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| Cold weather = hot soups |
This month is the time each year when we busy ourselves at home, resting and clearing away old remnants that can interfere with the coming season of awakening and growth.
We've had just a couple of snow events this winter. I think that only twice have we received 6-8" of snow.
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| Mink trails |
On each morning following these heavier snows, our yard has been criss crossed with these very unique trails. They are made by the minks that live along our creek. Apparently, they find our yard great fun for exploring and hunting in the deeper snow.
During the colder days we've seen a Sharp Shinned Hawk hunting around our feeders and in our shrubs. Last week we saw it take a Junco in the morning and a Mourning Dove in the afternoon.
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| Staying warm this winter |
While we haven't had a great deal of snow, the cold and windy pattern continues from last month. Many meals of soup have been eaten in front of the stove.
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| Big Game Day |
Neither Bob nor I have any interest in sports. Nor do we have a TV to watch sports on. On that Big Day, we played our own game, cozy in front of the stove, with a big bowl of popcorn at hand. (I whooped him again.)
Stay at Home Time is a good opportunity to go through our clothes. We can eliminate what needs to go or fix up things that need attention before the next season.
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| Mending in progress |
I used to make all of my own clothes, with the exception of under garments and socks. When the cost of fabric, patterns and buttons (when you can find them) began to skyrocket, I stopped. Now our clothes come from resale shops. Since neither of us are "off the rack" sizes, my sewing skills come in handy. I can alter and improve the things we find.
I resized five summer tops which were in my drawer and remade a worn-out sofa pillow. It feels good to save money and get more use out of the things we already have.
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| Hardanger piece now |
I've made good progress on my hardanger piece. Stages 1&2 are done and I'm well into the final stage.
Now it's time to start stirring ourselves toward spring.
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| Harvesting trees |
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| Log transportation |
Bob's been hard at work preparing for mushroom growing. He cut down two trees (maple & oak) of appropriate sizes and is inoculating them with mushroom spawn.
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| Chicken of the Woods logs |
The short lengths have been sterilized and inoculated with Chicken of the Woods spawn. These will sit in the cellar for 2-3 months and then be partially buried in the mushroom garden.
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| Logs waiting |
He cut longer pieces for the Shiitake mushrooms. (Some maple, some oak.)
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| Inoculating logs |
He's now in the process of inoculating these logs. They will go outside sooner than the others.
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| Plant start area is ready |
The plant start area is all set up and ready. Next week I will sow my early seeds. This year will be garden #33 for us!
The freezer is emptying out. There are a few sweet potatoes, garlic and shallots left. The beets and carrots are gone. What we do have is potatoes!
Ever since I was a preschooler, I have loved Early Music. I was hooked when The Friendly Giant (CBC out of Kingston Ontario) would have his minstrel puppets play along as he played the recorder. (FYI Rusty the Rooster played the folk harp.) I'd love to have that series on DVD!
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| Incredible concert |
My birthday is very soon. As a special early treat, we attended a Paul O'Dette concert. For those who don't know, he's BIG in early music circles.
We were in an intimate chapel setting, and we sat 10-12 feet directly in front of him. He played wonderfully and was so calm and gracious, even when both a string and a peg on his lute broke during the performance. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.
We'll be celebrating my birthday this weekend and beginning to stretch toward spring.
Prepare yourselves, too.
Till next time,
Kathleen and Bob
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| Sedum waiting for summer sun |
