White Icelandic, Nari DS and the Tulips ...oh my.

DS was grooming Dyfra out for me the other day, so I could work on Stjarna. But I had to take a quick photo. Notice where his cat Nari is.. couple of years ago...Dyyfra would of been "IN" the tree. Now she doesn't mind...or associates the cat with getting groomed, so at least that cat is a good thing. LOL

You can see.. the Japanese flowering Cherries are finally blooming, they were really late this year.

Where Nari likes to be.... have no idea what she is thinking? Free ride...wants to get DS attention so she tap dances on his shoulders or??

DH Beautiful Tulips.... he picked the colors.

I had never seen Orange tulips... but now I have. Very bright and cheerful to say the least.

News Flash!! The Mystery of the Sock Gremlin or??

For Centuries people have been loosing socks. Millions of people wash all their socks and some always disappear like Magic!
Now.......for the first time, a rare Video shows what has been happening to those missing socks and you all thought it was Sock Gremlins.

Tulips, Stjarna and this and that...

DS and Nari....our outside mouser. She has a special house to live in at night so nothing will get her. She is really happy being able to chase rodents all day long.

Had the Vet out to Xray Stjarna's hooves, used the money I had set aside for the animals.

Some of Robert's beautiful Tulips are blooming. Makes the farm look even more pretty.

Decided to take a photo of my Artist desk looking out. Can see the duck painting I am working on at present.

Managed to get the Strawberry plants in the Strawberry pot, got the Brussel sprouts and Basil starts into the garden. Both DH and I have been doing some kitchen garden weeding.

Finding out something is eating my pea plants!! grumble..grumble... Also need to spray soap and oil on the few that are coming up. Beans are just starting to sprout...so the garden is not doing bad for this early in the season. Will post photos soon.

DH has been weeding around all the plants and trees, makes those areas look a lot better.

Hay fields are growing well.... the place is a lush green everywhere.. I love spring.

Weather has been surprisingly cool out...rain showers here and there... guess that is why everything is so green. ;O)

We have all been keeping busy.

DH has an interview this Tuesday so please wish us luck.

I have been working on my latest painting and on the second Bobbin of Coopworth..hopefully will be able to ply it into yarn, by the end of next week. Wish there was some way to up my sales of Art but one needs to advertise and is sadly not something I can do right now.

DS has been keeping busy with Farm chores and playing with his cats.

Beautiful Day.....

The morning started early... still a bit cool but no clouds in the sky...no bugs either which was very nice.
Got Stjarna's special fed mixed up into a mash, measured out her SafeChoice pellets. Went out and fed her.
Once she was done haltered her up.. tied her to the plum tree she likes and proceeded to spray her all over for lice, working it in down to her skin. Could hear the jealous Neighs and Brays from the next pasture over.
She loved the grooming and all the attention... I decided 1 hour straight grooming was enough for the morning.
Went to go get her grass hay.... keeping enough fed in front of her should keep her weight where it needs to be.
Then DS and I proceed with the other morning chores.... like feeding the other equines on the farm.
Came in for breakfast.. DS made some wonderful pancakes.
After breakfast I went out to the kitchen garden for a bit of weeding and planting out some more onion starts. While I was doing that DH was cleaning up and leveling around the Septic tank lid. Will make it easier for him to mow the grass... a lot of hard work but he does enjoy it. Sorry no pictures of DH working........this time. ;O)
DS helped groomed the horses and I decided to ride Dyfra bareback today. Just a short ride but it really helps my back. Can see in the photo above.
So our days have been pretty much like that. DH is getting a lot of the chores done that have been piling up... DS helping him.
Me... I do what I am able to ....work in the garden, paint and spin yarn.

New Icelandic

Introducing Stjarna, an 17 year old in foal Icelandic mare. No money changed hands and I am happy to give her a good home. Feed for horses does not cost us anything, as we hay our own place.

She has a few health issues I have to attend too, which I am addressing.

Also due to foal fairly soon..within the end of this month or the next.

