Last week I bought a new Hummingbird feeder because the I had the feeling we would be having our timber mates back home soon. I boiled up some sugar water and put it outside...
The Baltimore Orioles seemed a bit late in their return, but they knew when it was okay to come back. I heard them in the trees on Friday last week and caught a picture of one Saturday night.
I wanted to bring them closer for viewing this season. As you can tell, they have found the feeder on the deck. I am extremely pleased that they haven't been shy about coming to visit. Hello There!!!! A female Oriole checked me out as I peeked around the drapes to get a picture to put in my 2010 Oriole file.The streak - stage left, finally came to rest after checking out the feeder. I kept seeing something flash by and surmised I was apart of a reconnaissance mission . A Ruby-throated male has found some a sweet treat. The feeder is now fulfilling its purpose. ;)
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. ;)
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... ;)
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. ;)
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. ;)
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... :)
I would like to send this out to all the hunters that visit my site. Maybe you have heard of TalkHunting.com , but if you haven't, an introduction by one of the companies I frequent has caught my attention, and I wanted to pass along the information .
It appears there is presently some outdoor product suppliers that are donating items to this family oriented hunting website for monthly drawings.
Please read further to find out what products could possibly become apart of your must haves simply by registering to become a member if you aren't already. Thanks for taking a look! ;)
Direct from the desk of Ray Scott
...
From:
Ray Scott - The Whitetail Institute of North America
...
Dear Fellow Hunters,
I'm writing to let you know about a website a friend of mine started called TalkHunting.com. This site is a lot like a real hunting camp. It's a great place for the whole family to talk about hunting and learn from each other in a clean, fun & family friendly atmosphere. And best of all, it's free!
There are lots of hunting-related sites on the web. I have decided to help get TalkHunting.com more recognition, though, for one main reason: I believe in what they're doing. It is designed to be educational and fun for hunters of all ages. And, it does it in a family atmosphere - foul language and other inappropriate things are not allowed at any time. In a nutshell, TalkHunting.com is a place where the whole family can learn about hunting, take advantage of all the tips and tactics used by hunters across the country, and most important - have fun together.
I mentioned that I have decided to help TalkHunting.com get more recognition because I believe in what they're doing. That's why my company, The Whitetail Institute, and other industry leading companies such as Hunter Safety Systems, Dead Down Wind, American Broadhead Company, Kolpin Powersports, Peep Eliminator, Bowie Outfitters, The Placita Ranch and many, many others, are donating products for them to give away free every month! To be eligible for free products, all you have to do is register at Talkhunting.com. That's all!
To make this announcement even more exciting, we are going to allow everyone that responds to this email, and who is not already a member of TalkHunting, to enter into a drawing for some great prizes, even you decide not to register at TalkHunting.com. However, if you do register, we will add your name into the drawing FOUR times as a thank you for registering!
Iowa highway 330 went from two to four lane several years back. This marsh was one among several created during road construction. Increasing the number and quality of water bodies for our feathered friends has certainly helped them to stay around longer locally.
I usually pass by this marsh once a week and say to myself - "Now why didn't you bring the camera?" Well,today was the day,there are always birds of interest in or around the water. The weather was fantastic! So, I stopped to catch some varied waterfowl species.
I am not an expert in waterfowl identification. I have tried to locate information on a couple of the birds seen bobbing in the water,but at this writing I am unable to name them. My lack of foresight in bringing binoculars has left me without sharp definition of the two sitting mid-picture. I assume one is a male duck because of his bright colors. The other partially covered by upright vegetation, appears to be in the duck family, sitting on a nest?
This little goose was sitting away from the more populated island, in the company of a Red-Winged Blackbird, who was also enjoying the wetland experience.
It was interesting that for the most part life went on while I was there...My presence wasn't that disturbing. I suppose with cars and trucks going by at all hours they have developed a tolerance for outside stimulus.
I plan to keep an eye on things to see if baby ducks and goslings will become an addition to this serene setting in the future. ;)
Last year, I did a small study of deer home ranges, because of some behaviors that became apparent to me having seen it repeated over many years.
One reason I have made an effort to take pictures is to use the images to follow from year to year the passing along of some traits...Making me wonder if it could be the animal I caught years before that exists in my digital archive when they were just a fawn.
The picture above is a family group I observed frequently in my backyard the summer of 2007. It consisted of a mature doe to the left, her twins, and I believe the daughter from the previous year nuzzling with the little red buck.
Taking a picture November 3rd,2009, of the buck below, because of his unique coloration, brought back memories of the "KoffeeKlatch" and the question - "Is this the little buck whose family raided my Cosmos?"
What a handsome creature he has developed into if in fact he is one and the same. Others have seen him and commented on his color too. My hope is he survived the winter so I might see him once again. ;)
We all have different reasons why today is special...
