phyllis`s view

Bunny news fiber dyeing

2012-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Ginger must have had a false pregnancy.I felt her belly over the weekend & there were no "marbles".So,thankfully she is fine,& I took her back outside today with Cloud.They are separated by a screen wall.She looks as though she is giving him the news that he is a father.

After church yesterday,I washed & dyed fiber,wool & mohair,with greener shades dye I bought on the Raverly site.This is a purple,but I let weaker shades dye through it of the purple so it looks interesting.I believe it will go well with the blues I dyed earlier.

Baby Bunnies

2012-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Dori had 3 baby bunnies yesterday,2 dark colored ones & one "pink"as Savannah calls it.Dori had pulled the largest black one out & we held it,but it was obvious by bedtime the bunny had died.We put the bunny in a shoebox &kept it inside till the morning; Savannah at 5 years of age helped me bury her first pet.

The bunnies are born deaf,blind,& furless.In 10-12 days their eyes should open.They are all in my kitchen!Including Ginger,who appears to be pregnant,but hasn`t given birth yet.Mon.I will get her to a vet if she hasn`t delivered to make sure everything is ok.Dori gave birth in 31 days.This would be Ginger`s 33rd day if she is .

World Bird Wed.American Crow corvus brachyrhynchos

2012-02-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

I didn`t want to miss another world bird Wed.I`ve been a bad blogger lately.I give you the American Crow this Wed.I have had many in groups here chasing the hawks .They do a good job of mobbing the hawks & pestering them till they can`t take it anymore.To show us your birds this Wed.,go to this link & post...http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Savannah`s Question

2012-02-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Looking back over the weekend,I`m always stunned at how fast our granddaughter is growing in especially how she thinks.
She thinks that someday she will be a doctor.She gets my stethoscope & checks my heart & lungs.I show her where Zeke`s heart is,God love him,he always puts up with her laying on him & dragging him about,he seems to actually look forward to her being here.I ask her if she can find Zeke`s heart.We feel his heart beating & she asks me,Nana,can you die of a broken heart? I look at her & wonder if she understands what she is asking.I tell her,well,some people will tell you no,but I have always believed you can.We look at each other & she says,Nana,sometimes I know things,& that`s all she would say...

A picture of her mom picking her up on Sun.and my son with this post,if those two didn`t have children together,they would still be together I think.

Washing & Dyeing Fiber

2012-02-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

It was so pretty outside today that I took the day to wash & dye wool & mohair.I`m trying to get it ready to take to a mill to card it into roving for me.At the rate I`m going now,I will never get all this work done myself.I used Cushings mummy brown for this pumpkin shade,the packet was to dye lb.,but I used it for 2 lbs,hence the lighter shade.

The blue & red is from Greener Shades Dye.I will use the red wool for doll hair.The blue will hopefully get mixed in with the other purples & blues I have dyed,I`m anxious to see how they will all look togther.

What is that flying down the road?

2012-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

The goats are bewildered,so are the people walking along the lane,what could this alien ride be,is someone in the cart?

My dh has a rule,if it`s free & sitting along the road,he will check it out & usually always brings whatever it is home here.This little cart is so cute,just needs a little painting...it fits nicely to our son`s bike.Savannah enjoys being toted about today in it.

New Blogger

2012-01-31T05:34:00.000-08:00

I`m trying out with this post the new blogger.Goggle gas changed a few things & I don`t do well with change,but will try.

Another weekend we spent with Savannah,she is an amazing child.We got her Thurs.night & her mom came for her Sun.night.She spent alot of time indoors,she had a bad cold.We are working on writing her name & doing activity books,I guess her child caregiver is not teaching these things.We are responsible for teaching her ourselves.It is our responsibility.She will start school this year.Time flies.

Three posts in one day,back to back?

2012-01-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

I just have to show Zeke,the kitten,wouldn`t you love to live his life,just lie strung out anywhere.
Mom`s cats are settling in,still have not gotten a good snapshot of Mittens,but Pumpkin`s golden eyes are beautiful & he poses nicely for the camera.

My mom is doing better,but she will probably never again be able to live on her own.It`s hard deciding how we`ll take care of her,for now she`s still living with my brother & getting in home physical threapy.

Weekend sledding

2012-01-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

While I posted for world bird Wed.,I realized that I hadn`t shared the sledding photos of my granddaughter,her first time sledding at age 5.Her brother has never gone sledding either at age 9,but he went with someone else for his first sledding experiance.

Savannah had no gloves,so we went thru many pairs of socks we used for her hands,& she held out longer than I did outside.She & her dad had a big time.Then she tried it on our neighbor`s sled, the two girls made a path so fast they went out on the road.So,we gave it up there,& came back down to our place. Her right foot still turns inward.The doctors said they have done all they can,it`s up to 5 year old preschool Savannah to straighten it by watching the way she walks.That doesn`t sound quite right to me,but who am I? She has no trouble going,tho,she`s a little daredevil,I love her dearly.

World Bird Wed.

2012-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have the ordinary backyard birds to share this week.I hope by next week to be drawing in different birds as I took out some beef tallon I had frozen to make soap with & decided to stuff a mesh bag that had oranges in it from walmart that I saved with the tallon,& hung it out to see what it brings.I hope to have a structure made to hold numerous blocks of wood that I can hang bags of suet from as one guy in Pa. does,he has lots of pileateds coming to his yard for his huge blocks of suet.I have high hopes & will dream on....,anyhow,here`s pictures I took from the yard today,a black capped chickadee,a male cardinal,a titmouse,& a white throated sparrow at the feeder.

Today is the day to show us your birds at the springman`s bloghttp://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Snowy Owl nyctea scandiaca

2012-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Reshare If you follow this link,you will see the better pictures of a rare sight around here,a beautiful snowy owl.
My friend,Jen,& I braved the elements today to see if he was still in the area in Shippensburg where he was seen.Bundled up like the kids from the Christmas story,we drove to the farmers field where he was seen.There were only about 4 cars there,I said to a man from West Virginia,the owl left,didn`t he? The man was struggling to put this gigantic lensed camera into his car & said ,no,he`s right there.We squinted & I will you show the the awful pictures I took because he was so far away hovering among the rocks.I blindly snapped pictures,unaware if he was looking at us or not.Everyone respected the owl & did not walk across the field to take better pictures.
My family "hooted" when they saw my pictures-well,he looks like a melting snowman,no,maybe a bunny,but I was stubborn & said I was putting them out there anyhow.I`ll try again maybe tomorrow.He has been here since the 16th,am afraid he will leave soon.It was a rare & humbling sight,he is a large bird.

To enter your pictures to world bird Wed.& click on this link...http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

The Weekend

2012-01-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

We had our granddaughter this weekend,she went home last night.As I look around the empty house this morning,I see much to do,but I sit here & relax with coffee,getting unstiff as I start my day.
Are grandparents meant to teach simple things,things like holding onto your sleeves before putting on your coat or sweater,using a scotch tape dispenser,cutting paper,learning how to write her name? I would have never guessed that the children didn`t know to "wash the sleepyman"from your eyes in the am.
Five year old Savannah learned about carding this weekend,& we brought the bunnies inside as it was bitter cold out.Today it is rainning,they may go back out.I can`t get the water bottles to fit right on their indoor cages & they have made a huge mess with the water & newspaper .
We found this free sleeper loveseat so the kids now have their own pull out bed when they come,the air bed on the floor just took up too much space.
I hope to have time to get some crafting done this week,I have a penny rug made except for the last few blanket stitches.

Wild Turkey meleagris gallopavo

2012-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

I had to dig into my archives to find something to post for world bird Wed.These pictures were taken in early Feb.2009.I had to drive up & down that stretch of road many times before I captured these wild turkeys.They were looking for corn in this part of farmland next to a forest.A friend of ours just got a coyotoe in this area this year after all of his neighbors chickens were disappearing.I guess that`s what happenned to these turkeys.

Today is the day to join us in the springman`s meme,post your outdoor birds here at this link http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/,see what is happenning in the bird worls around you.I have heard robins,but have not seen any yet.

My Operation

2012-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

I`ve been lax in my blogging as life has been a little on the fast track lately.I had my sinus`s operated on on the 5th of Jan.& my septium fixed because I have been having alot of trouble especially in the past couple of years with infections in my sinus`s that I no sooner get over with an antiboctic,then I`m back on another pill,so often that I developed an infection in my stomach.When you are constantly on an antiboctic,the good bacteria cannot grow & throws your system out of wack,so last year I was sick more often than I can remember for quite awhile with an infection in my belly too.
I then had trouble with my left eye tear duct.The eye specialist put eye plugs in the tear ducts of my eyes because of the RA causing my eyes to be so dry,& I loved them,it was instant relief when they were inserted.Well,after a few times of getting infections in my left tear duct,we did away with them.Even restatsis-the script eye drop-wasn`t working for me.I had cellulitis in my face at the tear duct.Sooooo,after quite awhile with that,the eye specialist said I had dacryocystitis,an infection of the nasolacrimal sac after a catheter was inserted down the tear duct by the xray specialist /yes,a TINY catheter,& students opted to watch this technique done on me /& he was going to do a DCR,a surgical procedure to restore the flow of tears in the nose from the lacrimal sac.When the nasalcrimal duct does not function,it`s usually blocked,& he said the bones were almost welded together,he was going to set up another surgery to unblock it & put stints in for several weeks/months.Well,for some reason,he didn`t do it.I still had pus in my eyes,both eyes now,& finally asked my family doctor to refer me to an ears,nose,& throat doctor.The ENT doctor got to see me at my worst,I was actually gurgling from not being able to breathe.Two cat scans of my sinus`s showed nothing,but he went in anyhow Thurs.& did the work on cleaning out my sinus`s.I don`t really know anything about the operation/how clogged I was or whatever/as the husband fell asleep in the waiting room & never spoke to the doctor.So I`ll be unpacked & find out things on Wed.I do feel better.I could never really breathe out my right nostril,so this was a good thing.
I hated to have to blog all of this uninteresting stuff,but these kinds of things are always happenning to me that I think life is so unfair at times,but I know that there is another poor soul out there going through alot of health & other issues right now,so I`m here to say,YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! I HAVE PROBABLY GONE THROUGH WHATEVER YOU MAY BE DEALING WITH-at least at some point in my 57 years of life.
My 5 year old granddaughter has been staying here with me alot,even during my operation,& today she did admit to purposefully laying on my hair so I can not leave the bed unless I wake her up.I had wondered about that last night as she folded my hair,then rolled on it,snuggling up to sleep.She does not lie when I ask her.She keeps me smiling.I`ll be smiling more when later this week she`ll be sleeping on a sleeper/couch we are getting for the living room for the children when they stay over.
I wish to welcome the newcomers to this blog,I fully intend on catching up with everyone soon.

