by Susan | Jul 8, 2013 | On My Mind
With the end of the weekend, so went the hot and humid conditions. Rarely do we endure such uncomfortable weather as we have the last four days. Summer along the Maine coast usually means warm days and comfortable nights. We don’t have air conditioning, just...
by Susan | Jul 5, 2013 | Chickens, On the Farm
The other weekend, we sold ten of our two-year-old hens and they moved to a happy new home. It was sad to see them go, but we did this because our flock had grown too large for the size of our coop. And because of their age, egg production was beginning to decline. In...
by Susan | Jul 4, 2013 | On My Mind
In 1776 John Adams wrote of Independence Day: It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. And it was. Happy 4th of...
by Susan | Jul 1, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
Recently, Sheena wrote: I would love you to produce a great grey owl pattern. My daughter had a great grey owl fly up the isle at her wedding land on her husband’s arm and deliver their rings. It was stunning, I’d love to make her one for her first wedding...
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 29, 2013 | Garden
I enjoy watching the Mourning Doves out my kitchen window. They visit the garden feeder for breakfast and dinner. Here they are pictured with the fading lilacs. Lilacs that are all but gone after days of torrential rains!
by Susan | Jun 25, 2013 | On My Mind
This weekend I discovered two nesting Phoebes under the back lean-to. They’re very shy; every time I tiptoe to the back yard to snap a picture, they abandon their nests and watch me from a distance. After snapping these pictures, I gave up capturing the Phoebes...
by Susan | Jun 24, 2013 | Out and About in Maine
After spending yesterday morning thoroughly scrubbing the chicken coop from top-to-bottom, Hannah and I decided we deserved a bit of fun. Although the day was a little overcast, we drove out to Sandy River Beach in Jonesport. It’s a relatively short beach, but...
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....
by Susan | Jun 19, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
This little Mourning Dove look so happy frolicking in the garden bird bath.
by Susan | Jun 18, 2013 | Granny Gadget
This incredible edible breakfast sandwich machine is brought to us by Granny Gadget. She sent Hannah this Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker. We’ve had fun testing it out. This little gadget is very fun. Hannah said that it makes “the best breakfast...
by Susan | Jun 17, 2013 | Family, On My Mind
Hannah has taken to making her own cards for special events. I think they are the best. She knows Paul longs for some goats to add more commotion to the Farm. Hence the subject for her Daddy’s Day card. When did she become such a talented artist? Don’t you...
by Susan | Jun 16, 2013 | On My Mind
It was a gorgeous weekend. Sunshine, seventies, and cool breezes. Picture perfect.
by Susan | Jun 15, 2013 | Garden, On the Farm
My lilacs are in full bloom making the garden smell wonderul. As I sit and write this, the breeze is carrying the scent of lilac in the window. Late this afternoon, when we were feeding critters and putting things away outdoors, I found these Hummingbird Clearwing...
by Susan | Jun 14, 2013 | Ducks, On the Farm
Peep and Squeak are finally getting out of the brooder and experiencing the great outdoors. We put the big ducks in their run early and let the babies explore alone. We had to coax them into the pond. It’s a lot bigger than the bathtub! Then they began to loosen...
by Susan | Jun 13, 2013 | Out and About in Maine
One of my favorite things about June is the appearance of Lupine growing wild along the Coastal Maine countryside. Although they can be invasive, I so like the tall purple spires, I’ve started a few from seed at home. They make a good backdrop for photographing...
by Susan | Jun 11, 2013 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
The past few days this Hairy Woodpecker has been a regular morning visitor at my garden bird feeder. Isn’t he pretty?
by Susan | Jun 10, 2013 | Family, On My Mind
It’s been a long week full of firsts and endings. Hannah graduated from 8th grade tonight and officially moves on to high school. She has anticipated this day for weeks, excited about moving on to high school. The reality of it left her (and me) feeling a bit...
by Susan | Jun 9, 2013 | Chickens, On the Farm
Occupancy in the Banty B&B has hit an all-time high. Over the past couple of days the Banty chicken population doubled. Shadow is proving to be an excellent chicky mama, sticking to her nest until five baby bantam chickens hatched. It seemed like every time I went...
by Susan | Jun 8, 2013 | In the Kitchen, Recipes
Artichoke hearts are one of my favorite pizza toppings. I was intrigued when during a recent window shopping visit to Williams-Sonoma, I discovered Artichoke & Garlic Pizza Sauce. I couldn’t justify $13 a jar for pizza sauce, so the past three Saturdays...
