Turkey Times

What a nice start to the Spring Turkey Hunt! This turkey family - Hen and 4 chicks have been constant citizens in the backyard. They travel just outside the line of tall foilage to scratch. The Hen is teaching her babies to forage for food. They all know how to fly for the tree tops as was shown one day after Sadie and I had stirred them out of hiding in the pasture. The first response was a gallop out of the high grass, lifting off to glide gracefully skyward ,only to stop at the tree tops.

Having a few more rounds to make in our walk, we had the opportunity to stop and watch the Hen gathering her chicks from the perches they had risen to a short time before. Barely visible due to the ground cover, she only vocalized at brief intervals, to call the kids back to her side.

This afternoon ,we found this little family, tucked not so silently by the back of the garden. Gliding out of range into the tangle of the timber as we startled them from their hiding place...

Buck Fever

Well folks it has begun! Buck fever is starting here at Timber Life. This guy has been hanging around in the close neighborhood. The same buck I believe I saw with the doe a week ago, in the west pasture. From my vantage point I saw eight points. Got this picture with my Hubby's camera. I had taken my camera with me in the car, and it didn't make it back into the house, because of plans for today. The attempt to go behind the house, to my car in the drive, at the side was almost successful. Freezing in my tracks didn't help this time . He swiftly exited once he got anxious. Checking back in the archives here, I wrote about "Sparring Whitetail Bucks", on October 16,2007 . Wonder if this buck happened to be apart of that bunch? Needless to say , once again that internal - primal awakening is raising the awareness of that rustling sound coming through the brush... ;)

Cloud Tales

The above picture of a curious cloud formation was seen hanging over our west pasture before sunset one evening.We had a night filled with some severe weather in central Iowa, on the evening of August 14th. Here at home we just had lots of clouds, some swift breezes,and eventually some rain. Hubby's Experimental Aircraft Association's monthly meeting was interrupted by a sighted tornado over the city of Marshalltown. It stayed parallel to the clouds,but was visibly rotating. This summer has brought some really pretty evening clouds...or maybe I have seen more of them,because of my increased encouragement to be outside. The clouds in the picture below changed constantly. As did the way the shadows developed as the sun passed from top to bottom as it finally dropped below the horizon. Created a sense of peace and beauty as it slipped silently out of view... ;)

Geese In The Mist

Before 9:00 A.M. today - Sadie and I were given a concert by at least 4 different V's of Canadian Geese flying around treetop looking for a place to set down. The August fog started building around 11:00 last night. The moon made the gradual development over the bean field to above the treetops rather ethereal. The first V came last week on August 6th, a group of approximately 20, flew low over the end of the drive a half mile to the west of the house. Beginning to make me wonder if they are getting started on their way south ,because winter is going to be early this year??? ;)

Sadie Says

My post today is going to cover a product review. Recently, I have been wanting to be the leader of my little pack when we are out on my leash. I kept getting short of breath and my Mom was always sitting me down every few feet. She was continually trying to get my attention. Telling me how much better it would be for all of us if I would just "Slow Down!" I don't know how many of my fellow canines would be interested, but my Mom has found a different type of apparatus that she attaches my leash to under my chin. The "Gentle Leader Headcollar" is what it is called, made by the Premier company. It fits snugly around my head and a piece of the lead goes over my mouth. It sure has made a difference in how I hear Mom now. Looking forward to rambling further than our immediate surroundings. ;)

Mystery To Solve?

Sadie and I made a late night trip outside before bed last night. Heard some crunching footsteps in the timber closest to the front yard...What could it be? The mind sure does jump to conclusions when you can't visualize the noise maker. On the first 1/8th mile of the drive from the house, this morning I recorded in picture the possible culprit's paw prints and scat. The second day of scat sighting in the same area. Earlier in the evening, on a walk we heard vocalizations that would be exchanged from a mother to her pups.Yes, I am pretty sure the coyote family is exploring their territory. Sure do wish they would catch some rabbit,a ground hog, ground squirrels,a red squirrel,or two...;) (Circled are some coyote puppy prints impressed into the mud)

Off To Oshkosh

Hubby is presently en route on a long awaited flight. Today, a little before 1:00 P.M., the weather improved to a point where he felt comfortable enough to begin the first leg of his journey to the Experimental Aircraft Associations mecca at Oshkosh,WI. A trip northeast to Marshalltown to meet up with a flying partner would determine if they would continue onward. Next stop Manchester,IA.,to Platteville,WI. Then a couple more stops possibly before getting into the flight pattern for ultra-lights on approach at the big airfield. Hubby's craft is considered a plane,but has clearance to land with his friend, who flies a World War II replica ultra-light. Time to test the air before making a decision to head out. OFF TO OSHKOSH!!!

