Backroads of Morrow County: December 3, 2011

My faith in the Amish has been somewhat restored. Last year they showed up at Wendy's in a car. This year they showed up at McDonald's in their horse and buggy--four families. The "somewhat"? Amish eating McDonald's? Maybe they haven't read Fast Food Nation or Omnivore's Dilemma, or Animal, Vegetable, Miracle? I should have gone home and brought them back a copy. Maybe next time they're going to be in the neighborhood, they'll call ahead? Oh, wait. . .

Today at Iten's Acres: February 23, 2012

This early spring is messing with my mind. (I know that doesn't take much.) But flowers should not be blooming for another month (well Lenten rose--yes), not even the crocus. I should be able to walk my acres for another month without getting the "anticipation" bug. I should be able to walk without starting to look around to see what's blooming, worrying about why it hasn't come up yet and bloomed. It's not supposed to be blooming yet!!!!!! I don't mind--in fact I love--being a "blooming idiot" from mid-March to the first frosts of November. But I should have another month free of the mental "strains" of anticipation. Watch. March will be twenty below zero all month, and nothing will ever bloom. Oh me of little faith. Yes, of course, you should feel sorry for me. And come pull weeds. I'm sure they'll come up early too.

Today at Iten's Acres: March 12, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Yes, it is now officially spring. The star of spring is, of course, the daffodil. They come up and bloom anywhere--even in the trees and the wild area. My property is today immersed in them: yellows, whites, pinks, even some red and orange. All the beds have them. The pond is under siege. Must have at least 500 blooms spread everywhere you look. And there's more to come! And after they have bloomed and gone "dormant," they will actually be creeping along under the soil--spreading, so that they can be even more glorious next spring. Ahhh--the daffodil!Today at Iten's Acres: Yes, it is now officially spring. The star of spring is, of course, the daffodil. They come up and bloom anywhere--even in the trees and the wild area. My property is today immersed in them: yellows, whites, pinks, even some red and orange. All the beds have them. The pond is under siege. Must have at least 500 blooms spread everywhere you look. And there's more to come! And after they have bloomed and gone "dormant," they will actually be creeping along under the soil--spreading, so that they can be even more glorious next spring. Ahhh--the daffodil!

Backroads of Morrow County: December 13, 2011

I have this malady. I think I caught it from Brad and Ben. Reverse DNA. Not sure what it's called? Maybe that thing that killed the proverbial cat. It all started when the three of us lived in Traveler's Rest, South Carolina. We'd drive by this country road and one of the boys would say, "I wonder where that goes?" And away we would go. The road would usually end up in one of my favorite places: Nowhere In Particular, S.C. Then we would turn around and drive back because everyone who has this malady knows that a country road looks totally different coming from the other direction. When we came back to Ohio I went into regression. Who cares where a city road goes? But now that I'm a country boy again, the malady has returned. I'm telling you this so in case I disappear one of these days, you won't need to look for me. I'll just be in Nowhere In Particular, Ohio. Probably found a diner that serves Pepsi.

Today at Iten's Acres: March 10, 2012

Ten days before spring even officially arrives. Yet, the crocus are blooming everywhere--even in the wild area which is usually a couple of weeks behind the front of the Acres. More blooming each day. Daffodils budding by the hundreds. The dwarf iris started blooming mid-week. The woodpeckers are hyper active. Are they scoffing, laughing, or just starting to flirt early. Predicted temps in the 60s by the end of the week. But---it was 22 degrees this morning. Heavy frost. The snow birds are still here--in mass. Isn't doesn't even look as if they've packed their bags for the trip north. The forsythia haven't bloomed yet. (FSA keeps whispering in my ear, "Three more snows AFTER the forsythia blooms.) The gladiolas and calla lilies are sitting there daring me to plant them. Ohhh, the joys and agonies of a flower lover in Ohio in 2012.

Homesteader Update: January 23, 2013

The Homesteader is on her way to a full recovery. She spent a few days walking a little gingerly, but the last two days she's been back in business--in attack mode, doing her elephant runs up the stairs to see is she's still faster than the speed of light, explaining her point of view on every possible topic. She has also increased her control over--I mean deepened her relationship--with Mom. It started with sleeping at her feet, Then it progressed to sleeping on the kitchen chair near Mom. Step three was sleeping on the back of Mom's chair. And now, she just plops next to Mom right in the chair, stretches out, and let's Mom share with her. She, also, had developed a new pose. While her feet were a little sore, she would sit on her back haunches like a prairie dog on alert or a kangaroo in a boxing stance. I guess she's decided that's a cool way to sit even if your feet don't hurt. I can just see it her cat eyes: "Don't I look cute sitting like this?" Egomaniac.

Today at Iten's Acres: March 20, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Yes, it is now officially spring. The star of spring is, of course, the daffodil. They come up and bloom anywhere--even in the trees and the wild area. My property is today immersed in them: yellows, whites, pinks, even some red and orange. All the beds have them. The pond is under siege. Must have at least 500 blooms spread everywhere you look. And there's more to come! And after they have bloomed and gone "dormant," they will actually be creeping along under the soil--spreading, so that they can be even more glorious next spring. Ahhh--the daffodil!

Today at Iten's Acres: September 12, 2012

I wish I could put into words how luxurious the wild area is this time of year. Yes, there are brilliant patches of flowers there from spring to first frost, but this time of year it's an acre or two of nothing but flowers--yellows, whites, pinks, blues, purples, reds. It is a canvas immersed in color. And despite the fact that it has been a dry year, I can turn down many of the paths and just disappear into the painting, the flowers towering over my head. And the final touch to the grand finale is the hundreds of butterflies flitting from place to place in total rebellion to the idea that the fastest way from one point to another is a straight line. "Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like this." Not even close.

Today at Iten's Acres: September 24, 2011

The summer of 2011 has officially succumbed to the vagaries of the calender. Fall/autumn is here. Autumn appeals to my poetic side; fall is probably more accurate. The dogwood has started to turn. The red maple is beginning to live up to its name. The fall is coming. The wild area is immersed in yellows, whites, and purples--gorgeous. The re-blooming iris have been invigorated by cooler temperatures along with the snapdragons and alyssum. I love the change of seasons. God gets out His paint brush and redoes the scenery again!

Today at Iten's Acres: September 24, 2012

What a terrible afternoon. I had to spend the whole afternoon outside on a perfect fall day. Bright sunshine, a few white and soft gray clouds playing shadows on the lawn. A cool breeze too. And several monarch butterflies flitting about being beautiful. Lots of little yellow and white butterflies flitting about as well. Birds singing everywhere. And the cat bird doing whatever you call its song. What did I have to do all afternoon? Plant gorgeous flowers for next spring's flower show. Terrible, just terrible. Sigh. =) Somebody has to do it.

Today at Iten's Acres: March 30, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Firsts--Lamium. I spiffed up Mom's window garden--pansies (my name sake) and calla lilies. The azalea are getting ready to bloom. Peonies starting to emerge. Some more forget-me-nots remembered to bloom. And the iris are starting to bud. It's not even April yet! I don't know if I can handle this early stuff. I think the robin believes I take my walks so I can follow him around while he sings for me. Loud is his forte.

Today at Iten's Acres: April 1, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Planted this year's group of Arbor Day trees (saplings). These are for the next generation. Hope someone that loves beauty gets this place after I'm gone. The old apple tree has finally taken blossoming seriously. The old dogwood is in its glory especially with the redbuds around it. The pond choir is complete: the falsetto of the peepers has been joined full force by the baritones of the bull frogs. Daffodils still blooming; some have just started to bud. Tulips are out in force. The race is on for first iris bloom; looks as if the reigning champion is about to be dethroned for the first time at Iten's Acres by a small orangish yellow newcomer in the Morning Glory bed up front on the Acres.

