Can I say "Is it Spring yet?"

Are you still recovering from the latest round of winter\spring weather? Monday evening, April 9th, I had a group of the local deer population visit my backyard while some of the local neighbor ladies were here for a visit. They marveled at how close they, the deer, had come to the house. Things I take for granted. All the deer, young and old, need a good dose of the fresh spring green grasses that will boost their nitrogen. The winter has put a strain on food sources; weight loss is evident. Wednesday, April 11th, Iowa was among several states getting another covering of snow. Maybe not the higher amounts seen in Minnesota eastward; still enough to cover the ground with several inches in the central section to 5" and above up at our northern border. Before going to bed Wednesday night, we checked out the shadows lurking outside our sliding glass doors, several deer were scratching away the snow in my flowerbed. The daffodils are missing top foliage which had been damaged by lower than normal temperatures. Glad somebody was able to enjoy them -- one way or another ; ) Thursday, April 12th, snapped a picture of our melting snow with animal tracks before they disappeared with rising temperatures. The sun came out from behind the clouds... The sun promises to warm up this little section of Iowa today. I know it will work on doing the same for you. Later!

Wild Honey Bees Waking Up

How are things going for you this fine first week of April? Today it appears the weather will be wonderful. The change is coming later today, back down to the more typical temperatures for this time of year, maybe a little cooler than normal. Last week I didn't stop in for a chat because the outdoors was calling...Working on getting fallen wood from our ice storms of February moved out of the way for the farmer who rents our ground. The hay baler may not function properly with limbs in its path. The yard looks better without the extra twigs etc. Amazingly after picking up underneath two trees I filled a quarter of the bed of a long box ,full sized, Ford pickup. It has been fun to see the animals enjoying the changes of the season. The wild honeybees are out looking around for some nourishment. They come to investigate when I am out working around the house. They live in a tree, in a hollow part, not far away. Seven years ago this May we experienced an awesome sight. Apparently the hive was getting to big to support itself. We watched the bees gather on the side of the birdbath. Later the Queen led the way of a large contingent away into the timber. After watching that event I looked for the new home that I expected them to make. What I found was lost bees, they were lifeless only a few days later, clinging to plants or foliage within line of sight. Since the mass movement seven years ago we haven't witnessed anything of that magnitude. In the summer we do treat the bees with respect. When it is hot and dry they do become more agitated in the heat of the day so we mow around their tree in the cool of the day - either in the morning, or late afternoon. We are looking for the Hummingbirds and Orioles to return very soon. A whole list of other birds have come back to be apart of the woodland and open ground population. Last week there were some wood ducks making their presence known. What a joy to see the "New Beginnings" for another year...

Top of the Morning to you!

Did you get out to celebrate the" Luck of the Irish" on Saturday? I went to the little grocery store in my local little town...bought some corned beef, cabbage and carrots. The original plan for the day was to go to my daughter's house to help do some yard work. When I got out of bed before sunrise on Saturday we were getting some white stuff; canceled the plans. By the afternoon the snow had disappeared. My husband went to take a lesson in a different plane. He is getting a wide range of experience in his quest to get his Sport Pilot's Certificate. The present plane,an Ercoupe, continues to have more mechanical problems so his hopes of another lesson will be put off until the mechanic gets the bugs out. I have voiced my opinion. It seems that every plane he has tried to get his certificate in has problems . Is he supposed to get it??? Ah, we all know the answer to that one. For SURE! ; ) We are looking for some warmer conditions this week. Although, with warmer temperatures it looks like we are in for moisture. Just what I am not looking forward to...with the melting snow of last week the ground around here is more than wet. Trying to keep the mud outside of the house is a challenge since we are sans cement. You heard me, no concrete drive-way or sidewalks. It is fine when the weather is dry . Didn't want to have to break up concrete when and if I get to build a house . Still dark outside at 6:20 A.M.. Saw the "Big Dipper" as I peered out the door to check on the sound of a vehicle in the area. Sunrise comes at 7:19 today, I think I saw. Planted some seeds in my window nursery last Wednesday and Thursday. Had some cosmos flowers germinate in just a couple of days. Looking forward to getting some more seeds and maybe some plants for the garden this year. The weather is giving me the itch to plant some lettuce, radishes, spinach etc...How about you? Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!