Sadie Says

Do You think all the dogs in the world are the same? ; )

New Bass Pro Shop Location

Bass Pro Shop announced on December 18,2007 they would be building a new store in the Des Moines,IA metro area. A public sign of their intentions became visible along the Highway 65 Bypass intersection with eastbound Interstate 80 within the Altoona city limits.

Looks like a great place for easy access. It won't be more than a half hour drive from my place. I will certain;y have to give it a test run when the doors finally open. ;)

TREE AWAY!

Had some 10:00 P.M. strong weather. Sounded like a mighty rushing wind . Found some broken tree tops , leaves down, grill flipped over... That is the first survey of the situation. There isn't time to walk far at the moment. Have to get read to take my Mom for a knee surgery consultation today. The Hickory on the ground stood among some dead Red Elm until last night. Question comes to mind why the Hickory???

Big Old Fish???

Received my weekly Fishing Report from the Iowa DNR to let me know where the best fishing is happening. Gives interested fisherwomen and men a great idea of what is being caught with what bait. Certainly helps when you want to plan ahead and know the supplies to get before getting to the river or lake.

The list below are waterways in central Iowa that would keep me close to home.

I am sure everyone has places they have found to give them the best results...maybe even not to far away from the backporch. Don Williams (Boone): Crappies are biting on jigs or minnows fished in ten foot of water. Big Creek (Polk): Bluegills are biting on night crawlers under a bobber fishing out from shore. Crappies are being caught on jigs drifting in 9 to 12 foot of water. Walleyes are biting, but sorting is needed – there is a 15 inch minimum length limit. Raccoon River ( Dallas ): Catfish are being caught on stink bait and chicken liver. Beaver Lake ( Dallas ): Bluegills are being caught on worms and catfish on cut bait. Saylorville Lake (Polk): White bass are still being caught at the pump station and below the Big Creek Spillway. The water level keeps dropping and more and more fish are being caught in the main lake. Look for sea gulls or fish hitting the surface – fish the windy side of the lake. White bass and catfish are being caught below the dam. Des Moines River (Polk): Catfish bite is really starting to turn on. Yellow banks, Runnels, and Beaver Creek have been some good spots. Red Rock ( Marion ): White bass are really biting. Best spots are below the dam, Highway 14 Bridge and Teader Creek Bay . Use small crank baits and in line spinners most fish are being caught out in the main lake. Catfish are being caught on the old road bed. Rock Creek (Jasper): Bluegill are slowing down – worms are the best bet. Catfish are still being caught on stink bait and cut bait. Crappies are biting on jigs in 6-8 foot of water. Hickory Grove (Story): Bluegills are biting with a worm fished under a bobber. Crappies are being caught trolling or drifting small jigs or crank baits. Some catfish are being caught on crawlers or cut bait. Easter Lake (Polk): Bluegills are biting on worms and bobbers. Catfish have really turned on and are being caught on stink bait and chicken liver. Lake Ahquabi and Hooper (Warren): Shore fishing has been slow but catfish have been biting on worms. Crappies and bluegills have been biting on tube jigs fished next to rock piles out of boats. Mariposa (Jasper): Bluegills are biting on worms fished under a bobber. Catfish are biting on worms and chicken livers. Contact: Ben Dodd (515)432-2823, Ext.108, for information on the above area lakes

Saturn SC1 VS Deer

In one lane Highway 14, Marshall County Iowa, Hubby's Saturn SC1 encountered a conflict of interest last night on his way home from his Experimental Aircraft Association meeting. Two entities trying to share the same space at the same time. Hubby said he came upon the back-side of a deer in the middle of his lane before he was aware of its presence,it went up and over. This is the first deer that had a total impact with either of our vehicles. Years ago, Hubby had a side mirror removed by a side attack of a deer while driving a few miles to the east of us. I myself haven't collided, but had a few close calls. Damage was relatively light given the after dark collision. Crumpled the hood leaving a mid line dent, rearranged the front fender, moved the alignment of the left headlight...The deer was not to be seen after he stopped to assess whether the radiator was functional to make the trip home. We consider him fortunate to be able to continue to drive the car. So many people have cars taken out of commission with their car vs high deer population accidents...

