Wednesday, June 30, 2010

They Did It!

After many futile attempts, my geese have succeeded in hatching a family!


Mom and Dad diligently guarding their little family. They managed to keep the sheep from a new hay bale, at least long enough for me to move the hay.

Aren't these the cutest little guys? I'm so excited. While the geese are chasing off the sheep, they are basically ignoring the dogs. Jesse and Charlie have earned a pass, it seems.

There are six more eggs, and Mom climbed back in the nest (Jesse's crate) to sit on them some more. Fingers crossed!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Local Mountain Views

Mount St Helens from a friend's farm

Mount Rainier from the highway

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Listen To Your Dogs

The dogs are barking. It's night, that's what they do. But wait - that's Jesse, down below, and that's a "come here" bark. Berna takes up the cause and goes outside to get a better view. OK, time to go see what's up. I gather jacket and flashlight and head down the hill. As I get close to the bottom I call out "What's up Jess?" and see Jesse rounding the building. I am then hit sideways by a very exuberant Lady. Lady?

Lady has obviously decided I'm going too slowly on her training, and took herself out of her kennel to tour the property. Fortunately at night, because she isn't good with chickens. She is ecstatic to see me. I guide her into the bird building, where I have spare leashes. I keep hold of her while I grab the spare, because she's also not good with cats, and a cat lives in the building. Lady doesn't care, she's happy to be out, and happy to be with me.

We go by the horses, to make sure all is well. They look over at us, obviously undisturbed. At their feet are sheep and goats, also unruffled. The geese are against the back fence, looking less sanguine. Lady and I walk up the hill back to the kennel, and inspect the damage. Not bad, easily fixable.

No harm done, one happy dog. I am, however, very glad I listened to my dogs.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Spotted Drafts

Magic



Rebel


Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Native Plants - Siberian Miner's Lettuce or Candy Flower


This pretty little purslane brightens moist, shady areas- it's in most openings and along the edges of my woods.


The flowers are small, and might not be noticed if they didn't grow in communities.


Here it is in community with an import - an Eurasian weed called Herb-Robert, Geranium robertianum. The flowers are a bit larger and darker than Siberian Miner's Lettuce, and has a strong smell.


This annual or short-lived perennial is somewhat succulent. According to Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the leaves are edible, but were not used as food by native peoples. They were for a variety of health purposes.