Spring is SPRINGING

Good Morning All! I am so excited about this week...bet you can guess why. Time to get some work done outside. The yard needs to be picked up after the storm damage of the last couple of weeks. The snow is melting . The migratory birds are making their way over our airspace, going north. What a sight to see! Recently, I have started receiving e-mails from a guy named P.K. Jacobsen he has an information site associated with Deer Hunting. Some of you may have heard of him; I know I have before now....Read his sales letter. Trying to get me ready for next season. His suggestions sound great. I appreciate what he is trying to do. You can read and read, which I have done, but actually putting to use what we have read enhances our experiences. As I sit here writing the deer are beginning to come home to the timber to go to eat and go to bed. This group I see were born last summer and will be parents next year. What a number I expect will be produced! Sorry, I interrupted the train of thought. Just wanted to comment on current activity. The snow covering of the last two weeks brought about a lot more extended stays in the yard around the house by both turkey and deer. Almost greater than your imagination. OK, back to business. ; ) However, there may some extenuating circumstances that directly determine success of a hunter. In my case it has come to my attention may be the type of shot I have chosen to use. Another possibility is the the gun itself. The next seasons will be better for me. My Christmas present, a Remington 870 Youth Express, will improve reliability of shot aimed in the direction of my target. This summer will be a learning time to see how well I can get to know the firearm before actually putting it to use. Spring Turkey season isn't far away here in Iowa. Just might get my landowners license and give the "new gun" a workout. Saw some rooster pheasants scampering across the fields. Hope their nesting spots will be safe from the over flow of melting snow. All of us who want a chance to bag our limit this fall wish them good conditions this spring for a good breeding season. Time to start getting activities of daily living underway here for today. Later folks ....have a super week!

Home Again

Thank you Lord! We returned home to our farmstead after a week away. My husband and I did have a nice stay with our daughter, her husband, and our grandchildren. Plus their little papillion doggie "wiggles". Thanks for the hospitality . ; ) We kept in contact with our neighbors across the road from us to see when we would be able to get back into the neighborhood. The water returned the same evening we left last week, but the electricity didn't come back on until Thursday , March 1st, late in the afternoon. As was forecast for Iowa we did get a replay of the bad weather starting earlier in the day on Thursday. It seemed to me though that the weather was worse for stranding motorists this time around. We weren't able to come home until Sunday after the majority of the storm finished Friday night. The wind was a big cause in our part of Iowa , it made the snow take on a more ominous character. When we heard that the snowplow came through to get the huge drifts reduced for vehicle traffic on our road we packed up our satchels and headed home. Once we got here we used the neighbors drive to park our car until we were able to walk our 1/2 mile drive to get the tractor. My husband had to move snow to allow us access in and out. Won't be long now. The days are getting longer and all of us will be headed outside again to enjoy our surroundings. Until next week then...Have fun!

Been awhile...

How have you been fairing these February days? Here in Iowa we have finally gotten what you call a "storm". Parts of the state have gotten a little snow, others have gotten freezing rain /snow, still others have received lots and lots of snow. Many people are without electricity and water. My husband and I fall into that category. Saturday noon , February 24th we were sitting down to lunch and the electricity blinked a couple of times and went totally out. In an effort to keep our water from freezing we kept the taps open a little bit through the night, again around noon on Sunday we lost another important means of existence, water. We had our propane left to cook with and to heat the area around the stove for a short time. The cold was becoming more prominent and starting to make leaving home a little easier. As we sat eating lunch Sunday, our breathe became visible when we exhaled. The telephone service was being taxed as well. Either by everybody trying to find alternate living arrangements or contacting loved ones in the affected areas. Our neighbor's tried to contact us via phone to invite us to share their basement with them, which they were able to keep at a balmy 50 degrees with the help of a kerosene heater. They also had wanted to have us share some stew made over a wood fueled open grill...What a kind gesture. However, we had already prepared our own, and had only become aware of their idea when my husband took our tractor down the drive to check on our exodus from the home front. We have taken up temporary quarters with our daughter and her family 32 miles from home. My husband plans on an excursion home after he leaves work this evening to make sure all is well in our absence. Iowa is on the list of states that are expecting more winter weather by mid-week. Guess we should get ready for the new round of "patience trying" extremes. Last week we saw temperatures in the upper 30's, 40's and I believe even into the 50's. Why couldn't it have lasted until Spring finally made it's appearance ? ; ) Time to wish everyone well...Hope you are safe and warm- with family, friends or in a hotel to escape the elements. Later!