But I Thank Lisa very much for letting her come home with me. I know how hard it was for her.

Food for the G*ds..... ah.. Cats ~

Looking for good quailty cat food.... check out this info.
http://www.consumersearch.com/cat-food

My cats love the Natural Balance Ultra, Natural Balance Tuna and Shrimp, they also love Newmans Own organic canned cat food.
It is important for cats to eat mostly meat and no grain. Less likely to have your cat throw up and have other issues.
I tried giving them Evanger's organic chicken because it has rated well....and lets just say if their nasty looks and food left in their bowls are any thing to go by.....

Along with the morning half can of the best quality cat food on the market, fed in bone china bowls...(ya I know.. their spoiled.)....
They also get some dry food through out the day.
I use three kinds... I really think it helps keep them from getting too finicky.
I recommend these for the high meat content and quality and my Cats love these dry foods.
Innova EVO, Wellness Core and Newmans Own.
Good food keeps them happy and healthy!

Trees, a wee tree frog and Flowers~

This is the Leland Cyprus we planted the first couple of months of moving in a number of years ago. They used to be 6" tall, now they are nearly 3'. As they grow, they will help keep the road dust from coming near the house.

Photo DH took yesterday. The front drive showing off his Daffodils. He likes to plant them because they remind him of his Grandmother.

While walking in our woods the other day, I ran across this cute little tree frog and just had to take a photo.

The Daffodils DH planted along the drive. Their heads looking down from all the rain.

One of the little flowers that came with the Farm. Bright and Cheerful.

8' tall Blackberry bushes ~ Be Gone!

With DH having so much time on his hands and because the heavy winter snows flattened down the once 8" tall blackberry Vines..... this gave DH the opportunity to see the lay of the land so he could safely mow BV's without falling down a cliff or drop off in the tractor.
In the above photo you can see DH off to the right. This is on a slight hill and you can see how much he mowed.

Same area continuing down the hill.

This area is at the back of the property out to the point. Did a lot of clearing here too. It is back here.. someday I hope to have a little 12' by 12' Artist shed, with good lighting via sunlights and a little porch off the front.

If you look closely you can see the stream down at the bottom.

I tried to get photos of the shear 50' drop off but because of all the bramble and tangle wood, it is really hard to show just how steep it is. Best seen in person.
If we did not have those heavy snows last winter...we would of never know this was on the Farm. Is impressive.

Sold the Van

Just got back from town... sold the Van to a nice couple. Sad because it was a very, very nice car but it needed to be done. Hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

Once DH fines a new job will look into getting a truck again...either a Automatic Tacoma or Tundra, would make more sense since we live on a Farm.

This and That ~ Hummers, garden, Jelly roll and ...

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with the Blog... been staying very busy, with the Farm, my Yarn and Art.
DH captured this shot of DS and Nari.. .. our outside Mouser. Nari is really enjoying the outside, being able to hunt when she wants and having DS all to herself.

The Holly hedge that will someday hide that part of the fence. The metal fence was here when we moved in.

We kept two large hens so we could have fresh eggs.

How the Kitchen garden is shaping up. Think we are past having any frost.... I hope anyway... LOL

Lets see... yesterday I planted Bush and pole beans including one called Chinese Red noodle... Kubosha squash, small sugar pumpkins, cucumbers, Zucs, miniature cantaloupe(spell?)..sure I am forgetting something. Kind'a of pushing it but will see what happens.My seed potatoes should be here by mid next week.Already have in Peas, carrots, spinach, lettuce, Cauliflower and Brocs. All of the cool crops are starting out very well.This year I ordered bell pepper and Tomato plants but they will not arrive until the end of April.

We are back to having rustic Bean poles. Using Hog panels for the Peas.

Can see just to the left... we put a pot in the ground, in which we planted the Artichoke...in the hopes the Gopher won't eat this one.

Spring has finally sprung up here in the Hills. The Daffodils bloomed for the first time yesterday.

Hummers are finally getting used to me being close enough to attempt some photos. Here are a couple I have so far.

