Spring
The first tendrils of spring have started to gently grasp western PA in its grip and there is only one thing to say ~ Whoo Hoo!! It’s about time! For the past week each day has been either wall-to-wall sunshine or very warm or sometimes both. The brown grass now has an undercurrent of green, the formerly semi-green grass is now definitively green and the grass over the septic field is verdant and growing. Weeds are sprouting, the first spikes of the day lilies by the backdoor have pushed their way up through soil and remnants of last year’s flowers and the buds on the maples have begun to swell in response to the strengthening sun.
Sure, there will definitely still be coatings of snow to come and temps dipping into the low twenties or lower, but spring has sprung! With the tilting of the earth’s axis, the shift from the dead-of-winter to late winter has clinked into place with a resounding ka-thunk. And as each week passes, the grip of the shiny new spring will grow, swaying the west wind to blow warm and help banish the cold north wind for another year.
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Birds
The birds have begun to return in droves, which would include the grackles, red-winged blackbirds, robins, Canadian geese and cowbirds. Seagulls were spotted at the strip mall yesterday. (Ok, the nearby state lake, Lake Arthur is big enough to support its own small flocks of gulls. The gulls seem to be extremely fond of fast food and haunt the local malls looking for handouts. But what do you expect, they’re gulls.) Surprisingly there has even been the return of a few solitary birds, such as a goldfinch and a red-tailed hawk. The males have started the wooing, hoping to entice their mates, though I have not seen any sign of nest building yet. But it’s still early.
Birds are not the only creatures to be making a comeback. Skunks, possums, the groundhog that lives under my shed and even a chipmunk or two, have all put in appearances. Yes, Harry’s back and guarding ‘his’ compost piles from all others. I just hope that Harry notices the neighbor’s cat that’s been frequenting the front yard before the cat notices him.
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Gardening
Gardening is still a bit on the slow side. The ground is saturated and still semi-frozen a few inches down. The most I’ve been able to do is to start clearing the remains of last year’s plants, breaking the stalks into pieces and leaving them to rot in place. I’ve found that it’s much easier that way, instead of dragging all to the compost pile and letting it rot there. This way it doesn’t need to be returned to the garden beds the following year and it keeps the compost pile down to a manageable level.
This year’s seed catalogs are perused and seeds are ordered. This coming week it will be time to start peppers, tithonia and petunias. The best seed starting method I have found is using Parks’ biodome system along with heating pads placed under the seedlings. The biodomes are reusable after a quick wash in bleach water; all that needs replaced are the bio-sponges. The seedlings roots have no problem breaking through the sponges as they do with jiffy pots. It’s fast, clean and affordable. Even the smallest seeds are easy to germinate.
Starting your own seeds is… satisfying, rewarding and crucial for serious gardening. After thirty-some years gardening, I truly believe that. Starting your own plants opens up hundreds of different types of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, melons, squash and flowers that the local gardening center just doesn’t carry. The wealth of variety available is staggering.
One more bit of advice about seeds ~ shop around for a seed company. Find a company that grows its own seeds and is located in area of the country. I order mostly from Johnny’s Select Seeds , a company in Maine that specializes in seeds for northern gardeners. I figure that if the veggie or flower can be grown in Maine, I stand a very good chance of success in western PA. There is little more frustrating than discovering that maybe the reason you’re not having any luck with a certain cucumber is that it was originally grown in Thailand or been mispackaged in Thailand. Been there, done that.
50% sun/ 50% clouds, slight East wind, 27°F/-3°C
She is very shy and usually just flies away when anyone goes outdoors.
He's not quite as shy as the female. Still, we played chase-the-bird-around-the-tree for a while.
Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker (
JDinWPA)
She has been visiting my feeders every day, all winter long. The male hadn't been seen since last fall. This was taken right after the male showed up and, wow, she was not happy. I've never heard her make such a racket!
This male cardinal has been hanging around my yard for the past two years or so. He used to be smaller than the other males and a lot easier to pick out. But he's also the one that loves to raise his crest.
They're back and they loved to pose.
There is just the slightest hint of green in the grass.
They're not the kindest birds, but their coloring is striking.
His tail is fanned getting ready to fly off. Please note the swelling of the buds in the maples tree. :}
Please note the swelling of the buds in the maples tree. :}
It's not too clear but I caught the nuthatch in a dive for one of the feeders.
