Beau August 6th, 2008
We’re still on the road and seeing the marvels of this great nation first hand. I don’t have time to write much, but will leave you with this picture of the yellow lab and a curious friend one evening. See you soon!
Beau July 23rd, 2008
In many places it’s a rite of passage for kids to go fishing in the summer. With a nearby pond, fishing can be a simple pleasure on a summer evening. It doesn’t have to be the normally complex undertaking with boats, tackle boxes and all kinds of other stuff. Instead, we found a long cane pole, a hook, a bobber and dug up a few worms.
The boy worked at putting the worm on the hook, but it was kind of small so I tried to help. Of course I didn’t have my glasses with me so I wasn’t much help, and he did it on his own. Then with wriggling worm he threw the line and bobber into the water, sitting on a stump to wait. After a few minutes… “Bloop!” the bobber was pulled under… “I got one!” he yells excitedly, as he pulls a big bluegill out of the water. And then again a little later, “I got another one!” this time pulling a bass out of the water.
The yellow lab was entranced by these flopping critters the boy pulled out, We threw the fish back and the dog tried to jump in the water after them! Now that would be a trick… retrieving fish. I think somewhere in the history of the Labrador Retriever they used to be fishing dogs, swimming out to bring back fish that had fallen out of nets. But on this night he was just a companion, watching the boy’s excitement and wonder at catching fish.
Sphere: Related ContentBeau June 22nd, 2008
My goodness the weeds and grass can really grow while one is gone, and to see how fast it all grows in the space of a couple weeks is amazing. We’re catching up at home this week after a trip with the family, and have returned to see many parts of the central U.S. inundated with flooding from the Mississippi and other rivers. The rivers are cresting now, and several towns are waiting to see how much more flooding there will be. Many of the levees have failed, but others are still holding with water right to the top. Our hearts just go out to those who will begin working to recover from all the flooding this week. There are also a few thunderstorms about, but strangely in much of our area the topsoil is becoming quite dry.
We are thankful to live a little higher and have started watering the plants around the house and garden now. And it’s time for vegetables as we’re picking the peas, beans and lettuce that is doing so well. I’m surprised the peas and beans have not grown higher up the supports, and I wonder how long they will produce this year. But it has been a cool week in terms of temperature, so that helps keep them flowering and producing.
I think the corn looks great in the garden and I thought of a dumb question today since we have not planted hybrid corn before… How many ears of corn can we get from one stalk with our garden variety hybrid? I’ve seen some of the field corn growing in our area with 2-3 ears per stalk. But a little web research indicates we’ll probably get 1-2 ears from most smaller hybrid plants. We’ll see how it turns out in a month or so as the tassels are just forming at the top of the stalk now. But the tomatoes are also coming along- small and green, and soon we’ll have more than we know what to do with.
An early morning yesterday as we went across the pond dam to check the property. The yellow lab was like a kid in a candy store after coming home from the kennel. He did very well while we were gone, and didn’t miss a beat when returning home. Maybe a little too much energy saved up for romping around the property. Come to think of it I could use a little of that extra energy… the grass on the pond dam needs cut for the year again!
By the way, the bees are doing pretty well so far. I’ve put on a second super (hive body) for both hives and the bees are working like crazy each day. One of the hives appears much stronger in terms of numbers of bees, so it will be interesting to see how they do this year. Today I removed the entrance reducers I had placed last month while the new hives built up their strength in numbers of bees and stores of food. They didn’t fuss too much and (all anthropomorphism aside) actually seemed to enjoy the opening being wider. I probably left the reducers on a little too long while we were away, and today it was like seeing a little traffic jam of bees getting in and out of that smaller 3 inch entrance slot.
So to remove the wooden stick that blocks the entrance, I took my hive tool and pried up the corners and under the reducer to loosen all the joints. Then as I wedged and held up the hive slightly, I slid a stiff hooked wire through the hole and gently pulled out the wooden reducer. The bees didn’t seem to mind a bit. So now both hives have a full entrance on top of the bottom board (actually a screen) to come and go. And it was fun watching the returning bees covered in pollen… a welcome sight. It’s also great to see them covering so many flowers around the property. Keep working little bees!