Teaching son to spin

2011-12-31T05:49:00.000-08:00

Richie has taken an interest in fiber now.Teaching him to spin the past few days.He had trouble with the sonato wheel too,I believe since I kept breaking the tension string,that now I have too heavy of a string on it.We both love the Ashford Joy.
I forgot to post pics of the kids at Christmas.Both kids got binoculars,Dominick got a camera since Savannah just got one for her birthday,& Savannah got the boom box she wanted-with a set of headphones.As always,I wonder about new year.I`m trying to be happy in the present moment,but at times it is hard to stay in the moment.

Zeke watches from his lofty perch.

Wilbur`s 60th birthday

2011-12-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

We went to a party last night for our friend,Wilbur.It was nice to get out & have a few laughs.Marty did such a great job putting it all together & he was really surprised.

My pictures aren`t the greatest,I should have walked around to get better ones,but here are some...The one taken of Buzzy dancing with Marty was really good.

World Bird Wed.

2011-12-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

I`ve blogged about the bluejay before,but as there is nothing really different happening at the feeder when I get a chance to watch,I`m putting up the bluejay again.He?was singing his bell-like song,dipping his head as he sings,nothing like the usual squacking that they do,I can only assume he was trying to impress a lady bird.

To enter your birds this Wed.,please go to the springman`s blog,he hosts this weekly for us backyard birdwatchers,at this linkhttp://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

And then there were 2 more cats...

2011-12-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

I wasn`t able to get Pumpkin & Mittens together for a picture till the other day,they are still investigating their new home here, we hope for just awhile.They are the brother & sister I took when they were getting in the way of cars going to a store.The owner said I could have them,I just happenned to have a cat carrier in my car,I had had it in for awhile hoping to see a sign for free kittens as mom had lost her cat she got from the shelter,whom was 14 years.They have been her life since my father died.
I sat with mom this evenning & she did not seem good at all,but slept peacefully while I was there.I took my spinning wheel & worked with fiber while she slept.She did awake to tell me she was glad I was there.It`s hard to see her go downhill so fast.She is Irish,a Haggerty,& a fighter by nature.I don`t know what God has planned.I did see a falling star driving home,so I just said a prayer.

Savannah was gone when I came home.My dh said it was a fighting match again,& told our son he has to be out in 2 weeks & find a job.We need our peace back.I`m relying first on God,then going within my spirit to find my peace.I love my blogger friends & wish the best for all in the coming year.Leaving you with the animals,whom always give me pause to smile.

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas

2011-12-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

I still have cookies to bake,gifts to wrap,gifts to finish handmaking,& here I sit with my morning coffee while Savannah sleeps.She will be going home today,then we`ll get her again Christmas day some time.
My blogging has been here & there as I have alot on me right now.My mom had fallen once more,I found her lying on her floor when I went to check on her on the 13th.I could not get her up so had to call the ambulance.She was admitted after many hours with a pelvic fracture.
During the time I was at the hospital with mom,probation came out & took the son who was working on a car at home ,but was drinking a beer.So he went back to jail for a week.While he was in jail,a guy in another cell hung himself.It took guards 20 min.to find him.They revived him 2 times,but now word is he is a vegetable.Things like this you never read in the local newspaper.Our son is home now.Did he learn anything? I don`t think so.He needs to get a job & get out.Lately we have been having numerous shouting matches,the dh sleeps all day,& I believe I`m about to have some sort of breakdown.
Mom was placed in a nursing home,but is coming home to stay with my brother & get her physical therapy from home care therapists. We were not pleased with her care at the nursing home.She is getting discharged this am,I will sit with her tonight when my brother & his family attend their church services.They have active parts,& I could still go to our 11pm service,but I believe I`ll just meditate in prayer with my mom.God understands.

World Bird Wed.

2011-12-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have been missing world bird Wed.,things have been wacko here.I miss seeing the different posts,& especially the springman,host of this meme.You can find our weekly bird shots at http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/ the stories behind the photos can be quite funny.

My contribution this week are just the usual birds at the feeder.I did have the hawk in view,but the pic I got from inside was quite terrible,it`s just when I sneak around closer,he is no longer where he was.I WILL get closer....,here are some feeder photos of the downey woodpecker & titmouse,the male cardinal in the still blooming orange non scented honeysuckle bush.The colors in the nuthatch`s feathers always give me pause to think about how wonderful our God is to have made birds like this with such special coloring in the feathers,it is awesome to take time to look every day,I jusy feel so humbled.

Savannah stalks Santa

2011-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

I took Savannah to the rod & gun club I belong to today,& as soon as she saw Santa,she began stalking him.When he sat down in his chair,they called for kids to line up,but the kids had no chances to rise up as she was right on his lap as soon as he sat down.

Ginger groomed

2011-12-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ginger was in a better mood today,so it didn`t take long to do her,she was not matted at all.
Dori looks like she is saying,"oh,no,not you again."It looks like she fluffed herself out from yesterdays clip.

Grooming bunnies

2011-12-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

I spent the afternoon with Dori & Cloud,took me all afternoon to groom those 2.I didn`t get Ginger done because she was really upset with me for taking Dori away from her for over an hour.She kinda made growing noises & attempted to hide Dori once she got her back.I caught her humping Dori one day,I wonder what THAT was all about?!

Dori got her first haircut & she did really well,very patient,not what I had expected, she even let me lie her upside down in my lap to do her belly.I did not get a picture of her all done,maybe tomorrow,& Cloud,it seems he never takes a good picture because he is so white.My back is killing me now,so off to bed for me!

Dec.5th Savannah`s birthday

2011-12-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

We had dinner & cake & openning gifts for our granddaughter`s birthday yesterday.My son & daughter-in-law are going through a divorce,but agreed to be family for her evenning.They didn`t fight until Theresa went to go home with the kids,then they got in some sort of spat,but I don`t think it carried too much sadness for the kids,they seemed to have a good time.I usually get Dominick a small gift to open too,but he is 9 years old now & I forgot,but he seemed ok with it.

We went overboard for Savannah this year,she wanted a camera & a jeep ride on toy.She got presents from mom & brother too.Some pictures of her day....she is such a beautiful child.
Dominick spent the weekend with us last week,& I`m usually ready to pull my hair out when he`s here,but this time I didn`t even know he was here.Richie had him outside most of the time loading wood & playing ball.At home he is always in front of the tv.He has some thinking problems & takes a pill for it.Well,Theresa forgot to put his meds in his overnight bag,so he did without the first day & that was when Richie kept him busy out in the fresh air.He is a chubby,gawky kid & has trouble playing ball & things.He is on a bowling team after school a day a week.Well,anyhow,my son discovered that by taking Dominick in the woods with the football,he did better with his throwing because he had to throw through trees that were scattered & it seemed to help him with his mind.Richie didn`t know what was wrong when it was close to bedtime,Dominick was awful quiet when he`s usually a yapper.He asked me to weigh in & talk to him,so I did.I said later what he had was a tired 9 year old.We never see him tired & quiet.I am proud of Richie`s parenting skills since he has been away from his wife.The kids both do not want to go home.I think it`s the attention that they get when they`re here.
My son seems to be better now that he is on a new med for his bipolar.He has been really in moods,but this new pill seems to help him calm down & reason things out.He needs to get a job though,soon.He was accepted at an Arizona college to do online classes,he was going for an RN,but now has to study something else as they have no spaces for RN`s right now.

Pnemonia,the week & weekend with grandchildren

2011-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

I have been so sick again,& don`t you know,we had to keep the kids 1 at a time,because the babysitters daughter was in a horrific accident.The children were good for us,we had them bundled up like the Christmas story kid.If they only lived a little closer,we could get Dominick on the bus & take care of Savannah,she will start school next year.I`m praying about this.I will begin again taxing around my mother next week for more physical therapy.
Savannah reveals she loves to sit in the woods with nana now to watch for birds,she will be 5 on Mon.& wants a camera.
I added a better pic of the plied yarn I made.

Carolina Wren for World Bird Wed.

2011-11-30T14:22:00.000-08:00

My bird offering this week is our carolina wren,Thryothorus ludovicianus.They have been singing & singing.At first I only heard the one calling,this caused me to worry & worry as there was no answering call.After awhile I heard the mate,way,way down in the woods while the other was at the feeder & searching the sky.I finally got them both together,not a good picture,but I was relieved to see the pair is alright.The hawk is still hunting here,more quietly,my son saw him,I did not.He said that he is a huge red-tailed hawk.

So,follow this link to the Springman`s blog to show us what you have at your feeder today.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

My own processed wool & mohair,dyed & spun & plied

2011-11-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

What colors this yarn has! I just took whatever my son had carded & spun it all together,this is how it came out.I`ve been trying not to spin lace weight so much,this is my latest efforts.

My son caught these 2 pileated woodpeckers pictures today while I was "lost"in the sewing room upstairs looking for gingerbread man fabric.

Skywatch Fri.

2011-11-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

http://skyley.blogspot.com/

I found skywatch Fri.through Eileen`s bloghttp://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/.I`m linking up with her & others today with a photo of our sky this week after I came out of having some 3 hour bridgework done at the dentist`s office.

My favorite place to be

2011-11-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our son is starting the daunting task of clearing up the dead wood from these fallen trees.The ones standing that the woodpeckers are working on will remain however long it takes till they fall to dust.
Thirty years ago I pulled some creeping pine{I`m not sure if that is the correct name of it}from the dh`s parents property & started it down here in the woods where it carpets alot of the forest floor now.
Several native holly bushes have sprung up ,promising berries to come soon.I watched the wildlife this morning & came away with these few pictures,The bluejay looked like a huge parrot to me & he was climbing up & down trees searching for his cache of stored food,I guess,as this red-bellied woodpecker was.

