learned to not get too comfortable with warmer weather in March as it is always fleeting.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0dxZkrsgksZfdhpvCeb0dQlxBcRZWVjwmyt9V2vXIGAmqV1fut7hdYkR1JVe2vT955bHZjqZDkILBYTSle4goCdwPi6IC94jrgwsJVv9VBDxaxJh928RCcPPnCZJ2gCnn06kXlNImHmb66I8rjnMdMhYQ_CJ7_dwN3wzD6krmIS73cbfETOYW4zhl3Y/s4032/IMG_4288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0dxZkrsgksZfdhpvCeb0dQlxBcRZWVjwmyt9V2vXIGAmqV1fut7hdYkR1JVe2vT955bHZjqZDkILBYTSle4goCdwPi6IC94jrgwsJVv9VBDxaxJh928RCcPPnCZJ2gCnn06kXlNImHmb66I8rjnMdMhYQ_CJ7_dwN3wzD6krmIS73cbfETOYW4zhl3Y/w480-h640/IMG_4288.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Jack has taken care of all farm chores this week. I am hoping to gradually be able to resume some chores as we go forward - slowly building back up to normal over the next week or two.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI58wA9AazJ7LD9ZC-mZsYzHeLoyCB31TuLaXE332fuIBzUqFvfku-8RjQAe9UejRAPXByVTKKyN6hotwo9DDcGyUDB3vt4d3VOkIVc8mYG2zLpIVZOGTcZXIc2XSbFg7L6pmbDIBz1zwJGlt3uXTYZ-EGGbTgPMtvYGRwvmmbxV76pPPru2AWSvMAX7A/s4032/IMG_4290.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI58wA9AazJ7LD9ZC-mZsYzHeLoyCB31TuLaXE332fuIBzUqFvfku-8RjQAe9UejRAPXByVTKKyN6hotwo9DDcGyUDB3vt4d3VOkIVc8mYG2zLpIVZOGTcZXIc2XSbFg7L6pmbDIBz1zwJGlt3uXTYZ-EGGbTgPMtvYGRwvmmbxV76pPPru2AWSvMAX7A/w480-h640/IMG_4290.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I did putter around in the garden yesterday. The beauty of raised-bed gardening is having a place to sit while you gently tug spring weeds out of the soil. The rhubarb has erupted...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaVJXkg10RtGSophr54OGEw-8aN3HHa8MfuriMRetdvzrUbnSh5Y6ixkf9tME7aJpBca0N2ne-XTdp3ecIjVfKEQ51G3DGfKUuxXDPEPJGALb07bzmYFRFUcja0Y-NFLbAZ0yI2fIxFD3kqS2_d-D8AYCbMJtvp54cpUDZWJ3hdBETGgYdszz2ZYjLEQ/s4032/IMG_4291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaVJXkg10RtGSophr54OGEw-8aN3HHa8MfuriMRetdvzrUbnSh5Y6ixkf9tME7aJpBca0N2ne-XTdp3ecIjVfKEQ51G3DGfKUuxXDPEPJGALb07bzmYFRFUcja0Y-NFLbAZ0yI2fIxFD3kqS2_d-D8AYCbMJtvp54cpUDZWJ3hdBETGgYdszz2ZYjLEQ/w640-h480/IMG_4291.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I did manage to plant sugar peas and radishes this week. These are cold weather tolerant plants that don't mind the crazy weather that accompanies March.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM8u-OcMCpsocDPwknQ9qQMmW6JVBOAgoohBOpMEyg2B59mVb2BExw7ttZRd2pNDN-GGr_EXZWbjHftkcHx2zbN-e_7WqdvUeZaAPepLhHsh-NTFwZbNWoycf_MaS7U20OhdLPcZliLjuVrd2Wci3OEO-x83_iLxUld2rwgZ-Bgcc7ScN_6OpDsu3SCk/s4032/IMG_4287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM8u-OcMCpsocDPwknQ9qQMmW6JVBOAgoohBOpMEyg2B59mVb2BExw7ttZRd2pNDN-GGr_EXZWbjHftkcHx2zbN-e_7WqdvUeZaAPepLhHsh-NTFwZbNWoycf_MaS7U20OhdLPcZliLjuVrd2Wci3OEO-x83_iLxUld2rwgZ-Bgcc7ScN_6OpDsu3SCk/w640-h480/IMG_4287.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I had my helpers with me, of course!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxswDkdn_cAAd1wVMRbMSjBlRzJ15PNNsgcpr_YIFA38HuxgUFH26yOmlCEpKZgOAV5A4IgIBgI3LTNwyWv-AIimEix94IS4GObaxLgZIhm5qm0Tj4hsoK7BHhXqYuf4IGUmXjuqQu8jvMjL3s_r88s9HkkVcf1F4ZxcuwTnH46oPN0qVrSvsjogtxgQ/s4032/IMG_4284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxswDkdn_cAAd1wVMRbMSjBlRzJ15PNNsgcpr_YIFA38HuxgUFH26yOmlCEpKZgOAV5A4IgIBgI3LTNwyWv-AIimEix94IS4GObaxLgZIhm5qm0Tj4hsoK7BHhXqYuf4IGUmXjuqQu8jvMjL3s_r88s9HkkVcf1F4ZxcuwTnH46oPN0qVrSvsjogtxgQ/w480-h640/IMG_4284.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am thinking of adding another of these livestock panel arches between two more boxes so that I can grow my gourds (I'm planting loofa gourds this year) squash, and cucumbers off of the ground and onto a trellis instead.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgS3l0bKSlX29Xtrr4Ab9zz81HkFePSyFk84lSZ4wAa6Vr1XW19fGaNxKAsjYVaA45m2xtlOXFTg9jT_b__SOLrEvOPbXynPhzz32Lh0pXXr6XjMk37H9_0QOPFEVGJ0rt2xFLK121_svt-Af334h-hA842O0PIVrh9G89Z42wOfFfn_F75W8BjcJo-E/s4032/IMG_4289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgS3l0bKSlX29Xtrr4Ab9zz81HkFePSyFk84lSZ4wAa6Vr1XW19fGaNxKAsjYVaA45m2xtlOXFTg9jT_b__SOLrEvOPbXynPhzz32Lh0pXXr6XjMk37H9_0QOPFEVGJ0rt2xFLK121_svt-Af334h-hA842O0PIVrh9G89Z42wOfFfn_F75W8BjcJo-E/w480-h640/IMG_4289.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As for the greenhouse, yesterday I added kale and sunflowers to the seeds planted there. You might have noticed that I have several grow mats plugged into outlets there. Each tray of seeds is on a warming mat to help quicken the germination of the seeds.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlY3IhC6deU1F2gGqM9crw6Afjntats_GPg2JnYsdLM66pjhkjrTVtLjRIr9pJ3mQ5iCVSt3A5EjIb5n6vNc79_C7hOLqvhHsSd9gWM4uNiHJmSqRczDn0KJIq-tQfvRDvBZtXSKSVQ3_RicMfoA1NxxFkuhhcyOYYHemdv2ejAJ5jFvOcySnDGTI9g0/s4032/IMG_4293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlY3IhC6deU1F2gGqM9crw6Afjntats_GPg2JnYsdLM66pjhkjrTVtLjRIr9pJ3mQ5iCVSt3A5EjIb5n6vNc79_C7hOLqvhHsSd9gWM4uNiHJmSqRczDn0KJIq-tQfvRDvBZtXSKSVQ3_RicMfoA1NxxFkuhhcyOYYHemdv2ejAJ5jFvOcySnDGTI9g0/w480-h640/IMG_4293.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Although the greenhouse is very warm during the day, it cools down at night and these mats keep the soil a constant temperature.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79aMf8gVJeUV1PmYdldz0by9-0RUohi20qaQGYYK0mbWKDXuRbmTomA7ZI27JhoNqFknROBVDuqmQoC3REMvLFiZjhCIC5OYAu9dXN5Wt518624NjxF_4YA5NnRfyLvJzABVInxn5Ui5gL8ypljilV_a73Aufrd6i8mAZS-fV8uT5IB8TOMcBGPRp3J8/s4032/IMG_4292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79aMf8gVJeUV1PmYdldz0by9-0RUohi20qaQGYYK0mbWKDXuRbmTomA7ZI27JhoNqFknROBVDuqmQoC3REMvLFiZjhCIC5OYAu9dXN5Wt518624NjxF_4YA5NnRfyLvJzABVInxn5Ui5gL8ypljilV_a73Aufrd6i8mAZS-fV8uT5IB8TOMcBGPRp3J8/w480-h640/IMG_4292.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Daily watering is added to my chore list.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had a little equine therapy yesterday afternoon. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsd26HVEFt4kPod_tpPaGWo_KJb1urXgAbPxIk2-o2VK5t6TTwKBIHLtoj8gxWbz2Q6Rl7GWgbPdcLYtyH1xNoGdYNayp7CTGg1VDwJvbii-FV43XbSyLL_wYsxAHyajtN60lCzVBqy2IMiU4aGSUuLy2SwK31QS9c6pdHKh8L1exBh_9v3Ktv2VANww/s4032/IMG_4297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsd26HVEFt4kPod_tpPaGWo_KJb1urXgAbPxIk2-o2VK5t6TTwKBIHLtoj8gxWbz2Q6Rl7GWgbPdcLYtyH1xNoGdYNayp7CTGg1VDwJvbii-FV43XbSyLL_wYsxAHyajtN60lCzVBqy2IMiU4aGSUuLy2SwK31QS9c6pdHKh8L1exBh_9v3Ktv2VANww/w480-h640/IMG_4297.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> It's always peaceful to spend a little quiet time amongst the herd.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6AitEBMb3aeJ0cY6FvqcDfhn44Dp6qwp3XdRDpvtRZqEICdtr_Orh1PVRyX2EGxlJ6ktrofZMHDWWwMN2WPoHz0un3mel9FT2pzRNYkgSWUm-0FFdICR_biZV9Gv7dyTh7mC7X2CW3-5jA4MJeVWKTaiCdP7y9wP8AGj4JUbYaixSmCGbomjhJH4UI0/s4032/IMG_4296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6AitEBMb3aeJ0cY6FvqcDfhn44Dp6qwp3XdRDpvtRZqEICdtr_Orh1PVRyX2EGxlJ6ktrofZMHDWWwMN2WPoHz0un3mel9FT2pzRNYkgSWUm-0FFdICR_biZV9Gv7dyTh7mC7X2CW3-5jA4MJeVWKTaiCdP7y9wP8AGj4JUbYaixSmCGbomjhJH4UI0/w480-h640/IMG_4296.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">And there is nothing better than donkey therapy!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ijy954No4cVgUVwPKIK6WUmPCfG2WIzU0e9sgrB1RXLh8hAB6NYd0A8U5_i27ZsB9t8luEd3KN7N2Ss1SNcPiKPRxldYovARMNSH9D5UTpkA3NsjFxXtNnQ2BR-nwGDCRBCSW4tXEyW-2IzOAcrBcPK0mOM2W6dEHZDMVvKSxODBQ3fjfBi8MXZR8QA/s4032/IMG_4295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ijy954No4cVgUVwPKIK6WUmPCfG2WIzU0e9sgrB1RXLh8hAB6NYd0A8U5_i27ZsB9t8luEd3KN7N2Ss1SNcPiKPRxldYovARMNSH9D5UTpkA3NsjFxXtNnQ2BR-nwGDCRBCSW4tXEyW-2IzOAcrBcPK0mOM2W6dEHZDMVvKSxODBQ3fjfBi8MXZR8QA/w480-h640/IMG_4295.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Even though my wings have been clipped this week, I have kept myself busy. Boredom is not a part of my vocabulary. Instead of manual labor, I have occupied my time with hand-embroidering a white linen shirt. On the back shoulders...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvesnldmfx_7hiFxkoieEDHcNpfzCB8rdEX8qI-LGxh0E5itSX5kR69bSi5OXl_9V-gK137n6JxQiJgGcrLwFbd1yEry5fzuvsbszzuCefSpCHjVWHi2vcW8lEo8mZYeDl4iNAlSPjkOPBtGbC1RjVYJcR6_sGgMGA56FFx8I04MoVhkKz9qk9976KAEQ/s4032/IMG_4276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvesnldmfx_7hiFxkoieEDHcNpfzCB8rdEX8qI-LGxh0E5itSX5kR69bSi5OXl_9V-gK137n6JxQiJgGcrLwFbd1yEry5fzuvsbszzuCefSpCHjVWHi2vcW8lEo8mZYeDl4iNAlSPjkOPBtGbC1RjVYJcR6_sGgMGA56FFx8I04MoVhkKz9qk9976KAEQ/w640-h480/IMG_4276.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">On the collar...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh4tyIHXQY1EF2eBVb6hbA2JmPNTsLK0PkYm2-mXQVuHpHzHLgOXYfTrbVKpQqfmQ9J0hcH4aHKWnGh1ssa_eaX5Q6pID2KdKq1ObzW9J435rWh8PV-XURG7V3585UY0gSGY26P-ZVSvLn6hN5tu8ytY2qfpTK9t9Mgy1f-XDRFGdiz7kTdxr8ry3GDE/s4032/IMG_4273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh4tyIHXQY1EF2eBVb6hbA2JmPNTsLK0PkYm2-mXQVuHpHzHLgOXYfTrbVKpQqfmQ9J0hcH4aHKWnGh1ssa_eaX5Q6pID2KdKq1ObzW9J435rWh8PV-XURG7V3585UY0gSGY26P-ZVSvLn6hN5tu8ytY2qfpTK9t9Mgy1f-XDRFGdiz7kTdxr8ry3GDE/w480-h640/IMG_4273.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">On the bottom of the front...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3SP-VRKFRqheNe_v6LmGKGfTpBpx8RY-AjMJ6Zsm6OFO7z9Z5AApbe-gC8nAWoGONDZWQrAcuTQHMsvMwz0C3s1-oXBXxSnNCBI30yrabQop9PEaTM2T-p3rHLWOcrywyMcwHTLMS8KjbaYYMGG8rVqYX1uJHwFXaQe3jNY89ksjfc2-73IzTBmwTfs/s4032/IMG_4274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3SP-VRKFRqheNe_v6LmGKGfTpBpx8RY-AjMJ6Zsm6OFO7z9Z5AApbe-gC8nAWoGONDZWQrAcuTQHMsvMwz0C3s1-oXBXxSnNCBI30yrabQop9PEaTM2T-p3rHLWOcrywyMcwHTLMS8KjbaYYMGG8rVqYX1uJHwFXaQe3jNY89ksjfc2-73IzTBmwTfs/w480-h640/IMG_4274.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm slowly turning my wardrobe into a fungi wardrobe!!<br /><br />I tried <a href="https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/sourdough-chocolate-bread">this recipe for chocolate sourdough bread</a>. Oh my goodness... what decadence and deliciousness. A slice of this, toasted, slathered with pistachio butter is as close to Heaven as I can imagine! I'll be adding this to my arsenal of recipes for farm guests.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEv1QqOmfenkDo6UiC2A_q-oKix8-TVrqqdJaa3evTu3s6lr-wkFJQ5liCP-199rf3vusI7vnKBYWo5JYoQXHW39btp0sujlKiuTPeeNOLsZx__fen7hDjJBESEKkQxv04z-7LpWGvb7XPN2C7UUCXmDMXWnRVqa_RhmXe4W5s3rvTm9RGMdShq5tv1Q/s4032/IMG_4270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEv1QqOmfenkDo6UiC2A_q-oKix8-TVrqqdJaa3evTu3s6lr-wkFJQ5liCP-199rf3vusI7vnKBYWo5JYoQXHW39btp0sujlKiuTPeeNOLsZx__fen7hDjJBESEKkQxv04z-7LpWGvb7XPN2C7UUCXmDMXWnRVqa_RhmXe4W5s3rvTm9RGMdShq5tv1Q/w480-h640/IMG_4270.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I also used freshly fed sourdough starter for <a href="https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-pancakes-waffles-recipe/">this recipe for waffle</a>s. Mixed the night before and allowed to ferment all night on the counter. The next morning, eggs, baking soda and powder and salt are added. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfxDJNIiiqblIT7rHwDupaqQRYzFIvtE2721QJGPoBetnkxUQK8D6dIjnkG1cROskQHRtd_LZ6eYqVisNS-OZeiUE0LU6XCCW3UA3S4I5rXUa7j_9tVR-_Af0NJtQfZag2VJfDVpQOXCJz1T7hmA3wMOOW9eCNEG3AuEQkskfsR3YCGGsaCnzTIsgdoc/s4032/IMG_4269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfxDJNIiiqblIT7rHwDupaqQRYzFIvtE2721QJGPoBetnkxUQK8D6dIjnkG1cROskQHRtd_LZ6eYqVisNS-OZeiUE0LU6XCCW3UA3S4I5rXUa7j_9tVR-_Af0NJtQfZag2VJfDVpQOXCJz1T7hmA3wMOOW9eCNEG3AuEQkskfsR3YCGGsaCnzTIsgdoc/w480-h640/IMG_4269.JPG" width="480" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">These are also delicious, and healthier than typical waffles as the fermentation process pre-digests the wheat and sugars making them more nutritious and with a lower glycemic index. And, for this recipe, I used 100% home-milled wheat flour. The recipe made 6 Belgian style waffles - so I will freeze a few for later use - warmed in the toaster.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykX56Ql3-pyuakrAN19ipmr4K3Dq1BJkwOQDNDaNYcdMFScRcjA-P3_aZ08zSy396JNmUMQ_eAWkxfymzDCpdcUy1Rs8CglzdrLLfv-E6X1VkIwXM-5qu-0QhfwADscAHecKu9YBwZ10foLW_ZB5kyXRRMWFqfPSRNjx_KiFN1YkF0V97mbCNwcA0rg/s4032/IMG_4272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykX56Ql3-pyuakrAN19ipmr4K3Dq1BJkwOQDNDaNYcdMFScRcjA-P3_aZ08zSy396JNmUMQ_eAWkxfymzDCpdcUy1Rs8CglzdrLLfv-E6X1VkIwXM-5qu-0QhfwADscAHecKu9YBwZ10foLW_ZB5kyXRRMWFqfPSRNjx_KiFN1YkF0V97mbCNwcA0rg/w480-h640/IMG_4272.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As we head into the weekend, the weather is turning colder. Gardening projects will be on hold for another week as we enjoy the last of our cozy time by the fireplace. It looks like I'm going to need to start another project. Hmmmm.... I wonder what that will be?</p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-10497556887880492642024-03-14T03:00:00.001-04:002024-03-14T03:00:00.138-04:00Progress<p style="text-align: center;"> I've been accused (teasing) from time to time (by my daughter) of being a blue-sky, rainbow kind of gal. I'll admit, I am an optimist. I choose to see the world this way. I wholeheartedly feel that it's our own mindset that determines what kind of world we inhabit... not the other way around. One would never know the sweet, mouth-puckering taste of fresh lemonade if one were never handed a bag of lemons from time to time. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsP_35toZK75hJEhhNX_knvaNPz2tMyN_i0Bgmx9SDgR3ADHP17oeEjeJN2L9X0KH89hoR9FuZdpD81XO_DY5ZGpjHLTM-Shft3OhPzNtO_JuQD25wVqL4Eas-FyaCOpg_wDIW8uYaYbG_-VE5q9GWW5mi07M7SotMYeXEfRcPqLCsrAI0zaUzrAbK6o/s4032/IMG_4262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsP_35toZK75hJEhhNX_knvaNPz2tMyN_i0Bgmx9SDgR3ADHP17oeEjeJN2L9X0KH89hoR9FuZdpD81XO_DY5ZGpjHLTM-Shft3OhPzNtO_JuQD25wVqL4Eas-FyaCOpg_wDIW8uYaYbG_-VE5q9GWW5mi07M7SotMYeXEfRcPqLCsrAI0zaUzrAbK6o/w480-h640/IMG_4262.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Although moving in certain directions might be painful... I choose to embrace that pain as yet another reminder that I am [very much] alive. And being alive on this particular day is something to celebrate! Thank you for the care and concern... but truly, each day brings much improved mobility.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78dC2B7ZLemNqPBV88JAzJeUzV_4hrqbTNu9efGCoOgzCU10ou4Ojmx6dgnqf2iEAJjbv-a3sH-hfArcy-kPZ9G4NTPjR1g5TVCw0nQx2nIxnLgy555CdxsiuSR5UWvTGRsfwH5zeU5OVBWEWDxA9dXL5GU17OOFPbevUCfjQyPXU5rGxyhL-5xbOvkY/s4032/IMG_4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78dC2B7ZLemNqPBV88JAzJeUzV_4hrqbTNu9efGCoOgzCU10ou4Ojmx6dgnqf2iEAJjbv-a3sH-hfArcy-kPZ9G4NTPjR1g5TVCw0nQx2nIxnLgy555CdxsiuSR5UWvTGRsfwH5zeU5OVBWEWDxA9dXL5GU17OOFPbevUCfjQyPXU5rGxyhL-5xbOvkY/w640-h480/IMG_4260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In my youth, I owned a book entitled <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/576021.Notes_to_Myself">Notes To Myself </a></b> by the American self-help counselor/70's spiritual guru, Hugh Prather. It is a collection of the author's thoughts on life, and it played a role in shaping my own outlook on life. In it is a quote that has always stuck with me. It reminds me to face life's speed bumps as just what they are - not good, not bad, just there to be navigated.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He writes:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); font-size: large; text-align: left;">"The comment ‘you’re lucky; it could have been worse’, is the kind of helpfulness I can do without. </em><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic;">It also could have been better, or actually, it couldn’t have been any other way than the way it was. "</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's funny how a line from a book can stick with you for so many years, helping to frame the way you see life.</span></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have greatly enjoyed having the time to sit and read and embroider and generally putz around inside my house these past couple of days. I have also tried a couple new sourdough recipes (I'll share more after baking them today). However, Spring is happening everywhere here... so I just had to spend some time outside, as well!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwdESYgqXw_fMsmY8x45Ce26O2HBNbHq7WJVTlcv0gFafsZMMd06LfqWYxR3l7zU55U2-971zD3ofg5IzUKmnedOQBkTEy3iLtEfTIxeA2W69p4yChLlkwUVJlcQaYXeQj9T1fv7-vRShkJGNykAZlJLi-eOXqXwUq_jiXi_GeyhB0l7q3UWeZAZufKA/s6000/DSC_0041.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwdESYgqXw_fMsmY8x45Ce26O2HBNbHq7WJVTlcv0gFafsZMMd06LfqWYxR3l7zU55U2-971zD3ofg5IzUKmnedOQBkTEy3iLtEfTIxeA2W69p4yChLlkwUVJlcQaYXeQj9T1fv7-vRShkJGNykAZlJLi-eOXqXwUq_jiXi_GeyhB0l7q3UWeZAZufKA/w640-h426/DSC_0041.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Yesterday afternoon, as the mercury climbed to 70 degrees, I heard this call from my gardens, "Come. Come. Come see what is happening!" </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I stepped out my front door, I was greeted by the sweet "Bubb-zink" song of the brown headed cowbird from high atop the evergreen </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">tree in the front yard. Yet another sign of spring.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstkboLR9EZf433sXmviA16dpLN1nwdeTWXcGoT7xIpIq0kGAq0A_3ijIv_mrsWs3tcItH7tqM4mjWUaLLX1V6BFKeQH1QX4XsC7AzNz9xdNWvEUgbuyF-rOCA3s0o8pC1aKy8AhkCv5jCN8sKf2s5pdlilgqTcxUTMTglm-L9uCeiQZE5E2ZHWIdZLg8/s2704/DSC_0035.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2704" data-original-width="2238" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstkboLR9EZf433sXmviA16dpLN1nwdeTWXcGoT7xIpIq0kGAq0A_3ijIv_mrsWs3tcItH7tqM4mjWUaLLX1V6BFKeQH1QX4XsC7AzNz9xdNWvEUgbuyF-rOCA3s0o8pC1aKy8AhkCv5jCN8sKf2s5pdlilgqTcxUTMTglm-L9uCeiQZE5E2ZHWIdZLg8/w530-h640/DSC_0035.jpeg" width="530" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was drawn to the greenhouse </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);">like a bee to nectar. I couldn't resist the temptation to fill some pots with potting soil and tuck some tiny seeds inside. Now, entering the greenhouse, I can smell the moist soil, and the warm, humid air - and the promise of life to come. It's this time of year that the greenhouse becomes a sanctuary of growth, anticipation, and hope as we watch this tangible cycle of life unfolding before our eyes.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY8CB0xK7xnlBXxIs0NQiocw5fPAmE_HJ19Vd0-UjZNTXY7y1AQ72J3VvBk_1S1KMHmK_k_HYf0ipZEgFhbPddHv1QYEySypTdT4TXxFOtztppBw10ZTXOt4-Vr2uw8TI4YpRw5y6iulF8wrpQrtDRKfL2h447ctezrA-MeZWwkoyZ_EWQrvkGLTIOao/s4032/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59); font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY8CB0xK7xnlBXxIs0NQiocw5fPAmE_HJ19Vd0-UjZNTXY7y1AQ72J3VvBk_1S1KMHmK_k_HYf0ipZEgFhbPddHv1QYEySypTdT4TXxFOtztppBw10ZTXOt4-Vr2uw8TI4YpRw5y6iulF8wrpQrtDRKfL2h447ctezrA-MeZWwkoyZ_EWQrvkGLTIOao/w480-h640/IMG_4259.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);">As tender shoots emerge from the soil, each tiny green sprout holds the potential for a bountiful harvest. Gently tending to these delicate beginnings feels like nurturing a secret, precious treasure. How glorious it will be, this summer, to watch them become all that they are meant to be after being carefully transplanted into the gardens. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);">The trays shown above are all flowers - zinnias, hyacinth bean vines, moon flowers, agastache, calendula, Johnny jump-ups, and deep blue asters. What a feast of color they will be! I still have some vegetable seeds to start as well... and cold weather vegetable seeds to direct sew in my garden boxes. And yes, I'll take it slowly.... slow and steady wins the race, right?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 48, 59);">Have a beautiful day!</span></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-40996255737874911642024-03-13T03:00:00.010-04:002024-03-13T03:00:00.136-04:00Oops!<p style="text-align: center;"> It's rare that we have an unwelcome visitor on the farm. However, this week, we have had one. He goes by many names - but Mayhem is his most common. Don't worry - it's neither of these two!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5LlPY3D-bWAWJ9ArXFaM0owDrYRi8fPhSMJCtr595rw4-2ci2K_aRH-RBJKUy5SDHNmW-HPKP9rS1ZxOBCFIJJLsTW-ENSB8k6mQg9Tn_y8v4ce7ws28lhIx9hUxitSrUBDwropdda0wCCo8M1Pnloln5E2BAad9zff-YtIaUBVoOoEAwJYArxzCr3U/s743/IMG_2324.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="610" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5LlPY3D-bWAWJ9ArXFaM0owDrYRi8fPhSMJCtr595rw4-2ci2K_aRH-RBJKUy5SDHNmW-HPKP9rS1ZxOBCFIJJLsTW-ENSB8k6mQg9Tn_y8v4ce7ws28lhIx9hUxitSrUBDwropdda0wCCo8M1Pnloln5E2BAad9zff-YtIaUBVoOoEAwJYArxzCr3U/w524-h640/IMG_2324.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Yes, it's only Wednesday and it's been a week!</div><p style="text-align: center;">Monday evening we found this...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiMZdgRmdYFF3TWtb0i3S3ULL9wONi89up47FILwrG4TDmw2Q6w_rjKkEBu4Y5L1175ymo3gH39eYqAtTFcEFUUeBCnhyZ4i0MYon5b82XKg9IvXBa6D1P4i4K5n_-e9u3sxp_Zoy0gTRetbPEHJZaDIP35HxlberoAGpRT4-kZen4Pe-0ZSVt6uOKOE/s1024/IMG_2327.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiMZdgRmdYFF3TWtb0i3S3ULL9wONi89up47FILwrG4TDmw2Q6w_rjKkEBu4Y5L1175ymo3gH39eYqAtTFcEFUUeBCnhyZ4i0MYon5b82XKg9IvXBa6D1P4i4K5n_-e9u3sxp_Zoy0gTRetbPEHJZaDIP35HxlberoAGpRT4-kZen4Pe-0ZSVt6uOKOE/w480-h640/IMG_2327.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">In case you don't recognize it... it's our composting outhouse lying on its back!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hT-j6RDqyH4QUaHYXT7FCZ6crTLxiwv3Gjeh4nfTXMRGEh9Bj22BoEfPMx30-YkE1h-H313d2lGdJoNpkmq3IPdY3K0L9-POJlb_dP_5EdzC_W_3LXW3wLD-rAfgzJSw0V9M2aappm45d3j7t5PjpnFSAxyXTkXzx0Z1x1v2dsKnjOrPVYYPGB2d5K8/s1280/IMG_2329.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hT-j6RDqyH4QUaHYXT7FCZ6crTLxiwv3Gjeh4nfTXMRGEh9Bj22BoEfPMx30-YkE1h-H313d2lGdJoNpkmq3IPdY3K0L9-POJlb_dP_5EdzC_W_3LXW3wLD-rAfgzJSw0V9M2aappm45d3j7t5PjpnFSAxyXTkXzx0Z1x1v2dsKnjOrPVYYPGB2d5K8/w640-h480/IMG_2329.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Either we had a small earthquake on Monday evening (highly unlikely), or a very strong gust of wind sent our little porta-potty into a tail spin! This still has me completely baffled... it is a very heavy little structure. I still cannot imagine a wind strong enough to topple it. But, apparently that is what happened.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Tuesday morning when the guys came back to finish the greenhouse, they helped Jack set the outhouse back on its base. Amazingly, nothing from the compost bucket had spilled in the mishap. Our sweet little outdoor bathroom is none the worse for wear. I cannot say the same for the barn's gutter, however. The end of that needed replacing (thankfully the guys took care of that for us!).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJuRbF2CT_B0LB_C0mhjkW0jng4t2KZ2Q6RzNVfWTO-079tMT_szJhshPnbDJKkw2wzUkja6KLvnZVgyQTH3yYQnfnTKY0oJ_NDz198fYjxHflso2Oi4amZiBurEmzsoqmDk0DZvoeoMTPlWn_V0ssOQRw6sb_FpCIihtzc_Qqnb__b3-ovmOCIhlsCE/s4032/IMG_4245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJuRbF2CT_B0LB_C0mhjkW0jng4t2KZ2Q6RzNVfWTO-079tMT_szJhshPnbDJKkw2wzUkja6KLvnZVgyQTH3yYQnfnTKY0oJ_NDz198fYjxHflso2Oi4amZiBurEmzsoqmDk0DZvoeoMTPlWn_V0ssOQRw6sb_FpCIihtzc_Qqnb__b3-ovmOCIhlsCE/w480-h640/IMG_4245.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, Tuesday morning, as I was leaving the house for morning chores, I stepped out of the house onto the steps leading down into the garage. I was in my stocking feet... ready to put on my muck shoes. Upon hitting the step, my feet flew out from under me - I flew up in the air, and I landed with my left flank hitting the dog food bin. I slowly stood up, dusted myself off and took stock of my appendages. I had some back pain - but everything else worked just fine. I should know by now that my body's response to trauma is never immediate. In fact, I finished barn chores (however, unable to pick up any water buckets because of pain) and headed home. My first indication that I might have a bigger injury was the pain and nausea I experienced upon arrival back home. Here's where having a doctor in the house comes in handy... Hubbs checked me out and found that my pain was coming from the lowest rib. Not a stranger to broken ribs, I knew this to be the case as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So, here I sit on the living room couch - with a beautiful sunny day outside and a greenhouse calling my name. The lesson for today is... patience. I just might need to slow down for a few days. One of our kids reminded me of a comment on a recent blog asking if I ever slow down. The answer to that is.... occasionally!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Oh well... I am finishing my current embroidery project, instead, and reading a book (during daylight hours is something I rarely get a chance to do!)</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiphPwqoo_gB55LBj_k4zGAY-57q7v15mZLvq9cIt9Pl6b2brpcCPI4_dAgWuoxJAfjOeQHEdBOA-5hItvJ3bB85DBXDtrRIRLaO3ZTIHl9_efqmSN_JAjO7BuI5r9CqMhRr4M6jFv-MPZdX8qno4WMldt7zhS7DPI5Cza76BDOUo7XtPHMJKSoHmF4Bg/s4030/IMG_4257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiphPwqoo_gB55LBj_k4zGAY-57q7v15mZLvq9cIt9Pl6b2brpcCPI4_dAgWuoxJAfjOeQHEdBOA-5hItvJ3bB85DBXDtrRIRLaO3ZTIHl9_efqmSN_JAjO7BuI5r9CqMhRr4M6jFv-MPZdX8qno4WMldt7zhS7DPI5Cza76BDOUo7XtPHMJKSoHmF4Bg/w640-h480/IMG_4257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to... Mayhem.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">No worries, I'll be right as rain in a week or two. Just don't make me laugh - or cough - or sneeze (and for the time being, I'd rather not move or breathe deeply - but this, too, shall pass.)</p><p style="text-align: center;">PS: the runner ducks are now on lock-down, as Hubbs found them preying over the froggy nursery yesterday morning. They will be on yard arrest until our little eggs hatch, and our tadpoles turn into polliwogs... then finally when, as froglets, they exit the vernal pond and head for the woods, the ducks will be allowed back out to roam at will.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvOmbdA7IgVi7XGhcWySK6FTvz8q362meY1-rz7Q6ErG9V_gnUdRhPH7W6lEEXQI9XhrWWih4JgdEXaZHQVcax4njskX4Fmx8R01GKH1LL4Ug_etRRUQ6b6I_MS9qayLS0mvv_2GFgafbg2m0pMwnDhZLmi6hjxscImXkba2h4bxdNpOS0hfPiStewos/s800/IMG_2330.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvOmbdA7IgVi7XGhcWySK6FTvz8q362meY1-rz7Q6ErG9V_gnUdRhPH7W6lEEXQI9XhrWWih4JgdEXaZHQVcax4njskX4Fmx8R01GKH1LL4Ug_etRRUQ6b6I_MS9qayLS0mvv_2GFgafbg2m0pMwnDhZLmi6hjxscImXkba2h4bxdNpOS0hfPiStewos/w640-h480/IMG_2330.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-9237826138206117852024-03-12T03:00:00.002-04:002024-03-12T06:35:58.790-04:00March Winds<p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was a beautiful blue-skied sunny day - perfect, if one doesn't mind being blown away! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3459SrfuUYf2gS5gKx3qWk461tJsja9he_jO4IGQXaS98uoplGTGwj4dMiWVXbgKL0FEOJvUIwg1nzl2EYkLLX5T-1MJ63mp1-4vzsxxnm4Iq4acUkLpfHkVPjksIsl6Atq8_UpVgwAcWZ60O1NPaeviF1DO3UeX9lPhyIuJSfCOf24wAjz9ZvEWsOw/s4032/IMG_4235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3459SrfuUYf2gS5gKx3qWk461tJsja9he_jO4IGQXaS98uoplGTGwj4dMiWVXbgKL0FEOJvUIwg1nzl2EYkLLX5T-1MJ63mp1-4vzsxxnm4Iq4acUkLpfHkVPjksIsl6Atq8_UpVgwAcWZ60O1NPaeviF1DO3UeX9lPhyIuJSfCOf24wAjz9ZvEWsOw/w480-h640/IMG_4235.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Such fierce winds! But those winds... they serve a purpose. And this week they are blowing out the cold and ushering in some warmer temperatures. By week's end we will be back up into the 60's again. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I took a trip out to the wood frog nursery yesterday afternoon. I have to go without this fellow, however. (We've dubbed him The Great Disrupter.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBeVB5WJoBsVHdoRuWSVaaZmSI7ls_xm8Y3oN6_MVgj1u_xoD6cuBL2h9tjCccan7lW9ElNO5NktRkhEIcNKT8vAGN_xiE9FcgzCITLohGcQc1DC8mpGRIsTYe27xkb7JFoIz0_UaT3Ue2VxrvjzOMhScDTc7uy7prJRrmWw-mkS0DROlYwXIgJkNcZk/s6000/DSC_0039.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBeVB5WJoBsVHdoRuWSVaaZmSI7ls_xm8Y3oN6_MVgj1u_xoD6cuBL2h9tjCccan7lW9ElNO5NktRkhEIcNKT8vAGN_xiE9FcgzCITLohGcQc1DC8mpGRIsTYe27xkb7JFoIz0_UaT3Ue2VxrvjzOMhScDTc7uy7prJRrmWw-mkS0DROlYwXIgJkNcZk/w426-h640/DSC_0039.jpeg" width="426" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> There is no keeping him out of puddles and mud, so, a trip to a vernal pond is definitely out of the question for him. Alone, I tip-toed over to the puddle and saw two little frogs keeping watch over all of the masses of eggs that have now risen to the surface. Seeing me, they quickly slurped beneath the surface and underneath a mass of eggs. I had read that some males stay behind to watch over the nests.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kVfuU7zDIF5jQjm4ye60uvyqfnwFuID31JnBbuhy8ehFmM05YiNsMZ0_dIaxr9FTNl8cCczK5Tlmj7Y-BXdUS4MTaWXjswZ-IZmmYCi7CsYogWx8mD64sSihddwxifl7leMse0yEWYA86eLFRL6-v9SLtz34YCATfiYBcEf7cC6xGfzzCX4Q_GpBCxM/s6000/DSC_0036.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kVfuU7zDIF5jQjm4ye60uvyqfnwFuID31JnBbuhy8ehFmM05YiNsMZ0_dIaxr9FTNl8cCczK5Tlmj7Y-BXdUS4MTaWXjswZ-IZmmYCi7CsYogWx8mD64sSihddwxifl7leMse0yEWYA86eLFRL6-v9SLtz34YCATfiYBcEf7cC6xGfzzCX4Q_GpBCxM/w640-h426/DSC_0036.