Well, the frost is on the pumpkin-if I had pumpkins... and the hay is in the barn -- if I had a barn and hay planted... As I walked up to the goat yard this morning, in the dawning dark, the grasses were silvered with dew, and nearly luminescent in their grace. Autumn has broken.
>^,,^<
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Expectations
Today is the Autumnal equinox, the Balance part of the Year, the Harvest Moon, time of the Brown Bear, of creative curiosity. Tomorrow will start the Ducks Fly Moon. Today is when the length of the day equals the length of the night. The last day of the South, poised to move into the West.
And poised we are, here at Wolfdancer Creek. We are facing difficult times with our Kin, with all our Relations, with dignity and perseverance and patient understanding, mostly.
All of my tomatoes may not achieve ripeness. If this be the case, I will surprise a certain someone with his first taste of fried green tomatoes. Since surprises and feeding him is a delight both epicurean and emotional, I may harvest a passel of the bigger tomatoes which are not showing color for dinner this week. I have discovered that while goats do not like squash foliage, they DO like squashes. The chill is ensuring that what apples I do harvest will be sweet & delicious. I believe I found a couple of winesap apple trees in my orchard, and this Spring I will move my attentions to grooming that block of trees up, brutally if I must -- I will sacrifice a season's harvest for healthy manageable trees-- I still have to figure out an organic-yet-effective apple maggot-type buggie control.
The Woofers seem to be sensing and reacting to the change of season as well. We have grumpage happening in several areas. I think I may expound upon my theories on this here, but needs be a later date, with more references.
I have been assured by several sources that this is NOT typical Oregonian weather timing. My prognostication for this Winter in Estacada, and I'm publishing it now so's I can start a record (starting last year as none of you readers out there will remember, but you CAN verify in the archives *grin*) it's going to start early, there will be a few fairly brutal and lengthy cold snaps, it'll be wetter than normal and colder than normal and longer than normal. I haven't got a "feel" for the snow presence yet. Long & cold is what I am "feeling". Let's see what happens!
Signing off 'till later, I wish thee Balance and Peace.
>^,,^<
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sweatin' to the Garden Rocks
Two days hence:
92.8 °F / 33.8 °C
Clear
Humidity: 27%
Dew Point: 54 °F / 12 °C
Wind: 0.0 mph / 0 km/h
Wind Gust: 2.5 mph / 4 km/h
Pressure: 29.38 in / 994.8 hPa (Falling)
Heat Index: 91 °F / 33 °C
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 4 out of 16
Clouds:
Clear -
(Above Ground Level)
Elevation: 1100 ft / 335 m
Ah! I took the scythe that Greig bought me and I cut a tall wagon-load of "first cut orchard hay" (read that, weedy grass) Which I am preparing to haul up to the Royal Goat Court.
I cleared all the way to my "Happy Gardening" sign, which has been overtaken by the tall grasses.. Tall grasses, I might add, which I, in my naive furor, actually PLANTED there, because I was unaware that first year or two that mulching with straw was flat-out DANGERSOME out here. If you plant it, it will come.
Yesterday, Greig and I made temporary fencing in our first foray into the Great Blackberry Abatement Scheme. So far, it is working like a charm, and the goats are FAT!!!
Rhi thinks they look like *meats, Mom, DINNER!* But they are almost as big as she is, the goof. Off to let them out into the brambles for the day. Rhi's burning off calories watching them studiously ignore her.
>^,,^<
92.8 °F / 33.8 °C
Clear
Humidity: 27%
Dew Point: 54 °F / 12 °C
Wind: 0.0 mph / 0 km/h
Wind Gust: 2.5 mph / 4 km/h
Pressure: 29.38 in / 994.8 hPa (Falling)
Heat Index: 91 °F / 33 °C
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 4 out of 16
Clouds:
Clear -
(Above Ground Level)
Elevation: 1100 ft / 335 m
Ah! I took the scythe that Greig bought me and I cut a tall wagon-load of "first cut orchard hay" (read that, weedy grass) Which I am preparing to haul up to the Royal Goat Court.
I cleared all the way to my "Happy Gardening" sign, which has been overtaken by the tall grasses.. Tall grasses, I might add, which I, in my naive furor, actually PLANTED there, because I was unaware that first year or two that mulching with straw was flat-out DANGERSOME out here. If you plant it, it will come.
