A sample of the daffofils in the woods in front of our house.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
Saturday, April 09, 2005
American Woodcock
Timberdoodle Scare
As I was scouring our woods for the invasive (and sometimes evasive) garlic mustard (about which I posted 4 times last spring), I was startled by a Timberdoodle taking flight. I looked down where it flew from and eventually discovered the nest resting on a mound of moss with four shiny, brown spotted eggs.
So what looks like a shore bird (three inch bill) but nests on the ground in an emerging second-growth forest? Sometimes it is difficult to key out a bird, but with the long beak, unusual flight profile and ground nest with unusual eggs, this one was easy.
The more common term for Timberdoodle is American Woodcock. As I typed this, I realized that the same jokes could be made about both names. An internet search produced other common names: bog sucker, bog or wood snipe, and woody. I also learned that its brain actually lies upside down in its skull and its ears are in front of its eyes.
I also found a nest of garter snakes. They were wrapped around each other and I counted four heads. I thought it was some type of perverted reptilian activity or a Medusa in the making but hubby said they were keeping warm.
As I was scouring our woods for the invasive (and sometimes evasive) garlic mustard (about which I posted 4 times last spring), I was startled by a Timberdoodle taking flight. I looked down where it flew from and eventually discovered the nest resting on a mound of moss with four shiny, brown spotted eggs.
So what looks like a shore bird (three inch bill) but nests on the ground in an emerging second-growth forest? Sometimes it is difficult to key out a bird, but with the long beak, unusual flight profile and ground nest with unusual eggs, this one was easy.
The more common term for Timberdoodle is American Woodcock. As I typed this, I realized that the same jokes could be made about both names. An internet search produced other common names: bog sucker, bog or wood snipe, and woody. I also learned that its brain actually lies upside down in its skull and its ears are in front of its eyes.
I also found a nest of garter snakes. They were wrapped around each other and I counted four heads. I thought it was some type of perverted reptilian activity or a Medusa in the making but hubby said they were keeping warm.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Toadapalooza 2005
My friend Renee sent this picture which she took "a few minutes ago of a male toad arriving on the scene of Toadapalooza 2005, apparently wondering how to get through the blue heron screen. When you only get to party once a year, it doesn't pay to arrive fashionably late!" Every year she sends pictoral updates of the annual toad mating ritual in her garden pond.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Fungus or Algae?
Fungus or Algae?
As a Master Garden volunteer, I answer horticultural requests phoned into the local extension office. I worked the phones today. There is usually a trend in the questions depending on the time of year. Now the questions are moles, voles, when to plant and moss. One man complained that he had a fungus or algae in his lawn. Want to bet it was moss? He's bringing in a sample.
As a Master Garden volunteer, I answer horticultural requests phoned into the local extension office. I worked the phones today. There is usually a trend in the questions depending on the time of year. Now the questions are moles, voles, when to plant and moss. One man complained that he had a fungus or algae in his lawn. Want to bet it was moss? He's bringing in a sample.
Spring
13 Years
My first daffodils are blooming! They are in a zone 6 microclimate in my zone 5 garden. This bed faces southeast and is next to the pond so it gets reflected heat from the water. Most of the other daffodils just have fat buds.
The crocus are nearly gone, but in 1992 they were in full bloom on this date.
I've been pulling garlic mustard again. Our neighbor works for Nature Conservancy and is testing a biological agent that is suppose to attack only garlic mustard. That would be nice but I'm leery of such things as so many introduced items are now pests. I'll keep trying to hand dig the mustard so they don't have time to seed.
It is spring break for the boys. Ricky left this morning for a four day trip to Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky with my youngest brother. Brother is part of the Fort Wayne Fire Rescue squad and they have an annual wilderness camp with rappelling, rock climbing and caving. This is the third year for Ricky to join them in the adventure. I went the first year (the only woman) and still remember the night hike to Chimney Rock where one man played the bagpipes that echoed across the valley. It was the most beautiful rendition I've heard of Amazing Grace. There is a ginger-infused, caffeinated ginger ale sold only in Kentucky named Ale81, but called A Late One. We instructed Ricky to bring us back a few bottles.