Sad News

The past week began a new chapter in the lives of my husband and his brother. They were notified by a neighbor that their mother hadn't been seen by anyone, or wasn't answering her phone for the period of two days. It was discovered that she had gone on to meet Jesus, her elder brother, and can now stand with the saints in the presence of God. Lucy will be missed by all her family and friends.

It's a Remington

My husband and I did exchange gifts last Wednesday night , January 10th. The speculation that I was getting a shotgun had been laid to rest. It is a fact that he took counsel with our neighbor and returned to the local gun shop. The shotgun is a Remington, Model 870 Youth Express, Pump Action,21" barrel,20 gauge, Rem Choke. Otherwise known as a "Lady's Gun" as well... Because of my short stature other full sized shotguns are a bit hard for me to handle. Having control when it comes to aiming at a moving animal is a high priority. I am looking forward to the opening of the hunting seasons next fall...After a summer of practice with my gift I should be able to provide food for our table, harvested from our land. Thanks Honey !

Snow or Ice ?

What was the weather at your house? Snow or the ice that has caused a lot of damage through the south and Midwest ? Here in Iowa we had some freezing rain but not any huge accumulations like our neighbors around us have had to contend with. Then the snow arrived. The meteorologist had given a time frame for expected arrival - they were only an hour off. Maybe, because they were forecasting for the metro area not 35 miles into the boonies. We do have some beautiful white ground cover. Last night, at the "deer hour", they came to feed. The snow blowing, they chose to stay in the timber rather than to venture out to the bean field. I had to chase a year old buck away from chewing on the yew shrub out in front of the house. Before the snow began to pile up I chased a deer away from my flowerbed. Where a sweet william plant had greened up from our unseasonably warm temperatures. It had been sniffing the air , smelling the essence of nitrogen . I opened the back door and told it to find other things to eat. The skies have cleared, now the wind has picked up. We have some small drifts in the driveway within view of the window by my desk. Time to wrap this entry up ...Everybody stay warm!

Checkin' Back In

Did you have a good holiday ? We had a nice visit to North Dakota at the New Year. Got to experience some winter weather the day after our arrival . We woke up to falling snow on Saturday December 30th. It was accumulating on everything before our outing to Fargo . As we traveled to Fargo the weather had several changes. There was the mix between snow/rain, sleet/ice, freezing rain then to all liquid by the time we got to our destination at the "Fargo Air Museum". Spending not more than three hours in Fargo was a good idea! Our return to Valley City was really interesting as we retraced our tracks westward the weather had become more intense in our absence. Visibility declined even more just a mile west of Valley City where our family continued on their trek to reach home to the delight of their three doggie kids; Kahlua, Peaches and Peaches' son Champ. The Pheasant season has not concluded here in Iowa yet. By Wednesday the 10th it will be time to allow the population to have a chance to re-coup. I don't know of anyone who took any roosters from the adjacent area, not to say there wasn't success. Had to laugh this morning as I viewed the bean field outside my house. The rooster pheasant that comes at 8:20 to feed daily, more or less was running from his entrance point to the cover of longer foliage in the pasture on the other side. He was trying to avoid the attention he had received from the gun the last three days. Yes , It's true! He still lives to run the neighborhood... Haven't opened my Christmas present from my husband yet but I do know that it is a shotgun...Others have openly asked me how I like my "new shotgun"? I just smile and tell them " don't know I haven't opened it yet ; )" It isn't as if I won't get to use it this year...just not for another 9 1/2 months.

Oh Blessed Day !

Wouldn't you know it ! One of the wily rooster pheasants that keeps running around here made his appearance in the backyard. Going from point A to point B. I should have grabbed the gun sitting at the backdoor and went in pursuit Still might ! The pheasant like to sit in the area behind the house with a southern exposure, to sun bathe. They have cover to run into if they are approached by the un-known. Hope everyone has been getting in time at their favorite activities if you've had time off from the work- a - day world. I wish " good hunting" to all those that still have a season to pursue...