Yesterday, Greig and I made temporary fencing in our first foray into the Great Blackberry Abatement Scheme. So far, it is working like a charm, and the goats are FAT!!!
Rhi thinks they look like *meats, Mom, DINNER!* But they are almost as big as she is, the goof. Off to let them out into the brambles for the day. Rhi's burning off calories watching them studiously ignore her.
>^,,^<
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Re-Entry into Spaced Program!
Well, I got me busier than a one-armed paper-hanger with a case of the hives. And it's been a week since I wrote *bad me* I started a new post two days ago, only to have it terminated by the Great InterNet Gods. *foooey*
Good Morning, Moon. Good Morning, spooned one. Light the night and spin the day rich with pinkish lavender water color sky, Good Morning Moon, so full and honey delightful, so full of secret songs the Song Dogs sing. Good Morning, apple trees, all washed in light and lovely. Good Morning green tomatoes full of ripe red promises. Good Morning, Love, sleepy eyed your hair still damp with apricots and silvers. Good Morning, mountains by the lake, with your piney tresses aglow with moon and dawn.
Good Morning, Moon. Good Morning, Day. I greet thee joyously, dew on my lips from fairy kisses and dragon dreams. Heart wide open, I spin 'till I'm dizzy with it.
>^,,^<
Good Morning, Moon. Good Morning, spooned one. Light the night and spin the day rich with pinkish lavender water color sky, Good Morning Moon, so full and honey delightful, so full of secret songs the Song Dogs sing. Good Morning, apple trees, all washed in light and lovely. Good Morning green tomatoes full of ripe red promises. Good Morning, Love, sleepy eyed your hair still damp with apricots and silvers. Good Morning, mountains by the lake, with your piney tresses aglow with moon and dawn.
Good Morning, Moon. Good Morning, Day. I greet thee joyously, dew on my lips from fairy kisses and dragon dreams. Heart wide open, I spin 'till I'm dizzy with it.
>^,,^<
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Crispy Morning
I have made me a warm steeped cuppa apple cinnamon herb tea with a teaspoon of honey. Back in the late 70's, I had a bit of a reputation in the wee Beach town I lived in for so long.. Ocean Beach, in sunny San Diego... for having a huge selection of herb teas. I am happy to say that I haven't lost my touch. There is nothing better than a warm cuppa herb tea to start off a crisp September morning. Back in San Diego, September has developed into one of the hottest months.. (it's
68* there right now, as compared to 43* here in Beautiful Estacada. OH no, no such thing as Global Warming.)
I am hoping that this week will maintain warm days so that my tomatoes can ripen. I see signs that they are less than enthused by the less-than-50* nights... I see some yellowing in the lower leaves.. *sigh* AH well, what will be, will be. Worst case scenario, there is a mess o' Fried Green Toatoes in my future.
There are also signs of color in my deciduous tree leaves.. Some of my maples --the Coral Bark and the Palmatum-- are displaying ruffles of fall color in their fair skirts. The Fern Leaf Full Moon maple has not yet changed her skirts. I think I shall be delighted this year by the place I planted these trees... There needed some color there. I have a few ideas for landscaping that area, I'd like to add a very large rock, and plan a place for my hammock. Let's see how this shapes up for next year. This area around the pond is one of my very favorite spots on Wolfdancer Creek
It lends itself well to dreaming.
'Till next time, O Gentle Folk...Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's out to work I go....
>^,,^<
68* there right now, as compared to 43* here in Beautiful Estacada. OH no, no such thing as Global Warming.)
I am hoping that this week will maintain warm days so that my tomatoes can ripen. I see signs that they are less than enthused by the less-than-50* nights... I see some yellowing in the lower leaves.. *sigh* AH well, what will be, will be. Worst case scenario, there is a mess o' Fried Green Toatoes in my future.
There are also signs of color in my deciduous tree leaves.. Some of my maples --the Coral Bark and the Palmatum-- are displaying ruffles of fall color in their fair skirts. The Fern Leaf Full Moon maple has not yet changed her skirts. I think I shall be delighted this year by the place I planted these trees... There needed some color there. I have a few ideas for landscaping that area, I'd like to add a very large rock, and plan a place for my hammock. Let's see how this shapes up for next year. This area around the pond is one of my very favorite spots on Wolfdancer Creek
It lends itself well to dreaming.