New Old Spinning Wheel

2011-11-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

My dh came home after looking through the pawn shops & antique shops in our little town & announced that there was a spinning wheel at Collectors Dream for $100.Hey,I like to go to those shops too,but it was closed when we went back so I got up early the next morning to have a look.It was missing the piece that goes to the treadle,but the mother of all was there so I asked the man about it,repeating what my husband said about the wheel for $100.Well,I bought it & an old silver streak sled that`s super long,he cut the price on it too.
When I got it home,the tag said $595-which I never even looked at-signed by B.Paradis & Co.-which I still have not found on the wheel.I couldn`t believe he let me have it for that & I hope soon to have Nancy`s wheel & this one fixed so that I`m able to use them.
A creepy note,when I brought it in the house & started telling my dh about it,the wheel started turning all by itself! I immediately thought about Nancy ,my friend who passed in July,that she was telling me to get the wheel she gave to me fixed too!

Here is some of my own dyed fiber that I have been spinning.Our son has been taking an interest & doing the carding for me,for which my back is grateful.But I really want to start making gingerbread dolls for presents for Christmas this year when this Thanksgiving holiday is finally over.

I just had to add Zeke`s sleeping picture next to the Harley bear.

Cedar Waxwing

2011-11-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

Not a very good picture,& I couldn`t really tell what bird it was till I uploaded it hours later.Now I wish I would`ve walked on out to the flock to get better pictures,but it is only the second time I`ve seen them here in our neck of the woods,& never dreamed they`d fly through here now.
I`m editing this post for world bird Wed.It`s been rainning alot here the past couple of days & I haven`t been able to get outside much.
Please go to the springman`s blog & see all the wonderful birds people have photographed from around the world.The link is http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

World bird Wed.turkey & black faced vultures

2011-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have posted this post several times & sorry about the repost,but it is world bird Wed.& this is all I got !
Back in Nov.2009,we had a sight here that was unbelievable.Every afternoon about 4pm till dark our forest would fill with both black faced vultures & red-faced turkey vultures.Our elderly neighbor would yell out-"I`m not dead yet!",but still the woods filled with these ugly birds I am quite taken with.They are natures clean up crew & I mused that someone got a deer & it died in our neck of the woods,unfound.I never found it,but surely appreciated their presence as they gathered & peppered our woods with their white droppings.
In the mornings I noticed that they would warm up their wings,slowly & purposely,letting the air catch the morning dew before they glided away.

So,everyone,go blog your photos of backyard yards today,it`s the Springman`s anniversary! at this link...http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Blurry pileated woodpecker pictures

2011-11-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

I sat in the woods yesterday for awhile waiting to see if I could photograph the pileateds.I could hear them drumming all around me,but was only able to get these blurry shots.

Today it is rainning here,so I may have to wait another day to try again.

More dyed fiber

2011-11-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

My precious little animal lover,Savannah,loves to give kisses.I keep warning her that every dog she is around she should let them sniff her hands first to see if they will welcome those kisses.Of course,Bandit demands them when she is here.

I used the rest up of my sample of cushing`s mahongy dye.This is some with the lily color I used the jar all up finally.I don`t know why some fiber is darker than the other,perhaps when I added the vinegar it wasn`t stirred enough when I put in the fiber.I can`t wait to card some up now,which I may do today sometime.I have 1 more sample of cushings brown-why I chose brown I do not know-then I`ll begin on the greener shades kit of all their colors.My back is screaming that I`m going to have trouble with it when I use the ashford carder.I am tempting to take it all somewhere to be carded by machine.

Alone

2011-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am really missing Hunter tonight.The guys are at the rod & gun club,& the 2 dogs & cats are waiting for them at the door.My Max & Hunter would not have cared when they come home,they would have curled up beside me in bed.God help me through this.
Here are pics of the fiber I dyed.The picture was taken indoors so the colors will not show correctly.I can`t wait to card some up.

The dh got an 8 point tonight.I can hardly eat deer meat anymore.He has been making jerky,I do like that.We have lived off deer most of our married life & now I just prefer to watch them.They have not been coming into our apples here now for 2 years,I miss seeing & photographing them.

Simba is getting huge & his younger bro ,Zeke,is still recoperating.

Thank-you

2011-11-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone for their kind comments.You are all so special to me.

Bandit got away from my dh again on Sun.so we went right over to Petsmart & got Bandit & Maggie halters.I worry my dh is failing healthwise.He has been losing weight,& is now diabetic.He told me never to blog about him,but I feel it is time to praise God for his health so far,he has had a liver transplant 18 years ago,working until 10 years ago when he began having trouble with his lungs.Now he is smoking again,& I have fear I will be left alone here.There is no way I would ever leave this home in the woods though,I would make it somehow.Just say a little prayer for us when you think about it....

Zeke was nuetered & lasered off his front nails.Laser is supposed to be less painful for cats & they are to heal faster.My mom`s cats did well with their laser surgery,but Zeke gave the vet trouble & had to have his paws wrapped as he kept digging at his cage doors to get out.They wrapped them,& said he may need a one of those collars! I unwrapped them when we got home,was the tape ever hard to get loose! He is favoring his right front paw,we will see how it goes.
Maggie went for her shots & bloodwork when I picked Zeke up,& the vet phoned on Mon.& said Maggie`s triglceriates are over 900,they are supposed to be 300.So,she is shut in the bathroom every morning with the cats to eat her Hill`s KD formula food.Now if my dh would just quit feeding them everytime he eats something.
The vet came out & now the goats are updated on their shots & have health certificates when & if I decide to sell them.I have almost $1000 in vet bills these past 2 weeks.
It is rainning here in Pa. today.Today is our 38th wedding anniversary.It rainned 38 years ago as I recall.It has not been all roses for our marriage.There was a time when I took my son & left him.When he became ill,I somehow stepped over the wife role into the mother role.Does this happen to alot of women,I wonder?
Well,I have been keeping busy washing & dyeing fiber.I finally finished out those jars of the lily & lilac & yesterday I tried mahogney.I will have to take a pic of it,it is beautiful,a reddish brown color.I have so much carding to do ,I am tempted to buy an electric carder,but they run about $1000.
That`s what`s happenning in my world this am.

One of the worst 2 weeks of my life,Hunter,10/26/2011

2011-11-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

My mother,whom I blogged about falling before,broke her upper arm,& was doing physical therapy.Well,she fell again & broke her other upper arm.On my way home from driving her where she needed to go & my son where he had to go,the dh phones my son & puts me on the phone & he was sobbing,"there`s been an accident."My heart fell to my feet & all I could say was" no,no,no." We live in an isolated area & one elderly neighbor was driving down our dirt lane as he lives in the woods behind us & Bandit slipped his collar & started after him.He stopped & the dh got him under control & thought he had ahold of Hunter,& signaled the man to go.Hunter raced after him,he called him to stop,but he didn`t & my neighbor ran over Hunter`s head & killed him instantly.The dh had the hole dug & his head covered so I could still pet him when I got home ,before we covered him under the roses beside Max.I never thought I`d feel as bad as when Max died suddenly of cancer,but this has hit me so hard.I can`t eat,I want to blame everyone,including myself,& that night we had Savannah,our 4 year old granddaughter who kept asking about him even after I showed her his grave.
Sat.we had the other grandchild & had a snowstorm{I guess it was Sat.} that dumped 9 1/2 inches on us taking out our electric for 3 days we cooked on the woodstove & used our generator for the fridge & freezer.
Well,I decided to take Dominick & my son to a book fair going on nearby to support our local library.I thought it would take my mind off the space that Hunter occupied in this house,I couldn`t take it.We didn`t have electric,but I could still read a book by the oil lamp.
Well,I know it can only be God directing me & showing He is here with me as I roamed the books I found this book called When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Harold Kushner.Has that book ever helped me to get through this.I really believe I was headed to the hospital from some sort of breakdown.I still feel like my spirit is outside my body ,watching all activites go on around me but it is not personal or something,I can`t explain it.I loved that dog so much.He really blossomed when he came to live with us & in the short 3?years we had him,he was dear to everyone who met him.Everyone wanted to take him home.Those expressions he had on his face sometimes,particually when begging for a treat,made us giggle.He was 10,but still goofed around like a puppy.
But,getting back to this book,the man who wrote it is a Rabbi.I have read it over & over,it is a small book but very to the point.My God doesn`t want me to suffer or be hurt,He didn`t do this to teach me a lesson of some sort.The psalmist writes in the book of Psalms121:1 I lift mine eyes to the hills,from where does my help come ?My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of Heaven & Earth.I`m quoting a passage of his book.I understand he went through alot of "flack"from writing this book,but it so needed to be written.I thank God for directing me to it.
Shortly after this happenning,the news was on telling everyone of a 14 year old girl,out trick or treating,was struck & hit by a car.I imagined how her family felt.She was just doing something that she loved,just as Hunter was showing off to his buddy,Bandit,& he ran right to the rainbow bridge.

I thought about just deleting this blog,who wants to read such things?but maybe along the way someone who needs this book as much as I do will get it & read it.

Goat love

2011-10-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

I was doing fine playing with the goats & cleaning out the barn until I used the pitchfork to remove a nest something has been making.I removed at least 3 so far.They are made very well with the fleece from the goats lining it.Thank goodness I didn`t use my hand today,I just grabbed this new nest with the fork & out rolled at least 6 mice.I ran screaming from the barn & up to get dh.But,I guess I scared them silly,they were gone by the time he came down.I just don`t get why people think they are so cute.I took advantage of him coming down to get a pic of me with the goats,even though the pics weren`t good,here we are.

Don`t shoot your eye out!

2011-10-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

We had Savannah again this week,then Dominick the next night. My son taught him how to shoot the bb gun.We are going to do the cub scouts with him even though he doesn`t want to go anymore.So we`ll just teach him the basics of living & loving the woods.I made it quite clear there were to be no shooting of animals in any way.He was pleased with his target & an old coke can.

More tree people

2011-10-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Loving the sunny days.Here are more faces in the woods.