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas one and all ! It has been a week since my last post. How have you been ? Well and Happy ! Good deal.... As all of you I have been keeping busy with preparations for the holiday get together(s). Last Monday, December 18th, I got to help render my first deer. My neighbor who has loaned me the gun I have been using asked me to assist him in dressing his last deer of the season. What wasn't expected is he gave me the proceeds of the effort. Talk about being happy. Boy ! What a very nice Christmas present. I told him that I would help him render all of his "take" next year. He is a sure shot. Who knows maybe I will be too come the next season ! ; ) My husband and I will be off to North Dakota for a family visit come the New Year's weekend if the weather isn't to bad...

Wouldn't you know it !

Bless their little hearts...I wasn't ready to go outside at 7:00 this morning. There wasn't any activity. It is amazing how the deer multiplied in the field out northwest of the house. Pretty soon it seemed they were appearing out of nowhere. The boundaries started expand to include our backyard to the south and to the immediate east of our home.(where they are seen very frequently) Everything was all said and done by 7:20 - the deer running to the south, west, and east. Are you acquainted with the feeling of excitement at the expectation of being able to accomplish something you set out to do ? Then the next emotion that comes when your rush of hope is dashed...You got it! There wasn't a culmination of deer slug to to deer. Then the realization comes that time is running out. Family activities took up the day. Time has run out for this season, without the two landowner shotgun deer tags being attached to an intended target....Now, I can concentrate on getting those wily pheasants that keep evading me.

Next to the Last Day...

The morning began by sneaking out the back door at 6:45 AM. Took up a lookout post by a tree not far from what was a very busy deer browsing area the day before at 7:00 AM. Well, ya know what...They showed up from behind me. Was I ever one unhappy person when I heard the deer snort and take off since they were able to see and smell me from the direction they had arrived in. I decided I would go inside for awhile only to find another group was following on the heels of the first. In the afternoon I headed for the back timber. Wouldn't you know it; upon picking a spot the very object of my hoped for goal ran as fast as they could across the ravine and disappeared. I stood in one place for almost 2 hours. There was only one other deer that passed in the neighborhood after being spooked by the gun fire going on at the property just north of me. The weather was very moderate for a mid December day. It was cloudy with mist, but for some reason the moisture didn't hit me as I tried to be invisible , concealed in the rose brush.

Countdown to the End

Hi everyone! Thought I would stop by and let you all know that I have been busy using my domestic skills. My husband asked me to make "Pumpkin Bars" after Thanksgiving. The twist being instead of pumpkin I used "Hubbard Squash". It takes some processing to get the squash ready to be added to the other ingredients. We discovered when I made the first batch of "pumpkin bars" a few days after Thanksgiving that the hubbard squash made for a tasty substitution. He ingested the whole baking sheet full on his own one bar at a time, of course the freezer was a big help in the freshness factor. He thought they tasted so good he asked me to repeat the recipe to help provide dessert for

his Experimental Aircraft Association Christmas Party on December 14th.

Back to the topic of our blog entry for the day. Yes, time is swiftly coming to a close for our last shotgun deer season of 2006. The deer continue to make their presence known. They start having a pattern to their behavior and repeat visits to various locations , as soon as you get it figured out they change it again. Today, I sat for an hour and a half in the fore-noon in one spot. A lot of activity all around . Not far away a " very young deer" stood watching me. I saw another head peering out from a space to the left of the first deer. Thinking it was the same "very young deer" I continued to remain seated in my three legged chair. My legs needed to stretch after being crunched in one position for a long time. As I rose from my chair a rush of sorts erupted from the rose brush. The group of young deer that had taken refuge took off running in a wide circle in the opposite direction, not to be seen again in the same place later . Returning for another 2 hours in the afternoon to what I thought should be a good place for activity because of the buck rubs , bed, and well worn deer trails ended up without seeing anymore creature activity of any kind. Yet again I went into the house to warm-up and catch-up on some e-mail. The end of the day was fast approaching. The deer knew not to get to close...stay in the open. Friday the 15th ends without the use of either of the 2 landowner tags I purchased to help the Iowa DNR try to keep the population in check . Better luck tomorrow ?

