Last beets harvested

Monday we dug the last of the beets and sampled some very sweet carrots. I worried that the beets would be frozen with the open winter we've had thus far. Even though we had mulched with leaves, it's been so cold I feared the frost would go too deep. I was pleasantly surprised, both the beets and the carrots were delicious!

Callie's wintertime location

Toasty warm by the woodstove

First Snow

Saturday, November 27th, the first snow fell in South Berwick. I found an old childhood calendar I'd kept from the 70's. Noted on November 11th--first snow. Yes folks, there is such a thing as global warming!

Snugging up for winter

The gardens are tucked in for the winter at last. We mulched the empty beds and the remaining crops; Swiss chard, beets, carrots, and overwintering garlic. The hoop house protects our hardy spinach and Asian greens. The boardwalks have been pulled up and stored in the garage. We're all ready for the cold blasts of winter.
My bird feeders are emptied almost every day as the birds feast on fatty oil-rich sunflower seeds. The suet blocks, pecked away to nearly nothing in a week need replacing already. Last night, a mouse scurried among the leaves along the house foundation, looking for a cranny to sneak into as Callie gave chase. She's not the hunter Ruby was and came away empty-jawed. Nothing like have a good Rottweiler mouser on the premises!
With the forecast calling for wet stormy weather ahead, like the squirrels gathering food, I cache dry wood inside the house at the garage--a good supply to get us through the dank, dark days ahead.

Potato harvest

The potato harvest is in, a multi-hued palette of red, violet, and creamy tan. Since we only had one garden this year, it was a much smaller harvest than last year, despite the late blight. We had such a busy summer what with the new horse and me having surgery in the spring, that we never got our second garden in. John has vowed that next year we will plant in the Eliot garden, no matter what. I suggested we keep it a garden for fall crops, those that don't need constant maintenance throughout the summer--just a couple of weedings. If we plant potatoes, winter squash, brussel sprouts, cabbage, surrounded by a deer-proof fence, we should make out just fine.

We've begun putting the garden to bed, leaving a few late veggies such as carrots, beets, and Swiss chard. The chard may overwinter again if we give it a nice blanket of leaves. A few tomatoes remain, stubbornly staying green, and some bell peppers that are finally turning chocolate brown (a new variety I tried) and red. The Kentucky Wonders got away from me, so I'm letting them dry on the vine and we'll shell them for soups and stews. The carrots need a good mulching, then once we get that first layer of snow, I'll pick them for the winter.

Once the garden is done, it's on to the woodpile. Some of the stumps still need splitting and I need to move the really old stuff to the front so the pieces don't get too punky. These chilly nights have me bringing in wood, staving off the cold the creeps in but never leaves. The sun doesn't arc high enough into the sky and is gone too soon by day's end. But I love this time of year--winter is sneaking closer.

Mr. Pockets searching my pockets

Out in the woods

Harley's Labor Day weekend was another breakthrough. Sunday, John (mounted on his bike) and Callie joined me for a hack in the woods. We unexpectedly hooked up with some folks from North Point on their horses. It became a joint ride, but one that Harley was a bit fractious on. He didn't want to be last in group! Must have been his former racing career coming out in him. He jigged quite a bit, and really wanted to run a couple of times. We had only one minor incident; Harley backed into the branches, knocking my hunt cap off, and bruising my forehead. Needless to say, we went shopping that afternoon for one of those newfangled helmets with a harness! Callie was beat. I don't think she's gone that far ever with us. Once she hit her bed, she was down for the count.
Yesterday, co-boarder Michelle and I rode again with the North Point gang. This time I put Harley out front and he was a dream! He just wanted his spot, with his gang nearby. We roamed the woods for two hours and had a blast.
This week, I need to get him back out by the fake deer, and to get in a good long canter to release that energy (I sound like Cesar Millan). He does like stretching his legs.

Time for sauce and salads!

Yikes! It's a fake deer!

Poor Harley, he was doing so well on our trail ride; past the scary house, past the guys shooting guns, through the water, past the scary gate and the wild turkeys. But it all came apart when he saw the deer target in a back yard. Spinning left, then right, lunging up the trail, I came unglued. Thankfully, I held onto the reins and didn't lose my horse! After dusting off the trail debris and pine needles, I led him past the scary deer, past the scary camper, the scary wood splitter, back to the safety of his barn. Whew!

Breakthrough!

Harley crossed the water (4x!) with me! Now, if we just keep the momentum going, he'll be trailworthy yet. I hoped to find the Emery's Bridge Rd. entrance to Orris Falls but had no luck. We came to a closed  gate that Harley would have no part of--the spin and dance routine again. We'll make a trail horse out of him yet!