The reason that Easter is a special Celebration for me is because it brings to remembrance what God has done in order for us to become a part of his Heavenly Family when our earthly bodies become to tired or sick to carry-on.
According to the scriptures today is the third day from his crucifixion...The day he arose after triumphing over Sin,and the Grave.
I found one of my favorite movies and a song by two vocal artists that I have enjoyed for years put together in one production. Following is an excerpt from the Franco Zeffirelli production of "Jesus of Nazareth" with the angelic voices of Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti in duet singing "I've Just Seen Jesus".
Lyrics to I've Just Seen Jesus :
We knew he was dead
It is finished, he said
We had watched as his life ebbed away
Then we all stood around
Till the guards took him down
Joseph begged for his body that day
It was late afternoon
When we got to the tomb
Wrapped his body and sealed up the grave
So i know how you feel
His death was so real
But please listen and hear what i say
I've just seen Jesus
I tell you he's alive
I've just seen Jesus
Our precious Lord alive
And i knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, i'd never lived
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen Jesus
And i'll never be the same again
It was his voice she first heard
Those kind gentle words
Asking what was her reason for tears
And i sobbed in despair
My Lord is not there
He said, child! it is i, i am here!
I've just seen Jesus
I tell you he's alive
I've just seen Jesus
Our precious lord alive
And i knew, he really saw me too
As if till now, i'd never lived
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen Jesus
I've just seen Jesus
I've just seen Jesus
All that i'd done before
Won't matter anymore
I've just seen jesus
And i'll never be the same again
I've just seen Jesus!
This video has touched my heart I hope you enjoy it too... Blessed Easter! ;)
The Posting content is wide and varied here at Timber Life...
Today, I will share about two ladies who have seen over a century of changes pass by in their daily lives.
Our family recently gathered in Maryville,Mo. to celebrate the 102nd Birthday of my Great Aunt Roberta. She is seated on the right, by the edge of the table. Seated beside her is her 104 year old sister, Great Aunt Ethel, who made the trip from North of Council Bluffs,IA on a very dreary start to the day.
My Mom's Aunt Roberta lived most of her life in and around the small town where she was born Northwest of Maryville. In the last few years she has had some physical ailments that have required a bit more attention to keep her going; she has joined some other folks in a local Care Center.
104 year old Great Aunt Ethel lived independently until last October. She has since moved into an Assisted Living arrangement where she can get help if there is something she can't get accomplished on her own. She still enjoys reading the news paper daily for herself.
It was good medicine to the heart to see them greet one another! Unsteady legs on the part of Great Aunt Roberta gave rise to a little nudge from willing hands.
There were 8 children, 5 girls and 3 boys, from the Union of Samuel Edgar Livengood and Pearl Edith Harvey Livengood. Most of the siblings made it into their 80's, still a long full life.
These two remaining centenarians are an inspiration to all of us young whipper snappers who have yet to learn a thing or two....;)
Please be informed this Post may include a picture that could be disturbing to some people.
This winter we have been treated to Eagles flying over almost daily. March 5th, gave me the opportunity to see more Eagles in one place than I had ever seen until that day. There was a positive count of 13 between two different locations. Others were spotted; I didn't stop driving again to see how many more...
This particular Bald Eagle was sitting across from a pasture watching its comrades.
Even yesterday,the 19th ,I caught two magnificent birds visiting in the neighborhood when I returned home from watching a couple of grand-kids before school. Both Eagles were doing what they do to fill their niche in nature.
I had been seeing deer gathering in some fields close to our county blacktop. The scarcity of food has brought about hunger,starvation and even death to many four hoofed brothers of the Timber. Falling from exhaustion wherever their bodies give way to solemn slumber. It truly brings sadness...
Then I checked out a story over at the Iowa DNR site after I heard that someone shot and killed a Bald Eagle in a county south of here. It was doing what raptors do to help cleanse the landscape.
This was one of three deer that fell visibly close to traveled paths by both man and wildlife.
It is one thing when animals become victims of their habitat.A happening that has repeated itself over and over this season.
However, you wonder what the story is of the person who felt it was their right to end the life of America's National symbol a Bald Eagle?....
In a comment left yesterday The Hunter's Wife said...Great pictures. We are having great weather. Saw a Robin last week...spring is here!
I wasn't able to say that I had seen a Robin until this morning when a bunch came through - traveling with some Blackbirds and Bluebirds. The Robin males had made their visible return to the Des Moines area Southwest of Timber Life some three weeks ago. They must have decided it was to early at that point to hit the countryscape.
There was a group of Blubirds darting through the air from perches to the ground looking for food.
This little Cardinal male looked a bit ruffled by all the outsiders stopping by to sit in his tree and eat his food on the ground. He was having a bad feather day...