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Inside each egg, a tiny embryo is quickly developing. You can see the black dot on some of the eggs pictured. Within days, these eggs will hatch and this puddle will be filled with tadpoles!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM8C4c2op_fXaSKibjeEFpwTH3e6umdgxFu5uhjygBrB4parrzorctKKaExpWCyMMbw_em-TGBxONvUhSgP8FLzZA7AgawIdkLy_PxKMcobpT3mvAmJBeTJRZNHcivPJWICuUQfuyrEHxW4cW8e8jJ7GLuyB8rcpNgSTzES92XnIpSquBbN_rCfRSZDk/s6000/DSC_0037.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM8C4c2op_fXaSKibjeEFpwTH3e6umdgxFu5uhjygBrB4parrzorctKKaExpWCyMMbw_em-TGBxONvUhSgP8FLzZA7AgawIdkLy_PxKMcobpT3mvAmJBeTJRZNHcivPJWICuUQfuyrEHxW4cW8e8jJ7GLuyB8rcpNgSTzES92XnIpSquBbN_rCfRSZDk/w640-h426/DSC_0037.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am hoping that this group of marauders stays away from the puddle. I am hoping that they are clueless as to what lies just beneath the surface. After all, little tadpoles might just be tasty hors d'oeuvres for ducks!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdUoMBD0r27DfepPypd9Up17nt9cfazq4GySs-9oPoAXfeALiGYXf4hpeZ3-Z17XnREjaR35ti8TT25AJSfXJpYFiNuiXeggvzEw8xDWr4hzDJIfBv60WzR1mzqCZ-prsbaI5jRFdldzndKF5WPIXa3GkRBrkftsDcTNo72_Ai-WeY5NqSnKYfqomss4/s6000/DSC_0033.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdUoMBD0r27DfepPypd9Up17nt9cfazq4GySs-9oPoAXfeALiGYXf4hpeZ3-Z17XnREjaR35ti8TT25AJSfXJpYFiNuiXeggvzEw8xDWr4hzDJIfBv60WzR1mzqCZ-prsbaI5jRFdldzndKF5WPIXa3GkRBrkftsDcTNo72_Ai-WeY5NqSnKYfqomss4/w640-h426/DSC_0033.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In fact, there are so many threats (chickens included) to these tiny amphibian babies' lives - it's no wonder each frog lays so very many eggs! Nature seems to find a way, despite the dangers. I will be doing my best to help assure these tiny froglets make it to the croaking stage (no pun intended!).<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OTkInTgb_Y4ILUtTMCpS3y24lRrkE8zsahboQ0fKAUmewD4TM4ezwvfY0kr9_soiRbe-xiWjoMiruVkwWDCsroH8RmcC3DZOb6nTFVqR2HSAZWHX8G6RtWZ8ajZ_ujY402dVbpZmRlgiDHHMZ3B_yi6be8PxF6fXKGzExgL0PlwUQCzCZDYYbU95nN8/s6000/DSC_0038.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OTkInTgb_Y4ILUtTMCpS3y24lRrkE8zsahboQ0fKAUmewD4TM4ezwvfY0kr9_soiRbe-xiWjoMiruVkwWDCsroH8RmcC3DZOb6nTFVqR2HSAZWHX8G6RtWZ8ajZ_ujY402dVbpZmRlgiDHHMZ3B_yi6be8PxF6fXKGzExgL0PlwUQCzCZDYYbU95nN8/w640-h426/DSC_0038.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With fierce winds blowing, yesterday, it was the perfect day for this kitty to stay indoors,</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK9cqaoWZ19tSjBmL7BSf7wdr3qHNkL4ksPZKe5YrCFi5dKx3K4GP-lyf-RFj6YFCbWhU1pqQLU6hid1s3KZ0PQqk7awgM-ZXwHDpJuv2ptEfWwYTgfxCg3GXf6qoN5XpK5WUIvgsq4z6v6tIol6CXO2nGK9fjkznPVrUcUW22eUQWix8kjNUCTADs68/s4032/IMG_4227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK9cqaoWZ19tSjBmL7BSf7wdr3qHNkL4ksPZKe5YrCFi5dKx3K4GP-lyf-RFj6YFCbWhU1pqQLU6hid1s3KZ0PQqk7awgM-ZXwHDpJuv2ptEfWwYTgfxCg3GXf6qoN5XpK5WUIvgsq4z6v6tIol6CXO2nGK9fjkznPVrUcUW22eUQWix8kjNUCTADs68/w640-h480/IMG_4227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">napping in the sun on the kitchen windowsill. See her little foot resting on the faucet?? ❤️</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-xLT0isW4eCA4EAbSQLWGxKtr_c0BEZg5eBulBXfQ4dK_osfa9WzmgxNtG_wn-3B3PDYlfjOrPDMmyM-8lJRj_KxUMSRaMP13JITIm-u5FEpgQrG3NUClLU2gkMiS8n8oiM-tSh2dKmTt56Sy3-D-UC3lzDzyLfHXaGTIA8rLtebJji4KB6uy0UvHq8/s4032/IMG_4229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-xLT0isW4eCA4EAbSQLWGxKtr_c0BEZg5eBulBXfQ4dK_osfa9WzmgxNtG_wn-3B3PDYlfjOrPDMmyM-8lJRj_KxUMSRaMP13JITIm-u5FEpgQrG3NUClLU2gkMiS8n8oiM-tSh2dKmTt56Sy3-D-UC3lzDzyLfHXaGTIA8rLtebJji4KB6uy0UvHq8/w480-h640/IMG_4229.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday, on our woods walk, we found this curiosity. It is a beech nut that has germinated right in the middle of the main trail back into the woods (not a great place for a beech tree!). But still a wondrous sight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LQSUvhLikExNSy9nuO_lwDgOJ16fkgZsVksIcTVXFDH2XQj6duhjyXAE_-wLT4CRIDe2n508CvmoPFYyrVBDo2Ys14OlHrE45ZqbEFpCFDR6Qt36-rr-YcVF-id13_-bp0_A3ggth1oflzg-gfiOW3OZXkzCcTBMfF6KxjVxCF10yC72F4EjBYqctxQ/s4032/IMG_4243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LQSUvhLikExNSy9nuO_lwDgOJ16fkgZsVksIcTVXFDH2XQj6duhjyXAE_-wLT4CRIDe2n508CvmoPFYyrVBDo2Ys14OlHrE45ZqbEFpCFDR6Qt36-rr-YcVF-id13_-bp0_A3ggth1oflzg-gfiOW3OZXkzCcTBMfF6KxjVxCF10yC72F4EjBYqctxQ/w480-h640/IMG_4243.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">PS... for those of you who requested it... the Mineral Soak Salts recipe was on Friday's blog.</p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-42431782565945599952024-03-11T03:00:00.010-04:002024-03-11T03:00:00.128-04:00March<p style="text-align: center;">March is an erratic month, as fickle as human emotion. It embraces us with the warmth of spring, coaxing flowers to bloom and spirits to soar with its gentle breezes and abundant sunshine. Yet, just as quickly, it turns cold and tempestuous - unleashing its wrath in sudden storms and icy gusts that chill our bones and dampen our soul. Much like navigating the ebb and flow of our own feelings, March requires resilience and adaptability. It teaches us patience. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoJWuKMDNKktpdWelfi6CzW6axDRLEp3WCx5V00tWdqC1PzdPobIG2vzgGPDEHFTG7lLyc8rj93YVp4mVfoP9UihpWe6oIpv9JEcF1coWt_LySGitmI2UYBN88313Wn2hvV9z3WQJMwOTZbMIAiIlK_RzOA3EprtT_EBSueAGy2zMlay3yupBzOSVbE4/s4032/IMG_4199.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoJWuKMDNKktpdWelfi6CzW6axDRLEp3WCx5V00tWdqC1PzdPobIG2vzgGPDEHFTG7lLyc8rj93YVp4mVfoP9UihpWe6oIpv9JEcF1coWt_LySGitmI2UYBN88313Wn2hvV9z3WQJMwOTZbMIAiIlK_RzOA3EprtT_EBSueAGy2zMlay3yupBzOSVbE4/w480-h640/IMG_4199.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p>After last week's sublimely warm temperatures, the weekend turned sharply colder - delivering to us yet another inch of rain, fierce winds, and a snow squall.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYwEhyk2SptfEuci1VyHx9tB1JSYtQABvUkYWAa0I67KNYa9bQ6Frt7TRkIzYqSx01CDAI9SMNGEUcSDGkrlkqs30iLpW1rrneswzNXMhmUe6eddrMnc9iQBXU3y-d2Twrwb8FodxjQ9Ez6eUyfckN64_d2fJF5upHlTUTDCHMuUiooqowNOOtubFzoc/s4032/IMG_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYwEhyk2SptfEuci1VyHx9tB1JSYtQABvUkYWAa0I67KNYa9bQ6Frt7TRkIzYqSx01CDAI9SMNGEUcSDGkrlkqs30iLpW1rrneswzNXMhmUe6eddrMnc9iQBXU3y-d2Twrwb8FodxjQ9Ez6eUyfckN64_d2fJF5upHlTUTDCHMuUiooqowNOOtubFzoc/w480-h640/IMG_4224.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I had hoped to work in the greenhouse as the new roof was to be finished on Friday. However, as life would have it... there is more work to be done on the greenhouse early this week. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGeUOAw4ZFI_PcF9pf9er1A4LLv0wQFqTw2U5sLQBUbXxerMHnptlyOc_XyuhgQPxEaJ7Sx7A-TlHxXdyoixO0StUapGt_HUbqn2jGWA6BEpSi33Jd8OTLJ_H1AoRFk4dVY6GGMXQ5reRnLo3kjFNWrRW31ZW8GoB8C0WpV4Y_Zt0hJ5KDJb9oRHgQbs/s4032/IMG_4217.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGeUOAw4ZFI_PcF9pf9er1A4LLv0wQFqTw2U5sLQBUbXxerMHnptlyOc_XyuhgQPxEaJ7Sx7A-TlHxXdyoixO0StUapGt_HUbqn2jGWA6BEpSi33Jd8OTLJ_H1AoRFk4dVY6GGMXQ5reRnLo3kjFNWrRW31ZW8GoB8C0WpV4Y_Zt0hJ5KDJb9oRHgQbs/w640-h480/IMG_4217.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Rather than put my tiny pots of soil and seed at risk for being disturbed or worse, stepped upon, I edited my to-do list, pushing seed-starting into the coming week. Instead, I stayed indoors and enjoyed working on some embroidery by a roaring fire - one of the season's last, I imagine. And at the end of the day, I treated myself to a mineral soak. (To answer a question from Friday.... the herbs are all dried herbs - dried and chopped fairly fine)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKgiu332-OCWs65gNG2dcp1T-sm4gUXSJdsX0iq6nrhasQb5_PkVC8ZBg8EIYrc4Y4GUtCT9B1_o1U1laPhseCdRpTrTAGNuZIBr3uL_htpN_4MKTg02HcmJT3q-piEk8UbTxnpj3L01_VYXRvDNUdrgDN-ao-47rgUV79aQr7Ep1QcKWjGsxt5JsjSI/s4032/IMG_4222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKgiu332-OCWs65gNG2dcp1T-sm4gUXSJdsX0iq6nrhasQb5_PkVC8ZBg8EIYrc4Y4GUtCT9B1_o1U1laPhseCdRpTrTAGNuZIBr3uL_htpN_4MKTg02HcmJT3q-piEk8UbTxnpj3L01_VYXRvDNUdrgDN-ao-47rgUV79aQr7Ep1QcKWjGsxt5JsjSI/w480-h640/IMG_4222.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Baking bread, roasting chicken (protein for the coming week's salads), making mushroom risotto, homemade spaghetti sauce, a spinach and tomato frittata (to use up some wilting tomatoes) were a few of the kitchen activities of the weekend. Back to the mushroom risotto.... I found these types of mushrooms in a fresh, organic variety pack at Costco last week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4yv2esb_JCY3mYBAdav1IjeDCORx26Nk2xCVg_28-WdxZFTbI9bDG2NKgw9VSi2L6TrF0V7ed-oVsvT91ElutDN2SAyzPpK8cacrcmYuqk7pGMJn4nv2IByiI1F6aXr4CyA456TBNxDlTU5rmT4KB2lWXbFBj9xIumKr3jdPIBk72uQjzbmF0UQ9lx8/s225/IMG_6312.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4yv2esb_JCY3mYBAdav1IjeDCORx26Nk2xCVg_28-WdxZFTbI9bDG2NKgw9VSi2L6TrF0V7ed-oVsvT91ElutDN2SAyzPpK8cacrcmYuqk7pGMJn4nv2IByiI1F6aXr4CyA456TBNxDlTU5rmT4KB2lWXbFBj9xIumKr3jdPIBk72uQjzbmF0UQ9lx8/s1600/IMG_6312.JPEG" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> It's the second week in a row that I have purchased them because they are absolutely delicious. The first week, I simply roasted them in the oven with other vegetables, seasoned with my rosemary-garlic sea salt (I keep this "from the garden" salt on hand for seasoning just about everything). This week, I decided to use them in <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/85389/gourmet-mushroom-risotto/">this risotto.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zZYtf9Gr6Sps5ed9uxSTV8rD7TTpSrWqZaGm9OK-V2ESV-HTgVANoSsititvbr3tjNBIb6yK_rkCLFQPO775qtxys05f9ZwHosT1yeMg7xmJQB1VK4-oxdk2putu1iAmlHnbq6XPvs0r2f55sIzhZ_wVblbCDKeP_5wrhjHH3ZjnN2E6rxA1D_vAerY/s4032/IMG_4183.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zZYtf9Gr6Sps5ed9uxSTV8rD7TTpSrWqZaGm9OK-V2ESV-HTgVANoSsititvbr3tjNBIb6yK_rkCLFQPO775qtxys05f9ZwHosT1yeMg7xmJQB1VK4-oxdk2putu1iAmlHnbq6XPvs0r2f55sIzhZ_wVblbCDKeP_5wrhjHH3ZjnN2E6rxA1D_vAerY/w480-h640/IMG_4183.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As for the sourdough bread... I replaced 40% of the flour in the recipe with home-milled flour. The recipe calls for 20% whole wheat - so I swapped that with home-milled whole wheat. Then I also swapped out another 20% of the total flour weight - substituting another 100 grams of the bread flour with home-milled wheat that I sifted to remove the outer bran. Part of the reason that a whole wheat loaf of sourdough bread can be so very dense is the fact that the bran (after milling) ends up very sharp and cuts the gluten fibers (the gluten holds the dough together and allows it to become stretchy, so that the carbon dioxide that is given off in the fermentation process can give the dough an airy rise). Sifting out that bran helps to reduce this problem. However the bran is a very healthy part of the wheat. So, instead of tossing the bran, I then sprinkle it on the outside of the loaf before baking. I have also begun baking smaller loaves - dividing the dough of a single loaf into two boules. One can then be frozen for later use.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpBaAbhWAhwz_23pxsA0azb6e3vVIbRsuBWVeaiG5E1yQBHNnvD4mSBdxRjRcM4Hewr73SnhFyaceZVFVAj3sHbp9qCJnTFS-ZmNZx7apZobxuor8ZN0oDoCLmnwPcByOFPNSRlaLUp_SRh5FKICjJl9sYHJ1lyskIZcYem5L7JK3eKWtYzsOEa-gG58/s4032/IMG_4181.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpBaAbhWAhwz_23pxsA0azb6e3vVIbRsuBWVeaiG5E1yQBHNnvD4mSBdxRjRcM4Hewr73SnhFyaceZVFVAj3sHbp9qCJnTFS-ZmNZx7apZobxuor8ZN0oDoCLmnwPcByOFPNSRlaLUp_SRh5FKICjJl9sYHJ1lyskIZcYem5L7JK3eKWtYzsOEa-gG58/w480-h640/IMG_4181.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mentioned lately how rotund Pete has gotten. This photo might give you an idea of what I mean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> He is a very long cat and he's a chubb!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7yDQTPRtqJB2qnSqaEislDnGIgpoB3TdzVK5MII22c9VB95D8gBxhFv4y1rO42fzhAAjKBpE7DzbzEra-iEJQqTfhMzFtib82JD9Ege3jzJSFTwo2pB0u2OEqwyp9TD8qaCNfXf4klO5XNo4CYZvJ5zb8ZO6qn_tkC3aLxgjdboTlcjMJBcc05Bj3MM/s4032/IMG_4185.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7yDQTPRtqJB2qnSqaEislDnGIgpoB3TdzVK5MII22c9VB95D8gBxhFv4y1rO42fzhAAjKBpE7DzbzEra-iEJQqTfhMzFtib82JD9Ege3jzJSFTwo2pB0u2OEqwyp9TD8qaCNfXf4klO5XNo4CYZvJ5zb8ZO6qn_tkC3aLxgjdboTlcjMJBcc05Bj3MM/w480-h640/IMG_4185.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In spite of the weekend's rain and wind, we did our daily woods walks. It is seriously the only way we can get Forrest to keep from bouncing off the walls. At 11 months now, he remains a very high energy pup. I am hoping that perhaps he might settle down with age. (Please assure me he will!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIodixCiJ3lF13b_s3mooXDKfaBby4YAQsqZf_yTpM9l8rUx3nOhfFLtjTsW_NChieu1HsO-pdTybCA1TpgcIOMmoL1e8RT6mYjmOvr56tx_R32xdAFW0UvQUJudklEfy2M3bUp0eoM6_Si7Luvonv_5grOHy6JokvYD9dgpLctWeDeVplmp-ZHY_aSU/s4032/IMG_4189.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIodixCiJ3lF13b_s3mooXDKfaBby4YAQsqZf_yTpM9l8rUx3nOhfFLtjTsW_NChieu1HsO-pdTybCA1TpgcIOMmoL1e8RT6mYjmOvr56tx_R32xdAFW0UvQUJudklEfy2M3bUp0eoM6_Si7Luvonv_5grOHy6JokvYD9dgpLctWeDeVplmp-ZHY_aSU/w640-h480/IMG_4189.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do have to say... besides keeping us active, Forrest keeps us laughing. Rearranging hay piles is one of his favorite games.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6PWOWl-iXDzuGGIXcvp187FKm8shWKFGdWK-dId3h5uoS-rifa4kE98KXjBag3WvpcnCw7_A4J2CqZimYX2BWe7e-uAcqpI0NTYW7R9Ea1dnOv0jSaps3vR1xCjDkLs-1116NXDveJcPCEGnfksa1WI4-ufxIeWhBD1YnD7uSPb0JEt1iRtBt4Rw7s/s4032/IMG_4219.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6PWOWl-iXDzuGGIXcvp187FKm8shWKFGdWK-dId3h5uoS-rifa4kE98KXjBag3WvpcnCw7_A4J2CqZimYX2BWe7e-uAcqpI0NTYW7R9Ea1dnOv0jSaps3vR1xCjDkLs-1116NXDveJcPCEGnfksa1WI4-ufxIeWhBD1YnD7uSPb0JEt1iRtBt4Rw7s/w480-h640/IMG_4219.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My heart just about bursts when I see these two together...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQT3zAplKEPozyJvfvA4VSM7GzlyRJvK1LiQRooU9eGJg4Iav3QSf2YCFBYQquq9EEK0RiVntFB2E9ASJnd_G3XkPBP0hyphenhyphenHVez_Cn2JriNlBlHjr1UmerIG7SdXG3J41OQB8Q53PsU1UL4z4zwqtCN-swHm204j_IdRZ462E1__ZP_HfnBZ5xm2-A9xo/s4032/IMG_4212.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQT3zAplKEPozyJvfvA4VSM7GzlyRJvK1LiQRooU9eGJg4Iav3QSf2YCFBYQquq9EEK0RiVntFB2E9ASJnd_G3XkPBP0hyphenhyphenHVez_Cn2JriNlBlHjr1UmerIG7SdXG3J41OQB8Q53PsU1UL4z4zwqtCN-swHm204j_IdRZ462E1__ZP_HfnBZ5xm2-A9xo/w480-h640/IMG_4212.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOR_vtuPbfkhL-Dwwdj6_dn7QtLglU_ozmsWs9nUcsEcE1EWx3fDDWDjJuihqSPEgpxbEzp-p40qUbaN_BT8t00MJRdEhAgQfB9T7b_oZZ_-mdmwk642xnrSMDkruNl2M8Z7sdJM6-neZk-BkrUwESC_s4dmBjI9WiUXTtWdl3WCsqZTuQo6oUEzdrs/s4032/IMG_4201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcOR_vtuPbfkhL-Dwwdj6_dn7QtLglU_ozmsWs9nUcsEcE1EWx3fDDWDjJuihqSPEgpxbEzp-p40qUbaN_BT8t00MJRdEhAgQfB9T7b_oZZ_-mdmwk642xnrSMDkruNl2M8Z7sdJM6-neZk-BkrUwESC_s4dmBjI9WiUXTtWdl3WCsqZTuQo6oUEzdrs/w480-h640/IMG_4201.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkBB4Fi_BMMuqHG1hY5GfThDDvVQjmRsxzd1jpsNcm3K6MbWLhQ8H8qPYFfINoGYQtvqfczxtUdORdL83hFXmz-FCZPunYvQ6goCPvll8YU26ykQa4s2ocUR9Bdn0BYG3ZrV0qhoLeAjUbvJYDv1-bIqZIEYPMD5t5qHjKwh7HJ3XqJgqOTdRPrR3dVc/s4032/IMG_4207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkBB4Fi_BMMuqHG1hY5GfThDDvVQjmRsxzd1jpsNcm3K6MbWLhQ8H8qPYFfINoGYQtvqfczxtUdORdL83hFXmz-FCZPunYvQ6goCPvll8YU26ykQa4s2ocUR9Bdn0BYG3ZrV0qhoLeAjUbvJYDv1-bIqZIEYPMD5t5qHjKwh7HJ3XqJgqOTdRPrR3dVc/w480-h640/IMG_4207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILLlDDoPPx0dmz_eO8Ws2A-s1v1dwnD5Mldl9Elvbmg98wspw39D_vbJAeru53vgU8XzzRHQyTN6nXIa87OCueXfZfnHaPj-Ee0UNdIqydMRWaMfqeO_EAMrp3Mu_0PS_3XVzYvUhuAKEM9K5GbxgttRxddAX8esWX5FKebo2IpXAJ23h-jbDYI4pkRY/s4032/IMG_4209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILLlDDoPPx0dmz_eO8Ws2A-s1v1dwnD5Mldl9Elvbmg98wspw39D_vbJAeru53vgU8XzzRHQyTN6nXIa87OCueXfZfnHaPj-Ee0UNdIqydMRWaMfqeO_EAMrp3Mu_0PS_3XVzYvUhuAKEM9K5GbxgttRxddAX8esWX5FKebo2IpXAJ23h-jbDYI4pkRY/w480-h640/IMG_4209.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, the grass is incredibly green now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnWRK4qHBi61FD9GfdQ8nS_QllkHYDG26oCllGw5f0NWqv8xDIWym-65dFCZw8Qs-9rN8Eoh0WqbhD8JvEoh3v2C-UM0WTedMjpxjj-Y_YrkA_0stSE_97rdP98Ht1DF_SzFlG3d1cG7gg7xWTC0C39UU2rhag9h2bwZPghRLbg3Q3nU5csraf7oimHk/s4032/IMG_4220.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnWRK4qHBi61FD9GfdQ8nS_QllkHYDG26oCllGw5f0NWqv8xDIWym-65dFCZw8Qs-9rN8Eoh0WqbhD8JvEoh3v2C-UM0WTedMjpxjj-Y_YrkA_0stSE_97rdP98Ht1DF_SzFlG3d1cG7gg7xWTC0C39UU2rhag9h2bwZPghRLbg3Q3nU5csraf7oimHk/w480-h640/IMG_4220.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pasture has not yet caught up to the rest of the farm, but then, quite a bit of it is under water!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w4KqGdSWFbeMGOLhYahUPaUXB05F7SWQfWWLBL_56qyZP0dHBU0sYcb7jfbNmxjfVtIUcP5H8hlTKRAD86UoVWRy4xxErbZM3ZoYL0lwNRek1Iv_dMG6rwdU0DzTsapYKKAxX7Vqf1rA7omC-H77-mktkA0Ki2pALXiWpyNVp8uhDLygsyf6h6H85wc/s4032/IMG_4214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w4KqGdSWFbeMGOLhYahUPaUXB05F7SWQfWWLBL_56qyZP0dHBU0sYcb7jfbNmxjfVtIUcP5H8hlTKRAD86UoVWRy4xxErbZM3ZoYL0lwNRek1Iv_dMG6rwdU0DzTsapYKKAxX7Vqf1rA7omC-H77-mktkA0Ki2pALXiWpyNVp8uhDLygsyf6h6H85wc/w640-h480/IMG_4214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If nothing else... March is synonymous with Mud!</div></div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-32284874566809944932024-03-08T03:00:00.001-05:002024-03-08T03:00:00.126-05:00More on the Subject...<p style="text-align: center;"> The overall theme of this past week seems to be that of all the sets of eyes that are on us while we go about our lives, completely unaware. Now that I have a little more time, I thought we could talk about that little quacking, clown-faced amphibian group that visited the vernal ponds (long-lasting spring puddles) behind our compost piles.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you didn't have a chance to view yesterday's quick video - you definitely missed out on a treat. (If you missed it, <a href="https://youtu.be/7pF7ztUuPtM?si=WbzOu4DWZeY7UJ2I">you can see it HERE</a>.). In all the years we have lived here on the our farm at the edge of the woods, this is the first time we have ever witnessed this incredible occurrence. The timing was perfect - we were in the right place at the right time. Although, quite honestly, the racket that these little creatures made was hard to miss!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkVECbg0gZE_SSsjJQIDJg0saIyI4cNg3Qn8Dkhr3_BVVily7Gq7b5ynyIDfXFKs8qltHql4AcD-cMOmPAAGbaZkuto6BwxByhjPchpKNvXy-6R1qfezdWvVFYFpgyil9AK0mFJ5L65Ojl2MkZEqjm_eW2kgCgu5FvjaNp2bI94elA9GYo97ryHorQs4/s1284/IMG_4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1284" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkVECbg0gZE_SSsjJQIDJg0saIyI4cNg3Qn8Dkhr3_BVVily7Gq7b5ynyIDfXFKs8qltHql4AcD-cMOmPAAGbaZkuto6BwxByhjPchpKNvXy-6R1qfezdWvVFYFpgyil9AK0mFJ5L65Ojl2MkZEqjm_eW2kgCgu5FvjaNp2bI94elA9GYo97ryHorQs4/w640-h626/IMG_4171.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs quickly identified these little visitors as ones belonging to a large group of true frogs - American Water frogs. In this general group there are many types of frogs... including bull frogs and spring peepers. These were not spring peepers. Peepers have a much higher pitch to their song. And peepers are a smaller frog. The frogs that we found mating in our large compost puddle two nights ago were specifically <b>wood frogs</b>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TCsCBr6fK6iAuMIuWZ3mYUtvGKHbAZIWwA-LgSosPaOnJkrT-watBCVm9XVqucGXc-sYHaL6rs2vPzw8sMzDq7rWf9OYWzno7YuCSv552m5R8s25MpYvxj5jSNtZPnQONlfb3mFiFF8xdm9vqQ1Kbx-iVzv8XllMBOfizTzR4PRd0ujRXTLkw55SlVQ/s1284/IMG_4177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1284" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TCsCBr6fK6iAuMIuWZ3mYUtvGKHbAZIWwA-LgSosPaOnJkrT-watBCVm9XVqucGXc-sYHaL6rs2vPzw8sMzDq7rWf9OYWzno7YuCSv552m5R8s25MpYvxj5jSNtZPnQONlfb3mFiFF8xdm9vqQ1Kbx-iVzv8XllMBOfizTzR4PRd0ujRXTLkw55SlVQ/s320/IMG_4177.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Wood frogs are quite fascinating. They have the ability to stop their hearts, produce a sugary substance within their blood and tissues that acts as antifreeze; and commit themselves to a state of frozen, suspended animation for the winter months. Then, as the earth warms in early March, they re-animate and get busy with their most important task in life... mating. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a3N1_lb1WDnGrgHQdDTLAITcrgXcPLv5LjJCBkMmCGQSyW0rATviiUrLUUCaWkv2EUQn_AGNHnRru0SeOhL1aXtbWjCh-YAejX0Gm8TS8bZcVDNgETlV2Ei30eA60rmzILuMenv08NPgFyFJOXzExIS0bDpWZOmtamY7xTtDrXiLYh9LPK-WuxDZAFk/s4032/IMG_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a3N1_lb1WDnGrgHQdDTLAITcrgXcPLv5LjJCBkMmCGQSyW0rATviiUrLUUCaWkv2EUQn_AGNHnRru0SeOhL1aXtbWjCh-YAejX0Gm8TS8bZcVDNgETlV2Ei30eA60rmzILuMenv08NPgFyFJOXzExIS0bDpWZOmtamY7xTtDrXiLYh9LPK-WuxDZAFk/w640-h480/IMG_4162.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday morning, we went to inspect the pool of water in which we had seen them the previous night. Not a single frog was visible - just a mass of individual clumps of eggs.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau6IfDjYWXmUPkadCZZjxizgO8VqyFHx3ag9i4OVlzCsJz9PvlAD9Yv3PsaHkTVYZ7Hhjam2d5iUn1T__bjYUmpPC1E1tdpH0BlqZBV-LZilsPdR-eq87pm3UA2n79KOxnKd3_qZVZIKR2sslC4xUFcVHY_NZBMZqPl7fsIAx4Y4YJ6XlLfEoPYyB5Ak/s4032/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau6IfDjYWXmUPkadCZZjxizgO8VqyFHx3ag9i4OVlzCsJz9PvlAD9Yv3PsaHkTVYZ7Hhjam2d5iUn1T__bjYUmpPC1E1tdpH0BlqZBV-LZilsPdR-eq87pm3UA2n79KOxnKd3_qZVZIKR2sslC4xUFcVHY_NZBMZqPl7fsIAx4Y4YJ6XlLfEoPYyB5Ak/w640-h480/IMG_4161.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> These eggs will rise to the surface within the next week and about 3 days thereafter will hatch. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAGZp8izegV0h1UrgErEdMp_-pyTfbF6J2rkww-36j3IbSIxplIT_shWS3VznGHgUSR-VMF_isT2HV9QK9HgPLXvB-CB9VB7zNjiK2D99ZbqKsaVs8a7_kqIQvgV2fCzafgFjGIm7A9_uBbj5hjG6unVvOWvcaw0ObZRO1UQdcVCuV9U3IkORIcl9No/s4032/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAGZp8izegV0h1UrgErEdMp_-pyTfbF6J2rkww-36j3IbSIxplIT_shWS3VznGHgUSR-VMF_isT2HV9QK9HgPLXvB-CB9VB7zNjiK2D99ZbqKsaVs8a7_kqIQvgV2fCzafgFjGIm7A9_uBbj5hjG6unVvOWvcaw0ObZRO1UQdcVCuV9U3IkORIcl9No/w640-h480/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs and I will make sure that this puddle does not dry out. If our rainy season wanes, we will add water to the puddles to assure the little tadpoles have the opportunity to reach maturity. Once they develop legs, they will head for the woodlands where they will spend the summer months feasting on insects and decaying leaves. This is the only species of frog that also lives above the Arctic Circle!</p><p style="text-align: center;">The more I learn about each individual creature that I meet here on the farm, the more I am filled with awe. This Earth, on which we get to live out our human lives, is nothing short of miraculous... in so many glorious, tiny ways! And imagine what life would be like without all of these creatures that eat insects!</p><p style="text-align: center;">You've gotta love frogs!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now that the weather is a little warmer, our woodsy walks are revealing more and more mushrooms.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O0gyAIqmTFS4IxcGR2F2d15LBCkstQqELoL7_vNSdOZbZjL5CCGcLdsYe65rD4jiT0qycL0R68NEJbaRf4AbVc5c3wSUVNT_RseU_jFu5dCkXOnfvyUO5d5HymMc_UHE2RzUn5ow1UbdBKIcUZVG5viLKYB3It-gOLzTvaukNGc90Zy4SyEm7fnrDR0/s4032/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O0gyAIqmTFS4IxcGR2F2d15LBCkstQqELoL7_vNSdOZbZjL5CCGcLdsYe65rD4jiT0qycL0R68NEJbaRf4AbVc5c3wSUVNT_RseU_jFu5dCkXOnfvyUO5d5HymMc_UHE2RzUn5ow1UbdBKIcUZVG5viLKYB3It-gOLzTvaukNGc90Zy4SyEm7fnrDR0/w480-h640/IMG_4146.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Every walk is like a scavenger hunt. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L_FGyuGwq6Jn-VwxbXHu4CrpeN4VTRxtBWP98xfTbcF1gRiS670dUVTZL8ibIj1QZ1ZHZGicz0aJAO-62yzRx0z4I9TMc0Tlj6YItCSTbbS1a9RhygnAaLeAl2NEanjAXQOE3DciQMGBf2jxzdwIUJncs5-Ed3OMmbwhTrDiZxEvtxYT0Cq56EjGqDY/s4032/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L_FGyuGwq6Jn-VwxbXHu4CrpeN4VTRxtBWP98xfTbcF1gRiS670dUVTZL8ibIj1QZ1ZHZGicz0aJAO-62yzRx0z4I9TMc0Tlj6YItCSTbbS1a9RhygnAaLeAl2NEanjAXQOE3DciQMGBf2jxzdwIUJncs5-Ed3OMmbwhTrDiZxEvtxYT0Cq56EjGqDY/w640-h480/IMG_4149.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We never know what might be growing on a stump, log, or freshly fallen tree.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE6JO0AWkVyVPBBakrkZ-PolCOBpJ52FRiri6pHj4gMujUMiHyq7h6zygnZcomrBJeIOEZDPGEK2Bzp-bqBwmdJLUC8i5l5doQnsqWj5-CCXCqpvZkP5mHr7CeN0iT6LzpTJmskmzPzpI9tUSPOgjlWP2wVac_3L2CnrRDbt9S0GgPit2Nr5tilBsWVM/s4032/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE6JO0AWkVyVPBBakrkZ-PolCOBpJ52FRiri6pHj4gMujUMiHyq7h6zygnZcomrBJeIOEZDPGEK2Bzp-bqBwmdJLUC8i5l5doQnsqWj5-CCXCqpvZkP5mHr7CeN0iT6LzpTJmskmzPzpI9tUSPOgjlWP2wVac_3L2CnrRDbt9S0GgPit2Nr5tilBsWVM/w480-h640/IMG_4138.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stalked Puffball (from last year... spores already dispersed)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GC6b7W80zlGnSGxx9bst5IEkTo2grH0x_NE_GANTIcC1xD5PMixJMkA3byTFdcEBd52mcMDxaxf4olsHH6DTMnkh03gTOA_63UcE81wVl_eAUVZ7jgCNMsKQFYNuwDq9Vmf_2j9BbcdjtKZj24QGEwI9TKWD_KIcQTW9yeYI_Ilt6jbkqvIYUrhPTXQ/s4030/IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GC6b7W80zlGnSGxx9bst5IEkTo2grH0x_NE_GANTIcC1xD5PMixJMkA3byTFdcEBd52mcMDxaxf4olsHH6DTMnkh03gTOA_63UcE81wVl_eAUVZ7jgCNMsKQFYNuwDq9Vmf_2j9BbcdjtKZj24QGEwI9TKWD_KIcQTW9yeYI_Ilt6jbkqvIYUrhPTXQ/w640-h480/IMG_4139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British soldier lichen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEkdfDvlvC1KPGCLe08-GZsP36FYWUJvuQI4yRQBiiK-nUIGcObU03dV2ivaXMXiKxYz5Ra8OQQXhM3ae9W6gkxRcYXge1Mj6GTxlZTogxH7x8eIa_zvYRoVBzLeRXQ92DbCwCpKxR7aDsgCJisPfT2G3S5D5ORDufU8qY3AVArIoREDmxaUUQhvyEyg/s4032/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEkdfDvlvC1KPGCLe08-GZsP36FYWUJvuQI4yRQBiiK-nUIGcObU03dV2ivaXMXiKxYz5Ra8OQQXhM3ae9W6gkxRcYXge1Mj6GTxlZTogxH7x8eIa_zvYRoVBzLeRXQ92DbCwCpKxR7aDsgCJisPfT2G3S5D5ORDufU8qY3AVArIoREDmxaUUQhvyEyg/w640-h480/IMG_4144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange jelly fungus in moss with greenshield lichen in the middle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccLRYMiqUlns4J8od4Zt9mGydwDq0yYixXEJF2eOYacVOUozqe6yKG7BTTCh2ncAMc5rxVDKK-qA3TNhlZhjINDQErCTtKK05NhGFvA5z3-cWAKGlcOH5GwnQRntd9D_iw84QcjV4QcUwq37IpG6HV8mnVelPcO58VkEJDSmtx098M9zGHK66kjrSwuk/s4032/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccLRYMiqUlns4J8od4Zt9mGydwDq0yYixXEJF2eOYacVOUozqe6yKG7BTTCh2ncAMc5rxVDKK-qA3TNhlZhjINDQErCTtKK05NhGFvA5z3-cWAKGlcOH5GwnQRntd9D_iw84QcjV4QcUwq37IpG6HV8mnVelPcO58VkEJDSmtx098M9zGHK66kjrSwuk/w480-h640/IMG_4145.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy maze fungus</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES59OEF-7182rEl41YEJxMMm8JS0twsx9OCMURPqPXDFwDSod4Encus416IHmLhfHJ3KC46KOEUPa1creE8g0MmjlDK4Lio9A9I4iYoK9ifTRe-ixDjhT6ssBwubg34dsTYXJ2PDCTQVYgSMfUiLYo5A7Si4VYAoHh2OG6aSvtvHcF4KklFdPwmEYjEc/s4032/IMG_4147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES59OEF-7182rEl41YEJxMMm8JS0twsx9OCMURPqPXDFwDSod4Encus416IHmLhfHJ3KC46KOEUPa1creE8g0MmjlDK4Lio9A9I4iYoK9ifTRe-ixDjhT6ssBwubg34dsTYXJ2PDCTQVYgSMfUiLYo5A7Si4VYAoHh2OG6aSvtvHcF4KklFdPwmEYjEc/w480-h640/IMG_4147.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black fungus - one of the first to arrive on a newly fallen tree</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had such a wonderful morning, yesterday. The temperature rose to the high 60's and I spent a little time out in the garden. These two boxes are now planted... yellow onions, red onions, and a few rows of lettuces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The greenhouse is getting a new roof today. That means I will be able to get seeds started this weekend. It's here!! Gardening season has arrived!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo0vJwcrMKcdHjhFKEy4jxUxPD9m1MmsWGKbiXuagghFUFCFlOwa1UKQkUwS7aAUZ3XBsDRhpuqC7QgtHBzqrPfFQeNM64yiZtCQ15Hg01rlXt68hEMcM2rozUBRyd41tbeFRug-j08S8MaUpBaaLNE5L-omucWIda84pYS9lGqX7xCywoGeVKLZTQi4/s4032/IMG_4169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo0vJwcrMKcdHjhFKEy4jxUxPD9m1MmsWGKbiXuagghFUFCFlOwa1UKQkUwS7aAUZ3XBsDRhpuqC7QgtHBzqrPfFQeNM64yiZtCQ15Hg01rlXt68hEMcM2rozUBRyd41tbeFRug-j08S8MaUpBaaLNE5L-omucWIda84pYS9lGqX7xCywoGeVKLZTQi4/w480-h640/IMG_4169.