Ron has to attend baseball practice at the high school all week, but has managed to talk his grandfather into taking him to see a Detroit Tigers game. This is the favorite team of both.
And thirteen years ago today, on a beautiful spring day, I married the most wonderful man.
My first daffodils are blooming! They are in a zone 6 microclimate in my zone 5 garden. This bed faces southeast and is next to the pond so it gets reflected heat from the water. Most of the other daffodils just have fat buds.
The crocus are nearly gone, but in 1992 they were in full bloom on this date.
I've been pulling garlic mustard again. Our neighbor works for Nature Conservancy and is testing a biological agent that is suppose to attack only garlic mustard. That would be nice but I'm leery of such things as so many introduced items are now pests. I'll keep trying to hand dig the mustard so they don't have time to seed.
It is spring break for the boys. Ricky left this morning for a four day trip to Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky with my youngest brother. Brother is part of the Fort Wayne Fire Rescue squad and they have an annual wilderness camp with rappelling, rock climbing and caving. This is the third year for Ricky to join them in the adventure. I went the first year (the only woman) and still remember the night hike to Chimney Rock where one man played the bagpipes that echoed across the valley. It was the most beautiful rendition I've heard of Amazing Grace. There is a ginger-infused, caffeinated ginger ale sold only in Kentucky named Ale81, but called A Late One. We instructed Ricky to bring us back a few bottles.
Ron has to attend baseball practice at the high school all week, but has managed to talk his grandfather into taking him to see a Detroit Tigers game. This is the favorite team of both.
And thirteen years ago today, on a beautiful spring day, I married the most wonderful man.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sisters-In-Law
Sisters-In-Law
"Your mother was really special -- she was intelligent, but I've known other intelligent people. She was kind. I've known others who were kind. She was a hard worker. So are others. She was wise and understanding - as are some others. But Dorothy was all of these. She was truly one of the nicest and most interesting women I've known."
"Your mother was really special -- she was intelligent, but I've known other intelligent people. She was kind. I've known others who were kind. She was a hard worker. So are others. She was wise and understanding - as are some others. But Dorothy was all of these. She was truly one of the nicest and most interesting women I've known."
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Mom in 1945. She saved her working girl wages for a year to buy this coat and then hems dropped after the war. Note the legs! Even as she lay in the hospital bed this week, looking at her legs and feet made you think of a 15 year old girl...especially with the pink polish on her toenails. Always a lady.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
Mom
Mom
She took a turn for the worse yesterday morning. She has sepsis on top of her valve problems and struggled for survival all day yesterday. The final culture is not back yet so they started her on broad spectrum antibiotics. Mid afternoon they started her on another drug , Xigris by Eli Lily, which helps prevent the deterioration of organs due to sepsis (according to my understanding). The doctors are holding out little hope and the grandchildren are coming home from out of town. But we are still clinging to hope. Besides, they don't know my mother.
She took a turn for the worse yesterday morning. She has sepsis on top of her valve problems and struggled for survival all day yesterday. The final culture is not back yet so they started her on broad spectrum antibiotics. Mid afternoon they started her on another drug , Xigris by Eli Lily, which helps prevent the deterioration of organs due to sepsis (according to my understanding). The doctors are holding out little hope and the grandchildren are coming home from out of town. But we are still clinging to hope. Besides, they don't know my mother.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Mom's in Coronary ICU so posting has been light and will continue to be light. From shoulder pain to flu to major cardiac event within two days, despite visits to the ER on Wednesday, cardiologist on Thursday and family physician on Friday. As soon as the underlying infection is clear, she will have mitral valve replacement surgery, but first they have to stabilize her. Thanks for the prayers I know will be raised for her quick recovery. Now back to the hospital.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
| You Are 26 Years Old |
| Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
This is such a hoot because I am slightly more than twice that age. As I answered the questions, I thought that I would be in the 40+ category. I guess the fact that I would "run around outdoors" is in the under 12 category which balanced out the 40+ answers.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Young Knights
Three of the blogs I just read mentioned children playing knights. Jordana at Curmudgeonry, Terry at Possumblog (post titled Yet Another Weekend) and Tulip Girl. Here are my Young Knights in the Fall of 1996. No longer do they pick up the physical sword and shield but they are looking for damsels to rescue.