Quiet time for the soul

2011-10-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

I made myself a promise this year that I would take the time to sit in the woods to gather & draw up the peacefullness of it,I only started today,I`m sorry to say.Here are some things that caught my eye.The woodpeckers are really working on various dead trees in the forest.The color sutble change of the color of the leaves caught my eyes,as well as this uprooted tree.What do you see in this tree? In one of Brian Froud`s books he reveals that he often sits in the woods & "sees" the creatures he draws.I thought I was the only one who did that.I see a tiger & 2 rabbits in the fallen tree,what do you see?

phyllis`s view: Vultures

2011-10-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Please follow my old link here for world bird Wed...phyllis`s view: Vultures reposting the time we had all of those vultures stopping in here,back in Nov.2009.It was truely an amazing sight having the black faced & red faced ones gathering together here in our neck of woods.The forest floor was covered in white droppings everywhere.
Link up with us at the springman`s blog & show us your backyard birds at this link.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Finally have a little time to blog

2011-10-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Shortly after my friend,Nancy,died in July,my mom fell & broke the upper part of her arm & had a hairline fracture in her knee.{By the way.we still don`t know why Nancy died,they are waiting on a toxic blood report.} My mom has schizophrenia,& the doctor & I feel she wouldn`t do well in a nursing home,or assisted living setting,my brother wants her to move,especially since she has fallen now.She`ll be 77 in a couple of months.We are still at odds about it.If we could put her on our land,we have almost 6 acres,in a seperate trailor,she might do alright.But what if the dh & I die,what would become of her living situation,my brother says.So,we are still taking care of her as she doesn`t drive anymore.We did take her liscense away.But,anyhow,when she broke her arm,she called me & asked if I had a sling.I said,no,why?Well then,could you come down here & tie 2 towels together & make one ,I fell & hurt my arm.Long story short,I took her to the er.We live within miles,so it`s not so bad to tend to her when she needs help.Now I run her to physical therapy 2 times a week & she is trying to learn to walk better & use her cane at all times.Her blood pressure goes low when she first stands up,so she has to learn not to take off so fast upon rising.I had to take pics of her,she looked so comical when she first started.On that rowing machine she kept saying, do it 5 times?no for 5 minutes the therapist tells her,5 times?no,5 min.!we had to laugh,but now she does well.
I`m running the son clear across town where he needs to go,& tomorrow he does have a job interview,thank God,say a prayer he gets a job.
I will talk about my own health in a another post.I have to have another tooth pulled on Fri.I may have to get more tooth implants,I can`t really afford to,but perhaps they have payment plans.
I took Hunter & Zeke to the vets today,when I got home,there were notices for Maggie to go & the goats need their shots.The bill was $350 today for the 2.I`m happy to say that Zeke is free of feline lukemina & has gained some weight,he weighs over 6 lbs.now.I will be getting him nuetered soon & I wasn`t going to have him declawed,but he`s been trying to climb walls & has the woodwork scratched up in the kitchen.I had a heart to heart talk with the vet about these feral kittens & she said gently that I just can`t save them all,we would love to be able to,but we just can`t.It has really become a problem I wrestle with.
The past 2 days I HAVE managed to get outside since it was so lovely out,& started on this fiber.I don`t believe I will buy wool from those farmers again,it was just so bad & so time consuming to skirt,cost twice as much this year,& I think to my self as I`m pitching it that I`m not really throwing away ALOT of money,it was .83cents a lb.raw,unskirted,I did wash some that was full of thistle seeds to dry & use to stuff dolls with.The other was just so cruddy,I put it out on the grass to let the grass absorb some of the crud before bringing it in to wash by hand.I`m glad I live in the woods as I don`t believe everyone would like to see wool lying about the yard.I want to make a doll or 2 before Christmas & take a break from the mohair & wool.I found nice garbage cans with wheels at Big Lots for only $15 each & bought 6.The clerk in the other asile said I must have alot of garbage.I didn`t answer.They are perfect to store the wool in & the lids fit really good.I can stuff alot of fiber in them.Critters can`t get in them,but the cans will go inside the new shed.Some very nice man asked if he could help me get them to my van & for once I accepted a stranger`s help.I usually do it all on my own,but why not accept help if it`s offered.
So...I did get wool & mohair washed & dyed,4 lbs.of it.I`m using up 2 open jars that I have,a lilac & a color called lily.I`ve been using different measurements of them to achieve different hues of the colors,& I may card it together to get an ocean color.
When I`m waiting on my mom & my son,I`ve been working-knitting- on a shawl for myself using the bee balm color roving I bought from Phylleri Ball some years ago.It`s my first all spun by me shawl .It has a flaw in it where I was falling asleep & the stitches came off the needle,& I didn`t get them on right,but there is not a hole,it`s just looks different in 1 spot.It is a pattern for a Lion Brand prayer shawl,it was meant to use bulky yarn,but I seem to be only able to spin lace weight so far.But,it doesn`t look too bad,I wanted a light weight wrap.

The son & grandson found where the woodpeckers have some cavities,they were going in & out of this dead tree,so tomorrow if I can get out before the rain & before I start my running again,I hope to get some pictures of them.

What`s been going on here

2011-10-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? My son`s psyc doctor said that my son needed to "sort things out himself in his brain" when he was in there last month,no meds.There was a prickle of fear in my brain at that,but life goes on.He stopped taking his thyroid pill too,which he really needs to take.To make a long story short,he tied one on with alcohol,self medicating himself,& was picked up at the soon to be divorced wife`s house in the basement where he had been living & hauled off to jail.

The probation dept. gave him a break,keep him jailed for 3 days,then called us to see if he could stay here with us.So,he`s moving in,has most of his things we have brought here to our already stuffed to the max cabin we call our house.He is seeing a new pysc doctor,taking his thyroid pill,& beginning once again.I ask God why this keeps going on,20 years with him this way,at 37 he needs to place things in order.
We finished "my" shed,now it has his bed & things in.Oh my,Lord help me.
We started with the visiting of the children this weekend,4 year old Savannah was here yesterday,& today it`s bonding time for Dominick.He is so different when he`s with his step dad-my son he calls daddy.
Here are some pictures of my last couple of days.More to write later.

World Bird Wed.

2011-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today you should go visit the springman & participate in his showing of birds from all over the world.Read peoples stories,join in the fun! The link ishttp://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

I`m lucky to still be awake.What a day.The goats all escaped agin today & Hendrix was stuck TWICE today in the wire how can they get their head & horns though that small space?!so I gave up & herded them back to the old pen.The dh mucked it out with the tractor as I helped throw "stuff"on the bucket of the tractor.The goats were penned in the barn.I swear,if anyone would`ve come along today & said,give them to me,I have tons of pasture for them to run in with ELECTRIC fencing,I would`ve gladly loaded them up for them.I was so pissed today.Jimi wanted to butt me-gently but meaningfully-because his twin brother Hendrix kept getting caught with his head in the wire of the panel. But,it is done now,so here is what I can offer this week to the meme,the rose breasted grosbeaks are still here,this is the longest they have spent with me ever,the purple house finch off to the bottom of the left in the picture,the carolina wren was stocking up suet in crevices of trees, the hummingbird-just one-is still here with the catbirds.The brown thrashers may have left yesterday,I did not see them today.

What makes them think that their head & horns will fit through that space?Thank the Lord I only had 1 goat continually get stuck over & over,not all of them!Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

I was not surprised

2011-09-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

When I came home this am from a doctor`s appt.& looked out my window,what did I see? three escaped goats,2 who are ripping the bark off the only apple tree left,& Hendrix-stuck again in the wire of the fence.I have to have help getting the goat out of the wire.I guide his rear as the hubby pushes his head this way & that to get him lose.If I was here alone,I`d never be able to do it.How many days have they been in the pen? One & one half.Don`t the others look as if they are pointing out bad Hendrix?look what he`s done again!then they resume their clearing the area of all apple trees.
My playhouse,I now call it instead of a shed,is almost done.I have started to move things into it already.

Here is an apron that I made in 2 days.I finished it up today.I will use my own pattern next time,this apron could fit on 3 of me.The pocket I made was from a torn vintage linen & I`ll bet I could fit a peck of apples in it.I will have to sew 3 compartments down it so it doesn`t bulge out so much.I had fun playing with the sewing machine again.I need to make lots of aprons as the fibers from the bunnies & goats cling to my clothes.

I`m losing it for sure

2011-09-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

I`m looking at photos I took of Zeke the other day & resizing them so they will upload faster,& as I`m looking,I`m thinking,who are these people in my living room? I imagined catching some sort of spirit on film,then as I looked,there were more "spirits" ! then I realized how dumb & tired I must be,it is actually the TV Zeke is looking at.
Bandit is playing cool biker dog.

Then last but not least,the goats finally got sheared for the winter.The angora goats get sheared 2 times a year,spring & fall & both seasons were so wet this year that it was hard to get them done.Ringo took off after he toppled the stand we do them on so I had to lasso him to get him back,but the dh took pity on him & let him go with the curls still on his neck.He looks like the lion king.We put them in the livestock panels we put together over in the woods so we can get the other entire pen mucked out for the winter.I get out of the shower afterwards & hear this bawling.I look out the window & already Hendrix has managed to get his horn through one of the bars in the pen & is stuck.So,I was glad that we were here & could rescue him.I believe after the vet updates their shots this week that I will give them to someone who has a farm.I had planned on them eating up the wild roses & poison ivy & undesirables in our woods but they can get themselves into so much trouble that I have to sit & babysit them while they browse the undergrowth.I think they would be happier somewhere else.I love them though,they are so comical.But alot of work for me.

Rose Breasted Grosbeaks are here!

2011-09-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yeah.....! I saw them & knew that they were here the past few days,but only was able to get their pictures today.They stop here twice a year,usually May & Sept. when they are migrating to breeding areas in the spring to the north & to the south for the winter.They feed on sunflower seeds & various tree seeds such as seeds from the box elder trees,pines,& they like all kinds of fruit & insects.
This will be my submission for world bird Wed.Go to the springman`s blog & show us your backyard bird this week.Now let`s see if I get the link right this week...http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

My best friend`s tribute to Max

2011-09-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I have few friends,the friends I do have are life long ones.My best friend I grew up with,Aleta,lives in Tenn now,but we talk on the computer most every day.She traveled from Tenn to Pa this weekend for her dad`s 91st birthday & stopped in for a visit.I can`t tell you how shocked I was at a gift she made for me.She made a wall hanging quilt of my beloved collie,Max,who on Oct.9th will have been dead for 4 years. Max meant the world to me,he was special.I was so overcome with emotion,the gift is so beautiful & looks just like him.She thread-painted it,a technique she learned at a quilt retreat she attended 2 years in a row where she lives.I can`t say enough about it,it is so beautiful.
She wanted pictures of the cats,she couldn`t get over how big Simba grew & how Zeke,his bro,is so much different,his motor running as soon as he is held.She has a blog but doesn`t get to write as much as she has dial-up,she lives on 90 acres in the backwoods of Tenn where you don`t have even have cell phone service.I love it there.Hoping to stay with her again soon as I have found someone who will house sit for me.

