Rise And Shine!

Get up lazy bones!

Rise and shine!

I sure do miss having chickens, especially roosters.

It's that time of the year, locally grown, farm fresh corn on the cob season, so I went to the local farm and picked up a half dozen, which I will have with diner tonight and I can't wait!

This young man was in the parking lot crowing and strutting his stuff.  I was tempted to take him home but my town doesn't allow roosters, alas.

A rooster crowing is one of my favorite sounds, it's right up there with the evening springtime songs of the spring-peepers or the early morning howling of a pack of coyotes.

Sorry, Not Our Problem!

I just got off the phone with the Franklin DPW, so frustrating!

I went for my noontime walk today and about a half mile down the road I noticed a huge tree had blown over and was now propped against the electrical lines just above the sidewalk and leaning towards and over the street!

We had a rain and wind storm last night, accompanied with a tornado warning, so there were leaves and branches and debris all over the place as a result. Fortunately, not too much damage in my area, although my corns plants are now all lying on their sides versus straight up, ALAS!

So, I thought it best to call the DPW to let them know, hoping they'd take care of it before it gets any worse.  Much to my surprise I was told that when it comes to the electrical lines, the DPW can't do anything about it.  The electric company needs to take care of these types of scenarios - OK makes sense.  She then proceeded to tell me that I need to call the electric company directly to report the issue!  She didn't even have the phone number to give me!  SO, WHAT?!  WTF!  So, the town of Franklin is fine with doing absolutely nothing when such an issue exists in their town?!  What is the DR plan in the event of a true disaster or emergency?  The town has NO problems with taking my tax money!  Why is it that my taxes keep going up, yet the town services have been going down or stopping?! How can this even be an acceptable response?  She said the homeowner would need to call, to which I informed her there was no home in that area, it's an open field.  I also let her know that since she and the town weren't concerned, I certainly wasn't and that I was only trying to be helpful.

Sadly and frustratingly, these are the times we live in today, where this sort of response is acceptable. No common curtsey, decency or compassion and a blatant lack of respect.

"Watch"

Sad State of Affairs IV

More of my observations, or perhaps bitching and complaining, whatever...

This is the sign at the entrance to the local elementary and middle schools about a mile down the road.

Here it is July 27th with the summer half over and as you can see the messages are old, going back to early June, when school was still in session.

Why haven't the messages been updated?!  I would have thought the principle of the school would, at a minimum, remove these old messages and put something, anything there or even leave it blank!  

On my motorcycle ride last weekend, we past approximately half a dozen schools with similar signage and each and every one contained updated messages that were positive and encouraging!  For example, "Have a great summer", "Remember to read", "Be safe", "Congratulations", etc.

Sorry, in my book this screams LAZY, can't be bothered and sends the wrong message. The devil is in the details and I'd question an elementary and middle school principle who lacks this quality.  How could you not then question where else this principle is being lazy?!  Remember, she's overseeing our children...

Black Beauty - Update

Here is an update to my "Black Beauty" posting from June 6 -

I picked these beauties on Monday evening!

These eggplant plants I have are doing tremendous.  The plants are so healthy, BIG and beautiful with oodles of eggplants on each.

Wish I liked eggplant...

The Open Road

Yeah, yeah, it's been a while, I know...

Finally took my new bike on it's maiden ride out to the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, MA. yesterday!

What a beautiful day for a ride!  The weather was perfect, so was the ride.  I really enjoy our rural rides just taking in the sights, taking our time and seeing the fields, open spaces and occasional farm animals.  This time of year many of the fields were being hayed, so the aroma of fresh cut hay was in the air and many a field had corn growing!

It's about 180 miles roundtrip to the Quabbin and back from my place.  Takes most of the day but well worth it.  We stopped and grabbed some sandwiches, then made our way to a scenic spot that looks out over the reservoir, grabbed a picnic table and enjoyed lunch.

A bit sore today but, again, well worth it!

Wanted: Amphibian Life Guard

I think we all can agree that Mother Nature is angry, if the crazy weather we've been having here in New England this summer is any indication.

One of the things I've noticed to date has been the lack of toads in my yard and frogs in my pool.  In years past I'd always come across a big toad here and there, even in the pool some mornings, as well as frogs in the pool too.  This year I hadn't seen any until recently.  Same with Honey Bees, I've seen only a handful in my yard to date, despite all the flowers I have blooming.

That being said, with all the rain we've been having recently there have been a slew of baby toads and small frogs in the pool.  Sadly, except for the one dude in the picture, who's taking advantage of the floats I intentionally leave in there for them, all the others have been dead; drowned! Yup, I've skimmed well over a dozen of "croaked" (hehehe) toads and frogs from my pool in the last couple of weeks.