DH is still in the running for Grumman's in Sacramento, there is also another job in Flagstaff AZ and so on, but none of the employers seem to want to move quickly to pick their final candidate. So we sit, wait until they make up their minds and DH still looks for and applies for jobs everyday. We are just hoping we do not have to move,,, not something either of us are looking forward too.

DH tried his hand at making a canberry no salt added Jelly Roll....and lets just say it came out really, really well!

My Toyota Van and DH Motorcycle are for sale..

We both agree it is more important to keep the land and house. Before things get to bad... we are going to try to sell both my Van and his Motorcycle.

Please let all your friends and Family know we have these two things for sale. Both are in Excellent condition and Very low mileage.

My 2007 Toyota Sienna Van is loaded. It is an XLE with package number 4, 17" tires, Tan heated leather seats.. just so many extras it would take a full page of the Blog to tell you all of it. Can scan the window sticker I kept which has all the info on the Van, just ask. Asking $24,805. It is high Kelly Blue book value but this Van is in outstanding condition and well worth it Can ssee more info here http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=260559325&dealer_id=63995383&reset_crumbs=y

"2005 Yamaha FZ6 ST(C)" original high 40's owner. 22K miles. Ohlins remote reservoir rear shock, and professionally modified fork. New front tire at time of suspension upgrades, all within the past 6 months. Regular maintenance by owner. $5700 OBO. No financing, no trades. Additional info on request."

First Skein of the British Top with Silk done!

This is the first skein of two. You can see the shine on this yarn.. would make a stunning sweater.

Close up.

Penny to help tell the size. I still need to do, Wraps per Inch, so I can tell people what weight this yarn is.

Also need to get the rest of that yarn plied, which should result in another skein about the same size.

Lets see.....

DS was able to drive DH to town the other day, to help add to his drive time, so he can get his licence.. sooner or later.

We have been working on the garden to get it ready. Planted peas, spinach, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. Bought one cheap tomato plant but it needs to be protected at night. Kind'a pushing the garden....so will see what happens.

All the animals are doing well. Cats are helpful as usual. Really need to start telling Cat short stories again. LOL
Grass is starting to grow a lot and as soon as we have a mostly dry day... DH is going to need to mow it. Not complaining....rather mow grass than deal with snow.

Job status is still the same but DH is looking at Intel again for a very short term contract job. I am beginning to wonder if there are any real full time real jobs out there...or has the country gone Contract only?

government control of private gardens-HR 875

Want to see something truly scary.....

http://washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_875.html

Think this won't happen... think again.
NAIS bill, the no dust farming Bill and now this.
When are these stupid bills going to stop?
At the rate they are going we won't be allowed to own animals or garden, how stupid is that?
But then... when has the gov and big business been smart?
Is all about greed and the bottom line for them.... heck to all the small farmers who just want to put healthy food on the table.

I have to grow my own Veggies, if I want to eat. I am on a much needed no salt added diet,, and all canned and frozen veggies sold in stores, has a large amount of salt added. I can't eat it without ending up in the ER. And I refuse to buy food from Mexico or China because they can put what ever they want on stuff.

USDA doesn't do their job and we get hurt for it.
Do not think these new bills will help "food safety" any better than the old bills, USDA and FDA are forever falling down on the job. Because of their laziness, It will just cost us little people a whole lot more money to keep animals or garden, if we are allowed to at all.
Wait until they come up for a tax for every mouthfull of food you eat. Bla......
Or maybe it is time to find another country that is proud of their people that grow their own food.

Anyway..because of this... I will most likely not say wither we garden or not. Last thing I need is the Gov coming in and telling me I can't eat my food.

How things have been going

I hate posting without photographs... so I added some below.