Sadie Says

Another weekly installment of "Sadie Says" coming right up! Been a couple of weeks away from the keyboard . Where to start? Mom has been working outside more lately. She is starting to take me with her when she is in the yard close to the house. Have to get used to following her around. The decision to pick some raspberries at the edge of the yard left me to sit, OR to expend some of my energy. Did a little bit of both. For a few minutes I picked raspberries off the canes closest to the ground, while Mom got the berries at the top. Then it came to me to make a game out of the whole thing. I became an explorer. Dense weeds and brush - no matter! Didn't get to far away before I lost sight of Mom. (not to hard I'm still kind'a short) Really don't go very far yet , need my Mom to keep me happy. One of the bad things about heading into the weeds. I have to sit still and let the hairbrush take out all the round little seeds I got stuck in my ears when I get back into the house. EEEEK! Hate that thing!!! After a full day of keeping Mom occupied, time to stop, and enjoy the sunset...Hope you all have a few minutes to stop and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be seein' you around. ;)

33rd Wedding Anniversary

On June 28,1975, at 2:00 P.M.. In a country church called Noble Center United Methodist Church, located on rural southwestern Iowa Highway 71. Hubby and I exchanged vows to become partners for life. The joining of country and city. It was an unforgettable day! Hot and Iowa humid, where the moisture collects and runs off. Here's a likeness of the "Get Away" car.

I sure am looking forward to seeing what the NEXT 33(?) years have to bring... ;)

The Hunt is On

Hunt ? What Hunt?!? Well, for the Wild Gooseberry of course! In about three days the Wild Raspberries will begin their period of supplying my demand. The Mulberries are ready too if you enjoy their flavor. The floor of the timber has some pretty dense weeds, invasive honeysuckle, fallen limbs, trees and a myriad of other obstacles to get around. Fun all the same! If you ask me. Getting a little steamy out there! The Deep Woods Off! isn't lasting more than two hours with skin moisture dilution. Mosquitoes just hovering in wait to take advantage once the deet goes away. The berry picking for me means that half of the year is gone and the slide to the end is picking up speed. Other types of hunting getting closer and closer. I have had my trusty boots for 7 years now...gone through lots of stuff. Wear them when I am off to the timber to avoid thorny brush in the feet syndrome and those little squiggly green snakes babies I have seen in the neighborhood as of late...

Sadie Says

It is I ,Sadie, the wonder dog. Back again for another what's going on at Timber Life with Mom and me.

Can I say whew! The life of a pampered puppy can be a challenge...

Mom is keeping busy with my antics for sure and trying to work on online independent study in the Medical Coding and Billing field along with other summertime activities). Right now she is working on the Computer Literacy module. It is divided up into 15 weeks with 3 days scheduled in each week. She is able to move as fast or as slow as she feels comfortable. Mom got started the last part of March, and wants to finish before the 15 month deadline set by the educator. Oh, the educator is understanding if you request additional time, but like always she has a drive to "Get 'er done." "Lord Help Us All!" Did I say Antics? Lets see now. At this house there are all kinds of cords for computers and phones. You know the kind of place, where they have gadgets. Yummy carpets to chew, doors you can push against and they will open...Just the regular kind of puppy stuff to keep things lively. My Mommy still loves me even when I seem like a pest. I must say I have my heartwarming qualities too. When I want a treat I will sit and do my dance trying to decide which paw I will present to shake. Mom points to the paw she wants, sometimes I slip the other one up for some affection, and a super tasty piece of a Science Diet puppy treat. Let me tell ya if this is all I have to do to keep 'um happy around here I have it made in the shade...Talking 'bout shade. Ahhh, I'd better leave that for another day. Sadie Says have a great day everybody. I know I will!

