This Week at Iten's Acres: Spring Begins--Early!! February 20, 2016

I'm trying to come to grips with this early spring thing. The crocus and snowdrops are a month early--at least. Does that mean everything will bloom a month early? I'm not ready for that. I still have lots of pre-spring stuff to do at The Acres. I guess I'll bury my fears and buy a chain saw. (Prayers for my arms and legs would be appreciated.) Will I have to mow the grass in March? Even the honeybees were out today checking out the crocus. The feathered friends are singing as if spring is already here. The Redwings are even here already. At least some snowbirds are still hanging around. The absolute worst part about having an early spring is that I may have to give a nod to the groun . . . I can't even say the word. You know, those ugly, huge, destructive varmints that claim to be shadow experts. Ugh. Ah well, three snows AFTER the forsythia bloom, right? I don't think my paranoia can take this. Okay, okay. Yes, the pussy willows, crocus, and snowdrops are lovely, but . . . slow down spring. I can wait.

Anyway, here's what's blooming already--the THIRD WEEK in February:  If you look closely at the pond pictures you can see some of my golden friends.

 

Today at Iten's Acres: Looking for Aslan February 8, 2016

Beautiful drive home tonight once I got on the Backroads of Morrow County. Snow on the ground; trees glistening; myriads of stars, patches of dense fog. The land of mist and ice and snow. Now, if I can just find Aslan.

Today at Iten's Acres: Doubts February 3, 2016

I don't know about this groundhog thing. Trust a rodent? Hmm. Especially when the only good groundhog is a . . . I mean the hyacinth and daffodils are checking things out in some places. The pussy willow by the pond is resplendent in silver--but it does that even during a vortex winter. Other rodents have been up and about an awful lot--raccoon and possum everywhere. And the goldfish were all over the pond this afternoon when I got home. But . . . What's an early spring anyway? Warm weather on March 20th? Snow flurries tonight by the way. I think I'll just wait and see. You know, one day at a time. The only thing certain about Ohio is that there will be weather every day. I think that's certain . . .,

This Week at Iten's Acres: Survivors January 31, 2016

I am surprised--two of the kittens--used to be kittens--that were dumped on The Acres awhile back are still around and appear to be healthy. The orange male drops by now and then--he's become a beast--huge. Whatever survival skills his mom taught him, he has put to good use. He doesn't think much of me. A brief stare--and away he goes. The little calico female likes to hang out at my place. Could it be the food I put out for her? Well . . . She sits and stares at me until I put food in the "bowl" on the patio. I am not allowed any personal contact. She does come to the doorwindow to stare down Homesteader. Jealous, perhaps. Ah, well. She has the human trained, too. Homesteader rules the house. She rules The Acres. I can't believe two of those kittens have survived the winter. Have no idea where they spend their nights. Must be a safe place--and warm.

Today at Iten's Acres: Strange Day January 12, 2016

Strange day. No water this morning. Get home about 6, temperature down to 9 degrees with nasty, nasty wind. Water. So, I took a shower this evening. Hey, you do what you have to do. smile emoticon And the Lord took care of me on the way to work this morning. (The five inches were gorgeous!) But I just get to the free way and one of my wiper blades flies off--gone. The other one about five minutes later just quits. Yes, you can drive by faith. And the Lord at times protects the stupid.

This Week at Iten's Acres: Decisions. Decisions. Decisions January 24, 2016

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. What to do when the well unfreezes after 8 days without water? You would think dancing and singing would be in order, but old men might pull a muscle--or worse. And Homesteader is not a fan of dancing and singing. At least by the human. So . . . First, fill up several of the water containers. It is still winter. Re-freeze will no doubt come again. A real shower is a must. May not have water in the morning. Then, laundry. Clean clothes to wear next week would be nice. Next, fill up the rest of the water containers. Can't have too many of those. And, if there's still some water, do the dishes. Oh, and be sure the containers you may need to heat up tomorrow morning are full. Finally, sing and dance. The white dishrag will live--and if the old man doesn't. Hey, no more water problems. Win. Win, I'd say.