'Till next time, O Gentle Folk...Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's out to work I go....
>^,,^<
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Well, verily, I tippy tap into the Big Picture~ Blog Action Day
As a new Blogger with a non-existant Readership, I, nevertheless, must assume that my One Mile Radius starts with one small step, and begins with me. In particular with this year's Presidential Election, I feel urged to get involved in this endeavor. Bloggers everywhere across the board are signing up to discuss Issues of Importance. (Please note I use the "Capital "I"s here with Intention) So please put this on your calendar.
Blog Action Day
I've signed up. I have no idea what I shall write about, after all, no-one reads my small rural Blog except my immediate Family (God Bless 'Em!) and a few friends. Maybe that will change,maybe it will not. Perhaps my Blog will remain an OnLine Diary of sorts. It matters not. As I see it, even if there is no-one to see the ripples my stones of involvement create, nonetheless, they are there, and perhaps they will touch someone, something, somewhere, somewhen.
My One Mile Radius. (This is perhaps a glimmer of what I shall be writing about) My everyday actions, simple as they may be, are as butterfly wings. When I go to the store to buy the frozen chicken I feed my wolfdogs, (defrosted before they get it, of course) even if I feel inside as if my feet are encased in lead, even if I feel as if my heart is encased in ice, and I may never see the sun again, still, as I leave my truck, I lift my head, I look at the beautiful sky, and I put on a smile. I've been told that my smile helps push back the desperation that we are all fighting against. I'm sure it's not because I'm "all that and a box of cookies", but rather that when I smile, I smile with my heart wide open. I smile with everything within me, with every little piece of Light I can muster.
Yesterday I discovered just how badly in debt I am. It's pretty bad. It feels rather overwhelming. And I know I'm not alone in this. As I left the store, rather puzzled at how little my bill was, I got to my truck, began to unload my groceries, and discovered that my Grocery Checker had only charged me $5.30 for my two cases of chicken, rather than the $53.04 that it was. I turned around, got in line again, and showed her the boo boo, and ran my card again to pay for it.
Could I have used that "extra" $50.oo??? YOU BET! It would have paid off a bill that I owe, OR it could have fed my dogs for a week. (OK, for a couple of days at least) It briefly occured to me that this was a truth, I could have used that "extra" money desperately. But not for a second did I consider not turning around and making good on the mistake. This is my town. These are my fellow Citizens, my townfolk, my friends. And these ripples that I make with this "one hand clapping" "butterfly wings" action of mine is that first step of my One Mile Radius. I have chosen to fill my days with Random Acts of Kindness, to live with heart wide open. It is a choice I make every day when I awaken. It is a decision I started when I moved here, to start anew, and since my husband abandoned me, I have chosen to embrace all that this entails. The ethics behind living life with Responsible Purpose.
Somehow, it helps.
So I encourage you all to get involved in whatever way you can. Check out this Blog Action website. See if it chimes anything deep with you. And if it does, reach out and touch someone. My hand's outstretched, too.
Blessings!
>^,,^<
Blog Action Day
I've signed up. I have no idea what I shall write about, after all, no-one reads my small rural Blog except my immediate Family (God Bless 'Em!) and a few friends. Maybe that will change,maybe it will not. Perhaps my Blog will remain an OnLine Diary of sorts. It matters not. As I see it, even if there is no-one to see the ripples my stones of involvement create, nonetheless, they are there, and perhaps they will touch someone, something, somewhere, somewhen.
My One Mile Radius. (This is perhaps a glimmer of what I shall be writing about) My everyday actions, simple as they may be, are as butterfly wings. When I go to the store to buy the frozen chicken I feed my wolfdogs, (defrosted before they get it, of course) even if I feel inside as if my feet are encased in lead, even if I feel as if my heart is encased in ice, and I may never see the sun again, still, as I leave my truck, I lift my head, I look at the beautiful sky, and I put on a smile. I've been told that my smile helps push back the desperation that we are all fighting against. I'm sure it's not because I'm "all that and a box of cookies", but rather that when I smile, I smile with my heart wide open. I smile with everything within me, with every little piece of Light I can muster.
