Duck Update or Ducpdate

My Duckies are half grown now so thought it was time to introduce them to the big wide world.  Runner Ducks are very cautious and skittish creatures.  They do not require any sort of cuddling.  Some folks do not like these sort of ducks because they are so wackadoodle.   I think their cautious nature helps them to survive when they are out free ranging eating all the slugs and snails they can find.  Plus, I think they are very entertaining to watch.  But their edgy nature makes introducing them to new things a bit of a challenge.  First thing was to set up what I call a training fence. 

I use plastic snow fence cut in half, electric fence stakes, and mini bungee cords.

A handy place to keep the bungees while setting up the fence...on my hat cord!

While setting up the fence I turned over a rock in the duck pond and got to see a 4 inch crayfish!  We introduced them into our big pond about 4 years ago...nice to see they are surviving and thriving! (great for bottom feeding and keeping a pond clean +fun!)

Here is the finished fence...now to get the Ducks to come out!

They didn't want to at first...so I set up their greenie dish just outside the door...

Finally, a dozen Ducks outside!

Runa, the Icelandic Sheepdog, is a great pairing with Runner Ducks.  She will help me herd them when they are ready for free ranging and have to be put in each night.  Predators are always a concern.  I saw a Harrier Hawk flying over my neighbor's field (I lost a duck, before to one of these hawks).  There is a dead adult turkey in the back field which makes me think coyote! Icelandic Sheepdogs bark a fair amount which is good for keeping predators away.  Plus, it is their instinct to chase away all birds.  The only natural predator in Iceland are birds of prey!

Somewhat comfortable out and about but they would come within 6 feet of me and seemed to be checking in to see if everything was alright.  I did give them words of encouragement!

Welcome to Ducktopia!

☼ Forest & Field Happenings ☼ Groundhog's Day

The gardens are growing as well as the weeds!  I had one little interesting set back...last week I headed up to the garden prepared to thin my beans, only to be surprised that most of their tops had been nipped off... a bummer!  But all was not lost since it was only the seedling leave where nip on some.  So my nature "friend" did my thinning for me.  I am pretty sure it is a groundhog that help itself.  So I put up some counter measures with a bit of snow fence and bird scare tape.  I replanted where the bean plants were completely gone..guess I will get a successive crop.

My defense system is working now for more than a week...the critter got some of my broccoli and cauliflowers too...ah well...

I went about my other gardening tasks which included a bit of rock picking.  When I was done I took the rocks over to the hedge row to dump them.  I threw them in and suddenly I was startled by squeaking and  squealing!  Guess I dumped the rocks unknowingly on someone!  That put runa into full alert!  She make it a practice to pester our friend when ever she is up at this garden with me.  The beans are growing fine again....but I am going to leave my fence up for a bit.

This is right where I dumped my load of rocks...hope squeaker finds a new place to live!

Other Garden News~~~

 Tomatoes are over their transplant shock!

Weeded my summer carrots and beet...can actually see them!

Summer Squash, Artichokes, & Crimson Clover looking pretty :)

....an occasional swing!

Maybe time soon to trim the trails!?

☼ Forest & Field Happenings ☼ FLOWERS!

I do not have formal flower gardens but I do have flowers!  Late June is the peak time for flowers here.  The Lupine it the favorite of my DH so I have planted and divided them everywhere I think they will grow ... and ... not get mowed over by the same DH!

Here is a little tour of the flowers that are blooming ~~~

Siberian Iris are at their peak all around the pond!

I received a gift clump 20 + years ago and have just been dividing & dividing...

The first plant that I planted on this land was my Rhododendron...the Washington State Flower.   It was hit hard this winter but I am happy to say that it is bouncing back with flowers and new growth...phew...I was a bit worried!

This ever expanding Wild Rose briar patch came with the land....looks like I should add gathering rose petals to my to do list!

Hoping for a good blackberry year...looking promising with the cultivated & the wild!

These Peonies I dug up and transplanted from the house we had before...never found a place for them around the house...but they seem happy here on this slope...a nice bouquet for the house!

Can't forget the wild ones...I am on a crusade to spread Milkweed to feed the Monarchs...more on that another time... http://monarchwatch.org/

Thought these spent dandelions looked sort of nice....

One of my favorite woodland flowers ~ Jack-in-the-Pulpit

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” 

the Buddha

Summer Solstice ~~~Gratitude~~~

I have been in this neck of the woods since 1986.  Over the years I have become a part of a wonderful community.  There are the usual get togethers around the expected events in folks lives but, I have had the Extra Ordinary experience of being a part of a group of women that celebrate and share our most intimate dreams and thoughts.  The group has been fluid over the years meeting often or occasionally.  The "members" evolve as well, some new and some I have known since 1986.  Busy lives and possibly growth has had the group evolve to meeting twice a year on the winter and summer solstices.  Our most common custom is to share a meal and spend the night around a campfire.  But this year we had a very special gathering out on a boat in Belfast harbor!

Someone in the group followed her dream big time!  She got a boat!  We were invited!  It was amazing, wonderful, and a wee bit adventurous!  It took two launch rides to get us all out to the outer edge of the moorings.  It was a perfect night!  

I am inclined to spend much time alone.  I actually hadn't been to one of these gatherings in a few years.  But I could not resist the the lure of the sea!  I am so glad I went and not just for the great venue and delicious food.  I am grateful to be a part of these women's lives.  I am grateful to be growing old together with them.  I am grateful for a place that confidences, dreams, sorrows, and joys can be shared.  

I am a lucky gal!  Thanks ~YOU~ know whos!

A beautiful evening spent with beautiful friends on the beautiful waters of Belfast, Maine.  

~~~

It is my intention, each week, to share something that fills me with Gratitude. 

I write ~~~Gratitude~~~ with the wavy lines to represent the gratitude ENERGY~~~~~! 

I hope you will join me and share your gratitude moments. 

~~~Amen, Blessed Be, Namaste'~~~