Verdant garden

The garden is peaking. Everything is lush and producing fresh produce for our table. Each day, I pick another pint of grape tomatoes. The bush beans are on the verge of a third picking, but the Kentucky Wonders are holding out on us--lots of flowers, but still no beans. And the squashes, well the winter squashes are creeping over the flower beds, into the driveway, and up the walkway. We should have a decent crop of buttercup and delicata for the fall. The yellow summer squashes are putting forth just enough at a time to keep caught up eating them--grilled, sauteed with onion, and maybe with some fresh tomatoes! My nemesis, the fully red-ripened bell pepper still eludes me. Not enough water, sun, good soil? I never have achieved the end product featured in the catalogs! As for the eggplant, it looks like we may have another late crop again, due to my late start this spring. But there's still time for us to get in some late carrots, lettuce, spinach, and garlic. Lord knows, with the number of carrots Harley eats, we need a big bumper crop!

Time in the irons

Harley and I made a breakthrough on Saturday. We finally got across the brook at Orris Falls. It did require me to dismount (something of an issue as he was all in a dither), but with a lead line and carrots we finally made it across. Most of the ride was a challenge. Poor Harley was afraid something was bound to jump out of the woods at him and insisted on trying to turn back. I wouldn't say he's barn sour as much as he is scared. But with constant leg, crop, and an insistent seat, he finally moved forward. We backed up and circled around at least 6 times, and once, I nearly gave up, but we did it--a completed ride on the lollipop loop. Too bad Callie Lou couldn't come too--she'd have liked the romp the in the woods.

Sunday, I hooked up with Michelle, the other boarder, and we took to the woods heading for Wells. She has shown us some great trails up there, but it's such a tangle in my head, it will be hard to remember them all. We rode for about an hour an a half with some nice spots for trotting and cantering. I think Harley really enjoyed the latter--I could feel that Thoroughbred blood coming to life! The thrill of the race! He's also afraid of being left behind, truth be told. Harley, you big chicken! Michelle's dog Dasher came along for ride, streaking through the woods, sniffing around stone walls, and leaping downed trees. Next time John and I head up that way, Callie Lou will have to come too! She needs some new territory to explore and maybe if she's out front, she can boost Harley's confidence!

As John said, time in the irons is what I need to get my legs back. Sure enough, I was a bit sore Saturday night Sunday's ride loosened them up a bit, but it will take a lot of hours in the saddle.

Tomatoes...at last!

All winter, I crave the sweet juiciness of a tomato, and none of the store-bought varieties can come close. At last, the grape tomatoes are coming in fast and furious, and the first Amish Paste tomato dropped off the vine. The Brandywines are slowly swelling, but still green as their leaves. They will be the last tomatoes, picked just as fall is starting to show her colors in the maples. But now summer's sweetness has arrived on our doorstep. It's too bad there's  no way to preserve that same fresh-from-the-vine flavor. Yes, I'll can them for sauce and other recipes, but the sun-warmed flavor is different. For a few months out of the year, we can savor summer's freshness. Tonight, fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on homemade bread--our own bruschetta!

Best Buddies

Harley's new home

John and Harley home from the forest

We moved Harley to a new barn last Monday--a farm lush with grass, closer to good trail riding, and much nicer company. He's made friends with Echoe, and figured out he's not to bug Vance or Gator (the two head honchos). John and I have taken him for rides up into the Orris Falls Conservation area a few times, each time a little further. The bugs have been voracious this summer, but today, we finally had cooler, breezier weather. John rode him for about an hour and got back to the barn just as the skies let loose with a shower. Tomorrow, it's my turn!
He will be much happier here, plenty of food, and plenty of shade. Plus he's not forced to be in a stall 14 hours a day. These guys are out all night in the summer, mingling with the fire flies, the wild turkeys (of which there are many), and the deer. I'm sure an occasional fox or coyote pass by as well. Pete says he's seen moose, and bear sign out in the woods, but never near the paddocks--that would really give Harley a start! Callie likes it better here too--she gets free run of the barn with Michelle's dog, Dasher, and Pete's two dogs, Libra and Moby--all very laid back and cool with one another. Oh, and she gets to clean up Harley's spilled grain--yummy!

How does the garden grow?

It's a jungle overrun by winter squash, climbing, creeping, taking over the corner gardens. Our tomato plants are full of plump green tomatoes--we're just waiting for them to finally ripen. I harvested our first crop of green beans, enough for two meals. With everything started so late, I'll be glad to get whatever food we can this year.

