Container planting 101...

Always choose a container that will be twice as big and heavy as the fully mature plant! LOL... You might remember the little cherry tomato plant that I was growing in the ceramic (hand painted) pot on my porch... WELL, NO MORE! Mother Nature and this darn green thumb I'm cursed with had BIGGER plans for me and that plant! As I came home yesterday from a delightful visit to the Columbus Zoo (with Scott) I was horrified to find my beloved cherry tomato plant laying on my porch (container shattered)... crying ..... Never FEAR though....

My beautiful...(I think undamaged) cherry tomato plant was quickly rescued and placed gingerly into the ground (where it probably should have went in the first darned place knowing this thumb of mine...). Carefully mulched, watered and re-staked she should now have plenty of space to continue to grow!

A TRUE Honor...

Saturday night (unbeknown st to me at the time...) VIVIENNE was judged in BIS by our very own ARBA new director Eric Stewart. Very thorough and referring to the Book of Standards even after 14 years of judging Mr. Stewart hard a difficult time making his decision. Although I do not recall whom he chose (I think it was a Silver Marten), I was truely impressed as to his reason for coming to the show. Remembering Brian Hartzell, gave me faith in "our" organization. I am very pleased with this appointment of Eric to this position and believe that he will be fair and do well for us in the future.

In the Wee Hours of the night...

A new French Angora exhibitor is born. My beloved daughter Kathleen is yearning for the day (for the moment!) when she can be graced with her very own French Angora, but not yet. She has lots to learn with limited research and financial resources (worse than my own). I demand that she be capable of providing the quality of life that I do for my herd. Large hutches, plenty of grains, straws & hays, good quality pellets & supplements. She (in tears) with her new found friend Vivienne exploded with energy of hope and understanding that following her Mom's advice would ensure her success in the future with her own herd. Viv has been promised to Kathleen (when I believe she is ready, Kathleen not Viv. Viv is always ready,lol.). I will ENSURE my daughter has a good start to her herd. My plan is to breed Viv before Kathleen gets her, back to her son Hopscotch. With my "watchful eyes" and guidance "Kat" will also rise to be a successful French exhibitor.

"BROKENS" be still our hearts!

Given the opportunity to start small "Kat" has chosen her first "real pedigreed, SQ breed" of Holland Lops. 2 unrelated does and 2 sibling bucks hopped along side her and stole her heart (a sibling doe came home with me so I could ensure she would not breed the bucks back to the sister). This (little investment in my daughter) will give her a renewed understanding of the commitments of breeding and care for the improvement of the breed(s) (and her herd) as she repeated to me... I will only breed with "your permission" so I know I'm not breeding to much, for the wrong reasons or time. Up until now she'd breed (or try to breed) anything to everything. Not the way(s) to do it in "our" world. So this is her start.

Every 15 to 30 minutes Scott would have out the "Standard of Perfection" carefully going over it to make sure that what we choose was meeting standards. Funny because I would just get it put away and he'd ask for it again!

Our Dwarf Hotot's did not "fair" as well as we'd anticipated and Scott spent time with a fellow breeder learning more and openly received suggestions and guidance.

Our Polish Sr. buck did very well in show A (maybe got a leg), but was shot down in show B. However, we did add a little Black Jr. Polish Doe to our herd (to be "Keys" mate) that should compliment his qualities and balance his few flaws in their breeding later this year.

Surprisingly, and with confirmation of what I'm doing with my nutrition program, Vivienne took BOB and BOBV Saturday night in Troy (in both show A & B). WOW! What a testament to a brood doe! Whom just had a litter of 7 on the 26th of March. Sparkling in all her glory she won over T-Bird whom took BOS and BOSV. (With 5 French and 3 exhibitors she may have "just got a couple legs"!)

Not to be forgotten! This show was to help raise funds for the "Youth Scholarship program" in Memorial to our beloved Brian Hartzell. The turnout was AWESOME and he was not FORGOTTEN!

