Winter Twilight

We headed down to the lake shore and took advantage of the unique conditions created by the mix of sunlight and ice.

Make your own fun!

Sandwiched in between Christmas and Boxing day is the feast of Kuksa a day set aside to show our appreciation for the lowly but useful cup.
The best way to gain a full knowledge of this common but extremely important utensil is to fashion one the way the native people did.


Not sure in what period of native development Sharpies were invented but you can look it up.
Birch is the traditional wood used and who are we to argue?


Thanks for journeying along with us through the Kuksa season, Cheers!

Home for Christmas

Rachel and Phil are here and we are enjoying our time with them, the weather was nice enough to go afield and get some fresh air
I have a lot of paracord on hand and Rachel and Percy showed us a thing or three about new and interesting uses for it.
My firesteel and striker with paracord lanyard.
Check out the fancy stitch on this bracelet it contains about 8' of cord ready for use should the need ever arise
It has a simple loop and knot clasp on the underside.
I am enjoying my new bracelet, Thank You Rachel, and good luck with your new business, we accept all major credit cards cash or good check.

Chicken Update

Time for an update on operation hen house, as you can see we are in full operation.
This Buff Orpington pullet will be laying in a couple of months. This breed is very cold weather tolerant they have a thick layer of feathers.

Here is another of the Buffs the one on the right is a ROO !

Despite the recent cold temps and short days without much sunlight the hens are finally starting to lay eggs faster than I can eat them.

Brief Interlude

Inside set up for the winter the waterer has a thermostat to keep it from freezing, I am running a heat lamp at night which keeps it comfortable for them in their insulated building.

This Barred Rock was bred for New England winters, she has a thick coat of the finest down to keep her safe and warm through the winter months.

Another example of New England stock the Rhode Island Red. They are hardy and prolific layers of large brown eggs.

The Buff Rooster is saying hello to the laying hens from a safe distance in an adjacent pen.

Its great to have plenty of these all set for the holiday baking.

Frosty Pumpkins

My walkabout with the camera was a little frosty but very rewarding.

I had the sun on my shoulder which should become noticeable on some of these shots.
The creek water was black and cold but made a wonderful background for reflecting images.
Another pilgrim that had left this monument in the fall woods.
You can see a touch of frost on the top of these round bales.
Another delicate frosting that was soon to dissolve in the morning sunlight.

If a leaf falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? A. NO!
Its a wonderful blend of colors now browns and reds and the occasional green vegetation.
I like the contrast in this one.
One of my favorite bends in the channel this is a good place to hang out early in the morning.
Had to show this one in Black and White the dark water sets the mood for this shot.
How inviting is this leaf strewn path bordered with late season ferns?
Milkweed pod in its late season stage
When I got home I noticed that we had a few leaves in my backyard that needed raking!

Payday

All the investment, planning and hard work has finally paid off.


Recent modifications to our Buff pen
The roost after dark, looks like plenty of room for three more if they get along.
My new PVC feeder the pipe holds about a weeks worth of feed .
Ok it's a start! Wonder if Eggland started this way?

Change of Season

Fall is in the air as the nights begin to cool down and the air becomes sharp and clear. It's time to put aside the homesteading projects for a little while and pick up the camera that has been gathering dust and head into natures world to reconnect with the land.
I included this obviously out of focus frame because I like the effect of the blur on this running fawn.
Some beautiful Wood Ducks shared the morning sun with me.
This was the frame right before he made the big jump!
These nice wild turkeys were kind enough to pose in front of the Bee Hives.
It's only early September but a touch of fall color is already in evidence in the upper marsh.
This Morning Glory contrasted nicely with the Goldenrod, what a beautiful sight!
I was already having a great morning when this gang showed up, it's what is referred to as the icing on the cake! The still water of the river makes for some great reflections on these shots.
Looks like Mama had a good summer and is raising two young ones.
I am off for a few days and hope to add more wildlife shots in the near future.