I had my third driving lesson on the tractor yesterday. Dad had me harrowing, up and down, up and down, chopping up the grasses that grew in during our absence. John will plant a cover crop and then next spring, we'll plow that under and start anew. I told him there was no point in planting a fall garden unless he planned on fattening up a deer for our winter meat! We need to build a fence and decorate the borders with pie plates.

And my RE-education continues...

After so many years, I feel like a sack of potatoes on Harley. But the tightness in my legs keeps reminding me what I need to do. Harley takes it all like a trouper, but lets us know when he's had enough with a big sigh as he ambles to the middle of the ring. It was a beautiful summer night--breezy, no bugs, temperatures in the low 70's, perfect for an evening ride. John lunged him for a bit, work out the kinks and vinegar, then got up and worked him some more. By the time I rode, he had mellowed out until one of the unsuspecting killdeer jumped up and started scooting down the ringside, in front of Harley. That was enough to send him into a half-hearted spin, but I was ready this time! Jam those heels forward, Lisa! As he hopped back and forth, I got him back under control and we circled back twice--just for good measure. I've a ways to go strengthening my legs, and he has some schooling ahead of him. Under John's tutelage, I think it will all come together for both of us eventually.

Harley's education continues

Harley continues to brave the big outdoors, spooking at other horses, chipmunks, etc., but John perseveres and stays on his back. Yesterday, he got another jumping lesson as John assessed his abilities. This is the first time I've photographed high action with this little digital camera--a total failure, and may have to resort to 400 ASA film in a standard SLR. So, we'll see how talented he is and push him onward and upward.

Callie's last ride in Bucky the Trucky

 Bucky the Trucky is soon to be replaced with a new Tacoma, another green one, with more bells and whistles. Due to the rusty frame recall, I've been forced to replace him, even though he still runs fine. Yikes, there goes a chunk of change! Callie Lou won't like that there's no rear window in Bucky II, although I may spring the $'s to add one.

And now--for the garden

We are woefully behind in our seasonal gardening. I finally got some planting done last week, and just put one third of the tomatoes in the ground yesterday. I still haven't figured out where things need to go per our rotation plan. You'd think with 4 weeks of post-surgery rest, I'd at least have that done! Last weekend, Dad harrowed the garden in Eliot. We have to get things put in there before the weeds take over again!

After the work was done, it was play time for the dog. Check out John and Dad wrestling with Callie Lou!

The animals are taking over our lives!

Twice a day, we head to the barn for Harley care and, if we have enough energy, a ride. John graciously walked along side me for about 4 miles when we hacked out down the pipeline. Harley was a little squirrelly with big puddles and tried to spin out on me a few times. But other than that, he was a doll. I wasn't sure what to expect from dirt bikes and ATV's, so John clipped him onto the lead just in case. He didn't seem to mind them too much--but the scary water....YIKES!
And now Callie Lou is clamoring for our attention too, like an older sibling that's feeling neglected. How does she demonstrate this? By coming upstairs now and sleeping on the bed. It all started the night we had a thunderstorm. I know she's afraid of the booming, but she's never climbed the stairs before. And since then, every night, the minute we head up, she's hard on our heels. The only problem? She can't get back down those steep, slippery steps. I've ordered some tread rugs for traction, and hopefully that will work. Otherwise, we are in for a workout every morning! First we have to drag her to stairs, and then collect 4 scrambling legs, and haul her into our laps for a sit-down ride. This must be why people get toy dogs--a squirming 80+ lb. Rottweiler is not easy to manage!
But we love 'em both, babies that they are!

Back in the saddle again...

It's been over 20 years since I rode, maybe a bit less for John, but we're both back in the saddle again. Post-surgery probably doesn't include galavanting around on a horse, so I've only been for a mellow walk in the ring. John tested Harley's fear of umbrellas (none), and "snakes in the grass" --a spooky rope trail behind him (not happy with that). Then he took Harley out for a nice trail ride this morning. He's not too bad with water, but he did balk a bit at water running through a culvert (just wait till next spring, Harley!). Overall, he's got wonderful manners on the ground, and has a very sweet disposition. We checked his tattoo number and discovered Harley's real registered name is Halawa Moon, with some fancy names to his bloodlines. I never imagined my first horse to be free, nor to be an ex-racing Thoroughbred. I think Harley will settle with time and enjoy our adventures on the trails.

This Friday, maybe I can get the all-clear from the surgeon to get on board. Of course, it's going to be a while before I get my rubbery legs back into riding shape again. I think John and I are in for the time of our lives!

Harley is soon to be ours!

