Dreaming of Spring Gardening in the Middle of a Wisconsin winter part 2

[Callender Girl]

I am also amazed, Jim, that the coyotes don't eat the neighbor's cats.

It appears -- although likely only temporarily -- that I have finally trained the coyotes, somewhat. Yesterday, I noticed my ewe pacing at the fence; Rachel had spotted a coyote by the veg garden.

I got so close, I was concerned it might want to be petted . Then, it took off with me in pursuit, wearing only garden clogs that would not have been a good choice for long-distance running. I unleashed my usual whoops and litany of swear words, insulting its heritage.

Unlike all the other times when I've had to chase through Sullivan's corn field, this critter took off at top speed, without stopping, and I didn't have to find a hole in the fence to pursue it.

As it disappeared into the distance, I noticed Coyote No. 2, who was just standing on the ridge at the far side of the field, waiting before they both ran off. I feel like No. 2 probably said, "Told you, she's crazy," to its companion.

Ozark Beauty is a nice strawberry. I wish I could remember what mine are. I have had to replace and replant so many times, I'm just happy anything comes up. It looks like the first ones will be ripe today!!

Lisa, your weather forecasters and mine are doing the same thing -- rain, no rain, rain, no rain. But, if they are right this time and it doesn't rain today, I am hoping to finish mowing.

 

[jvls1942]

Lisa, I don't think it pays to believe the long range forcasts. they seem to always change by the time we get there.
Barb, it is amazing how fast those coyotes can run while laughing so hard, eh?
I didn't cover plants last night,. it got down to 39F this morning. I figured they needed to be hardened a little more.
Yesterday Annie helped me find the rest of the tines for the 3pt cultivator,. when I went to get the box where the bolts were in, they weren't.
Instead of wasting time looking for them, I will go to F/F and get new ones. I wanted shorter bolts anyhow.
can't work on it today, going to a graduation picnic for another great nephew.
the cardinal is still attacking the patio door every morning. it's the female. she must have the male sitting on her eggs?

 

[jvls1942]

59 at 8am looks like a nice day as long as it doesn't rain
I will be putting the tines onto the 3pt cultivator
yesterday I bought 2o nuts and bolts/ price went up 4o cents since the last time I bought some/
over 2.oo/lb, the locking nuts were 2.55/lb
we watched for the motion light to go on
it usually happens shortly after dark. at 1opm it came on/ we went to the door on the porch and there were 3 raccoons/ I suspect they are shaking up in the guinea pen behind the garage, lots of nice loose hay to snooze in all day/ we seldome go back there,
today I will be putting the tines onto the cultivator/ using the new "gold" nuts and bolts
I bought a packet of bean seeds, the ones I planted seem to be duds.

 

[Callender Girl]

Maybe the raccoons were waiting for an invite into the house? I've probably told you that my aunt and uncle had Snoopy, their house raccoon. Her favorite hobby was opening kitchen cupboards and removing labels from all the canned goods. Made meals interesting.

Since it was supposed to rain today -- and it already has -- I worked outside most of yesterday. My rule this year is that I won't let myself buy any more plants or seeds until I get everything I've already bought potted or planted. Success! I can now spend more money

I weeded the veg garden, hand-trimmed around some flower beds, restrung a wind chime that was damaged in the last storm, put in a couple of motion sensor lights and laid down some fake grass by the gate where the dogs like to create muddy messes.

Hope your beans do well. Mine are growing great and, like most of my veggies, are doing so under the protection of hardware cloth and/or chicken wire "cages."

While I love the tiny jenny wrens that take up residence in my bird houses every year, I had to give the side eye to one who flew THROUGH the fencing and netting, into my strawberry bed. We will not be friends if that little thief gets to my berries before I do!

 

[jvls1942]

Barb, you sure had a productive day.
Lisa, sorry about the weather not cooperating. tomorrow looks promising.
I replanted the beans.
now it looks like I will have to replant the beets, too.
I trimmed the bottom leaves off of the tomatoes. then I put the stakes along side each plant. I don't think we will be getting any more frost.
company came just as I was about to start putting tines on the cultivator. people should come only on rainy days