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PS: I received a request for my bath soak recipe. Here you go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup Epsom salts (Magnesium Citrate)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">½ cup Pink Himalayan salt crystals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">¼ cup sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">¼ cup finely chopped herbs of your choice (I used lavender, calendula petals and rosemary)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10 -20 drops of essential oil (I used lavender)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix together and place in dry, air-tight container. Use ¼ cup per hot bath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other essential oils can be used to scent the salts... Bergamot, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mint, Eucalyptus, Orange are just a few.</div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-65843781098935547212024-03-07T03:00:00.012-05:002024-03-07T03:00:00.141-05:00A Nighttime Curiosity<p style="text-align: center;">Life took me off of the farm yesterday. And so, I was not going to have a blog post for you today. However, last evening during our bedtime chores something was happening that I knew I had to share with you. Please excuse the video quality... it's nothing fancy. But... it's insanely fascinating! (At least I thought so.) If video doesn't load for you here, you can watch it <a href="https://youtu.be/7pF7ztUuPtM?si=7XbEaXmVtwqVfZdu">HERE on You Tube.</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7pF7ztUuPtM?si=7XbEaXmVtwqVfZdu" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-24852386787623975112024-03-06T03:00:00.078-05:002024-03-06T03:00:00.143-05:00You Are Never (Ever) Alone! <p style="text-align: center;">There is one thing that is certain... there are no shortage of spiders here on the farm. It's not that we see that many of them, but there is always evidence that they are here. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewPDHJDr_K9smdOgJK4EH04ViQDZM7_Hqi-dJdiRWLAYi_jtunSmws0DMDUo4giqw4fzTsNV95WdoWaz-vtargWf5p73Ad2V-iuoc3SnJaBuyQXorlgKfpnJ8pbIv3xHMarPChceE5siDhCTScSHlKrcLgEy3TnbgcbIaF_WX5D_t36T1-qbrqBNMAZw/s4032/IMG_4078.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewPDHJDr_K9smdOgJK4EH04ViQDZM7_Hqi-dJdiRWLAYi_jtunSmws0DMDUo4giqw4fzTsNV95WdoWaz-vtargWf5p73Ad2V-iuoc3SnJaBuyQXorlgKfpnJ8pbIv3xHMarPChceE5siDhCTScSHlKrcLgEy3TnbgcbIaF_WX5D_t36T1-qbrqBNMAZw/w480-h640/IMG_4078.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Yesterday, while walking the horses up to the pasture in the early morning light, I couldn't help but notice this spider suburb. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkILm4YbpZnDAoivwXhBEDGG3DsSHtJbsahjg12OtK65woXbNCImQxfNX3M3V3qXVZWg4YRo1esDL9Vv0Ef5ighsNR_XIZ1AP12qxUYGoorw8l2OQy7eVj014mm-Nt_fCQFo9ysJVTQ8y2aqvWr0E6YmMlfB-HfekZZZ8mSw6LK7xkpA3kNXevEHuVoc/s4032/IMG_4076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkILm4YbpZnDAoivwXhBEDGG3DsSHtJbsahjg12OtK65woXbNCImQxfNX3M3V3qXVZWg4YRo1esDL9Vv0Ef5ighsNR_XIZ1AP12qxUYGoorw8l2OQy7eVj014mm-Nt_fCQFo9ysJVTQ8y2aqvWr0E6YmMlfB-HfekZZZ8mSw6LK7xkpA3kNXevEHuVoc/w480-h640/IMG_4076.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">There were hundreds of little sheet webs hanging from the skeletal remains of last summer's wildflowers. traps set to catch unsuspecting insects passing through their neighborhood. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt4SwPVaV5_H9ZWNlvTT1V1sVlBMTeTWAW-ai0NYjcTqEu8mK4JDFV_1KLFssuF1gJ_Fd4_37hduXE5Pc-4dqm5Zp4UUioYjqWxty5srV47i-bU-e2PvoOo9hL5OMghDoUivEhbt5uBfCdjFPSsurCXwqBNQiKRumb2C5xYatvbP18urf5ScTJYsCOvM/s4032/IMG_4077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt4SwPVaV5_H9ZWNlvTT1V1sVlBMTeTWAW-ai0NYjcTqEu8mK4JDFV_1KLFssuF1gJ_Fd4_37hduXE5Pc-4dqm5Zp4UUioYjqWxty5srV47i-bU-e2PvoOo9hL5OMghDoUivEhbt5uBfCdjFPSsurCXwqBNQiKRumb2C5xYatvbP18urf5ScTJYsCOvM/w480-h640/IMG_4077.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another curiosity that I have noticed is how, when we walk around the farm at nighttime with our headlamps pointed at the ground, we see lots of little sparkling eyes staring back at us (even from the trunks of the trees). On closer inspection, we see that they are the sparkling eyes of spiders watching from a distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See? No matter where we are... we are never alone! There are actually, on average, 50,000 spiders per acre of green space. Most spiders have eight eyes, but some have fewer - that's a whole lot of eyes watching your every move! The good news is...spiders eat pesky insects like flies and cockroaches and in turn provide a rich food source for birds and reptiles. Isn't this an amazing world?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another observation we have made (with the aid of our headlamps) are the huge numbers of nightcrawlers that appear after dark. As soon as we shine our headlamps on them, they zip right back into their tunnels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuAO0H0ppp6_ZDhMC-LWrwJx0uH0vwA317zlsZT52aMK9I9fKdmGkuOfOUJNA5tzcCEmiyiDGXy2wN-YNQjQ-FwlQPY_X_M4PfkN-ywUD1OSHIv7s2EHpjw0Xkt53oHUkuPYc1qNR9NCMSqSJOuvEck9D_DCgs_hy7Qxe9y9JD9tjqylB5XNGI_P8I9E/s2899/IMG_2294.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="2609" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuAO0H0ppp6_ZDhMC-LWrwJx0uH0vwA317zlsZT52aMK9I9fKdmGkuOfOUJNA5tzcCEmiyiDGXy2wN-YNQjQ-FwlQPY_X_M4PfkN-ywUD1OSHIv7s2EHpjw0Xkt53oHUkuPYc1qNR9NCMSqSJOuvEck9D_DCgs_hy7Qxe9y9JD9tjqylB5XNGI_P8I9E/w576-h640/IMG_2294.HEIC" width="576" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know that worms breathe through their skin? Amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday was pick-up day for our first Azure Standard order. I was directed to be at a local fairgrounds at 1:45 to help unload the truck. There were about 40 people waiting in their cars when the truck pulled in at exactly 1:45. Within 15 minutes all of the orders were unloaded and distributed. I now have 25 pounds each of hard white wheat berries and hard red wheat berries. I also ordered a small bag of un-ground rye.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd_Zg_VFL8-AyAUNJ770D3U-ZXyCB0eZpJhfXsE2G1Md8a29GzmhSHUggswMg8rUNZArhQ62wEItSqDF2ApWrs4plX0esmm1gou6w0AiyiREc11ec6wka-D3JiV0hH85drw4h2TrX9hdyp-9iBXVXp8l5a18g6jwJRRAodPEfUC6GdyptUmUveGhgJcs/s4032/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd_Zg_VFL8-AyAUNJ770D3U-ZXyCB0eZpJhfXsE2G1Md8a29GzmhSHUggswMg8rUNZArhQ62wEItSqDF2ApWrs4plX0esmm1gou6w0AiyiREc11ec6wka-D3JiV0hH85drw4h2TrX9hdyp-9iBXVXp8l5a18g6jwJRRAodPEfUC6GdyptUmUveGhgJcs/w480-h640/IMG_4130.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will be grinding my own wheat and baking bread with Friday. I have read that using half and half hard red and white wheat produces the best loaf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvguHBgxfgtEG-YppeeC-gLD1EGMljgsCnZc9bfQn8W-fnvj1WN6vkefO_8YIJ-Gfiir1x17_28H14oLfptRMcBV2W5mVzlpTDpaEqdQRKjHAswkHma2kavK65h3A0RMNC3g2zVhWwafTahFbPRiwrHTf6BE-6-a6_wJaqlf7k2Ex5gwM0jDjj8RKpNg/s4032/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvguHBgxfgtEG-YppeeC-gLD1EGMljgsCnZc9bfQn8W-fnvj1WN6vkefO_8YIJ-Gfiir1x17_28H14oLfptRMcBV2W5mVzlpTDpaEqdQRKjHAswkHma2kavK65h3A0RMNC3g2zVhWwafTahFbPRiwrHTf6BE-6-a6_wJaqlf7k2Ex5gwM0jDjj8RKpNg/w480-h640/IMG_4131.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(long-term storage solution)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will let you know how it goes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I made a batch of herbal mineral bath soak using the last of Summer's dried calendula petals, rosemary, and lavender buds. It smells divine. I can hardly wait to use it... a hot mineral soak at the end of a long day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp8SR7QXMPnn7c9_ALhExOGHugr9zHQ_nQAqNrzWcg-INxsLAXu7gL6KT6-GhKwAUJ4OZKeNX95lekwm4ItICwRDNHVurNDXKa0VZl8gvFqiSZBdw9mrwZohKtEprVvjHyohlu73OFCWbF1ztnUfuA1LNYe0Q3dgdca7AF0kFuX8RINYCeRUcjA16ML4/s4032/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp8SR7QXMPnn7c9_ALhExOGHugr9zHQ_nQAqNrzWcg-INxsLAXu7gL6KT6-GhKwAUJ4OZKeNX95lekwm4ItICwRDNHVurNDXKa0VZl8gvFqiSZBdw9mrwZohKtEprVvjHyohlu73OFCWbF1ztnUfuA1LNYe0Q3dgdca7AF0kFuX8RINYCeRUcjA16ML4/w640-h480/IMG_4127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-76610125002442748502024-03-05T03:00:00.017-05:002024-03-05T03:00:00.132-05:00Sisyphus<p style="text-align: center;"> There are some tasks around the farm that make us feel like we're shoveling sand uphill. One of these tasks is "end-of-winter clean-up". Ice storms, heavy snow, and fierce winds cause many limbs to fall onto the ground, as well as the many trees that snap and break or fall over after being uprooted. This weekend, a small, dead ash tree fell on one of our pasture fences.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMnJW2_b1YGMfCJNefjs_tpm30QO-2sxyD3NC8-mY1U9s9C4RVkDN8OLcUd8h-joIEi4TC-EbtOT15ISK3BY4WTULu1aeet3mja-4pwGcUgBoCo4C7vQ3pGa1AgA3lHSjgWjMH1G_0vQIldq2yIZhgsM14M8r782wpj15fPqXcJ9dg5DUUbMXgbPn7BU/s4032/IMG_4089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMnJW2_b1YGMfCJNefjs_tpm30QO-2sxyD3NC8-mY1U9s9C4RVkDN8OLcUd8h-joIEi4TC-EbtOT15ISK3BY4WTULu1aeet3mja-4pwGcUgBoCo4C7vQ3pGa1AgA3lHSjgWjMH1G_0vQIldq2yIZhgsM14M8r782wpj15fPqXcJ9dg5DUUbMXgbPn7BU/w480-h640/IMG_4089.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, (Hubbs was at the dentist) being a sunny 65 degree day, gave me the inspiration to start the task of cleaning up. I grabbed my little chain saw (yes, it's my very own small version) and got busy cutting limbs off of trees that had fallen. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCk6jIqzbSrnnVYyRxPaHjH2cd5NhbXHPxwjlwZJf2FK9czeKyt33zJbMiF7S0cyd9uovjAzll0ntkAPE8o_6yR9GXS1oRxqpa-fhj9oP_Cz46vZztQ-QvZakCo1HhTMqf6MIhslHt0HIir_-0VBarPN6R8yy8I2BTGxhyA_K1v-Omv6BMRAFI89_3DY/s4032/IMG_4088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCk6jIqzbSrnnVYyRxPaHjH2cd5NhbXHPxwjlwZJf2FK9czeKyt33zJbMiF7S0cyd9uovjAzll0ntkAPE8o_6yR9GXS1oRxqpa-fhj9oP_Cz46vZztQ-QvZakCo1HhTMqf6MIhslHt0HIir_-0VBarPN6R8yy8I2BTGxhyA_K1v-Omv6BMRAFI89_3DY/w480-h640/IMG_4088.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's one of those tasks that we will never finish. We'll get things cleaned up, and then next time it storms, there will be another clean-up to do. It's an integral part of life on a farm in the woods!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Next on my list was to pick up the branches and sticks that had dropped onto the grass. This task definitely is the most challenging - thanks to Forrest's love for sticks. This is how it goes. I pick up a stick and throw it into the woods... and no matter the size, Forrest retrieves it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-g7TEbscJYpnoAmW6tPUWjyc9svo-seGbrjfzGpGjfqAgbE-sL3OqM32o_dWS6uYYzXqacmFh5OtB1ps7qUErVr4c4D8ktPhV4gdN-UpeWpbqzceqBBeWtwRFt0NBtzJ_Yj7fABmfOdImdO53gwFhBIkLDj8GX-VNmuPMU-jokwtZBPQT9nAdzNjRJA/s4032/IMG_4086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-g7TEbscJYpnoAmW6tPUWjyc9svo-seGbrjfzGpGjfqAgbE-sL3OqM32o_dWS6uYYzXqacmFh5OtB1ps7qUErVr4c4D8ktPhV4gdN-UpeWpbqzceqBBeWtwRFt0NBtzJ_Yj7fABmfOdImdO53gwFhBIkLDj8GX-VNmuPMU-jokwtZBPQT9nAdzNjRJA/w640-h480/IMG_4086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The only way to stay ahead of the game is to always throw several sticks at one time. That way, he retrieves one of them, and the net gain remains in my favor! Like I said... shoveling sand uphill!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2y7ZnNiQ0fPlaZnu9XJHmnOFd-OtT-qWQQd4T0CsHYJHM8Y9scz8M4WPvyMt9a6FsmnCHdv5f264KX3BqYVg2yTdvQuUauvw5YbOCrRlBmc_H5oWZwwgaj1yPh7m8m4TeQufV8jROjQoNWKRsoQfzXn2nhpOcYZlQVLN902_7AnqT-4auhLTV7xNCkc/s4032/IMG_4087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2y7ZnNiQ0fPlaZnu9XJHmnOFd-OtT-qWQQd4T0CsHYJHM8Y9scz8M4WPvyMt9a6FsmnCHdv5f264KX3BqYVg2yTdvQuUauvw5YbOCrRlBmc_H5oWZwwgaj1yPh7m8m4TeQufV8jROjQoNWKRsoQfzXn2nhpOcYZlQVLN902_7AnqT-4auhLTV7xNCkc/w640-h480/IMG_4087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forrest is not the only disrupter on the farm, however. These girls....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc27jKaf2xFehJuNo3gbsmEGvS377ISxKACkOcd7LZjTbPRN8w39SBIesmv7cPCbhqlO0p7vRlmRWoSsNOosCHDCNPF2Uq-5UL6447jKQ4DWu3y3JujGUHnhXxQBdc3Jux2HUNGykNmvbJi1ABZfDZtw8MOaYRTeUTIus5MeEVzv4DkU9xOH3KxVYfxWE/s4032/IMG_4090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc27jKaf2xFehJuNo3gbsmEGvS377ISxKACkOcd7LZjTbPRN8w39SBIesmv7cPCbhqlO0p7vRlmRWoSsNOosCHDCNPF2Uq-5UL6447jKQ4DWu3y3JujGUHnhXxQBdc3Jux2HUNGykNmvbJi1ABZfDZtw8MOaYRTeUTIus5MeEVzv4DkU9xOH3KxVYfxWE/w480-h640/IMG_4090.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">who venture far away from their flock, love to come down and dig up any exposed garden areas. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeSRlX0njqefolQUgrrSQ5B3Fw-DaXn76wcC_rTeVjvOiSW-46At6J3cvd7xwNSwcIbSFSRJ5VvCgYRF8HmmTUU0j3mfI4QsRQ7mKXjaE96D3Bv34BXKUCa1wQD_scrI7suzFfRZTeFgrTLV-c8d_vbaKRijCTm-zlZ5J9PZW3rbNxRTMv8liIeunmn0/s4032/IMG_4091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeSRlX0njqefolQUgrrSQ5B3Fw-DaXn76wcC_rTeVjvOiSW-46At6J3cvd7xwNSwcIbSFSRJ5VvCgYRF8HmmTUU0j3mfI4QsRQ7mKXjaE96D3Bv34BXKUCa1wQD_scrI7suzFfRZTeFgrTLV-c8d_vbaKRijCTm-zlZ5J9PZW3rbNxRTMv8liIeunmn0/w480-h640/IMG_4091.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> At the end of autumn, Hubbs covered the ground of this garden with about 10 inches of compost to serve as insulation for the dahlias that I had planted that summer. Taking a cue from our local Amish gardeners, I decided to do this rather than to dig up the dahlias and replant them in the spring. But, as you can see here... the chickens have scratched their way through this garden and sent all of the compost flying.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeyc3KZRpvBOmp8smhG9k88KOlESm0LzPPr4XAbGaAiYjBybIxuWy96FGQjFCaijT83eI0VF-zi0nI1H1yE1SQdaSAYuwzA2_Nf_P7OT-xxChd1JO6X-si4G-QzN3ZHbkZebK6vuFBlZLT03qsr9amnDGJSv2Z4NIJZb_QlvDT3vEfsZN7PLkbW0a3Cs/s4032/IMG_4092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeyc3KZRpvBOmp8smhG9k88KOlESm0LzPPr4XAbGaAiYjBybIxuWy96FGQjFCaijT83eI0VF-zi0nI1H1yE1SQdaSAYuwzA2_Nf_P7OT-xxChd1JO6X-si4G-QzN3ZHbkZebK6vuFBlZLT03qsr9amnDGJSv2Z4NIJZb_QlvDT3vEfsZN7PLkbW0a3Cs/w480-h640/IMG_4092.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Task number three for yesterday was to sweep all the compost back into the garden. Yup, that's me...rolling that boulder up that hill!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrQt-W_ixMEiAyqjZSb-odlGGrar_nBFELifVdjcGACCbnkK77fCt1d5bwlP07zucCHl8ss6HK64uTOwjSoreQz6aRsITO6HS7GDtYX7dJlVRYVI8NOimOc92DgJOP42TsRQvdBBZ8ZpM-880WwXM2ubcY5HEP55crKr8sL9k914mSH6dsRvXnauK-g0/s4032/IMG_4122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrQt-W_ixMEiAyqjZSb-odlGGrar_nBFELifVdjcGACCbnkK77fCt1d5bwlP07zucCHl8ss6HK64uTOwjSoreQz6aRsITO6HS7GDtYX7dJlVRYVI8NOimOc92DgJOP42TsRQvdBBZ8ZpM-880WwXM2ubcY5HEP55crKr8sL9k914mSH6dsRvXnauK-g0/w480-h640/IMG_4122.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Task number four was to bring the horses back to the barn for their grain. Two were waiting at the gate, ready to go. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04y8n5LR5z2NF-ojurzXjWSz6tHgCIE78ZjMZi6bZYEKN3JydYq66u3E-8Y0ofRmMC_pU7JH83sJ9tAJ-ALv-5MiylQ3UrqVosQ9Z05AEKT554ZcKSv44pU0Quei-bW6oTpQ-t-QDYQ83e_nh5qOIP88Ogi7Okpv-RPUeG-OKYLYuq64njpGt1kB64MM/s4032/IMG_4095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04y8n5LR5z2NF-ojurzXjWSz6tHgCIE78ZjMZi6bZYEKN3JydYq66u3E-8Y0ofRmMC_pU7JH83sJ9tAJ-ALv-5MiylQ3UrqVosQ9Z05AEKT554ZcKSv44pU0Quei-bW6oTpQ-t-QDYQ83e_nh5qOIP88Ogi7Okpv-RPUeG-OKYLYuq64njpGt1kB64MM/w640-h480/IMG_4095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Of course, the other was the whole way across the pasture with no intention of heading home. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AY75P7vjLthgO5ML0t4aPChYCZu6APz3uwtvPJm0Kw3OA7lm5zGADP6UC97CDlSnjF9VP6z4W6piNYpLdD69ZcVYvv-VKslbLgWzylCejA-9Pi3POTZdmCXOGL0uOQJ-2ctCVjtQle0OkyLK6dvdgUZaMqOeEQ9Qklh5zNdWCdK_n_-ZC7PlRnA8Wxg/s4032/IMG_4096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AY75P7vjLthgO5ML0t4aPChYCZu6APz3uwtvPJm0Kw3OA7lm5zGADP6UC97CDlSnjF9VP6z4W6piNYpLdD69ZcVYvv-VKslbLgWzylCejA-9Pi3POTZdmCXOGL0uOQJ-2ctCVjtQle0OkyLK6dvdgUZaMqOeEQ9Qklh5zNdWCdK_n_-ZC7PlRnA8Wxg/w480-h640/IMG_4096.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I sent Forrest to get things moving.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW3SZQz-nOOLjL4fUY4kr5LIjsf64ZYqepAr6KEuZSqN_o2y0cU8pN9YBNG0gSh7xPEHUKKA_J6KrNCiC2WAvxFfpLK4zFtBovKfhaJSm3k53GlQVvSOD9be8s2wWqfmY9CYzIx8eFQaSNqKVbePZqL8tzhk_ejoLc0IykVXHGLuokT-U51Wo1wHE-BQ/s4032/IMG_4100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW3SZQz-nOOLjL4fUY4kr5LIjsf64ZYqepAr6KEuZSqN_o2y0cU8pN9YBNG0gSh7xPEHUKKA_J6KrNCiC2WAvxFfpLK4zFtBovKfhaJSm3k53GlQVvSOD9be8s2wWqfmY9CYzIx8eFQaSNqKVbePZqL8tzhk_ejoLc0IykVXHGLuokT-U51Wo1wHE-BQ/w480-h640/IMG_4100.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Even he had no influence. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Es37wofYPph0oydsV31yCRS9hUESXgVuiN7NLlj5PBOHxOmDD30IEyiwQl9wU5s4ikzKxvP_gOkoPY8IE1SE6q78zVar7S7P25uUiC7jm2hAtU1BRZWccSBgclM8tlQ15vO6zEfFEgKzNnNuZ7WWUhztNQipG1-Xaf1GPyeLcXMTxj2v8YqmhJPCP4/s4032/IMG_4101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Es37wofYPph0oydsV31yCRS9hUESXgVuiN7NLlj5PBOHxOmDD30IEyiwQl9wU5s4ikzKxvP_gOkoPY8IE1SE6q78zVar7S7P25uUiC7jm2hAtU1BRZWccSBgclM8tlQ15vO6zEfFEgKzNnNuZ7WWUhztNQipG1-Xaf1GPyeLcXMTxj2v8YqmhJPCP4/w480-h640/IMG_4101.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">There's no doubt about it - we get plenty of exercise each day... the animals see to it that we do!</p><p style="text-align: center;">By the end of morning, list finished, I settled down to snuzzle with the animals for a bit.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KAbnZvcBamXgwD-FrZeIz6ic4xe2HvdupOogKndEQ3Dk1nZRSh1bmGGXK1SOE9pfHJDzv7cFXh2UuqZm77lPZ1IMU1ufG03-JrOHB3O9rKcNZXYFGn-7jlI1ciWYNPIJsxC-Td7orqP9-TPyGSFCvdMBr09dNhNnHYzaBJMRarDfPopWCFpXdHzMFQA/s4032/IMG_4103%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KAbnZvcBamXgwD-FrZeIz6ic4xe2HvdupOogKndEQ3Dk1nZRSh1bmGGXK1SOE9pfHJDzv7cFXh2UuqZm77lPZ1IMU1ufG03-JrOHB3O9rKcNZXYFGn-7jlI1ciWYNPIJsxC-Td7orqP9-TPyGSFCvdMBr09dNhNnHYzaBJMRarDfPopWCFpXdHzMFQA/w480-h640/IMG_4103%202.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As I snuzzled with the donkeys, Forrest cuddled with his bestie - Pete. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AtnEnavtOfn8jN0ANNJjdgMKc0veva9ZHQso6BPcKHShSuP7vyJ5KL3N_sHNP1fLc5ZC3geySFm24XjaIjbiS60uXx0YhMKCJRu8UcwAbitSumK2pL_pt-Tb9Dfd_yKCQ7aDyM634ulbAMF7URJqSTIbg0n26AzEJVxbKu2tg5v07_ZPVVyRHFUwOIs/s4032/IMG_4107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AtnEnavtOfn8jN0ANNJjdgMKc0veva9ZHQso6BPcKHShSuP7vyJ5KL3N_sHNP1fLc5ZC3geySFm24XjaIjbiS60uXx0YhMKCJRu8UcwAbitSumK2pL_pt-Tb9Dfd_yKCQ7aDyM634ulbAMF7URJqSTIbg0n26AzEJVxbKu2tg5v07_ZPVVyRHFUwOIs/w480-h640/IMG_4107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> And while we are on the subject of Pete - he's the heaviest cat we have ever had. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Qim_2YKglCiP703uzTQ6e7AbFYG6GDJ3z7LFCUCscJuwIt5LYczpbBgT5lnP1o5Bu8qKuuTlfc9P4KNLsJHl2NVaelbnxErrxyyHZT0lOjLsS6UMU7w6AVXuSnKxbKxByHKfwTTTB1oi3gdkUEYw7ey9Je719ve-_0yocEcmch55prRs3MbQFgS7pw/s4032/IMG_4121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Qim_2YKglCiP703uzTQ6e7AbFYG6GDJ3z7LFCUCscJuwIt5LYczpbBgT5lnP1o5Bu8qKuuTlfc9P4KNLsJHl2NVaelbnxErrxyyHZT0lOjLsS6UMU7w6AVXuSnKxbKxByHKfwTTTB1oi3gdkUEYw7ey9Je719ve-_0yocEcmch55prRs3MbQFgS7pw/w640-h480/IMG_4121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">You might remember how long and thin he was as a youngster. Well... he has filled out now. He is long and chunky. I have not taken a scale out to the barn, but he feels like he weighs twenty pounds!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrM-EoGBO_-NhixUfJuo_6cB3fguQorL2boza1i7YxCHwmgBC_jZesKgPjTUrI8XiakTi_M1ho5Soe5bdj4LBeNGiFErzrFEur-EWIq3On1fiYzyNW8irQxcJ66slTz9R7VGY6-EDvVVYd7B7g9aO2BVCsiH5zCpMjJmg4xg1dDEe52SiQCkjr43RRs8/s4032/IMG_4115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrM-EoGBO_-NhixUfJuo_6cB3fguQorL2boza1i7YxCHwmgBC_jZesKgPjTUrI8XiakTi_M1ho5Soe5bdj4LBeNGiFErzrFEur-EWIq3On1fiYzyNW8irQxcJ66slTz9R7VGY6-EDvVVYd7B7g9aO2BVCsiH5zCpMjJmg4xg1dDEe52SiQCkjr43RRs8/w480-h640/IMG_4115.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Forrest just loves Pete... and Pete seems to love him back!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadTm27P5uN22_vYETIA6Ju9YyRkICf7So87RTPHN7pL0eSWoWAmiK6gL28v-P2JLAkP79qLpkiOwRZ_9xPmE1uupo-uDA31TAtp7hspmax3a8in3UBwBzXE2r5iiiVPC-UHEHQp8Mt6VUxqTcLSraX4kosaXvrE98jj0ImGHAs5bPcc_6_nN5bhOFFek/s4032/IMG_4114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadTm27P5uN22_vYETIA6Ju9YyRkICf7So87RTPHN7pL0eSWoWAmiK6gL28v-P2JLAkP79qLpkiOwRZ_9xPmE1uupo-uDA31TAtp7hspmax3a8in3UBwBzXE2r5iiiVPC-UHEHQp8Mt6VUxqTcLSraX4kosaXvrE98jj0ImGHAs5bPcc_6_nN5bhOFFek/w480-h640/IMG_4114.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_A46-2-mi-wZAzqTCuEexxqC_7WIvfhkVUpGTwIAB_NvaACXJNMvgQggOd_kuV2d56eDVAyq4iJr6Ql1DchsZao18yIwMBh2V1s1NgmtBj7yDtAueY6_aGD6yGxxccSaUDhNhsA94fgCpsFY4u1QH9AsVMcPxI5laulcAhuudHCh2R5sxbdw6LhG46o/s4032/IMG_4112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_A46-2-mi-wZAzqTCuEexxqC_7WIvfhkVUpGTwIAB_NvaACXJNMvgQggOd_kuV2d56eDVAyq4iJr6Ql1DchsZao18yIwMBh2V1s1NgmtBj7yDtAueY6_aGD6yGxxccSaUDhNhsA94fgCpsFY4u1QH9AsVMcPxI5laulcAhuudHCh2R5sxbdw6LhG46o/w480-h640/IMG_4112.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sadly, that was the end of the sunshine for this week. In spite of the clouds moving in, Jack and I took a little time for the season's first bike ride (at home). </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl_E9vlPSu21h8NPEIMqrg6Y_E5I4nFnkhc0az4j6zTpyhYPtuOLRUOAwvHbIzFjarIrrpsa7HgMChIr1JGjSeLX_zJf21jvYoXJHgzczXXZdMtzwkQ91ePYrAVgVlwBJMNdabxSN4jNJosC-Og9uYgVGfxoyZJU4BFWUBjypq08B-6XMOpSawAPs1-4/s4032/IMG_2290.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl_E9vlPSu21h8NPEIMqrg6Y_E5I4nFnkhc0az4j6zTpyhYPtuOLRUOAwvHbIzFjarIrrpsa7HgMChIr1JGjSeLX_zJf21jvYoXJHgzczXXZdMtzwkQ91ePYrAVgVlwBJMNdabxSN4jNJosC-Og9uYgVGfxoyZJU4BFWUBjypq08B-6XMOpSawAPs1-4/w480-h640/IMG_2290.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> We rode 11 ½ miles and did not encounter a single car. That's the joy of riding in the countryside!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQgTH4urKhyphenhyphenAfluOE9OvcBqyI687bR4Ye-tp_rtau2bf1PO5mw3bxdg8oWJ6wLWW-VeobBAcdWulg0VqfXdbrZaD8deTOLnRyw2yGj5iDcXWMc6yIR1M5PZfGSTwhW01qBPCuflOHPqzkmn2LmLn-0rcUNtkv-ffHg1T_BZR0IeLvHdLneZIpgK8Zz_E/s4032/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQgTH4urKhyphenhyphenAfluOE9OvcBqyI687bR4Ye-tp_rtau2bf1PO5mw3bxdg8oWJ6wLWW-VeobBAcdWulg0VqfXdbrZaD8deTOLnRyw2yGj5iDcXWMc6yIR1M5PZfGSTwhW01qBPCuflOHPqzkmn2LmLn-0rcUNtkv-ffHg1T_BZR0IeLvHdLneZIpgK8Zz_E/w480-h640/IMG_4123.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I've missed the daily rides that we had on our trip. And though our countryside still looks like winter's end... I know that spring is not far away. I saw my first robin!!<p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-24662749098305350532024-03-04T03:00:00.001-05:002024-03-04T03:00:00.125-05:00Morning Meditation<p style="text-align: center;">This morning, as the sun casts its glow through the fog across our fields, I feel an ever-increasing swell of anticipation in my soul. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CB8jQxEQnEhtlA4eZesTSW-0RHWfrabFZe5Mc1K9Orra7qCCYHyl0oK1ITQ5iyR8PRhjQ8RrmysxXeBOwbZpJJNLMa-rr4L1se01YatyAmQpgujeFH0qvm5SOi5rJ5Qj8imefNYiApGKtYya-p-XWn5wPZh5ESSzRkfj_p8k7NT2FeqgUz72f9yh68g/s4032/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CB8jQxEQnEhtlA4eZesTSW-0RHWfrabFZe5Mc1K9Orra7qCCYHyl0oK1ITQ5iyR8PRhjQ8RrmysxXeBOwbZpJJNLMa-rr4L1se01YatyAmQpgujeFH0qvm5SOi5rJ5Qj8imefNYiApGKtYya-p-XWn5wPZh5ESSzRkfj_p8k7NT2FeqgUz72f9yh68g/w480-h640/IMG_4008.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's a change in the air. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1JW9iPZHdI0dgzf3J3cHrGLUS4hFXfJVVfEM9Ek8ZmqoW-2NL5q3C17WATqPKnqlHAXk7LgYiXOO_NgyCKg6wHZDJ-iPZQye2VMa_mOF7-L86K02PkvO44Kt_VByC1y8s46crPvtYfiU_WUHDQSBDAVk8FVk066LybXyjC-ALUU1VznIfknFQGhPWRk/s4032/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1JW9iPZHdI0dgzf3J3cHrGLUS4hFXfJVVfEM9Ek8ZmqoW-2NL5q3C17WATqPKnqlHAXk7LgYiXOO_NgyCKg6wHZDJ-iPZQye2VMa_mOF7-L86K02PkvO44Kt_VByC1y8s46crPvtYfiU_WUHDQSBDAVk8FVk066LybXyjC-ALUU1VznIfknFQGhPWRk/w480-h640/IMG_4009.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> It's subtle, but, something deep within me feels the gentle stirring of Mother Earth as she awakens from her long winter slumber. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KziHJtaVUchug7kXo7DbK6bQKss4y4P3wU9zPXLpvVI3iPoGvE7mQh6qWVOZvTt-Al-AFedG69oAJmco7jmavvP7ezC_EhFoJybQIiJsbvOIyoqro9h89jZr-1sueApe_WWFyRxHezJQkAKLvk7TEt5vx2o7I8ZccZTEcgdo5V5ltanx_sKIRzzzWq0/s4032/IMG_4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KziHJtaVUchug7kXo7DbK6bQKss4y4P3wU9zPXLpvVI3iPoGvE7mQh6qWVOZvTt-Al-AFedG69oAJmco7jmavvP7ezC_EhFoJybQIiJsbvOIyoqro9h89jZr-1sueApe_WWFyRxHezJQkAKLvk7TEt5vx2o7I8ZccZTEcgdo5V5ltanx_sKIRzzzWq0/w480-h640/IMG_4010.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As I walk her soggy lands, I feel the faint coursing of energy beneath my feet, slowly intensifying with each passing day.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4wbh-NAxTB0THjTHWo-j4dHxbh9VhwKmpbp9-dKSr1xiwCqJo28y973iJRcfYi8AlXQMYPXbE6RZlkUgLCght0jhupcZuOgMv04olYMqZ-_hZ1muHsUYMzjmFqVUEJjFW6K7Uj2yTs6EzuXqP6RSvq-8A-ek53lBVJGDlNQyHSkl5imT2hF-V4vWoEI/s4032/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4wbh-NAxTB0THjTHWo-j4dHxbh9VhwKmpbp9-dKSr1xiwCqJo28y973iJRcfYi8AlXQMYPXbE6RZlkUgLCght0jhupcZuOgMv04olYMqZ-_hZ1muHsUYMzjmFqVUEJjFW6K7Uj2yTs6EzuXqP6RSvq-8A-ek53lBVJGDlNQyHSkl5imT2hF-V4vWoEI/w640-h480/IMG_4018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's a crescendo of birdsong floats through the misty morning air in these early stanzas of Spring's symphony... bluebirds, sparrows, cardinals, and so many more - seeking to attract mates with their alluring refrain. Amazingly, I have not yet seen a robin. What might they know that the daffodils don't?<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5h9ZxV7S3s0Zw2g-cd_agPlNDm6s-B3KpQima_LSsibWtl0e5dWRFHWyxoah7ctgH69FrBqWJ2IFyVWGPrLDL1gLXRglCWtIzKmyv2n8HQUeHw_S2bAUKX-6unAXmITcMLpLXh6bvT58LDh6EU2ezzpn-gCcVKiFkkGDECtqh5trV8BIECVHw4rl4Ak/s4032/IMG_4043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5h9ZxV7S3s0Zw2g-cd_agPlNDm6s-B3KpQima_LSsibWtl0e5dWRFHWyxoah7ctgH69FrBqWJ2IFyVWGPrLDL1gLXRglCWtIzKmyv2n8HQUeHw_S2bAUKX-6unAXmITcMLpLXh6bvT58LDh6EU2ezzpn-gCcVKiFkkGDECtqh5trV8BIECVHw4rl4Ak/w480-h640/IMG_4043.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">After spending a rainy Saturday in the house, we were ready to get outside again when the sun arrived on Sunday. The littles had spent Saturday with us... celebrating Jack's birthday. Although it would have been nice to play outside, we had lots of fun, regardless!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sunday I took some time to clean pastures and pick up some of the winter debris. Of course, seeing the dogs and I, Ginger came out to join us. She always inspects the gator because you never know when there might be snacks hidden there. (I've learned to think like a pig!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRvXqH7_kMH0bIjKa7aU9s8ICkn0ocCjF4v67XKNX48Zo5tjVJhzvmXJ6D71eZAw1KRp7l-c5I6XtKpd73-Rt4UAYGBtrH41qyIEEB51vg6MamPY5tHGltQMKMuJrcrSzXB2mOxDa0aseuM3vxwjPXUOOnWWSXw8mJt9DHc314xeM35F5ejrWRU37VZU/s4032/IMG_4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRvXqH7_kMH0bIjKa7aU9s8ICkn0ocCjF4v67XKNX48Zo5tjVJhzvmXJ6D71eZAw1KRp7l-c5I6XtKpd73-Rt4UAYGBtrH41qyIEEB51vg6MamPY5tHGltQMKMuJrcrSzXB2mOxDa0aseuM3vxwjPXUOOnWWSXw8mJt9DHc314xeM35F5ejrWRU37VZU/w640-h480/IMG_4030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually, she flopped down on her side requesting a belly rub, and I took the opportunity to trim her hooves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rd9CWdCYY0nbvb0C_XJbqgukZoOmYm95pFbH4uelphph_zB5xJodLCAnjhlpFsfJHL_i-_CwaGi6v1K8fUuaBoAjZR6WUxwuGgeadutDNCcZFG-1qNG7_6Itv2dnT7LdT_l4z7M5lzHfst8eiHqDMZe0A9Nqvle26NV86GLmQdV-kcliknbj5KoHPX0/s4032/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rd9CWdCYY0nbvb0C_XJbqgukZoOmYm95pFbH4uelphph_zB5xJodLCAnjhlpFsfJHL_i-_CwaGi6v1K8fUuaBoAjZR6WUxwuGgeadutDNCcZFG-1qNG7_6Itv2dnT7LdT_l4z7M5lzHfst8eiHqDMZe0A9Nqvle26NV86GLmQdV-kcliknbj5KoHPX0/w480-h640/IMG_4033.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is there any surprise that Forrest tried to help?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREkib3ZPOhd-jpmfdkq9AAy3GABF7wuUj8A7Mb4T3mfNPpmUCyDGB0191tbYdP6YqM4qNFoH5tlxyhRP-E3ASR7KD_F3jXE857UJJFeqrQIPbGLnw9ORe07nmhxn0dINbwfueTnOkLb1infaD9d1eZOCsQNkRkss06eRWvHtRmP80cF4B1jM-7PjsHMs/s4032/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREkib3ZPOhd-jpmfdkq9AAy3GABF7wuUj8A7Mb4T3mfNPpmUCyDGB0191tbYdP6YqM4qNFoH5tlxyhRP-E3ASR7KD_F3jXE857UJJFeqrQIPbGLnw9ORe07nmhxn0dINbwfueTnOkLb1infaD9d1eZOCsQNkRkss06eRWvHtRmP80cF4B1jM-7PjsHMs/w480-h640/IMG_4038.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He had a blast zooming back and forth through the rivulets</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicddY08u32kTGWHHK2s6S9exvOPV51Br5hx6YhasxT0EEcDQFS6Zd79IXF_Fe_UT3-EBU4zMRBZUYCYvCgPDDcFDfnVGAhqIXv8biWcYOdEHD6Kyqn324qY7sFbYxgZ-n7NSEkFVwn7tb5xVnRW0z__tyl3j-UIyzoZdKpT2-9NAOSY90uJcrrbiBShyU/s4032/IMG_4052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicddY08u32kTGWHHK2s6S9exvOPV51Br5hx6YhasxT0EEcDQFS6Zd79IXF_Fe_UT3-EBU4zMRBZUYCYvCgPDDcFDfnVGAhqIXv8biWcYOdEHD6Kyqn324qY7sFbYxgZ-n7NSEkFVwn7tb5xVnRW0z__tyl3j-UIyzoZdKpT2-9NAOSY90uJcrrbiBShyU/w640-h480/IMG_4052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that run through the lower section of the front pasture. Back and forth... there's nothing more fun than puddle zoomies!