Creative parenting 101

18 years old and he "knows-it-all"...Robert. As you may recall on Memorial Day Robert and Scotty were "kicked" out. Well, Scotty has a very high intelligence level, although he lacks motivation. Scotty gave it a week... came to Scott and I and apologized. Explained how he was not ready to be "out on his own" and how uncomfortable he was in his temporary living arrangement. Scotty asked if he could come back home. He was granted that but with the strict stipulation that he get "that room" of his under control (cleaned up) so it could be repaired and repainted; and that he either get a job or go back to college (within the time frame Scott laid out). ROBERT on the other hand...
He choose to move in with a family that has a heavy history of drug and drinking going on. As a result that is the behavior that Robert has picked up. Not a good situation. He to wants to come back home BUT.... with his younger biological brothers having problems and being "locked-up" I just could not have him "waltz" back in with these behaviors! So here comes the creative resolution!
Robert, must for the next 3 days show maturity and responsibility by making correct choices for himself. He has been given the option of proving himself prior to being allowed to return. Although he does not have a permanent place to sleep each night (or a guarantee of food) we felt this was the 1 way to encourage his personal potentials that he seems to be "over-looking". He must test for drugs through the boys probation officer. IF he tests positive after 30 days he will be kicked back out. His projected date of moving back in is this Saturday, providing he can show us he CAN be responsible. He must show up where he is expected on time. Here each day, at a specific time he will be given a hard chore. Correct completion of this chore will earn him a hot meal and a hot shower before he leaves for the night. This is to go on till Saturday or longer IF he misses a time/chore. It's his choice. He is to get a job. This is to be completed by getting applications (which he must walk to to get), filling them out and then I will provide him transportation to turn them in (at least I know that way he's dressed correctly and trying to get the job).
Yesterday he did good. Although it was the first day, it's a step in a more positive direction for Robert. He worked hard, given the simple task of hedge trimming and clean up. He completed that and went further (by his choice), weed eating and mowing the yard. I was pleased to see his determination... something I've not seen for a while. He was rewarded with his hot meal and shower as promised and a new report time for today (10am). We'll see if this new trend continues after he earns the right to move back in.
It's not easy to have to do this with these boys especially Robert! I do believe it's the hardest thing I've EVER done! TOUGH LOVE! But, boy that didn't stop the tears from flowing (from me) as he walked out the door for the night.

So the Gardens grow

Yesterday was a good day! I felt energized and encouraged, although not sure if it was a fluke or not. I hope it continues...

I spent a marvelous Wednesday morning watering and mulching the "little" gardens. Truly that's what they are. But none-the-less I always enjoy them. (These pics were taken on Tuesday.)

I really seem to have a green thumb (at least most believe I do). For example, my African Violets will be in profuse bloom soon. They all started out very small and were my deceased Mother-in-laws. She was never able to get them to re-bloom. (Located under the variegated Spider plant). They have gotten VERY large and last year bloomed from about the middle of July till I brought them in for the winter.

It amazes me at the ease of growth and the early little cherry tomatoes that I just planted two weeks ago. I LOVE cherry tomatoes! I also have 1 child still in "lock-up" that will be tickled over this and he could eat nothing but tomatoes! This is 1 I have growing on my front porch. Obviously it's happy there.

This year we've "braved" the gardening limitations often found in our downtown environment. Limited on workable land Scott and I have put in a little garden by the back door. It's a hoot! But with any luck will do well despite the partial shade that envelops that area after morning. We already have the starts a a bell pepper. How exciting!!

We've planted 4 tomato plants, 7 bell pepper plants, some Lemon Balm and Sweet Annie here. As you can see from above it's alot for such a little space. This pic shows that as of 4:45 (Tuesday) the only thing getting sun is the Sweet Annie on the far end.

On the other side of the steps we've chanced some cucumbers. They also seems to be happily growing. I hope the harvest will come out nicely.

Our oldest member of the family is our Rott mix, Omni. Gentle as a baby, she decided (as she often does) to check out the neighborhood...

Feeling left out the BUNs DEMANDED their own personal gardens, lol. So through recycling of an old water trough I added some drainage holes and river rock. This beautiful little garden should help keep THEM (and us happy). Plantings include spearmint, mint julep, lavender, red Sylvia and curled parsley. I'll have to watch the mints or they will take over it all.

The red Sylvia was added to encourage the hummer that seems to visit us in August (for the last three years). I've also added more reds to my planted baskets this year just for him.

You know, to me gardening is really enjoying and easy. I wish parenting these challenging step-sons we equally as easy! Sometimes you just have to get more creative than they are. (And I don't mean artistically either,lol.)

My energy flowed throughout the day and allowed me to prepare a wonderful supper for the family. Including homemade fried chicken, chilled pasta salad, sweet rice, southern style greens, deviled eggs and brownies... oh yeah, and of course served with spearmint tea! What an unusually high vibe day.

Rainy Zoo Day...

The rains held off yesterday till the afternoon making it an interesting trek back to the car. Mom and Aunt Gail worrying about me getting wet from the rain took turns "running" behind me with umbrellas in hand while I was "STUCK" in an electric wheelchair. My walking has not recovered yet, it might not ever this time. The toes don't bend now at all and certainly can not be curled anymore... course that's been the case now for years due to surgeries. But that didn't hinder our fun!

