Flannel Wearing Tomato

Oh yeah! Tomato wearing flannel...I am one of these gardeners that like to  push plants to their limits. I started my plants on March 1st . Sorting  three tomatoes out,putting them in pots to give them space to get a bigger root system... Heading me to the next level when it became apparent how good that decision was working. I wanted to risk one to the elements in an effort to get that first home-grown red juicy tomato at the earliest possible date.

We started getting whipped with extreme wind and the forecast for frost. I needed to find a solution so the tomato plant wouldn't become a victim of the elements lasting only a couple days.

I was feeling good about the steps I had taken to provide protection with an old flannel sheet - until a little while later, when I discovered the whole cage plastered up against the fence. My home-made,concrete reinforcing wire cage needed some anchoring to keep it from flying away...The cage got a tilt like the leaning Tower of Pisa, but couldn't get enough lift to take off, or fall completely over once I got the stakes in place.

The rain is here again! However, I believe it is time to shed the sheet and let the light in,what light is available. Temps are more acceptable, the sunshine is going to break-out come Friday,once more brightening the landscape for plant and human-kind. ;)

Timber Life Spring Fungus Review

The mighty Morel has finally arrived at Timber Life. The Morel season always seems to get a late start here in our timber. No matter where I look on our property during the prime hunting seasons elsewhere, not one little morsel becomes evident to the eye.

I have searched on different occasions, in different locations, at different times of the day...The way I became aware that the mushrooms were in waiting was mowing my yard, I found three. One was at the foot of an Oak tree and two at the foot of a big old Red Elm tree. That was my "AHA!" moment.

Silly me! I didn't stop mowing then and go search like I should have. Instead I continued my work. Once I decided to go look, I located them in a spot where most of our finds occur once they start popping. If I had gone earlier in the day I may have been able to catch them in an edible condition.



Hubby took his turn looking for some tasty treats after work once he discovered I had started finding them. In addition he pulled a brown oyster mushroom from it's hiding place. Again the morels were beyond edible so today maybe close to our last hope of finding some to saute.

This is one example of what I found a while back for the Brown Oyster mushroom just getting a colony started. Other colonies exist but we haven't harvested them for food, just getting more interested in seeing what is available in our little eco-system.

The weather was fantastic today - the garden called after some more mowing was done.

If anymore Morels popped I didn't see them after my mid-morning search. Maybe next year... ;)

Hendrickson Marsh Rejuvenation

Posted on April 30, 2010 by CDGardens
Several years ago a marsh in our neighborhood got a new lease on life. The choice was made to drain it, remove the fish that had caused it to become less desirable for the waterfowl on their migratory trips and allow the vegetation to gain a stronghold once again.

The aged sign shows a bit of public disrepect.



A great new visitors parking area has been created to give people a place to pull off the blacktop to sit and watch the now abundant bird activity for several months out of the Spring and Fall. A new boat ramp was built over on the other side.

The past picture, during the early stages of rejuvenation, clearly allows us to see the vegetation beginning to get a strong foundation before being flooded. The present picture, allows us to see what a pretty area has been developed for our feathered friends.

On one of my visits to this particular Marsh I stirred the winged visitors to a location a short distance away...just inside some plant growth extending above the waters surface.  I could go on but I think you get the picture. ;)

Happy Timber Life Sounds

Posted by on April 29, 2010 by CDGardens


Being out and about looking for the unusual Raptor that stopped by Timber Life recently, I decided to catch the morning sounds that had been giving me a treat as I work in my garden, trying to get it back in working order.

The video skill isn't super but will bring back memories for a peaceful retreat come the dead of next winter, when I need a boost into the new season once again. ;)

North Dakota Oil Field

Early morning has arrived at Oil Rig 23 located in Stanley, North Dakota. The morning shift  reported at 5:30 A.M. to start their day.

Son-in-law Justin has taken a job with a company called Bronco Drilling. His first assignment is on rig 23...

In the words of his wife," He is a floor hand, which is a grunt that helps where needed.

Tuesday, he was scrubbing buildings, helping rebuild motors, and working chains.

He works 7 days on and 7 days off. Justin stays at a catered camp with everything being provided for free."

 Stanley, North Dakota, is about 45 miles West of Minot, and has become a very active area for oil drilling developments since 2007. They are presently hiring new recruits to fill the vacancies.

Justin's cell phone self-portrait to let us all know his job isn't going to be one of working in a spotless environment. Oh the joy of laundry when he goes home!

The Rig Crew is able to request the types of food provided for their daily requirements. Quite a perk for these busy guys.















The work day ended at 6:00 P.M. and a new perspective of the oil derrick was visualized as the shadows at the other end of the day were starting to get long... :)



Thanks Justin... Great pictures from your phone!