I wish I knew of a way to stop or prevent these little fellas from falling or jumping into the pool.

A Visual Perk Working In Boston

I went into the Boston office yesterday.  First time I've been in this office in over a year I'd guess.  It's a nice change of pace working in the city for the day.

I snapped these pics from the 27th floor around 9ish.  It was overcast and hazy but still, great views of the city from this vantage point!

My commuter train ride into the city was uneventful and on time.  However, my train ride home was anything but, UGH!  We weren't out of South Station by two stops, when our train came to a complete stop and where it stopped, is where we sat for 2 hours, YES 2 HOURS! Apparently, there was a disabled train on the tracks in front of us. SO, we had to wait until the broken train could be towed out of the way.  Fortunately, the car I was in had AC but sitting and waiting is tough, especially on a Friday afternoon.

Mom

 It's been 18 years, yet still feels like yesterday.

Where has the time gone?

I miss you just as much today, and continue to miss you, as I did 18 years ago.

Chrisanthia Frye Obituary (2005)

Cowards!

Scwewy Wabbit...

Finally, I caught a "wascawwy wabbit"!  A youngster wabbit at that.

Persistence

My Wood Sorrel Plants - UPDATE

Original post from 6/17/2023 - My Wood Sorrel Plants

My Oxalis collection is growing literally and figuratively, and each is doing outstanding - just have a look for yourself -

I have three different varieties now and looking for new ones to add to my collection.

Sad State of Affairs III

I took this picture on Friday 7/14/2023.  It's a picture of the soccer field at Dacey Community Field here in Franklin. The interesting, and hypocritical, item to point out here is the watering of the field that's taking place.  First of all, the last week or so, we've had rain almost every day!  Some days it's been super heavy and it's noticeable in the streams, which are running higher than usual.  My pool for example is too full, with the water level over top of the skimmer boxes.  My point being, we've had SO much rain the end of June and so far in July that the watering of the ball field seems SO unnecessary.

I've lived in this town since 2000, and each year around early June the town has always issued a water ban.  This year, 2023, was no different and on June 8, 2023 the DPW posted the following notice - 

DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Now in Effect

The second bullet in the above notice states the following - "No automatic lawn watering between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM". 

So, riddle me this, if there's a town wide water ban, why doesn't the town also need to abide by it too?!  How can the town in good conscience tell it's residents, with threats of fines, there's a water restriction in place yet they proceed to water ball fields?!

Frustratingly, this is NO surprise to me and how this town has been and continues to operate.  The times I've sent emails to town officials are usually responded to with nothing but excuses, for example, covid, under staffed, unable to find good help, budget constraints, etc. Excuse after excuse versus listening and trying to come up with solutions.  Services have been affected, with some being limited and even removed, yet my taxes continue to go up!

Making Changes!

Out with the old - 

In with the new -

BEE Aware

I stumbled upon and stirred up a yellowjackets nest this morning!  One of those in the ground type of nests.

The bastards caught me by surprise and got me good, really good!

Five stings; one on my right eyelid, one just below my right eye, two on my right forearm and a cowardly one in the back, between my shoulder blades, OUCH!!

The one on my back happened several minutes after the initial sneak attack and even when I was like 30 feet away from the nest area.  Guessing perhaps that dude hitched a ride from the initial attack and eventually stung me.

All in all I was pretty lucky.  Had I stepped closer to the nest, they really could have tore me up.

I felt like, and looked a bit like Rocky after a couple rounds with Apollo Creed...

Gotcha II

Nope, STILL not a rabbit but STILL a win nonetheless!

What's left of my parsley thanks me.

Lounging and Leisure

After running errands yesterday morning, the afternoon was spent lounging by the pool reading and relaxing, okay and napping too!

The pool and the water has never been so perfect and crystal clear!

If only there was a way to keep the darn insects out of the water!  About this time every year, flying ants are constantly in the water, UGH!  I prefer they get sucked  into the skimmer versus me skimming them out and setting them free but whatever.

Interestingly, the catbirds, bluebirds, wrens and sparrows are forever picking the insects off as they float on the water, but alas there are far too many for the birds to keep up with.

#blessed

Garlic Picking Time!

I harvested my garlic yesterday afternoon, OH BOY!

BIG beautify, delicious looking bulbs!

I have them hanging in the garage, on a makeshift cloths line, where they'll stay for several weeks to dry.  After which, I'll trim the roots and the stalks, then store in the dark basement closet for storage.

