The Squash Has Arrived!

Picked our first two squash of the season yesterday, a zucchini and a double-summer!

I planted the squash in a different location this season and the plants look fantastic, so I'm guessing they approve.  However, the proof is in their output but early indications are positive.

New Hatchling

Spotted this little fella the other afternoon - a baby Praying Mantis

I was happy to see that the cold winter we had didn't wipe out everything.  I can only assume that where there's one there has to be more.  Well have to wait and see.

Winchester, NH Ride

Before departing the house -

Upon my return home -

Just shy of a 200 mile ride!

At the farthest point we were standing in Winchester, NH.

We took Rt.126 to Rt.16 to Rt.27 to Rt.119, all secondary roads.

It was a beautiful day and somewhat chilly ride, especially once we got into NH where it clouded up some but the scenery was fantastic regardless!

Chickens in Motion

The ladies are feverishly hunting and pecking some of the treats they were given.

I tried to get a birds-eye-view, no pun intended...

Their A Bloom'n!

The Zucchini and Summer squash plants look fantastic, with BIG beautiful blossoms!

There's baby squash started, as you can see in one of the pictures above, so hopefully it won't be too long before we have a couple to enjoy, yum!

New Rabbit Housing Setup

Finally reconfigured the rabbit cages.  It had been on my "list" for quite some time but I can now cross it off as done.  Also, as a part of this project I pulled all the spare cages we have, inventoried them and posted the ones I no longer want (9 of them) on Craig's List as "free", with the caveat that you must take them all.

In waiting mode for someone to contact me.

Too Big For Their Nest!

Our under-the-deck Spring tenants are growing!

Just a couple days ago we had a jumper and each time I returned it back to the nest off it would go again.  Upon further inspection there was simply no longer any available space for the family of four.  So, I took one of the nearby nests, placed it next to the original and put the little fella in it.  That seemed to do the trick but as it turns out for just a day or two.

The other morning I noticed a little on on the lawn again but this time I let it alone.  I figured the mother knew what to do and would take care of the situation.  However, this afternoon there is only one young'n left.  I think they're too young to fly just yet, so not sure where the other three have gone to.  Chances are they're hiding among the flowers under the deck.

Father's Day Ride

Father's Day Pre-ride gathering spot preparing for departure.

We drove Rt. 140 to Rt. 12 to Planfield, Connecticut and stopped for lunch at Lucky Jack's Bar and Grill. With full bellies we continued South on Rt.12.

At our farthest point south we stopped at the Submarine Forces Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, which I'm guessing is some 100+ miles from home.  We didn't go inside but parked, stretched and puttered around outside and along the water for a while, as it was a beautiful day.

It was a fantastic full day ride with over 190 miles logged.

Broccoli 2014

Broccoli was first veggie we picked this year!

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Two heads picked and ready for eating, with two more in the wings.

Fire In the Hole...

Our big vegetable garden is doing terrific with all the plants beginning to take off!

Here we have tomatoes, zucchini and summer squash, broccoli and sunflower's along the back and to the left just our of camera shot are the green bell peppers and some parsley.

All mulched, weeded and staked.

Can't wait...

Lying in Wait

So, last weekend I got my tomato stakes in the group next to each plant and tied each plant.  However, there was one plant that I skipped, as I spied a beneficial friend lying in wait and cooling off.

You can see in the first picture a small hole in the mulch.  To the common folk I suspect this would have gone unnoticed but I knew exactly what was burrowed beneath and chose to keep my distance so not to disturb him/her.  If you look closely at the second picture you can see my friend peering out at me.

An American Toad !

Comfrey In Bloom

Our Comfrey plants all looks terrific and blooming away!

We have two different varieties: Blue Comfrey (Symphytum caucasicum) and Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)

Comfrey (also Comphrey) is considered a herb and used as a fertilizer and as an herbal medicine.  We use it for beautification and as treats for the rabbit's and chickens!

Sunday Mass Perhaps?

Ants!  I'm guessing thousands and thousands of them!

It's odd how they'll occasionally congregate and mass like this.  It's Sunday morning, so one theory I have is they're gathering for morning mass.  What ever the reason this particular group will NOT be attending any more of these gathering...

Take That!

 

Was greeted with this pile of grass the other afternoon.

This was my punishment for going on my first motorcycle ride (last Sunday) without him...

I Wear My Sunglasses at Night

I don't think I could ever live up to the standards set by dudes who wear sunglasses indoors.

Just saying...

Maiden Ride

Got my first real motorcycle ride in this past Sunday!!

Three of us, two newbies, took off around 10AMish and meandered the back roads into Rhode Island and back.  We stopped at a couple places along the way to relax and grab some cold drinks and some lunch.

When all said and done I put approximately 80 miles on the bike.

It was a beautiful day and awesome ride.  I can't wait to go again!

Graduate!

I signed up for, attended and passed the Massachusetts Environmental Affairs Bow Hunter Education class!

The class was held in Foxborough, at the Bass Pro Shop, this past Friday evening from 6:00PM - 9:00PM and Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Although this course is not required of Massachusetts hunters, it is accepted by all states and Canadian jurisdictions which require a government issued Bowhunter Education certificate for the purchase of a license.

Several years ago I took and passed the mandated Basic Hunter Education course which is required of all first-time hunters in Massachusetts.

I've met all the requirements to obtain a Massachusetts hunting license, if and when I'm ready.

Watch out Bambi!