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhyphenhyphenZQtYJX5LuKlGLcdv1qK3VSRr06Xwj_jUchtPiNFEM1LbdSwR18LaneJcwhnrSUDEGKyulhBeOo_lAuS_E06HFLGk48OpP8qZKsWGoGirONMzMQKDjx42-rEAD3kvW5HSNZH-pYjmT7HIo1WevKJ_JeQa7fSMDyr_gH-cYEf6NsMBmOhPl6YogBTcM/s4032/IMG_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhyphenhyphenZQtYJX5LuKlGLcdv1qK3VSRr06Xwj_jUchtPiNFEM1LbdSwR18LaneJcwhnrSUDEGKyulhBeOo_lAuS_E06HFLGk48OpP8qZKsWGoGirONMzMQKDjx42-rEAD3kvW5HSNZH-pYjmT7HIo1WevKJ_JeQa7fSMDyr_gH-cYEf6NsMBmOhPl6YogBTcM/w640-h480/IMG_4055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"What? Who're you looking at?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcHQ-WtY9ER6NsRveFwFH6t59_8dYdNTOotqevai8IW9JmGTYgUzVLtQjQSifAjHHp4D7U22Rrum5Vs02SJzDwJ95T7vIbuH-hhTCpWbK7rxiC8dIBcVVI-lRVtfWSul_GiHVoIlu-FvuS7_8GeVpakJMNBlbTHD5FLESed7Dhsd4AgPsF0ie6aEBxjM/s4032/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcHQ-WtY9ER6NsRveFwFH6t59_8dYdNTOotqevai8IW9JmGTYgUzVLtQjQSifAjHHp4D7U22Rrum5Vs02SJzDwJ95T7vIbuH-hhTCpWbK7rxiC8dIBcVVI-lRVtfWSul_GiHVoIlu-FvuS7_8GeVpakJMNBlbTHD5FLESed7Dhsd4AgPsF0ie6aEBxjM/w480-h640/IMG_4046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everywhere we turn, there's someone who wants a little attention... which is exactly why every task takes twice as long as one would think!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCao-v1Y-jN2jnkJ19fdHYDwNvxF-mRl7yd6o0mhTNg-WLmFjm5MnnR03QZlYHsyxCl8O4J9fGFonCGNsk4BixwIN8-Sf35ATVEBUC_cgZK0ItsWfPsOEP-J_Q1YFkRZNIZsT0aMCCzwz6whrpdLyHnrOUhP2u1TqU1YaVbQ9gJ1FS0HfxmSJP9euqggk/s4032/IMG_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCao-v1Y-jN2jnkJ19fdHYDwNvxF-mRl7yd6o0mhTNg-WLmFjm5MnnR03QZlYHsyxCl8O4J9fGFonCGNsk4BixwIN8-Sf35ATVEBUC_cgZK0ItsWfPsOEP-J_Q1YFkRZNIZsT0aMCCzwz6whrpdLyHnrOUhP2u1TqU1YaVbQ9gJ1FS0HfxmSJP9euqggk/w480-h640/IMG_4074.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took a walk through the garden and found that all of my garlic is up. (With a harvest this large, I anticipate no trouble from vampires in my future.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefil3rvB30IMEgouKL0JN_1TdkRsQsw9YhL4Ja1FEa8gSFQlv7pvkuXOR96yjF51cBF81Tc4rID_oYkrQGmAfqjBGKPjdqJzgLHI1hzFnnHJ_iPBlCzU-jQpVwuK0L5L0KshB4QcGfbC0nw3S0x_FzXgfk9AZfnHwZjkAHUURKIezaY1tbTrbcfeD2RY/s4032/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefil3rvB30IMEgouKL0JN_1TdkRsQsw9YhL4Ja1FEa8gSFQlv7pvkuXOR96yjF51cBF81Tc4rID_oYkrQGmAfqjBGKPjdqJzgLHI1hzFnnHJ_iPBlCzU-jQpVwuK0L5L0KshB4QcGfbC0nw3S0x_FzXgfk9AZfnHwZjkAHUURKIezaY1tbTrbcfeD2RY/w480-h640/IMG_4005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Now, if only garlic could help to ward off muddy pups!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VEnSIGtWIhUNjYdftj4Dktdw9AR7O9rw27MA-hMaIzgYgiNjoFhSIhuUB4XUV4XBlFSQI-IJzq7yyRIq_h3nypp_zIIPJ_Z_vaoGkjLRaK4WF-T134-5gcUjY1AvxaeOYCuH-RJhbNOKCuvQf7rNBZpk-MURpg23zfZztuJ05ilvZOTOJA_ryo0cyFw/s4032/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VEnSIGtWIhUNjYdftj4Dktdw9AR7O9rw27MA-hMaIzgYgiNjoFhSIhuUB4XUV4XBlFSQI-IJzq7yyRIq_h3nypp_zIIPJ_Z_vaoGkjLRaK4WF-T134-5gcUjY1AvxaeOYCuH-RJhbNOKCuvQf7rNBZpk-MURpg23zfZztuJ05ilvZOTOJA_ryo0cyFw/w480-h640/IMG_4068.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also see lots of chamomile tea in our future!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy56lmsQQ-zTwm1L1DFIE1Dc6vu9ZMNH1Tmi3DktKvguBuWHdqeDUCAWuHIA85RSoVdK3dSCbrO-tedWx7DAOijWOuBWaj4Wwn3mg-h06K8hVlqnkdzjXVxMROB1hAMjR9aT_06noimlyxPcBEuskQLSqkOYrx9Mjigsl8EUgrZ0EzY0GB0Eeyo5oSaYE/s4032/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy56lmsQQ-zTwm1L1DFIE1Dc6vu9ZMNH1Tmi3DktKvguBuWHdqeDUCAWuHIA85RSoVdK3dSCbrO-tedWx7DAOijWOuBWaj4Wwn3mg-h06K8hVlqnkdzjXVxMROB1hAMjR9aT_06noimlyxPcBEuskQLSqkOYrx9Mjigsl8EUgrZ0EzY0GB0Eeyo5oSaYE/w640-h480/IMG_4007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can scarcely believe that we are on the cusp of gardening season! To say I am excited is an understatement!</div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-7209626795635854992024-03-01T03:00:00.076-05:002024-03-01T03:00:00.244-05:00Enthused and Inspired!<p style="text-align: center;">Immersing ourselves back into farm life has been wonderful this week. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BYgZSCnARTRt-_HAnU41e98mWMWhPoEdPSZgyFD2Z3hnOwO4Lsw0oPO2YflnvtxS9Qvh6HMp9HZidm7q22ZDZ9p5_v_FUmGuJe0ENFdmMBJIADoJlWHneXuKaXXBCTPQsk2Xcl5yknrDo9u0T3ZlemNZ-aRskV2eJok55NZ7PGEdp6c6-MnF3wwydn4/s4032/IMG_3893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BYgZSCnARTRt-_HAnU41e98mWMWhPoEdPSZgyFD2Z3hnOwO4Lsw0oPO2YflnvtxS9Qvh6HMp9HZidm7q22ZDZ9p5_v_FUmGuJe0ENFdmMBJIADoJlWHneXuKaXXBCTPQsk2Xcl5yknrDo9u0T3ZlemNZ-aRskV2eJok55NZ7PGEdp6c6-MnF3wwydn4/w640-h480/IMG_3893.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Vacation always serves to stoke my enthusiasm, inspiration, and creativity. And so, I have dived, headfirst, into all of the projects that have been swirling around my mind. Getting my fingers into the soil is number one on my list. Within the next two weeks, I will get some of my spring seeds into the soil. For now, though, I am content to give a reboot to some of my houseplants.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In April of 2019, Jack and I took a class at PSU in houseplant propagation. We came home with a few cuttings and quickly got them started in potting soil. One of these was a three inch piece of snake plant (dracaena trifasciata). By year's end the cutting (the part of the plant that is tipped in yellow) had grown a new shoot.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBusUIzg6XYIHe1rI7Zi6pep8kfqL7i8ZJ4Cp9b1PrB9CYhrdofs33yG8SuNnFsW5pbBYJ1_ZxxNzLFpAegAkjopsai-d9X-jdP46zgbAO4Eb_ebY6V0E__oWQwALdi8xwBsmVk9uOg2ptHsg8lYtIsw1nRbiu25kA6LMK80tmjtBDJWe9ollxR6GLu0/s640/i6McR4gKQxa7gFjRu9u0gg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBusUIzg6XYIHe1rI7Zi6pep8kfqL7i8ZJ4Cp9b1PrB9CYhrdofs33yG8SuNnFsW5pbBYJ1_ZxxNzLFpAegAkjopsai-d9X-jdP46zgbAO4Eb_ebY6V0E__oWQwALdi8xwBsmVk9uOg2ptHsg8lYtIsw1nRbiu25kA6LMK80tmjtBDJWe9ollxR6GLu0/w480-h640/i6McR4gKQxa7gFjRu9u0gg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Those shoots continued to make new shoots and soon I had an enormous plant. Two years ago, I split the plant in two and re-potted them. Since then, they have continued to grow!<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkQrJOCkRYLa_mEC__wv8vtiam31ep7n4xfofRXYd1eruHR4UM3V2zNHOIxO65ToOfh_ihp7c01Aitmi4NRBh63u8mnqR927ky3DqwEsFgkiVW-WY7-nUyN3wmgao-law9bKMwBmOwK7DOn-KsCaLjEEWOwxO0anqOpEEzojye1_wjPQein_H2sEF5mY/s4032/IMG_3948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkQrJOCkRYLa_mEC__wv8vtiam31ep7n4xfofRXYd1eruHR4UM3V2zNHOIxO65ToOfh_ihp7c01Aitmi4NRBh63u8mnqR927ky3DqwEsFgkiVW-WY7-nUyN3wmgao-law9bKMwBmOwK7DOn-KsCaLjEEWOwxO0anqOpEEzojye1_wjPQein_H2sEF5mY/w480-h640/IMG_3948.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I split the contents of those two pots into 6 containers!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH1UX9pYJyCbdRsInHWnZ3LzXeIUdB6JjDOJo_rPNuxS3ZSAogb9SP4uJeMt4ZxlCGelVUo-JAUY-SHbtMFlNCxNCVASj0gUQpDlEP35jU47dH8vHrRPNmo5aCbtizzYSidh3u8fErx9aewbB9UU8cXCyCrq_9LTVMU96tTqDRfpRzt7iceOdDM-krxo/s4032/IMG_3950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH1UX9pYJyCbdRsInHWnZ3LzXeIUdB6JjDOJo_rPNuxS3ZSAogb9SP4uJeMt4ZxlCGelVUo-JAUY-SHbtMFlNCxNCVASj0gUQpDlEP35jU47dH8vHrRPNmo5aCbtizzYSidh3u8fErx9aewbB9UU8cXCyCrq_9LTVMU96tTqDRfpRzt7iceOdDM-krxo/w640-h480/IMG_3950.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">This is one amazing plant. Though toxic to animals and babies (adults, too) (but, only if consumed), they are quite safe if kept out of reach. The plant is extremely beneficial to the atmosphere inside the home, as well. It is excellent at absorbing toxic chemicals in the air and exchanging them for oxygen. They literally purify your air! Though not the most beautiful of plants, in my opinion, I am more than happy to keep splitting them into more containers and placing them around my house. They are happiest in indirect bright light and do not require a lot of water - just a drink every two weeks or so when the soil is dried out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've had a chance to begin my home flour-milling... </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucQrODWfB8XVemANaPvYstSVQL0hWMmdBT5XDTatihYgzI8ksyRkLnNjdMZ4bCpCIuKkwS35eLVZT8kAaeCAIR3BgBBXC2zeiPP623JcmVdSihmujilsxARgxCmHA0J0y5ovqIHgT2OzW9tS83G9lKd-dIAAkl-pSTSmMfrXIHT3-ydvgdUJ5xxsMo3s/s4032/IMG_3883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucQrODWfB8XVemANaPvYstSVQL0hWMmdBT5XDTatihYgzI8ksyRkLnNjdMZ4bCpCIuKkwS35eLVZT8kAaeCAIR3BgBBXC2zeiPP623JcmVdSihmujilsxARgxCmHA0J0y5ovqIHgT2OzW9tS83G9lKd-dIAAkl-pSTSmMfrXIHT3-ydvgdUJ5xxsMo3s/w480-h640/IMG_3883.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">grinding some whole wheat flour that I used in these English muffins and loaves of bread.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuA5syPkzBbVNcbTZBDTGmlhzFlOwW3qRMvh7jypIaLif1pj6C0LLtgL4RYhlggYkpZ-6v_7ufkGegTXvXWtrFXDwi5xZPMF5erQlPCjMjxQq6iQ1oXpbRMKkTUPJhG7VNJKHtrgy-yDdI8EFYYEolUxqEmOsjs9jeSme-3er7FYyRWUW5MkGuXLNCjQ/s4032/IMG_3947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuA5syPkzBbVNcbTZBDTGmlhzFlOwW3qRMvh7jypIaLif1pj6C0LLtgL4RYhlggYkpZ-6v_7ufkGegTXvXWtrFXDwi5xZPMF5erQlPCjMjxQq6iQ1oXpbRMKkTUPJhG7VNJKHtrgy-yDdI8EFYYEolUxqEmOsjs9jeSme-3er7FYyRWUW5MkGuXLNCjQ/w640-h480/IMG_3947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When my Azure Standard order arrives next week, I will have both hard red wheat berries, and hard white wheat berries to work with. I think it will take a little trial and error to successfully produce my own freshly ground all purpose flour... grinding and sifting. I'll share what I learn as I venture forward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After months of soaking in oil, I have two infused oils ready to use for salves and lip balms...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yarrow leaves and calendula flowers. Both herbs are renowned for their skin-healing properties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBuSERZdzUT3EORdM4mfKyTZOOhGvz-FoOzJLD9_gjGXkZHH7mbnln5RAlDZTUaI8-s1o1RxC9FKQJhIH0REc8s4abZLdxq87s6djgYKWODqqLigcKBjLlOBiTuAOswSZ53ecerP9PQWWsGkH2T9rq2JhdPjZmo2UdxcmFzTvE9SCfXpDvrSQJeNBmFA/s4032/IMG_3951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBuSERZdzUT3EORdM4mfKyTZOOhGvz-FoOzJLD9_gjGXkZHH7mbnln5RAlDZTUaI8-s1o1RxC9FKQJhIH0REc8s4abZLdxq87s6djgYKWODqqLigcKBjLlOBiTuAOswSZ53ecerP9PQWWsGkH2T9rq2JhdPjZmo2UdxcmFzTvE9SCfXpDvrSQJeNBmFA/w640-h480/IMG_3951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used the yarrow oil in a peppermint, healing lip balm - packaged in cardboard tubes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62DVVd_GOBN1fM4SXeivzwGBII23-Asc8y1RgrNqjkaNOTEjUwK8jzBahmco7bk-eqvhwnsfID84Z-00xPsaITG_Rg6iZ2oTW1Ojq36OyBpxRkUUob7tvRJ4UolgGjCPM52pz7s-d0_RXMR9SGjfw3B3G_vfQ1OUQ6IqKgkZAVHG_dwt_S33yet-b7yw/s4032/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62DVVd_GOBN1fM4SXeivzwGBII23-Asc8y1RgrNqjkaNOTEjUwK8jzBahmco7bk-eqvhwnsfID84Z-00xPsaITG_Rg6iZ2oTW1Ojq36OyBpxRkUUob7tvRJ4UolgGjCPM52pz7s-d0_RXMR9SGjfw3B3G_vfQ1OUQ6IqKgkZAVHG_dwt_S33yet-b7yw/w640-h480/IMG_3980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the calendula in a lavender scented healing salve. A few family members and friends use this salve routinely as a moisturizer - thus the need to make some more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXL0owhaRwkbnnhUe95TmehqKl9hHqYOcGLSj2s4cgNsjkyazNi5VU8yzNCA9D3rpXMzs1e8gGy-lvbnhjYg9sTnhguhyTfB3u-teuzbqsH6y11W8yDgkuWvjQwX_IBDPTkN2-t10tvnLiA_-UEMV71dzRL5KMmrzWVgeP5xogY9ZHj6MzcUy8xAL2oQ/s4032/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXL0owhaRwkbnnhUe95TmehqKl9hHqYOcGLSj2s4cgNsjkyazNi5VU8yzNCA9D3rpXMzs1e8gGy-lvbnhjYg9sTnhguhyTfB3u-teuzbqsH6y11W8yDgkuWvjQwX_IBDPTkN2-t10tvnLiA_-UEMV71dzRL5KMmrzWVgeP5xogY9ZHj6MzcUy8xAL2oQ/w640-h480/IMG_3981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday gifted us a beautiful sunny day - the storms and winds of the previous days having moved on. Finally we were able to get back out in the woods with the dogs - something I am sure they missed.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKJgkB0AftkdFiQNLBaSgUtHGMQY4TXlezEjnCvEQO_XSFbGaJh6nC6idWJOaH4asDjEspjcV86mfJs8smmSiild6hQY1nuJuYFt4sIQo7gDkSiZYBSsqjbT_IiAAaEe7p0GqpIi7wH74yxn0qm5GbcV-89A4-NsJ5rwl-8JQbVeGaFL_1v0L0qL1Tww/s4032/IMG_3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKJgkB0AftkdFiQNLBaSgUtHGMQY4TXlezEjnCvEQO_XSFbGaJh6nC6idWJOaH4asDjEspjcV86mfJs8smmSiild6hQY1nuJuYFt4sIQo7gDkSiZYBSsqjbT_IiAAaEe7p0GqpIi7wH74yxn0qm5GbcV-89A4-NsJ5rwl-8JQbVeGaFL_1v0L0qL1Tww/w480-h640/IMG_3958.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time of year, when we are just on the cusp of turning the corner from winter into spring, seeing snowdrops peeking through the forest floor is a welcomed sight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJOD_ZeTbOgUjGEv44j3YqWuFQU-0O54am0FJfLDyGJi3c1gdUfujhqXK8zJMT9mEtjh1_c1Ku6FX18fi_O8tpgUkad2vj2aPH0rxkcJ2wmnM-ESY8oQ9B_71diH2NHk9g3KsQbrGWtjBdrzbzVUJOImabxfa6Wu7NXDT6qmOBQgmgTV-6gX1BKhhzh4/s4032/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJOD_ZeTbOgUjGEv44j3YqWuFQU-0O54am0FJfLDyGJi3c1gdUfujhqXK8zJMT9mEtjh1_c1Ku6FX18fi_O8tpgUkad2vj2aPH0rxkcJ2wmnM-ESY8oQ9B_71diH2NHk9g3KsQbrGWtjBdrzbzVUJOImabxfa6Wu7NXDT6qmOBQgmgTV-6gX1BKhhzh4/w640-h480/IMG_3959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unless one takes the time to look these precious blossoms in the face, one misses the chance to see just how beautiful they actually are!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPmYTFd4vj_YbW3_DUcE32rJmejOr6WZLzF5hfb-rmJ8wV27Gi-K4X3iz6PDIH7tDffF4sPE2Y9uLWlUBKIm7MLR2jwddYnmw5m_HuOruLixco_c809p0nROYuw9GsrjygDuawOPJHA7ffTl23dmCTwCzHf1zF3vjnSiq4k9zLr_F851L9NqYK4J2f5s/s4032/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPmYTFd4vj_YbW3_DUcE32rJmejOr6WZLzF5hfb-rmJ8wV27Gi-K4X3iz6PDIH7tDffF4sPE2Y9uLWlUBKIm7MLR2jwddYnmw5m_HuOruLixco_c809p0nROYuw9GsrjygDuawOPJHA7ffTl23dmCTwCzHf1zF3vjnSiq4k9zLr_F851L9NqYK4J2f5s/w480-h640/IMG_3961.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the same with people. If we walk with our heads down, we miss the beauty that is hidden in each other's faces and the stories that lie behind each other's eyes. I cannot take credit for this bit of inspiration... as it was handed to me by Jack, yesterday on our woodsy walk. I merely put it into my own words.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow is Hubbs' birthday. Some of you have had the pleasure of knowing this amazing man. He's the light of my life and the best partner I could imagine in this life on the farm. I could go on and on... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Happy Birthday, love!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXa4BRbdUk8vo2V7_a-2sqaDl3WQkgD6XWkpb8oVCfEL2U_m7r3ImPdPnsjolyCY7Cu70In6FrPzuDAMbX6id-yOP7oncNZJq_F7s6Mrzf1JEgjzSobK-xVBFQE55X03IlLe3v8idypcNUJjAV-8MKjgdPRTl8xNLbw0wSbRKdHGjCS1B7-eYC4zhx-8/s4032/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXa4BRbdUk8vo2V7_a-2sqaDl3WQkgD6XWkpb8oVCfEL2U_m7r3ImPdPnsjolyCY7Cu70In6FrPzuDAMbX6id-yOP7oncNZJq_F7s6Mrzf1JEgjzSobK-xVBFQE55X03IlLe3v8idypcNUJjAV-8MKjgdPRTl8xNLbw0wSbRKdHGjCS1B7-eYC4zhx-8/w480-h640/IMG_3979.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-53630897937944941442024-02-29T03:00:00.028-05:002024-02-29T07:10:51.810-05:00Is This Spring?<p style="text-align: center;">It's a rainy Wednesday morning. Typically, I write each post in the late afternoon or early evening - as a way of remembering the best parts of the day. Today, however, with the risk of losing power or internet as storms and high winds sweep across our area, I am writing this early. As I write, thunder rumbles outside my window. Regardless, I have a few leftover moments from yesterday that needed sharing! (as well as a few from today!)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OkM9fGstcUV8kMBMy54foqRSp54R1GQo-hRwm4dkXEYMOCjiW1OFpca974kXuopiFddddylWK-FKqVAYeRW6F5AJHhc7w5x-v8IKJaDYKuhe1f1JKXEgaOuFo1zRltNXmIdUV7pKEOg4nXshN9djfgcpE0KOnM3n5ODqHTO1xgzCmq-y4OeOHWxugtM/s4032/IMG_3912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OkM9fGstcUV8kMBMy54foqRSp54R1GQo-hRwm4dkXEYMOCjiW1OFpca974kXuopiFddddylWK-FKqVAYeRW6F5AJHhc7w5x-v8IKJaDYKuhe1f1JKXEgaOuFo1zRltNXmIdUV7pKEOg4nXshN9djfgcpE0KOnM3n5ODqHTO1xgzCmq-y4OeOHWxugtM/w480-h640/IMG_3912.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm telling myself that this 54 degree morning is not Spring - not yet - but perhaps just a false spring at the end of an unusual winter. March, typically, can bring just about any type of weather - so I am preparing myself for extremes and will be grateful for anything less than that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdLXvrKNpsP7WK_fstWyJ7yWMUfrorvqCY3dJVDubxnteDg7CQXgHndGr9py9No_qJIRchz6v8Kkgrv8-h8NpjGJypduKil25i4_5lTvrasrqLuKD1fl3Qx4HHISqs39kkKcOvBTdflcuyp9D8j-2iPiTlMEh0ph0OsHuVZ7aiyHdTduIB5jWyG5lA4k/s4032/IMG_3920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdLXvrKNpsP7WK_fstWyJ7yWMUfrorvqCY3dJVDubxnteDg7CQXgHndGr9py9No_qJIRchz6v8Kkgrv8-h8NpjGJypduKil25i4_5lTvrasrqLuKD1fl3Qx4HHISqs39kkKcOvBTdflcuyp9D8j-2iPiTlMEh0ph0OsHuVZ7aiyHdTduIB5jWyG5lA4k/w640-h480/IMG_3920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We are well into the season of mud around here. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism6QnXY-H40mwh6w1js_fcPqsNgF5GUtbjtwPr5GdWdr4sAMRKAKg0ZIAgA20Vna2pBx2w0thqS2GZrNR9zJtdvn6HNHnAntgedksYUbTGcBhGndHLn57tk_zheqIXsoRRgZ1CWQyBg6ZP4k39cUlvpQtuHPygQWTru5GiuOYLPmsb049NYkXxDY7r-Q/s4032/IMG_3915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism6QnXY-H40mwh6w1js_fcPqsNgF5GUtbjtwPr5GdWdr4sAMRKAKg0ZIAgA20Vna2pBx2w0thqS2GZrNR9zJtdvn6HNHnAntgedksYUbTGcBhGndHLn57tk_zheqIXsoRRgZ1CWQyBg6ZP4k39cUlvpQtuHPygQWTru5GiuOYLPmsb049NYkXxDY7r-Q/w480-h640/IMG_3915.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The snow has melted, leaving the soil super-saturated. The rains just run off... causing the pond and streams to swell. Ultimately, our river will swell as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUVJSODwyA4XwPL383kMmfusUoxLAK1U7_lUh9lSq8SJATMU93oI6hY_wZNuyc9fN24c_-Bn9gP3wNtSuP93yqiiRkTtcSWlaGjgiWPmKT1ScbR4I7HyNiFQ1To8jxDh8izoTPoq3sfDrOmSfZSospHNH0dXbwNt21H6GLOY7_JtSSi8VWa4b72pfqAY/s4032/IMG_3913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUVJSODwyA4XwPL383kMmfusUoxLAK1U7_lUh9lSq8SJATMU93oI6hY_wZNuyc9fN24c_-Bn9gP3wNtSuP93yqiiRkTtcSWlaGjgiWPmKT1ScbR4I7HyNiFQ1To8jxDh8izoTPoq3sfDrOmSfZSospHNH0dXbwNt21H6GLOY7_JtSSi8VWa4b72pfqAY/w480-h640/IMG_3913.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I dressed this morning in freshly laundered rain gear. Unaware that there was still a layer of ice right in front of the barn overhang (underneath which I was feeding the horses) - my feet went out from under me and down I went. No worries - unhurt - but my clothes? Well...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxYMx1_qx2WP8jaRorb5csZpRredpsdSa54Q0hKGwjAR5bhm6lYanlf-3R3QldgVqe9lPzWH19naw0L1YVAhF_vKFVar9izD3EVuSJ3ty37ttzLJMqzloDO5av2S7T79i9IulOK4Z90dfZVQuL2-UmiIr7jbcM2CQMeWSx8Hi1TPzpZnoTUfKImjbxBA/s1024/IMG_2278.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxYMx1_qx2WP8jaRorb5csZpRredpsdSa54Q0hKGwjAR5bhm6lYanlf-3R3QldgVqe9lPzWH19naw0L1YVAhF_vKFVar9izD3EVuSJ3ty37ttzLJMqzloDO5av2S7T79i9IulOK4Z90dfZVQuL2-UmiIr7jbcM2CQMeWSx8Hi1TPzpZnoTUfKImjbxBA/w480-h640/IMG_2278.HEIC" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's quite possible that Forrest is my spirit animal, for he, too, cannot keep himself clean!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO5Zl5FArJStBp496uMDeC3Uclel1oqSUNTWHjavvz_UK5Pn_lJoGXO8xyWh9b7e410-r21Igy6ILmtbxP-fm7DUHemx96RIaSFeKMWd_7gQlw6n0G0EXvObjKKi6V0UqF4KfkAEIem9MkxfkBTbo_ehSbPGUT91UlFlwdUmd5uoeKooIetSc06dG4sw/s4032/IMG_3927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO5Zl5FArJStBp496uMDeC3Uclel1oqSUNTWHjavvz_UK5Pn_lJoGXO8xyWh9b7e410-r21Igy6ILmtbxP-fm7DUHemx96RIaSFeKMWd_7gQlw6n0G0EXvObjKKi6V0UqF4KfkAEIem9MkxfkBTbo_ehSbPGUT91UlFlwdUmd5uoeKooIetSc06dG4sw/w480-h640/IMG_3927.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Unlike Annie, who never gets dirty - even under all of the same circumstances.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKKKjg26_ipy88k_kmObvVK58aFleheqN6VquF1ozzeK7pYZHHXwmtQszoDWLIwFgwfKQ0iqdSaUHzIatYe2ncVFYfWIE_LRA_1NUac_BTwav_zrPlbrpiPyDldfNZzKajn0Vk2owUZaet0IM0vc6SJYN_MyS8jcYrImXNOQep3YDcWlvP9X2XaHxFos/s4032/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKKKjg26_ipy88k_kmObvVK58aFleheqN6VquF1ozzeK7pYZHHXwmtQszoDWLIwFgwfKQ0iqdSaUHzIatYe2ncVFYfWIE_LRA_1NUac_BTwav_zrPlbrpiPyDldfNZzKajn0Vk2owUZaet0IM0vc6SJYN_MyS8jcYrImXNOQep3YDcWlvP9X2XaHxFos/w480-h640/IMG_3928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A quick swim in the pond...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J73ZpmFxKdHD6Ym5MloA3f0OkYj1u164U5sLCfLM6G_cTe9OE65WyAp5BbYcf7yV1bK4fdnjTiVWitQ1uhYd1VjCQBL4Q4W2rlL7yei0OPG95TkIzk-I_kTeDtuEe1kcHcf4QAG-3mchABJCQag2HhDueu-okfd7NH07-5Fwccyg6u9vuU3oxkpYeVA/s4032/IMG_3933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J73ZpmFxKdHD6Ym5MloA3f0OkYj1u164U5sLCfLM6G_cTe9OE65WyAp5BbYcf7yV1bK4fdnjTiVWitQ1uhYd1VjCQBL4Q4W2rlL7yei0OPG95TkIzk-I_kTeDtuEe1kcHcf4QAG-3mchABJCQag2HhDueu-okfd7NH07-5Fwccyg6u9vuU3oxkpYeVA/w480-h640/IMG_3933.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">followed by a good shake, sets everything aright again... at least for Forrest. Personally, an early morning swim in the pond holds no allure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilVu5GnlrGnGLCOpdubI3NPah-59DUq0ZupV6qsOlIsGZPnyouP4nq4OnGI2cEMLzihHS7xLL_Lk9Ou_mcoSPmiQO_HjcJDwP89PlL6WMC-MP-UQdBN-EPsaYTwh7mDIDMess0F8lNKgS0zm_LQ9FbwYm6ieNep_xWcxVmOEFENsie17cjAomTYtXU6E/s4032/IMG_3935.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilVu5GnlrGnGLCOpdubI3NPah-59DUq0ZupV6qsOlIsGZPnyouP4nq4OnGI2cEMLzihHS7xLL_Lk9Ou_mcoSPmiQO_HjcJDwP89PlL6WMC-MP-UQdBN-EPsaYTwh7mDIDMess0F8lNKgS0zm_LQ9FbwYm6ieNep_xWcxVmOEFENsie17cjAomTYtXU6E/w480-h640/IMG_3935.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yesterday, (while I was hunting and gathering at the grocery store) Hubbs was cutting all of the wood pieces for 7 bat houses that the Girl Scouts are going to assemble. Hearing some activity in the dry lot, he shot this video... I thought you might enjoy. You can also view it <a href="https://youtu.be/LNu2b1cWvFY">HERE on YouTube,</a> if it doesn't load below.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LNu2b1cWvFY?si=HPIWYAbLH6O3oXa-" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep smiling and have a great day!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">PS: to answer a few questions about our bike trip... We rode 30 to 40 miles every day. The terrain was very hilly with some very steep climbs - however, we had E-assist bikes, so, although we got a great work out - we were actually able to make it to the top of those climbs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As for our animals... I am under no romantic notion that our farm animals miss us. They love the one who feeds them. However, as far as the dogs are concerned... it's a whole different matter. Luckily, we have house sitters who come and stay with the dogs so that their daily routine stays the same. Anna, who does our farm chores for us takes Forrest along with her so he gets some extra exercise. Before we leave, when the suitcases are getting packed, Annie and Chester act a little sad. And when we arrive back home, each has their own greeting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chester: [relieved]"Phew! I thought maybe you'd left us forever!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Annie: "I knew you'd come back - what took you so long?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Forrest: " I had so much fun while you were gone, but I'm so, so, so happy you are home!"</div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-33613526553517879872024-02-28T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-28T03:00:00.122-05:00Hello, Again!<p style="text-align: center;">Good day, my friend. It's been a while, hasn't it? And I am quite serious when I say... "I've missed our chats!"</p><p style="text-align: center;">We've much to catch up on, I believe! If you happened to catch our Instagram stories, then you might already know that we snuck away to grab a piece of summer in the southern hemisphere. 5,670 miles away (to be exact) for a bicycling trip in the lakes and volcanos district in the southern half of Chile. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w7GqwIk9UBO584ci_UeU2Abf7iXq545ELo_FpC18HnaVKZx-y2VUgPpzPl9Aulq61gFL2_uAqtyCVzhAIBvhsOhp8PK-FVJ8llnR0uaijUQBq5v5Engc4cpaY04WTORxFMV5vov7X9_CZIit8g9QD1Y3bIy057kJ65GRS8_7io6rCxw8Knvqt779fAw/s1389/Image%202-27-24%20at%208.23%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-w7GqwIk9UBO584ci_UeU2Abf7iXq545ELo_FpC18HnaVKZx-y2VUgPpzPl9Aulq61gFL2_uAqtyCVzhAIBvhsOhp8PK-FVJ8llnR0uaijUQBq5v5Engc4cpaY04WTORxFMV5vov7X9_CZIit8g9QD1Y3bIy057kJ65GRS8_7io6rCxw8Knvqt779fAw/w579-h640/Image%202-27-24%20at%208.23%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="579" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Of course, the day we were to drive to Baltimore to catch our flight, we awoke to a fresh 5 inches of snow. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68S_WF4wUEn8yLRnT-9tf3vtqJJtB9xVMytHLfbqppjNnhohfmkPtrv5wlh03bAfm5rMTyla6c2l-nkpKRVG0ug5gLbnCOp47TZT_7aU72j6MvN1Dp_fUi7AKIbU3GVIfLkrg1u97nI7FkMHnR_2iGJe75jbMfd2rZ0_tF9_sGAI_Qb4K6Drv0kMhJhQ/s4032/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68S_WF4wUEn8yLRnT-9tf3vtqJJtB9xVMytHLfbqppjNnhohfmkPtrv5wlh03bAfm5rMTyla6c2l-nkpKRVG0ug5gLbnCOp47TZT_7aU72j6MvN1Dp_fUi7AKIbU3GVIfLkrg1u97nI7FkMHnR_2iGJe75jbMfd2rZ0_tF9_sGAI_Qb4K6Drv0kMhJhQ/w480-h640/IMG_3621.JPG" width="480" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs headed out to clear the driveways, while I headed to the barn to do barn chores for the last time before leaving. By the time it was time to leave, the roads were cleared and our trip proceeded smoothly.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61g0MT3W2-mxC9RoTdSKwMZtmruUXVXYf6wwM2tTbp2PK1Xcfdvur-3CentELLxjBPv188st4NXlqNwoQsyHbbsS3PReHUDeFsOfeLbzythzSUL2IbkPe3hI861Zp58eNwucoh3SB22in0fUSKUxrlKetqQlJQ-12XNiNmGTueB2tL1ePOFjiSBrjuzA/s4032/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61g0MT3W2-mxC9RoTdSKwMZtmruUXVXYf6wwM2tTbp2PK1Xcfdvur-3CentELLxjBPv188st4NXlqNwoQsyHbbsS3PReHUDeFsOfeLbzythzSUL2IbkPe3hI861Zp58eNwucoh3SB22in0fUSKUxrlKetqQlJQ-12XNiNmGTueB2tL1ePOFjiSBrjuzA/w300-h400/IMG_3629.JPG" width="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">29 hours later, (with only one connection missed and re-scheduled) we arrived in the town of Puerto Montt, Chile - gateway to the Andes and the Patagonian fjords. As we approached our destination, I saw many volcanos from the airplane window.... mountains, lakes, volcanos. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEQw9ZKBoIFUpP2UzrubB_o41eIulZ_LQrvm00mqVOGIHgKijyOPyabcS8_-HsN2OZhr-BniXi5ZlbDpgl6_fa3SBbSzbX1IFMNtw83uZqVIEqACuQ7IScx2DtoU_3lVflZibq4rjyVqj9TB2QS7DR4KKYeXC4MBOYBu2QY4MPTM1r1znFsJiRf1O7Dk/s2705/IMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="2705" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEQw9ZKBoIFUpP2UzrubB_o41eIulZ_LQrvm00mqVOGIHgKijyOPyabcS8_-HsN2OZhr-BniXi5ZlbDpgl6_fa3SBbSzbX1IFMNtw83uZqVIEqACuQ7IScx2DtoU_3lVflZibq4rjyVqj9TB2QS7DR4KKYeXC4MBOYBu2QY4MPTM1r1znFsJiRf1O7Dk/w640-h602/IMG_3636.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> A little research showed me that there are 2000 volcanos in Chile - 500 of which are potentially active! It became quite evident that this trip was going to be a spectacular adventure!</p><p style="text-align: center;">From Puerto Montt, we took a shuttle to the quaint, lakeside town of Puerto Varas. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBdygj0jcUNYi-2DsscaXSClrxTg12tVzk1055-2aCGVuXHOXr-drMZq3QZW6u7Hz0JGnowlH1hzZvKUWJLu1tRuoM4kvZVJEj3mvo5COPqmRTqvSitEDgODYrrUXLMOYhoYsOFGt3x2yriXbLWvo4cKXx9mYsVRaoFJfFOOSZBWbA4d1KxF9WGAFauM/s2282/F8CFEE60-2562-48D4-A1CB-B5631118C8BC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBdygj0jcUNYi-2DsscaXSClrxTg12tVzk1055-2aCGVuXHOXr-drMZq3QZW6u7Hz0JGnowlH1hzZvKUWJLu1tRuoM4kvZVJEj3mvo5COPqmRTqvSitEDgODYrrUXLMOYhoYsOFGt3x2yriXbLWvo4cKXx9mYsVRaoFJfFOOSZBWbA4d1KxF9WGAFauM/w360-h640/F8CFEE60-2562-48D4-A1CB-B5631118C8BC.JPG" width="360" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> This area of Chile has a very heavy German influence which is definitely evident in the architecture. We arrived in the town just as they were celebrating what they consider to be the end of their summer season. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2hjGDLUzeQIu9DomQXmgWY8ku7AYMhoHZ3Dy9jUkq5VWx3VvPNLCu7r6PWslzn6rczMAvwLz9INxjtaUzTHQ06Zc8YuRJ5tYFNmNcM1eRURuOmDuO07wBKl6xEOK9LNXh8E2tXOaaK6FM0oLL-bSqW88lGCLoMwp9rEy8Sy3w_Rlu4sBOq6TtuSBpBQ/s4032/IMG_3639.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2hjGDLUzeQIu9DomQXmgWY8ku7AYMhoHZ3Dy9jUkq5VWx3VvPNLCu7r6PWslzn6rczMAvwLz9INxjtaUzTHQ06Zc8YuRJ5tYFNmNcM1eRURuOmDuO07wBKl6xEOK9LNXh8E2tXOaaK6FM0oLL-bSqW88lGCLoMwp9rEy8Sy3w_Rlu4sBOq6TtuSBpBQ/w480-h640/IMG_3639.