by Susan | Jan 14, 2021 | On the Farm
We’ve had a rough year with our farm animals. One night a few months ago, I forgot to lock the duckies in the house at dusk. The next morning I found feathers and our drake missing. Knowing that I was responsible has been hard to accept. I set a ducky alarm on...
by Susan | May 26, 2019 | Ducks, On the Farm
Once again our ducks have been wandering. Hannah discovered them where they shouldn’t have been. Our Pekin ducks typically didn’t wander far but these Welsh Blues are always looking for greener pastures. Or better ponds....
by Susan | Apr 13, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I had some unusual visitors at the feeder today. The ducks found a break in the fence and have been exploring new territory. One look at me through the window and they waddled back through the fence to where they should be. Then this beauty showed up this afternoon...
by Susan | Jun 4, 2018 | Ducks, On the Farm
It was a rough winter at Downeast Thunder Farm. Not only did we lose a chicken to the local bobcat, but we lost two of our ducks as well. During the middle of the day something, perhaps a fox, absconded with Oscar the last of our original ducks (2011). Then it was...
by Susan | Jul 9, 2017 | On My Mind
My seasons of purple have been racing by without much notice on my part. I’ve been too busy to enjoy being at home. I’ve all but missed the lilac bushes that were in bloom for all of a week. The Lupin has come and gone. Today, I blissfully had a day to...
by Susan | Apr 16, 2017 | On My Mind
It was a glorious Easter Sunday here – rare 74 degrees and sunny for April. Since my partner in crime (Hannah) is off on a trip to New York, I recruited Paul and Gidget for this afternoon’s walk by the river. The water was high, roaring past the railroad...
by Susan | Apr 29, 2016 | On the Farm
I love the days when I can work from home. This morning was one of those days and despite the crazy late-April chill, it was a perfect, peaceful morning. I spent a few minutes with my coffee sights and sounds on the...
by Susan | Mar 21, 2016 | Ducks, On the Farm
Given the unseasonable beautiful weather we’ve been blessed with as of late, the first full day of spring was a rude beginning. A month since we had any measurable snowfall and today’s Snow Day No. 4 feels like a step backward in the march towards spring....
by Susan | Jul 29, 2015 | Out and About in Maine
Yesterday, I enjoyed my lunch by the edge of a marsh taking in the scenery. These ducks were startled by my presence and took off in flight. A frog watched me carefully, never moving from his lily pad. Do you see him? A hawk took exception to my presence. He was not...
by Susan | Apr 3, 2015 | Ducks, On the Farm
Today felt like Spring! Sixty and sunny, the ducks got some supervised play time outside their house. I guess you could call them puddle ducks as they were having a ball in the melting driveway. Splashing and preening, they were, feathers flying. What I can’t...
by Susan | Dec 26, 2014 | On the Farm
Today brought another round of record-breaking temperatures to Downeast Maine. The long shadows of winter belied the springlike weather. Less than one week into winter found me lounging in a chair in front of the pond taking in the sights. The banties were out en...
by Susan | Nov 14, 2014 | On My Mind
The first snow day of the year is upon us. What better way to spend a Friday than snuggled warm inside watching the world turn white outdoors. It’s rare to see snow on the ground when the pond is not frozen. I wish the duckies could enjoy the pond all winter...
by Susan | Jul 4, 2014 | On the Farm
It seems that I have a bit of extra company when I sit on the porch these days. As I was enjoying the view of the ducks on the pond from my Adirondack chair, it became clear that I was not alone. This little bunny has taken up residence under the lilac bushes. The...
by Susan | Apr 15, 2014 | On the Farm
Yesterday, the pond all but melted, found the ducks hanging out on the bank. They’d yet to dip a foot into the pond, still splashing in their mortar box. All that water just waiting for them and they wouldn’t go near it. I talked Paul into helping me “coax” the...
by Susan | Apr 7, 2014 | On My Mind
Today was a gift. The sun shining, temperatures soared to 50 degrees. I brushed off the long unused porch chairs and parked myself for a few minutes to admire the view. The pond is still frozen over, but the ice is dwindling. In the front, the only remaining snow are...
by Susan | Mar 20, 2014 | On My Mind
I had visions of the first day of spring – time sitting on the porch letting the sun’s warmth nourish me. Truth be told, I think only the ducks were happy about the reality of the this first day of spring. They found joy in the puddles.
by Susan | Jan 31, 2014 | Ducks
Not long ago, Janet emailed and asked how the ducks were fairing this winter – that I hadn’t mentioned them lately. Well, Janet, winter is definitely not their favorite season, but our eight duckies are doing well. We got the ducks for eggs (although...
by Susan | Dec 7, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
Not long ago, a Mrs. Ruddy wrote and asked me to make a Ruddy Duck pattern. Not being familiar with her namesake, I googled it. Once I saw how fun he was, I knew I had to make him. His blue bill makes him quite unique! Right click here and select “Save Target...
by Susan | Jun 30, 2013 | On the Farm
A day without rain is a glorious day! I spent as much time outdoors as possible – weeding, trellising the tomato plants, snipping the scapes off my garlic, weed whacking, etcetera. I’m not the only one who was happy to be out and about today. Shadow took...
by Susan | Jun 22, 2013 | Ducks, On the Farm
The ducklings spent the last few days in a play yard outdoors becoming familiar with the other farm critters. Today, we introduced Peep and Squeak to the rest of flock. I expected the big ducks to chase off the babies, but for the most part the babies were ignored....
