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 weed through!

Stay tuned!