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Our hotel room overlooked the lake and a beautiful snowcapped volcano.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zXe9Pc-B7Vs1h1nRHSQl-yFPq5uW1BNh_h_eDyKhERNL_Fwhkgt5g1dXfljLz7lNTQC6HBi7uUGSAZ5450Gex3j-8ES03yIfagH61k6hBfnHymv0J1khvACFVpQbknaKa8GAG4LtXrsTWRygll0RSjJcJpzO4VcdRFqIaob8IcqssUSVNlpXp3wkN6k/s4032/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zXe9Pc-B7Vs1h1nRHSQl-yFPq5uW1BNh_h_eDyKhERNL_Fwhkgt5g1dXfljLz7lNTQC6HBi7uUGSAZ5450Gex3j-8ES03yIfagH61k6hBfnHymv0J1khvACFVpQbknaKa8GAG4LtXrsTWRygll0RSjJcJpzO4VcdRFqIaob8IcqssUSVNlpXp3wkN6k/w640-h480/IMG_3638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The following morning, we were fitted for our bicycles that we would be using for a week as we rode the beautiful countryside. After breakfast we met our guides, Pablo and Mario (both from Spain) and off we went on our first adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGd7JDOAnh2Yf1wNY8EyqJPcC9lro7JZYBZPF3k1jvXgD5-u6RgZYIUDuHw6V2-HuaBvyWolhwXL1tyWKLQfT2R944Hpj5y8MJS-S_yaGb8hmNqU9XCeTzrk31Nz_bDBP4xIUHQcwx2COfkxMqAT7bYGua4fU_ERBom_LZqiq3jVM-BT02OJa29xjZfU/s1713/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1713" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGd7JDOAnh2Yf1wNY8EyqJPcC9lro7JZYBZPF3k1jvXgD5-u6RgZYIUDuHw6V2-HuaBvyWolhwXL1tyWKLQfT2R944Hpj5y8MJS-S_yaGb8hmNqU9XCeTzrk31Nz_bDBP4xIUHQcwx2COfkxMqAT7bYGua4fU_ERBom_LZqiq3jVM-BT02OJa29xjZfU/w360-h640/IMG_3905.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joining us was a local guide, Igor, a wonderfully enthusiastic naturalist who shared his knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region as he rode along side our group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHvSS30UbFGd7mpy4lohurtxjtAlcrjTzMuCbfN6XEMh0aYij0PPTa_PJtBfhmy0SmO3pz8UKj0nFW3X7JRbssABcm915ji2Cg8APiDpMDZzhMWwh78M_pxx_RgWCt-S1_jKckAt3Jq2w5w1O3k7WN45rKsLhtEKgUYoRsqBsx1qSJLA50ar07fnmnGw/s4032/IMG_2261.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHvSS30UbFGd7mpy4lohurtxjtAlcrjTzMuCbfN6XEMh0aYij0PPTa_PJtBfhmy0SmO3pz8UKj0nFW3X7JRbssABcm915ji2Cg8APiDpMDZzhMWwh78M_pxx_RgWCt-S1_jKckAt3Jq2w5w1O3k7WN45rKsLhtEKgUYoRsqBsx1qSJLA50ar07fnmnGw/w480-h640/IMG_2261.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a native of the area, he was able to warn us when we would run into obstacles, such as road work and a small traffic jam. Luckily, this only occurred on one day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD_BmxBd06iknVPa_N4j2I81rJW97tvJzJV9RF7Od_Y5v5Ms96uI64Rm1g9OZxGvu3s2S7R_pyvdCVsn2lXN3PYtiKAPrFRwK5qd8c9WNFpWxBoMVjGyIsGFEFEXVH2relULmZEBWPdLZq0J8MLerda0ZrzWwV_j5es8l9ZY3POAxvF5I4EbjxpXjmiY/s800/IMG_6893.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD_BmxBd06iknVPa_N4j2I81rJW97tvJzJV9RF7Od_Y5v5Ms96uI64Rm1g9OZxGvu3s2S7R_pyvdCVsn2lXN3PYtiKAPrFRwK5qd8c9WNFpWxBoMVjGyIsGFEFEXVH2relULmZEBWPdLZq0J8MLerda0ZrzWwV_j5es8l9ZY3POAxvF5I4EbjxpXjmiY/w480-h640/IMG_6893.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our week took us past the most beautiful vistas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bdp3bQ92Ggw416zeREpjqu08Guc_RdN7a-Cs61WsP_z2mZ1GI6MHpO_EOA1O90scaXmWKdhmvAdMMfy0Xxkq3fi4LgGi3y6AEnm40zgvC1Vcr5_CuvgWX52KE62oANacxrKZbAaCqDlwJlIC4V5JzUIMQ0DVaj0xWu1yDmWYChuOwdAHK43i8ZUj2yM/s1713/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1713" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bdp3bQ92Ggw416zeREpjqu08Guc_RdN7a-Cs61WsP_z2mZ1GI6MHpO_EOA1O90scaXmWKdhmvAdMMfy0Xxkq3fi4LgGi3y6AEnm40zgvC1Vcr5_CuvgWX52KE62oANacxrKZbAaCqDlwJlIC4V5JzUIMQ0DVaj0xWu1yDmWYChuOwdAHK43i8ZUj2yM/w480-h640/IMG_3906.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> (Some of the following photos were taken by members of our group and shared.) The following photo is only half of our group. And Hubbs was way ahead of the rest of us that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gqATkNczraqC5XhyphenhyphenKVDr-_ZS6ywENmtA2xeDVGEO1nuJAsqo7P07JJXcRfEJlx8WEGlp9rcN3c8I7Ree_Rwfu3KRt4fLlRoHQVZ4AfB3Eccqjnu24nbtYLaWkkVmISf8zvmyRGQhFs2hjeYwC57jPdm7iZQeXekLgVybAiMyYuCsyGiA7BmsegH7uMk/s1284/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1284" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gqATkNczraqC5XhyphenhyphenKVDr-_ZS6ywENmtA2xeDVGEO1nuJAsqo7P07JJXcRfEJlx8WEGlp9rcN3c8I7Ree_Rwfu3KRt4fLlRoHQVZ4AfB3Eccqjnu24nbtYLaWkkVmISf8zvmyRGQhFs2hjeYwC57jPdm7iZQeXekLgVybAiMyYuCsyGiA7BmsegH7uMk/w640-h480/IMG_3908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of our time was spent on country roads, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeq0pJO8QX7ibqoC5_oq__bpGXhTEZ2INQ2Rvm2Nk5ciTfd3W1GsOYV2RlT4PeytDt3cVA6ggb8ABDiDILKl1C3JP3pCFvswiMUY0hQ0PwAFzi9TPDlBxfqaPh5rFiBITmeJlPxfosKrMFdMcp3AJZqzILadVdIoUXh2hf6063m4hzlHiQl_4HpRUedw/s2226/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="1251" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeq0pJO8QX7ibqoC5_oq__bpGXhTEZ2INQ2Rvm2Nk5ciTfd3W1GsOYV2RlT4PeytDt3cVA6ggb8ABDiDILKl1C3JP3pCFvswiMUY0hQ0PwAFzi9TPDlBxfqaPh5rFiBITmeJlPxfosKrMFdMcp3AJZqzILadVdIoUXh2hf6063m4hzlHiQl_4HpRUedw/w360-h640/IMG_3909.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>rolling past fields of grazing sheep, horses, and cattle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzijrYFGqVMW7w0QpDTlt1rl4gwFr0cJQ-NZ1azyobps0MwJRR1xLEkg2cCCNkilBa1RNmK3Zwc87GZ8oD22V1iOsrrq2I_BVaXeFfaDglXrn7HHnbkLHArKpCyd6YRUTTaCGUNFbmPfah2Ulg8_tbS69fzPhm7_W5tmrlJKXlWkl25LWUsIAHwOu7eXw/s4032/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzijrYFGqVMW7w0QpDTlt1rl4gwFr0cJQ-NZ1azyobps0MwJRR1xLEkg2cCCNkilBa1RNmK3Zwc87GZ8oD22V1iOsrrq2I_BVaXeFfaDglXrn7HHnbkLHArKpCyd6YRUTTaCGUNFbmPfah2Ulg8_tbS69fzPhm7_W5tmrlJKXlWkl25LWUsIAHwOu7eXw/w480-h640/IMG_3773.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Up hill and down we rode... around lakes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p8cv_SPhRP9fWkntpSrEDGH6BpVZXBmmYINX4DCoA58L5f3xJ7eFqakyX7TO-Ewd1dfGK9qFtOSjFVEOTah5wcSblzzmA8ga-V7ZQ74AenEfnBIAIM9Cp_UE_OiCLyMJP7F7ntBkfgnqg5YweBvm1QpyzM4g8ZSxhmUDIOdYgLRCncBrT7nE6pKnsjw/s4032/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p8cv_SPhRP9fWkntpSrEDGH6BpVZXBmmYINX4DCoA58L5f3xJ7eFqakyX7TO-Ewd1dfGK9qFtOSjFVEOTah5wcSblzzmA8ga-V7ZQ74AenEfnBIAIM9Cp_UE_OiCLyMJP7F7ntBkfgnqg5YweBvm1QpyzM4g8ZSxhmUDIOdYgLRCncBrT7nE6pKnsjw/w640-h480/IMG_3751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and beside volcanos... one was active, as you can see by this photo I took at night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFNMleoBWmLqukPA8COl5nR2DhZ7GfMpYd7TCyxfqXzOHvh8VJqkx9rnxxJkG5-8PiXmteLU-P0uCzoAX6HltGPE9l5MqkcxR5-0Ki9NYMdZ3XUyHA2hpOZOozB43a8UCoT8wK9ZZJStNgv0ZUqIvoiCXkq1ZH4zem5AHWRxTiLlLMNcNKKr1R2k7e9A/s4032/IMG_3872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFNMleoBWmLqukPA8COl5nR2DhZ7GfMpYd7TCyxfqXzOHvh8VJqkx9rnxxJkG5-8PiXmteLU-P0uCzoAX6HltGPE9l5MqkcxR5-0Ki9NYMdZ3XUyHA2hpOZOozB43a8UCoT8wK9ZZJStNgv0ZUqIvoiCXkq1ZH4zem5AHWRxTiLlLMNcNKKr1R2k7e9A/w640-h480/IMG_3872.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The flowers were intoxicating - especially after these past few months of winter!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJmlQmQxw0Cao3CFRjQ_oaK5vPKSCmgeyzO11gaD689cldWrdLoRwz26JJ-p-Jta89sayuXfUZeBIIaTtEXYsldOGY7grVr2TqCT9qFdTd4Lw3KwwLi6_jT8wXBASgUk-BOLoVdcCOsqapiRLcyBW2iAQh7cJxOFFXPWN8y8cfdYVBX-ex_HHphyG7LY/s2282/5C7FBB1F-BCA9-4C81-9F2D-621CBAA02D3C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJmlQmQxw0Cao3CFRjQ_oaK5vPKSCmgeyzO11gaD689cldWrdLoRwz26JJ-p-Jta89sayuXfUZeBIIaTtEXYsldOGY7grVr2TqCT9qFdTd4Lw3KwwLi6_jT8wXBASgUk-BOLoVdcCOsqapiRLcyBW2iAQh7cJxOFFXPWN8y8cfdYVBX-ex_HHphyG7LY/w360-h640/5C7FBB1F-BCA9-4C81-9F2D-621CBAA02D3C.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQzTsmKpYQngDiS0nO3P8oLCpQQsT9eKNlJ_LCPL0Z5BqozaSELeIzNsSXQ7kCjRpVQmt886L61eX3rT-wLrAFA7pQtEzpwKnSqyYLmEbLxeqeDzU6zPb0d3JzPA8FezaMHOdHfM7Ac_JsyaV247vGlSUip5Nj6nZ4sMA2t8jblkQebavWQEkggF9Xmg/s4032/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQzTsmKpYQngDiS0nO3P8oLCpQQsT9eKNlJ_LCPL0Z5BqozaSELeIzNsSXQ7kCjRpVQmt886L61eX3rT-wLrAFA7pQtEzpwKnSqyYLmEbLxeqeDzU6zPb0d3JzPA8FezaMHOdHfM7Ac_JsyaV247vGlSUip5Nj6nZ4sMA2t8jblkQebavWQEkggF9Xmg/w480-h640/IMG_3849.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fuchsia and hydrangeas grow everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtow2Fua0HaDvDamHY1wx2KhMMsokyGZfkv7jQL2basQSFqsOqbaV-E-jMwUdizT6YKzyMhgA5LeLHocOLvn9_JBxOWK49X-zHYOioyZDlZn8cY8pk6-gY8GSlS0ZWo0kQGxEOSoqPY1noaU3JdQEJSesvaKVHFRRXXOOSlQvqhVgMftT3_vG8I5fNbCc/s4032/IMG_3718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtow2Fua0HaDvDamHY1wx2KhMMsokyGZfkv7jQL2basQSFqsOqbaV-E-jMwUdizT6YKzyMhgA5LeLHocOLvn9_JBxOWK49X-zHYOioyZDlZn8cY8pk6-gY8GSlS0ZWo0kQGxEOSoqPY1noaU3JdQEJSesvaKVHFRRXXOOSlQvqhVgMftT3_vG8I5fNbCc/w480-h640/IMG_3718.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorites were these dark purple hydrangeas, just slightly beyond their peak. They grew in hedgerows everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUI0OcnpGhpVAScj8l3e07xxKLjpGgsSuWrw4aGAsDP30eKXpv15tHoriRazZTML32-g5bV6qvELLlnMFrKsh4EcZo-z8oBFFDGNO5Z5XdzSW5RKUFJennIV65CcQapZaWgssx9xd5XTsz4WNTffo_MCaQlaK_TE6hwiecJ0ktY4vjfFJGwkMaP1wPJc/s4032/IMG_3776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUI0OcnpGhpVAScj8l3e07xxKLjpGgsSuWrw4aGAsDP30eKXpv15tHoriRazZTML32-g5bV6qvELLlnMFrKsh4EcZo-z8oBFFDGNO5Z5XdzSW5RKUFJennIV65CcQapZaWgssx9xd5XTsz4WNTffo_MCaQlaK_TE6hwiecJ0ktY4vjfFJGwkMaP1wPJc/w480-h640/IMG_3776.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chile has a large number of street dogs. I was happy to see that they are all well fed and amazingly friendly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SmZBa1OhKcavLc43kmtMA3ba_-tT3U83aSOgQgMPAcQp95tYvvVAIYwdUDU-rF6eLRFWJGxiZFNY_rpKPSei2BWQuddY2EUdcan9HLCHQsAl_uIuDx6Kb93DTp7LNiZS6llvNHV7q9lb0wEYEoj3jQ7gbk_1chld9hsG9LiZga74D9qRhDGt4Na12bc/s4032/IMG_3798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SmZBa1OhKcavLc43kmtMA3ba_-tT3U83aSOgQgMPAcQp95tYvvVAIYwdUDU-rF6eLRFWJGxiZFNY_rpKPSei2BWQuddY2EUdcan9HLCHQsAl_uIuDx6Kb93DTp7LNiZS6llvNHV7q9lb0wEYEoj3jQ7gbk_1chld9hsG9LiZga74D9qRhDGt4Na12bc/w480-h640/IMG_3798.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If only we could have snuck a few into our luggage!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM91Kig5llqkEcGWmzz4tMnAMG75QqYcQkD4_P_yYxwSXb40IqK2_yxoOPGMC0NVVfmj_hA4fhDREWUWX7ORJZ1mwtg2bLFDHBuVZ7fnANjshtuxk3ieDSJnxmF-AzYFYHaSOqW3bneKF3c6UAKOseSTFl07LBP9iPZQ8ewZUuH0Zgk0-SxZ7rvc4nphI/s4032/IMG_3799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM91Kig5llqkEcGWmzz4tMnAMG75QqYcQkD4_P_yYxwSXb40IqK2_yxoOPGMC0NVVfmj_hA4fhDREWUWX7ORJZ1mwtg2bLFDHBuVZ7fnANjshtuxk3ieDSJnxmF-AzYFYHaSOqW3bneKF3c6UAKOseSTFl07LBP9iPZQ8ewZUuH0Zgk0-SxZ7rvc4nphI/w480-h640/IMG_3799.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our weather was perfect... a few raindrops fell on only one morning - not even enough to get us wet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1NYwikI7MAG2_7NxCF2zT7bHFpaCWzax7MzHNb8GrzS5-wNSAgwNK6fJqikupcOZMNPQI8uPGLdO-jyAgSNspeCK7OVl2tOX75h7D-0i6HKIkRGDvLwz3B3e7_cOlt77EIUnsSbqn2lL2mpXTzi02YJ53i5wwkwbpBz6-moZ9mSzASxHyhxMGxNES-Y/s4032/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1NYwikI7MAG2_7NxCF2zT7bHFpaCWzax7MzHNb8GrzS5-wNSAgwNK6fJqikupcOZMNPQI8uPGLdO-jyAgSNspeCK7OVl2tOX75h7D-0i6HKIkRGDvLwz3B3e7_cOlt77EIUnsSbqn2lL2mpXTzi02YJ53i5wwkwbpBz6-moZ9mSzASxHyhxMGxNES-Y/w640-h480/IMG_3800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We dined on delicious seafood and fish, as well as the freshest of fruits and vegetables. Our accommodations were lovely. Aside from the beauty of the countryside, the best part of the week was the people with whom we spent it. So much fun! So many memories made!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-a5r5XTubxrIeiqco3quLbILXiXNEx0pWK6OId-LGr5kkuCnJ9HF12fjC3Qsyy78IxKzgG4xlPsmSloySS-guj0hm4UMKpFY2ez1X7h36N71zEI35WiU5MU5mxWbKmLop_Te_Q7s6Gt3Wj-bwsr5pA_eTTeQGl9udKu3T1kDSC90D1QujWW4K_Chyphenhyphen8/s915/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="915" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-a5r5XTubxrIeiqco3quLbILXiXNEx0pWK6OId-LGr5kkuCnJ9HF12fjC3Qsyy78IxKzgG4xlPsmSloySS-guj0hm4UMKpFY2ez1X7h36N71zEI35WiU5MU5mxWbKmLop_Te_Q7s6Gt3Wj-bwsr5pA_eTTeQGl9udKu3T1kDSC90D1QujWW4K_Chyphenhyphen8/w640-h506/IMG_3910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We arrived home late on Monday and spent yesterday catching up with our critters, laundry, and groceries. Our snow is almost gone - a fact that makes this poor boy less than happy. He finds a patch and cools off his belly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF0pRO9otjl-ZvWS1Eg9BGy-V5i3oHpQAkQolNQVsJ5Xh9uvewg_aH5vIu2O93Mx8fJLlG4K8w0Szu_PIwNxjNoQw6l04XiIsiWKjYIxTDMLdlc7w3HbGwuLhuZ3DU59ORvhzL4wpUNuIV5EIJzPnzKrH9CIHQDJqhKvs-4cG_eGDkCcmiS4lOPZxU2o/s4032/IMG_2272.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF0pRO9otjl-ZvWS1Eg9BGy-V5i3oHpQAkQolNQVsJ5Xh9uvewg_aH5vIu2O93Mx8fJLlG4K8w0Szu_PIwNxjNoQw6l04XiIsiWKjYIxTDMLdlc7w3HbGwuLhuZ3DU59ORvhzL4wpUNuIV5EIJzPnzKrH9CIHQDJqhKvs-4cG_eGDkCcmiS4lOPZxU2o/w480-h640/IMG_2272.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I have said every single time we have travelled... I am grateful for the opportunity to see different parts of this big, beautiful world - but I am most grateful for the home to which I return. For it is here, at home, where my heart is happiest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbI8IJ6DJoCg2T2aQ2gFsoQZmoD3kDT-h51CicjojZGNn4VVMFmAKL4suzrYx7kEnXrMLiLjB94QezDSm0KXGuowHqMA1Sl2pgIag5xFI13ZAz70iGRaNhlRCJjowznsUi4KJ1esjwRgys0g8SNoKsJFlI0zOWRVfsX7kSxeHvi3ErZC0gZwln7Ii_nU/s4032/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbI8IJ6DJoCg2T2aQ2gFsoQZmoD3kDT-h51CicjojZGNn4VVMFmAKL4suzrYx7kEnXrMLiLjB94QezDSm0KXGuowHqMA1Sl2pgIag5xFI13ZAz70iGRaNhlRCJjowznsUi4KJ1esjwRgys0g8SNoKsJFlI0zOWRVfsX7kSxeHvi3ErZC0gZwln7Ii_nU/w480-h640/IMG_3886.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm glad to once again have a chance to chat with you. I'll see you tomorrow!</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-73519013297792231762024-02-16T03:00:00.002-05:002024-02-16T03:00:00.206-05:00Just In Case....<p style="text-align: center;"> We've had an unusual week around here following the snowstorm. We had a day without power and several days without internet. In case you missed it, I was able to post some of our winter wonderland photos from the snow, yesterday, in a short blog post (courtesy of our neighbor's satellite internet).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWRTF5kM-Bkv7scLwryE1iVjZexwW66snnpoV2OXqJApdBjnMQGCyDbQCXh2n89SLCLfN4krMRQurPZr1-J_GS5dWOXwHWN1GdTMDgjfOgD3Ue8xRgmJMSqaMIUfTkdecqZFW3yapuTkW6P6C5E_w10il18lJPFxxY1qMSAwFbyrwprpnexBAKTlexiA/s4032/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWRTF5kM-Bkv7scLwryE1iVjZexwW66snnpoV2OXqJApdBjnMQGCyDbQCXh2n89SLCLfN4krMRQurPZr1-J_GS5dWOXwHWN1GdTMDgjfOgD3Ue8xRgmJMSqaMIUfTkdecqZFW3yapuTkW6P6C5E_w10il18lJPFxxY1qMSAwFbyrwprpnexBAKTlexiA/w480-h640/IMG_3599.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We are once again back online and I wanted to let you know that I am going to take the next week off from blogging - a winter break, but we will be back the following week with photos and stories of February's close. You might, however, see us from time to time on Instagram (@beehavenacres)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeusiRRmBszy5Cj7CSjsUBvw0f-L0v6HDdBda45uD6t7Y9WBtyguGp9Y__XLEW4Pfcun0vjy8EN1qH5HTrzQ3gcNvOKfy6ObX60ZfMOwmU31ag6HiIAgwzg9FNTAEh_UPtgYVpRWH6OGlDQHV7LsSdkaXaVuSvA3T8ZdZzDIvs0zpl_NpW1TXUY-djmHE/s4032/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeusiRRmBszy5Cj7CSjsUBvw0f-L0v6HDdBda45uD6t7Y9WBtyguGp9Y__XLEW4Pfcun0vjy8EN1qH5HTrzQ3gcNvOKfy6ObX60ZfMOwmU31ag6HiIAgwzg9FNTAEh_UPtgYVpRWH6OGlDQHV7LsSdkaXaVuSvA3T8ZdZzDIvs0zpl_NpW1TXUY-djmHE/w480-h640/IMG_3613.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As you can see... the snow had Forrest jumping for joy!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwwMLPpuW5G1h74c3-FWAVyNcSX5sNBVVUczjcgmLvAXFrysjIZ3ZPA5I-K8bnEtSU7RIp7-zEZFNhPixTmznNl4sa7OkIaogDZ_65cyLXQQzSqdpHJspg7QL09JzTZ-tenPdBodYmHfD12q0c3VFZPVFdh_5T2A3j8LswIY_C_k4U4654UlU01z2tPM/s4032/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwwMLPpuW5G1h74c3-FWAVyNcSX5sNBVVUczjcgmLvAXFrysjIZ3ZPA5I-K8bnEtSU7RIp7-zEZFNhPixTmznNl4sa7OkIaogDZ_65cyLXQQzSqdpHJspg7QL09JzTZ-tenPdBodYmHfD12q0c3VFZPVFdh_5T2A3j8LswIY_C_k4U4654UlU01z2tPM/w480-h640/IMG_3617.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had quite a lot of fun playing with snowballs!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg86UrlXutH6qAM8raLdJSoUgATdiJRU3vf3_7DrmyylKBb9f4hIz9ZTrP9OuevTSVMuce4af2YoJDCaMDjnkzh1MYX5NwkKEf4GXbwoBXl0zRVCcho7iX9VITrHE6K3nc0WutkDrU2vWwySzUgNPQtjQjivThO7qIjxTE7sUHBf7k-AQOu7eReBujZm8/s4032/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg86UrlXutH6qAM8raLdJSoUgATdiJRU3vf3_7DrmyylKBb9f4hIz9ZTrP9OuevTSVMuce4af2YoJDCaMDjnkzh1MYX5NwkKEf4GXbwoBXl0zRVCcho7iX9VITrHE6K3nc0WutkDrU2vWwySzUgNPQtjQjivThO7qIjxTE7sUHBf7k-AQOu7eReBujZm8/w480-h640/IMG_3615.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you ask, I think Forrest will tell you that Winter is his most favorite month!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju80hJfh3NRez_oDMaEEVi_WGjIGlcNOsJWoed0DhMwa3hY_mIeY-ttkPUBb8x2OjExaGboKPo7w2-m48EsBJJmWgMqv3mSYcfp9p4Pxnj5wdzsmDljLJCN3sTfa9YQ8nv0VcJ6B45sS5WjyC7lQrK54Tysnb83-KPPCuhvqDRZRRYbzHoDyHYWaQNQtA/s4032/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju80hJfh3NRez_oDMaEEVi_WGjIGlcNOsJWoed0DhMwa3hY_mIeY-ttkPUBb8x2OjExaGboKPo7w2-m48EsBJJmWgMqv3mSYcfp9p4Pxnj5wdzsmDljLJCN3sTfa9YQ8nv0VcJ6B45sS5WjyC7lQrK54Tysnb83-KPPCuhvqDRZRRYbzHoDyHYWaQNQtA/w480-h640/IMG_3607.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am hoping that the coming week is the perfect ending to February for you. March is just around the corner - and that means the start of gardening season. I'll be working hard to get the greenhouse in tip-top shape for starting seeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sending hugs, from all of us here on the farm!!</div><p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-71140746321922557022024-02-14T17:14:00.008-05:002024-02-14T17:14:59.791-05:00Things Are Very Quiet Here!<p style="text-align: center;"> Little did we know Sunday night what we would awaken to on Monday.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkerymHCMcx9ukBh4tvFY0gLGfu6FtY-vEZx8zOc2z_u3pIbGzVqvkqzuzNpZdrOGZ5RaYxR5J47gbkcZWU98IUJNKvUIzKNtUYBdxkFg0N81Ewz34rbvnWEJpRZn4u6t91Hat0YZfFUmuDp4yd5KGJ8-uI7NFNN9cggekfRQ5MTE_xpxsfPRGruUD9Q/s4032/IMG_3572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkerymHCMcx9ukBh4tvFY0gLGfu6FtY-vEZx8zOc2z_u3pIbGzVqvkqzuzNpZdrOGZ5RaYxR5J47gbkcZWU98IUJNKvUIzKNtUYBdxkFg0N81Ewz34rbvnWEJpRZn4u6t91Hat0YZfFUmuDp4yd5KGJ8-uI7NFNN9cggekfRQ5MTE_xpxsfPRGruUD9Q/w640-h480/IMG_3572.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We woke up to a confectioner's dream... our world, frosted in 6 inches of freshly fallen snow. I'm pretty sure that Forrest thought he was in heaven!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY037el-lkBXwwq0zIcw5XcdW7UKo0mTjwbhg7-CMRJWYhi8wm2VGc6eoifTX8HJJLEev1E7uf06Or21frAaUD9oYHBitXN1yvB3-4iz1QlxvFN_WhrJFSu5O5KOkWWiPoVR7KrT16BbOSu-Hb4zDg_G4XBxzl7OCdA3dW74EAfoZRfeaqBXIDenYGtnM/s4032/IMG_3577.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY037el-lkBXwwq0zIcw5XcdW7UKo0mTjwbhg7-CMRJWYhi8wm2VGc6eoifTX8HJJLEev1E7uf06Or21frAaUD9oYHBitXN1yvB3-4iz1QlxvFN_WhrJFSu5O5KOkWWiPoVR7KrT16BbOSu-Hb4zDg_G4XBxzl7OCdA3dW74EAfoZRfeaqBXIDenYGtnM/w640-h480/IMG_3577.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It was breathtaking, but not without some issues.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQEjAT9WMPEkOp-4spZ61-GSD1kPnYv7mV2JBYP9CbuROCrZRV2-KRFVubfn10SvGzfX2WLJxnKj-qEih4-EDVhXg-AViiiTe5MpDc7PewLg2xPIau0FnZ612jule7DJX7z_CKgNSCtBebaXlN7VtjNwBMgOmFQtsRBcAoE3jc7RBSZHbUtrU8YVp2Ps/s4032/IMG_3569.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQEjAT9WMPEkOp-4spZ61-GSD1kPnYv7mV2JBYP9CbuROCrZRV2-KRFVubfn10SvGzfX2WLJxnKj-qEih4-EDVhXg-AViiiTe5MpDc7PewLg2xPIau0FnZ612jule7DJX7z_CKgNSCtBebaXlN7VtjNwBMgOmFQtsRBcAoE3jc7RBSZHbUtrU8YVp2Ps/w480-h640/IMG_3569.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">First... we awoke to a cold house - no electricity. The first order of business, as we fumbled our way around the house with flashlights was to start a fire in the fireplace and get some heat into the house. We do have a generator that runs our water pump and our freezers/refrigerator, and a couple of lights here and there. We tried to plan for outages as they can be a part of rural living.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDwTZ3rZha2BxuX4whCgqq0L7I5cdzhDIFDuhXjX3uiNnJTk6Pmm_HCMY0RG8k6UvF9aJfA45hn6Xpm3pBmIx1YsyKUGJ2AZoGAf8xPWGGV2TkC1T7Sye4RRpkpbz72hAYXztxksj_U6VIBrWX8ej3qUMw60jCaxLLqT0IXSYnabFb8qtonbzSOVrgII/s4032/IMG_3590.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDwTZ3rZha2BxuX4whCgqq0L7I5cdzhDIFDuhXjX3uiNnJTk6Pmm_HCMY0RG8k6UvF9aJfA45hn6Xpm3pBmIx1YsyKUGJ2AZoGAf8xPWGGV2TkC1T7Sye4RRpkpbz72hAYXztxksj_U6VIBrWX8ej3qUMw60jCaxLLqT0IXSYnabFb8qtonbzSOVrgII/w480-h640/IMG_3590.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Second, we were without internet... and still are... with no information as to how long this situation will remain. (I ran across the street to our neighbors who had just signed on with Starlink and am using their internet to write this post. (Thanks, Jim, Kathy, and Scott.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLBZDBr9t-Kn45zFkYT_EJ5dZTlr7Name86Ad_71scu6lz3LQQzSKVfP4jVp_MCVOEyGX3OztJ1QNXFPLJBXKOC7mf0XWrmx8Ji446zRw2DTIW3UDFkFRYC0sArcExWSPTmIk4qjr9usWJbGD0vg0PNc1w0qdD0LZdiMGeBPj1loIugxYANaxIlTsSbc/s4032/IMG_3592.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLBZDBr9t-Kn45zFkYT_EJ5dZTlr7Name86Ad_71scu6lz3LQQzSKVfP4jVp_MCVOEyGX3OztJ1QNXFPLJBXKOC7mf0XWrmx8Ji446zRw2DTIW3UDFkFRYC0sArcExWSPTmIk4qjr9usWJbGD0vg0PNc1w0qdD0LZdiMGeBPj1loIugxYANaxIlTsSbc/w480-h640/IMG_3592.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Next we headed out to feed the animals. For them, life runs smoothly, no matter the weather.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbv5vitFFVDt-WY3igt6DkckfoHKXZhXkzTJeTUDOkvSdKHRdtdAj8vwkl9ob509q3eG7gK9HOAIQW762koxpVDt_ayB-ajdVklwyStQBiVvV3pLDhjjBpL5T7nX0kNbuVSfWUQsQG_UWkhTPShLeh4qYGmy2L3bRRS_B8dV9svQPrEgPZp9MQNRjFGw/s4032/IMG_3583.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbv5vitFFVDt-WY3igt6DkckfoHKXZhXkzTJeTUDOkvSdKHRdtdAj8vwkl9ob509q3eG7gK9HOAIQW762koxpVDt_ayB-ajdVklwyStQBiVvV3pLDhjjBpL5T7nX0kNbuVSfWUQsQG_UWkhTPShLeh4qYGmy2L3bRRS_B8dV9svQPrEgPZp9MQNRjFGw/w640-h480/IMG_3583.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">There's nothing like room service on a snowy day!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmG5vCiUabtfRQ9keh2a4lT-8mCuHgVLcPkEo9K0keOxGWQXbFp__GBVnsr-lEHgoqsuUKZx111oYrYjATHbgmmrf0qLpDJjgzgSyDo99nK2rW5WTCjA1Gw8Ue4g35a-F-xTF15bxGWCL8Vecpe9yqQoMRE1uFoPATTNu2sJoIMegUuLh3KthXW1y3t4/s4032/IMG_3585.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmG5vCiUabtfRQ9keh2a4lT-8mCuHgVLcPkEo9K0keOxGWQXbFp__GBVnsr-lEHgoqsuUKZx111oYrYjATHbgmmrf0qLpDJjgzgSyDo99nK2rW5WTCjA1Gw8Ue4g35a-F-xTF15bxGWCL8Vecpe9yqQoMRE1uFoPATTNu2sJoIMegUuLh3KthXW1y3t4/w640-h480/IMG_3585.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The guineas, however, were regretting their decision to sleep outside in the tree. The next night most of them chose to roost in the shed with the runner ducks.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuU5iFXXX_YXKdmMaDEAxSEnWM3ubLHLpgXed6AY-aaIKOueFOvAjUMbXHWMYEzbq133ulgyoILCJWDwImlZvESy2CywR0B9jvO5gR3UzZi4I1OvH3OfIFRsJg3qUHmzEFAHYCUxqIrhmrN6-N6YdGGq_04mDU3EvdI3z-mH8Meddw9QJA8lQfoGgHL4/s4032/IMG_3588.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuU5iFXXX_YXKdmMaDEAxSEnWM3ubLHLpgXed6AY-aaIKOueFOvAjUMbXHWMYEzbq133ulgyoILCJWDwImlZvESy2CywR0B9jvO5gR3UzZi4I1OvH3OfIFRsJg3qUHmzEFAHYCUxqIrhmrN6-N6YdGGq_04mDU3EvdI3z-mH8Meddw9QJA8lQfoGgHL4/w480-h640/IMG_3588.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Several trees had fallen from the weight of the heavy, wet snow - two across our driveways, and a large one on our woodshed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTiahpCsJTlv0aLV0z_NvE1K0dXu3REIeIGs310z4-GS5L832SSsRMicdU0j205Lo5QfYccjy8Hg1YoEJoX1qrEbpotKicOds78k7Ol11vDhcXj1aoHZoMyviS7bEgEtx4cz6gIUiLR7_4goGIbwcVWz7Hod789OH-T2QuBQpil0ZKzsUFwM-mKnc8Ig/s4032/IMG_3581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTiahpCsJTlv0aLV0z_NvE1K0dXu3REIeIGs310z4-GS5L832SSsRMicdU0j205Lo5QfYccjy8Hg1YoEJoX1qrEbpotKicOds78k7Ol11vDhcXj1aoHZoMyviS7bEgEtx4cz6gIUiLR7_4goGIbwcVWz7Hod789OH-T2QuBQpil0ZKzsUFwM-mKnc8Ig/w480-h640/IMG_3581.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs spent much of Monday morning plowing and cutting up trees. Forrest spent the morning jumping for joy!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyQ1KGLHKLsMIU3RLf7jCbub5w4vK9CN00pvRFQboxj6OinA8h2fe8wwqLTPF3ULCYJI68eLhiNHLljY1QcYbMaQIvLAv7bqY92VLpCttCYE8Qx25mLZ14-r0IIlRP9SPlL8rFc-NNSAEKl1deL8d0-O3WcKFP10XmBRU1UlT_nXtde6mZXu01zVrK10/s4032/IMG_3586.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyQ1KGLHKLsMIU3RLf7jCbub5w4vK9CN00pvRFQboxj6OinA8h2fe8wwqLTPF3ULCYJI68eLhiNHLljY1QcYbMaQIvLAv7bqY92VLpCttCYE8Qx25mLZ14-r0IIlRP9SPlL8rFc-NNSAEKl1deL8d0-O3WcKFP10XmBRU1UlT_nXtde6mZXu01zVrK10/w480-h640/IMG_3586.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The week has progressed quietly (lots of reading), with sunshine and cold temperatures. Despite the cold temperatures, the snow is diminishing a little each day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VtpNukQdAdFtg-45TwIO6XqNQyNkGjVLPqbx_C6pOlmZTbZS1CZUPlA3OzTaYTRFZuFZ6Ef5WLVHp8rKcRart37XSS9uEnEu7X07RZmAt5G4NEO4XXgw4VGh1BUtrzgyth8Dya2cbZLpu8wSY_fhLHa1UtEYn1CSZun33SZtKYs3qWA7pdWNwPTjUiw/s4032/IMG_3596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VtpNukQdAdFtg-45TwIO6XqNQyNkGjVLPqbx_C6pOlmZTbZS1CZUPlA3OzTaYTRFZuFZ6Ef5WLVHp8rKcRart37XSS9uEnEu7X07RZmAt5G4NEO4XXgw4VGh1BUtrzgyth8Dya2cbZLpu8wSY_fhLHa1UtEYn1CSZun33SZtKYs3qWA7pdWNwPTjUiw/w480-h640/IMG_3596.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">So - there you have it... what we've been up to this week. In light of the fact that our internet is out, I am going to take an internet break (because I really don't have a choice in the matter) I'll be back to posting daily blogs sometime in the last week of February. Til then... sending frosty, furry hugs from your farm friends.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXetXN0B2A5ozCVRDSw2g1aedJes07Kugj9Deu5BFgy5FsvaHFrETynjYEX_J4TC6ADnKX3lnCZ5snaBZigsTiUK_20N45bCxriQH8T4JZ6uDyd7FI6lNa72n9Y-FcSOdpZc_aWb7g-2uTP8A_8NmknbG-6fnxWoXmFW-KvCdLAMB1gK0vMSxLxMe8qgU/s4032/IMG_3594.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXetXN0B2A5ozCVRDSw2g1aedJes07Kugj9Deu5BFgy5FsvaHFrETynjYEX_J4TC6ADnKX3lnCZ5snaBZigsTiUK_20N45bCxriQH8T4JZ6uDyd7FI6lNa72n9Y-FcSOdpZc_aWb7g-2uTP8A_8NmknbG-6fnxWoXmFW-KvCdLAMB1gK0vMSxLxMe8qgU/w480-h640/IMG_3594.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-50627941178391016522024-02-13T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-13T03:00:00.144-05:00I'm Taking It Up a Notch!<p style="text-align: center;">I've got to tell you... my sourdough baking has been a journey. I have learned so very much about this process in the past three years. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvROBw3AMdr7tZ49Wv50Ipji-gmD7kTxpCgM2Cml_d9fti-XICUuW0GfDQBlRNyds3CY-3D5TtdyTTYj2LIsNDf4iKCX4dTf-ief0evdNGrYcr_rwdbr2RnHjFsK-xDc3J2J5kFZeim5oHYhJsTylYA2sDGxB7VtGSQPHQx5KAycCn1z3mqKnkxlq71Y/s3469/IMG_7741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1712" data-original-width="3469" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvROBw3AMdr7tZ49Wv50Ipji-gmD7kTxpCgM2Cml_d9fti-XICUuW0GfDQBlRNyds3CY-3D5TtdyTTYj2LIsNDf4iKCX4dTf-ief0evdNGrYcr_rwdbr2RnHjFsK-xDc3J2J5kFZeim5oHYhJsTylYA2sDGxB7VtGSQPHQx5KAycCn1z3mqKnkxlq71Y/w640-h316/IMG_7741.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Because learning new skills is important to me, I have decided to take the next step in bread making - by milling my own flours. "What?" you say. "Are you crazy?"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Well, that may very well be the case - but then, aren't we all just a little crazy? Regardless, I have ordered an electric grain mill that will allow me to make my very own stone-ground flour. It arrives today and I can hardly wait!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYedNynyTPJDczKOEWrWZgCxfuSlCia5jJUEi9GZ6Y3I4XDuu4WqnwXCrDbQ8be6XGJ7fiDGtXu2vIUQtTMn2IYkhGqQNAvndoIlgr5xuYAmLSNYWwje-fOyIc_etspqC4woFbYI5Mr0bT-xpWZGKErnrvn8KzpZIO-nRqY5H6km9NyjypbhvD5kN8G7I/s1200/Image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYedNynyTPJDczKOEWrWZgCxfuSlCia5jJUEi9GZ6Y3I4XDuu4WqnwXCrDbQ8be6XGJ7fiDGtXu2vIUQtTMn2IYkhGqQNAvndoIlgr5xuYAmLSNYWwje-fOyIc_etspqC4woFbYI5Mr0bT-xpWZGKErnrvn8KzpZIO-nRqY5H6km9NyjypbhvD5kN8G7I/s320/Image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Why would you want to do that?" you ask. Why not!! Actually, I am doing it for many reasons. First of all - the wheat seed (known as a wheat berry) is what is ground to make flour. As soon as the seed is cracked, the endosperm (inside part of the seed) is exposed to the air and the grain begins to oxidize. As the grain oxidizes, it loses its nutrients. This is why the flours that we buy today are called "enriched"... because through the milling process, the nutrients begin to degrade, and so our industrialized food machine does what it always does... adds vitamins back in. Another casualty of oxidation is flavor (something that cannot be added back in). So, by milling my own wheat, I get to bake with the very freshest flours packed with all of the vital nutrients and flavor that the wheat contains.