We have been busy with small jobs around the place. DH put a electric fence around the garden to keep the chickens out... too bad it wouldn't work for gophers and moles. He and DS cleaned the water tank out and so on.
DH has been busy trying to find a job local, sadly has been turned down for 2 at this point. Which is strange for him because normally if he interviews..he has always gotten the job in the past but these days sadly,, aren't normal times.
DS has been doing chores and studying with the MIT open college courses because that is all we can do for now. Rest of his drive time to get a licence has been put on hold until DH can find a job. Not what we had planned but that is life.
I have been working on my online shops, Art and spinning yarn to try to bring in some money but those types of things just aren't selling much. I have been getting dribbles of Art sales, just wish things were different around the World. Also have some of my china horse figures for sale, as you can see, so if you know someone that might be interested let me know.

My latest work. In this photo I had just finished spinning up two single plys of yarn. Can see one of the green British Top on the wheel and one on the lazy Kate on the floor.

About 99% done with this two ply yarn. It is green British top, with purple, green, red and blue Tussah silk blended in.

Here you can see me plying the two ply yarn.

Yesterday was a little more interesting than I was hoping for. Had a wicked Gale force wind all day yesterday, heavy rain and hail off and on.... then the power went out for 8 hours. Turned out to be two trees on two different country roads that took out the power poles.....again.

Needless to say, this power on and then off thing is getting tiring. Wish we had the money for a bolt down, full house generator. Until then... I have my freezer packed with ice, just in case the power goes out again. sigh ~~~
Today the wind is not as bad, Thank goodness,,,mix of a bit of sun, rain and about an hour of hail.
We are hanging in there with DH lay off,,, guess it is one way to get a vacation, though not our prefered one.

Have some things for sale~

Hi everyone,
Have some things I need to sell. If you know of someone that might be interested send them the links or have them contact me!

Animal Artisty Earthenware Classic sized bay Pinto Shetland. Starting price on ebay is $150.00 and that is a major steal.

AAA Animal Artistry Bone China custom painted Exmoor pony... kind'a looks like a miniature horse to me. Also for sale at $125.00

Animal Artistry Resin... on sale at ebay $95.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=160319979234

AAA Animal Artistry Bone China, Classic sized, Custom Sec A welsh Pony $300.00 or Best offer over. This price is also a steal.
*

I have these totally new items for sale with Icelandic horses on them,so I finally put them up for sale on my Esty shop. They are priced to help cover the 4% ser charge PayPal charges me.

Would give a discount to family...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5598628

And I need to sell my Special order Thorowgood Endurance saddle.I am offering this very little used saddle for sale, which is in excellent condition. It is a 17 1/2 inch seat and has an extra widetree. When I bought this saddle last year, it could not be purchased in the US, so I had to buy from Europe. It has a high-comfort seat cushion and flaps shaped for a relaxed leg position. So, together with the Fish™ adjustable-width system to ensure the perfect fit. Great saddle for Haflingers, Fjords, Icelandics, Warmbloods, Drafts or anybreed that has a broad back, this saddle was designed for those kinds of horses. Stored on a saddle stand and this is a smoke free home.Paid $750.00 for it new. Have lowered the price to $550.00 ...buyer pays for shipping.
Did a not very good video of the saddle....

http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i51/Bergere/?action=view&current=DSCN5053.flv

This beautiful Aviary would be great for Canaries, finches, budgies and so on. Really helps keep the dust and mess contained. A very nice Arcylic very large Aviary with oak trim bird cage for sale, size is ..38" long, 23" wide and 30" tall. Paid $595.00 for it. Asking $395.00 Birds not included. Prefer local pickup because it is so large

The Garden or mud pit you decide

You can see we "really" have raised beds this year. DH was working on getting some pots in the ground so we can plant the carrots in them and hopefully keep the gophers at bay.

Pea trellis is up but I need to find more Hog panels, as I need to plant a lot more Peas this year. If you look closely, far back of the photo, you can see the Mars onion starts are in the ground.

Here are some of the long storing, Copra, onions.

Hopefully today DH & DS can get the tops of the rest of the raised beds flatten out. I will be planting more Pea seeds, plus some carrot, spinach and lettuce.
The soil is improving but we still have a long way to go.