This Week at Iten's Acres: April 12, 2013

This Week at Iten's Acres:
Weather: We had weather every day this week. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I feel as if there may have even been some sunshine earlier in the week. You know--that bright yellow thing that sometimes--once a month or so--hovers over the Ohio landscape bringing warmth. Of course, we also had a hail storm this week. Didn't really do any damage unless you call sending the Homesteader into a frenzy watching all those little white orbs ricocheting everywhere outside the doorwindow--just beyond her reach, "damage." I call it a good laugh. An ark of rain the last couple of days, too. The creeks of Morrow County are peeking over the edge of all those picturesque one lane bridges. And the Acres are under water. FAS: the forsythia are starting to bloom--three more snows!
Creature Features: A herd of deer went leaping across the upper meadow yesterday. Out of Aaron's pines, through my trees, and into Dennis' thickets. I hope they kept going across the road, through the swamp, and into the trees on the other side. Keep your appetites away from my flowers you varmints! Speaking of varmints, the ticks are here. I'll have to get some Frontline for the white dish rag. No, she doesn't go out, but invariably I bring some of those wretches into the house after I've walked the Acres in spring. The squirrel population declined this week. Heh, heh. And, I think the newest member of the Outlaws has puppies. No, really. The gang will be a pack! Dennis has his "flock" roaming free. I'm sorry city folks but a herd of animals feeding on a hillside--regardless of its size--defines "serenity." (Miss you Blaze.)
Beauty Update: For the eyes--it's daffodil time. They only started blooming in earnest this week, and I have, at least, 500-600 blooms today all over the landscape. Myriads more to come. In the beds, surrounding the pond, in the trees, laying siege to the mound, out along the edges of the meadow, scattered throughout the wild area: if you love yellows and whites and pinks--and eventually oranges--rejoice, it's daffodil time. They are great for naturalizing--grow anywhere, the beasts don't like them, multiply like crazy.
For the olfactory glands: hyacinth. They also appeal to the eyes: brilliant dark colors and soft pastel colors. And, ah, the lovely scents. I only have a few dozen of them scattered everywhere, but they add diversity to the Acre's color scheme this time of year. And grow anywhere, too. Throw in the pansies I planted in various places, the spring beauties that God planted everywhere, the "fattening" of the buds on the trees, and the walks are lovely in mid-April on Iten's Acres. Next, will be the forsythia in full bloom, the redbuds, the tulips that the rabbits don't eat, and the bleeding hearts! Let's hear it for April. Well, let's see it and smell it for April!
My Feathered Friends: As mentioned before the goldfinch have bloomed. Robins are everywhere in hoards. The red-wings are staking claims to nesting sites in the pond and the bog. A male towhee dropped by the feeder this week. I think I saw a female grosbeak as well which means the males will be here soon. Still a few snowbirds around--reading the blooms on the forsythia I imagine. No sign of the ruby throats yet. Or the indigo buntings. Or the meadowlarks. Soon. I hope. Why is it that the bird world is so opposite the human race? For the most part, the male birds are the gorgeous ones and the females rather plain. In we humans--well, sorry guys, it's backwards. Or frontwards, maybe. Oh, the road-kill-clean-up-crew is back--all a buzz. No beauty there in either gender. I almost forgot. The swallows aren't back yet, either. Guess they're waiting for lawn mower season.
I did do a little work this week, in case you were worried. Raked some leaves out of a few beds. Got to get some sun on the iris! Planted a couple things as well. Still have to plant the gladiolas and some seed packets, but that can wait. I think I'll go rest awhile on the bench by the pond. Then, maybe I'll spend a little time on the top of the hill resting in the green throne. I'm developing the Iten heresy. "One day shalt thou labor, and six days shalt thou rest." Forgive me, Lord. I will go job hunting once May gets here, I promise.

Backroads of Morrow County: April 8, 2013

Backroads of Morrow County Update:
For those of you who have not yet recovered from the angst of childhood . . . for those of you who wake up at night in cold sweats knowing that your childhood searches for the meaning of life remain unfulfilled . . . for those of you who still have bouts of blurry, fuzzy vision . . . Listen very, very, very, carefully:

Take 23 North to Marion.
Turn right--West--on 95.
At the fourth traffic light, turn right again on 98--South.
Go EXACTLY nine miles----And--------you will find Waldo. Every time. Guaranteed.
Sure. Glad I could help. I knew my ricocheting all around the backroads of Ohio would someday lead to a cure for something. Not my roving malady, but something.

Walking Iten's Acres: April 4, 2013

Walking Iten's Acres:
It's amazing what three days of sun and slowly warming temperatures can do for the Acres! More crocus blooming, more dwarf iris, primrose, wood hyacinth (can their big brothers be far behind), more Lenten rose, the beginning of the daffodils. Even the goldfinch are starting to bloom. And the wild flowers are on their way beginning with the spring beauties. The joy of wild flowers everywhere, blooming wherever they please, is that old truth that they reinforce: "There is nothing more extraordinary as the ordinary."