First Crocus
First Crocus
The first crocus bloomed today - an early species crocus, not the GIANT crocus. The yellow bloom must have been giving off a lot of heat because it melted through four inches of snow to shine its face to the sun.
The first crocus bloomed today - an early species crocus, not the GIANT crocus. The yellow bloom must have been giving off a lot of heat because it melted through four inches of snow to shine its face to the sun.
Spring Love
A Young Man's Fancy
I am writing this in such a way to protect my son's privacy. Son asked me to take him to the library. He headed to the poetry section and found a book of love poems so he could write a love note to someone he is sweet on. Then he handed me the book and made me carry it so no one would see him with a book of love poetry!
My nephew (mid-20s) has been getting serious with a young Polish woman. She has totally charmed me, so I am sending him this spring poem (courtesy of Nina) so he can follow the lead of his young cousin and send his girl a spring poem:
I am writing this in such a way to protect my son's privacy. Son asked me to take him to the library. He headed to the poetry section and found a book of love poems so he could write a love note to someone he is sweet on. Then he handed me the book and made me carry it so no one would see him with a book of love poetry!
My nephew (mid-20s) has been getting serious with a young Polish woman. She has totally charmed me, so I am sending him this spring poem (courtesy of Nina) so he can follow the lead of his young cousin and send his girl a spring poem:
Grasshoppers ran before me in a gallop
From underneath their hooves, flowers burst into bloom
Frogs in ponds lit fires of sound
In the sky the moon set flames of light to stars?
(the imagery in this song is Polish through and through)
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Thursday Three
Another Thursday Three from the Possum
1.) Have you traveled anywhere by boat (across a pond or around the ocean)?
No oceans but about every other type of waterway: Great Lakes, lakes, rivers, creeks, ponds, and even a swamp in Louisiana
2.) Have you ever owned a boat?
Well, right now we have 6 canoes, 1 jon boat and 1 paddlewheel boat.
3.) If you were to take a boat trip and had unlimited funds and no motion sickness, where would you go, who would you take and what kind of boat would you go on?
I'd take only my husband. We dream about two trips in our canoes. The first trip starts on the Eel River (a few miles from our house) which empties into the Wabash River, which empties into the Ohio which empties into the Mississippi, then down Ol' Man River to New Orleans. That's a realistic dream, but with unlimited funds (and time), I'd extend our paddle through Central and South America. I'd have to get a map to determine our route. The other trip we dream about is on Nahinni inspired by Dangerous River. We located several outfitters who will take us down the river but the cost is too high. Donations accepted!
Bonus question: What food stuffs would you want if you were marooned.
Terry had the right idea with MREs. We took them on the mule trip into Three Sisters Wilderness area and survived very nicely. I'd also include "Icing on the Cake" coffee beans.
1.) Have you traveled anywhere by boat (across a pond or around the ocean)?
No oceans but about every other type of waterway: Great Lakes, lakes, rivers, creeks, ponds, and even a swamp in Louisiana
2.) Have you ever owned a boat?
Well, right now we have 6 canoes, 1 jon boat and 1 paddlewheel boat.
3.) If you were to take a boat trip and had unlimited funds and no motion sickness, where would you go, who would you take and what kind of boat would you go on?
I'd take only my husband. We dream about two trips in our canoes. The first trip starts on the Eel River (a few miles from our house) which empties into the Wabash River, which empties into the Ohio which empties into the Mississippi, then down Ol' Man River to New Orleans. That's a realistic dream, but with unlimited funds (and time), I'd extend our paddle through Central and South America. I'd have to get a map to determine our route. The other trip we dream about is on Nahinni inspired by Dangerous River. We located several outfitters who will take us down the river but the cost is too high. Donations accepted!
Bonus question: What food stuffs would you want if you were marooned.