Dyeing & loving it,& musings

2011-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

My weekend was busy,I had Savannah some & she is a joy.Her foot never did turn the right way,& the doctors said it`s up to her to get it moving correctly.She did have some physical threapy.She is such an animal lover.Here is a picture of Zeke & her.He is growing so fast,just as she is.She gives the animals kisses on the mouth & once got nipped by Maggie,but it hasn`t stopped her.
Savannah`s parents are divorcing,my son signed the papers & mailed them last week.They have been struggling with their marriage for awhile,my son is not easy to live with having bipolar.It will be good for the children in the long run,& perhaps their parents will grow up some when they part ways.I`m a little scared for my daughter-in-law after losing her mother,she is going downhill in many ways & I just pray she will find her peace as only she can do it for herself.
This is a hod-podge of writing this post,sorry! Last week I posted the wrong link for world bird Wed.,I didn`t have time to figure out what I did wrong,but now I know.Don`t put "the"in the link!
I dyed wool & mohair last week..It was so much fun to see what colors I end up with,I will probably never be able to figure out how I got the colors that I did.I should keep a notebook,but I want to just have fun right now.
I dyed a skein of my own hand spun,carded,& washed fleece with Country Classics lilac.I may have put too much powder in,so when the skein got a little more color than I wanted,I took it out,& being the thrifty person that I am,I didn`t want to waste the color remaining in the kettle,so I placed some wool & mohair in to soak it up.It turned out a pretty blue-green,kinda a baby blue.
The Cushings dye I bought WAS to be a blue-green,but it looks mostly green.So I placed the other dyed fleece with some of it & I am going to card to together all mixed up.I may throw some more fleece in the kettle with not as much lilac,then blend it all together.The mohair locks are so shiny.

So,am leaving you with pictures of Zeke & his older brother,Simba,& pics of the busy last week.My spirit needed to wander in the woods & I found all sorts of things to brighten my mood,frogs,turtles,& butterflies,oh my!
Hmmmm,I wonder if I dyed the fiber with the colors of the butterfly on the butterfly bush,an orange & a lilac?

God Sighting

2011-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should set up a linky link to post God sightings weekly,anyone in for it,or maybe there is one already?

I have been so depressed lately & was sitting out alone & talking to God & I happened to glance over & see the tractor is "smiling" at me.I call it a God sighting because I know God heard me & showed me that it is not as bad as I think & all things work together for the good.

World Bird Wed.

2011-09-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

Is it time already for world bird Wed.? Go to this link & see all the beautiful birds from all around the world,hosted by the Springman!http://thepineriverreview.blogspot.com/

This is a depressing time of year for me,watching the song birds fill up for their migrations.We have had alot fueling up going on the past few days.The adults leave first usually,I never understood why unless the little ones have to earn more flight feathers.There are still 2 remaining hummingbirds & the younger brown thrashers.I look for them to be gone this week.Of course,some birds will remain like the white breasted nuthatcher hanging upside down waiting for his turn at the suet cakes.Usually the evenning red breasted grosbeak stops in on their way through here,but I haven`t seen them yet.This poor female cardinal is growing in more feathers but looks rather rough right now.Have a wonderful week!

Cat bird pics that I forgot to post on Wed.for world bird Wed.

2011-09-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine that?She forgot to post our pictures on Wed.!And no one asked where we were either!

Orb Weaver Spider argiope aurantia

2011-09-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

This beautiful spider is busy at the entrance of the garden,I`m always looking for the huge web as I go to gather tomatoes.She is protecting the garden from aphids & lots of other garden pests,so I never want to squish her.

I`m finally getting tomatoes enough to make sauce.I use epsom salts as a fertilizer & have good results from it.I wasn`t sure I was going to have any luck,my liver doctor was questioning me about the garden as I clued him into using the salts.He couldn`t understand why I had dry rot at first.Well,I DIDN`T say,if you would have to bucket your water to your garden in the heat,because your hose won`t reach that far & your spouse said he`d water with the sprayer he bought at an auction,but,oh,it needed a part,I kinda let nature take over.I wasn`t wrong,She did,now if we just have a few more warm days we will have lots more tomatoes..

The baby cardinal is molting & getting his colors now.I couldn`t resist adding him to this post.

World Bird Wed.

2011-08-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today is the day to show everyone in the world the birds you have seen this week.The link is over at the Springman`s..http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/
This week the baby catbirds came to the feeder bothering mom,she wasn`t feeding them fast enough.They look so much alike their adult parents that it`s hard to tell them apart.They will not migrate till all the pokeberries are gone.I can`t find a picture of the pokeberries,I`ll have to enter it later.The birds have planted them everywhere,& I let them grow because I thought they would be useful to use as a dye for my fiber.I was told it won`t be colorfast unless I do something with buttermilk with the berries.What???!!!
The carolina wren has been singing & munching on the magnolia tree`s seed cones.
The whitebreasted nuthatch is making regular trips to the newly filled feeder.

And lastly,the baby hummingbirds are still here,though the others left with the hurricane winds-which,thankfully,we lost no trees from,the little male looks like he`s waving goodbye. I`ve had them coming to their feeder as late as the end of Oct.,so I made fresh sugar water for them today.

Butterflies

2011-08-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

We had alot of catbirds this year.They love to eat butterfles so I am kinda depressed that there were so few of them to chase around with my camera.I dug back in my computer & found these I took other years.I didn`t even see a hummingbird moth this year.

World Bird Wed.

2011-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

I spotted some different birds in the forest this week,but was not so quick on the draw with the camera,so I`m just posting the cat bird again,& a downey woodpecker at the feeder.I love the cat birds,but every year when we have alot of them,we don`t have alot of butterflies.They feast on the butterfly.I did not even see a hummingbird moth this summer.So I went back in my computer to come up with some butterfly pictures for my next post...so go now,you only have 2 hours to post your backyard birds at this link.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

By the way,here`s my indoor birds I`m posting today having a cherry tomato for their lunch,have a beautiful week!

Angora bunnies get clipped

2011-08-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well,I got 2 out of 3 rabbits sheared today.The baby may be too little yet,at any rate,I didn`t do Dori.It was my first time clipping Ginger.I clipped her some around the eyes & underneath when I first got her.I will remember next time that she has a flap of skin at her ears on her back that I need to watch next time.I didn`t make her bleed,but I knicked her hide there.It took me 3 hours to do them,& I didn`t get Ginger finished underneath.Her urine smells strong & it lingers on her fur so I doused her bottom with peroxide like Sherry told me to do & it fizzes up some then I rinsed her good.She tolerated it well.But I need to do a little more clipping on her.Cloud I didn`t knick at all,thank God.
Cloud I got completely done,he looks totally different now.He let me know he was done with it all when he picked up the red slicker brush & winged it off the table.He has such a personality.I would dearly love to have him running through the house,at least part of it,but the first time I gave him freedom like that he promptly bit through the phone cord.I knew rabbits DO that,but I had the insane thought that MY guy wouldn`t do that...
I`m finding it hard to photograph him being as white as he is.I did some contrasting on my microsoft,picture-it program,so maybe it`s a little better to see.Next time I`ll try using colored blankets or something around him so he doesn`t glare.Hopefully I can get some better pictures of them tomorrow.I thought my back was going to give out,but Ginger I found likes to be clipped when I`m sitting down with her in my lap.It sure does make it easier.

World Bird Wed.

2011-08-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Not a very good picture,but I was so stunned at what was in the cardinal`s mouth that I waited too long to snap the picture.He had a devil of a time getting the bug in his mouth,I thought he was tearing the leaf off a joe pye weed plant,so I put the camera down & watched & then there was this big bug in his mouth.It kinda looks like a praying mantis,but am not sure.

Please enter your backyard photos of the birds in your neck of the woods to this link.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Here`s looking at you

2011-08-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

I walked outside for a few minutes today & when I came back in I couldn`t find Zeke anywhere.I had forgotten how I lost Simba when he was little for 4 hours,he had climbed up on boxes in the birds room & was busy watching them.Well,today Zeke was right at eye level & startled me when I got up from crawling around on the floor,he has been quite the explorer today.

Zeke the kitten

2011-08-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

We wondered if he was going to survive yesterday.We had a storm & we couldn`t imagine this little guy outside in it.Finally after more than 24 hours had passed since he was taken inside,he used his litter box.I was so worried he wasn`t "going" anywhere.He then began grooming himself,& I knew it was going to be alright.He weighs a little over a lb.,but he must be at least 6 weeks old as his eyes have changed color already.Simba seems happy that his younger brother is now here with him.I wonder whether he will have seizures too?

I learned something about myself yesterday when I went to give the dh a thumbs-up that he went in his litter box.My left thumb will not turn up.I tried & tried,but my RA has gotten really bad here lately since I had to go off the Imuran because my white blood cells were off.It is a wierd feeling to know your thumb doesn`t work anymore.

Rescued Kitten

2011-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

My friend phoned me about another kitten needing a home,so today I went over & got him.I believe he will be called Zeke.He is most likely a step brother of Simba`s.He was so full of fleas & lice I didn`t dare bring him in right away.So,I washed him good,put him in the unused rabbit coop & headed to Wallyland for something more better for ridding him of his bugs.He would have surely been dead in another week.I couldn`t see his white fur,it was brown with fleas.

After the dh saw him,he brought him inside right away & combed the bugs off him while I made tomato sauce.The dh has been so tired lately that I just check on him & allow him to sleep.At 4:30pm,he was finally up.I am blessed he doesn`t mind the critters I come home with.There was a time though when he did mind.I guess he finally figured it is of no use.