This afternoon there were seven bees buzzing the bird seeed on the deck rail. They had to be picking up the corn dust from the milling.
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I don't need much warming, though. It was 84 today, although we're headed back down, el pronto. "They say" we're going to get the rain we need, though, and that's good.
You know I'm no gardener, but my goodness! You should see my geraniums. I need to get some pics tomorrow before the north wind comes in and does damage to them. The red ones are just splendiferous! And the white and coral are going to make it - I'm so thrilled. Apparently, geraniums are something I can grow. I'm going to get more! LOL!
Then I had to deal with the landlord placing an odd, home-made, white-trashy sign in front of the trailer stating that basically states 'Call me before you buy this place.' Errrr! I tell everyone they have to contact the court's landlord before they would buy. And I have kept in contact with the man on a monthly basis. At one point in the conversation he suggested that I move the trailer out of the court and, you know what, might not be a bad idea. I have the room to set it on my property and it would save a couple hundred dollars a month. The real problem is that the guy is an old biddy and has to have his nose into everything. Hopefully that is settled as he agreed to take the sign down. He better. I have spent a good deal of time trying to make that trailer look appealling and I don't want a white-trash sign sitting at the head of the driveway.
Then, for the cherry on top, I was calming down and started to get online and... the power goes out. Perfect!! Hubby and I were left staring at each other by the light of our new solar-powered laterns, just like in the pioneer days. (Found those laterns on the clearance shelf of Walmart for only $15 each and they are nice!) So I gave up and went to bed early.
So how was your evening?
I found out about using the heating pads a few years back and it definitely speeds things along. I put some cucumber seeds in one of my biodomes on Tuesday and today they started sprouting.
Hope the trailer matter gets resolved soon.
BTW, you do clean the blocks and trays with bleach water before using, right? I remember reading you had some problem with damping off but it could have been from leaving sprouted seedlings too long in the dome.
And, yeah, I've been hearing from numerous people they miss the daily pic. I sure have not missed facing that cold west wind every morning. When things get growing I'll take more pictures. We have to replace the roof of the 'gazebo' this year and are planning to put on a real roof. (If you notice in the pic, half the shingle rolling is gone, wind.) You guys won't even recognize the place!
The photos of the birds are really nice. You sure have a nice assortment of birds. I assume that the first photo is taken from your home. What beautiful surroundings, the area looks peaceful and inviting. Do you live on a farm?
Time for me to get off the blogs. Good night.
It was cold again today but we did manage to rise above freezing. Still there were a few flakes in the air. Good news is that all of the flooding at the bottom of the hill has moved on downstream. I don't believe haw much precip we have gotten in the last six months.
And, yes, I have been ordering from totally tomatoes for six or seven years. I love their large variety of tomatoes and peppers. It's not so bad to get those veggies from a warmer climate then my own; I know I have to provide the warmest areas for them. But for items like melons, squash, pumpkins, cukes, onions and the like, I prefer to order from Johnny's. Johnny's has a large assortment of greens and organic seed also.
Hi Pros. Gee, sorry, but you're a little late for the daily picture. I did that from 12/07 - 12/08. You can look up my series of photos from then if you've the time. That scene in the first picture on this blog is the one I used. Now I've just been taken an end of the month picture of it, mainly for those who just can't seem to get enough. People love to watch the seasons change. I can't believe the following I've gotten from that. It's fabulous!
I live on three acres of property that abutts two farms. Both farmers have passed in the last ten years and I was a bit concerned about the land being divided and sold for housing. But last year someone started to farm the fields right behind us. He's enlarged the pond across the street and has brought in some beef cattle, including a bull. I so hope he makes a go of the place!
Something about the cold weather and rain. I'm pretty sure I have been posessed by the ghost of Betty Crocker. I haven't stopped cooking since the temperature dropped and my house is now spotless. (Well, spotless for me lol)
The freezer is full of prepared foods. This will be good when it warms up again and I only have to microwave stuff.
Have a good one :)
Sorry that I missed the Journal. I am a little envious of your three acres of property and the surrounding farms. I am glad though that you have the pleasure of enjoying such bucolic scenery.
It's good to see the pic of your land again. And the birds of course. Harry had best be careful. I wouldn't want to see anything bad happen to him.
Here's to warmer days ahead.
Hi GG. Ghostly shades of Betty Crocker! I used her cookbook for the cake recipe. Not bad!