Sadie Says

Time for my weekly installment. I really do have some opinions on items made for the canine crowd. In my puppy days I have been found to take off with Mom and Dad's shoes and boots, to have a nibble, until they are found to be missing from the designated holding rug by the door. Wouldn't you know it? Mom decided that she was going to try a product to stop my inner wishes everytime I was tempted. Maybe you have even tried it to keep your little angels from ripping apart your footwear. Here is a product called Pet Odoban. Supposed to be a "No Chew Spray", Tea Tree oil,a bitter barrier. Hmmm, no chew, huh?!? My Mom would totally saturate the surfaces until the liquid was running off the shoes and some furniture I found to be particulary of interest. Boy! The first couple of times it made me shake my head when I lapped it up. After while it didn't make any difference... So, Sadie says, not every dog may have the same results of being offended by the flavor provided by this product. Don't count on protection. Better luck next time 'round Mom!

Blowin' in the Wind

When you hear the words "Blowin' in the Wind", what do you think of? Bob Dylan's song? Certainly one thing that could come to mind when that phrase is used. When I use it, I am going to refer to the pollen I saw being released in the breeze last night around 5:00 p.m. . Looked just like smoke blowing across the tops of the tall grasses.

This is the part of the spring I dread. I react to all those little floating particles that pop out. This has been an absolutely great year for healthy grass

growth so the pollen seems extra abundant.

Wishing all of you that experience allergies through the Spring some relief shortly...

Family Fish and Game Magazine Review

Recently I received this magazine in the mail. Until then I was not familiar with the publication. Reading the Featured articles list I found topics ranging from "Love Those Family Vacations" by Steve Weisman to "Bowfishing For Beginners" by Tracy Breen. A good mix of male and female authors. The advertisements were focused to the well rounded sportsperson. Going from trapshooting needs,a device to lock a handgun for safety, fishing/ hunting needs,hunting trips,training seminars and much more. The publishers of this outdoors magazine hale out of Fort Dodge,IA. You can see more information about submitting your own hunting and fishing stories on their website at Family Fish and Game . Become a published author in your own rite. Don't forget to checkout the stories and pictures by the kids... DISCLAIMER: I donot receive any financial backing for my opinion,or positive view of this monthly magazine. However, I do feel it would be a good value...

Sadie Says

Hi folks! Some of you already know who I am. My humans cal me Sadie. Like all moms , CDGardens has added a middle name to give her more "blah, blah, blah" when she gets upset with my behavior. I guess in human speak it is "Sadie Sioux." Thought I would take some time to check -in with you. Been at home for a month now. I truly have been through a whole lot of learning. It has recently been discussed between mom and me that I might get to have my own column once a week. The idea arose when mom caught me sitting in her chair with my paws not very far from the keyboard. I wasn't looking for a job other than maybe becoming a hunting buddy, but here I am, graduating to the world of the Internet at the tender age of three months.

If you want to know what I was actually up to ...I'll tell you. My mom has paper here and there, a kleenex box sat on an end table until I started pulling them out a couple at a time to chew. MY of ALL the fun I have ripping things up when she isn't in the close vicinity. Yes, I learned to climb chairs, couches, or whatever to get what I want off the counters. Mom's computer chair is a great place to take short rests - climbing made the world around Timber Life a whole lot smaller.

Not to worry - mom doesn't think I will have to put in too many hours so there will be plenty of time to PLAY or hunt....Is there a difference? ;)

Hope you will all come on back once in awhile to see what I'm up to.

Vistor from the East

We have been having some pretty intense storms the last three or so days. Enough wind, lightening, and thunder, to make your hair curl. Setting the stage I must add that on one of our walks Sadie and I came pretty close to some lightening with the clap of thunder right over our heads. We scurried for cover so as not to tempt fate with a second strike of lightening. How often do you see unusual sights when you are out walking in the Timber or your own yard for that matter? Here is what we saw on one of our trips around the yard Anyone venture a guess to what it might be? He is related to the local bird to the right.

If you guessed Peafowl you were correct. Pat yourself on the back. We are guessing it is a Peacock with trailing feathers trimmed. A tended group lives about 2 1/2 miles due east of us. He got away from his enclosure in the storms that have been causing some high anxiety for birds, beasts and beings ...