Today at Iten's Acres: April 15, 2012

Today at Iten Acres: It's amazing what a good day's rain can do to perk things up. Bluebells everywhere. (Can the coral bells be far behind?) Triteleia started blooming as well. And the crab apples are in their glory. The pond is surrounded by white clouds of blossoms; the scarlet and white ones by the house and in the back meadow are mixing their colors together in a lovely visual symphony. And the redbud and dogwood are still glorious as well.
(One month til the freeze day. Can I sustain my paranoia until then?)

Today at Iten's Acres: April 17, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Feeding the swallows again. Still no swallows. Of course, I just cut the front today, maybe they'll be out back tomorrow. I should just go and look in Dennis' shed to see if they're in there building nests. There were some bluebirds today. They like the bug feast engendered by mowing as well, but they are not as bold as the swallows. To watch them for awhile, I have to turn off the mower and just sit. The bluebirds then do their hunting in the mowed areas. Lovely creatures. And, the goldfinch have bloomed as well by the way.
I like to stop right at the bend in the driveway where it winds around the old red maple and goes straight up to the house. On the left is the dogwood gloriously white. On the right is a redbud living up to its name. In the middle, up by the house, is a deep scarlet crab apple. It's a lovely view.
Sadly, I must restart the mower and go back to "work." I do, however, sit there for awhile enjoying the beauty of the trees and the loveliness of the bluebirds and goldfinch flitting about. Oh, did I mention the flock of robins enjoying the acres today. They're are so "common," I often overlook their beauty.
It's a pity that we miss so much just because we don't take the time to stop and observe.

Backroads of Morrow County: April 20, 2012

I took the back roads to lunch today--gravel roads and the "paved" roads that are actually just decades of patches, rougher than the gravel roads. It's a lovely trip. Most of the fields are still in stubble; some have been recently plowed; some have wheat coming up (I guess that's what it is), five, six inches tall--kelly green, some are hills landscaped in Angus cows. Little or no "traffic," if you do meet someone, waving is obligatory. One farm has sheep and one alpaca--do they have "guard alpaca"? He knows he's the king--standing regally surveying his kingdom of wool and mutton. I pause at one bend in the road next to a place with its flowered yard, idyllic red barns, visible serenity. I do feel sorry for you poor folks that have to live in the city

Today at Iten's Acres: April 22, 2012

This weekend at Iten's Acres: Did some mulching. I could do it all year I imagine and still not be finished. I enjoy doing it at least. Also, did a little planting--seeds: morning glory and cosmos. I know, I know, more morning glories? You see, the huge light blue ones don't seem to reseed themselves for some reason; so new ones every spring.
Had a pheasant passing through. They never stay. Beautiful birds!
Had to cover things tonight. And tomorrow night too. Will May 15th ever get here? "Do all things without murmuring. . ." I'm trying.
Robin's have built their first nest--across the pond. Now when I walk over there I can get called bird names by the redwings and the robins. I hope my self-esteem can stand it.

Today at Iten's Acres: April 25, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: The neighborhood fox has been busy hunting in my "woods" and my neighbor Dennis' strand of trees as well. Happy hunting red; may all the squirrels and rabbits be caught with their backs turned.
More buds on the iris!!
Hibiscus and balloon flowers coming up. The Rainbow Bed by the house must have 50 balloon flowers in it. It's going to be a blue summer and that's a good thing.

Today at Iten's Acres: April 30, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
I made myself wear my Cardinal hat as I worked outside.
I made myself plant some more flowers.
I made myself take a few pictures of new blooms. (Firsts today: periwinkle; wild geraniums)
I made myself feed the swallows.
I made myself have a nice chat with my neighbor and pet Bonnie.

Man, do I possess some self-discipline or what? Forcing myself to do all those horrible things. And in one day! Sometimes I amaze myself.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 1st, 2012

May has begun at Iten's Acres:
Anxiously watching the iris searching for more buds. Will the strange weather of 2012 (March in February; June in March; February in April) affect my irises? Anxiously checking my iris walk by walk.
Bluebells, coral bells, allium, mountain bells all flourishing. And the thrift in the rock garden is still thriving.
Camassia started blooming yesterday just about everywhere they're planted.
Buttercups are the star wildflower of the moment.
Put up the hummingbird feeder on Mom's window. A gorgeous ruby-throat has already begun partaking. Guess he's hungry from the trip up North.
Got my eye fixed on the 15th; planters are reading for some annuals.

May has arrived: anxiously watching the iris searching for more buds.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 10, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Mom's container garden outside of her window seat is starting to mature: red and white dianthus, pansies, pinks, a rose. More to come since it's almost the 15th. Time to buy the annuals.
Fed the swallows--just one pair and they came and went; didn't hang out for the whole time. But there was a pair! More blue velvet flyers to come!
Firsts this week: lavender mountain lily, spiderwort, more and more iris--lots of variety but not many blooms among the iris. maybe the rest of May will bring more. I'll try being patient.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 13, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Mother's Day was celebrated with the traditional duck dinner. And a bouquet of iris, of course. Chloe and Jan called. She spent awhile outside on the front patio--her favorite place. My youngest son called to wish me a "happy MoDad day."
Bird sightings: oriole and yellow warbler--a colorful day.
More and more iris blooming every day--see "photo shoot" on Wednesday. It's actually been a down year for the queen of flowers, but there are still plenty of beauties to enjoy at the Acres.
Firsts this week: Lavender Mountain Lilies and alpine rosy bells

Backroads of Morrow County: May 14, 2012

Back roads of Morrow County Update: The canopy over the single lane bridges is full and the shade of the place makes it cool there even on the hottest summer days. The stream is always flowing; after a good rain it's a torrent. Only a couple of fields are still in stubble yet; most of them have been plowed and planted. In fact, it looks as if the corn and soy beans have already started their climb toward the heavens. The wheat is growing like mad. I haven't seen the doe and her latest fawn yet. I usually see her at least every other week in the spring and summer. The hawks are hunting from the phone lines. What did they do before we built them such great hunting seats? Mourning doves seem to love dusty roads and the weedy margins between the road and the fields. Most of the farms have iris. Occasionally I covet a color that I don't have. (Okay, more than occasionally.) There's a sign on these back roads: "Share the Road" it commands. If I ever meet someone, I promise that I will. Maybe it means I should share it with the wildlife? I always do that--even the groundhogs and rabbits. As always the great thing about back-road meanderings is that if I want to I can just stop and observe. I think that when I grow up I want to be a rural mailman.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 18, 2012

I am excelling at my Elmer Fudd impersonation. "Wascally Wabbits." I think they've mastered the perfect strategy. When they see me aim at them, they just stop and sit perfectly still. Safe. Arrrgh. One day I'll get a sight on the trusty old .22 and their long-eared mockery will end. No, I will not feel a tinge of regret. I've already printed the invitations to the "If at First You Don't Succeed" party. One invitation goes to Brer Bear and one to Brer Fox. I'm seriously considering inviting Wile E. and Sylvester as well. Kind of an encouragement thing.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 21, 2012

Today at Iten Acres--hoping for rain; i can hear the nine pins but just a sprinkle so far. Would love to have a downpour.
Daisies are everywhere, and the sweet peas are covering the brush by the bog. The iris are about finished for this year; I have a couple that haven't bloomed yet but look as if they will. Hope so.
Lilies will be the next major player. None yet.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 24, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: First lily; last iris
The rain dance and animal sacrifice didn't work so I had to water the new annuals myself. Ugh. (Am I getting old or just lazy? Don't answer that!)
Catbirds are here. First one I've seen this spring. Love them.
Roses are starting to bloom everywhere. Can't wait till the wild ones adorn the wild area! They intermingle with the daisies--a white blanket with red and pink polka dots.