Terry had the right idea with MREs. We took them on the mule trip into Three Sisters Wilderness area and survived very nicely. I'd also include "Icing on the Cake" coffee beans.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Commonly Confused English Words
| Advanced You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 93% Advanced, and 66% Expert! |
| You have an extremely good understanding of beginner, intermediate, and advanced level commonly confused English words, getting at least 75% of each of these three levels' questions correct. This is an exceptional score. Remember, these are commonly confused English words, which means most people don't use them properly. You got an extremely respectable score. |
| Link: The Commonly Confused Words Test written by shortredhead78 on Ok Cupid |
Winter Fruits
Winter Fruits
Last summer I froze a lot of fruit - blackberries, blueberries, cherries, apples and grape juice. The apples are gone. "Mmmm, I never knew applesauce could taste so good," was the family's response. Only a few jars of grape juice are left. The blackberries are getting low, but I'm the only one who eats them (in yoghurt). About half of the blueberries are left, so blueberry pancakes will be on the menu soon. A lot of the cherries are left, so a pie is in the oven and I'm making cherry preserves right now too.
Last summer I froze a lot of fruit - blackberries, blueberries, cherries, apples and grape juice. The apples are gone. "Mmmm, I never knew applesauce could taste so good," was the family's response. Only a few jars of grape juice are left. The blackberries are getting low, but I'm the only one who eats them (in yoghurt). About half of the blueberries are left, so blueberry pancakes will be on the menu soon. A lot of the cherries are left, so a pie is in the oven and I'm making cherry preserves right now too.
Monday, March 07, 2005
This is the St. Joseph River, where we ply our paddleboat, when the snow and ice are gone. We are monitoring the creation of a new island in the middle of the river, starting with a log jam, next came several wetland plants and now we are seeing small sycamores and other wetland trees, meanwhile soil is accumulating.
Highlands
Woodlot Pruning
With sunny skies and high temps, I spent a few hours at the Highlands pruning the trees. In the time it took me to prune five rows the last time, I only got one row finished Sunday. There were more hardwood trees, more brambles and a few larger trees with difficult cuts. I was going to go back today, but it rained, got cold and I had errands.
I followed a link and discovered that the Highlands is located in the 25th most desirable rural county in the US of A, according to Progressive Farmer. Now this surprised me somewhat as there are definite reasons why we did not build on this land - school systems, racial intolerance, unkempt homesteads. Although DeKalb County has some upscale places and is the home of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum and one of the world's largest antique auto auctions.
With sunny skies and high temps, I spent a few hours at the Highlands pruning the trees. In the time it took me to prune five rows the last time, I only got one row finished Sunday. There were more hardwood trees, more brambles and a few larger trees with difficult cuts. I was going to go back today, but it rained, got cold and I had errands.
I followed a link and discovered that the Highlands is located in the 25th most desirable rural county in the US of A, according to Progressive Farmer. Now this surprised me somewhat as there are definite reasons why we did not build on this land - school systems, racial intolerance, unkempt homesteads. Although DeKalb County has some upscale places and is the home of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum and one of the world's largest antique auto auctions.
Show Choir Invitational
Show Choir Invitational
Last Saturday our school hosted 27 choirs in an invitational. A lot of work for everyone but Ricky was in his element. He took seriously his job as room host for one choir, staying late on Friday decorating the room. Then back on Saturday at 6 am. At one point I saw him slither under the stage in his black tuxedo and patent leather shoes, shirt hanging out, to unfasten something. I groaned. Mid-afternoon his choir performed an exhibition show and Ricky seemed to dance with more energy than any of the other boys. Then he was the only choir kid who stayed late to tear down the stage. It was interesting to watch the men work with Ricky and their looks of approval at his hustle. At 12:30 I insisted he come home with me. As we headed for the car, he said, "You were right, Mom. I'm exhausted." He slept until noon. When he got up, he said, "I can't wait for next year's invitational!"
