May 2-3, 2014

It was a beautiful spring weekend with the dogwoods blooming and leaves coming out on the trees. Temperatures were great: 72, 52, and 82. Though the rain barrels were full, it was obvious we had had no rain in a while. With freezing temperatures behind us I put the rain gauge back out.

Hot Water Heater

Not having been out in a month, the first order of business was draining the hot water tank to get rid of the iron bacteria smell. It was done by the time I had the bird feeders filled and the front yard mowed.

Wildlife

This bunny was hunkered down right by the back gate. We hauled stuff in the house and even Tender walked right by him. After getting this picture I encouraged him to take better cover (he ran into the garage).

I later saw a ground hog behind the barn. He/she was carrying something furry in his/her mouth. I don't think they are carnivores, so maybe it was a baby ground hog.

Birds

These babies were in the bird house out front. I think they are blue birds, but Sally didn't think the nest looked neat enough for blue birds. There were baby blue birds in the house at the pond, I know because I had seen the eggs 4 weeks back. We also had blue bird eggs in the bird house in the back. The house on the hill had been robbed, but since one egg was left I could tell it was not a blue bird nest. (I cleaned it out.) The nest built under the propane tank lid also had baby birds of some unknown variety. And speaking of birds, there was an indigo bunting frequenting the feeder.

Mower/Mowing

The mower problem turned out to be a corroded ignition switch. I wish I would have thought to check that, it would have been much easier than hauling it to Bill the Lawnmower Man, back to the house, and then back to the farm. It ran and cut good except for leaving a faint gash due to a bent blade or bent shaft -- something I am sure I did last year.

Blooms

This wild flower was blooming right next to the driveway. It has many arms that spread out. We have seen it for years, but have never been able to identify it. A few daisies were beginning to bloom, and there will be tons more. My baby transplanted buck eye and snow ball bush were also blooming, as well as the huge snow ball out front. Buds were also on the peonies. Spring is a beautiful season.

Garden

It was so dry the soil was like powder. The garlic was the only thing really growing. There were a few small spinach plants, but nothing to speak of. None of the kale Sally planted came up, but one plant, a variety she planted last year, has come back but is still small. About half the onions have died, and the others are just hanging on. Sally did think she saw a few green bean sprouts. I weeded some, she planted more, and she watered. Hopefully things will perk up with a little more attention (and water).

Pond

The grass in the pond was better, but it was still a problem. I sprayed Cutrine Plus along the dam and the south shore. The shallow end will need it next week.

Ivy

For some reason, the ivy growing up the lattice attached to the side of the garage all died. I have no idea why, but cut it all out. There are some patches growing at ground level, so I guess we will start over. The honeysuckle is coming back strong.