Backroads of Morrow County: May 27, 2012

Back roads of Morrow County Update: There's no way to hide your presence these days. The lack of rain on the gravel roads makes a dust cloud to accompany all travelers. No one is going to sneak up on anybody til the rains come. The red winged blackboards must think that the road side ditches were the main purpose for our constructing the byways for our cars. Their activity as I drive along suggests the next generation has arrived and are in need of parenting.
Only one field is still in stubble. Perhaps they're doing the biblical thing and giving it a year of rest. No rain means that the crops are not growing very quickly. "Knee high by the fourth of July" may not come true this year without a little moisture. The first mowing for hay is over. A couple fields still have it lying in the sun drying out. Most of the hay fields have been baled. Serenity: a hilly field punctuated with bales of hay resting under blue cloudless skies. A second haying will take place in early fall. Those farmers who have wheat fields will have a third. After they harvest the wheat, they go back and make hay of the stubble that's been left behind. "Waste not, want not." The cattle and horses of Morrow County will not go hungry this winter. One farmer always leaves about a quarter acre unmowed. I think he's been "sweet talked," sweet sung, by the meadowlarks, and he goes around their nesting places to guarantee another song and flashes of brilliant yellow for next year. Sacrifices a little money for his winged neighbors. A conservationist with a red tractor and a John Deere baseball cap; I think I'd like him for a friend.
This weekend a couple of the places have lines of flags "planted" along the front of their homes. Fences of thankfulness, remembrance, and, no doubt, for some a deep proudful sorrow. The wind caresses; they flutter in the country breezes.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 28, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Feeding the bluebirds--until the belt on the mower blades broke. AGAIN. It's a yearly occurrence. If you need to buy a riding mower, call me. I can tell you what not to buy. Oh well, it will probably work better than a rain dance. What brings the rain more surely than a broken lawn mower? Hope Dave the lawn mower guy isn't too busy. Cutting over five acres with a push mower--no thanks.
A few iris are left--one new one today; maybe one more later this week. Hopefully the lilies will start blooming soon. Firsts today: two wild flowers--I'll need to get Ben to see if he can identify them from the photo shoot on Tuesday. Other firsts--larkspur--purple and pink--and the white rose. The daisies have taken over the rock garden for the time being. I love them. The pink spirea will look marvelous by mid-week in the midst of a sea of dancing white.
Every day brings something new this time of year. Delightful to a weird old man.

Today at Iten's Acres: May 31, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Saw a fox and coyote today. The coyote was checking out a deer carcass in the swamp across the road. The neighborhood fox greeted me on my afternoon walk--at the back of the property. Checked me out and decided I was scary I guess. Ran off into the tall grass. Beautiful creature.
Neighbor Aaron has another dog--brown lab I think. She's not as "hyper" as Stella was. Loves to walk though and joins me whenever I'm out and about. Haven't seen the Outlaws for a couple days though. Yes, she found the pond. And knows how to shake the water off. Yes, my clothes are damp.
Still waiting for a lily outburst. One last iris is still considering whether to bloom. The Japanese iris should be blooming in a week or so; they're always last. Triteleia started blooming today and astrantia. God has a "corner of the market" on variety.
Still no word from Dave.
Oh, planted a bunch of wild flowers the last two days. Love naturalizing my property with Ohio flowers. Hope they take root and enjoy their new home at Iten's Acres. Let the competition begin. First Queen Anne's Lace today as well.

Today at Iten's Acres: June 4, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Lightning bug convention. I heard somewhere that they are decreasing in number. I just think the one's they're missing are at my place. Red-headed woodpecker: just three colors--red, white, black. Stunningly beautiful bird.
Today was moving day: moved some iris, some red daisies, some blue cress, a lily, and a rose. Now I have to keep an eye on them to see if they like their new neighborhood. My Gardening Angels put a new tiny dark blue flower in my wild area. I'll have to try to get a picture of it to see if some of you flower experts can identify it. I'm going to have to train my Angels to label the things they plant.
Spiderwort is blooming in the wild area.
Mom has become such a fixture on the front patio that the hummingbirds and neighborhood lizards just ignore her as if she's not there--or one of them. The new dog next door has become a constant companion on my walks. Gus joins us once in awhile. Bonnie we miss you!
Still waiting for the lily explosion. Last iris is still hanging in there.

Today at Iten's Acres: June 8, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Dave the lawnmower doctor showed up at 8 AM and got the beast going. Who said doctors don't make house call anymore! Fed the swallows breakfast today. They were grateful if number of "customers" is any indication. Dennis must have a barn full of nests! Yes, I'm jealous.
Saw Bonnie. Hadn't seen her for awhile. I like the other two bandits, but Bonnie is the best. Gorgeous, smart, independent yet affectionate.
Need rain!!! Guess I'll have to go back to the rain dance. Can't break the mower again this soon. Had to do a lot of water carrying today. I'm getting too old for manual labor and Arthur doesn't help. Rain please!
Calla lilies, astilbe, and wild roses are the new bloomers. Love them all. Oh, and there are blooms on the elderberry. If only the birds would let me have some of them. They are arguing already on who gets them. I wonder if they drop them in the bird bath--you know a little robin-made elderberry wine. I'll have to see how straight they fly once the berries start disappearing. And I have to fill up the deepest bird bath every day. I guess since it's deeper, they think it actually is a bath and not a place for a drink on a hot day. Like little kids they love to splash!
Wouldn't it be great if lightning bugs were like those bug lamps you can put up--every flash a fried mosquito? Just letting my feeble mind ricochet from inane thought to inane thought. I'm quite good at it.

Today at Iten's Acres: June 13, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Got an early start. Mom got up about 1 AM, sat in her chair, and basked in the light of a clear star-filled sky and a myriad of lightning bugs. She was in the "heavens."
The heron comes just about every day now; between he and the black water snake, I'm surprised there are still frogs in the pond. Yet, I hear a chorus of basses every evening. No turtles this year, though. Guess they moved on. Maybe some new ones will move in later this summer. Maybe I could convince my new heron friend to bring over a few fish from my neighbors' ponds.
Still no rain and no hint of a chance until Tuesday. Some folks got rain last week. We didn't at Iten's Acres. Well, maybe a drop or two. Could really use a day or two of steady rain. The place would burst into color, I'm sure. Not that a few things aren't blooming. The Acres are never devoid of lots of color. I just need some more--especially the lilies. The balloon flowers and coneflowers are ready to bloom. Blues and pinks coming up!

Today at Iten's Acres: June 28, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Hot. Dry. Humid. Arthur and I are going to be hauling a lot of water. Maybe the high humidity will work up some thunderation.
Happy blues: the garden visible from Mom's window had fifty or so balloon flowers on display today; there will be more tomorrow. Lovely. And the delphinium in her container garden is radiant blue--a dancer in the wind.
The black-eyed Susans are up in the wild area along with a multitude of Queen Anne's Lace, tall yellow clover, and milkweed. The wild roses must love the heat and dryness. They are spectacular this year. I walk slowly through the wild area.
Hoping the water lilies will bloom before the pond disappears.
The robins sing loudly regardless of the weather. They celebrate each day. Good lesson for we humans who would rather murmur than sing.

Backroads of Morrow County: June 16, 2012

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
I saw her today for the first time--the doe with her fawn. He was such a little thing and struggling to match mom's pace. She would stop and go, stop and go, and he would keep following: a portrait of patience and perseverance.
There are lots of little churches along the back roads: Harmony Chapel, Gethsemane Baptist--always has "words of wisdom" on the sign post, Independent Baptist--they always have a "sermon" on their sign. You can't miss them since most of them have a spire, but they all get a yellow sign: "Church." A warning or an invitation? Harmony Chapel has an old cemetery across the way. I'd like to check it out some day; see how old some of the stones are. God's people have been around for a long time you know--even here in Morrow County.
Several people name their farms: "A Touch of Texas," "Hidden Cove" (not any more), "Pleasant Acres." I heard an arrogant chubby old bald guy gave his place a generic name, but he hasn't been crazy enough to put up a placard. Not that he's not arrogant; he's just a hermit at heart and wants to make sure he's hard to find. Today a couple of them had the same name: "Huge Garage Sale"--competing arrows pointing in opposite directions. If my sister Chloe had been with me, I'd still be out there in the hinterlands--just sayin'.
Even though we are rain starved out here, the wild flowers don't seem to mind. Orange daylilies everywhere. I think they would grow and spread in a desert. And the chicory is just as persistent, dancing along the very edges of the pavement or gravel. Is "Fearless Blue" a color? Should be. Lots of sweet peas everywhere as well. Pink sprinkled in the roadside ditches.
If I had a good camera I could publish a book--"Backroad Birds." Most of them have their own little territory. The red-winged blackbirds and mourning doves own the whole world, of course, but the others have their "spot." I know just where to look for the bluebirds, the red-headed woodpeckers, the goldfinch, the sparrow hawk, the indigo bunting. They have a "hangout." I'm pretty sure they're flapping their wings to say "hello" when I creep by. Oh, the huge, ugly clean up crews are roaming everywhere--nomads. Wherever the road kill is, behold the buzzards. Cleaning up other people's mess. Actually, quite impressive creatures. Glad I'm not a dead raccoon.