Pickin` Tomaters & Makin` Peach Pies

2011-08-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

My weekend...the dh started the shed out back for my fiber which is overtaking the house right now.I`ll have a place to set up my table with carder in place instead of grabbing the box & putting it all on the kitchen table....sigh....but he`s now telling me he may want to store his Harley in there too.As long as he stays on his side of the shed,hah,hah.

Baby Hummingbirds

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

The baby hummers are out & about & very curious about their surroundings.I`ve seen them fly & linger at the blue spruce tree as if sipping something from the needles.I filled all the feeders again today,reminding myself to pick up some feeders with the bee covers,the bees & hummingbirds are fighting to get the sugar water.

World bird Wed.

2011-08-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the day we post pictures of our backyard birds,so get your pictures & post over at the springman`s blog.It`s alot of fun to see all the different kinds of birds from all over.The link ishttp://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

I`m entering these fuzzy pictures of some sort of warbler who stopped by for a day.If I hadn`t been outside having a cup of coffee I would have totally missed him.He seemed to be eating something from the leaves,at first I thought he was eating the hollyhock seeds,but I believe now after reading about warblers in David Sibley`s books he was hunting insects or worms.
If I`m wrong with the id,please tell me!The other 2 birds I didn`t know what they were left,I`m almost sure.I haven`t seen them out & about.

A Surprise

2011-07-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last night at 9pm my daughter-in-law rolled in here.It`s still your birthday,she said,& my sisters & I feel that you should have mom`s spinning wheel.
They are going through their mother`s things before the house gets locked up as she had financial debt & didn`t own her home.
The wheel was never used by her.She & her husband bought it at an auction.
It is antique & is missing some parts.But it really touched me that the girls would want me to have it.They said they remembered their mom saying,don`t touch that,don`t spin that around,get off it.
I had to smile ,I could hear Nancy saying that.Now I have to find someone to work on it,but the dh has already started.The bobbin is really small.I will probably need someone`s help at least to make more bobbins.

It smells like Nancy`s home,a mixture of cigarette smoke & Vicks she rubbed on her legs.
It is a small wheel.Theresa found a part in her car that was missing,today,the mother of all.The dh made a footman thing for my antique flax wheel,it`s a piece of wood that connects the pedal to the wheel,this one will need one too.Maybe the Mannings will know someone who works on them.

The Cat & Rabbit Story

2011-07-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Pssst!!! Hey,Simba,Dori the rabbit here,wanna come & see my litter box?"
"Really,you want me to move from this comfortable place? I weigh 15 1/2 lbs.now Dori,last year the vet weighed me in at 6 lbs.,you really want me to move?"
"Yes!"
Simba,"no way,Dori,this is your box?Wow,how fancy!"
"Yes,way,Simba,look while I use it."

Simba says,"Hey guys,come check this out!!! They get to pee in a willow basket!"
"Yeah,"says Dori,"& I let Ginger play with your toys."

Death of Family Member & our Friend

2011-07-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

My daughter-in-law`s mother passed away.It`s been hard to think of what I want to say.For now,I`ll just say she called me her best friend as I am the one who takes her places ,to her doctors appt.,& things.I just dropped everything a month ago & ran her to the er as she was doubled over in pain.She was admitted that day.She got better & I took her to 2 follow-up appts.plus a colonoscopy.She had to have the test done over & it was to be tomorrow again I was to take her.She was found dead in her bathtub on Sat.She had been dead a few days.It was 93 in her house.She was keeping her youngest daughter`s dog while she was on vacation,so the dog was in the home with her when she passed.The daughter came home to find her that way.
Her husband died 3 years ago,& they were keeping the dog then when he died in his sleep.The dog was at his feet when he was found.Isn`t that strange,they both died at home & the dog,Bella,was there.Poor dog,she is a husky mix.

My friend is a Christian,so I know she is in no more pain & is in her husband`s arms now.I have other things to write,but just not now.I took her picture with our neighbor`s great great granddaughter the day I blogged about the wild bunnies she rescued,Nancy was in the picture I took with the little 10 year old.I didn`t post Nancy,but I am today in rememberance.They should find out what caused her death today.The 3 daughters used the picture I took of her on the 14th,,minus the bunnies, to place in our newspaper.I don`t even know why I was moved to take a picture that day,but her family was grateful I did,She had scolosis,her right ribs were resting on her right hip bone,that`s how bad it was.The Lord only knows what that must have done to her organs inside.Nancy was only 61.It`s hard to believe she was here 1 day,then gone the next.

Hot

2011-07-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

It`s been miserable here in Pa.The bird bath has been welcome relief to many birds & I`m filling it alot.

Mr.Bluebird brought the Mrs.along today for a dip.Here is that confounded bird I can`t ID.I get so excited to see it,I blur the picture when I take it.The birds colors are changing as I thought that they would.
The hummingbirds must have hatched out & fled the nest,many have been swooping about.

The wren waits his turn at the feeder.
I`ve been working inside washing wool & drying it outside in the heat,& my house is starting to look like something from the hoarders show on TV,bags of garage bags full of the cleaned fleece.
I`m almost finished with the roving Sherry gave me,it is a beautiful natural gray with little bits of black & dark brown in it.I forget what kind of wool it is.

Baby robin? & Unknown bird

2011-07-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

I`m starting to wonder if this is really a baby robin.He looks full grown now & still has speckles.

Here is another pic of the unknown bird.I pledge I will get a better photo this week,there are 2 of them.Their wings look like a mockingbirds in flight,& at the feeder they "backstep"through the seedsThe orange slices I just put out are gone,so I looked up baby orioles...I guess I`ll have to wait to see if they change colors.

Mr. & Mrs.Cardinal had babies & I say the Mrs`s is looking like she is in molt & about to lay more eggs.

This brings Sun.

2011-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today I headed off to church,the rabbits needed brought inside after church,Simba tells them,hey,glad to see you,& the dh sleeps....& it is now 3:00 pm & still he sleeps,unbegknownst to him,I have captured his image,not a pretty sight,at sleep on the couch.Why can I do that? Well,he doesn`t read this blog,doesn`t look at the pics,& HE WILL NEVER KNOW!!!He-he!

Sat.brown thrasher

2011-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sat.I spent the time in quiet meditation.The dh went to Hagerstown,Md.for the bike show there.I took photos & spent the time to myself.

There have been those pesky hawks out & about,& I saw 2 who seemed in cahoots trying to get themselves a meal.One landed in a tree & I thought I could photograph him,but didn`t see him,though I did see the terrified brown thrasher cowering in a pine.I would not have seen him if it weren`t for the tell-tale fearful chirp he was making.I hung around a bit in hopes of deterring the hawks from this area,& I believe I was able to do that.I didn`t see them again yesterday.No baby bunnies or birds for them here today,Sat....

Wrap-up of my weekend,post by post,Fri.,baby bunnies & Boro Boogie Pickers

2011-07-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor`s great-great granddaughter is 10 & is spending the month with her great great grandfather & her father,not sure how many great`s,but her dad is my son`s age & he is the great grandchild.Anyhow,the 14 year old lab Lizzie, my neighbor,Ray`s, has found a bunnies nest,right at his shed & the mama rabbit even lined the nest with the dog`s own black/gray fur.Lizzie was tormenting them,so the 10 year old,little mom that she is,scooped them up & put them in a box,came down here for advice.I went up,taking the rabbits some green hay,& was surprised at how much knowledge she already possessed about their care.She said,I`m to leave them out tonight & if they are still there & alive,my dad said I can have them.
They WERE still alive,so I gave her hay & pellets the next day,her father,being the doting dad he is who only gets his only child once in awhile,went to our local Rite Aid for infant electrolites in vit.water & a dropper,& the bunnies are doing well.
Fri.afternoon -evenning I was hooked into going to our local Harley shop for a band.I was told that we were going to pick up our son & my grandkids,drop them off at M & S Harley,then they would wait for my daughter-in-law to get off work & they would connect.Well,we didn`t go right away.I had my camera & I did take some photos of the band ,& our Savannah,who is the life of any show like this,I should have captured her dancing.

The group is called Boro Boggie Pickers,& they do have cd`s out to buy.They are a bluegrass band,the girl actually plays the washboard.I did enjoy it,but we didn`t stay.I always have the job of "pottying"Savannah,it is nice at first,people assume I am the mom & she goes right along with it,but at some point & many bathroom calls,I`m ready to head home.Here`s some photos from that.The guy with the fiddle is my fav,can you tell? he was the nicest,saying hello to everyone.Savannah hooked up with the guy in the white tee-shirt`s little son & I last heard that they were invited to a pig roast with the band,can that be true?

Gods Little People...: A ghostly little presence

2011-07-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Gods Little People...: A ghostly little presence: "e Just had to share this image and story - maybe it's gone around the world by now, I don't know. I think I'd be freaked out a ..."

Heat Wave

2011-07-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

It is unbearable here in Pa.We did get some rain last night.I brought the bunnies inside to stay all night.Now I have a mess to clean up.I took them back out this am,but am likely to have to bring them back in later.I don`t want to shear them till the end of Aug.It`s just too hot for them with their angora coats to be out.

There is a pair of those birds that are unknown to me,instead of just one.I will get on the bird forum today.They remind me of a mockingbird,the white markings on their wings & tails,but their face is like a grosbeaks.They could be babies of some sort who haven`t developed all of their colors.
The bluebird stopped in for a bath yesterday again.
Simba & Cloud are best friends.Simba has no nails on the front paws,so swatting Cloud didn`t harm him.The cat is unsure of what the rabbit is.I gave Cloud the run of the bathroom last night.I kept Ginger & Dori together in a cage.
I have not seen the baby red-bellied since "mom" "yelled"at him.She is a regular vistor at the feeder though.

A New Wheel

2011-07-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

My birthday is not till the 29th but Pacific Wool & Fiber was having a sale that ended in June on their Kromski Sonatos,I got the wheel in walnut,the 3 bobbins ,another jumbo drive with a bobbin,& the carry bag for it.The bundled package was $625.I thought that was a bargin for all of that.
I assumed since it was a carry along wheel that folds up & goes in the bag with you,that it would be small,like my Ashford Joy.It`s not,really.The Joy fits me perfectly,but with my small frame I find myself grabbing a pillow to sit on & I still can`t see over the Sonato to tell when to move the fiber.It is adjustable,but I think it`s adjusted all it can be.I also have to use more of my hip muscles treadling.I`ve broken the cotton tension string twice.