We have awhile before the temps get that high and I don't feel like cooking anymore. At the moment we're enjoying temps in the 50s which is perfect for working outdoors. We're getting serious about spring ~ we removed the covers from the deck furniture today!
Hi shore. Just hoping you got a few good showers today. Your radar was showing some. Of course that's little help in a drought situation and summer is looming of the horizon.
Hello Proserpina. It is nice having a bit of property to strecth out on but then again, it would be nice at times to get a pizza delievered or not to have to drive 20 minutes to the nearest supermarket, which is not one of my favorites anyhow. Still, I think I'd have a hard time living in 'town.'
Hello pittsnurse. At this time of year, if the skies are clear, the temps plummet at night. If it's cloudy, we won't drop below freezing. So it's a toss up ~ sunshine and cold nights or clouds and warmer temps. The sunshine is nice, very nice!
Your flowers could be hyacinths. They're tall and purple and very fragrant. And as far as planting bulbs in the fall... that's the easiest way to do it. Most spring bulbs need a period of cold in order to sprout and be happy. But you can achieve the same results by keeping the bulbs in the refridge or an unheat area such as a garage for six weeks or so. It's generally called forcing and is often done to create a potted flower display early in the season, like for Easter.
So enjoy the flowers and the spring-like weather we're supposed to be getting next week!
Gonna give my washing machine the day off too. (lol)
Birds around here, my goodness, the ducks and geese mating at 3am are driving me nuts! Overall I love living next to a lake, but the other day, I had to close all the windows just to get some sleep!
Most of my gardens have just been cleanup work, planted my lettuces, starting my seeds for some veggies and annuals. I'm hoping with this week's warmer weather I'll get soils tested and do some amendings!
Have a great week!
Hey Bliz. We have had a few cold but sunny days this month so far, but overall... the weather's been great. Tomorrow is supposed to be another glorious day so I'm planning on continuing the work in the garden. Pruning the raspberries and slearing out the asparagus beds of last year's fonds are at the top of the list.
Good evenng dragonfly. Good to see you! I imagine you've been like me, spending all the time possible outside. After last winter, it is pure joy!
I planted some spinach yesterday, beside a garden wall where it is a tad more protected. It's still a little early for us to be planting... possibly. You just don't know. But I have row covers if the weather turns cold and nasty again.
Still, it feels like spring is here to stay but that might just be wishful thinking on my part!
Hello proserpina. What a lovely saying! Happy St. Patrick's day to you too.
Hi Rosy! Good to hear from you! My daily pictures stopped in December, the year was up. But I have started doing an end-of-the-month picture by request. It still amazes me how popular that series of photos are.
How have you been? How's the weather in Cuba? We're finally thawing out. Just in time, the winter was brutal here ~ cold and snowy.
Happy St. Patrick's day. I was going to do graphics, I was going to do proverbs, I was going to do it all - and I've done none and the day is nearly over. But, the good news is I'm ahead of schedule for next year!
With the coming of good weather I'm spending real time on the docks, and I'm just going crazy trying to find a way to do everything.
Uh - if anyone makes any smart remarks about us having all the time there is, I personally will get out the 2x4 and hit myself in the head! lol
I've been spending a lot of time on the phone and emailing the last two days - made contact again with the person who gave me the Carmichael book that I used for the current WP post. We haven't talked in - what? Three years? Four? Suddenly I thought, this is crazy. One of these days these people won't be there any more and I will regret not taking the time to reestablish contact. So I did.
I see Rosy stopped by, too! How nice. I know we all regret your decision to cut us off, but at least there is that monthly pic. I'd better beat it over to my own blog and tend to business, but I wanted to be sure and send you greetings of the day!
I forgot to ask, are you getting enough rain? I know there has been a drought in Florida lately and I was wondering.
Your pictures are just wonderful.. yes spring is just around the corner for you and I know you are ready for it to arrive and get back out in your yard!
Love the bird shots also.
happy Spring!
Hello gams. Thanks! I think spring has sprung here! The grass has greened, the forsythia is beginning to yellow and the daffodil buds are out of the ground. Although it's a tad cold now with the last cold front that came through, the chill is supposed to be gone in 24 hours. I'm still waiting to here the tree frogs for the first time, then it'll be spring for certain!
It is just WONDERFUL! My cousins in KC said they're still wobbling between winter and spring and I'm sure you are, too, but full spring is a-coming.