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Beau May 14th, 2008
A nice day today, without rain. Started cloudy and cool and then warmed up beautifully. We walked to make the bus for school through the wet grass, with the yellow lab running around us. As we waited, playing catch with a newspaper, the lab decided to find a comfortable spot in the tall grass and settle down. He’s becoming more independent as well as comfortable with the world around him. He was happy just to lay here in the grass and wait until the walk home.
In many ways the seven year old is the same. I find myself looking for opportunities that our son can use to stretch his own independence. The boy runs around finding interesting things to play with in nature, climbing trees, riding his bicycle, collecting rocks. When he comes home from school he loves to watch one particular cartoon, and will sit in front of the tv if allowed. But he loves being outside as well, and comes out pretty quickly to play and follow me around. He watches and helps me with various projects when he can.
After the windstorm the other day, we worked together staking nine little trees. It’s not always my nature to think of ways to involve him, but I’m getting better. I’m a “do-it-yourselfer” most of the time, and just move from one project to another trying to keep up with things that need done. But as our son grows I want to share knowledge and find opportunities to involve him and help him learn.
I’ve been watching an interesting show tonight on PBS about kids growing up while living closer to nature versus in a suburban environment. Did you see it? Paraphrasing one of the themes:
“The kids growing up over the last twenty years see nature as an abstraction. Something “out there” apart from their own lives. And that fosters a disconnection with the natural world.”
One of the reasons I love living in the country is to be able to maintain that connection with the natural world. To live it, touch it and be part of the changing of the seasons. We thought it important somehow that our son have the opportunity to experience this lifestyle, while balancing the modern world’s tools of technology and communication.
What young child isn’t fascinated with tadpoles? He loves to play by the water, and always seems to find neat stuff.
But that’s also the challenge in many ways. As a society we have evolved and are continuing to change very quickly. Kids today are challenged to adapt and are faced with countless choices involving what I call technological literacy. Certainly basic reading and math literacy is critical as a foundation, but I also believe that technological literacy is something that can empower and leverage an individual’s life and choices in a myriad of constructive ways. I think that tech literacy must reach a point where a child recognizes the benefits as well as learns the limits of the technology they will use in life, and that it’s really just another set of tools.
Personally I have run the gamut of being an early adopting tech addict years ago, to managing thousands of the most advanced computers and communications equipment in the world, and now back to being a simple user of technology in a way that expresses creativity and helps me keep up at home. I feel like I’ve come full circle, and have heard the same from others. I’m still tempted by new-fangled gadgets, but weigh the cost of owning and using them not only in dollars, but also in time. Time seems to become more precious in many ways, and I am thankful to have time to do what is necessary each day.
But I always come back to nature, or what I see as “real” with the world around us. Perhaps as a way to find a centered place within, and a foundation of being well grounded. I fear losing the connection with nature and what is real. Somehow the spirit of the living and the energy that exists in nature are like healing waters that a metaphorical fountain brings forth. When we work and take part in the natural world we touch our roots, and renew the bonds of life that exists between the human species and the living world.
So where our son is concerned, a lot of it has to do with me. I have always sought a rural lifestyle, and a chance to learn and practice basic skills of living and self sufficiency. I like that about living here. But at times I wonder if the boy isn’t missing out with many of the various activities that a suburban lifestyle might offer.
We do try to involve him in typical activities such as baseball and scouting. And he has the run of ten acres of land, joining more land in the area. But driving to town takes a few gallons of gas round trip, so it’s not something we do routinely without a reason. There are no nearby places to go and interact with others unless we get in the car and make the trip. So he does miss different aspects of living in society such as a suburban area with parks full of other kids. For all those who live in this area, it’s just the way it is.
Thankfully he has a full school day and a district that believes strongly in physical activity. They usually have three recess periods to work off excess energy (or catch up on work not quite finished). By the time he gets home he needs a break, but is then ready to head outside and play again.
I know as he grows up he will have the opportunity to experience far more than we see here at home anyway. In that regard I’m not worried about what he may miss for a few years. To see him run and play, discovering new critters, finding cool rocks or snail shells to collect, shouting and screaming at imaginary creatures, all are things that I believe help create a balance and ability to find a centered place within himself which he will carry for the rest of his life.
I don’t know if that makes any sense, but it’s where I am. I have this sense that he needs this in his life, and that many years from now he will reflect on it and find satisfaction and strength in his experience. Certainly all parents must make choices that they believe best for their children. There are times in our lives that we are fortunate to have the ability to make certain choices, where others may not. For however long we are here, I am thankful for our experience.