At any rate,I do like it.I will get used to it.It`s nice having 2 wheels to work on.Happy Birthday to me...

Unknown Bird

2011-07-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

While birdwatching today,this bird came to the feeder,& I don`t know what it is.He is the size of a robin.

A Day Alone,well,not really when you count the various 4 legged critters

2011-07-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is bike week in Gettysburg,Pa.Thurs.night the Charlie Daniels Band played at Granite Hill campground,& they had other things going on the weekend.The dh went & saw the band,said they were great,played for 1 1/2 hours.Today he left to go see what else was going on.Me-I get some time alone.I do not enjoy events with crowds.I`d just as soon sit with my pets & watch the birds or engage in some dirty dancing around the house.
Really what I did was bake some blueberry zucchini bread{recipe is in another post,go look at my labels},ate part of a loaf,and they are funny shaped loaves as I used parchment paper to line my loaf pans with.
I also made ham salad,deviled eggs,& finished up with getting the mohair out & flicking open the locks getting the hay & things out & seperating the good from the bad.The bad is hair I can`t get all the thistle seeds out of,so I still keep it as it`s cleaned other than that,& I`ll use it for stuffing dolls.

The goats fleece is still nice,except for Blackie`s.His was never really nice to begin with,he has dry skin.

The past 2 days I`ve been to the barn,I`ve been stung by yellow jackets.I was stung 3 times.I thought I had gotten rid of the nest,at least where I believed the nest to be,& ended up stepping on it again.I just removed a hornets nest last month from inside the barn.

Baby red-bellied woodpecker & mom

2011-07-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

This baby woodpecker is soooo pleased with himself at finding the feeder on his own,till mom caught him.It looks like she is giving him the devil,I can almost hear her yelling,I TOLD you NOT to do that!!!!! What part of NO don`t you understand???!!!
I`m editing this post & using it for my world bird Wed.I ran out of time to start fresh.Please go to the springman`s blog to enter your backyard bird today.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Grooming

2011-06-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

I didn`t get to post on world bird Wed again,yesterday was a beautiful cool sunny day outside & I spent it finally planting the remainder of the tomato plants I had started from seed into pots.There`s just no room.I went crazy starting them this year,I thought people would want them for their gardens but had no takers except for my brother`s family & my friend,Jen,& hubby..
I groomed the 3 shelties & the rabbits.I didn`t get Gingers face too good,I`ll even it out later.She put up alot with us clipping & brushing,not knowing us.She is a lap rabbit,loves to sit in your lap & be petted.Cloud had the run of the bathroom yesterday as the dh built the divider for his castle.Now they are all outside unless it gets too hot,then I`ll bring them back inside.But,Ginger has trained me already by thumping loudly this am,I looked out the bedroom window to see her peering in expectantly,they were out of food.I`m so glad that they are right where I can see them.The dh is already worrying about the coming winter.Little does he know,but I plan on getting another storage shed & hopefully they can be in it.
She slid down off dh`s lap in the last picture.

Another Angora Bunny

2011-06-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Two posts in 1 day!I have found that using my microsoft picture- this program & sending photos to it,have them sized for the web makes it easier & faster to load pictures on the blog.So lately I`ve been picture happy.

I met Sherry today & she GAVE me her 3 year old doe who is chocolate colored.She is so sweet,these rabbits are such good pets to have.Dori shared her "pad"with her new roomate without any trouble.Dori climbed on Ginger,nestled underneath her,showed her how to rearrange the cage,Ginger was tolerant of it all.I wasn`t able to get the best pictures yet,but here is one of her.Sherry said she cannot be bred,that is fine to me,I`m kinda getting scared at the thought of babies next year.Their fiber is so soft.See Sherry`s babies here...http://www.theangorarabbit.com/

Son is cna now

2011-06-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our son passed his state finals yesterday so now he can get a better paying job as a certified nurse`s aide.He is 37,just now getting it together.He tried welding like his father,but was too much of a perfectionist.He wanted things welded the right way & in doing that he wasn`t keeping up with production.So,he followed my footsteps instead,& I know he`ll be really good at it.He is still cooking,hopes to work both jobs.

His job left him off a couple of hours on Fri.so he could go to another graduation,he completed the probation dept.`s classes ,he was 1 of 26.It`s really hard to finish them & we thought the parents/support people who took them should get some sort of medal too,hah,hah.So glad all of the running him about is almost over.He got a plaque,as did everyone,but he also got a special award,only a handful of people got these awards,1 for perfect attendance,& different things like that.I believe his is for understanding cause & effect,something like that,we didn`t pay attention like we should as we didn`t know he was being reconized for that,plus the kids were beginning to act up.See the balloons in the picture?There were about 4 sets of those,& my precious grandaughter asked if she could have them after we were done eating{they supplied subway hoagies & cake},then she asked for some for her brother,so they ended up with 4 clusters of them.It was funny seeing them trying to put them in the car.I used the sony bloggie to take pictures & I`m afraid most of the ones of my son are blurry.

Meadow,Aliens,& Bunnies

2011-06-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

This mushroom looks like an alien landed in our woods.It is shaped like none other I ever saw.
The meadow is 2 years old now & looks good.The white weeds I left,they must`ve been in the topsoil we bought to put out back.The flowers on the weeds draw butterflies & bugs which then feed the birds.

I had a photo shoot with little Dori,the angora hybrid,& Cloud,the german angora bunny.

Baby Brown Thrashers

2011-06-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

The baby brown thrashers startled me when I was tending the garden yesterday.I am glad I took the camera with me.I put off weeding till today,& yet here I sit.There are 2 that I see,one was on the tomato plants & the other in the blue spruce tree.

World Bird Wed.

2011-06-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today is world bird Wed.,please go to the springman`s blog to link up with other bird watchers from around the world.It is a world of fun!!http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/
I did not pick any 1 bird this week.They all are feeding babies.I found this Carolina wren-although it is blurry-so funny as I tried to photograph him with his head turned in the most wierd way.
That house wren DOES have a nest in the gourd.Two familes of wrens nesting very close together,1 in a bluebird box & 1 in the gourd.
This catbird & I are fighting over the rights to black raspberries,& if you take notice,he is only eating the ripe ones!!!While he is looking at me! Is he sticking it to me?!

I`m in a somewhat better mood today although the taxi driving around people hasn`t let up,I am dealing with it.I just feel sorry for myself when I can`t be at home watching the wildlife I love so much.

Happy Father`s Day

2011-06-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

I realize more & more with each passing year,I am more my father`s child than my mother`s.I lost him several years ago when he had a stroke,but I so miss him every day when I`m in the garden,I am just reminded that I`m thankful for the dad our God gave me.

My New Little Girl Hybrid

2011-06-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the better days of this week here.I will do some ranting on another post.
I picked up my little girl today.If you are from this area & are interested in raising these beautiful creatures,go talk to Sherry Tenney at her website,Tenneysangoras.She is so helpful & you will love her.
Anyhow,I was going to name her Smoke,since the german angora is Cloud,but I have been reading alot of Lisa Gardener novels lately{this is my rant,having to drive so many people around I have read almost every book she`s written-that`s on the up end of the rant} & the one I have now reading there is a character named Dori in it & this bunny looks like a Dori to me.She is an English/German angora mix,hence hybrid.She will have lovely wool when she gets older.I just love her.She is checking out her new home,standing up sniffing everything.
I also went & got the wool,the hubby went with me this time,& was glad I did as this week the wool people were coming around to get their wool & take it to a wool pool.I don`t know exactly what that means,just that it`s an auction involving wool from sheep that are not handspinning fleece,I guess.I didn`t pay for it,they said to wait to see how much it goes for a pound.The dh helped sort 1 bag for me,but this bag wasn`t very good,had alot to throw out,I didn`t even want to waste the time washing it for stuffing dolls,it had soooo much hay & thistle pieces in it,it was not worth the time.Some was alright,you can see the difference in it.
I totally missed world bird Wed.,I was so much on the go yesterday I wasn`t even sure what day it was.But here are some pics of what I saw when I was home.This chipmunk is taking lessons from the one eyed squirrel on how to leap from the handrail to the bird feeder.He did not make it.

We are now getting deer again,just haven`t been outside to photograph them in time.The Texas gas company has finished going through here replacing pipe & they have finished up last week,spreading straw & grass seed,so the deer didn`t take long to figure out that the people are gone & now they have some catch up grazing to do.

Baby,it`s cold outside

2011-06-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

It`s some kind of rule here in Pa that you don`t run your furnace in June,but I do have the electric space heater on to at least heat the bathroom.I never pack my flannel nightgowns away,I know at some point in the spring/summer I`ll have to pull 1 out,& last night was the night.It is 60 inside,so I`m off to shower & walk the dogs before it becomes too hot to work outside.And,hopefully,to find a bird or 2 for world bird Wed.

One eyed squirrel

2011-06-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

This poor squirrel I feel sure has been the target practice of old men with bb guns.He still hits our bird feeder every now & then,but runs when I let Bandit out.It has become a game,how much can I eat before that dog chases me.I put up a baffel,but he leaps from the banister to reach it & has become quite the expert at jumping & running..

The Mannings spinning seminar

2011-06-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

I went alone yesterday to the Mannings,it is about a 40 min. drive 1 way,& I didn`t stay very long because of the heat.There is always a nice breeze flowing down through there by the creek though.The Roclans showed up with their sheep.I missed the shearing of the one,there were 2 more to do,but I didn`t hang out.She had beautiful hand dyed roving,but I talked myself out of buying any as an incentive to get busy on my own fiber.I did,however,want a whole bag of the raw dark brown wool she had,but when I left & walked back around,someone had gotten it.It was nice too.
The only animals there were sheep & angora goats.I snapped pictures of these little tiny cuties.This mohair shown here is dyed in this basket along with some natural.

