The Moon in January – January 15, 2014

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Dayphoto

Before I begin today’s post I want to THANK each and everyone of you for all of the wonderful Birthday Wishes! I am so blessed to have such a large group of blog friends! You have blessed me with so much, I do treasure you friendship!

The moon has made its month long journey back to being full! Just in time to help me celebrate my day of birth!!!

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac today, January 15th, is the day of the Full Wolf Moon: (Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year.

• Full Wolf Moon – January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.)

Since we don’t have wolves here (in western Colorado—that I know of) maybe we should call it something else?)

Anyway, the moon was delightful once more. The dogs and I walked, without a flashlight, although I always take one with me, sometimes the quick turning of of light will scatter whatever is out there away.

Once more I humbly Thank you!

Your friend on a farm in Western Colorado,

Lindath

A Home on the Ditch — January 13, 2014

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Dayphoto

While we were checking on the equipment Terry wants to take to the up-and-coming consignment sales we also checked on the condition of the ditches and the gated pipes.

We are just checking, making metal notes of what needs to be done in the spring.

Outside of the typical shove and heave of the winter ground everything looks pretty normal…a little work here and there, dirt needs to be hauled in over at this spot, we want to put in the next set of the transmission pipe. By the time we got to the last ditch next to old Apricot tree we were feeling pretty good about the spring (ditch) work load.

Then we saw it! Squirrel holes, complete with path to and fro. Now you must understand that I really like squirrels…I love their fun approach to life, their naughty little antics and their cute little faces.

What we don’t like is when they make their homes in the side of the ditches. Since they make many holes (the main door, and at least four other doors) they turn the ditch into a sieve.

We will let them finish out the season here, then just before we turn water down we will block everything up. Before we do so we will watch the hole and make sure they are gone, how many are in the hole and how many holes we have to deal with. The best way to move the critters on is moth balls—spread a layer of mothballs at the mouth of all the holes, (but one) allowing the family to escape. (The smell drives them out) Once gone…it doesn’t take long –one day at the most— we cover the holes, turn the water down and the season begins.

I have thought long and hard about posting this, but decided that I will anyway. Ground Squirrels in Colorado and other states are not a protected species they are considered pests. We try hard to be good stewards of our land and the creatures that live on this land, even if they are considered pests. Please don’t leave an ugly comment we do care and we do take strong humane measures to protect our wildlife.

(Fuzzy, Sammy the cat, and I draw a line a mice…sorry…I just can’t support mice populations in the buildings or the equipment or getting into my house. If they want to live all over the farm out on the land, good for them, but around the buildings…well you get the picture. Also, if you are a firm believer in saving mice populations please don’t leave me a nasty comment I will just delete it.) 😦

The storm flew out yesterday riding hard on freezing winds. The sunset strung itself across the western sky lighting up

The ‘dobies and Grand Mesa

Gradually the day darkened; still the pink remained. As I watched I wondered if those that live in Eckert and Cedaredge could feel that pink light surrounding them. Possibly like looking through ‘rose-colored glasses.”

Your Friend,

Linda

A Winter Storm- January 12, 2014

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Dayphoto

Terry, I, and Boomer went for a walk yesterday to check out the equipment Terry is wanting to take to the consignment sales coming up. (Fuzzy and Tommy stayed at the grain bins waiting for us.)

We were really surprised at how dry the ground is, although there are still patches of worn-out and tired snow

Mostly on the north side of things.

The four-wheeler road is a tad messy with melt so we all walked in the fields. The fields were actually dry.

Over at the equipment area he decided to take the bulldozer blade, the three-bottom plow, and a couple of more items. We looked at some stuff we have to load up and take to the metal salvage place.

We measure winter by the consignment sales, one in a week, one the first of February and one the first week of March. Once those are done it’s time for spring work.

That evening we could see the promise of snow clouds starting to blow in from Utah.

Although, this morning we woke-up to nothing–just thick cloudy skies, when I went out to do the morning chores

The wind started kicking up and the snow started falling

The sort of wind that takes your breath away.

It was also shoving and pushing and tugging snow along with it

By the time the dogs, myself, and Sam the Cat made it back inside we were wet and grateful for the warm fireplace.

Now, as I sit here, in my upstairs office, I can see that the storm is moving on toward Paonia and the Gunnison Mountain Range. Bringing life-giving water to the land.

Off to haul in some wood, now that I can see again.

Your friend,

Linda

We Took the Plunge — January 8, 2014

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Dayphoto

Before I tell you about the ‘plunge’ Terry and took I want to tell you that Fuzzy and Boomer were featured on PeaceLovinWhisker’s blog on the 30th of January.

She does a really nice blog featuring furry friends from all around blog land. If you get a chance to hop over there I think you will find your time well spent.

Yesterday Terry and I decided it was time to ditch the house phone and just move the house phone over to his cell phone. He doesn’t like to use the cell phone so it sits in his truck, or in his coat pocket, or out on the tractor seat usually dead.

Lots of people (our ages) have moved their house phone number to a cell phone and just take it with them everywhere.

Now you and I know that we don’t ever really GO anywhere, but we do go around our place, sometimes to Grand Junction or Montrose, but really we don’t travel.

The move was to save money. These fixed incomes seem to have a way of making you always looking at ways to save money. So we took the plunge. No more house phone bill, the same cell phone bill, and I have to get used to having a phone close by at all times.

I rather stopped that when I retired…my phone at the office sat right next to me and rang it’s little bell off all day long. When I went home at night the ringing phone was NOT something I wanted to deal with.

But that was three years ago, so I think I can deal with the random call we get now. Just a call here and there…nothing like work.