Learning Curve

Today has been another day of learning. Maybe, I will get closer to the goal of getting my first deer. I learned that when the gun fires my aim isn't true. It will be to my benefit to find a tree to lean against or get another means of support to help steady my arm. Having a strong wind can be a problem in making an exact target hit as well. A few things that I need to keep in mind to make a difference in my hunting skill. To the seasoned hunter my woes probably seem elementary. Each year I learn a little more but have not made the commitment to stay outside ALL day to wait for my prey to saunter across my path. My attitude is changing. Earlier this morning I was tempted again by the multitude of deer I stirred from their hiding place. Oh YES! You have heard about the "Trophy Buck" ? I wish I had been close enough and had the camera at hand. The vision of that majestic animal bounding away is etched in my minds eye. He was among a large group of mixed aged kin. His antler rack stood high above the crown of his head. What a sight!

The picture of this majestic Iowa Buck was donated by a friend who saw him in a very unlikely setting....What a sight ! To repeat my self again. Important Points to Remember

1. Temperatures are dropping, the wind is picking up. Ah, guess I need to be in the opposite direction from the prevailing wind so scent won't carry.
2. Hide! That is another point that needs work on my part, be invisible.
3. Be patient . Stop thinking about everything else that I could be doing.( I know you never have anything else to do...)

Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer . Soon this deer season will be over and I will have gained more knowledge. Just need to learn to put it to beneficial use ...

Is this December?

I am beginning to wonder if we are going to have winter this year. The temperatures were reminiscent of those in middle to late April. Yes, just eleven days to the New Year. Today has been a very quiet day. The wildlife have taken a vacation from sight. Around 3:00 this afternoon the sound of a gunshot echoed in the distance, not at all like yesterday . When gunshot after gunshot could be heard in the surrounding countryside. There are 6 days left in this season for me to try my hand at becoming a successful deer hunter . The ability to take the deer by surprise in an instant doesn't exist. Dry leaves crackle under foot. Again this evening as yesterday the wind dropped to nothing at 4:20 as the low setting sun was casting long shadows in the timber. Daylight has slipped away...can't see the animals but I know they are around. Time for all of us to slumber ... Then we'll all rise to meet the morning light and begin the cycle over.

Another Beautiful Day

What a gorgeous morning for the start of the second shotgun season...I was up before sunrise and outside as the eastern sky was still trying to draw forth the rays of the sun from its night of slumber. The moon was still trying to escape being chased ever so slowly by the light of day. My intention was to find some unsuspecting deer to bring back to the house but each time I could have possibly had a chance there was always an excuse why the shot wouldn't have worked. I have heard a multitude of gunshots very close by but not sure who was doing the shooting or what they had found worth the volley of slugs. They must have had more selection than I this fine morning. Maybe an animal or animals they could put in their freezer to put on the table when the winter finally becomes so cold out they aren't able to get to the store. It continues to be my full intent to be successful at bringing home at least one animal or bird from the hunting licenses I have purchased again this year. Every time I see the pheasants, turkey, or deer I get into an anxious mental and physical state. I head for the 20 gauge Remington shotgun on loan from a neighbor who has been hunting these woods ever since he was old enough to handle a gun. Most often times the creature has moved on beyond range before I am able to gather the gun and get my shoes on. (I don't like wearing shoes in the house) There is still time today for me to get my deer. I will try again this afternoon and evening if I don't have any visitors drop in. Updates to come...

The Day After

You are wondering what I mean by "The Day After". I say with a wink ...Here in Iowa it is the day after the first shotgun season for White- tail Deer. As a middle-aged woman I have taken up the pass time of hunting on my home farm / timber property. I have yet to be able to say that "I have brought home the "buck" ". Last night at this time I was standing outside waiting for the deer to return after I had scared them away when I opened the back door to checkout the doe and her young from this springs fawning. As is the usual case in my further exploration the rest of the group was just over the edge of the hill. The group was made up of an eight point buck with does and a big bunch of young. They disappeared across the ravine to the other side of the property , a refuge when someone isn't standing over there waiting for them. As it were no-one was was available to chase them back. The deer had experienced an abrupt change in their daily habits when the shotguns started going off a half hour before sunrise Saturday, December 2nd. It has been 24 hours since the last gunshots were heard around here. The deer have resumed their evening feeding habits . They arrived at 4:00 p.m. and by 4:35 p.m. have now gone to graze further and prepare for the cold night ahead....