QUIET TIMES

I have a bench in the back yard that draws one to sit and reflect. The ferns I planted a couple of years ago seem to like the spot and the myrtle with it's beautiful periwinkle flowers are a sight to see. During the day it's a good place to listen to bird song but at night the wonder of lightening bugs are all around you. I remember as a child, my sisters and I would catch them and put them in a jar to keep by our beds to keep the night monsters away. It must have worked as I never did see a monster under or around my bed.


The locust trees are in full bloom now and the air is full of falling blossoms. The back lawn looks like it has snow on it. Lucy has a hard time deciding what to eat because the blossoms looked like her favorite food. (white bread) I tried to give her whole wheat once and the grumbling that came from her made me very aware that she did not like it! Yes, she is a very opinionated goose. Lucy is now sharing the back yard with a couple of squirrels, two small rabbits and a wood chuck. None of which seem to bother her or her them. It,s fun to sit and watch them go about their business with out getting to close to one another. In a few weeks the fawns will be in the yard. Every year the moms bring their babies to our yard so they can run and play. One year there were three fawns playing . What fun it was to watch.

I am sorry to say that the pond is on hold. My car needed the money more than the yard. I am still hoping though. As you can see, Lucy needs one. We sometimes go down to the creek and spy on her . She swims around talking to herself. I wish I knew what she was saying. With that thought I will say, till next time.

WINGS, FLOWERS AND THINGS

First I will tell you why I haven't posted lately. The day after my last post my mom passed away. Very shocking and very sad. I'm dealing. Now on to happier things. My gardens are growing at an amazing clip. The bachelor buttons are splendid, the lupins are almost ready to open their spikes and the feverfew have more buds than ever. Add to that bleeding hearts, columbine, (in two colors) beautiful orange poppies with many more getting ready to show off and you have lots of bright and happy colors. In the field next to my house are wonderful smelling wild flocks. The scent is almost intoxicating.

My new garden, (last fall) is looking good too. The winter kill I had has been replaced and all the plants are growing and blooming. Maybe next time I will show pics of that one. Lucy continues with her funny goose ways. She has a path around the house that she takes when she wants feeding. If I don't throw her some food she starts grumbling. Now be honest, have you ever heard a goose grumble? It is hilarious! She makes me laugh. Laughter is good. I'll finish up with a pic of our new driveway ornament. Till next time.

Of Goosage And Flowers

It's a beautiful morning here in the "Hollow." The gardens are growing like wild fire as are the dandelions in the yard. Lucy seems to like them. She has little paths where there are no blooming ones. If it weren't for the "goosage" I think a flock of geese would make my yard weed free. Because of the goose I can't put weed killer on the lawn so if she likes eating them I say great! In case your wondering how much a goose poops here is a pic taken of my very clean, just washed down side walk. Not pretty.


Putting poop aside, the bachelor buttons are blooming as are the chives and lilies of the valley. This yellow flower is quite lovely even if I haven't a clue what it is. Any ideas?



This afternoon the plan is to put my potted flowers together. I have several varieties of annuals to pot. Although I mix as many colors as I can, the lean is towards pink and purple. The only color I don't care much for is red. I will admit that there are several red flowers in the garden because the hummers love them. That reminds me, the humming bird feeder needs to put out. Also in full motion are the chipmunks. They're lucky I like them. My side yard looks like a mine field! There are holes every where. They have taken up residence right where the lawn chairs, picnic table and fire pit are. They are fun to watch even if they make a mess. Last year they "planted" sun flower seeds in the garden and I had several beautiful flowers from them. This year I have plans to plant them myself. Looking at the clock tells me that it's time to get a move on. Enjoy the sun and look at the wonders about you. Till next time.