Spring's Alive!

Spring is coming alive here at Timber Life. The Weigelia shrub is in heavy bloom and becoming an attraction for the hummingbird population. Hubby got me a Gift Card to a local Garden Store eight years ago for "Mother's Day" ; this was what I chose. It comes back year after year, blooms heavily in the spring ,with a second bloom in the late summer. This one has beautiful red flowers... Yesterday, as Sadie and I were taking one of our morning walks the first fawn of the season was sighted in the middle of the pasture to the right. The doe sipping at the puddle has been hanging around the yard. I can only speculate it is the same one that was watching me mow last year when I found a young fawn - posted on June 11,2007, in "Bambi Alert!" The turkey was having a fantastic time playing in the mud. Jumping in and out like a little kid, scratching to see what it could find. Seeing and hearing at least one close by daily has been a change. The population expanding they may become more and more visible. It has been 16 years since we moved here on June 12th. With each passing year it seems as though we are be assimilated into the wilderness surroundings - the wild life coming closer, to call it their home as well...

Time to Garden

The weather had improved giving us some rain free days. Decided it was a perfect time to see about getting the Troybuilt out of the shed. Once Hubby did some spring time spiff ups I was on my way. I am the turner of the soil facilitated by the 8-HP Troybuilt Horse model. Love the way it works the soil for planting beds. The dirt between my toes. I start off with shoes and socks on, but if the day is warm I am not satisfied with walking on the tilled surface with shoes or flip-flops on. Wanted to mix up the little garden to start getting some of my plants into the ground. Planted 6 - "Burpee's Big Mama" sauce tomatoes, 2- of an antique variety called "Brandywine" that seems to be making a come back,6 -"Burpee's Big Boy", and 4- patio tomato(only they got put into the garden with the "BIG" tomatoes). Got 10 - "Burpee's Carousel Peppers" and 4 - eggplant put into the ground. They are very small so I might end up replacing them if the rain that is coming is extremely heavy. The sweet potatoes and basil will be the next to put into the ground. Not going to plant things real close this year. It hasn't been tilled or weeded for a couple of years so will need to leave room for the tiller to help out in the weeding direction. Because the garden sits on a incline I leave most of the soil unsmoothed so the water won't run it all down hill. Leaving some pockets to hold the water, at least until we get alot of rains. Then it has to be stirred up again. With prices going up in the store I needed to get my freezer stocked with tomatoes and peppers, to start with anyway. Progress reports to come. Here are some other bloggers you might like to read getting ready for the produce planting part of Spring. Jody at The Hunter's Wife has a really great little garden she is sharing with all of us. Then check out Windyridge over in New York. She has had some challenges with the weather click here and here. I am quite sure she will be ready for the weather to finally be ready for gardening. I will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for more gardening updates from these two gals. Looks like fun in my book !!! ;) This is only a section of the 25X50 garden that has been worked first at my house.

Sadie The Retriever

Sadie's first night home gave us some entertainment and little sleep. Not being familiar with each other, she found places to "Den", peeking out to observe the situation. As the evening went on she would sneak out from behind the chair and pick up one toy at a time. The first piece of furniture to become initiated by her tiny, SHARP teeth. Electric and computer cords have seemed to become automatic chew toys for her.

This puppy has one absolutely challenging habit at this age. Chew! Chew!! Chewing!!! Oh YES, Did I say C-H-E-W-I-N-G?!? Diverting her attention has been one thing. Holding her little mouth closed and telling her "NO" firmly, short time outs in the kennel, have been other methods of getting her attention. Another suggestion I have also read about is to place a bitter-taste on the focus of the teeth puncture wounds or ripping. Patience and being consistent will bring positive results. The first full day of being home,with trips outside every two hours, there weren't any potty problems...Soon to change in the next couple of days. I am getting to see what her cues are for us to be getting on our way out the door.

Particular noises around the house are becoming less of an anxiety trigger as we reach almost a week together come tomorrow evening.

At 9 weeks of age she is most definitely a sniffer ; catching the scents in the neighborhood.

-Some Good Things she has learned-

1.Going up and down three deck steps on her own. 2.Learning her name in a very short amount of time. 3.A free foot warmer while sitting at the computer. Sadie found a stick on one of our early morning excursions,on her second day home,and carried it very proudly like any "Retriever" would...