Homesteader Update: January 16th, 2013

A traumatic day for the Homesteader. Time to get de-clawed. I brought the pet carrier down yesterday (thanks again for its use
Dennis!) to reacquaint her with its existence. Being proverbially catlike her curiosity even led her to go inside it and lie down for a moment or two. I was sure that getting her in there to take her to the vet's this morning would be "a piece of cake," "easy as pie," "a walk in the park."
Yeah, right. Something clicked in her brain today, and she was decidedly on guard. Warily snaking her away around the furniture she was wise as an owl in avoiding the old man. Behind the sofa, under Mom's bed, behind the TV. It was a rat race trying to corral her. And I was losing the race. She was just monkeying around with me. She had me buffaloed. Then, I got a bright idea--it takes me awhile to get to bright--and I used the food trick on her. She hadn't eaten since last night--doctor's orders--so I surmised that if I put out her food, she would come running to wolf it down. Success! I put her in a big bear hug and into the lion's den she went! I guess I showed her who's the real "cat's meow" around here. It's going to be quiet as a mouse here today.

Life is a zoo.

Today at Iten's Acres: July 3, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Hot. Dry. Humid. Again. Teased by the hares. And the rain. Yesterday and today--thunder, lightning, rain all around me. Nary a drop here. Ahhh, well. Time to get the hauling muscles tuned up.
Lots of coneflowers--reds, pinks, greens (yes, green), and a couple yellows--prairie coneflowers with their yellow drooping Snoopy ears and Ozark coneflowers--yellow versions of their red, pink, green cousins. New lilies every day. The hollyhocks are about ready to join the decorations. And the cosmos. The lack of rain has kept them small, but still beautiful.
Neighbor lost two trees in the last storm. One huge hickory fell in his woods. "If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears . . . Never mind. The other one--a poplar--fell into his animals' pen. The goats just think Dennis is giving them a new food source. Ummmm. Tasty.
Need a dance Kathy.

Backroads of Morrow County: July 4, 2012

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
The wheat has been harvested. It leaves a golden field. The stubble that will be made into hay is sitting their drying. That should have taken about five minutes. "Make hay while the sun shines" indeed.
The corn has fulfilled its obligation to its cliche: "Knee high by the Fourth of July." Even if you were using Goliath's knees, mission accomplished. I don't know what the cliche is for soy beans, but even with just one rain in three weeks they seem to be doing okay. Not that they both couldn't use a good rain.
The lilies have slipped into third place. There are still orange islands in the ditches here and there, but the white of Queen Anne's Lace and the yellow of black-eyed Susans have outpaced them in number. Are there any flowers named after men or are we just too ugly? One farm has gone to the "trouble" of planting yellow lilies in front of their house. Beautiful trouble. I wonder where I could find some . . . "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," so "they" say.
I see the doe and her fawn at least once a week now. He (or she) is growing up quickly. They love the thicket behind my favorite tall windowed housed, deep red barned, farm on the way to lunch. The "kid" is a little too curious for mom's comfort. She hurries him out of the road or out of the field and into the thicket whenever I show up in my little red wagon. He goes--but reluctantly--head turned back over his shoulder. "Curiosity killed the . . . Oh, wait. That won't work.

Today at Iten's Acres: July 11, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: Hot, but not as humid as it was last week. Rumor has it (according to the Weather Channel) that a few days of storms are coming. I'll take them. The Acres need rain, and my pond is disappearing.
The hibiscus and Rose of Sharon have started to bloom--early like everything else this year. The first hibiscus to bloom is always a deep plum red one at the turn in the driveway. You can't see it until you turn past the old apple tree--and then, a bouquet of red flowers as large as a basketball. Lovely--if you're into red. The first Rose of Sharon is a bluish purple one that blooms behind the blue-purple bed--imagine that. I moved in there three years ago because it was doing horribly where it was. It obviously loves its new "home." Blooms first and blooms a lot every summer since. Sometimes moves are good; sometimes not so much. I moved a few other things just yesterday. I always assume they can't do worse then where they are now. I think dead is worse than scrawny, though. I'll be watering the new moves a lot for the next couple of weeks, and then I'll just have to wait and see.
Even with the dryness there are lots of blooms everywhere. Each walk is a kaleidoscope of color from the front of the Acres to the end of the wild area. If I get some rain (don't worry, I'll share it), I should get even more color. Living in the country, by the way, you had best like greens.

Today at Iten's Acres: August 5, 2012

Ducks on the pond. Mallards. A bunch. They didn't appreciate me dropping by. No more ducks on the pond. Lots of water lilies though--yellow and pink.
Saw the monster deer again. It was not my imagination. Huge. He crossed in front of me as I was driving down the driveway. He was coming from the woods across from Aaron's and heading for the thicket on Dennis' property. Fortunately, I repressed my instincts and didn't try to run him over. I wonder how my insurance company would respond: "Wrecked my car by running into a deer. On my driveway. On purpose." Ahhh, self-control. He stopped and hid behind a willow. Actually, it's kind of amazing that he could "disappear" behind a willow tree. If I hadn't seen him stop there, I doubt if I would have noticed him huge as he is. I chased him into the thicket. Never let a hungry deer hide.
The star wildflower right now is the iron weed. Gorgeous, deep purple. Tall. Have about 50 of them gracing the Acres. Coneflowers are still hanging around. In a couple of weeks or so, the wild area will be gorgeous with hundreds upon hundreds of asters and golden rod. Waves of purple and yellow in the ever blowing country breezes. Tame flowers? A couple lilies still hanging around, myriad hibiscus, a dozen or so Rose of Sharon, lots of morning glories of various colors, cardinal flowers are starting to bloom, and the planters (50 or so) are at their peak--filled with a variety of annuals. A million phlox. Tall, gorgeous, aromatic. Everybody should have some! All the flowers the hummingbirds love. They should be full whenever they decide to head South.

Rain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!

Backroads of Morrow County: August 17, 2012

Back roads of Morrow County Update:
I should have purchased this year's Farmers' Almanac. It would have cured my FAS I'm sure. There is no way they got the weather predictions for this year right. Seventy degrees in August in Ohio. Weird year.
Back from the rabbit trail. The corn looks great--good thing it's field corn. I might be tempted to break a commandment. Lovely green, tassels, the silk is turning reddish. The beans look even better. Huge. Though the "quality" of the crops in the field changes mile by mile. Scattered rains would be my guess. It also looks as if some farmers are growing acres of red clover or some such thing. There's too much of it to be random. Educate me farmers. Do you have barns full of bees?
i have three farms I particularly like to creep by. (Fast driving is a sin on the back roads. You'll miss too much beauty.) One is on the way to my lunch place. Two are on the way to Mount Gilead. I love the one because it's so "homesteadyly." Old farm house, a big red barn, shade trees, a creek that traverses the property with a small walking bridge. Lots of flower beds around the house. Picturesque. The other one has more property, a small pond, several trees. I like it because I can picture filling up the space with flower beds and flowering trees and shrubs. Of course, they don't compare with Iten's Acres (no wild flower area if nothing else), but I enjoy creeping by them. (I hope the owners don't think I'm too creepy.)
The wild flowers haven't changed much: Queen Anne's Lace, sweet pea, chicory. There are clumps of iron weed to add some purple to the scenery. Lovely despite its continuity. The main noticeable tame flowers this time of year are the rose of Sharon. Tons of those everywhere. Beautiful hummingbird magnets. Myriads of barn swallows--slashes of blue across the landscape.
I do believe I could take a whole vacation and just drive (creep) along the country back roads of America.

