Welcome To My Blog!

Adventures--how do you define one? My life has been full of adventures of all kinds-some exciting, some stressful, some funny, some exhilarating--this blog will share some of them with you.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

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!






Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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!




Sunday, February 19, 2012

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!







Friday, February 10, 2012

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 weed through!

Stay tuned!