Her hardest hue to hold."
Robert Frost Nothing Gold Can Stay
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Maple Syruping
"Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold."
Robert Frost Nothing Gold Can Stay
Her hardest hue to hold."
Robert Frost Nothing Gold Can Stay
Saturday, March 13, 2010
An Early Springtime
It seems that spring has arrived early this year. We have had a beautiful week of warm 40-50 degree days, brilliant blue skies, and sun - glorious sun.
Yesterday, after a hurried morning of lessons, we all went out to enjoy the day. Papa had the day off to work on the greenhouse he is building out back near the hen house. I have always longed for a greenhouse, and this year it will be a reality. He and the boys are constructing it out of old windows, doors, and sheet plastic. All of the activity has been closely monitored by Angus, our rooster, and the hens. I have been watching, too, full of anticipation, like a small child at Christmas. I can't wait to put my seedlings in and watch them grow.
So far, I've planted Roma, Big Boy, and cherry tomatoes by the dozen. Last year's disastrous season has not dampened my enthusiasm where "hope springs eternal." I've also planted leeks and onions which have already sprouted in the light hut. Pots of cauliflower, broccoli, and cantaloupe seeds keep warm by the woodstove, and I watch them carefully for signs of life.
Outside, green shoots of daffodils and tulips peep out from the layers of mulch and compost. The garlic shoots are almost six inches high, and soon I will have to plant the shallots saved from last year's harvest.
Even the animals sense the change of season. Angus has been very busy "wooing" his ladies, and one of the hens has been very broody for about a week now. I would like to try to hatch a clutch of chicks this spring. Exactly how, I haven't yet decided. Should I leave it up to Mother Nature? Or, should I look for an incubator?
The boys also noticed some unusual behavior on the part of our geese. Two of them have begun nest building! It is rather humorous to see them sitting still in a carefully chosen spot looking around them for bits of grass and hay. These the ladies pick up very daintily, and place beside themselves on the ground. Edmund is having the time of his life watching them. Who knows - perhaps we shall see a goose egg yet!
Yesterday, after a hurried morning of lessons, we all went out to enjoy the day. Papa had the day off to work on the greenhouse he is building out back near the hen house. I have always longed for a greenhouse, and this year it will be a reality. He and the boys are constructing it out of old windows, doors, and sheet plastic. All of the activity has been closely monitored by Angus, our rooster, and the hens. I have been watching, too, full of anticipation, like a small child at Christmas. I can't wait to put my seedlings in and watch them grow.
So far, I've planted Roma, Big Boy, and cherry tomatoes by the dozen. Last year's disastrous season has not dampened my enthusiasm where "hope springs eternal." I've also planted leeks and onions which have already sprouted in the light hut. Pots of cauliflower, broccoli, and cantaloupe seeds keep warm by the woodstove, and I watch them carefully for signs of life.
Outside, green shoots of daffodils and tulips peep out from the layers of mulch and compost. The garlic shoots are almost six inches high, and soon I will have to plant the shallots saved from last year's harvest.
Even the animals sense the change of season. Angus has been very busy "wooing" his ladies, and one of the hens has been very broody for about a week now. I would like to try to hatch a clutch of chicks this spring. Exactly how, I haven't yet decided. Should I leave it up to Mother Nature? Or, should I look for an incubator?
The boys also noticed some unusual behavior on the part of our geese. Two of them have begun nest building! It is rather humorous to see them sitting still in a carefully chosen spot looking around them for bits of grass and hay. These the ladies pick up very daintily, and place beside themselves on the ground. Edmund is having the time of his life watching them. Who knows - perhaps we shall see a goose egg yet!
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