An "oink fest" in February

Today was the  perfect weather for our chapter of Texas Master Naturalist to hold a "oink fest". Our fearless leader and a member of the chapter stayed up all night (in the freezing cold) and smoked feral hogs. The members all brought delicious side dishes and  desserts. We all sat outside under  a beautiful blue sky and enjoyed each other's company. What a feast!. I was very pleasantly surprised--the meat was delicious!! And has the added benefit or no hormones, no antibiotics. Can't beat Texas for February weather this year!!

Is it ready?

Mmm, good!

I always have such a good time with this group!

Stay tuned for more from Texas!

A Texas February

February--a strange month this year.There has been very little cold weather.  A week or so ago we did have a nice snow. I awoke in the night to total silence--looked out the window and marveled at the swirling flakes. Before long, the tree limbs were coated with a beautiful layer of white.

My Early Morning View

My favorite kind of winter--the snow only lasted a few hours--beautiful!

 The little Spring flowers and weeds had already arrived--the henbit has been in full bloom. I wonder if it will still be in bloom when the butterflies arrive.

Yesterday I took this photo of some of my first Spring flowers--I transplanted these from my pasture a couple of years ago--they are finally taking hold.

Mystery Flowers

I have yet to identify these little beauties. Can anyone help me?? Please feel free to comment.

I eagerly await the redbud trees blooming, as well as other signs of Spring. I wonder how many plants survived the drought of last summer. Soon I will check to see if the blackberry vines rebound. 

I've planted lettuce in my little container garden. Next week I will attempt potatoes and broccoli. This year I will try carrots, squash, peppers, and tomatoes again. I have a new plan to thwart the squash bugs. A friend suggested I plant bay leaves with them. I'll definitely try that.

Stay tuned!

Saying Goodbye--We're Not Giving Up Yet

Bochica's tumors continue to come and go, but otherwise he seems to feel good most of the time. Occasionally he seems a little cross to Moe, but never to me. I think he has been missing our rides--I see him really watching closely when I am walking Rufus. But I've come upon a way for him to have a "job' to do again.

The other day for some reason he picked up his feed bucket and dropped it. Aha! I decided to watch him and if he did it again, to give him treats, praise him and teach him to do it upon command. It only took a few days--he is one smart horse and eager to please. Check this video out:

Now is I can jut get him to pick up Moe's bucket!  As soon as it is a little warmer, I plan to get another exercise ball and play with him. Even though I am so tempted to ride him "one more time", I am going by my "gut feeling" which says NO. He is developing more tumors around his hip and is giving a little more to his back end. So we will just have fun in other ways.  I just love that little horse!!!!

Stay tuned for more fun ways to enjoy a horse!

My Secret For Good Bird Photographs

Finally, I discovered how to take a decent bird photograph. After many blurry photos, I decided to try the "10 in a row" feature on my camera. I believe this is a red-bellied woodpecker. Do you agree?  (Don't forget to click on the photo--it is then enlarged.)

Are there any sunflower seeds in there?

He found one!

This one looks tasty!

He looks satisfied!

I see you!

Now, I just need to find a faster way to review my photos--this technique provides MANY to choose from!

Stay tuned!

 

Do Waxwings Eat Seeds from Sweetgum Balls?

I had one more chance to photograph the Cedar Waxwings. When I checked the next day to see if any were around, I did see a flock of about 20 or so. They seemed to be flying back and forth from the Sweetgum tree to the Cedar tree. At first I thought they were just resting in the Sweetgum, but after looking at this photo, I am wondering if they are picking out seeds from the Sweetgum balls. What do you think?

Are They Eating Seeds??

Oh, no--another project-read up on Cedar Waxwings. They are fascinating little birds--I hope to see them again!

Stay tuned!

Cedar Waxwings Visit Salispuedes

I had a nice surprise this morning. As I was walking Rufus witih the golf cart, I noticed a huge flock of birds swooping down to my trees in the pasture. At first I thought it was a flock of blackbirds, but upon closer observation, decided they just might be Cedar Waxwings. I quickly returned to the house and grabbed my binoculars and camera. Sure enough, it was a huge (more than 100) flock of Cedar Waxwings. I took lots of photos; unfortunately it was a cloudy day and their colors didn't show up in the ones of them in the bare tree branches. 

Just one small portion of the flock!

I came back to the house and as I was eating breakfast, it dawned on me that they were probably attracted to my large cedar that was loaded with berries. So back out to the pasture! Sure enough, they were scarfing down those berries.

Yummy!

These two seemed to pose for me. They would make a good Christmas card, don't you think?

Aren't they cute?

The waxwings were nice enough to share the berries with at least one robin.

OneLlone Robin

I could have sat there all day and watched these beautiful birds; unfortunately duty called-- a planning meeting for the children's garden. When I finally got out to the pasture late this afternoon, there were no birds. I wonder if they will come tomorrow. 

Life is never dull here--always something magical to see!!

Stay tuned!

My Favorite Tree In The Winter

Each season I seem to have a different favorite tree. In the winter,  the pines win, hands down. When all the leaves have fallen, I do like to see the intricate patterns of the branches of the hardwoods. Someday I will learn draw them! But when the colors of winter seem drab, the pines cheer me!

A touch of green!

The birds like them also. They eat the seeds and also hide among the branches (especially when I'm trying to get a photo of them.

Please move your head!

I gather the cones each year, hoping to think of something really cool to make with them. This year I gave some as Christmas gifts, together with peanut butter and bird seed, as a kit to make bird feeders. I need to make some myself! I also use them for decorations. Can anyone think of something else??

Stay tuned!