John and I spent yesterday scouting out boarding places for Harley. I went back to one spot (holding my side over bumps and potholes) which looks pretty nice. I hope they like him and us! I don't see how I will be able to bike to work though, if I have to go muck his stall every day. Ah well, that's the price you pay, I guess. We'll see how this all works it, indeed, if we can work it all out. Worse case scenario, we'll have to sell him. But what fun we could have!

A horse in my future?

John has once again found another free critter needing a home--Halawa Moon, an eight-yr. old Thoroughbred, bay with a little star. We went and checked him out today and John took a test ride after a little workout on the lunge line. If we can work out the stabling details, and cut back on our extra expenses, Harley can be ours. Why is he free? His current owner just hasn't the time or experience for him. I will, or course, fret a little over the money, but John assures me we can swing it. And anyway, how long have I wanted a horse? Since I was a baby! Time for me to get,,,"Back in the saddle again"!

Spring plantings

John created a rolling hoop house for us this spring. Using an old warped table, he screwed the edging down so he could insert wire hoops and cover it with plastic. So far, it's been quite successful with our ever-changing fickle weather. Mind you, these are hardy plants: kohlrabi, spinach, kale, onions, green, broccoli rabe, etc. But this will surely come in handy as the season progresses. Our tomatoes, basil, peppers and eggplants are sprouting as I type, unfurling under the lights on heating pads. Once they're ready, they too will move out to the hoop house. What a clever guy--I guess I'll keep him around!

Overnight Sensations

Suddenly it's spring. The skunk cabbage sprouted leaves and the swales are greening up. As the sun swings higher in the sky, the stream banks are coming to life with marsh marigolds. Bright yellow forsythia shouts with the first color, joined by the now-golden male goldfinches. Yesterday morning, I awoke to the returning phoebe's buzzy, "fee-BEE". And the maples and budding with rich crimson flowers. Time for me to get busy waking up the garden!

The Frogs Make It Official

Yesterday, and the temperature hit near 70 degrees, the pond behind the neighbors began to burble with the sound of frogs. Yup, it's official , albeit one day early, spring is here. Adding to the cacophony, cardinals sang from nearly every treetop, vying for space. But the biggest voice from the birds, is the little Carolina wren, singing his heart out, flitting from the fence to the rooftop.

Signs of Spring

Last night, a barking fox yanked Callie out of her sleepy stupor. She stood by the window, peering outside, and pacing the floors, whining to be let out. The critters are out and about with this warm weather. The skunk cabbage spathes have pushed up through the stream-side muck, slowly opening up with the sun's heat. And the birds--the winter birds are telling us all--spring has sprung!
We may have one more run of sap and then maple sugaring season will be over--a short year with 90% Grade B syrup, but enough to hold us through until next winter.

Late Winter Hike in Punkintown

Writing in the Dark

The neighborhood goes dark, back to the 1800's. As the wind thrashes the windows and moans through the maples, I backtrack through the house, turning off the oven, the TV, the lights--all those 21st century appliances. The storm's intensity is making Callie uneasy. She follows me around the house, hard on my heels. I give her a reassuring hug.

Callie and I hunker by the woodstove, the lanterns giving off a warm yellow glow. Her fur, rain-softened, tickles my nose. She must sense my worry. The remaining 100 year old maple has stood steadfast through a century of storms. I'm hoping it will make it through the 60 mile an hour winds, and the thawed muddy ground, softened around its roots.

On a February night, this should be snow, banking the house to the sills, drifting over the sleeping gardens, blanketing the roof with a layer of insulation. The rain runoff has braided streams of meltwater on the back slope leaving islands of ice like a riparian delta. A steady stream tinkles down the gutter. We're getting an April-like downpour, thrusting global warming into our faces. How can it be denied with weird weather like this?

With the high-tech entertainment down for the duration of the storm, it's time to catch up on that pile of library books by the corner chair. With the lamp by my side, I delved into the top book on the stack...and drift away.

Wishing I was in Vermont

I'm torturing myself today, watching YouTube videos of the snow falling at Mad River Glen. As the rain pelts down outside, no doubt seeping into my cellar, I'm reading a snow report of 18 to 20 inches and counting! Being stuck in SW Maine is killing me--if I could only slap on my tele-boards and spend a day carving turns in powder until my quads burn so bad I need to quit. They ain't kidding when the say, "Mad River Glenn, ski it if you can"--I'm too far away to make it in a day's drive!

We Tapped the Trees Today, Oh Boy...