As time goes on I know all of us will be able to add daily the evidence towards the impending calendar date called Spring a week from Saturday. ;)
Sadie and I were on our almost daily trek to the mailbox this morning. I had gone back into the house to grab the camera because I had caught two tall standing whitetails in the pasture watching our every move. I knew we would be seeing wild life today...Well, of course the deer weren't there when I got back outside!
Found some raccoon tracks going the full length of our half mile drive.Hubby saw the black eyed bandit going out last night on his way into the house after dark.
Heard Red Winged Blackbirds, water birds, and the not so pretty crow was being raucous.
The Cardinals have been doing a fantastic job of calling in the sunrise as of late, just a very positive time of the morning to be out and around.
Got a picture of our melting mountains of snow and perennial plants that are showing new life.
The Lavendar is starting to green up at the tips.
The sedum has started new growth which seems to have become food for ground hugging animals.
Then there were Vs and Vs of geese flying by.
Caught the undersides of these guys going over when I stopped to snap some shots by the airplane hangars on my way back from retrieving the mail.
We are reaching that time of year when all the Whitetail deer hunters in Iowa have a place to get together to show off their trophy Bucks,shed antlers, and their talents with the Bow.
In the two years that I have visited this event, I have gotten some really great ideas to put on my to-do list in an effort to improve conditions at Timber Life for the deer that call this property home.
So,what am I talking about? The annual Iowa Deer Classic of course!
Checkout the video taken at last year's event...A great introduction to what you will find if you get a chance to attend.
I know I had a great time finding out about all kinds of products available for the hunter in general...
Show Hours
Friday - March 5,2010 - 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday - March 6,2010 - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday - March 7,2010 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
General Admission
Adult $10
Youth (7 to 12) $5
Kids under 7 free
Big Buck Contest Ticket $20
Family Pack $25 (includes Two Adult tickets, Two Youth tickets, Two Soft Drinks)
Friday Night is Ladies Night! All ladies are admitted FREE!
Event Registration
Big Buck Contest: Fri 3pm thru Sun 11am
Shed Antler Contest: Fri 3pm thru Sun 11am
Classic 300 Archery Tournament: Fri 3pm thru Sun 11:30am
Door Prizes!
Daily Winners - Delta Targets
Grand Prize - Thompson-Center Muzzleloader
This is a great way to get the whole family involved in activities of the outdoors....;)
Last year we had a warming spell that gave us open ground on this same date. By the end of this week it appears we will be headed up into the 40's for highs so the ground will once again be peeking out. Going to be a strange phenomena since we've had snow on the ground since December 9th.
This weekend in Des Moines,IA the National Pheasant Fest is returning for another great time for the upland bird game hunter.
I haven't personally attended one of the gatherings,but from what I have heard they have a lot of things scheduled .
Weekend Agenda
Friday, February 26, 2010
12:45pm
Bird Dog Parade (immediately preceding Ribbon Cutting)
HyVee Hall Entrance
1:00pm
Ribbon Cutting - Show Opens
HyVee Hall Entrance
2:00pm
Seminars and Sessions Begin
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
6:00pm
Friday Night Sportsman's Banquet - Boasting & Toasting
Polk County Convention Center
7:30pm
Friday Night Sportsman's Banquet - Dinner Served
Polk County Convention Center
8:00pm
Seminars and Sessions End
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
9:00pm
Show Closes
HyVee Hall
Saturday, February 27, 2010
9:00am
Show Opens
HyVee Hall
10:00am
Seminars and Sessions Begin
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
12:00pm
Conservation Lunch
Polk County Convention Center
5:00pm
Seminars and Sessions End
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
6:00pm
Show Closes
HyVee Hall
6:00pm
Saturday Night Banquet - Boasting & Toasting
Polk County Convention Center
7:30pm
Saturday Night Banquet - Dinner Served
Polk County Convention Center
Sunday, February 28, 2010
8:00am
Church Service
10:00am
Show Opens
HyVee Hall
11:00am
Seminars and Sessions Begin
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
4:00pm
Seminars and Sessions End
HyVee Hall Meeting Rooms
5:00pm
Show Ends - Thank you for a great Pheasant Fest!
HyVee Hall
(weekend agenda subject to change)
In taking a look at pictures,number #20 to be exact, from the last event held in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center back in 2007, I saw a Springer Spaniel from the back that reminded me of my dog Sadie.
It is my understanding that Federal Premium Ammunition will be introducing a new pheasant shot called "Prairie Storm" at the Fest. Click here to see a review by Anthony Hauck, outdoor writer for the Star Tribune from Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN.
I have been checking out the website and ran across some of the forage mixtures that Pheasants Forever have developed to supply the upland game birds and whitetail deer winter food sources. Dual purposes that could fit many situations.