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2okFdeYDUXhN6EWdBRylPCnyqUYuhBwi9R94c4JA0sksJ9aOvUKm1eECp-KLtgXXyVekCS-oBEmURpmYrRVUYO85RExzY28DMXWe0picD9WXs6Z5RKhQ7Az0Wbjk54TXflQiMzi1n-k099y0oIMfBCbXTDp6_qken6O0ZysI9F6LwsX8YYaXYz_8J6ww/s1000/Image%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2okFdeYDUXhN6EWdBRylPCnyqUYuhBwi9R94c4JA0sksJ9aOvUKm1eECp-KLtgXXyVekCS-oBEmURpmYrRVUYO85RExzY28DMXWe0picD9WXs6Z5RKhQ7Az0Wbjk54TXflQiMzi1n-k099y0oIMfBCbXTDp6_qken6O0ZysI9F6LwsX8YYaXYz_8J6ww/s320/Image%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Wow! How much time is that going to take?" you may ask. And I would tell you... just a few extra minutes. I will simply grind whatever wheat I need at the time that I need it. The beauty of this is - you can buy organic wheat berries in bulk. Its shelf life is, literally, years. Through a process of grinding and sifting the flour through a fine mesh, I can also make my own all-purpose flour.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had heard of a company <a href="https://www.azurestandard.com">(Azure Standard)</a> that ships organic whole grains to drop points all around the country. A little investigating showed that there is a drop point in one of our nearby towns. So, I will be receiving my first 25 pound sack of wheat berries in about two weeks' time. I also ordered some rye as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs is listening to a new book by Michael Pollan (author of the Ominivore's Dilemma and one of our favorite non-fiction authors) called "Cooked". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvfRJBobUIbCTduiHOfad7khzOTOUGu8NBl17EC1cuVsWACtwkeyjuZEmWgi6egg3yAI8LS699O5T0T_8QLVGg0rlTPZS87zZu-OzN4Cdr5OVMqvkmooIkAmwSmr6pDSvZxjSkHx8RVbPyLnH9-QyjDL6kZIxUzZ5jbH8Uw9hPeqGScdAmwQLgFx59u0/s1024/Image%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvfRJBobUIbCTduiHOfad7khzOTOUGu8NBl17EC1cuVsWACtwkeyjuZEmWgi6egg3yAI8LS699O5T0T_8QLVGg0rlTPZS87zZu-OzN4Cdr5OVMqvkmooIkAmwSmr6pDSvZxjSkHx8RVbPyLnH9-QyjDL6kZIxUzZ5jbH8Uw9hPeqGScdAmwQLgFx59u0/w281-h400/Image%202.jpeg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several chapters explore the process of bread baking - from it roots, through commercialization and more. He shared these specific chapters with me and, as a result, we are both excited to begin this home-milled grains journey. We'll keep you updated as we begin this process!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As you read this blog post, we may be getting a winter storm. As I write this, amounts and type of precipitation are still up in the air. As warm as the ground has been lately, I cannot imagine that much snow will accumulate - but, then again, one never knows until it happens!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was definitely the calm before the storm!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaaLO3QW6ABM_durjQUITnNzPN38Rv1ifUDf1pFAk41CvAJ5qaIw_ugFQM9VmJgM-IFI_XMYsl8EWnjQ7V3TsekbVvh_0AzAlHGVMUQgkSlRrnH3pWsA8SKekb9CRd614Go7Okcc24SYM-6Yi9Zl6Dm95uwn-qm3qKducwsL_peUAZcBqsUHkJzwHq_A/s4032/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaaLO3QW6ABM_durjQUITnNzPN38Rv1ifUDf1pFAk41CvAJ5qaIw_ugFQM9VmJgM-IFI_XMYsl8EWnjQ7V3TsekbVvh_0AzAlHGVMUQgkSlRrnH3pWsA8SKekb9CRd614Go7Okcc24SYM-6Yi9Zl6Dm95uwn-qm3qKducwsL_peUAZcBqsUHkJzwHq_A/w640-h480/IMG_3563.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Perhaps this is why February and March seem to last forever. Things warm up, then it gets cold again. Then it snows... melts... and the whole cycle starts up again. It's these two last months that make Spring's arrival such a joyous time!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCAfKvE0POv0PhLrsvA_1YIKJkwCFaiHboUKz2t7qpykHpRaB2PnJXFm-5oZ-iUvRozZsaDo3muKbHrAiy3r852pBCnNqjefXKeSh_nDxo-KnDhS12z8v-aO4q2o7EA-si9yCA5s7bf3pRsysxRixokqg3qaGDMgDLwuqOX6pV8dZn5AKMZj_QXbM2N0/s4032/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCAfKvE0POv0PhLrsvA_1YIKJkwCFaiHboUKz2t7qpykHpRaB2PnJXFm-5oZ-iUvRozZsaDo3muKbHrAiy3r852pBCnNqjefXKeSh_nDxo-KnDhS12z8v-aO4q2o7EA-si9yCA5s7bf3pRsysxRixokqg3qaGDMgDLwuqOX6pV8dZn5AKMZj_QXbM2N0/w640-h480/IMG_3561.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some of us are hibernating... napping or sleeping until Spring arrives. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> I am pretty sure there was no lump when I made this bed....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ObudX3WxBptX_wYqu7XCVW1KCp7srRuF9oUES9uov-Ka1micl7lqeoETeweRfoOfpw6bHK9sjXXhNr_MIBxwgrVhGNuOr7zYapezgNBymo8_OOOFqRHXIbh3HdXKqu4Kf9z_88-XNZGy3BPZ7Z_mNskWQTocEoxIkayPiCbMIZnL02nF6HDhBW9E440/s4032/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ObudX3WxBptX_wYqu7XCVW1KCp7srRuF9oUES9uov-Ka1micl7lqeoETeweRfoOfpw6bHK9sjXXhNr_MIBxwgrVhGNuOr7zYapezgNBymo8_OOOFqRHXIbh3HdXKqu4Kf9z_88-XNZGy3BPZ7Z_mNskWQTocEoxIkayPiCbMIZnL02nF6HDhBW9E440/w480-h640/IMG_3565.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">See? Hibernating cat! And by the look on her face, she doesn't appreciate being bothered.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHphWAxVyO9xLHVwZsRZepYkki9rsDNWu-ZVWDZfHcgATu9-cUI3hBNp-mtX__pPZJ4MnpZvk8WSK1cf0ZwztQSYtfsXoGTJwYleqH03zxA3vy8np_g3HQHZbHzBaLxdayE5V_M4nfYySrhwjjh1R-NKVYX4-fSgnnchyphenhyphenC_64uymBiX8dFjE1z3YhdqOo/s4032/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHphWAxVyO9xLHVwZsRZepYkki9rsDNWu-ZVWDZfHcgATu9-cUI3hBNp-mtX__pPZJ4MnpZvk8WSK1cf0ZwztQSYtfsXoGTJwYleqH03zxA3vy8np_g3HQHZbHzBaLxdayE5V_M4nfYySrhwjjh1R-NKVYX4-fSgnnchyphenhyphenC_64uymBiX8dFjE1z3YhdqOo/w640-h480/IMG_3567.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lastly, I wanted to show you what I spent my weekend working on... another embroidery project... adding new life to old shirts!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hCgUUvaVi6ygQXNOwwiKNp-WjyGeZQuHEFsr1j5EYs1rWYzsGQZ-QV7CVWu-Vs_iERrp-Al4S0ytWRvQLFdoK9M9VzhoAEpkYtSgd5EDUIOHjPFxt_80XCpPjxMDuAMZ0BkN5Wiha3K5PwFOf_Xs7Yg_QnqoC02lf3v4qOgg2v7raFqi6zYkADs4XZs/s4032/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hCgUUvaVi6ygQXNOwwiKNp-WjyGeZQuHEFsr1j5EYs1rWYzsGQZ-QV7CVWu-Vs_iERrp-Al4S0ytWRvQLFdoK9M9VzhoAEpkYtSgd5EDUIOHjPFxt_80XCpPjxMDuAMZ0BkN5Wiha3K5PwFOf_Xs7Yg_QnqoC02lf3v4qOgg2v7raFqi6zYkADs4XZs/w640-h480/IMG_3568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-56959082017966447152024-02-12T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-12T03:00:00.164-05:00Checking In<p style="text-align: center;">There's no doubt about it... Mother Nature has a sense of humor. Yesterday, on our daily hike in the woods, we came upon this tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WBD4avuT_aFqeqrgS2nuFyS2CcGRRkUguKjPIi0DWJB1CMqO2xgMEob1OEOR737AnGBwQefe-BgUrC-7bImT3hROxPf__JggdbUm8t9jI__nI3yhxV39X53IpyKHJEI9NdMmSXKkmDvQrGgVHGIpgrPjUZxs4WU2lIhRot9zEf8zJIT-ur4OLlHjiXM/s4032/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WBD4avuT_aFqeqrgS2nuFyS2CcGRRkUguKjPIi0DWJB1CMqO2xgMEob1OEOR737AnGBwQefe-BgUrC-7bImT3hROxPf__JggdbUm8t9jI__nI3yhxV39X53IpyKHJEI9NdMmSXKkmDvQrGgVHGIpgrPjUZxs4WU2lIhRot9zEf8zJIT-ur4OLlHjiXM/w480-h640/IMG_3556.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it look like a chimpanzee's face?</p><p style="text-align: center;">We spent a very quiet weekend here on the farm with the critters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-5XS_JQXlNpFRqzLeV-aMIzUZjg1-8dPHgz0JlcuKcpJJpV_0TxfPkb4ihqOFfN9yRv9dqWZileXCUeU8xuK4UNooQ9QsuJDcRTDBit4cXzBX1fwLvH0iODu0n96NoZXnij6KbtjNKakGGyqFEhsADcVxqvo2sy81bNCBgYQ9TtFAp0BQEdH_XzGrNo/s4032/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-5XS_JQXlNpFRqzLeV-aMIzUZjg1-8dPHgz0JlcuKcpJJpV_0TxfPkb4ihqOFfN9yRv9dqWZileXCUeU8xuK4UNooQ9QsuJDcRTDBit4cXzBX1fwLvH0iODu0n96NoZXnij6KbtjNKakGGyqFEhsADcVxqvo2sy81bNCBgYQ9TtFAp0BQEdH_XzGrNo/w640-h480/IMG_3536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took time for snuggles and extra chores, like pasture cleaning and pig-feet trimming.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBuCHtn388LrvoTVLdrWf07qbViDwJpntvfzUcE2Eoi0IsCgQv3EQoBn90voGQhINjPdadrWIHmZjXtF1rfeizIdmTGPjMn-gsV6pv350kh_UnclTJFGpKXsXcXyeQbTPte71zecmA-A9wb__rvPLisbJMGNCyITnYZRWbArmC1EFOT3ZVuWUSWvRxo0/s4032/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBuCHtn388LrvoTVLdrWf07qbViDwJpntvfzUcE2Eoi0IsCgQv3EQoBn90voGQhINjPdadrWIHmZjXtF1rfeizIdmTGPjMn-gsV6pv350kh_UnclTJFGpKXsXcXyeQbTPte71zecmA-A9wb__rvPLisbJMGNCyITnYZRWbArmC1EFOT3ZVuWUSWvRxo0/w480-h640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I was snuggling with Daphne, Forrest was investigating donkey smells.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9pL8qeURIfJ6hjr8VuCzjITv_tu9VZpnyJ7SWt2658uKAy7KSh3uC8HMPPB9Qlt64Gg_bKg2OZQowdJ0rV_vbJ_rmqOq6Rq0tQc5P0AdHJXoOlBnzmiM7b0NA68-ymYyhkEH1tY6mefk9pb8tngEtOI9nZqa3495JiKmzwtBuGGMXJ9tzyE-XFkRd9w/s4032/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9pL8qeURIfJ6hjr8VuCzjITv_tu9VZpnyJ7SWt2658uKAy7KSh3uC8HMPPB9Qlt64Gg_bKg2OZQowdJ0rV_vbJ_rmqOq6Rq0tQc5P0AdHJXoOlBnzmiM7b0NA68-ymYyhkEH1tY6mefk9pb8tngEtOI9nZqa3495JiKmzwtBuGGMXJ9tzyE-XFkRd9w/w480-h640/IMG_3542.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is until Daphne had enough, and chased him off.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeZiX8jGiwJKd3lai20ayXwJr8_p-fpiinWFMrggR8QguiNk5bHyTuc3yTsNLS5iNI4QyNeuhv1RUGDif1FZBOE1AJOFx-OltF0wjo2lnHRdsWGZkMIfkqdbW4aRXRJbhEtKKBgJ2QQHxLn2jaU9_kLYychv5j_Tp15uGd-liznWVHsg49vZx81Tw_PU/s4032/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeZiX8jGiwJKd3lai20ayXwJr8_p-fpiinWFMrggR8QguiNk5bHyTuc3yTsNLS5iNI4QyNeuhv1RUGDif1FZBOE1AJOFx-OltF0wjo2lnHRdsWGZkMIfkqdbW4aRXRJbhEtKKBgJ2QQHxLn2jaU9_kLYychv5j_Tp15uGd-liznWVHsg49vZx81Tw_PU/w480-h640/IMG_3543.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The spring-like temperatures of last week having exited, we spent a bit of time next to the fire on Sunday. I am working on another embroidery project which I will show you tomorrow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEzVA4aUzEO-SkM4D9vZYzI4O4iF0LFSBWYxGkLMyHGCaM10hfgXunwrlxamaf4bDte1iFz51H6_9uZRKA-AYhfdTjRqFTERnOLGfbBcRgp_-ES5O9oAeXNpniG9L6G7XZe7nXE8rhJVzlCcOYRSSvOHhp_x2-_JOuNbN00ZXeTSUjZQPSqSEvC9yrw4/s4032/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEzVA4aUzEO-SkM4D9vZYzI4O4iF0LFSBWYxGkLMyHGCaM10hfgXunwrlxamaf4bDte1iFz51H6_9uZRKA-AYhfdTjRqFTERnOLGfbBcRgp_-ES5O9oAeXNpniG9L6G7XZe7nXE8rhJVzlCcOYRSSvOHhp_x2-_JOuNbN00ZXeTSUjZQPSqSEvC9yrw4/w480-h640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Hubbs worked on cutting out parts for some bat houses that the local Girl Scouts are going to assemble and hang in appropriate places. The one below is a finished prototype.</div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30l3gW6sDuDsdkNxP2Qj96qk3WD5Tvy5ZfPZedJtBm8FlpOyZ4laUb3-NGKWt6hVT-7eWE9aR_c228mKNWsg1OohPt-8GaUwiuSPYedEUc2SLERW_pSdej9b9eZa22R_gzk5lzwseALz8n1gyQ-lkN8J_UAOeKWdWNS-zs6N1UwTlG9T9cfs7Y1_aQwQ/s4032/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30l3gW6sDuDsdkNxP2Qj96qk3WD5Tvy5ZfPZedJtBm8FlpOyZ4laUb3-NGKWt6hVT-7eWE9aR_c228mKNWsg1OohPt-8GaUwiuSPYedEUc2SLERW_pSdej9b9eZa22R_gzk5lzwseALz8n1gyQ-lkN8J_UAOeKWdWNS-zs6N1UwTlG9T9cfs7Y1_aQwQ/w480-h640/IMG_3557.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> This coming week, we are going to take sourdough bread baking to the next level. I'll share more as the week progresses. It's going to be a learning process!<p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-14388937754687016882024-02-09T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-09T03:00:00.153-05:00Morning Meditation<p style="text-align: center;"> Let me start today's blog with the second part first. Yesterday's sunrise was spectacular. Such a fiery sky... such brilliant colors. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34tt8OWZMw-pOwhNccjovCwDhL2IZjpaydFLmdhElnZB8kQCGwcU7e-je1kCGzBirjhz7wVtZ6jSiJJKTIBEwKQB4PisrLTaWPx3-RVcm6Wi1TwhVJMeUbI7pW5zwePvcdovFhgNSouDWNhwT8AVgKg4lW4dHIMY87u0KwhHL_VQPP3JOTM59Cbqf1wk/s4032/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34tt8OWZMw-pOwhNccjovCwDhL2IZjpaydFLmdhElnZB8kQCGwcU7e-je1kCGzBirjhz7wVtZ6jSiJJKTIBEwKQB4PisrLTaWPx3-RVcm6Wi1TwhVJMeUbI7pW5zwePvcdovFhgNSouDWNhwT8AVgKg4lW4dHIMY87u0KwhHL_VQPP3JOTM59Cbqf1wk/w640-h480/IMG_3458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> It was extraordinary, breathtaking!<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz1j3yMDC4KioAURuPFjl_lKYvts4sHEdLtyWFw4bxLFcnVUk5kk2jQQ9i4rTAhZMpbfq9uggW3V1zIbZHTHWbTF3AMrQFUAP_Etg-vq7_r8FE49qXl7WXGYsuMzYrQWjLkhWnJC1E4WFm0h0aC9vpEGAc1WiAFtcXirUt7k18vCYN-wxlEcfHHVSWiw/s4032/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz1j3yMDC4KioAURuPFjl_lKYvts4sHEdLtyWFw4bxLFcnVUk5kk2jQQ9i4rTAhZMpbfq9uggW3V1zIbZHTHWbTF3AMrQFUAP_Etg-vq7_r8FE49qXl7WXGYsuMzYrQWjLkhWnJC1E4WFm0h0aC9vpEGAc1WiAFtcXirUt7k18vCYN-wxlEcfHHVSWiw/w480-h640/IMG_3459.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And like every sunrise, it changes just a little with each passing moment - each iteration worthy of awe.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuylaXUJalqZDWOHJcS_P3BrFoCD5GUzwewxLB5PsdsqCH-4Q-hQcqWTTTFZx8YtkhYUhehuPEo-vP6wOkMARLdXFfM-2a1YcThNslkoknC0vqbD_1y1EWZ6aAhLRpJxcTzySPb5SMiTqEvSFyug4SIT9m4g8FWuTHT-rhvjP6zQJv3gCkMrpJp6zVvg/s4032/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuylaXUJalqZDWOHJcS_P3BrFoCD5GUzwewxLB5PsdsqCH-4Q-hQcqWTTTFZx8YtkhYUhehuPEo-vP6wOkMARLdXFfM-2a1YcThNslkoknC0vqbD_1y1EWZ6aAhLRpJxcTzySPb5SMiTqEvSFyug4SIT9m4g8FWuTHT-rhvjP6zQJv3gCkMrpJp6zVvg/w480-h640/IMG_3460.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The promise of a great day...</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94MhxE-3cHeutN-u507yYgKwV2r1wwKpMO3Tn6PQQeB8cj4pCiJnOUQYfscG7GHftZUZjkWrRRuKheBujX5r6YnstsVSQqHD68Q7Qvl7BH3ti8vEG0xgoiRWJcpngi-WILLXU1aNPWFTjDBNpeIf2G9MZFJbmGLcuwaOybdXiXIsxH_Yn0Xf7rB7KMJ4/s4032/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94MhxE-3cHeutN-u507yYgKwV2r1wwKpMO3Tn6PQQeB8cj4pCiJnOUQYfscG7GHftZUZjkWrRRuKheBujX5r6YnstsVSQqHD68Q7Qvl7BH3ti8vEG0xgoiRWJcpngi-WILLXU1aNPWFTjDBNpeIf2G9MZFJbmGLcuwaOybdXiXIsxH_Yn0Xf7rB7KMJ4/w480-h640/IMG_3462.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Especially since after the way my day had started, there was no where to go but up! Needing a pair of gloves that I had dried the night before, I bent over the laundry basket and reached to the back of the dryer... only to lose my footing (socks on tile floor) and dive, headlong right into the laundry basket - sending the dogs' water bowls flying. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9uq0Rfe-D-hYvqmWz3eVYGNYWEz_K_G-ufB147nSOHBOdaMVFAotS0vryMSrn_5KKhCQWzuT_vitCblHDZ0VF9NCGALG4l6uaxOmnDEnijG-jTPOdr1NzoHo8JOKmSP9FfUv6d05btVCdtgCu2kVTQ34r65GPcnaqHAE0-FKNM2Fz0f3KvIfI7jDRPQ/s1280/IMG_2188.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9uq0Rfe-D-hYvqmWz3eVYGNYWEz_K_G-ufB147nSOHBOdaMVFAotS0vryMSrn_5KKhCQWzuT_vitCblHDZ0VF9NCGALG4l6uaxOmnDEnijG-jTPOdr1NzoHo8JOKmSP9FfUv6d05btVCdtgCu2kVTQ34r65GPcnaqHAE0-FKNM2Fz0f3KvIfI7jDRPQ/w480-h640/IMG_2188.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't worry... no one was harmed in the filming of this accident! We started our day out with a hearty laugh and then walked out into a glorious sunrise! A sunrise that had been preceded by a "moon" rise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a little later in the morning, the clouds were still quite interesting and in a formation I don't remember seeing before. Scarlet and Donnie were happily grazing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzzvv_DDMoT4VlNZxhB85KPQK6PmESAQqkp6o7DUbpWGkWVWCu94hGRgVwhJDQ6v-p0pkfel9JWzhbCD4q6DNx-FdCp1NtRmFcsz03uFV61hMXHKR-Wo4Fg0GHoHuFAPchf8_GsZRxd9a4l04sf6L35BXNmpl1qaqTlfA4i8lrWJZq3UNibRmZGY-23I/s4032/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzzvv_DDMoT4VlNZxhB85KPQK6PmESAQqkp6o7DUbpWGkWVWCu94hGRgVwhJDQ6v-p0pkfel9JWzhbCD4q6DNx-FdCp1NtRmFcsz03uFV61hMXHKR-Wo4Fg0GHoHuFAPchf8_GsZRxd9a4l04sf6L35BXNmpl1qaqTlfA4i8lrWJZq3UNibRmZGY-23I/w480-h640/IMG_3470.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the pasture adjacent to Red, Ollie, and Moonie (Ollie and Moonie seen in the opposite corner from Red). This will give you some idea of the size of these four pastures. Moonie and Ollie are tiny in the distance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbfq5_hXapWe4fSdxeBLXiXMB1GOzprgCqNxXY0DZYj1UG0cb0DVtdF9jujLd2Q2A4Q4vnW68lIE-p1yaIWgV9nvQbBOMI7JgjI85wVHc1cAINdZ5ELn6_HTvnOzpaHuA_xPOh4137VA0Zo-iQGllpDkzYALrxbPpNhmvCzg4vYNQZGANU0n0fznvSuo/s4032/IMG_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbfq5_hXapWe4fSdxeBLXiXMB1GOzprgCqNxXY0DZYj1UG0cb0DVtdF9jujLd2Q2A4Q4vnW68lIE-p1yaIWgV9nvQbBOMI7JgjI85wVHc1cAINdZ5ELn6_HTvnOzpaHuA_xPOh4137VA0Zo-iQGllpDkzYALrxbPpNhmvCzg4vYNQZGANU0n0fznvSuo/w480-h640/IMG_3469.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, in the chicken yard, Goose (our rooster) was busily trying to get his hens' attention - crowing his morning song...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC0lptfYJyCwiXY3oXKyXTqvyefN8q9t1djsX6XWny31lLhgOUdyrWBsXmY0m8xtRv8E-GxMhZIJ8lSA8NN5KeuWXOM2IdmUtCz-1QpPxNxWIRtzlBQbiincBxG1Ylo9Z__b7bHZYoAUMrWXR1M0uZsFLP_n6iC56z8DhmiYyU-vfheo_0J8jXyZSmtA/s4032/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC0lptfYJyCwiXY3oXKyXTqvyefN8q9t1djsX6XWny31lLhgOUdyrWBsXmY0m8xtRv8E-GxMhZIJ8lSA8NN5KeuWXOM2IdmUtCz-1QpPxNxWIRtzlBQbiincBxG1Ylo9Z__b7bHZYoAUMrWXR1M0uZsFLP_n6iC56z8DhmiYyU-vfheo_0J8jXyZSmtA/w480-h640/IMG_3467.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and dancing his mating dance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBPbJUawiINtyK6eLzZF-sEYNZw3T4ScB1VuDA7mrp9AhwDHtZfRmJGfYd4W3GFdFJ3PGMfnwG3asjPL2FMbpLdwctK2oNjxlERA2VFpdW9RmAhvV4fvYItlVrO887RqUGSDi-tiSPZ66NI82g-3jHMTyZiFaMhyphenhyphenImvfRzgDwqxGfhrojbkrIbkDw3xQ/s4032/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBPbJUawiINtyK6eLzZF-sEYNZw3T4ScB1VuDA7mrp9AhwDHtZfRmJGfYd4W3GFdFJ3PGMfnwG3asjPL2FMbpLdwctK2oNjxlERA2VFpdW9RmAhvV4fvYItlVrO887RqUGSDi-tiSPZ66NI82g-3jHMTyZiFaMhyphenhyphenImvfRzgDwqxGfhrojbkrIbkDw3xQ/w480-h640/IMG_3464.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hens, however, had snacking on their minds and paid him no heed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd-p1EQT-Tt2F-ImS0ZucNV8PNxorSntob77Bf_DDO-JRRF1hd-BMI8ltJXClPcPh47N9IRctKGH6uIA5_YJ8fQiJ2C2DxzAq7eGncVCgWgntEttHLu268PRgVzzoC8PUnXRI0QkZ-9pnCjOEG_G8BJYA4-xvDW3COwWW6DHAQCTv1YAfCXt20OPSwFE/s4032/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd-p1EQT-Tt2F-ImS0ZucNV8PNxorSntob77Bf_DDO-JRRF1hd-BMI8ltJXClPcPh47N9IRctKGH6uIA5_YJ8fQiJ2C2DxzAq7eGncVCgWgntEttHLu268PRgVzzoC8PUnXRI0QkZ-9pnCjOEG_G8BJYA4-xvDW3COwWW6DHAQCTv1YAfCXt20OPSwFE/w480-h640/IMG_3465.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goose soon realized, if you can't beat 'em, join em!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These grey girls always forgo snack time, and instead, head for the furthest reaches of the grassy area - far from the pursuits of our lovelorn rooster.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HoOvqwXkfqinFT4NVPJ_4fk-9IKt2StZiA0jXDj7MYZKjp_7upQ0_LziGYZcUF2cON_wb-mR0iyPGBvm3XLv0qlMOXJoASKwT7qETYnTLkLDpW4BCzE4-Z3g434VGy0jO3AQnCE7pSEiXoJb_YRz0AadNC9HLvCreIAag9_HOf1dcSa2izDMxAr7k60/s4032/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HoOvqwXkfqinFT4NVPJ_4fk-9IKt2StZiA0jXDj7MYZKjp_7upQ0_LziGYZcUF2cON_wb-mR0iyPGBvm3XLv0qlMOXJoASKwT7qETYnTLkLDpW4BCzE4-Z3g434VGy0jO3AQnCE7pSEiXoJb_YRz0AadNC9HLvCreIAag9_HOf1dcSa2izDMxAr7k60/w640-h480/IMG_3468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a lovely weekend... and we'll chat again on Monday!</div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-49444376384273375692024-02-08T03:00:00.008-05:002024-02-08T03:00:00.142-05:00Believe It Or Not<p style="text-align: center;"> They say "seeing is believing", but I've been a believer for many years! I've tried to instill this belief in my grandchildren, as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've seen evidence - tables set for tiny feasts, and doors leading to magical realms. However, yesterday I saw the real thing. Are you intrigued? Wondering what I saw? Well, let me set the scene.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvFiPsBLJ6iL_p7XWcBqxbf_9nFft-5Faolt7WvEZwe5UDc2XxliZtWf0G7c_AXk9Zif8VMcIDvp72z5dMORT2hRPLgwWJDAYGu4YQBwN-CddgUond5Whg89qds0vHOVuapyz050JWoPvqmQofguwLhmBuM28wMdRVXiLDEuH1tKn-EqcfHs3zuy-WNs/s4032/IMG_3443.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvFiPsBLJ6iL_p7XWcBqxbf_9nFft-5Faolt7WvEZwe5UDc2XxliZtWf0G7c_AXk9Zif8VMcIDvp72z5dMORT2hRPLgwWJDAYGu4YQBwN-CddgUond5Whg89qds0vHOVuapyz050JWoPvqmQofguwLhmBuM28wMdRVXiLDEuH1tKn-EqcfHs3zuy-WNs/w480-h640/IMG_3443.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It was late afternoon, and I was out walking the dogs in the forest beneath a clear, blue, sky. The sun, on its decent towards the horizon was casting long shadows. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPyHrxSY_05jKWEn6Z0C95bxRi7AbXUYEEavDm82RAyTx49dD8dyLjaGNupzodE7SHDwaxYFAcsFzBkyIGVcPK7K7UDEIQpG6kYXDUDuHq8d2fLMx6KYH8kZkTVdn2lmIKdNKq515NYMSp8t8GmpgFb2IRdb8xBsS4784v5gwE5zus6fxYhSRM3HPigM/s4032/IMG_3453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPyHrxSY_05jKWEn6Z0C95bxRi7AbXUYEEavDm82RAyTx49dD8dyLjaGNupzodE7SHDwaxYFAcsFzBkyIGVcPK7K7UDEIQpG6kYXDUDuHq8d2fLMx6KYH8kZkTVdn2lmIKdNKq515NYMSp8t8GmpgFb2IRdb8xBsS4784v5gwE5zus6fxYhSRM3HPigM/w480-h640/IMG_3453.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Sunbeams filtered through the forest between the barren tree trunks. As the dogs ran ahead, following their nose, I was walking, casually... just enjoying the scenery, my mind quiet and open. I was hoping to find some snow-drops growing in the woods, but what I found was even better!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFk4zDqLtQM8HOqceO8pTNsuCuZ0-y3zH6sblZ5fuzfaV2zL17K4cFzGe90W_Fk-INe2VtOMfHGPk8hwTC3InrpP8-N69_GANXPodJkKNZwun0DcSqHgcLWaSIHKuqPhCP5p_hHzbhasnS6lCLsY46s6l1AZu5Qd1M0w41RvG3DxF6001B8evjs4J7Y4/s1657/IMG_3444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="765" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFk4zDqLtQM8HOqceO8pTNsuCuZ0-y3zH6sblZ5fuzfaV2zL17K4cFzGe90W_Fk-INe2VtOMfHGPk8hwTC3InrpP8-N69_GANXPodJkKNZwun0DcSqHgcLWaSIHKuqPhCP5p_hHzbhasnS6lCLsY46s6l1AZu5Qd1M0w41RvG3DxF6001B8evjs4J7Y4/w296-h640/IMG_3444.jpg" width="296" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">There, illuminated by a ray of light, I saw 6 tiny, winged, creatures flitting and floating, up and down on a sunbeam! I stood perfectly still just watching their ethereal ballet... 6 tiny fairies, pirouetting in front of my eyes. I tried to capture them in a photo... but they were tiny and I was many feet away.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujooNDzqRXtqIcp08CPFKV2Nn6tvVYQeAIr4C5iGj_lvJwa-WMDN-FurkEif1VOCIrTg1FfOKVzk2y8jbjpQXAlHqe4QymfCgZnlMdEO0cg3aH2JwGI0sLBYZ9eBB0GkqRUhdWk8pxOC-j6P4SYuNJ52VNn8BCj5Lffg8ZOXgCRc5Eg6JL8kmKjumq_A/s2181/IMG_3447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="1636" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujooNDzqRXtqIcp08CPFKV2Nn6tvVYQeAIr4C5iGj_lvJwa-WMDN-FurkEif1VOCIrTg1FfOKVzk2y8jbjpQXAlHqe4QymfCgZnlMdEO0cg3aH2JwGI0sLBYZ9eBB0GkqRUhdWk8pxOC-j6P4SYuNJ52VNn8BCj5Lffg8ZOXgCRc5Eg6JL8kmKjumq_A/w480-h640/IMG_3447.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Still, I was able to capture them - or at least the sunlight that reflected off of them. Let me just say... these are not leaves - they were much smaller. I enlarged the photo... unfortunately, you lose some of the clarity, but, still....</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFv2UU2qKKVuRAHxd2eoFu-K_C7C05R3LHeHuvcEV_XKmD9qV5kRK7PbN13NeNRu5sIWS1XYKiVBVwBTEqzOOoxASkxsnmmkiQqJPF3oP2Fex2AC8IdECM6Mt0rAuM6dbokXs4hrygI3SIDsLnVZuWyjAzTME96x0B6jfSROSwHmE_aIVF6ApvlGYtwM/s612/IMG_3446%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="549" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFv2UU2qKKVuRAHxd2eoFu-K_C7C05R3LHeHuvcEV_XKmD9qV5kRK7PbN13NeNRu5sIWS1XYKiVBVwBTEqzOOoxASkxsnmmkiQqJPF3oP2Fex2AC8IdECM6Mt0rAuM6dbokXs4hrygI3SIDsLnVZuWyjAzTME96x0B6jfSROSwHmE_aIVF6ApvlGYtwM/w572-h640/IMG_3446%202.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">You can plainly see they have legs and wings and hands in the air above their heads!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Oap22zuhC6TOTmTb0ACcsjxLkf_JzaQItiCpA4p0ZCwnvkKwouaNfyr0wkIZhCHWDa_6RjVx_IckpW5d3xodqcu8okrcBFV2lXnD17mrXnzig_H9xPoUC9V1REznG4OHrl1a-sSbfzU2To0flzrI_GkceEfS4KET54lu-Ip7Rl70DN56BpnqjtmFvI/s307/IMG_3445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="230" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Oap22zuhC6TOTmTb0ACcsjxLkf_JzaQItiCpA4p0ZCwnvkKwouaNfyr0wkIZhCHWDa_6RjVx_IckpW5d3xodqcu8okrcBFV2lXnD17mrXnzig_H9xPoUC9V1REznG4OHrl1a-sSbfzU2To0flzrI_GkceEfS4KET54lu-Ip7Rl70DN56BpnqjtmFvI/w481-h640/IMG_3445.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Magical!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">What do you think? Are you convinced as I am? </p><p style="text-align: center;">As Hubbs always say.... "You have to believe it to see it!"<br /><br /> We had farm visitors yesterday...my dear friend, Shayne and her husband, Jim. I shared sourdough starter and the basics of sourdough baking. Then we baked some loaves (while the men chatted elsewhere) that had been rising overnight...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaqTRKPJUcJ4-7UuDBA2uVGvaaJhWaM9_VbjCA6Pps0nwwDhyphenhyphenQztG16WzhCFSO_w7br4DYQ70kg6s1zK1-znAEQ5Y117eU4A2_Y43-tAyQ0hdBbR8wnXUBZk5Hj27QcE9CXC9ykUMF40i6t2Vz8chbb4dAUZP3RfwT67YVX2iDfWUgTbCrzAaL5Ix98w/s4032/IMG_3424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaqTRKPJUcJ4-7UuDBA2uVGvaaJhWaM9_VbjCA6Pps0nwwDhyphenhyphenQztG16WzhCFSO_w7br4DYQ70kg6s1zK1-znAEQ5Y117eU4A2_Y43-tAyQ0hdBbR8wnXUBZk5Hj27QcE9CXC9ykUMF40i6t2Vz8chbb4dAUZP3RfwT67YVX2iDfWUgTbCrzAaL5Ix98w/w480-h640/IMG_3424.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">and enjoyed fresh bread with our lunch, together... all four of us.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EU40a5h5bXvwe8_SXisdPgs5wMhoUJvGiNYVnOKDtqXZVbznk02XifIBahqURr1GOxRAZ1KW9zFoPvIUkN2UJDRq8eH5bcRz83eUgnQXOxoECyG1NUil9u7uOwET4K1FI4kfiy86o0gL-85lNj5fBhi3lwdL7U9PUVnPSzzwjNCI9X85q1yHm2Esevc/s4032/IMG_3425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EU40a5h5bXvwe8_SXisdPgs5wMhoUJvGiNYVnOKDtqXZVbznk02XifIBahqURr1GOxRAZ1KW9zFoPvIUkN2UJDRq8eH5bcRz83eUgnQXOxoECyG1NUil9u7uOwET4K1FI4kfiy86o0gL-85lNj5fBhi3lwdL7U9PUVnPSzzwjNCI9X85q1yHm2Esevc/w480-h640/IMG_3425.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a wonderful day spent on the farm with old friends. Thank you, Shayne, for helping me towards my goal of spreading sourdough love to everyone!</div><p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-15997200502657925592024-02-07T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-07T03:00:00.157-05:00Energized!<p style="text-align: center;">Oh how we love these sunny winter days! Monday's clouds passed and the sun returned with such clear, blue skies. Everyone is energized on days such as these! </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGrH_9tc96HSCzMYkBXJv2yLRGBuhSvRksIPea12uzS5p0a3_AZy7lB8Rj8TWj-o-lW4OH0yvSGJxAK3Dea8yj3jh9u4KyoxJrEwBRYlrmvQHJ11zQAyuqFbpEOOJTGbFaDD5fIEm8Ok72e-nuQbAMhiqFn1pjhd-toDrCHacdRGWbUUmL1r4o-r1iHk/s4032/IMG_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGrH_9tc96HSCzMYkBXJv2yLRGBuhSvRksIPea12uzS5p0a3_AZy7lB8Rj8TWj-o-lW4OH0yvSGJxAK3Dea8yj3jh9u4KyoxJrEwBRYlrmvQHJ11zQAyuqFbpEOOJTGbFaDD5fIEm8Ok72e-nuQbAMhiqFn1pjhd-toDrCHacdRGWbUUmL1r4o-r1iHk/w640-h480/IMG_3405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The chickens came running yesterday afternoon when we took the kitchen scraps out for them to snack upon. They made short work of some eggshells, the tail end of a loaf of sourdough, cooked kale stalks (used in a vegetable broth), and pineapple rinds. A feast, by any chicken's standard! Not much of anything goes to waste around here.</p><p style="text-align: center;">At first glance, you might think that our vegetable garden is sleeping.. all nestled cozy and warm beneath a thick layer of compost. A closer look, however, reveals that all sorts of life is happening here, even now in the midst of winter.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ku0I_Z3Oh0Ragt5guSknTljqWlcSRmnFRdU-SOE398kX6GDDUDzjhbn6lSu4Xg4EIcVDGM9s2UKrxnOnzh2zwPK17yh86GoZbkn66RuMCu4HiW0GfiSMSZaaJirk1gF-9ejrNUC2rGivVODSfKTf9FMmiZBVw_RxZbptb5U_wPR7yqtJRuHhoi0VG6k/s4032/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ku0I_Z3Oh0Ragt5guSknTljqWlcSRmnFRdU-SOE398kX6GDDUDzjhbn6lSu4Xg4EIcVDGM9s2UKrxnOnzh2zwPK17yh86GoZbkn66RuMCu4HiW0GfiSMSZaaJirk1gF-9ejrNUC2rGivVODSfKTf9FMmiZBVw_RxZbptb5U_wPR7yqtJRuHhoi0VG6k/w640-h480/IMG_3417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Last autumn, in two separate plantings, I filled this garden box with organic garlic cloves. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDPiekiCFUjZAoJgZf8aFl43g-bw2cZexnC78A8FODXs0eN4fbz_MVEEbZlDgp3Uu582icCLoMT6RZTuZQ0xFSc7rx9OY0pU_r6xCAXGvDVMDNHk1Qi8EYtu9Amx7p4bv6fkgdW3sQKzJz9ofxLBnaatxn2_NUBALGi7dp6TAkTvvlX-9lAN07-TtD2o/s4032/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDPiekiCFUjZAoJgZf8aFl43g-bw2cZexnC78A8FODXs0eN4fbz_MVEEbZlDgp3Uu582icCLoMT6RZTuZQ0xFSc7rx9OY0pU_r6xCAXGvDVMDNHk1Qi8EYtu9Amx7p4bv6fkgdW3sQKzJz9ofxLBnaatxn2_NUBALGi7dp6TAkTvvlX-9lAN07-TtD2o/w640-h480/IMG_3407.