Taking it easy

I'm taking it easy this afternoon. I've got a bit of a weary feeling which I think might be from low iron (now that I can recognise the signs). So off to bed early with a good book, The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan in fact. I find I don't read a lot of non-fiction anymore. Cook books and gardening books dominate.

 

 I made a small tote bag recently to post off in a gift parcel. Now I'm moving on to making a picnic blanket/quilt for another friend and perhaps a table runner or two. That's a good thing about winter evenings. There is less daylight to spend working outdoors so some of those craft projects can take centre stage.

And just to show you how  things really are here. I turn my back to do some exercising and what happens to my water? I'm a little concerned about how many times this has happened in the past and I haven't known.
Tracy

Planting

I haven't sown any spring/ summer seeds yet because it is just too cold for it to be worth the effort but it's going to be soon. Scarecrow has been and it does make your fingers itch a little. What I did plant today though was rhubarb. I have never had an ounce of luck growing it. When Tim and I moved into our first home, there was a huge rhubarb plant in situ which we proceeded to remove (what were we thinking?). Actually I had visions of my yet to be born children poisoning themselves which in hindsight could never have happened as they are the type of children that took some coercing into eating anything green. Also it wasn't something that either of us had eaten much of so out it went. Perhaps that's why I have trouble getting it to flourish now in this garden, some kind of rhubarb karma. No, I just haven't found the right spot but I'm sure the well drained, sunny spot amongst the herbs will be just right. I hope so anyway.

 

If I was a rhubarb plant I think I would like to have this lavender for a neighbour. It was a cheapy plant from Bunnings or Big W and is called Lavender 'Spanish Eyes'. It is a Lavendula multifida and doesn't have the typical lavender aroma but is still pretty with its fern-like foliage.

I also planted some accidental 'cuttings' from my peppermint geranium. I pulled out a piece while I was weeding so I popped three cuttings into some potting mix and now have my fingers crossed that they strike.

The daffodils are one by one blooming. My dream of a small meadow of daffodils is still a long way off but it is closer this year than last.  I have our hammock in amongst them at the moment to make the most of them because the 'moment' doesn't last long.

I don't know if I have ever posted a picture of our dog, Arrow, here before but I thought I would share this one. I  warmed up enough outside gardening to remove a layer or two and in true canine form, Arrow found my cardigan. And as I said on the   Facebook page , it's a tough life being a farm dog here. Well she is doing what she does best I guess.

Hope you are having a nice day. It's lovely here today.
Tracy

Greening up

 

I am so glad to say that things are greening up in the area generally and here in particular. I must admit that a little more rain falling on the tin roof this afternoon was enough to lull me into a nap. I didn't realise I was so tired but I have been working extra hard this week.

 

 

The sheep really can't keep on top of the feed right now. BUt they will be having some help come tomorrow and I am very excited. I won't say anymore now but it is something I have daydreamed about many atime.

And just because I was in an extra generous mood today, the poultry got some watermelon. I have always had an aversion to watermelon but today something tempted me and I tried some. I was pleasantly surprised and i think I am a convert. My Mum always told me that my tastes would change when I grew up. I hope this isn't a sign that I might be growing up.
Tracy

The animals are in control

It seems that right now the animals are in charge here. The ewes are checked periodically during the night to make sure there is no trouble because trouble does often happen at night for some reason. Thankfully though there has been no sign of trouble. During the day there are the usual chores plus Grace and Hope are on lamb playing duty. It is not surprising that they can not bear to eat our home produced lamb meat when they become attached to them when they are tiny.

Sometimes the sheep just want to have a chat over lunch.

Even Puss has taken over the kitchen. She isn't allowed in the sink but she doesn't care.

Tracy