Two types of dogs

When previously looking up skunk spray removal remedies, I came across a saying. With regard to skunks, "there are two types of dogs: those that learn the first time, and those that never learn." Unfortunately for us, dear Sammy is a never-learner. The other night (on his evening walk with Matt) was his 3rd (or 4th?) encounter - a direct hit - leading to a hurried peroxide/dish soap/baking soda bath at 10 pm, a night sleeping in the garage (Sammy - not Matt), and then a full bath the next day. What's not to learn?

Our sunny weather had departed before that - and we are very glad for the rain. What we are not glad for is a constantly damp, mildly skunk-smelling dog wanting to roll on the carpet!

I've planted cover crops in the empty rows, and am planning on prepping more (especially since the seeds have finally started germinating. The flocks of migrating birds we see every morning are a joy, except when you suspect they are stealing all the seeds!) But the weather is not cooperating... and to be honest, I'm not complaining. I'll post some outside pictures when the weather clears a bit.

Hope everyone is all prepared for Christmas!

What season is it?

Today was an unexpectedly beautiful and almost warm day - especially appreciated after last week's several nights of frosts and hard freezes, and yesterday's rain! So, it probably comes as no surprise that we spent most of the daylight hours outside. I worked in the garden, digging and amending planting holes for some blueberry plants we have ordered (we're going to try out 3 varieties - 2 plants each - to see what does best here). Matt was busy out in Santa's workshop... but no pictures of that! We wouldn't want to spoil any surprises. :)

The animals were happy to frolic in their little pasture, probably thinking it's spring. Oh - and, a single chicken has begun laying. We had actually assumed none would start laying until spring, but we've had small pullet eggs for 4 days, and we've seen one of the black hens in a nest box.

Hardly Strictly Baby Festival

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of going to a celebration for Neely and Jason's baby-on-the-way. They were quite clear that it was not a baby shower. On the calendar, I wrote "Hart baby fest." I'm sure Jason would not object to Baby-palooza. :) Whatever you call it, we had a great time. Luckily, Matt took lots of great pictures.

The serious business of the day was tie-dying "onesies" for the tyke. Fortunately, the largest size was for a 12-month old, preventing potential scenes in the future ("I don't care that you're in 8th grade - your aunt Julie made that shirt for you and you are wearing it to the dance!") But we won't be surprised if the child grows up with an unexplainable affinity for the 1960s...






When we weren't splashing around in the dye, we were free to chat, eat, drink and be merry.

And admire the cutest cake ever...
(The writing on the front reads, "May the forest be with you.")

In three words or less

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We did.
It's been a long time since our last post. In the interest of time (yours and ours!) today's captions will be short.

What has been going on?

Mischief

More mischief

Firewood

Greenhouse construction: start

Migration: American robin

Migration: Killdeer


Sugar snap peas

Garlic

More to come...