Let the games begin. Evenings spent sitting by the cooker, stirring sap amid clouds of steam, waiting for liquid gold to form. Yes, it's time for maple sugaring again. Our winter is warming up fast, so I'm not sure what kind of a run we will get. This week's offering is snow, sleet, and rain, but the temps are not supposed to get much below freezing. Without the correct temperature swing, we may have a lean sap year much like we've had a lean snow year.

For all the people grumbling about winter, I ask, "Do you like maple syrup?" Without winter, you won't get that delicious sweetness that comes along right around mud season--the tween time of winter and spring when the chickadees and titmice trill in the trees, the sun warms your back, and you can hear the snow melting as it pops and percolates into the ground.

My woodpile is shrinking. I've reached levels where I'm unearthing the seed caches of mice and chipmunks. Papery-thin snake skins whisper over my hands, and last years leaves crunch between logs.
I can smell the different types of wood now.

Global warming nay-sayers need only look at the mild/weak winter we've had to see the weather effects from our warming atmosphere. I wonder how many more sugaring seasons we may see in the this corner of Maine. We have to do more than switch out a few lightbulbs and bring our own bags to the grocery store!

Seed Ordering Time

It's that time already--the cold winds of winter howl around the house while John and pass seed catalogs back and forth, planning the gardens. So yesterday, I sent in the first seed order (minus one pepper variety they are already sold out of!) with more to follow. I find it hard to think about gardening when my mind is still wrapped around skiing (of which I haven't done nearly enough) and other snowy activities. But the early orderer gets her picks. If we wait too long, the high demand varieties are gone!
But before we start the seedlings, I have to get through the craziness of maple sugaring season, which is just around the corner in a few weeks! We'll be busy for an intense week or two, boiling down sap for next year's supply for syrup. As I type this, I'm eating oatmeal, drizzled with last year's syrup and dotted with crystalized sugar chunks--yum!

Winter adventure in the woods

We finally have enough snow for skiing in the woods. Callie and headed up Punkintown Rd. and off down a snowmobile trail. The hemlocks were stooped over the trail so thickly in one place, that even the snowmobiler gave up. I followed the tracks of an intrepid snowshoer, then blazed off on my own, breaking trail for Callie Lou. On our return trip, Callie's sprints settled into short dashes, and then jogs to keep up with me on the down hills. She's learning cross-country ski etiquette--not to stand on my skis, and if she wants to be out front, she needs to keep going! We had a blast, and she was pleasantly pooped. I can hear her snoring by the fire now.

Skiing with Callie Lou

Winter Laundry

It's always get a chuckle hanging laundry on winter days. First, I need to don my snowshoes (so I don't ruin my pristine ski trails through the back yard under the clothesline). Then I need to haul the basket up on my sledge so it doesn't fill with snow. And finally, after hanging in the weak sun for 7 hours, the dungarees are still stiff as boards. I take the clothespins off, and holding them by the legs, fold them in half, and then again, jamming them into submission. The last step for winter laundry is draping everything around the fire and enjoying the smell of sunshine inside!

The Skiing Life

A few days ago, my brother Jon sent me an update on Northeast Slopes and suggested we get together for some skiing there. I've stopped by twice en route home from Mad River Glen, and carved some telemark turns. With the snow falling all day and night, my mind of course, turns to skiing.

Here we are at Northeast Slopes, circa 1965ish, Jon, myself, and David, ready for another day of skiing. I don't think Jonathan was skiing yet, but he sure is entranced with those ski poles--skier in the making, especially if Grampa had anything to do with it!

As the snow whips around the house, I'm reminiscing of past ski trips with my siblings. I'm overdue for another adventure with them! Jon, my free-heel brother has ventured off-piste with me, and no doubt, is sitting in his house too, itching to get out on his skis. Remember our trips on the Skyline Trail? Yahooooo!

Hey guys--love you! Think snow!

Happy 2010!

I hope this new year brings better things to everyone. After last year's lousy garden weather, family ailments, and unexpected expenses, I need a year of breathing easier. So here's my New Year's Wish/Resolution 10 Step Program:

1. Get at least 2 pieces published.
2. Finish painting/papering the kitchen (and if lucky, put in a new floor).
3. Repair and paint the garage so it matches the house.
4. Plant a more productive garden and stay on top of the crops.
5. Yes, the same one everyone vows--lose some weight!
6. Bike to work A LOT MORE--see how many miles I can reach.
7. Practice the guitar.
8. If money permits--go on a vacation!
9. Reduce energy costs by sealing house better and adding insulation.
10. Write more.

I'm sitting at my new computer desk, once again redecorating as I try to maximize space in our little home. It looks nice, but doesn't have the drawer capacity of my old one. This will force me to deal with the junk I've got piled up everywhere and follow through on the paperwork.