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.