Today at Iten's Acres: August 27, 2012

Rain. A drop or two. Maybe three. Need much more. There's been a hawk around for the last couple of weeks. Happy chipmunk and squirrel hunting my feathered friend.
Still waiting for the wild area to turn yellow with golden rod and purple and white with asters. Until then I shall be content with the pink of the thistle (bees and butterflies love them!) and the blue of lobelia. It is not yet time for the fall crocus or the mums. The rose of Sharon and the phlox continue to be the stars of the show. The "real" beds are mostly golden rod by now themselves. I suppose I should "weed" better or mulch more, but, as I often avow, weeds are beautiful too. The roses have revived some. The snapdragons and alyssum will take off when the cooler weather sets in once fall officially gets here.
Company tomorrow. My cousin Eddie, his wife Barbara, and his daughter Laura are coming from the DC area for another visit to the family matriarch (who goes by Mom around here.) More visitors on the weekend. My niece Elizabeth and her clan, also from DC, are coming for a visit. (People must be trying to escape DC.) Mom will enjoy the company. I may even have to clean up the house--a LITTLE.

Backroads of Morrow County: December 18, 2012

I think the servers at Wendy's must have slipped a little something into my drink at lunch today. They seem so kind and helpful, but I'm beginning to wonder. I mean, what can you expect from employees at a place that only serves Coke products. Why do I think they "doctored" my drink? On the way home I went by a gas station and the first number looked like a two. Yeh, right. $2.92 it seemed to say. And even worse, I imagined that that was cheap. I will be keeping an eye on those "sweet" little Wendy servers, you can be sure.

Today at Iten's Acres: September 3, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Autumn is on the way. The top of the ancient red maple is already scarlet. And the poison ivy leaves are deep red as well. (No, I will not scratch out that comment.) I guess the lack of rain has the leaves turning early. Though, we did have a good rain a couple of nights ago. The golden rod responded splendidly, thousands of them; the wild area is now a brilliant yellow. Waiting patiently for the white heath asters and purple New England aster to join the party with more enthusiasm.
The outlaw gang joined me for a walk today. It's been awhile since they've done that. I "found" them sitting next to Mom on the patio. They've adopted her. Despite their obvious comfort, they were willing to follow me when I asked them if they wanted to walk. No, I will never be the leader of the gang. Not enough fur. And way too slow. Since they haven't read Animal Farm yet, they are still convinced that four legs are better than two.
Lots of morning glory, phlox, and rose of Sharon still showing off. Have to get out early to enjoy all the glories--even the deep blue ones have started to bloom. Two new patches of lobelia in the wild area--sky blue--and a new patch of lady-fingers--pink. I also love it when flowers forget their place and spread all over. Make yourself at home anywhere you please my lovely friends.
We may get a little more rain today. Hope so. I'm counting on you Kathy. High in the seventies by the end of the week. Autumn is indeed on the way. I'm ready.

Today at Iten's Acres: September 25, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Another rainy day. Ahhhh. Couple nice walks. There's a new member of the Acres' family. A large turtle came crawling out of the trees today and ambled his way into my pond. He must have come from Dennis' pond; but even that had to be some journey. Speedy Gonzalez he's not. He must have a pond GPS system. He knew exactly where he was headed and was not the least bit intimidated by my presence. Slow and steady. The frogs, on the other hand, were quite intimidated when he slogged his way into the water. I'm still looking to see if the hare shows up. Locked and loaded.
The old red maple is half red now. Another rainy day, a few cool nights, and it should be at its crimson splendor. Glorious. I would hate to live somewhere where there were no seasons.
Tomorrow is moving day for me. I've got some day lilies, iris, spiderwort, creeping phlox, hibiscus, and sedum to move to new locations. Why am I moving them? To make room for some new additions. Duh. More flowers in more places sounds exciting to me. Let's hear it for a winter of expectations.

Backroads of Morrow County: October 12, 2012

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
Fall, I guess, is for patching. The road crew--yes, I think Morrow County only has one crew--has been busy. No, they don't re-pave roads here; they just re-patch them. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. "Welcome to Morrow County." Today, they only had one sign guy: "Stop." "Slow." Always adds a little excitement.
The fields are ready for harvest. The huge green monsters are hungry. If I happen to find myself behind one on its way to another field, the tires are most impressive. They have to be as big as my little red car. If the farmer wanted to play demolition derby, I'd have no chance. Squash! Road kill. Thump, thump. Thump, thump.
The soy beans are first. In fact, several of those fields have been harvested already. You can't even tell that there was ever anything on those acres. The corn, however, will leave a stubble. I was amazed the first fall that I was out here at how long they wait until they start the reaping. The beans have "lost" their bushiness. Just a field of little black sticks. The corn looks as if it has just survived the worst drought in the history of Ohio--brown and brittle. Not a hint of green anywhere. But the farmers' faith has been rewarded. All those little seeds they put in the ground last spring have died to live again and have produced much fruit--truckloads.
The trees along the roads are glorious! Such color. They have taken the place of the summer's wild flowers. Just as much color. And the colors fly. Well, flutter at least. Transitory. The limbs will soon be bare; black arms waiting for their first coating of the pearly white snow of winter. And the limbs will hum in the wind--the world's largest harps.
Yes, the seasons march on along the backroads of Morrow County.

Today at Iten's Acres: October 19, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
The rain and wind of October has turned many of the trees bare. But not all! There are tons of yellow, orangish maples and birches everywhere. The pin oak is a gorgeous scarlet. The stars of these days are the burning bushes. Burning, indeed! I need a couple more thousand of those. =)
Not much flower wise these days. The monkshood are few but the deepest purple. And tall enough to be easily seen and admired. There are also a few purple asters still around but not many. I'm still waiting for the fall crocus. They should have started to bloom already, but it hasn't happened. You can't predict them because they send up their foliage in the spring, and in the fall all you get some morning is a soft lilac bloom that seems to appear out of nowhere. A lovely surprise on a cool autumn walk of the Acres.
The Homesteader is getting a little bolder. She'll follow me around if I stay near the house to work or if I'm walking through the trees behind the house. Her boldness is probably not a good idea, but what can you do. She is still wise enough to spend her nights in the "rafters" of the shed. And she's an avid bird watcher. There are plenty of them around these days. Perhaps the bare trees make them more visible. Ornery black capped chickadees and their traveling companions the titmouse are active and noisy. Faded goldfinch are about. Sparrows are everywhere. God's got His eye on them. The towhee is scratching like a chicken in the leaves. The woodpeckers are all over the suet cakes. Even a few bluebirds have snacked there. I thought they'd be headed South by now. The berries on the dogwoods and hawthorn are doing their best to tempt my feathered friends. The crab apples as well. The cardinals--when they're not busy playing the Giants--are snacking on them already. Hope the cedar waxwings find them again this fall or winter. Oh, and as mentioned earlier, the ominous snowbirds have arrived. Entertainment for Mom and the Homesteader. Who needs television? God's creation has the best show on earth. Hands down.

