Days Gone By

"I promise not to chase them, but they gotta promise not to run."

Another Use For A Boat (and a yoga mat)

A Favorite Photo

How Much Do We Replace?

It's hard to know when to start, when to stop, and when we are in over our heads.

But - at a minimum - this much of the porch needed replaced 

so that someone didn't fall through one day.

I think we stopped before we got in to more than we could do.
Hopefully this is all that was needed.

Time will tell.

Replacing Shingles

After the harsh weather last winter, shingles are loose and
coming off of the barn and the house.

This weekend I replaced the shingles on the other side of the barn
(no before and after photo - sorry)

As soon as the sore muscles heal - I have to do this side of the barn.

Positives:  I know how to replace shingles and it is one less thing that intimidates me.

Negatives:  It is very hard! (and dangerous)

Conclusions:  Metal roofs are the way to go
and the house looks like it's going to need more than a patch job.

Watching the Corn Grow

Summer Nights and Marshmallows

Portrait

Planting.....finally!

We finally got to get in the garden this week and plant.
This is what is in the ground:

cucumbers (slicing and pickling varieties)
kohlrabi
tomatoes (four or five kinds)
egg plant
peppers (four or five kinds)
kale
onions (two kinds)
garlic
carrots (two kinds)
beets
corn
sunflowers
squash (four kinds)
summer savory
basil (three kinds)
lemon balm
cabbage (two kinds)
marjoram
beans (dragons tongue)
cilantro
radishes

This is just what I can remember.
We aren't done yet - but I have a sunburn and we are just worn out!
A shower never felt quite so good! Next weekend we will be ready to go again : )

Better to Take?

Sometimes what someone else is eating looks better than what you are finding to eat.

To the Graduating Class of 2010

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
-- Dr. Seuss

Then and Now

Very proud of you!!

Free Ranging

I left the dogs in town today so the chickens could play.

I

Just stepping out and not quite sure they should.

Breakfast of Champions

These are Turkey Vultures eating a freshly killed skunk that still really, really stunk.

Family - Then, Now and Forever

To My Mother

To My Mother On Mothers Day

You taught me patience and reverence
You taught me simplicity
You taught me the world doesn't have to be like the one we see in violent movies
You taught me to dress up when I go to church
You taught me how to hang clothes on the line and bake an angel food cake
You didn't make me sleep downstairs when I was afraid
You let me keep all the frogs and bugs I wanted to
You liked animals, and I thank you for that
As the years go by and I see so much of you in me - when I look in the mirror - I am thankful every day that you are my mother and you have always given me the best of everything you have

I love you so much!
Happy Mothers Day

One Diggin' Dachshund

This is my new front tine tiller

Rylee's Zen Garden

Check out her blog for more photos of her peaceful place.

German Shorthair Pointer - for sure!

Tess fetches a soccer ball, 
drops it at your feet, 
and then focuses 
and "points" at it 
when you get ready to kick it.

(notice how she points with either foot)

What do you mean I am addicted to my soccer ball like it was crack?

Rylee and The Never-Ending Summer Job

This is not work - this is GARDENING.