Near end of September, Maple going red on the river side of Red Bud, so I've decided to order a new pair of Yaktrax as my old pair snapped last winter. Alma says that the forecast is for a milder winter than last; but she was alarmed that I would even entertain traveling in January. I am having doubts myself of trying to visit the DR this winter. Coaxing someone to stay in my house in the winter is very difficult, but I aim to work harder on the task. The chickens are relatively easy - unless there is snow that needs to be shoveled to reach their house. Their feeder holds enough feed for 6 to 7 days and the water, ditto - and if there is snow they won't want to go into the yard. However, if very cold, one does need to break up the ice in their water basin. Katrina doesn't mind hanging out in the green house. She and Mojo and Mr Lee do need to be fed daily; and the two dogs need a daily walk. The weather is what can put a kink in the duty. ah! Alma did say that she would be a back up for me; she does not drive in snow though! I am hoping that Diane can stay - and maybe Susan.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014
a 2 snake day
From the looks of the first snake I caught in the act of swallowing an egg, his or her body stretched across all three laying nests, this was not the first stolen egg. I grabbed it behind the unhinged jaw with egg (squeezing slightly to expel the egg) and managed to pull it out of the nests. Back in the house after several attempts (snake did figure 8's and loop de loops, more contortions that imagined), I was able to get the six foot long strong body into a cotton bag with tie. Mr. Lee accompanied me on a drive down the road to drop the thief, far enough away that I don't think he'll be back soon. However, just a half hour ago, I surprised a smaller black snake in the act of closing its jaw around an Americana pale green egg (I know because I was able to expel this egg also). I suspect these snakes were in cahoots. But I did not drive this snake as far afield. I will have to be more vigilant.
What was more disturbing today was an incident involving Mr. Lee and I am unsure what other varmint. On the way back from our walk to the river, Mr. Lee exuberantly ran ahead (his usual manner). But shortly after I crossed the last creek crossing, I saw Mr. Lee, tail down and limping. He was so distressed that instead of walking slowly beside me, he implored me to carry him! As soon as I got into the kitchen, I got out the tincture of Ledum and gave him a dose of 30C. He lay on the floor chewing at his front right paw. I looked at it to see if it was swelling badly as I remembered that Mindy had seen a cooper head in the same area of the path. There was some swelling, but I could not find a bite. Nevertheless, because of his restlessness and the heat of his paw, I gave him a dose of Cenchris (copperhead). Soon afterwards he jumped up on his chair and napped. He seems fine now. I can't imagine that it was a copperhead bite - but I am thankful that he has recovered from whatever did attack his paw.
I had planned to do some other things today - none having to do with snakes...
What was more disturbing today was an incident involving Mr. Lee and I am unsure what other varmint. On the way back from our walk to the river, Mr. Lee exuberantly ran ahead (his usual manner). But shortly after I crossed the last creek crossing, I saw Mr. Lee, tail down and limping. He was so distressed that instead of walking slowly beside me, he implored me to carry him! As soon as I got into the kitchen, I got out the tincture of Ledum and gave him a dose of 30C. He lay on the floor chewing at his front right paw. I looked at it to see if it was swelling badly as I remembered that Mindy had seen a cooper head in the same area of the path. There was some swelling, but I could not find a bite. Nevertheless, because of his restlessness and the heat of his paw, I gave him a dose of Cenchris (copperhead). Soon afterwards he jumped up on his chair and napped. He seems fine now. I can't imagine that it was a copperhead bite - but I am thankful that he has recovered from whatever did attack his paw.
I had planned to do some other things today - none having to do with snakes...
Monday, September 1, 2014
one month - where have I been?
Celebrating the return of summer this first day of September; August having been the coolest on record. Mr. Lee and I returned from a luscious swim an hour ago, water salubrious. Happily musing on visit by my eldest son and his family. Nothing like a room with two two year olds: Fia savvy and articulate and Tru agile in all but words. They played in the sand and water at the swimming hole cheerfully; but with the doll house inside my house, relations were testy. Tru trying to befriend, Fia wanting no interruption. As Tru's mother pointed out, two year olds don't play together - more parallel play.
The food was extravagant with garden tomatoes at every meal and fresh eggs for breakfast. Steaks with fresh herbs, roasted vegetables one night; another evening kale salad (have to make soon again: kale with currants, toasted walnuts and vinaigrette dressing), jerk chicken and rice. Good wine. Good Good company. I am re-savoring the days and evenings. Memories to take me through the winter while sipping an espresso (exquisite coffee Ez brought from Houston).
The food was extravagant with garden tomatoes at every meal and fresh eggs for breakfast. Steaks with fresh herbs, roasted vegetables one night; another evening kale salad (have to make soon again: kale with currants, toasted walnuts and vinaigrette dressing), jerk chicken and rice. Good wine. Good Good company. I am re-savoring the days and evenings. Memories to take me through the winter while sipping an espresso (exquisite coffee Ez brought from Houston).
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