Today at Iten's Acres: October 25, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
Another day of Indian Summer. (No, I have no idea why they call it that. It's a very short summer.) Took Mom outside again--two days in a row. It may be her last chance to be the neighborhood movie star: floppy pink hat (you would love it Kathy C), sunglasses, red and white pajamas. She loves getting outside!
She sat and enjoyed the weather while I finished up the mulching for 2012. A lovely day for manual labor--no machines to get between me and the work. And I get to work at home. Primitive, eh? The best.
Interestingly, the birds keep coming to Mom's window feeder even with her sitting right there. Unafraid. They must sense that's she's not a threat. After I finished mulching, I joined her there. The Homesteader joined us, too. She loves playing among the planters in the container garden, chasing falling leaves, lady bugs, anything that moves. And, of course, a little petting is a good thing.
The container garden on the front patio is still thriving--despite several hard frosts: snapdragons, petunias, bright eyes, marigolds, geraniums, dianthus, salvia, lantana. I don't know how much longer they'll last, but for now, beautiful.
And still enjoying my walks, of course, I will always enjoy those. And I'm sure you were worried, but, yes, the pond is filling up. Ahhh, rain in autumn. Some more coming tomorrow! With some cold air, naturally. Bundle up folks. Winter is lurking!

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Homesteader: October 28, 2012

As the weather has slipped toward winter, the soft side of my nature has begun to affect my judgment. (I know; who knew I had such a side?) Anyway, I've been trying to coax The Homesteader to "move" inside. Actually, I thought it would be a no brainer. Who wants to live in an old shed out in the weather? So I picked her up and brought her in the backfront door. Whoosh. Before I could turn to close the door, she was gone--back to the shed. I guess we know now who doesn't have the brain. My next strategy was to just hold the door open and let her initiate changing worlds. She stuck her nose in the door, surveyed the layout--ran back to the shed. Having a stubborn streak in my soft side, I tried another strategy: the food temptation. She came in, ate her fill, (I hope she's been washing her paws; she stands with her front paws in the middle of the bowl while she eats.) I petted her. That was acceptable. Purring even. I slowly closed the door. Ninja cat! She began jumping against the door trying to get out. Sigh. I opened the door and let her return to her domain: rain, wind, chill, an old wooden shed. I guess it's my head that's soft, not my heart. Wildness must be in her blood. What? Of course, I'll keep trying! Maybe a good snowstorm will change her mind? (By the way, I'm glad I don't speak cat'nese. She expressed her opinion several times, and I doubt if they were terms of love.)

Homesteader: October 31, 2012

The Homesteader has adjusted quite well to being homely. This was her third full day, and she seems quite at ease. She spends the morning with Mom, usually sleeping on her feet; sometimes on the rug next to her chair. She greets the Hospice folks as if they're old friends--no fear at all. Loves to climb in your lap and sleep; well, cat nap. Last night she found the light at the top of the stairs that is activated by a motion censor. She had a blast turning it off and on for a few minutes until the grouchy old home owner went up and turned it off. Today she did a thorough examination of the upstairs. Best of all, she's been using the litter box from the very beginning. What? Yes, she is still full of advice on everything. Everything.

Iten's Acres November 4, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres: It's that time of year when one questions the existence of the sun. Gray, cool, breezy. An occasional "peek" of blue eyes among the clouds. I still enjoy my walks, of course. Most of the trees are bare, but not all. The sycamore with its monster leaves is holding out--or is it holding on? The oaks, of course, will hold on until spring. It will take the new leaves of 2013 to push away the old leaves of 2012. Resistant to change, I reckon. The dogwood is completing its beauty cycle. Gorgeous white blossoms in the spring. Lovely red leaves in the autumn. Red berries coated in snow cannot be far behind. The redbuds should take a hint. Lovely in the spring. They have the autumn blahs. The green of the pines stands out more on the walks. And they love to moan in the winds. And, wow!, will they look great in their white coats!
Bonnie joined me today. I'd like to have her coat. Not only is her black and white coat luscious, but I imagine it's a lot warmer than my fleece jacket. She's a beauty. I've already retired my baseball hat for a stocking one. Got to keep those old ears covered. I even wear some gloves just to keep Arthur a little at bay. Boots with a fur lining have also been employed. I guess I'm getting old, eh? Though, again--like last year at this time--I got up an hour early today and didn't feel tired at all.
There will be work to do this fall and winter. I think about the different chores--they actually don't feel very "chorey" to me--as I slowly walk the Acres. Yep, this time of year I just think about them. "Work" will come another day. (Maybe.) Oh, the flowers in the planters near the house are still blooming--even the impatiens. Jealousy is allowed. Maybe even forgiven. Maybe.

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Backroads of Morrow County November 10, 2012

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
I took the back roads home from lunch yesterday. Have to go by the Highway Patrol station. Why is it I always feel uneasy (okay, guilty) when I see a patrol car--even when it's sitting empty in the parking lot. I mean I was doing all of 15 mph. And I think they like having their station on a gravel road so they can look cool peeling out when they get an emergency call.
The gravel is pretty much gone by this time of the year. The roads are just a hard pan decorated with pot holes. I have no idea where all the gravel goes. I drive slowly, but then I always drive slowly on my treks through the back roads. Slow. Slower. Slowest. It's the only way to go. Even complete stop works best at times.
The landscape seems to have expanded. With the leaves gone I can see deep into the hideaways of the thickets and stands of trees along the way. Places of mystery in summer, hiding places for the deer, they are now porous and open. And with the beans and corn harvested, the contours of the fields are visible and picturesque. With no corn to hide the view, it seems as if you can see for miles--miles you didn't know were there before. Open. I like the sensation. And "new" homes have suddenly appeared--privacy blown away by the autumn winds.
The wild flowers are, of course, long gone. In hiding until next year. And there are no barn swallows on the wires. Even the mourning doves have gone off to who knows where (one of my favorite places) even though I know they spend the winter in Ohio. And no buzzards soaring through the gray blue skies. Glorious from a distance; somewhat grotesque up close. I guess the road kill is tastier farther south this time of year. There was some activity. I actually passed a van. "Hi"--even though they can't hear me. The obligatory wave. Backroad tradition, remember. And one farmer was still finishing reaping his corn. His reaper must have been a little angry to be one of the last to have to work before winter's rest. Had "spit" some shucked ears out on to the road. The crows and Canadian geese are serving as gleaners. Too bad they don't have a love-sick Boaz to tell the reapers to leave a little extra for the gorgeous gleaner coming up behind. Not that either of them would fall into the "gorgeous" category. I can relate.
The only drawback to traveling gravelless gravel roads is that you can see the floor of the one lane wooden bridges over the creeks. A great test for your faith. They look a little splintered and worn this time of year. And that's another frustration, now that I think of it. There are several back roads that have barriers in front of them with the ominous warning "bridge out" so and so many miles down the way. As a dedicated explorer of back roads, it's difficult to handle such privations. When, pray tell, am I going to get to slowly explore those roads? I mean, come on Morrow County ODOT, it's been a couple years for some of them. Torture. Don't they know that "curiosity killed the cat owner"? Guess I need to run for county commissioner. On a platform of "bring bridges back to Morrow County." At least I'd find out who the other hopeless romantics are.

Homesteader November 20, 2012

Homesteader update:
Once upon a time I had this comfortable blue leather chair I could sit in whenever I felt like it. I didn't have to worry about finding it already taken.
Once upon a time I was able to sit in that chair and leisurely read or journal without any interruption at all.
Once upon a time I could cook in the kitchen without worrying about where I was putting my feet or listening to constant comments about my cooking.
Once upon a time I was able to sleep at night without a cold nose in my face at 3 AM.
Once upon a time I could tie my shoes in the morning without engaging in a wrestling match.
Once upon a time I could go months without once having to say the word, "no."
Once upon a time all my toilets could be flushed.

Once upon a time . . .

