It's been a lovely Memorial Day weekend so far, although we're to get some more rain. Dave and I finished planting and weed-whacking (okay, week whacking goes on all summer long but at least we've made a start), and now the rains come in to water everything.
Chris and Smitty came by today and sprayed a fish-safe chemical around the pond (suggested by wildlife biologist Ken Clodfelter who keeps a watch on my pond, bless his heart). They did an AWESOME job! They had thought out the whole thing, and with an inverter, a battery, a water pump, a garbage can of water and chemical, they glided around the pond syphoning the water and chemical into the pond. They made it look easy! They even said they enjoyed themselves! Thank you, Chris and Smitty!
Speaking of Chris and Smitty... Smitty entered the photo of the 18 inch crappie he caught out here on Heim's lake for a contest on a TV show in Wisconsin: "John Gillipse Water and Woods" show. It's a well known show, I understand. And guess what? Smitty WON!!! Soon they will have a picture of the crappie on the show's website. Our special pond on The Land is now famous! (Of course Smitty did not give away where his winning crappie was caught. And for full disclosure, Chris caught a crappie nearly as big as Smitty's.) It's hard for me to be humble when I have such a gorgeous lake, lovely place, and now a winning trophy-size crappie!
The barn on the farm is nearly done, and I have some photos from late April/early May to share with you. Some of them are taken when the moon was coming up, and also in fog the next day after an early morning rain. I took one of the pond (still not even close to filling up), and the farmhouse, too.
When I was going into Drakesville for an errand, I passed this Amish farm with their clothes hung outside to dry. Thought you would love to see our "normal" views around the farm, as Davis County is about 60% Amish. They are the sweetest people, and so hard working.
I've included a photo of a bison statue I want to buy for my farm on Bison Trail, but dear Reader, the price is $20,000!!!!! Guess I won't be buying it any time soon! The man who made it has a business called Huffman Metalworks in Ottumwa, Iowa. He has lots of neat sculptures made out of old metal parts. VERY talented guy.
Enjoy the Percheron horses munching on the grass near the farm. I love these two horses!
And last, but certainly not least, are some pictures of the kids on Mother's Day in the infamous snow in Demver. Papa (Angela's father, Dave) helped the kids build a snowman! He also started the renovation of Jeff and Angela's back yard, but the back yard is not finished because of too much rain! What a spring!
(**Oops! There has been a computer glitch and I can not import the photos of the kids from Facebook. I will try again later!)
I was very thankful to receive a lovely Mother's Day gift from Katie, Chloe and Jack. They each made me a special painting and Angela framed it. Right now it sits in front of my TV, along with pictures of the kids from their first days of school last fall, and from our family reunion in November. All very special photographs to this proud Grammie.
The last two photos are from The Land when I had some interesting visitors! They didn't stay long, but they were beautiful. Does anyone know what kind of ducks these are?
And very last: just today as Dave and I were riding in the Gator between creek and lake, a large bird flew over our heads (all the while Gordon and Gordetta are honking in warning). Yes, a beautiful American Bald Eagle flew a complete circle around the Gator, and then flew off across the lake to catch up with his mate. An amazing experience! The very first American Bald Eagle I have ever seen on The Land!
Happy Memorial Day, dear Reader! Stay dry!
May 25, 2015 addition: The poppy above bloomed today (our Memorial Day rememberance) in front of my shed overlooking the pond on the Land. May we observe a moment of silence to honor the veterans and those who gave their lives. This poppy is also in honor of Flander's Field.