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The first group emerged quickly during the warmer days of autumn.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The second group, stayed nestled beneath the ground, until this week. Little green tips have emerged from the soil with a clear message. "There will be lots of garlic to harvest this summer!"</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-5Uhf230fRi4YPLgu4gXXkbkJNj5brXHkxdXg7V4O7PLUgxZA-Tj8Eix33Dx-ETvB3yhtoe73CNUHDNG-eq0EIhiG0yr-MxtjUGEx7q67hs0SGwqiupnfXCdwZUua_VU8dbTPkRVbrnPl-3ecj5qBVL6_oJFs22RSNhzFchy3pZ__mTDWd_d5LH18Zw/s4032/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-5Uhf230fRi4YPLgu4gXXkbkJNj5brXHkxdXg7V4O7PLUgxZA-Tj8Eix33Dx-ETvB3yhtoe73CNUHDNG-eq0EIhiG0yr-MxtjUGEx7q67hs0SGwqiupnfXCdwZUua_VU8dbTPkRVbrnPl-3ecj5qBVL6_oJFs22RSNhzFchy3pZ__mTDWd_d5LH18Zw/w640-h480/IMG_3408.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Elsewhere, there is chamomile that germinated in the autumn from the un-picked chamomile blossoms, leftover from Summer's harvest. Almost the entire garden box is filled with small plants that have successfully (so far) overwintered. I am very hopeful that these will give me a jump start on this coming summer's chamomile. After all, these plants have survived a couple weeks of very frigid weather, as well as a few snows. I am always awestruck at the resilience of some plants - and how all it takes is a couple days of sunshine for them to grow like crazy!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyycJWlF00MR9xk2sQKJeq7v8GBueIAVhtAjh_icaXkzeRSu4vdDH7WWt1j3r8mLFlpsHaatHq6nxA3ittCrWddBcQ9HM2M2VIG-0aprlkv3XoOGAbGjttm1DkJ-jaIKEcX5wSXasCsC3u4h0ruhMOf35a7fiDcPAplQAR6mjtEAEERgUZ3pReqK-FzM/s4032/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyycJWlF00MR9xk2sQKJeq7v8GBueIAVhtAjh_icaXkzeRSu4vdDH7WWt1j3r8mLFlpsHaatHq6nxA3ittCrWddBcQ9HM2M2VIG-0aprlkv3XoOGAbGjttm1DkJ-jaIKEcX5wSXasCsC3u4h0ruhMOf35a7fiDcPAplQAR6mjtEAEERgUZ3pReqK-FzM/w480-h640/IMG_3416.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Amazingly, I still have some viable parsley in the herb box,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlYcw4Hb0IA58u9AN2ley82Gy84lSudBfkPVKAWBoBhuVGGwJtm1RFuTLKBLi8duYQtshUbBi41UxHiG6sBJTNzao0pypEAOmD2QxrcfYzY79Y2zQhsUz4nNK9z4t53J2LEyVDjO_BzPTtzKqEDkMhj5Ziunu4UZvQziosrlsvQD9AC74QVPwsZEiuN4/s4032/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlYcw4Hb0IA58u9AN2ley82Gy84lSudBfkPVKAWBoBhuVGGwJtm1RFuTLKBLi8duYQtshUbBi41UxHiG6sBJTNzao0pypEAOmD2QxrcfYzY79Y2zQhsUz4nNK9z4t53J2LEyVDjO_BzPTtzKqEDkMhj5Ziunu4UZvQziosrlsvQD9AC74QVPwsZEiuN4/w480-h640/IMG_3415.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">as well as new leaves on last summer's kale plants. I have successfully overwintered kale in the past until about the beginning of January. This year, with milder temperatures for much of the winter, it continues to grow. And we continue to use it! Amazing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2f1OhKuLAu0j8moVX8kY0_RVQBdEF0L7IdkzdkbHioX44nJ73LF01vd8IoV-bU2Xc2tMfLUDllmy5BfrwtJ25bU_3SCD2PNVnXNT3dTx-tnCo1B0ydj4G6ISq_zPFjToF-dvNDUXe8f_5t014xz4h1x6vaD3pYya7sfOY4XU-wQhV6llgzExxxXiN2M/s4032/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2f1OhKuLAu0j8moVX8kY0_RVQBdEF0L7IdkzdkbHioX44nJ73LF01vd8IoV-bU2Xc2tMfLUDllmy5BfrwtJ25bU_3SCD2PNVnXNT3dTx-tnCo1B0ydj4G6ISq_zPFjToF-dvNDUXe8f_5t014xz4h1x6vaD3pYya7sfOY4XU-wQhV6llgzExxxXiN2M/w480-h640/IMG_3410.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">While I investigate the garden, Forrest finds one of his toys - left behind on a previous visit.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk_cwSrgp38ya-o6Opv9D2wwxCuvNQWBSBAII_VLcuxAqfhbW7utSeqG6GSrOtGLLDmnMQ_rjsXkMM95Tzv2Gzj6MnK0OHZHevi8clSW9suVtEvtKuHknvXFFI0l8_Gm8GieJA-vazAO3G_-ZYHVCine4du4odLv-wVKc1ovYjZjTpxh-oEi1mPTHNMg/s4032/IMG_3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk_cwSrgp38ya-o6Opv9D2wwxCuvNQWBSBAII_VLcuxAqfhbW7utSeqG6GSrOtGLLDmnMQ_rjsXkMM95Tzv2Gzj6MnK0OHZHevi8clSW9suVtEvtKuHknvXFFI0l8_Gm8GieJA-vazAO3G_-ZYHVCine4du4odLv-wVKc1ovYjZjTpxh-oEi1mPTHNMg/w480-h640/IMG_3418.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">His favorite game is "keep-away". As soon as I say "gimme that!", he takes off running, tail (and butt) wiggling. The chase is on! (I rarely win this game.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd3Bu_QMgOGMAauyZD-SYsCrYZU0xKSn8cnler7PowXd-bdiiF_0C2NNOOxfIkVoCTr8W7D5ttW30HMLxFs_OSJvTpHSZT3QUZSyq7bUkYdXlXuJUYwdnkVpRlgOhMd9qaL9BjwQ-oDYrjpVj7PPF3WGMT1qJdHNWUIDKJGNzijobOkELPzvwrS_u_KQ/s4032/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd3Bu_QMgOGMAauyZD-SYsCrYZU0xKSn8cnler7PowXd-bdiiF_0C2NNOOxfIkVoCTr8W7D5ttW30HMLxFs_OSJvTpHSZT3QUZSyq7bUkYdXlXuJUYwdnkVpRlgOhMd9qaL9BjwQ-oDYrjpVj7PPF3WGMT1qJdHNWUIDKJGNzijobOkELPzvwrS_u_KQ/w480-h640/IMG_3419.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Of all the dogs we have ever had, Forrest loves toys the most. He is in the habit of sneaking them outside with him, and then leaving them here and there around the farm. We never head out to the barn without finding one or two (or more) along the way.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This boy loves to play! There are times, though, when his "play" turns to mayhem. Yesterday morning was one such time. I had opened the stall door to allow Moonie his solitary walk up to the pasture, like every morning.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lk_W7l9h68YrO1WwLsMV_37_bcF_FJHnf4yQDNaS-EMrdsiNzisdJC2fzQSBCYb1pI2rLN-Pd83VawQ3LBLPGfDkLTJcV8FbDw87v4EUoe-G2W-s2whcwSsbwnTAJRKYg5Wx6i8Z227Hjoak2beV9_3SNlC1ahEdBDz_zXCi-qQ0d2flL6cNL0HoLRA/s4032/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lk_W7l9h68YrO1WwLsMV_37_bcF_FJHnf4yQDNaS-EMrdsiNzisdJC2fzQSBCYb1pI2rLN-Pd83VawQ3LBLPGfDkLTJcV8FbDw87v4EUoe-G2W-s2whcwSsbwnTAJRKYg5Wx6i8Z227Hjoak2beV9_3SNlC1ahEdBDz_zXCi-qQ0d2flL6cNL0HoLRA/w480-h640/IMG_3305.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">He takes his good ole time... munching the greener grass that he finds growing alongside the garden fence, before eventually making his way up to the pasture. Some mornings, after I have haltered the little horses, I pass him and he follows us up to graze.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, Forrest wanted Moonie to run with him (he loves that game), so he barked at him. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkurPpZno5UbxKmOOUZsKCi2BUE4gXCWR0aS0eW1Ar3Cox0FddHJaYVxA3iaP4bLiJjse5gPFhpKBr3x_0Ai73CoX3v54Fycsy74X3pO51_ApzMAeAmkNj72c3A2GXMCV26KLt75CkzNqll7_ThxmRT343SfnoAfKPZeqwjB4E9m3RgTG-STUzoC3NIk/s4032/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkurPpZno5UbxKmOOUZsKCi2BUE4gXCWR0aS0eW1Ar3Cox0FddHJaYVxA3iaP4bLiJjse5gPFhpKBr3x_0Ai73CoX3v54Fycsy74X3pO51_ApzMAeAmkNj72c3A2GXMCV26KLt75CkzNqll7_ThxmRT343SfnoAfKPZeqwjB4E9m3RgTG-STUzoC3NIk/w480-h640/IMG_3304.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Moonie took off with Forrest in tow. Unfortunately, Moonie took a sharp left before heading into the pasture and instead ran up between the four pastures to the field where the ponies were grazing. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAdt7TwfzBm8LyBoAB9WgEifx886GzwnIvrHRkcIj5vmWUuYblsyPiByqe_DOo9QxhaTEfS7gASriqA-MyUyofd1Q_0Q66aPb6pe8tkKNVVwO6E4RTm0iplsOfrLR61VMqJfJGPZoBLwDQB3dJB08sY3ZegC676KU7yLcWOd_iRqUNrh5iIsu_gaHKfY/s4032/IMG_3256.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAdt7TwfzBm8LyBoAB9WgEifx886GzwnIvrHRkcIj5vmWUuYblsyPiByqe_DOo9QxhaTEfS7gASriqA-MyUyofd1Q_0Q66aPb6pe8tkKNVVwO6E4RTm0iplsOfrLR61VMqJfJGPZoBLwDQB3dJB08sY3ZegC676KU7yLcWOd_iRqUNrh5iIsu_gaHKfY/w480-h640/IMG_3256.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Seeing the ponies, Moonie about lost his mind, running back and forth. Now, everyone was running like crazy. Me? Well, a flew expletives were shouted, a feed bucket gathered, and I headed up to corral my horse while Jack locked Forrest in the chicken yard. Luckily, Moonie had run into the second (empty) upper pasture next to the ponies' pasture, so I closed the gate and got his attention with the feed bucket. Halter and lead rope on, we walked back down to the appropriate pasture.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dJMYVapTE486hfkjcNOcxF1iJtKu5U9NSX4FqFC5GJPwXm2eCzVkdKNhwSfvvkeN57ROm5pqi1noMpgtN8t8j_cudLPVw-qzWxpLwb3Bd14ncztVCrJq50dugwVM7tQYXE9FBMvwTkKr_63xCjhBkW4DVOvxIDg3ePVsbwCO8m-YmEvRc6qv4XQUbI8/s4032/E0201193-C7F0-4A27-B275-B9C6DA97E5F5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dJMYVapTE486hfkjcNOcxF1iJtKu5U9NSX4FqFC5GJPwXm2eCzVkdKNhwSfvvkeN57ROm5pqi1noMpgtN8t8j_cudLPVw-qzWxpLwb3Bd14ncztVCrJq50dugwVM7tQYXE9FBMvwTkKr_63xCjhBkW4DVOvxIDg3ePVsbwCO8m-YmEvRc6qv4XQUbI8/w480-h640/E0201193-C7F0-4A27-B275-B9C6DA97E5F5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> where the little horses were waiting... wondering what the heck had just happened! <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">What a morning! Thank you, Mr. Forrest... you certainly add a whole lot of excitement to the morning.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-82073371611604729252024-02-06T03:00:00.038-05:002024-02-06T03:00:00.135-05:00A Mini Vacation<p style="text-align: center;"> Yesterday's sun rose brightly in an azure sky,</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBbAMuJV8_zZKG6hyphenhyphencC62PfgzCPJtvn98Q4OQJKV0UOGYDGKqD93PjdhhDRwUsHNLD543j_cg4vn8hvNU38S1ykIjUByFuFk6ZrGb-_nRz2lQ3w2_smprD5CFTjVWTNH-vdSpG3_EGDpHpNPU5O2Kt4PvC3A-11mI9Vj6wdHtUBymg5y-wuUJ-YS08UY/s4032/IMG_3336.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBbAMuJV8_zZKG6hyphenhyphencC62PfgzCPJtvn98Q4OQJKV0UOGYDGKqD93PjdhhDRwUsHNLD543j_cg4vn8hvNU38S1ykIjUByFuFk6ZrGb-_nRz2lQ3w2_smprD5CFTjVWTNH-vdSpG3_EGDpHpNPU5O2Kt4PvC3A-11mI9Vj6wdHtUBymg5y-wuUJ-YS08UY/w480-h640/IMG_3336.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">promising a mild, sunny day....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafv11cctueoGwizqsErpMsafa9Oso2XoztyWzSUJQpBEW_dz__XzpvLROf0lA0VpDUltrFk-os_0eBCPzA3qfAKmhiVsmrbcu7RJO5noKAvIPrlw1HYPVwyF-adTq8VYVpKXSpSKp3RUEP6lWOxjwfxZAxWveOKjKkIN00xjM1KjvnNpYnvGVrBIdylk/s4032/IMG_3345.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafv11cctueoGwizqsErpMsafa9Oso2XoztyWzSUJQpBEW_dz__XzpvLROf0lA0VpDUltrFk-os_0eBCPzA3qfAKmhiVsmrbcu7RJO5noKAvIPrlw1HYPVwyF-adTq8VYVpKXSpSKp3RUEP6lWOxjwfxZAxWveOKjKkIN00xjM1KjvnNpYnvGVrBIdylk/w480-h640/IMG_3345.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly, it wasn't long before clouds blanketed the sun, keeping its warming rays from touching the earth. And so, Winter's chill hung in the air. It's this time of year - this short month of February, that leaves me longing for sunshine and warm breezes. And although we've had a somewhat mild winter, it's this particular day that finds me in need of warmth. And not just the warmth of the house. No, on this day, I need something to warm me to my core.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4arfv9MumffPni67TuFih-8koL4FbFoTEMPK-TxU0vCcGt-ld8BZaxx6JO-w9gSQP45CJ7GfT5A8ynm31wdOw1bafEBFQsNQ5YXPjvxe4Aoeyin-gafOkGwpD0C70EkYoR4DF5G8YlVe230fNrE_JusohHuHzBXRU1RKliIMVUj7ptA2B1u59_zUDlIY/s4032/IMG_3343.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4arfv9MumffPni67TuFih-8koL4FbFoTEMPK-TxU0vCcGt-ld8BZaxx6JO-w9gSQP45CJ7GfT5A8ynm31wdOw1bafEBFQsNQ5YXPjvxe4Aoeyin-gafOkGwpD0C70EkYoR4DF5G8YlVe230fNrE_JusohHuHzBXRU1RKliIMVUj7ptA2B1u59_zUDlIY/w480-h640/IMG_3343.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chester: "What a yummy looking snack you have there!"</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">And so, I load the gator full of cleaning supplies, some water, and a backpack filled with books I am reading and some drawing supplies. I stop along the way for some kindling and extra fire wood. My ultimate destination... </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMV8jUf7QVuJffztFZmu4DJxn3tw-tR4Z4O_Z0BEjbMJ77R9C36Y636XKt9AbGJoALoRny9P5Mq7Q5eQa4tzPqRnKpSs-UE3_-kji0fbaQFGwXRVh0xlE3acL7OP26k3DkHldn0g_vOxQIifWF8n-Zr9xWzz-6h6fLMm_JuO3vlqtkUY8Ee1xqphWnlY/s4032/IMG_2148.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMV8jUf7QVuJffztFZmu4DJxn3tw-tR4Z4O_Z0BEjbMJ77R9C36Y636XKt9AbGJoALoRny9P5Mq7Q5eQa4tzPqRnKpSs-UE3_-kji0fbaQFGwXRVh0xlE3acL7OP26k3DkHldn0g_vOxQIifWF8n-Zr9xWzz-6h6fLMm_JuO3vlqtkUY8Ee1xqphWnlY/w640-h480/IMG_2148.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Maven Haven, my "she-shed". </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2aKmOo09l11q_VwxLnPYkf1rwI2KJqINeRDKE9NpBbfeAokXyA1GCUcRnf5YZD72mhLFsgx-Z3dg-MUmpquPdYz4qvMqLgubVgD3IH-ezafmv4vl-3jAAkJGWY53juFFSSXd3Mz9PvhdmETX3WvZSSWfogbqMJjkVx8ymT_l2SR7yAI2EO2PLRCtmK4/s4032/IMG_2151.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2aKmOo09l11q_VwxLnPYkf1rwI2KJqINeRDKE9NpBbfeAokXyA1GCUcRnf5YZD72mhLFsgx-Z3dg-MUmpquPdYz4qvMqLgubVgD3IH-ezafmv4vl-3jAAkJGWY53juFFSSXd3Mz9PvhdmETX3WvZSSWfogbqMJjkVx8ymT_l2SR7yAI2EO2PLRCtmK4/w480-h640/IMG_2151.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">On my arrival, it just as cold inside as outside (maybe even colder), so I start a roaring fire in the stove.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzcObfoJrTVIhVS_Ja5PZ7VTw2KMPQOrBrLfj_5quxvzu5uRVl6YxSR7Fp9CJBup9YYDn22VyQG0ACfq-PorGIzkXnqUPM0t88A_9bAqq7YUdI5tfea-xId2SoZojaH_IHRdNP0P3owW3-20TGRNqW5oB-dQDzhukk-h0Lq_mhEPRiL6m0_HommPIoU/s4032/IMG_3354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxzcObfoJrTVIhVS_Ja5PZ7VTw2KMPQOrBrLfj_5quxvzu5uRVl6YxSR7Fp9CJBup9YYDn22VyQG0ACfq-PorGIzkXnqUPM0t88A_9bAqq7YUdI5tfea-xId2SoZojaH_IHRdNP0P3owW3-20TGRNqW5oB-dQDzhukk-h0Lq_mhEPRiL6m0_HommPIoU/w480-h640/IMG_3354.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Within minutes, it is warm enough for me to hang my coat on a hook,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKlr3AHb3v2m52h_7iilwHKh-VODqDc9PxXW01mSJ3AjVOc7u-ffkMwYob13sHe5zLL6QWuGTe3qfG__GMWOl7QwqhqVC5sQZVL9yopQt2kXblJfbgPggo3g0hrHYOQv_Q-9TuTcpxLBPLrZUYLBKJVLMO_qtMVF_AcNFTfPC61IQI6cbDCAoDLhd9YU/s4032/IMG_3359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKlr3AHb3v2m52h_7iilwHKh-VODqDc9PxXW01mSJ3AjVOc7u-ffkMwYob13sHe5zLL6QWuGTe3qfG__GMWOl7QwqhqVC5sQZVL9yopQt2kXblJfbgPggo3g0hrHYOQv_Q-9TuTcpxLBPLrZUYLBKJVLMO_qtMVF_AcNFTfPC61IQI6cbDCAoDLhd9YU/w480-h640/IMG_3359.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">light a lamp, </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtthDAzAdlrl6arqfkgHdkCmkPjaN8uyWlpqOQIFEpnqlmWLhCaxUCfIp9aH-rj6ugaFxX6jOPhtiVlqq8fsL37a4jIxYCWpvQQM_a99xb-BnEJwTGhTTt6a6BT1mOkcB5U34vzZeT6hyphenhyphentO9Iz44f4P5NhSLqFMTq4pSidwV4xvEU_5yqC18c_nHdIOLA/s4032/IMG_3386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtthDAzAdlrl6arqfkgHdkCmkPjaN8uyWlpqOQIFEpnqlmWLhCaxUCfIp9aH-rj6ugaFxX6jOPhtiVlqq8fsL37a4jIxYCWpvQQM_a99xb-BnEJwTGhTTt6a6BT1mOkcB5U34vzZeT6hyphenhyphentO9Iz44f4P5NhSLqFMTq4pSidwV4xvEU_5yqC18c_nHdIOLA/w480-h640/IMG_3386.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">and sit down to read.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-mvfGQpHc9IarF9-WQ-2uyaSRDPjLIegMUJPHq800sdl1oLcsfwnW_bEk0ZVYpV1nyb3afeFZ4zceBojNzFdTbJgxPk7dJOsYnyl_qcEF6xnFN_jplifHjdZNnfnRXEizQTibstUbPE1wocMWn8w7QRTRkmDQovu7AaBRMEEY4QYmh8F_cxmzQQZcGU/s4032/IMG_3355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-mvfGQpHc9IarF9-WQ-2uyaSRDPjLIegMUJPHq800sdl1oLcsfwnW_bEk0ZVYpV1nyb3afeFZ4zceBojNzFdTbJgxPk7dJOsYnyl_qcEF6xnFN_jplifHjdZNnfnRXEizQTibstUbPE1wocMWn8w7QRTRkmDQovu7AaBRMEEY4QYmh8F_cxmzQQZcGU/w480-h640/IMG_3355.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Hubbs has joined me for a few minutes before leaving for an appointment. The tea kettle steams...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IZbzc8vNdthTurzcfI2ddk0jJkI5_DVV2y1fykARlCNbxDmu9L-PE-cgx4Ty2-x6CqV7wUzimfkGxCMAk7iupm4WGZDYqcIXyEAfk0lOdU0TrWOcAzohdahi6CxQzzP0Vbgk2dWtcIDOldh89I1iglF2nYSoePmGGOL7a0fnSMcjN7m5qRmAw165sNg/s4032/IMG_3350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IZbzc8vNdthTurzcfI2ddk0jJkI5_DVV2y1fykARlCNbxDmu9L-PE-cgx4Ty2-x6CqV7wUzimfkGxCMAk7iupm4WGZDYqcIXyEAfk0lOdU0TrWOcAzohdahi6CxQzzP0Vbgk2dWtcIDOldh89I1iglF2nYSoePmGGOL7a0fnSMcjN7m5qRmAw165sNg/w480-h640/IMG_3350.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">and I make a cup of herbal tea... the bright aroma set free on the waves of steam rising from the cup.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYQ92AVfSfeo9sFbDt_lUSRVtdQj636Hz0uuogWylgiuLnuwN41whmWqflS68yyXo8rwZgPWFgZ4q5nh96ZNkWSncfsH6GsUxu-89aCVkgP1bNIzatMP4jgdSnlFGpGZVNEx4UUSTp6zX3VG0I2CCdxwuzWggyT7t_FfR-mtQ2uvMqPet0qnC9c00wzw/s4032/IMG_3352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYQ92AVfSfeo9sFbDt_lUSRVtdQj636Hz0uuogWylgiuLnuwN41whmWqflS68yyXo8rwZgPWFgZ4q5nh96ZNkWSncfsH6GsUxu-89aCVkgP1bNIzatMP4jgdSnlFGpGZVNEx4UUSTp6zX3VG0I2CCdxwuzWggyT7t_FfR-mtQ2uvMqPet0qnC9c00wzw/w480-h640/IMG_3352.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The dogs nestle in on the thick, wool rug to take a nap. The rug is homemade - crocheted years ago with core-spun, undyed wool from our own sheep.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWpN2A-cyJReb8H1rQ_coL-uUUioMxKnH1VVXX0FqYPo5b6usR7CGSdxFbuymOaM0B9e5ZpZbOFYggCG5Jf83WKzaq5hoaQf8xmYv9v60jQnuBl8uxzzKJG04D2Uiy81JUYmaSUr11PW4_j9hShWdcz9eQ-EP4-Q-piIxPczZIg6stU7AmnCfWfUzm5s/s4032/IMG_3348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWpN2A-cyJReb8H1rQ_coL-uUUioMxKnH1VVXX0FqYPo5b6usR7CGSdxFbuymOaM0B9e5ZpZbOFYggCG5Jf83WKzaq5hoaQf8xmYv9v60jQnuBl8uxzzKJG04D2Uiy81JUYmaSUr11PW4_j9hShWdcz9eQ-EP4-Q-piIxPczZIg6stU7AmnCfWfUzm5s/w480-h640/IMG_3348.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rug would be big enough for all three dogs if only Forrest were interested in cozying up for a nap. Alas, he is mostly interested in annoying the other two.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XNqUGKZkqMqtee3HVXFLPtNsTBr_7yfLfkrcJ__ZKw94rtkoQbs8AehbikfVyuLZ-sL2agYfQ2rP_74T19TU5dFR55o51Cvvo13NTlqn7tzbDefqhT-AkZweZLJeN3l4_Fm0Me9nUBT0vWQvQpZzfxhlMW8-vZHR6a-w1JQMK3zsRYQ0v1vrM6Thj2A/s4032/IMG_3357.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XNqUGKZkqMqtee3HVXFLPtNsTBr_7yfLfkrcJ__ZKw94rtkoQbs8AehbikfVyuLZ-sL2agYfQ2rP_74T19TU5dFR55o51Cvvo13NTlqn7tzbDefqhT-AkZweZLJeN3l4_Fm0Me9nUBT0vWQvQpZzfxhlMW8-vZHR6a-w1JQMK3zsRYQ0v1vrM6Thj2A/w640-h480/IMG_3357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Who, me?"</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Annie and Chester are not sad when Forrest soon asks to return to the outdoors. With his thick winter coat, he is no fan of fireplaces or wood stoves, but prefers to lounge out on the cold ground. If he were any warmer, he'd be jumping in the pond to cool off!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7co73Mi2bOOYVNfz8l1TYSa7Vqajdne9nwgsCerUQvsMqz7kFQwzswuSaAS7Jn4hrqhNSGVqv1or-cFpBCQyC5sDrfV28X9ggEPsH6ven3OWkfwbrqke16iUTmhSDH8ImQEVg3tGko2PcXa_IXGFZg12tVwbrPivnWX4-uDbKVxhGSWxqI0xtA6vERYs/s4032/IMG_3384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7co73Mi2bOOYVNfz8l1TYSa7Vqajdne9nwgsCerUQvsMqz7kFQwzswuSaAS7Jn4hrqhNSGVqv1or-cFpBCQyC5sDrfV28X9ggEPsH6ven3OWkfwbrqke16iUTmhSDH8ImQEVg3tGko2PcXa_IXGFZg12tVwbrPivnWX4-uDbKVxhGSWxqI0xtA6vERYs/w480-h640/IMG_3384.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Truth be told, the wood stove provides more than enough heat for this little space. In order to make it toasty indoors without it turning into an inferno, I keep the front door open a few inches.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_3trQExDqS9bl4pCnk-mTtU_87A620KimzbxfWPwnNR6lL2EcF7hgZQytWTNtn4cpPx5MjljwJt1JZXJZHUErIroPRItmdhBl7WMqApRiyc_WwQjDe4ei55aCYIW3JjccQlBudN3L0YURzOGysdcTO83HyYT4SJZhPdVKgg5C4J3_e5rYfDI3jUtEss/s4032/IMG_3385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_3trQExDqS9bl4pCnk-mTtU_87A620KimzbxfWPwnNR6lL2EcF7hgZQytWTNtn4cpPx5MjljwJt1JZXJZHUErIroPRItmdhBl7WMqApRiyc_WwQjDe4ei55aCYIW3JjccQlBudN3L0YURzOGysdcTO83HyYT4SJZhPdVKgg5C4J3_e5rYfDI3jUtEss/w480-h640/IMG_3385.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">We enjoy a cozy visit, then Jack heads out for his appointment, while I do a little deep cleaning. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrlgtj_Eke7CYwf-gZ4I2YiZHZM15SAm4m4SY5hsbiSG59Yn2Ac1kc7u8Vaj5jk2v61wW5HNqJ6F-ZEe50PhnidOG7n2UqSF3KA_C819fkFNGeVkPNFq2cdcRsnQs3IMqalwBIZmqLUpv6vNW_iLcdBiZys_3uwGaNQP-2PEdDQqOVTQ-98n9F1Mz0M/s4032/IMG_3371.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrlgtj_Eke7CYwf-gZ4I2YiZHZM15SAm4m4SY5hsbiSG59Yn2Ac1kc7u8Vaj5jk2v61wW5HNqJ6F-ZEe50PhnidOG7n2UqSF3KA_C819fkFNGeVkPNFq2cdcRsnQs3IMqalwBIZmqLUpv6vNW_iLcdBiZys_3uwGaNQP-2PEdDQqOVTQ-98n9F1Mz0M/w640-h480/IMG_3371.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"candid cleaning with a funky left hand! 🤣"<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> Rug shaken outside, brick floor vacuumed, wood furniture and windowsills cleaned and polished. This is the perfect sized house for me. Fully cleaned in under 10 minutes! You may not know this about me, but I would be perfectly content in a tiny house. I love small spaces! Perhaps that's why I love spending time inside this tiny shed.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloeMnsZSTY4nmSfTVoLR2nbR29_YNNi7Uz9jZK90zdLUsL3AaVJn8OBkhklSItlSVIy4EcCB7mgCjod90fy9Xb46hkzunzOsEp3bhTRrI7GhRaVP76XmjBWJolW5oxntlvG4CCctXjGQ62GN08-rc06d5h6pHn35Q-bWPnQphJURCyJaH4rvV590tM8Y/s4032/IMG_3383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloeMnsZSTY4nmSfTVoLR2nbR29_YNNi7Uz9jZK90zdLUsL3AaVJn8OBkhklSItlSVIy4EcCB7mgCjod90fy9Xb46hkzunzOsEp3bhTRrI7GhRaVP76XmjBWJolW5oxntlvG4CCctXjGQ62GN08-rc06d5h6pHn35Q-bWPnQphJURCyJaH4rvV590tM8Y/w480-h640/IMG_3383.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's cozy and uncomplicated. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31XPH6S5RlL6XMYaCQAFzmAS0SjbSG_zBJVr5WT5h3ec3piTgItk3FXJd7h6uI7Ug0eVlD-V80z8ZnGOHqMC4dXZ_YjFDXoTW_EYDPSsPKCwf6sbJccxTGUXzzKgX6BoB5gsn46VxUdXp30_7gSkKnCWRq38gNxa5NlNsC50tL3N4_uDOh6P-yetz-mM/s4032/IMG_3382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31XPH6S5RlL6XMYaCQAFzmAS0SjbSG_zBJVr5WT5h3ec3piTgItk3FXJd7h6uI7Ug0eVlD-V80z8ZnGOHqMC4dXZ_YjFDXoTW_EYDPSsPKCwf6sbJccxTGUXzzKgX6BoB5gsn46VxUdXp30_7gSkKnCWRq38gNxa5NlNsC50tL3N4_uDOh6P-yetz-mM/w480-h640/IMG_3382.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All I need is a bed and an outhouse and it would be my perfect living quarters. I would love the challenge of doing my cooking and baking on my little wood stove. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_jp2BBk5gwYJOh_TLHQT_9LGf7DWy1aMCBP244I1wwUCHOUTNRSCJFc8Wf9faRDf2gkJvkc9Ml86-E_OeJsfuyRe6uYRg227jpSNnXZfuOtVO5NUb_GOy8By0kzm0H0xqPZ5_1dqRGVB0x4l476KowG2s_fdgOHZ8iHDbp_zuBv8HWQSwPXj4hKUuts/s4032/IMG_3388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_jp2BBk5gwYJOh_TLHQT_9LGf7DWy1aMCBP244I1wwUCHOUTNRSCJFc8Wf9faRDf2gkJvkc9Ml86-E_OeJsfuyRe6uYRg227jpSNnXZfuOtVO5NUb_GOy8By0kzm0H0xqPZ5_1dqRGVB0x4l476KowG2s_fdgOHZ8iHDbp_zuBv8HWQSwPXj4hKUuts/w480-h640/IMG_3388.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">There is a small metal oven that can sit on top of the stove for baking (something I have not yet tried). Perhaps one of these days I will try baking bread here in this little oven.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7RlogpOzUl8n9wbmTmisAxhQPgFJ0YS-v96ShIeGEOG_UlQoX-nzX_UZzkoogJI2D5N32ThV6fd0SlxJ4szgKZg1l26H7zFfso6auF325THCBOjbJqo2JpX21ffi13YQJfs9d9r_2OlYLLo4xBFD45dDPOTygJk3l9obXXqk55KRemzL3vu3VgVcGO0/s4032/IMG_3389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7RlogpOzUl8n9wbmTmisAxhQPgFJ0YS-v96ShIeGEOG_UlQoX-nzX_UZzkoogJI2D5N32ThV6fd0SlxJ4szgKZg1l26H7zFfso6auF325THCBOjbJqo2JpX21ffi13YQJfs9d9r_2OlYLLo4xBFD45dDPOTygJk3l9obXXqk55KRemzL3vu3VgVcGO0/w480-h640/IMG_3389.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not today, though. Today we simply absorb the warmth - a mini vacation from the cold, gray, days. Sometimes that's all one needs to get back out there and enjoy the last 6 weeks of winter. And sometimes, the best mini vacation is just a mental one - it's certainly easier than packing and traveling!</p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-70943822201294482052024-02-05T03:00:00.001-05:002024-02-05T03:00:00.247-05:00The Sun Returns<p style="text-align: center;">And just like that, almost magically, the sun has returned - and with it, warmer temperatures during the daytime. It's been absolutely lovely. It amazes me how many more birds are singing when the sun is out compared to a cloudy day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiihLSBo7C0ieMmmOefYGGWVmpjItNfbUIZsXsR9XZ4C7aixIseP_fqD7ugIqzOIJMfMsvV8_EZ3TwvWUVWYVa8IqSrOLgMNXLBw2d9ME8pj0tTX1jyE_CffMyV0RzDhTC9Oi7i0q6gR9UCT7-i_Whc88KdFG0-IoY0joP1GOPa9fNi4xzbT1hSoXhOI8/s4032/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiihLSBo7C0ieMmmOefYGGWVmpjItNfbUIZsXsR9XZ4C7aixIseP_fqD7ugIqzOIJMfMsvV8_EZ3TwvWUVWYVa8IqSrOLgMNXLBw2d9ME8pj0tTX1jyE_CffMyV0RzDhTC9Oi7i0q6gR9UCT7-i_Whc88KdFG0-IoY0joP1GOPa9fNi4xzbT1hSoXhOI8/w480-h640/IMG_3308.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Cloudless days lead to cloudless nights. And with no clouds to hold the heat close to the earth, the temperature falls rapidly when the sun goes down. From almost 60 degrees on Saturday down to 21 degrees on Sunday morning before the sun rose. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31YyQ1JDaIs-UnY7lwkKjJPx9zPwQTnNVL2Y_5VCf_EQjNzA3jH1aEa1JQhmn1I4AwGLqKRIh9sFpImXEiJyBHbjPCC3NEZGJZbgqco7TVYauFjXIr6O-V_VGqUtbpCNQMJAK36XEOHwO5D5UUTcermA34dwpySbuc0xrNZSj2F06c5GeErSIxvdBWo/s4032/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31YyQ1JDaIs-UnY7lwkKjJPx9zPwQTnNVL2Y_5VCf_EQjNzA3jH1aEa1JQhmn1I4AwGLqKRIh9sFpImXEiJyBHbjPCC3NEZGJZbgqco7TVYauFjXIr6O-V_VGqUtbpCNQMJAK36XEOHwO5D5UUTcermA34dwpySbuc0xrNZSj2F06c5GeErSIxvdBWo/w480-h640/IMG_3303.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The ground was re-frozen, making morning chores easier (no mud)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtJ6ti82ay6M9lXNiZuOnGFfKxZ6Xd5Mk4K2WARr_5iWMX8AgnllkuXMa1TOlfsCdDl1D9uQjKqXA6acpsmryDsYiXjX8160Co1JaZpthin0oIFPgzDhRE9L0JXn5qxTSXjFUuzBf8zyhMjhqm0f8Vbl-m9MVRX1_yoAwriy0bAUK-oT3ZKFCapF2SuQ/s4032/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtJ6ti82ay6M9lXNiZuOnGFfKxZ6Xd5Mk4K2WARr_5iWMX8AgnllkuXMa1TOlfsCdDl1D9uQjKqXA6acpsmryDsYiXjX8160Co1JaZpthin0oIFPgzDhRE9L0JXn5qxTSXjFUuzBf8zyhMjhqm0f8Vbl-m9MVRX1_yoAwriy0bAUK-oT3ZKFCapF2SuQ/w480-h640/IMG_3314.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And, no mud, meant that this guy actually stayed clean for a day!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhUquRMGiO7DW7rUq9SQ_NJ7J_40q4nmU_KYA8qxZY7JYLv7qDM6mSnhAI6lA5vYeCFKVPQB946WbO3QQ9_KobXvqH76XqF5xWeIGJXga9pJ_dX80fwk7JojrHG7jAawI9yBTEiWUsYciksJVUu3EsF1DEIfRdmNmOgqS3CIbRldrzNC0wqJ_Uac3V34/s4032/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhUquRMGiO7DW7rUq9SQ_NJ7J_40q4nmU_KYA8qxZY7JYLv7qDM6mSnhAI6lA5vYeCFKVPQB946WbO3QQ9_KobXvqH76XqF5xWeIGJXga9pJ_dX80fwk7JojrHG7jAawI9yBTEiWUsYciksJVUu3EsF1DEIfRdmNmOgqS3CIbRldrzNC0wqJ_Uac3V34/w480-h640/IMG_3317.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Everyone enjoyed the return of the sun...</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pQKj1S7WaSyJ3zxg8Q8QG8cQ6cRI7KEe-GlKnY0XZhPg95IrWgRKbBMsdhjcCfs72PTXRv7Ye5G-iCLeNYLj5WFrDnYWguSvWnJka_bCTap2Yvz7JXK0KN77wfSIXjZguAMZqBjwGPxYgQ-gLpl4XvcMSk1VkzmPvO0jHkk2W454NkKzSrZ0Zgk9qSs/s4032/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pQKj1S7WaSyJ3zxg8Q8QG8cQ6cRI7KEe-GlKnY0XZhPg95IrWgRKbBMsdhjcCfs72PTXRv7Ye5G-iCLeNYLj5WFrDnYWguSvWnJka_bCTap2Yvz7JXK0KN77wfSIXjZguAMZqBjwGPxYgQ-gLpl4XvcMSk1VkzmPvO0jHkk2W454NkKzSrZ0Zgk9qSs/w640-h480/IMG_3333.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as they took their late morning (post-grazing) naps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KM9dLMVCndRXDLThd7IpJ5nk4XeBY2-VUhXtjFqnQil57nnoR4bzwunkHkNl8w4S51vWyoQYrgK-gY0dzEsW0ohtIVLbRHab1Jr4TD4wDTH_ByV7Ii55y0VKxTC7CuuK2lnD6M6rHjnB_rXaGQWyU4SMXnCMta-hF7_QIaroi9OJEnG7aEG1xlN8AxU/s4032/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KM9dLMVCndRXDLThd7IpJ5nk4XeBY2-VUhXtjFqnQil57nnoR4bzwunkHkNl8w4S51vWyoQYrgK-gY0dzEsW0ohtIVLbRHab1Jr4TD4wDTH_ByV7Ii55y0VKxTC7CuuK2lnD6M6rHjnB_rXaGQWyU4SMXnCMta-hF7_QIaroi9OJEnG7aEG1xlN8AxU/w640-h480/IMG_3332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked in the woods with the dogs under a perfectly blue sky.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpao0MjwewRVUyrcr5q8KqQhN8_VW8JP14jthqeXtsbpqXDd74284wBnWx4Nx5bH2M_hMsquH8XYl6SQDwE8pihCwEkn8dQbIoDac8Xji0aRHjdpBbPCoQPjsqL70e5Dzhmq7YinYbWb-GQh_-epW_XNKvZOZmmGEW8dz-j5VjXlSFD-FzIudAj6qV70/s4032/IMG_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpao0MjwewRVUyrcr5q8KqQhN8_VW8JP14jthqeXtsbpqXDd74284wBnWx4Nx5bH2M_hMsquH8XYl6SQDwE8pihCwEkn8dQbIoDac8Xji0aRHjdpBbPCoQPjsqL70e5Dzhmq7YinYbWb-GQh_-epW_XNKvZOZmmGEW8dz-j5VjXlSFD-FzIudAj6qV70/w640-h480/IMG_3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of note was the amount of buds we saw on the trees... something I had not noticed before now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0G8dJrdIx_doZdC5aTBUTOOstBbYERrwD7jTV8aisSxIZ_InBjZvXxjpQyXHoL1Tg_wBi0qukUU0GWFvuU0UcfF3z4PaofQcoZ9yQmgGytrFeX1aGBFYrv8hD3YHy7KkRxTzmyhuOM3tNwfZ2nWffh3tZsyesfD9AEghu1u3OMsA7ckML_oUa1It9MY/s4032/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0G8dJrdIx_doZdC5aTBUTOOstBbYERrwD7jTV8aisSxIZ_InBjZvXxjpQyXHoL1Tg_wBi0qukUU0GWFvuU0UcfF3z4PaofQcoZ9yQmgGytrFeX1aGBFYrv8hD3YHy7KkRxTzmyhuOM3tNwfZ2nWffh3tZsyesfD9AEghu1u3OMsA7ckML_oUa1It9MY/w480-h640/IMG_3323.