Iten's Acres November 24, 2012

Today at Iten's Acres:
It is a brown and green world as I eagerly anticipate the first white storm. Green must be one of His favorite colors since He keeps even the winter decked out in its hue. And the greens come in all different shades and shapes. There's the huge red coned ancient one at the front of the property, white pines between my land and Aaron's house and up around my house, a "lacy" variety along the line between Dennis and I, several beauties around the pond. The only ones I have contributed are the tiny blue spruce out in the meadow behind the house. None of them are very tall yet despite seven years of inhabiting the acres. The largest ones are in the deepest brush where the competition is stiff. Even in trees, adversity produces strength. If I live another twenty years or so, they will all be glorious. Well, even if I don't, they will be glorious; I just won't be there to admire them and ruminate on how brilliant I was to plant them more than two decades ago. The largest group of pines is on the back of Aaron's property: deer hideaways, wind harps, shade producers in every season. Dennis has some beauties, too, on his acres. He should have been a professional landscaper.
And I don't mind the brown. Precursor to next spring's showtime. The "browns" lie dormant, waiting to resume their growth and flowering. Rest is good. Rest is necessary--essential. I'm sure the daffodils have been spending the summer and fall creeping in every direction and no doubt conspiring: "Wait until the chubby old bald guy sees all the blooms we're going to send up next spring. He thinks last year was marvelous. Huh." And some hidden things have been rediscovered now that the leaves have fallen. A few Lenten roses had been hiding in the trees and along the tree line. The same for a small mountain laurel and a rhododendron. Hope renewed. "Ahhh, they are still alive. One day I will see them bloom, Lord willing." The Lenten roses in particular fear no shade and bloom earlier than all the rest before the canopy can block out the sunlight. Lovely bloomers they are too. Today, they are greens among the brown--to be followed by glorious hues in the latest winter (would you believe, February?--if not, come by and see). The proof is in the breathtaking.
There is some sadness in my walking the last few days. Blaze, one of Dennis' alpaca's passed away. Brown and white, curious and friendly (he always came up to the fence to see what the silly human was up to), a lover of winter's storms. Snow and cold and wind were his favorite things. Indomitable. Frolicking even on the coldest winter days. He will be missed. His life was full. Dennis took the best of care of him. But still he will be missed.
And finally, this time of year my hermiting takes a blow. The subterfuge of the mangled mailbox and the driveway that looks like a cow path cannot hide my presence this time of year. The house and my little red wagon are easily seen from the road with no camouflage to make them invisible to the passer-by. Ahhh, well. Winter will have its loveliness. Spring will be here sooner than even my hopeful expectations for the beauty of next year can imagine.
The world is green and brown. But the earth is just at rest waiting to explode into all the colors of the rainbow--and then some. All it lacks for now is a nice white blanket to keep it cozy and warm.

Homesteader November 14, 2012

The Homesteader has decided to let us live with her in her new home. She cleverly made friends with Mom thus assuring my inability to control the situation. In fact, once Mom goes to sleep at night, Mom's chair becomes her place to sleep. And she spends most mornings with her in her room. Loves the sunlight, watching the bird feeder, carousing among the indoor plants, connecting with the Hospice folks. I have become powerless. And as always she is more than happy to let me know her opinions on everything. Regardless of the time of day--or night. My new standing in the house: lap provider, can opener, patient listener, and general unpaid lackey. Once upon a time many, many years ago I was the lord of the Acres. Then, I slid into second place behind the Matriarch. Now, I'm third. And it's not even a close third. Merely, a tolerated third as long as I "keep my place" without complaining. I'm lucky she's not on facebook.

Backroads of Morrow County: December 2, 2012

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
The back roads are misty tonight. Foggy. Dark. The lights of the houses are like stars, distant and near, punctuating the haze. I often wonder what life is like in those unknown "worlds." There. Is that a place of happiness filled with laughing children? There. Is that a world filled with fear and disappointment? Is there, behind one of those windows, a lonely widow hoping for a visit or at least a call? Who's to know? Just lights in the darkness, windows to look out at the misty, foggy night--not to look in.
This time of year several of the homes are decorated for Christmas. Many are simple--single candles in the windows, a single strand of white lights around the door posts. But as you know, to this traveler "simplicity carried to extremes is elegance." A couple have nativity scenes--bright portraits of a silent night from long ago. A witness in the darkness. I find myself singing as I slow down--who needs an angel chorus: "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight." Some of the homes have a rainbow of color on their eaves and wrapped around their trees. One home near me has eight or so pine trees draped in all the colors. In the darkness it, too, radiates beauty. Interestingly, on all the back roads I traversed tonight, there was no Santa Claus anywhere, on any lawn. One home had two small deer constructed of white lights but it seemed to be a hymn to the nature all around us out here in the country--no suggestion of a Santa or his sleigh. Quite lovely in the mist and rain and darkness.
Usually on my night explorations I see the creatures of the woods. Possum scuttling off to some place somewhere so they can practice being dead. Racoons off to cause some damage, raid a neighbor's pond, add some excitement to the lives of country dogs. Deer loping to the next day's hiding place. Even barn cats off to hunt the fields. I guess field mice taste better than barn mice. None of those beasts were out tonight. Or, perhaps, they, too, enjoy being in the darkness looking at the lights of the human "planets" dotting the hills and meadows of Morrow County.
As I turned into my driveway, I turned off the car lights and sat awhile. Here on the Acres, stillness everywhere. A deep darkness with all the stars hidden in the mist and fog. I creep at impulse speed through the space of home. Even in the darkness the giant pine tree, the leafless ancient maple, and the old Sentinel are silhouettes of a quiet strength. I do not have "miles to go before I sleep." I can see the light in the window of my planet. In there, I know love reigns. And I will park the little red space ship, creep through the dark mist, find the backfront door, and be at peace. The child born in a manger lives here all year round. I will always find rest here. No matter how dark the night.

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A Day in the Life of Homesteader

Curled up at Mom's feet purring contentedly, basking in the sun.
Front paws on the window imagining how nice it would be to have the chipmunk on the patio over for breakfast. Or lunch. Or Supper. Obviously, she has the gift of hospitality.
A revitalized interest on where the man servant goes when he slips out the backfront door. Could it have something to do with her gift of hospitality?
Training Mom to share tidbits from her meals. "She's just curious about what I'm eating." What can you do to train 98 year old "children."?
Being sure that the Hospice people understand that now that she is the new queen of the ranch they must pay attention to her as part of their visit.
Making a horrible mess of the dirt in the ceramic pots that have been brought in for the winter. And looking askance that such a fun activity could possibly illicit a "No! Dumb Animal!" Perhaps it's the "dumb" that has her shocked. Perhaps just the "No!" Perhaps both.
Racing up and down the stairs for no apparent reason--unless she's trying to prove that she's faster than the speed of the light coming on. How can such a tiny creature sound like a herd of elephants racing across the Serengeti?
Getting pennies out of the jar upstairs, dropping them down the stairs, knocking them under the rug at the landing, and making as much noise as is catly possible. Failing to have the common cents to realize that such behavior will not go over well at three AM.
Demonstrating the ability to instantly change from a dead-to-the- world sleeping cat cuddled in one's lap to a fighting ninja cat at any moment.
Continuing to issue her opinions on the state of everything, everywhere, all the time.

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Iten's Acres January 5, 2013

Had a pleasant afternoon with the family. Brad, Ben, Jaime, Moira, Evie. Lunch and entertainment. I provided the former; they provided the latter. Mom gets lots of hugs. Homesteader gets spoiled some more. Plain old grandpa gets to tease and harass. And do the dishes. =) An afternoon in the midst of an eternity of afternoons. Simple. Mundane some might say. Exquisite.