Although, I did plant (33) cloves back in November, and even with the milder winter we had, I lost about half of the plants.  First time with such a loss.  Typically, they're pretty hardy and do well, so not sure what's to blame.  Disappointing for sure but thankful none the less and will certainly make due with these (16).  They surely will be enjoyed!

Find The Critter

Can you find the critter in the below picture?!

I spoked this dude on my morning walk.

 

 It was enjoying the warm but cloud day, not too hot, all stretch out.  Perhaps, waiting for a snack opportunity to crawl, hop or scurry by.

Outside of the few quick pics, I left it alone so not to scare it off.

Memories

You remember too much.

Someone said to me recently.

Why hold onto all that?

 And I replied, where do I put it down?

High And Tight!

In the infamous words of Popeye, "that's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more", so off to the groomer Oliver went this morning. Haircut, bath and nails!  I opted for the lions tail option, thinking it would make him look more intimidating but he's such a wimp and it didn't help.

I couldn't take it any longer, his hair is all over the place from top to bottom, and he's constantly throwing up hairballs, UGH!

Hoping that shaving him will help prevent the hairballs! With less hair on him, there should be less to fall out all over the house. We'll see. Let's hope so, otherwise he's going because the grooming doesn't help that he still needs a liter box...

Before -

After -

I didn't realize just how much of a crybaby he is!  He started as soon as I put him in the crate and it continued in the car and into the groomers some 20 minutes later.  SO, dramatic and worse than Trixie.

Knock-Knock-Thud

I was washing my dinner dishes this evening and watched this female Northern Flicker fly right at me and slam, with a loud THUD, into the window.  She caromed onto the deck, right in front of the sliding door.

This is how I found her -

She was moving and blinking her eyes but was definitely out of it -

I let her alone for a bit, then eventually propped her up -

Where she stayed, still dazed and breathing heavy with her mouth opened -

Trixie was even concerned and checked in on her too.  The flicker didn't care or seem bothered that Trixie was close. Still too dazed I imagine -

After close to 30 minutes or so of her not moving I went out and gave her a nudge.  That seemed to wake her and off she flew.

What a beautiful bird, the pictures just don't do all the colors and details justice.

All's well that ends well!

Be Kind

Chicago Sights

Chicago, here I come!

First meal enjoyed upon my arrival in Chicago was at Lou Mitchells

100 year old restaurant & bakery

A jumbo broccoli, ham and cheese omelet.  The waiter informed us that all Lou Mitchell omelets contain 7 eggs, OMG so so good, and I'm a member of the "clean plate club"!  What I was on vacation...

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap

Enjoyed several different brews, as we sat outside at the picnic tables and chatted.

Crushed By Giants Brewery

Located upstairs, we sat by the windows watching the hustle and bustle below, while enjoying some cold brews.

Pequod's Pizza

OMG, we shared a pitcher of beer and ate an amazing sausage, pepper and onion true Chicago deep dish pizza!  To die for!

An unassuming place by it's looks but super popular with the locals with long wait times.  The smart Chicagoan's know to make reservations, which we did.

Chicago Brewhouse

Located on the Riverwalk, next to the river itself.

A beehive of activity along the Riverwalk and with oodles of boats in the river.

Thumbs up 👍for the delicious beer

Thumbs down 👎 for the slew of annoying pigeons constantly at our feet and annoying Audrey!

White Sox vs Red Sox game day beverage, a blueberry lemonade shandy.

Saint Ignatius College Prep High School

What a beautiful, old and well maintained school.  Located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago.

They have a famous Assistant Varsity Field Hockey Coach too!

Welcome to Chicago's Greek Town!

9 Muses Bar & Grill

I had a Hillas beer, see below, and a lamb pita (special) with a side of Greek oven potatoes!

So delicious!

Yummy

Heading back home, alas.

These are just some of the things we did and took in. Morning walks with my daughter were my favorites! Stephanie and Audrey are wonderful hosts and know all the great restaurants, breweries and things to do in the city.  I had a great time and already looking forward to visiting again soon.

Gummosis?!

One of my weeping cherry trees isn't doing too well. My other cherry tree is so much fuller with leaves as compared to this one.  This tree had very few pink blossoms too.

It's looking like I'm going to have to cut it down this fall.

It's hard to see but there's crack in the bark that runs the entire length of the tree, see below.

There's also a spot on the opposite side that is and has been oozing some sort of very sticky sap.  Clearly there is something wrong and the tree is suffering from disease.

I'm make my final decision come the end of the summer.  It will depend on how the tree does and if it shows signs of recovery.