Last Saturday our school hosted 27 choirs in an invitational. A lot of work for everyone but Ricky was in his element. He took seriously his job as room host for one choir, staying late on Friday decorating the room. Then back on Saturday at 6 am. At one point I saw him slither under the stage in his black tuxedo and patent leather shoes, shirt hanging out, to unfasten something. I groaned. Mid-afternoon his choir performed an exhibition show and Ricky seemed to dance with more energy than any of the other boys. Then he was the only choir kid who stayed late to tear down the stage. It was interesting to watch the men work with Ricky and their looks of approval at his hustle. At 12:30 I insisted he come home with me. As we headed for the car, he said, "You were right, Mom. I'm exhausted." He slept until noon. When he got up, he said, "I can't wait for next year's invitational!"
What Dad's Do
What Dads Do
Santa brought the boys a Casting Crowns CD and they especially like the song, "American Dream." On the way home from the concert I asked Ron if he felt I did not go to enough of his games when I was working full-time. "No, Dad was there. After all, that's what Dads do." I don't think he can even fathom a father not involved in his life and he doesn't understand how blessed he is.
Update: Ricky just asked me to change this post. Santa did not bring the CD. Ricky bought it. Some things are more important to 15 year olds than us old fogeys.
Santa brought the boys a Casting Crowns CD and they especially like the song, "American Dream." On the way home from the concert I asked Ron if he felt I did not go to enough of his games when I was working full-time. "No, Dad was there. After all, that's what Dads do." I don't think he can even fathom a father not involved in his life and he doesn't understand how blessed he is.
Update: Ricky just asked me to change this post. Santa did not bring the CD. Ricky bought it. Some things are more important to 15 year olds than us old fogeys.
Concert Contrasts
Concert Contrasts
Last Thursday, the boys and I saw Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Ricky, my son in show choir, sat on my left and Ron was on my right. (Yes, a parent still has to separate them sometimes.) Chris Tomlin, especially, encouraged the crowd to stand, sing, dance which Ricky and I did with abandon while Ron hissed at us to sit down and be quiet. Meanwhile Ron was pointing out to me specifics about camera placements, speaker size and the complexity of the sound boards.
Stephen Curtis Chapman shared how adopting three Chinese girls changed their lives and related it to God adopting us. Being tremendously moved, I put my arms around my adopted twins in an outpouring of love and thanksgiving. Ron reacted as if he had been burned, shrugging off my touch with a Mom-we're-in-public reaction. Ricky leaned into my hug and put his head on my shoulder.
Sometimes it's hard to believe they are twins.
Last Thursday, the boys and I saw Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Ricky, my son in show choir, sat on my left and Ron was on my right. (Yes, a parent still has to separate them sometimes.) Chris Tomlin, especially, encouraged the crowd to stand, sing, dance which Ricky and I did with abandon while Ron hissed at us to sit down and be quiet. Meanwhile Ron was pointing out to me specifics about camera placements, speaker size and the complexity of the sound boards.
Stephen Curtis Chapman shared how adopting three Chinese girls changed their lives and related it to God adopting us. Being tremendously moved, I put my arms around my adopted twins in an outpouring of love and thanksgiving. Ron reacted as if he had been burned, shrugging off my touch with a Mom-we're-in-public reaction. Ricky leaned into my hug and put his head on my shoulder.
Sometimes it's hard to believe they are twins.
Friday, March 04, 2005
I scanned this photo (circa 1996) for the friend who gave the boys the motorized Jeep. The twins are taking Drivers Ed this summer and I hope they learn to keep their eyes on the road. It's just so fascinating to watch the ground whiz by at high speeds. Ron is launching a full scale attack with the objective of acquiring a Charger from an older teen in the neighborhood. It is black, with a do-it-yourself paint job from a can. It has a chrome spoiler, so it must go fast. It has a loud muffler. All it needs, according to Ron, is a good stereo with the subwoofers in the trunk and poweful speakers in the back seat. Lord have mercy on us.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Ron and Rick, age 6, almost ready (just straighten those bowties, Mom!) to appear in court to finalize their adoption. I discovered how to post photos using Hello and Blogger! Now I need to get my camera out and perhaps you will be treated to emerging spring around our house. We're clearing out some scrub trees and I just noticed the fat buds of the dogwood.
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