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are little signs all over that tell us... spring is just around the corner. Although with that corner being March... who knows what can happen!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQp9RHiBTi4IC6Yj7tpiPpwC6hB82Ndlbr0OextWv2xa9b2qgHj2-j6-UyqivplM0ywv0H4jw8jbIV0dd4Z4Lw8YcBKImnFSvzir7ZHiUzJk-6V4vtkTgSUB_zLeiep1Zhp97Nq2Lu7dpxwr8ub_hukFbJHsn2461Q8ap9wOF9sqB23Yv-669y8vYea8/s4032/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQp9RHiBTi4IC6Yj7tpiPpwC6hB82Ndlbr0OextWv2xa9b2qgHj2-j6-UyqivplM0ywv0H4jw8jbIV0dd4Z4Lw8YcBKImnFSvzir7ZHiUzJk-6V4vtkTgSUB_zLeiep1Zhp97Nq2Lu7dpxwr8ub_hukFbJHsn2461Q8ap9wOF9sqB23Yv-669y8vYea8/w480-h640/IMG_3327.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-49195841007221954802024-02-02T03:00:00.024-05:002024-02-02T03:00:00.258-05:00The Woods in Transition<p style="text-align: center;"> I have learned much from hiking through and studying our woods. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha03OXbTqV_Y1awefLOHv3aZJh53nYcZnL9IAKcnfY3-u1FwnIvxuwjNmaeZXFdFhESaqDYIosQpd4e-JF1NUSYL8i5p07mMpiKiAW_vdeu4klDre4uNwEcpvpBCXuVM9Dh2JXlX2xplypnvRX1XjoxDDKTq-sHGxfNPhauMKJcNkBatbadZKcQuyQQwk/s4032/IMG_1869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha03OXbTqV_Y1awefLOHv3aZJh53nYcZnL9IAKcnfY3-u1FwnIvxuwjNmaeZXFdFhESaqDYIosQpd4e-JF1NUSYL8i5p07mMpiKiAW_vdeu4klDre4uNwEcpvpBCXuVM9Dh2JXlX2xplypnvRX1XjoxDDKTq-sHGxfNPhauMKJcNkBatbadZKcQuyQQwk/w480-h640/IMG_1869.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are somewhat metaphorically a reflection of the world in general, I think. There's no doubt about it, our woods are in a transitional phase and have been for decades. But, it seems that this process is happening at a faster rate right now.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LiO4PaST-7SeT2B-RVyA4TTVW6O9YlV922e00mjAlfZkJl7rTQm0wEAi1z0d7kczCRQAKdc6rVoZISGkCDJdPjqpTMwBPRLQocPkNkvj_HHQHULB8S8p_Gnuxh8Oequ1cS6z6UpP9Nohn77h59XIgbmJOn40wIRDs2j2ntYXD0kcmQeepva04aLI71w/s4032/IMG_3270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LiO4PaST-7SeT2B-RVyA4TTVW6O9YlV922e00mjAlfZkJl7rTQm0wEAi1z0d7kczCRQAKdc6rVoZISGkCDJdPjqpTMwBPRLQocPkNkvj_HHQHULB8S8p_Gnuxh8Oequ1cS6z6UpP9Nohn77h59XIgbmJOn40wIRDs2j2ntYXD0kcmQeepva04aLI71w/w640-h480/IMG_3270.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">There was a day when our woods were filled with pines and hemlocks, ash, chestnut, elm, oak, maple, hickory, poplar, beech, birch, and many more species. The forests of old were quite diversified. Sadly, over the years we have lost species. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd96ITq_icQ7DpEdS9NVm_48o2R_T217VEWV5BCQkIk19FoqJpRWlJV5BQwUcJ98Cwmn46ljOSlC7N_NYxcU1Nugq_TbNoxRv5E_vPT3umkdlfT1WRSuXNar9ohRFdN4kw2QIxsXDFlLWbZrPaDMVv945yPt1b-TkN_J57gjVsw7MmlIDbr0A7SCY8e4/s4032/IMG_1998.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd96ITq_icQ7DpEdS9NVm_48o2R_T217VEWV5BCQkIk19FoqJpRWlJV5BQwUcJ98Cwmn46ljOSlC7N_NYxcU1Nugq_TbNoxRv5E_vPT3umkdlfT1WRSuXNar9ohRFdN4kw2QIxsXDFlLWbZrPaDMVv945yPt1b-TkN_J57gjVsw7MmlIDbr0A7SCY8e4/w480-h640/IMG_1998.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p>No longer do the American chestnuts, or the elm trees, or the ash populate our local forests. They have fallen prey to globalization - attacked by insects and fungi from other continents. The American chestnut met its demise via a fungus originating in Asia and Japan. Elm trees fell prey to Dutch Elm Disease, caused by a fungus that originated in the Netherlands that spread across Europe. Ash trees are dying as a result of the emerald ash borer, a beetle native to North East Asia.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In the past several years, we have witnessed the critical loss of the hemlock trees in our woods. These trees have been infected by yet another invader from Asia, the wooly adelgid. We are also witnessing the death of many of the oak trees in our woods. Oaks here in the East are succumbing to oak wilt fungus.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7Dh7ipL2OkPsGw2y8_04vltGhfzRScvPoIu90qN44RybCwqXJhxNGLBHnwFCcLB9GJvlj5-bpq408G452t4OlbAJE8fI3dmlySGkrkpjY4ljWPuhhC-drTLCI-r0oYM-SJUc5CKW_N5kOkNKNTQeqsR-WykxmWaBN2IEDnxry7JyVu4lcX0GrJ_NxGw/s4032/IMG_3268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7Dh7ipL2OkPsGw2y8_04vltGhfzRScvPoIu90qN44RybCwqXJhxNGLBHnwFCcLB9GJvlj5-bpq408G452t4OlbAJE8fI3dmlySGkrkpjY4ljWPuhhC-drTLCI-r0oYM-SJUc5CKW_N5kOkNKNTQeqsR-WykxmWaBN2IEDnxry7JyVu4lcX0GrJ_NxGw/w640-h480/IMG_3268.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">It is not uncommon to walk our woods and find a new tree that has merely snapped in half, falling dead to the ground. It certainly pains me to see these mammoth trees reduced to moss, lichen, and fungus fodder. Although, I wonder if this may be the reason why our woods are so filled with a variety of fungi. There is much work to be done in the decomposition of all of this wood.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHEY4pvfPk304KvJNlne1kJMGCyuqoR9CeS-uFvng-HjVOERpNDiMmsC1Qtcacij_V5CU32sUaca9Sv9Qc58HZ8_kYYCCZU26_TqJGDXB9sG83MvM3bRR60ZhvLKWYkXn8iYeuDKQoepBajtfol54AN2GCu2r-0GYam82LJ7kSiIcp7b8DnqAUrAkgi0/s4032/IMG_1611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHEY4pvfPk304KvJNlne1kJMGCyuqoR9CeS-uFvng-HjVOERpNDiMmsC1Qtcacij_V5CU32sUaca9Sv9Qc58HZ8_kYYCCZU26_TqJGDXB9sG83MvM3bRR60ZhvLKWYkXn8iYeuDKQoepBajtfol54AN2GCu2r-0GYam82LJ7kSiIcp7b8DnqAUrAkgi0/w480-h640/IMG_1611.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am heartened to see seedlings grow into saplings - noting, however, that the trees that are replacing these old giants are beech and birch (species that are not tasty to foraging white-tail deer). Yes, our woods are transitioning from old species to new. Who knows what this land will look like in another 50 years!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIAlqp57khrozK33VopEz6ENd5mOXTET0nlyPjakAL48q40bjTPKMWIckvgGf5KWjAU6obKtvceEyMODeAcuMIsdsCn1eMsT50FY8HHg1kPKfxZJ8wYVdgPvrIqX9gPFICBonmYMZ7CfAR2qFrHZEvUpIDVApVuS-j_ITXLH-VpBU58wrCParTDDVLlk/s4032/IMG_2827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIAlqp57khrozK33VopEz6ENd5mOXTET0nlyPjakAL48q40bjTPKMWIckvgGf5KWjAU6obKtvceEyMODeAcuMIsdsCn1eMsT50FY8HHg1kPKfxZJ8wYVdgPvrIqX9gPFICBonmYMZ7CfAR2qFrHZEvUpIDVApVuS-j_ITXLH-VpBU58wrCParTDDVLlk/w480-h640/IMG_2827.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And yes, we are a global community now. There are benefits and sacrifices that go along with being so. To discuss them would lead us down an unending rabbit hole.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Watching Mother Nature's resilience through change reminds us of the importance of our own adaptations to our ever-changing world. There is one thing in life that is certain : nothing stays the same.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhV8CZ1LGvY1dWXp3sU8bUQoXP5mMJCUpQZ6OLVxyd1KJD2Zs1kcpe-D4HmvVre1biKh_K_cQgQ6GRqXyE5ghH1ZBHAEsF8z0t9aODkxM4fZcwqgru_-1YYewmnJFCq1badFfSPE4JmgsIn9B00O7o5LWQVREP5K2c50dLTJdSpFjn4pyXaRw9YPlvE4/s4032/IMG_1616.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhV8CZ1LGvY1dWXp3sU8bUQoXP5mMJCUpQZ6OLVxyd1KJD2Zs1kcpe-D4HmvVre1biKh_K_cQgQ6GRqXyE5ghH1ZBHAEsF8z0t9aODkxM4fZcwqgru_-1YYewmnJFCq1badFfSPE4JmgsIn9B00O7o5LWQVREP5K2c50dLTJdSpFjn4pyXaRw9YPlvE4/w480-h640/IMG_1616.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few months ago we found this particular tree in the woods... an oak tree that had snapped in half. The base of the tree stands, broken, on the right side of the trail - while the top of the tree is leaning on another tree on the left side of the trail. The yellow line below shows the path that the top of the tree took as it fell.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspbfvbe1hJPPqO5PvKe51ZM9mOLjSvQkW_juyVMjhlhCZSiYVU1YGn4sYvkdU8HTn9BspNG54q09pgqQuZsyHArmJzG_qAontA3bVFDlzXnDnLtSxc2JHxbjVkXLWR74d6vk_e5y6Hd2qQhyphenhyphenGrtzxrQh6gmPw5rtZ_DqchfC8HB9yDVN45IVt7YleBlU/s2181/IMG_1618.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="1636" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspbfvbe1hJPPqO5PvKe51ZM9mOLjSvQkW_juyVMjhlhCZSiYVU1YGn4sYvkdU8HTn9BspNG54q09pgqQuZsyHArmJzG_qAontA3bVFDlzXnDnLtSxc2JHxbjVkXLWR74d6vk_e5y6Hd2qQhyphenhyphenGrtzxrQh6gmPw5rtZ_DqchfC8HB9yDVN45IVt7YleBlU/w480-h640/IMG_1618.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Apparently, when the top snapped off, its top dove itself right into the ground across the trail. This week Jack had a little help to cut down both halves of this tree. The resulting logs will give us another year's worth of firewood. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xPbC2F7VjhluqbRGPVaEQ45G3ylItzPEpKfSZ1pXeRo1IXhhs45lxTPUFPR07A8Ml1pF4nZfp1bPN7X9fjUDjVM1oiykNQH53aeIlxRbVQMSFWXjfKR6KokxReT7vWqp4aedeSdBGhyZtGMoM7K1Sv75EFrJge3iKJ2txXKux_2dMm32m0qYOplQBek/s4032/IMG_3267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xPbC2F7VjhluqbRGPVaEQ45G3ylItzPEpKfSZ1pXeRo1IXhhs45lxTPUFPR07A8Ml1pF4nZfp1bPN7X9fjUDjVM1oiykNQH53aeIlxRbVQMSFWXjfKR6KokxReT7vWqp4aedeSdBGhyZtGMoM7K1Sv75EFrJge3iKJ2txXKux_2dMm32m0qYOplQBek/w480-h640/IMG_3267.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> We have spent a little time each morning taking gator-loads of wood to the large indoor arena where it will spend a year drying out.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10Q98oN5Xcdeb6VHdC3FOXQ6fvut8PiYKnqPuHrCn4OtDJ9MaJpkDyyTIcnnwClILPJXTQZoBDx_wWLqq86WVwmHCpLJNqf_zKRBjOGo5vgEbAVJOsb-KbBd0AkpfmCwcwNINKNa_oYho_IB1778ZimpCe7RxLUamjf_pVgpn7PNJIBcSQHQN7voRqnw/s4032/IMG_3280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10Q98oN5Xcdeb6VHdC3FOXQ6fvut8PiYKnqPuHrCn4OtDJ9MaJpkDyyTIcnnwClILPJXTQZoBDx_wWLqq86WVwmHCpLJNqf_zKRBjOGo5vgEbAVJOsb-KbBd0AkpfmCwcwNINKNa_oYho_IB1778ZimpCe7RxLUamjf_pVgpn7PNJIBcSQHQN7voRqnw/w480-h640/IMG_3280.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I often speak of the joy of sitting beside a roaring fire. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZEKNNItsstJIoOTsc3qJ6DOL5uI3R3Xh5dhhKfZ-2vMoaxMkaPDH4MD1aeBH4ptGcOzFRzulaqJxM9q2wRaeoQEw4GcnUDD2D6wz3LnTjmosYRNwDJoupDW1-Y6XBDRt1lrS9EYpxd0vYGp8gGEjdYlh6fsridNxpQ74aA1nWjfDgma6Fozscp2wRCs/s4032/IMG_2644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZEKNNItsstJIoOTsc3qJ6DOL5uI3R3Xh5dhhKfZ-2vMoaxMkaPDH4MD1aeBH4ptGcOzFRzulaqJxM9q2wRaeoQEw4GcnUDD2D6wz3LnTjmosYRNwDJoupDW1-Y6XBDRt1lrS9EYpxd0vYGp8gGEjdYlh6fsridNxpQ74aA1nWjfDgma6Fozscp2wRCs/w640-h480/IMG_2644.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">All of our firewood is sourced from dead trees within our wooded acreage. And though it saddens us to lose the ash and the oak, we make good use of the trunks for firewood (they burn quite hot and very efficiently in our fireplace. And though burning wood adds to the particulate matter in our air, we have a fireplace that contains a smoke re-burner that reduces particulate matter by a hundred-fold. It also contains a catalytic converter that removes toxic chemicals from the smoke. Our fireplace reduces our need for electricity during the winter months and allows for our solar panels to meet the rest of our energy needs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And speaking of the fungi in our woods... I did a little compilation of my fungi photos... <a href="https://youtu.be/lKNhxx_Anbg">You can view it here on YouTube</a>, if it doesn't load below.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKNhxx_Anbg?si=nCGmMewccqcMY4aM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3617428990857687043.post-72004059842756268532024-02-01T03:00:00.036-05:002024-02-01T03:00:00.148-05:00I've Looked at Oats From Both Sides Now<p style="text-align: center;">Wow!! Happy February, Farm Friends! I call February the longest, shortest month. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was another in which the sun never shown... no beautiful sunrise and no warming rays ever touched the land. The land, though still quite soggy, is drying a little more each day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF053rZe5BZQymfcnKFpgaFxlboavB1LsZNMKoUqT_RUuq-fHPma7aChtBNKUOiHttumlKde7kTwFK32zK-JTR8hkO4myBLeFcMopIPzAqEyHHcCLDZv5X1e6Dq7aC6nkOXTESxwcOsd_4UfIw7EJBiVrlEcfGDtdku-jCw6imJEZmtstQQZHSEV9MF8/s4032/IMG_3231.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF053rZe5BZQymfcnKFpgaFxlboavB1LsZNMKoUqT_RUuq-fHPma7aChtBNKUOiHttumlKde7kTwFK32zK-JTR8hkO4myBLeFcMopIPzAqEyHHcCLDZv5X1e6Dq7aC6nkOXTESxwcOsd_4UfIw7EJBiVrlEcfGDtdku-jCw6imJEZmtstQQZHSEV9MF8/w640-h480/IMG_3231.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Although I might have heard that we are headed into more rainy weather - which will completely negate any drying that has occurred.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnm04Poz5bf3Xc7LWVdOnmGW-FIz4Mylz0d2EkxIafbA9yTRHrTBNXBWS0TIbIT7i5X97Tr7_ISTZX1dLQTPvkFut_LGKi12p91O_9TSPfCpUCqTGJ8ONwkh3355gbtV3XXeI2ejU-2YMjE_jUhTmPHPz6e_LBZn_dmybWi1eoJey-lHRp0wNp60txn4/s1283/IMG_3237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnm04Poz5bf3Xc7LWVdOnmGW-FIz4Mylz0d2EkxIafbA9yTRHrTBNXBWS0TIbIT7i5X97Tr7_ISTZX1dLQTPvkFut_LGKi12p91O_9TSPfCpUCqTGJ8ONwkh3355gbtV3XXeI2ejU-2YMjE_jUhTmPHPz6e_LBZn_dmybWi1eoJey-lHRp0wNp60txn4/w476-h640/IMG_3237.jpg" width="476" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">This seems to be our winter weather pattern nowadays... more rain than snow and warmer than average.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So... life goes on and we live with the mud.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzOwqMdzRCC9RULbeEQQJC08UzhU2YeQ4aL5-V82UDP6-nRS9PqroKmDNSpqJT5UQsuregCc0FUsvQkek-qu1XronXEYojanEJUvFE0f3ePpsQbOrFI9Iv8fR8E5iubTnHoVbX3b51kllq8b31E1NWmVmtjXuhlToNLDPT0pGCDo62IKUG15Z6j4qD9k/s4032/IMG_3216.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzOwqMdzRCC9RULbeEQQJC08UzhU2YeQ4aL5-V82UDP6-nRS9PqroKmDNSpqJT5UQsuregCc0FUsvQkek-qu1XronXEYojanEJUvFE0f3ePpsQbOrFI9Iv8fR8E5iubTnHoVbX3b51kllq8b31E1NWmVmtjXuhlToNLDPT0pGCDo62IKUG15Z6j4qD9k/w480-h640/IMG_3216.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I realized that perhaps there are a few souls that don't get as much blog-time as others. So, let's have a visit with some of our lesser-seen friends. We are still holding steady in the barn cat family. Regular barn residents include Moll...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUP3Ch2qJaWv7XK9egl58OSwZx_c3HMT4eOHw-jFkVM4HUMMiqisuDbq4f2Q7fQBwXfhdO4kV8Ql69LOzdjqBcsT3pDF46qxgM9q1U3sQ6-XQ3NB-uvkWdIb0iscwRRmIZZ4fdvHiu5MyIsia-NHLawPngb6j7GTxmpYaU0Nt81bPbJd7Ps6Q5vzcnO8/s4032/IMG_3221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUP3Ch2qJaWv7XK9egl58OSwZx_c3HMT4eOHw-jFkVM4HUMMiqisuDbq4f2Q7fQBwXfhdO4kV8Ql69LOzdjqBcsT3pDF46qxgM9q1U3sQ6-XQ3NB-uvkWdIb0iscwRRmIZZ4fdvHiu5MyIsia-NHLawPngb6j7GTxmpYaU0Nt81bPbJd7Ps6Q5vzcnO8/w480-h640/IMG_3221.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Bea One....</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSH_Xi4PpWAr9rK7qgr1MeCMUy2KfLJ3vcpmkr3xk-znz9kbIxx60d8FS1jLO0PqKQnzds_p_pSr2sQJmf1P4A5h6JOtplIHGASlZpo98jXkBIhdYd27GwKI1hCBb5lCQTrHBfKluM68lNH8ZFeUhZmxY0CxRTqFKX4n6mws5R6LZ2ckSfH8RamWlC-g/s4032/IMG_3207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSH_Xi4PpWAr9rK7qgr1MeCMUy2KfLJ3vcpmkr3xk-znz9kbIxx60d8FS1jLO0PqKQnzds_p_pSr2sQJmf1P4A5h6JOtplIHGASlZpo98jXkBIhdYd27GwKI1hCBb5lCQTrHBfKluM68lNH8ZFeUhZmxY0CxRTqFKX4n6mws5R6LZ2ckSfH8RamWlC-g/w480-h640/IMG_3207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bea Two:</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jaSwyME_fro44QsME77_vjDaaSJTxEDdqQsazFWSUtmJ13B0qRhLJEe2u1fLCVfXw-RrcqHCrrU_rzjd8L0e6atrBg6nP3YKS6fKofMyMQS8vVMU0wXaYpzat9csjFwSQJ0kpWtsJE__9A5OBj1v1MeyLr7qy_a69Z_VATe_iD15mL6DMbNlVv-ei7o/s4032/IMG_3215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jaSwyME_fro44QsME77_vjDaaSJTxEDdqQsazFWSUtmJ13B0qRhLJEe2u1fLCVfXw-RrcqHCrrU_rzjd8L0e6atrBg6nP3YKS6fKofMyMQS8vVMU0wXaYpzat9csjFwSQJ0kpWtsJE__9A5OBj1v1MeyLr7qy_a69Z_VATe_iD15mL6DMbNlVv-ei7o/w480-h640/IMG_3215.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> and of course, our huge boy, Pete! Pete is definitely the barn manager and oversees all that happens there.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZYjVXoowuVoAA8HRSlAifni1IPbngNZaA7XTRCrxahQuA_Dy2qi2U-9NZbWpl1JwJY6EY0CzIzy3K1URnFTg1FZeKAWJPrWBS4PWSmfReXiY5kcSNtvtkJk3uunUvEbeoPIJ7ZLllcVpkNaauMZ82-auMTiIG2ksUmk2zXLFtTkTBpHVXD8V_YAx7nY/s4032/IMG_3213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZYjVXoowuVoAA8HRSlAifni1IPbngNZaA7XTRCrxahQuA_Dy2qi2U-9NZbWpl1JwJY6EY0CzIzy3K1URnFTg1FZeKAWJPrWBS4PWSmfReXiY5kcSNtvtkJk3uunUvEbeoPIJ7ZLllcVpkNaauMZ82-auMTiIG2ksUmk2zXLFtTkTBpHVXD8V_YAx7nY/w480-h640/IMG_3213.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although Bobby lives in the garage and has food 24/7, he never misses an opportunity to have a yummy breakfast with the barn kitties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05C7eE_tRKYNEkscdpkpMCf-R5jr1UxFVTHaphXd83aYiTbWSNJwKLTPk761FwAq0DLD4PnpGSadscR_0zEfNU7gNrG8zh1f8sfkZcIpRJwELKZUEVkeyNbgT4iczS_U6a2thrKP_JpakeUdak1dTGnf_d3dWTpMUIkx3pAz6W6T6C31Dgdrl7Svx7_g/s4032/IMG_3224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05C7eE_tRKYNEkscdpkpMCf-R5jr1UxFVTHaphXd83aYiTbWSNJwKLTPk761FwAq0DLD4PnpGSadscR_0zEfNU7gNrG8zh1f8sfkZcIpRJwELKZUEVkeyNbgT4iczS_U6a2thrKP_JpakeUdak1dTGnf_d3dWTpMUIkx3pAz6W6T6C31Dgdrl7Svx7_g/w640-h480/IMG_3224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are also a few come-and-go cats... the orange ones of which we have occasionally gotten a photo. They remain very elusive and have no interest in much of anything but the plentiful food and warm, dry beds that the barn provides. Companionship? Nah.... they're loners.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I know that I often show only Ginger standing at the treat box. Typically, not far behind comes Faith - </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7KXsbed62SWjkWywCd2JI4I6oZCbHmbWowZU-N0DG_PDxx9_3Z0Uy4idnNPP0Tvco8sDFH4GUTTRp4wEugoo59dwT0O6DTae9Zj2mhvR2uHeYRiXNilaCBcKqsY79d1VgpbqDl95iXNQay6JVVhuFnODHVlwjDbpLrsG3KftrVBduLSDmwnlcUfX-8w/s4032/IMG_3187.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7KXsbed62SWjkWywCd2JI4I6oZCbHmbWowZU-N0DG_PDxx9_3Z0Uy4idnNPP0Tvco8sDFH4GUTTRp4wEugoo59dwT0O6DTae9Zj2mhvR2uHeYRiXNilaCBcKqsY79d1VgpbqDl95iXNQay6JVVhuFnODHVlwjDbpLrsG3KftrVBduLSDmwnlcUfX-8w/w480-h640/IMG_3187.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;">and both girls get plenty of treats. Faith has not been venturing out into the front pasture lately. I am assuming she has the sense that there is no grazeable grass at this time of year, and contents herself with the soft hay that we keep in her hay feeder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKRbQUpJZYsDYmX_hIZxqZpILcnTzfzWoi7lDAAMK3bwvdo3DyWVnwPFuXneWLMVrAV7BqLctfUamdPOGHgHfih4OkVPlItujhR0xXCJI1e1X2-igK87iW672n5MDmQa95CW8x3oVRuQyUaEcMhwPp4LZO9tk9x2fltdKJPJdb79-wV9XgO_HKIvBO5c/s4032/IMG_3189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKRbQUpJZYsDYmX_hIZxqZpILcnTzfzWoi7lDAAMK3bwvdo3DyWVnwPFuXneWLMVrAV7BqLctfUamdPOGHgHfih4OkVPlItujhR0xXCJI1e1X2-igK87iW672n5MDmQa95CW8x3oVRuQyUaEcMhwPp4LZO9tk9x2fltdKJPJdb79-wV9XgO_HKIvBO5c/w640-h480/IMG_3189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes, Faith can still see - she is not wool blind, however, I will be trimming the wool around her eyes since she will not get shorn until late April.</div><p style="text-align: center;">As for the runner ducks... we still have the same free-ranging four (males) who find their way up to visit with our other two, Forest and Jenni (Jenni with one eye) who have their own shed and yard up near the chickens. We sequestered these two so that Jenni would not be the object of five males' affections (too much for any gal!)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l69VFdUULR7MyePE53yexb6qc6OPtcPiunqBCbDf6B66gMwRE9duU9ReUTcHXSAUBMW0Et0wpkDTAONhPVXyszPIHvWa6qpduGmE0t4sMnmNGLjgayRav_QVWa2FMTeEldf7NFHteG9cNY9CHQsmZOdArQLX4_Ho1VFkXMjny94OaX-BeQRc0b9rG_M/s4032/IMG_3204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l69VFdUULR7MyePE53yexb6qc6OPtcPiunqBCbDf6B66gMwRE9duU9ReUTcHXSAUBMW0Et0wpkDTAONhPVXyszPIHvWa6qpduGmE0t4sMnmNGLjgayRav_QVWa2FMTeEldf7NFHteG9cNY9CHQsmZOdArQLX4_Ho1VFkXMjny94OaX-BeQRc0b9rG_M/w480-h640/IMG_3204.JPG" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The guinea flock has 11 members. This particular group of guineas have kept the most members for the longest time, of any group of guineas we have ever raised. Though they can be a bit noisy - they are the perfect alarm system should any unwanted critters or people enter the farm. They do an amazing job of keeping the tick population at bay, as well - also providing comic relief to any given day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmpmYF0I7p0FyI99XGhsbPKhIAeApNfgjuwOXDDsF-QgE_4ItUIPqMLoppKtC91NaeEFpbLzWghLQAW1s6O-NXLUrgn8P06WG1epYma7AqHUsBd_D9y69JQCf_b7nGK6qFMWQ8qOFxuYyjFDgSmh4vjANC0XvQMfC01BPLePrP90Fkf5fumlN3NQSlVA/s4032/IMG_3198.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmpmYF0I7p0FyI99XGhsbPKhIAeApNfgjuwOXDDsF-QgE_4ItUIPqMLoppKtC91NaeEFpbLzWghLQAW1s6O-NXLUrgn8P06WG1epYma7AqHUsBd_D9y69JQCf_b7nGK6qFMWQ8qOFxuYyjFDgSmh4vjANC0XvQMfC01BPLePrP90Fkf5fumlN3NQSlVA/w640-h480/IMG_3198.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">*******??*******</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday's post brought up a couple questions that I thought I might talk about today.</p><p style="text-align: center;">First of all... yes, you can freeze sourdough starter. From what I have read, it can be stored in the freezer for an extended time in an airtight container. Although it will take a little work to thaw it and get it well-fed, active, and bubbly.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Another way to preserve starter for a long time is to smear some on parchment paper, dry it, and then crush it and store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to use it, it gets re-hydrated and fed to make it active and bubbly. I have read that this is the way that early settlers took their sourdough along with them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>[Disclaimer: I am no food expert, however I am passionate about food. I love to cook and bake and try to keep informed about our foods. </i><i> Jack and I eat basically a "whole foods" diet avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Our diet consists of vegetables (and lots of them), fruits, nuts, locally raised poultry, wild caught salmon, and locally raised bison (as a beef alternative - although we do eat some locally raised, pastured beef and pork, as well), whole grains, and home-baked breads, etc. We eat oatmeal or organic cream of wheat if we eat any cereal - but generally only eat a little bit of these instead of toast, along with eggs and vegetables and fruit for breakfast. </i><i>Over the past several years, I have done a lot of research into our country's food systems and have drastically changed the way I feed my family. It's been a journey.]</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">The question was asked what "good oats" are. And is this a type of flour? I have never heard that term used and had no luck finding an explanation for it. However, that question leads me to another food discussion regarding oats and the different types available.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me say.... we love oatmeal. Oatmeal is an extremely nutritious, energy-packed food. It is high in fiber and beneficial for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) It is a grain, (gluten free, unlike wheat) - and can be used in it's various processed forms or ground into a flour for bread baking (but that is a whole other discussion). My favorite bread recipe uses rolled oats as an add-in. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The thing is... <b>not all oatmeals are the same</b>. Oats, as they are harvested from the plant are called groats. It's how these groats are processed that determines their nutritional characteristics. Lets break oats down into types.... meaning... steel cut, rolled, or instant - and there is a vast difference between them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY6Sgqm2GNnb9S5Fd-9AFQvkjAqF_Kfjek4g-EX_ryx6kQRUFQqQPk2rSmBuf-i_j3fbqrHQjiPD2FfJhBDr0mU-ZvfNWR3hN-o2QWiAZWVFc2Z0LknxqasKhOB0oheIPnaXZSoXC-yEoGFFdRvHSJWgCqPJ3LLZff4HLVcGUb_TpJdUoF6bAIWWjfHQ/s600/IMG_3246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY6Sgqm2GNnb9S5Fd-9AFQvkjAqF_Kfjek4g-EX_ryx6kQRUFQqQPk2rSmBuf-i_j3fbqrHQjiPD2FfJhBDr0mU-ZvfNWR3hN-o2QWiAZWVFc2Z0LknxqasKhOB0oheIPnaXZSoXC-yEoGFFdRvHSJWgCqPJ3LLZff4HLVcGUb_TpJdUoF6bAIWWjfHQ/s320/IMG_3246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Also there are sprouted and organic options. We'll talk about these later.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Steel cut oats are simply whole oat groats that are sliced into two or three pieces. In this process, the oats retain their outer coating (the bran) making them more nutritious with a higher fiber and protein count. These oats (which take the longest to cook - about 30 minutes) take longer to digest and thus keep one satiated longer, as well as helping to maintain a healthier blood sugar level. Steel cut oats are the nutritional king of oats.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rolled oats are just that... groats that have been put through rollers. In this process, the oat loses its bran and thus, though still packed with fiber and nutrients has a slightly lower protein and fiber level than steel cut. However, rolled oats are versatile and can be used as cereal and in baking.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAOV4011KswUUx1nvaEarA2-rcc3e3FdnbQP3zY5EB1k1VQ3DnB9ZtCUXmI76UTTIJ5UEK8Nr3nhX_378N817Qe8jRQKMLNLggMhEdfIpUO8fNvtBmXnX_cCgldHVIANuCGBoNlY7w2F9H2e2F72UnXvj_RE8f2HO-iDPkAAwvzOrjhS4Rdq44LA0j6g/s4032/IMG_3245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAOV4011KswUUx1nvaEarA2-rcc3e3FdnbQP3zY5EB1k1VQ3DnB9ZtCUXmI76UTTIJ5UEK8Nr3nhX_378N817Qe8jRQKMLNLggMhEdfIpUO8fNvtBmXnX_cCgldHVIANuCGBoNlY7w2F9H2e2F72UnXvj_RE8f2HO-iDPkAAwvzOrjhS4Rdq44LA0j6g/s320/IMG_3245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Instant (quick) oats are more processed, by being a pulverized version of rolled oats - also losing their bran. They take a shorter time to prepare, but are lower in protein and fiber, and the flavored varieties are higher in sugar. These flavored, instant oats are no healthier than eating an off-the-shelf, sugared, variety of cereal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Oats that are sprouted are higher in some nutrients than regular oats. Sprouted oats can be used interchangeably. Personally, we buy our organic, sprouted oats at Costco... this brand:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjgZCBZXcamicP1_ETGZRz5-BQWB92wGx7lW3JY_sQfO-qK6Zbq3z7c7G1d4U0hVUsuUfZgj0Y-vKEFLXO7laC9I7hZ-IOYcLKBOa8yMLpRkmGdGoLB1NUU-154jITk7EVQ9baunstK1fnJJXivzmsvzVJgKjSsNq7xKDC0LG4ZDT0Zlp8VTqFFrPJNE/s1000/IMG_3243.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjgZCBZXcamicP1_ETGZRz5-BQWB92wGx7lW3JY_sQfO-qK6Zbq3z7c7G1d4U0hVUsuUfZgj0Y-vKEFLXO7laC9I7hZ-IOYcLKBOa8yMLpRkmGdGoLB1NUU-154jITk7EVQ9baunstK1fnJJXivzmsvzVJgKjSsNq7xKDC0LG4ZDT0Zlp8VTqFFrPJNE/s320/IMG_3243.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">What are organic oats? First off, there is no such thing as a GMO oat... though some are marketed as non-GMO (that is just a marketing trick.) No oats have been genetically modified. However, because the US is the world's largest importer of oats grown elsewhere - we have very little input as to how they are grown and harvested. It is a somewhat common practice in some countries to spray their oats with glyphosate (Roundup) in order to have the plants dry out more quickly for harvesting. That means, if you are not eating organic oats, you run the risk of ingesting some glyphosate residue. Personally, knowing that we all live in a chemical soup these days, I try to reduce our exposure by sticking with organic alternatives. Sadly, organic alternatives are more costly. And that, in itself, is yet another discussion.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Although I am very particular about the foods that I choose, I would never food-shame anyone. Feeding a family is an extremely expensive proposition these days. And food preparation becomes harder and harder the older we get. Food preferences and choices are a personal matter. I only like to provide information - no judgment. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5gy84QEeom3XwCZ-uQKUGeYoEEZTwRrhyIVKXqH-gaxTWLayY2JQi4Wb3x56xoxhSBvRZ9tAvhdG_IffOk9JD2vyE9RCZ3bfJXGmVgCKQ-FMdJsenLWMGKPqCHB3GOTT805aiC2ly0XDiqUY39y5ekY_QVZCUhVrVC6jNQ9OZn2RU8cJ4G1d5JCgCq4/s4032/IMG_3253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5gy84QEeom3XwCZ-uQKUGeYoEEZTwRrhyIVKXqH-gaxTWLayY2JQi4Wb3x56xoxhSBvRZ9tAvhdG_IffOk9JD2vyE9RCZ3bfJXGmVgCKQ-FMdJsenLWMGKPqCHB3GOTT805aiC2ly0XDiqUY39y5ekY_QVZCUhVrVC6jNQ9OZn2RU8cJ4G1d5JCgCq4/w640-h480/IMG_3253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forrest, with the only bird he's allowed to have in his mouth... a rubber chicken!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Bee Haven Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10003927601786061426noreply@blogger.com14