Beau May 7th, 2008
Lots of rain coming today while I’m working on moving rocks. And it’s a great time to move a few plants around with the softer soil. In a couple of months the ground will be dry as a bone. I’ve been taking so many pictures along the way it’s hard to keep up.
Yesterday while working behind the barn the yellow lab found a surprise that turned out to be a Black Rat Snake. A very common snake in the area, although we don’t see them very much. The lab wanted to see what this new thing was, but was obviously wary.
I was amazed after we left it alone, to see it literally climbing up an oak tree! I have seen them climb around branches and cavities, but never straight up the side of a tree. The birds must think this their greatest nemesis in spring.
After it perched on a branch it reminded me of being in a jungle somewhere. Gee, I hope I’m not losing readers with my snake pictures! :)
Actually, these snakes are good to have around. They’re harmless to people really, and catch smaller rodents such as mice to keep populations in check. But this one was about 5-6 feet long and would give you quite a surprise!
But the May Apples and Dogwoods are blooming! The leaves are almost fully out and everything looks so lush. Now it’s really hard to keep up with the grass and weeds, but somehow I don’t think it really matters… it’s just nice to enjoy the spring season.
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Alas our geese family didn’t seem to make it this year. On Saturday I saw two adult geese honking and swimming around by themselves. Then the same again yesterday, and I haven’t seen the little ones since last week. All I can think of is that a predator must have got to them. The cycle of life perhaps, but after seeing the little guys we were hoping to watch them grow. There’s always next year perhaps.
Sphere: Related ContentBeau April 13th, 2008
The pup is a year and a half old now. Full of youthful energy with such strength and spirit that it makes me smile to see him. He asks for nothing more than a chance to run, swim, chase a ball or bring something back to us, and is completely at ease with himself and his surroundings. I’m no judge of the qualities of a Labrador Retriever, but he strikes me as a beautiful example of the breed. He is still intact, and comes from quality bloodlines. In some ways I feel an obligation to explore if he can contribute to the breed. Perhaps I’ll seek an experienced opinion. But more than anything, he is simply a joyful part of the family and a good friend. And that’s really all I can ask for I think.
Beau February 11th, 2008
I was working on the computer and some paperwork the other night, with the tv on in the background and my Labrador Retriever laying quietly asleep on the floor. The boy was taking his bath before bedtime and from down the hallway I heard, “Daddy! Daddy! Mommy! Mommy!” So using my holler-through-the-house voice I call back… “What is it…?” And then from the hallway again, the boy’s Mom calls, “Um, I think you need to come here… this is yours to handle!” And I yell back, “Okay, I’m coming…” as I get up wondering what all the fuss is about. And then I notice that the Yellow Lab is not where he was supposed to be. And with growing awareness I realize the Lab had snuck away to play with the boy (and that he loves water).
So guess who was very proud of the fact that he was sharing his bath with the dog? So proud in fact that he didn’t say a word (and closed the bathroom door!) until he was ready for us to see?! Arrgh!
Well, they both needed a bath I suppose. The pup’s expression was like “Oh, you found me. It’s really nice in here, can’t I stay?! Pleeease?!” By the way, he really likes the “green turtle squirty thing”.
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Beau February 1st, 2008
We awoke to a snowy landscape, and one of those quiet days when it’s nice to enjoy being at home. After a big breakfast, I spent a couple hours outside clearing the driveway with the tractor. With enough wind, we have drifts at various places in the driveway, and I’m thankful the tractor really clears the snow. Mom and the boy stayed inside baking fresh bread- yum! But then it was time to play… So as the sun came out we bundled up again to enjoy some fun in the snow.
The Yellow Lab had some fun of his own… he loves the snow and ran around in circles as fast as he could, and then ran again for hundreds of yards kicking up the snow. He was smiling the whole time!
“Look at me!” the boy says, enjoying the powdery snow. We pulled a sled around the property trying out the hills.
But fresh snow is always good for a snow angel!
Our Labrador Retriever ”pup” is so goofy… and look at him jump! He leaps into the air and goes crazy chasing snowballs. Now when you throw a snowball and it lands, well… in the snow, it’s kind of hard to find! But the dog doesn’t know that- he tries to catch it, then runs in circles looking for it after it squishes into powder! It’s so funny…
The Basset Hound and Shiba Inu watched the Labrador jumping after snowballs, wondering ”What is he doing?! Do they really taste that good?!”