Iten's Acres December 22, 2012

This Week at Iten's Acres:
Old Man Winter showed up right on cue. Blustering. Spent a night and a day moaning and howling in the tops of the trees. I love it, but he probably has a sore throat today. Produced a flurry of activity, too. Enough to cover the tundra with a bit of a warm blanket. Love walking in a snowfall. A beautiful cold. Hey, if it stays cold, maybe a white Christmas?
As I walked the Acres not much evidence of creatures out and about. Well, Bonnie's tracks in the snow--but she was still in them. My how she loves winter. If a dog can dance for joy, Bonnie is a dancer extraordinaire. Maybe snow is the canine equivalent of catnip? Anyway, no other tracks in the snow, not even in the wild area. The wild creatures are lying low--tamed by the Old Man.
Snow Plow 1 Mail Box 0. Even the brick in the box didn't help. Back to the duct tape, I reckon.
"Homesteader" is now an official appellation. I took her to the vet for some shots, and they made me fill out paperwork. "Pet's Name," right at the top. Then, "Owner's Name." I guess I know my place in the universe now. Dennis let me borrow a cage to carry her. After she tried every side and determined there was no way out, she sat down and gave herself a bath. Had to look sharp for the vet I guess. Yes, she charmed the female assistant and the female veterinarian. Gentlemen. It's a ladies' world. We have no chance. Powerless. Accept it. I'm surprised they didn't give me the shots. Oh, and she has a new perch: the back of Mom's chair. A man's home is his place to be a vassal. Sigh.
Dennis has had to put hay out for his menagerie. They love the snow. Well, at least the alpaca loves the snow. But you've got to eat. He supplements the hay with some feed of some sort. Dennis is a spoiler. One of the things that makes him a good man and a good neighbor.
I think I'm going to become Amish/Mennonite. Just for a little while. Until I can get me a couple of those cool hats. A gang of them showed up at Wendy's. Love those hats! By the way, the only reason I'm eating at fast food places is because the Grill and Chill closes down for the winter. Thus, I have to settle for tepid, old fast food instead of the hot comfort food of the G and C. I'm thinking of suing. How dare they take three months off! I wish I had had a job, before I temporarily retired, where I could have had three months off . . . Oh, I forgot. I was a teacher in my past life, eh? But still, their closing affects ME negatively. And they didn't even ask me if they could take time off. Probably down in Florida or somewhere basking in the sun. Hope they get burned. Me, bitter? Huh. How dare they leave me in the lunch--I mean lurch.
Man, a tough week on the old homestead. I am so persecuted! So, so persecuted.

Iten's Acres December 26, 2012

Snow walk:
Preparation: Stocking cap. It says "Alcatraz" on it. I have no idea where it came from. I am not on parole, I promise. I only know that it keeps the bald head and the ears warm. Boots. Have to come back with dry feet; and snow to "stomp" off onto the floor--so The Homesteader has something to keep her curiosity exercised. And then she can do the cats' "My Feet Are Wet Dance." Gloves: have to check out the snowball making capacity of the flakes. A+ Layers: two shirts--one a flannel--and a coat. It's not a sin to brave the cold by making sure you'll be warm.
The Journey: Start in the back meadow, then through the wild area. Reverse direction. Walk through the trees, out front, around the pond, up to 25, back home. Tempted to brush off the throne and sit awhile on the hilltop. Did not yield--this time. The most important thing is to make as wide a circle as possible so that you don't have to cross your own path and spoil the pristine white blanket before you by finding some dumb human's footprints everywhere. And never turn to look behind you. Look under Aaron's pines for the deer. None today. The only other wildlife on the trek are the neighbor's kids Ella and Gage. They got a new hound dog for Christmas. And what little kid can resist playing in falling snow. Not this one for sure. "Hi, Al" called out by Ella and echoed by Gage still makes my day. The hound seems to like snow as well. Must be a distant relative of Bonnie and Gus.
Snow Plow 3 Mail Box 0 This time he got mine and Aaron's. And it was after the mail delivery. Wet mail.
The End: Stand still, close your eyes, and feel the snow on your uplifted face. Sticking out your tongue is always an option. Re-fill Mom's bird feeder. The feathered friends are much bolder on such a day as this. I don't know if the chickadees are scolding me for taking so long or cheering me on--thankful.
Epilogue: A cup--or two--of Lemon Lift hot tea as I sit and look out the windowdoors with Mom. I could sit in the stillness and watch the falling snow forever--a long time at least. Hope it continues into the nighttime, the skies clear, and the moon turns midnight to midday. Walk two will then occur. Maybe Bonnie will join me. Ahhhhh. A snowy day!

Li

Today at Iten's Acres January 4th, 2013

Today at Iten's Acres:
Snow white. The pristine beauty of the fresh snow is gone. There are footsteps everywhere. The footsteps of the COBG and other humans, the outlaw gang, the creatures of the wild--no dwarfs'. They all have a story to tell. The deer have been everywhere--even up by the house. Perhaps they are always there, hiding in the shadows, ghosts of the gray duskiness. But now the snow has given their intrusions away. I'll be watching my enemies.
The Acres are alive with bird activity. The feeder on Mom's doorwindow attracts them. A buffet. They are everywhere. Flighty. Noisy. Gorgeous. I guess the feeder makes them feel safe, wanted. It's a bird welcome mat. Even an occasional visit from a neighborhood cat is ignored. Homesteader straining to find a way through the doorwindow is mocked by their indifference to her longing. Bonnie, too, brings no change in their behavior. It's a mutual "you make no difference to me" relationship. The only thing that brings stillness and silence is a hawk visit. He is a bird feeder as well.
The flower beds are hidden under the whiteness. The pine trees still wear their white skirts. The pond is a skating rink for the dogs. The tree branches glisten in the morning frost. Twigs of tinsel, laden with captured stars from the night before. I love the beauty of a snowscape.
Rumor has it that a thaw is coming. Rain even. Thunder. I have mixed emotions. I will allow it if it promises to snow again before the cold returns. The good the thaw will bring is that if there is a streak of good weather, then my sisters will come up to surprise Mom on her 99th birthday in a couple weeks. Shhhh. Surprise. Tell no one. Yes, I will hurt you.
Can you imagine all my mom has seen since 1914 until today? Though her short term memory is all but lost, she can remember so much from her treasure store of lifetime moments. As an almost five-year-old she watched from the window of her family's flat in Wellston, Missouri, as the world celebrated the end of The Great War. She watched as wreaths went up on the doors of the homes across the way as the great flu epidemic swept the neighborhood more deadly than the war itself. Lighting the lamps. Cobblestone streets. Horse drawn buggies. Walking to market every day to buy your next meal to be prepared in the kitchen. Her dad's love-hate relationship with the family cat. So many memories time has been unable to steal or even dim. She is a living history book of the ordinary moments of life that make it so extraordinary. And now she sits in her red chair, the Homesteader contentedly sleeping on the back of the chair behind her, her life limited to the vision she has through the doorwindow looking out at the front of Iten's Acres. Yet, she is content. Satisfied with the beauty she can she. She has never met a day she couldn't love.

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Iten's Acres January 12, 2013

Today at Iten's Acres:
The grayness of the clouds and the gaiety of the sun were in a day long battle. The wind couldn't decide whose side it was on. I am in love with both. Perhaps that is the wind's problem as well. Too much love for ever changing beauty.
The rain and the melting snow have teamed up to flood in every little--or wide--expanse that they can find. The brown shag of the river birch is no doubt delighted, and I'm sure the pussy willow by the "real" pond is dancing in the wind as well. Some of its red buds are already exploding into silver blooms. It never waits for spring. Impatience is a virtue.
The ground itself is still rock hard, frozen--dare I say, Greenbayish. Though the weather folks are predicting sixty degrees tomorrow, I don't think it will be enough to soften the soil and befuddle my bulbs and flowers into visions of spring. And the cold is coming back! I hope it brings its white blanket with it. I am always ready for a snowwalk, and I have not yet experienced this year the majesty of a moonlight sonata in the back meadow of Iten's Acres. Yes, believe it or not, I have music in my soul. And standing under stars and moon in the brightness of a snowy field makes my heart sing--even in times of absolute silence and windless stillness. I can hear His creation sing. Maybe it's my gardening angels?
One miracle. As the rains fell and the temperatures rose and the snow melted, a metallic pink buttercup spread its petals and nodded to the sunshine. Hiding all this time, warm with snow, waiting for another chance to beautify its world. And thankfully, it's my world too. Beauty by surprise is a marvelous joy. I pray I am caught off guard another million times.