I was amazed at this plant fiber & watched the people work at it awhile.This wheel on the left is called a wood wheel,I think I understood her to say.It looked like fun beating the heck outa that plant fiber.The girl is spinning flax.I wonder if that would hurt your fingers after awhile?As usual,I was too shy to ask.
I have a wheel like this antique looking one,& I took it apart to put the correct belt on instead of cotton string-which I should`ve just let it alone,so I told these people I was taking alot of pictures of their wheels because of that.They said I should`ve brought it along,they`d have looked at it.I thought about it before I left here to take it along,but I didn`t.They told me I could get more bobbins made for it if I took the mother off & sent the works,not the whole wheel,just the mother part.I had thought it was a flax wheel,but they were spinning wool on theirs.
I was surprised at how many men were spinning there this time,I`d say it was almost an equal ratio of men to women.
Oh well,there is always next year.I`d like to get my fiber washed & done,maybe I could sell some there next year.Didn`t I just write that back in 2008? Oh well,it is a goal I suppose...

The Mannings Annual Handspinning open house tomorrow,June 11

2011-06-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you are in the East Berlin ,Pa area tomorrow,there is going to be alot of spinning with different fibers going on at the Mannings,spinning flax,showing felting & dyeing & carding fiber,angora goats & rabbits-I hope-& it is all outside in a big field at the creek at the handspinning school on possom hollow road,I believe it is called.There will be a sheep shearing too.I haven`t been there for 2 years,here are some pictures of the one I attended in June 2008.Little did I know then that I would own a rabbit like this being sheared by Susan.There is a church that brings the best food you can buy too,if they don`t run out as it`s very yummy.I hope to go tomorrow.

Son`s Graduation

2011-06-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Another thing that happenned this week is my 37 year old son graduated CNA school.If he passes his state test on June 27th,he`ll be able to get a better paying job as a certified nursing assistant.It has been a long road for him but I hope & pray he has finally grown up.Being on medication as made a world of difference in him.He would like to continue on & become an RN,but now is thinking of getting a job at the home he trained in.
He has been shaving his head in the summer,he has nice hair,but chooses to be cooler,plus his wife loves a bald head.Don`t figure for me...

Backtracking

2011-06-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

I need to backtrack a little as I have not had alot of time to blog & have to unload some.
Simba had another seizure on Sun.morning.His seizures usually happen in the evenning,but this time it was at 8am,almost 3 months to the day.I`ve noticed he meows funny a couple of days ahead of time now before he has the seizures,walks around meowing off & on as if to say,Mom,stay near,I`m feeling wierd again in the head.It only lasted a min.He woke me up,he had tried to get to me on my side of the bed,but Maggie wouldn`t get out of the way.She sure high tailed it when Simba started jerking & making odd sounds.I scooped him up & ran to the bathroom for a towel.He really had alot of saliva this time so I encouraged him to lay his head on my arm so he wouldn`t choke.It only lasted about a minute.It seems to me now that the sooner I reach him,the less time he`s in it.We will see as time passes,that`s always why I want to write about the seizure while it is still fresh in my mind.
He always purrs & purrs when he comes out of it,being especially being kind to the dogs,who want no parts of him as they believe he is possessed or something.He tries to rub up & down them,& I wish I could capture the look on their faces,it is so funny,it is pure horror..They can`t get away from him fast enough.He then chooses to sleep right on top of me for awhile till he goes back into his aloof self again.

The dh figured out he`d love this little hut,as he`s been napping underneath Hunter`s doggie bed.I have about fell over him several times now as he can completely hide himself under it.I need to video Simba & Cloud,when I bring Cloud inside to run about,he can`t figure out the cat`s hut & has tried to get in it with Simba inside.Simba loves to swat at unsuspecting people & dogs & now rabbit as we go by him.The scratching post the dh bought him at the cat show,he`s not interested in,but he sure loves to hide in his hut.

World Bird Wed.House Wren

2011-06-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

It`s been a whole week again without a post.So much to write,however,first things first.Th bird I chose to post about today is the house wren,troglodytes aedon.I posted a few weeks ago about the wren when she was busy building a nest in that gourd,very elaborate if you recall.I was stunned this week to discover with all of that trouble,it was a fake nest.They actually built in this bluebird box which is nearby.The bluebirds never nested here,we have seen them,but they never stay.They used to nest at the neighbors,but they moved away so I don`t know if there is even a box there next door.
But,getting away from the story,the house wrens are raising babies in the bluebird box,& when I came inside after checking on things & refilled my birdbath,guess what was in the birdbath,a bluebird! These are rather fuzzy of him as I was snapping away through the window at him.

Go to the springman`s blog where he hosts world bird Wed. to see many amazing photos from around the world & join in ,it is alot of fun.The link ishttp://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

World Bird Wed.

2011-06-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Today is world bird Wed.Go to this link & have fun seeing all of the beautiful birds from around the world.http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

I`m submitting the tufted titmouse,baeolophus bicolor.This is a common bird here in Pa.& they stay here all year around.Here are photos of a very determined titmouse collecting nest making material.

Washing mohair

2011-05-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the day indoors because of the heat today.I washed mohair from this year as I had it in the greenhouse & it was in the way & I did that knowing I`d have to get to it right away.I set up screens & old screen doors Cathleen gave me to dry the fleece on.It`s not to rain till tomorrow.I also put some in the greenhouse to dry.I tried to get the rest of the plants out & in the ground,but just could not take the heat.I brought Cloud indoors,I`ll soon take him back out as the sun goes now.
Anyhow,the mohair is awful this year.I have never seen so much veg.matter in it & I may just have to use some of it to stuff dolls with.It`s all getting handwashed,I`ll decide later what is what.

The lady I made the wool throw for from her sheep out of the kindness of my heart & as a surprise, has treasured it so much,she`d like 1 for every grandchild,about 20 of them,my friend,Cathleen says.I will speak to the woman about the projects soon when I pick up the wool.I started the first one already.It is all from sheep`s wool that are normally used for meat.She loves the feel of it as when I handwash it,I use Dawn,& you can still feel the lanolin in it,very soft to spin.I don`t know what to do though,she charged me for the wool,& I gave her the throw after it was finally done.If she charges me this time for the wool,I`ll have to charge her for making the 20 throws.That`s when I have a problem.I just don`t like to charge for anything.

Casey Anthony

2011-05-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

I don`t usually blog about these things,but the disappearance of a 3 year old child 3 years ago? kept me rivated to the tv,following Nancy Grace till the end.They found the child`s body in Orlando,Florida,& now the mother is finally on trial for the child`s death.I just have to say,my heart goes out to the grandmother & grandfather.The child & the daughter lived with them.It is awful what they are going through now in the court trial of their daughter.The child,their granddaughter,was found in a swamp where the mother had buried dead pets just miles from their home,the 3 year old little girl was found with duct tape around her nose & mouth,the tape still stuck to her hair,but there was little else left of the body.I forget how long it took them to find the garbage bag with this child`s remains.The same duct tape along with heart stickers that were on the child`s remains were also found in the Anthony`s home,that says alot to me.That`s all I`ll say about it,you just have to watch HLN news to see the trial.

Cloud`s hutch done,Sunday musings

2011-05-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

The 8 foot long rabbit hutch is now done.The dh put it together after I got home from church.It is bolted together in pieces so was easy for him to handle himself.When you get our age,you know you are not getting any help from anyone so everything has to be thought upon ahead of time.Cloud has lots of room now & I don`t feel as worried as he is right outside my bedroom window.
I took lots of pictures the past few days because of all the tornato warnings,I was afraid my flowers would be ruined.But we were blessed not to even lose a tree.Last year I started foxgloves,the wild ones by seed .This year I will sow more seeds as to have a steady flower coming every year.I love them.I should have lived in England,I love the cottage look of english gardens.
I like to re-purpose throwaway stuff,like this bathroom sink,not ours,but it was free,so I opted to haul it home & for awhile used it as a fountain.I cannot lift it in place anymore for a fountain,so I put a some sedum in it that will come up every year.
I wish you could smell this southern magnolia tree.I have 2 of them & am thinking of getting more.I was told it would never grow,but grow it has,both of them rewarding me every spring,sometimes twice blooming.The smell is to die for.Thank-you Arbor Day people for your trees.

Leaving you with a stroll around the flowers,lots of places here for the fairies to play.

When in doubt,look up...

Blogger down?

2011-05-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

I haven`t been able to post anything since Wed.I then realize how much it means to myself to let things out by writing,I can unclutter my mind,see things from a new view,solve various problems,alot of times from my blogger friends help,& facebook too,though I don`t go there as much.
I kept trying to sign in to get into my account,finally changed my password,& it still didn`t work,kept coming up wrong password.I guess I`m back on track now.I hope so anyhow.It seems other people had trouble too,beginning in the 24th.
Well,we`ve had tornato warnings here in Pa.the past 2 days,& we are lucky nothing came down here.My son & his family were without electric for over a day.We unloaded his refrigerator & brought his food here to our house.We have a generator they could have used,but we kept believing it would come back on any minute.
Dominick`s tramopline was bent up in the storm,he just got it for his birthday on the 8th.My brother is going to see if he has parts to fix it.My son had to tie it to the neighbors fence so it wouldn`t blow out of the yard.I am amazed that we didn`t lose any trees here.

I did get Cloud clipped,he was miserable in the heat 2 days ago.It took me an hour & a half,but I didn`t knick him & he was so happy he ran through the house thumpin his back feet.I got almost 4 oz.of fiber.The fiber is unbelievably soft.He is so white that it is hard to photograph him.

Progress,Cloud,flowers,& birds

2011-05-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have a hubby who can make things for me right away.I told him what I needed for Cloud & his wife,a large cage with the plans & he is on it already.This is what he has so far done since yesterday.The sides,almost all of the floor{he wants to make hay racks on both ends} & we started the roof.The back of the hutch will have panels to put insulation in.There will be dividers in the middle to allow rabbits some time alone.The roof was going to be plyboard,but we are thinking of something else lighter.It is all bolted together to take apart if we ever sell it or want to move it.

Some pictures I took of birds,Cloud,& blooming flowers,clematis,foxgloves & dames rocket I started last year from seed are blooming this year.The brown thrasher seemed surprised to see me stalking him,he was in the garden that I`m not done with yet gathering worms from under newspaper I put down as mulch ,the nuthatch posed perfectly on the side of a pole with a seed in his beak.