Yesterday I discovered just how badly in debt I am. It's pretty bad. It feels rather overwhelming. And I know I'm not alone in this. As I left the store, rather puzzled at how little my bill was, I got to my truck, began to unload my groceries, and discovered that my Grocery Checker had only charged me $5.30 for my two cases of chicken, rather than the $53.04 that it was. I turned around, got in line again, and showed her the boo boo, and ran my card again to pay for it.
Could I have used that "extra" $50.oo??? YOU BET! It would have paid off a bill that I owe, OR it could have fed my dogs for a week. (OK, for a couple of days at least) It briefly occured to me that this was a truth, I could have used that "extra" money desperately. But not for a second did I consider not turning around and making good on the mistake. This is my town. These are my fellow Citizens, my townfolk, my friends. And these ripples that I make with this "one hand clapping" "butterfly wings" action of mine is that first step of my One Mile Radius. I have chosen to fill my days with Random Acts of Kindness, to live with heart wide open. It is a choice I make every day when I awaken. It is a decision I started when I moved here, to start anew, and since my husband abandoned me, I have chosen to embrace all that this entails. The ethics behind living life with Responsible Purpose.
Somehow, it helps.
So I encourage you all to get involved in whatever way you can. Check out this Blog Action website. See if it chimes anything deep with you. And if it does, reach out and touch someone. My hand's outstretched, too.
Blessings!
>^,,^<
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Duck Sauce! Saucy Ducks?
Here are the pictures I promised of the Anconas.
Snow Ducks
This is the Six Pack, our first clutch of eggs successfully born here.
They are funny little creatures; part pirate, with no ethical difficulties with rape and pillage, part comedian.
Snow Ducks
This is the Six Pack, our first clutch of eggs successfully born here.
They are funny little creatures; part pirate, with no ethical difficulties with rape and pillage, part comedian.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Dragon Cave
My dragons grow with heat and snow
with lithesome wings and sterner things
with pipes and harp and claws so sharp
with fierce intent and teeth that rent
with staves of peace and fire beneath
wit healing touch which soothes so much
my eggs I keep both warm and deep
without a word they sing like birds
a song so sweet, so fierce, so fleet
to lift our hearts out from the dark
but most of all when darkness falls
my dragons gather my soul together
and wolves and we all sing to thee
ArrrOOOoooOo! to you! ArrRRooOO to you!
So my friend Centuri introduced me to yet another internet passion, Dragon Cave.
Dragon Cave
Where you steal dragon eggs, and raise them into hatchlings, and then raise them into adult dragons, via "clicking" on links on the internet. It takes a bit of doing, and your dragons can die if they don't get enough clicks within 6 days. I have found it intriguing.
My Wee Dragon Bairns
*chuckle* Enjoy!
>^,,^<
My dragons grow with heat and snow
with lithesome wings and sterner things
with pipes and harp and claws so sharp
with fierce intent and teeth that rent
with staves of peace and fire beneath
wit healing touch which soothes so much
my eggs I keep both warm and deep
without a word they sing like birds
a song so sweet, so fierce, so fleet
to lift our hearts out from the dark
but most of all when darkness falls
my dragons gather my soul together
and wolves and we all sing to thee
ArrrOOOoooOo! to you! ArrRRooOO to you!
So my friend Centuri introduced me to yet another internet passion, Dragon Cave.
Dragon Cave
Where you steal dragon eggs, and raise them into hatchlings, and then raise them into adult dragons, via "clicking" on links on the internet. It takes a bit of doing, and your dragons can die if they don't get enough clicks within 6 days. I have found it intriguing.
My Wee Dragon Bairns*chuckle* Enjoy!
>^,,^<
Gratitude
Never too old to find a fellow Dreamer. Never too old to watch the stars wheel in the sky and take someone's hand to watch it with you. Never too old to watch movies together and laugh at silly things. There are things one is never too old for. Love. Romance. Dreams. Awe. Joy. Wearing purple dresses with red hats. Stopping to smell the flowers. Gratitude for a friend's safety. Joy for a friend's accomplishments.
Keep a camera by, because you are never too old to stop in the middle of the street and take a picture, to burn it into your memory for those later years when one's memories will be the heat which drives one's smile.
Never too old to say Good Bye to the past, and never too old to appreciate its' existence in your heart, and the lessons you've been given.
Believe in Dragons and Unicorns, and they will believe in you.
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