Dixie Rose is sitting here like she wants to say something - so greetings from her, too. I'm sure what she is thinking is "get off that danged machine", so maybe a will for a minute.
But just a minute. We're rolling, here. Tomorrow is NPR day - stay tuned for a link ;-)
The visiting angels came to see mom on Tuesday and she's still speaking to me. Not always in the most friendly way, but speaking. Life is good ;-)
My corn is starting to come up. Thought I my had planted too early but sprouts never seen before in my flower garden are showing up in the general area the corn seeds went.
The "impulse buy" strawberry plants are bearing fruit too. Next week the squash and cucumber seeds go in.
Hi to Harry!
I bring birds and flowers, scents and sunny days, butterflies and dragonflies, love and hope. Rejoice, Proserpina has come back to Mother Earth.
Well Spring has come today even if your temps are still below freezing...but you said they should warm up again soon.. I know you are ready for spring. This time of year is when you get all excited about getting out into your yard and garden and getting those seeds and seedling plants into the ground!
Hope it warms up and stays warm for you!!!
Happy First Day of Spring!
Happy Spring JD!
I started growing her own grass when I discovered Petco was selling pot of it for $5, but I could get a whole bag of seed for 89 cents and grow about 35 pots-full. Even I can figure that one out!
I've got to work this weekend, but I've an idea for a fun blog entry - maybe. It does involve flowers - that's rather spring-like, no? Hope you've got some good weather and projects that make a good excuse to take advantage of it!
A sure sign of spring has crept up on us here - I'm starting to get thirsty again. I go all winter without craving water, but the past week
Happy weekend to you!
Weekend Glitter
I'm going to have to search for you NPR contribution, I missed the it on Thursday. I don't know, I've been busy but it doesn't seem that I've accomplished a lot. Maybe I'm just a little down this evening. It was supposed to be a semidecent day but it was chilly and overcast. So instead of working in the garden, I burnt brush. I think I inhaled way too much smoke.
But, and I'm proud of this, I started the fire with only four strokes of my fire starter along with a handful of dead pine needles and leaves. The fire started is a cool little gizmo, a magnesium striker, that I got from thinkgeek.com. It sends off 3000 degree sparks when struck. Very cool but takes some practice. After all, you never know when you could be stranded in the woods and need a fire to stay warm and vend off the wild animals. Not really, I just thought it was rather nice! lol.
Happy Spring to you, Proserpina and Emmy. I am soooo glad winter is over! Every night I check to see if the tree frogs are peeping yet.
Hi GG. Good to hear that the extract was relatively painless. Wish the bill was too! Feed your corn liberaly. They are nutrient hogs.
Hi skye. Well, I've started the plants for my 'trash' pepper experiment. It ought to be interesting, though I have no doubt that the results will be delicious.
Hello calpoppy. That is the way of spring around here too. It was 70 degrees on Wednesday and plummeted to the teens overnight on Thursday and I awoke to a bit of snow on the car Friday. I have a supply of row covers and old blankets just in case. I hope your nectarine tree mad it though without any blossom loss.
Hi gams. That fruit drink would just hit the spot at the moment. I guess that's a good way of telling that the weather is warming ~ my preferred drinks are no longer hot! lol.
I've off to bed. We're going up to the Allegheny river again tomorrow and will have an early start. Hubby needs to check out the trout streams and I'm taking the camera. He really seems to be getting into this I'll-go-fishing-and-you-can-amuse-yourself setup. He's given me a hand-me-down pair of waders that are a bit to tight for him. Guess I'm official!
On the other hand, there are mounds of blue bonnets to be seen along the roads. This is a beautiful time of year in Texas.
Hi GG. I know what you're saying. There are sleet showers in the area as I write this. Hopefully this will be end of the frozen stuff for this season. Luckily I only have planted some spinach seeds and the garlic and chives are up. None of that will be upset by being chilled.
Going to TX in the spring and seeing the blue bonnets has made it to my things-to-do-in-life list. My crocuses have bloomed and the daffodils are trying to open, they just need a tad more sun and warmth. And I don't think it'll be long before the forsythia start blooming. Life is good! :}
Happy Sunday Proserpina! A beautiful flower for a not so beautiful day. But the rain is welcome and needed. I think the grass here sill need mowed wihtin a week to ten days! Definite sign of spring!
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