It has been my personal observation that the pheasant population has had a huge decline in our local area and it wasn't by human hunting pressures.Sure would like to see the birds back to the same level of three to four years ago. ;)
The National convention is only a few days away and would make a great break in the monotonous winter weather that has been keeping us all with an eye to the sky. The forecast for the weekend in central Iowa is sun and temps in the 30's. ;)
National Pheasant Fest Mark your calendars:
Des Moines, IA
Friday, February 26th 1pm-9pm
Saturday, February 27th 9am-6pm
Sunday, February 28th 10am-5pm
When the hard-drive of my old computer wouldn't click out of it's death knell a while back ,I got a Windows 7 Home Premium operating system on a new e-machine.
The Windows Live Mail Program has some really entertaining, positive additions for people who want to keep things changing with their communications. I have found adding pictures to be very easy and giving them character by framing quite delightful. Yes, it sounds like I'm bored...doesn't it?
Certainly, the capabilities I've discovered maybe possible with other programs, but this is the first I have been aware of them being associated with an e-mail program that I have had the opportunity to use.
At this point I can see a lot of interesting situations with e-mail and photo editing programs at my disposal. I am the click and learn type individual. Just hope I don't wipe something out in the process. I won't, tongue in cheek, had to throw that in there for good measure.
Here's sharing my take of the Windows 7 Home Premium Live Mail Program. I like it! I like it! ;)
The promise of more winter weather on Sunday the 14th, led Hubby and me to go shopping Friday evening after he got off work to prepare for our Valentine's celebration at home. Hubby and I had some ideas of what would be on the menu...so we headed to the fresh meat/seafood counter at our local store.
Timber Life Valentines Menu
Salad splashed with Raspberry Vinaigrette New York Strip Steak Scallops (a la famous Boston Restaurant recipe) Mashed Potatoes with bacon and cheddar Mississippi Mud Pie Cheesecake
Hubby took over as Chef and everything was grilled, baked, and microwaved in time to catch the start of the Daytona 500. Go Bass Pro Shops Jamie McMurray !
Viewing the movie "Amelia" helped to fill in time while we waited for the Daytona 500 track repair to cure and get the cars back onto the track.
Ah yes...I can't forget to share what Hubby brought me this Happy Valentines Day. Recently, we acquired the Wii gaming system so we are starting to add accessories. Hubby and I took turns at being rookie game hunters. It is going to be interesting on how to get the response of the gun to mirror the response of the user better. Yes, probably needs some tweaking of the components. Sure is going to be fun working out the bugs.
OH! I can't forget the basket of sweet treats. Thanks to Hubby I have been supplied with one of my favorite candies. I like cinnamon....HOT cinnamon. This little conveyor of sweet treats is sitting in a basketful of "Atomic Fireballs", not sure how long it will take me to munch my way through, but it should be well into the next year.
I thought is would be nice if Hubby could go flying at his Aero Club this year since he likes to get his feet off the ground whenever possible. So, the suggestion for him to go ahead and pay his full year of dues was met with a smile.
The snow stopping and the sun shining for a time made for a pleasant end
to the day.
Hope you all got a chance to celebrate with your special
person....;)
Yesterday brought another round of Mother Nature's whims through the heartland.
The buildup of ice came before Hubby was to leave for work and his foray to the end of the drive reinforced what officials were saying about "Travel not recommended".
Momentary electrical hic-cups occurred through the day...As 6:00 P.M. arrived evening news viewing and computer use came to a halt. The dreaded" no electricity" came to be a fact. We are fortunate,our electrical outage was relatively short compared to others in the state that lost power early in the morning and as of this writing not aware of when it will be restored for them.
We pulled out the candles and the little crank handled radio received as a gift a year ago Christmas. It provided some music to accompany my reading and Hubby's drawing of a new concept plane he hopes to build at some point in the future.
The house was beginning to chill around 9:30 so we decided it was time to head to bed to stay warm under the additional pile of blankets. I was roused as Hubby got up to turn off the lights and TV in the living room at 10:30. Electricity had come flowing back into the house to make the surroundings comfortable once again .
As we plan for the future in our new home we know what will be included to keep events like this from being a concern...;)
The Baltimore Orioles seemed a bit late in their return, but they knew when it was okay to come back. I heard them in the trees on Friday last week and caught a picture of one Saturday night.
Hello There!!!! A female Oriole checked me out as I peeked around the drapes to get a picture to put in my 2010 Oriole file.
The streak - stage left, finally came to rest after checking out the feeder. I kept seeing something flash by and surmised I was apart of a reconnaissance mission . A Ruby-throated male has found some a sweet treat. The feeder is now fulfilling its purpose. ;) 
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