Beco (pronounced Bee-Co) our newest Asian Elephant born March 27th, was a joy to watch weighing in at 492#'s (less than Scotty :-( ). Mama Phoebe encourages Beco to explore as learning however Beco prefers to mimic Phoebe and as a result has not yet ventured into the waters for baths like the previous baby did. I'll be behind you all the way.... in this picture.

Our beautiful majestic Bengal Tiger strutted his

stuff for us behind his viewing window... What power he holds within him!

As we ventured slowly to our furthest destination of the Gorilla's exhibit we stopped to enjoy the ever so vibrant colors of our Pink Flamingo's. The lighter color Flamingo is indicative of a Jr. They become more colorful as they age.

The mirror that is placed in this exhibit helps to reassure the population by making them believe

there are more Flamingos in the existing flock.

The color of this male was just breathtaking and he deserved his own moment in the "light".

While "some" of us carry the weight of the world

on our shoulders the enormous Tortoise must carry his weight on his back!

Reaching our "final" planned destination. We learned that the "gray hair" of the well known "Silverback" gorilla is a sign of sexual maturity. Unlike our "gray hair" that seems to be added to us when we have teenage children! LOL :-)

While some of us are on the go all day long others seem to only lounge around. This laid back Kola Bear rests and sleeps almost 22 hours a day! IF ONLY we had that option!

As I look back on the day I discover "we" enjoy the antics of our animals more than we realize! I marvel at the majestic creatures we could lose due to our irresponsibility in caring for our environment and wonder... How much longer it will be before we truly wake up and protect what we are losing! GOOD LUCK BECO! It's going to be a long road growing up for you!

Nestbox PANIC & Miracles...

Ever counted babies and had them disappear? Well that seems to be my case! Saturday I checked on everyone...19 french babies all present and accounted for. Monday...comes and BAM! I've "lost 1" (literally)! I can't find it! NO WHERE!! Not in the nest box, not in the hutch & NOT on the floor (course I've got baby saver installed). Disappeared I tell you! Selma's quit feeding, Frustrated I start separating Selma's litter for fostering... after I lose 1 to malnourishment from her. How many can 1 doe handle?! I added a meager 2 to poor Sunny's litter... not sure how she is going to manage! She is somehow, I believe a miracle worker!! She has been doing very well (surprisingly so) with her enormous litter of 12. I'm still in Awe! This picture is taken today of the 14... almost to many to count in this picture... definitely a very FULL nestbox!

The remaining 3 are being fostered (and very closely monitored) by our Dwarf Hotot Reverse that delivered Sunday (6 days after Selma) a litter of 7. Risky at best, in my opinion. As they (DH's kits) could suffer in the long run I think. That brings Reverse's litter to 10! I hope she can handle them!! Scott checked on the DH/FA litter this AM and said the FA kits had nice full bellies. I hope the DH babies do as well. They blend in so well with Mom's wool that they are hard to see! Taken today, in this picture you can closely see the French (Selma's) and the new pink little DH's. Every time Reverse nurses she pulls more wool. She is doing so well with everyone right now. She is now a proud mama of a Chocolate, black and a ?? French... (maybe a fawn, but very light in color with white belly/legs). Maybe tomorrow I'll take pictures of just this 1 little one.

I wonder could Selma have quit feeding because of me handling the kits daily?? Should I re-breed her 1 more time and not intrude? Maybe not handle them?

Miracles and carelessness seem to go hand in hand in this family! Sunny has done VERY well with this litter! I've checked on everyone daily and been giving her oats & barley, fruit/nut birdseed and Calf Manna with a little crushed tums. Of course I'm also going to make sure she has Acid pack in her water... How much stress can 1 poor doe go through?!

Porschea (our big bad guard dog) saved a baby bunny on Saturday! Carrying it in from the rabbitry to me. Somehow it managed to escape from Sunny's nestbox and end up on the floor. Baby is doing well and will be named Lucky Dae (Day, depending on sex).

Totally amazed she did not hurt the poor little one! Not a bite mark anywhere! Actually, I think she thought it was her squeaker toy...they're the same color, lol.

Knitted baby Afghan~finished

Well although it took a while to finish it's done. I enjoy the pattern but for me it lacks challenge after the first completed one for my grandson Jaden. This one took a while to do because I also knitted 2 pairs of fingerless gloves (using recycled drinking bottles that's been turned into yarn) and a very nice triangle shawl (100% Alpaca) in between start and finish of this afghan. Now before I start the "surprise" afghan for Mom for Christmas I am working on a nice hat to compliment the shawl (and 1 pair of the gloves). I also have a couple of "quick" little projects I'd like to do for my Aunt (for Christmas) before I start on Mom's Afghan. I'm going to do pair of cabled slippers for her as well as a nice large Mobious scarf.

Here is the finished baby Afghan...

This is knit in "1 piece" and the detail is shown in the following picture.