So we did it! We are now a cell phone only family! My 6th grader grandson’s comment was: “Cool! Just like us!”

Terry and I looked at each other and smiled…we have ARRIVED!

Off to help Terry with the furnace. We work a little bit every day. He is at the point now whereby he can get the Baso valve off so he can see what the problem is with it. Everyday we are little bit closer.

After he is feels confident about the furnace he wants to take a trip to Minnesota to look at a tractor there. A 4040 John Deere–I think it would be nice if he could find one much closer. He found this one through a tractor site and at this time it’s still for sale. (I’ll bet we don’t go, but everyone needs to dream).

He is also wanting to go over to Brush, Colorado to the tractor sale there to see if they have a John Deere 4040. That one would be ever so much better and easier to get too. Still he knows there is one in Minnesota as he talked to that guy.

Well, off to actually get the house cleaned today!

Your friend,

Linda

The Trees in Winter January 6, 2014

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Dayphoto

I’m always surprised to see that the trees in winter have leaf buds waiting patiently on each and every branch and stem. I read somewhere that the bud is full of starch waiting for water from the roots system to reach them. Cocooned in a lovely sack of food. Once spring comes, the snows melt, and the rains descend, water is available for the roots.

Then, when the wind blows, all the systems come together…the wind shakes the trees, the roots drink up, the inner workings carry inch by inch the leaf producing water to the starch. The bud starts to feed and drink and grow until we get to see LEAVES! Beautiful, new, spring green leaves! That ripen into lush dark green summer leaves.

Until then we wait…along with the trees and the leaf buds…. for spring.

While we wait the winter skies fill our days with brilliant showy colors!

It’s still cold here…woke up to 2 above Zero (F). -16 C. But the weather person says a warm up is on it’s way. Thursday we would wake up to 12 f (-11 c).

Although, we are cold it is nothing like some of you are experiencing. Sending Magic Thoughts your way for warmer temperatures soon!

You Farm Friend,

Linda

Day Length January 2, 2014

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Dayphoto

Once we get to December 21st I eagerly await the moment that our time…the length of the day starts to grow visibly longer.

We are NOT at the point…yet! But it won’t be long now :)!

On December 21st our day was a SHORT 9 hours and 27 minutes.

(Yes, I know that day length is relative to where each and everyone lives, but for me and those who live close to me…this is our day length)

Gradually the day has added 5 minutes of time to the day! We now have 9 hours and 32 minutes of daylight. Rich, rays of sun, even if they must filter through frozen air.

On January 31st our day will consist of 10 whole hours and 12 minutes of daylight.

But, alas this is still winter…not only that it is January. From January we will slide into February…two of the coldest months of the year…

But here is the thing…I can handle the cold if I can see the sun! I can handle the knowledge of winds from the north, winds that tear your skin off your face—- if I know that in 59 or so more days winter will start to abate.

So while we are gearing up for more layers upon layers of clothing those of you enjoying summer will see the temperatures rise. You will walk along beaches, or in forests, you will sit outside on veranda’s an slip ice tea or a cola.

I used to be so selfish I only wanted to go right from Christmas to SPRING! Not any more. Now I have wonderful friends from all over the world from the top side of the equator and the bottom half of the globe… this knowledge makes me stop and whisper to myself—

“Share” They also enjoy summer! I can go and visit their blogs and see tropical gardens in bloom, I can watch others playing in the warmth and I can rejoice for their good.

The gift that now comes to all of us in the northern half of the world is the slowly, but surely shifting of the mighty earth as it swirls and twirls around the sun allowing more light into our long cold days!

Therefore, I rejoice for these longer day!

Your Friend on a farm in Western Colorado,

Linda

IT’S HERE!!! 2014

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Dayphoto

Like a jet stream 2013 has turned to vapor and blown away!

2014 Has arrived announcing itself with banners of red, orange and pink

Together you and I, and all our loved ones, will embark on another year. The year will be full of excitement, plans, new things, trips from here to there. At some point we will travel through darkness; only to arrive again at the light!

Our dreams and goals and accomplishments will lead us to places hereto unknown, our past will open the way to either close a door (or two) or to widen the narrow little trail we have started to blaze so we can travel faster.

To my companions of this little farming blog I send to each and everyone of you wishes for prosperity, wealth and happiness!

Your friend on a Western Colorado Farm,

Linda

August 14, 2014

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Dayphoto

I am ever so grateful for all of you…Misty is back to work today! The family Doctor took her off the offending drug! She started feeling better and felt good enough to go to work.

HOO RAY!!!!

The rains have been lovely…my weeds are huge and out of control, but so are my flowers and other plants…

the good along with the bad.

My brother, his wife and her nephew were here over the weekend to go on a float trip down the Gunnison River. We enjoyed a HUGE full house of guests for few days. Dan even played for us and the little girls DANCED away the night.

The next day part of the group left and my brother and his family all headed to the river.

Terry and I ~~helped~~ watched from the shore. Then drove his truck out to the landing site they had pick out.

As we drove back I was very impressed at how green the desert was from all the rain so we stopped to see what was growing.

Sadly it was a hideous, horrid, poisonous weed!

This weed is called Halogeton, aka: Sheep Killer! Gosh, what a disappointment.

If you live where this stuff grows do everything you can to get rid of it!

Terry and I got the firewood all stacked yesterday and early this morning. The little grandchildren helped yesterday, but I think they were rather glad it was done this morning.

They will be staying with us during the day until school starts next week. After that I should be able to get back into my old routine. (Knock on wood)

Thanks for stopping by,

Starting to get it all together again, Linda