There’s something about sunlight and shadows on the snow. It was a fun day and the landscape was beautiful.
Beau January 23rd, 2008
It’s hard to believe the yellow Labrador Retriever is 15 months old now. Actually, it seems like he’s been part of the family for a very long time. He and the young boy are best friends, and just love to romp and play together. We don’t get out as much right now when it’s incredibly cold. Well, perhaps the dog does, but we don’t train as much as when it’s warmer. The cold doesn’t bother him a bit however, and last week we even did some retrieves in the cold water of the pond. He didn’t mind and was ready for more.
But while we’ve been spending more time indoors perhaps, I’ve found that I need a ready supply of “chewy toys” on hand. Now a lot of dogs like to chew, no question. But I’ve met few dogs that have the single-mindedness of this Labrador when he sets to work on chewing something. And it doesn’t last long! I bought one of those indestructible chew toys at a pet store the other day… it’s already in pieces. I don’t know what the best thing is, but we’ve found that thick rawhide chews last the longest. Maybe 2-3 days each, but that’s better than most of the other items. Do you have a favorite item that your dog, or your Labrador can chew… and that lasts? I’d love to know. Oh, I bought him a nice thick real bone to chew on… about 18 inches long. He doesn’t chew that much, but likes to carry it around a lot- and he has a penchant for dropping things from the top of the stairs so he can run down to chase it. Well, he did that the other day with the big hard bone… Crash! That got my attention… I heard the bone hit the wall across the bottom of the stairs… he just looked at me as if to say, ”Wow! That was cool!”
As much as he loves to run and play, he’s also a gentle, good-natured dog. No pretense… just an honest dog that loves to follow you around. Oh, and eat whatever you do… he’d be a regular garbage disposal if I let him. But he’s a loving, goofy animal that seems to fit in pretty well around here. Doesn’t say much for me perhaps!
Beau January 3rd, 2008
Another cold morning, but sunny too. We’ve brought the dogs into the garage at night, with a small space heater blowing. They don’t mind the cold when it’s “only” down to about 20-25 degrees F at night. They have small igloo doghouses in their outdoor kennel to cuddle up inside. But when the tempature drops to about 9 degrees F, it’s just too cold for them. If we had a barn with hay and such, they could sleep out of the wind and cold, but for now the garage will have to do! It’s kind of funny… this morning at about 5:00 am I let them out of the garage (so they don’t piddle on the car tires!), and they can’t wait to get out and run around. But they also know it’s cold out there. After about 10 minutes, they both run up to the kitchen door, and I hear a little “woof!” as if to ask if they can come back in. I open the door and they run in, give a good shake, and run through the laundry room to the garage.
Ah, but one confession… the young Labrador gets to sleep inside the house in his own kennel. Yes… I’m biased. But the other dogs have lived outdoors all their lives, and they can’t stand to be couped up inside. And the Labrador is a special dog, a family dog, a people dog… an expensive dog! :) And he’s the dog I waited for most of my adult life… his personality is amazing, and his penetrating gaze is the most genuine, honest measure of trust that I’ve ever known in an animal. And I just think Labradors are really people dogs. It’s something I had read about, but not really understood until we’ve had him. He lives to be around people, and play with people… more importantly, he’s the young boys best friend and playmate. They wrestle, tussle, chase each other… and no matter what the young one does- the Lab just wags his tail and endures the ear pulling, tail pulling, hugging and good ‘ole fashioned romping around the house. Heck, the boy is seven years old, and in dog years- the Lab is seven years old too!
Speaking of the cold, I am so thankful for the heat our woodstove provides. Well, it’s really a wood-burning insert (I was more thankful last year perhaps with the power outage!). But I think I’ve cut and stacked enough wood for several winters of wood-burning now. On the coldest days and nights, there are few things to rival a cast iron stove and a few logs of Oak. We’ve had several Oak trees die over the past few seasons. I like to leave some standing as snags to provide biodiversity among the landscape, for woodpeckers, insects, etc, but sometimes it’s better to take them down if they’re too close the house or areas of traffic. And then they provide a couple seasons of warmth for the home. Of course it’s only supplemental heat to the electric and propane we also use, but every little bit helps! It just looks warm doesn’t it?
