Life at Iten's Acres: Fair Trade Practices December 30, 2016

Fair Trade Practices: While the Posse is out back rummaging through the bird food for peanuts, the birds are out front gorging on the left over cat food. Winner take all.

Today at Iten's Acres: April in December December 26, 2016

The best laid plans of mice and chubby old bald men often . . . You know. Today was supposed to be grade all the papers day so I would have the rest of vacation to do as I please. But . . . who knew it would be a spring day in December? And it was a surprise in a way. The trees were doing their moaning song last night and early this morning--I was sure it was cold moving in. But when I went out to feed the Posse--behold, warmth. How could I possibly spend this day inside? Not a chance. So, extra long walk this morning. Then, spent most of the day outside working. Well, "working." I'm still not doing any heavy lifting, but this evening with the lifting I did do, I feel fine--for an old man. I love the curse of physical labor. And I had two advisors. The Posse made sure I didn't do any loafing or take any cat naps. Midnight is as bossy as his alter-ego. Man, did I get an earful all day long. Psycho just sits and looks--gives me the "what do you think you're doing dumb human." I endured the criticism, loved the labor, and am not the least bit sorry that I didn't get the papers graded. Thank You, Lord for the Christmas present--April in December. O H

This Week at Iten's Acres: The Present December 21, 2016

And so we celebrated the shortest day of the year by declaring Christmas Break. Winter has arrived. And on the first day of winter I have water. I have a creature who is looking forward to bossing me around for a few days. I have the Posse who have added old popcorn to their strange addictions--first peanuts, now popcorn. Who knew? I mean I knew cats were strange, but . . . I have much to do on The Acres. Some of it will have to wait--things are still frozen. Some I can do regardless of the weather. The most strenuous thing I will do today is take multiple walks. There are school things to be done as well. And countless books to read. Lunch with the family on New Year's Eve. Pace will be the key. As one of my favorite poems proclaims:

"Suppose we did our work
like the snow, quietly, quietly,
leaving nothing out."

My feathered friends are active. Scolding the Posse, "stealing" their cat food, mostly in blacks and whites and grays, although the raucous blue jays and the magnificent cardinals are around as well.
Otherwise, spunky chickadees and their cousins the titmice; black and white of the woodpeckers, nuthatch (though I sometimes think they, too, have a touch of blue), snowbirds aplenty, sparrows of various persuasions make up the flock.
The pond is frozen--I assume the gold is safely hidden at the bottom. The Sentinel has contributed another of its massive limbs to the middle of the pond as it slowly continues its journey toward decay. Soon it will limbless--still magnificent, but a spar on a ship--guardian of the pond and its minions. I hope it waits to fall until after I am gone.
There is, of course, some green around. Conifers, lungwort in the trees, Lenten roses everywhere, the green of the iris, azaleas. Hints of life to come again. In places the hardy cyclamen are still producing their miniature pink flowers. Life at The Acres. a gift from The Ancient of Days for an ancient human. May I remember each day to whisper a "thank you." And then enjoy His present in all its wondrous wrapping.

Today at Iten's Acres Ice Follies December 18, 2016

The backroads of Morrow County would have been perfect for a Blue Jackets game this morning. All we would need would be a couple of nets. Even the Posse and my feathered friends were having brake problems. Slip sliding away. i confess to having church at home. The preacher was a little boring--the other member of the congregation fell asleep on his lap. Special music? Depends on your definition of special--and music, I suppose. Let's hope the road crews can clear things off a little. I may have to leave tonight in order to get to school tomorrow. =) Sleep over in Room 9, oh yeah. I think if I just give the trash can a little shove it should make it all the way down the driveway to the road--the bend by The Ancient Maple may be a problem. The water is still working!! I got the doors on the little red wagon open--without having to use a hammer! And, of course, I absolutely hated having to be a hermit all day. Hope I survive. A stroll through The Acres should be exciting. I will have to take it before the thermometer crashes though. O H

Today at Iten's Acres: Water!!!!! December 11, 2016

Ah--the water is back at least for this evening. Didn't come on until after 5, so I thought I would be a desert dweller again tomorrow. The strategy is simple. First, fill up the containers. I have 21 one gallon containers--enough for 7 days. Then, do the laundry and the dishes. Need to get everything clean. Finally, shower and shave regardless of what time of day it is. The water is usually more tepid than hot, but clean is good. Now, when your pipes freeze, you will know the survival technique. =) No charge for the advice.


On a totally unrelated not--Midnight loves the snow. Psycho--not so much.