Sadie's Saga

In the beginning Daffy and Charlie decided to have a family together at Countryside Kennels in Madison,S.D. On Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 , Daffy gave birth to the litter from which a very special puppy to me would come to be. The thought of becoming a dog owner began late last summer. So began the search for the "Right" one. For a while I tried to put the need down. Trying to convince myself that it wouldn't be a beneficial decision. Reasoning away why it wasn't something I should do. In February, being stuck inside with some not so nice weather, the puppy looking began again. Found some possibilities in all four directions from central Iowa, but with them already being 9 weeks or so old already, not knowing when the weather would be conducive to retrieve them. The goal for a Spring puppy was set. Locating Sadie using the website Puppyfind.com it worked out just great to make our initial visit on our way to another commitment. The excitement of becoming the owner of a sweet puppy came to a fever pitch come May 15th. After a restless early morning I headed out the drive at 5:25 A.M. to make my way up I-35 north to I-90 west. Stopping at one of my favorite Rest Stops, just a beautiful location overlooking the West Branch of the Des Moines River. The headwaters of one of our major rivers here in the State of Iowa. The arrangement was made to meet Dorothy Sanborn at the Pilot Travel Center off N. Cliff. Ave.,in Sioux Falls, SD. , since she had a trip into town that day making my leg of the trip a little bit shorter. Our transfer concluded,I was back on the road with Sadie by 12:33P.M., reaching home about 5:15 P.M.. Almost a 12 hour day for the total trip. So begins the continuing story of"Lady's Timber Life Sadie"...

Diaper Confusion

Well, for the past 9 months or so I have been getting advertisement information from the PAMPERS people in my e-mail box. Finally yesterday I got a diaper called a "Swaddlers" for a new baby in the mailbox. Bet you know where this one is going! Hubby suggested I put it on Sadie - which is not a bad idea. They do make diapers for dogs. One brand I have found PetPeepers. Then to my amazement I found a website offering all kinds of aids for elderly or impaired pets. It is great to know at whatever stage of life we have convenient aids to assist in pet care. Hmmm, how did we live without them in the past????

Puppy Training Manual

You know what I have on my mind these days. No, Sadie hasn't come home yet, but it is only a day away. Hubby thought this would be a good way to keep track of all her milestones, her baby book if you will. Finding sticks and rocks to chew...teething on the rocking chair. Oh yes, and her first pheasant retrieval in the field. Everything that comes with bringing up a 4-legged little girl. I will probably have some grandchildren to entertain this coming weekend after our puppy finds herself apart of her "forever home". That is what I want though, for Sadie to know who the important people are, and for the grandchildren to have no fear of her...

Hubby's Weekend Plane Story...

When this happened... I was over the marsh Friday evening when the starter ring gear separated from the flywheel. The prop caught the bell housing parts as they flew off. I immediately shut down the engine and glided to the field just north of the runway. Ended up about a quarter mile away in the corn stubble. Normal engine out landing. No problem. Took the truck and pulled it home with Dianna and the neighbor's help. Took it apart Saturday. Only other damage not evident in the photo's is it chipped the rear main seal housing. I have another one. This happened because I was using the wrong flywheel. It couldn't absorb the harmonic resonance of the engine. I will try and find a replacement in a junk yard and have it balanced. The prop will be expensive. Don't know how much for the bell housing. I'm waiting for a response from the supplier. Obviously will not be flying to Columbia.Don't know about Gardner.Should be fixed by Oshkosh. C! Wife's Point of View : Oh Honey ! Are you alright?!? So, you were able to walk away from the plane... As a wife with a guy who will do what he wants to do. There could be some bumps, bruises, and broken bones along the way, as I've learned from a past experience. Hubby is working on getting the bugs out of the system. We are glad he was in the neighborhood when the parts decided to fly. Instead of on his way to one of the upcoming events... The kicker, he had only 48 more minutes until he would have been able to leave the 25 mile radius restriction. With changes to the plane he may have to start over at another 40 hours - to be determined after contacting the local FAA office to get their opinion. Sitting on pins and needles working on trying to get things all in order to be off into the wild blue yonder in the shortest amount of time possible once again...