Spring & Things

Spring has hit in a big way here in the Hollow. We have to wait a bit longer than some folks because we seem to have our own weather system here. But needless to say it is here. The bulb plants such as tulips and daffodils have bloomed and now we are enjoying the lilacs. I cut two large bouquets and put them in my house. The scent is wonderful! I wish they lasted longer. A couple of days ago my perennial gardens got infused with some new plants. There was a bit of winter kill that needed fixing so shopping I went. Lucy doesn't seem to care for them. I am very happy about that. She does like to taste them but leaves no real damage. As for sitting in them or strolling through them, now that's a different story. She drinks out of the bird bath! Her own personal watering trough.


We do love her! She still hisses at my husband but usually comes when I call her. I also come when she calls me! Yes, I am well trained. She sits at our door and tells me when to feed her. Of course I do. So far she has laid three eggs. None have survived the wild animals at the creek. Skunk maybe? The pond is still on hold but I haven't given up hope.

Many spring happenings here. I heard my orioles a few days ago so I know they are nesting in my huge willow tree. The morning sounds are wonderful. Birds are singing at the top of their lungs and in the evening the peepers are peeping as loud as they can. I love spring sounds. Smells too! With every thing blooming the scents are magnificent! With spring comes yard work. Mowing, raking,weeding and a myriad of other things to spiff up the homestead. Lots of work but definitely worth it. Lucy doesn't care for the mower but she just moves to another part of the yard. We have plenty of it for her to move in too. Well folks, that's it for now. Till next time.

Paths

I looked out my back window and saw Lucy's path. The ground was heavy with dew and between her belly and her large goose feet she left a very noticeable path. I just had to take a picture. She only came up to eat then went right back to her nest. Last night I tried to see how many eggs she has laid but she wouldn't let me near. They won't hatch as she is a single goose so I have to steal her eggs when she isn't looking. I feel like a bad goose mom but it has to be done.


I have new neighbors here in "The Hollow." A very nice young couple. As they like Lucy and cats they must be nice. I don't know if I ever mentioned the fact that I have four house cats. Their names are, Stupid, T.B., Bob and Sylvia. They are all characters. Speaking of characters, we have one here in The Hollow. Last night he was cutting down a very large tree right next to his house and even closer to the road. Why he was cutting it I don't know. It seemed healthy. But needless to say it was quite a good time watching. We congregated on my side lawn and watched and chatted. It was good that I had most of my lawn furniture out as there was a small crowd. Much to our dismay the tree fell right where it was supposed to. It didn't hit a thing. Maybe I ought to get him to cut a dead tree I have. HMMM!
As for the pond? It isn't any closer but I still hope to have it dug soon. I'll close with another picture of my favorite goose. (my only goose but still my favorite) Till next time.

Finally!

Yes, I am home. Yes, I am happy to be home. Yes, I have been exceptionally busy since my feet hit New York soil. You really don't want to hear of the many hospital visits or phone calls that I've had to make but I can tell you it is happily over with. My garden is starting to look like a garden and Lucy is doing well. She is eating pretty much what she wants and when I was gone she wanted my crocus's! My husband said she enjoyed every one of them. She tasted my tulips but found them not to her liking. Her pond is another step closer. Codes has given me the go ahead and the guy doing the digging came in with a very low estimate. (We have used him before and know the quality of his work.) Now we just have to come up with the cash!


In Colorado I saw many types of weather. We had a blizzard, rain, 70 degree sunny days and more snow. The day I left we had to wait for deicing. Long visits are nice but then so is coming home. Today I have been working a bit in the front garden. There are weeds to pull, borders to maintain and flowers to enjoy. Here are a few for you to enjoy.


This weekend we are going to the Finger Lakes for a wine and cheese tour. I will try to get some pics of the great views while I'm there. That's it for today. I will post again soon. Till next time.

Sunny Colorado?

Hello from northern Colorado. This morning the sun is shining and the weather looks good. But! There is a minor blizzard coming in for this afternoon and tomorrow. Their minor blizzard is only 6-8 inches so for us hardy upstate New Yorkers it's just a minor inconvenience. I've been in touch with the "Hollow" and Lucy is doing well. She is a bit hungrier than usual because I'm not there to feed her 8 times a day. I think she will survive. Even if she is only getting fed three times a day now. That's it for today. I hope to post some pics later. Till next time.