Snow, snow, snow
Welcome back to the winter wonderland! I filmed this clip of snow in the backyard this morning. Enjoy!
feb-03-2009-vid00115_4...
Ice & trees don’t mix
Today the beautiful pear tree in my front yard cracked into three pieces. Very sad -it provided many hours of pleasure & shade. So far, in the backyard, one pear tree limb cracked off, but the rest of the tree looks okay. We will cut the branches as best we can today, wait until a thaw to remove the stump and most likely save the branches for firewood.
When the branches cracked under the weight, the sound was incredible. I thought there had been a major collision in front of my home! But no, it was the tree splintering. It was, to say the least, and impressive amount of noise. But the second and third time I knew what it meant, and it saddened me to hear the tree dying from the storm.
Here are some pictures of the tree throughout the day: (more…)...
Ice storm
Today means snow, ice & sleet. Ice storms coat the branches of trees and look very much like crystal. Beautiful, but often hard on the plants. The weight of the ice can break branches. Still, beautiful to look at. From inside a warm house. : )
This storm had snow first. Then sleet and rain which froze. Now we anticipate more snow. Like a winter sandwich of sorts. The snow protects the plants a bit - it actually has to be a little warmer to snow. And the snow is rich in nitrogen, meaning healthier soil for the spring thaw.
So for now, I plan my garden for next year....
Green gardening: some organic basics
For years, I've practiced organic gardening whenever possible. Compatible plantings, beneficial insect introductions and most of all, healthy soil, can prevent many of the common garden problems and bring you a bountiful harvest.
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Snow: good for a garden’s nutrients
Did you know that snow provides vital nitrogen to your soil? My cousin Mike tells me this is common wisdom among farmers. Not only does the snow protect the ground, provides water for birds and animals, it carries nutrients for the soil to repair itself and prepare for spring....
Gravy Cocktail
3oz Bourbon(warm)
3oz Sawmill Gravy(hot)
2oz Maple wood smoked Bacon(rendered & crumbled)
pinch fresh ground Black Pepper
1 large Coffee mug
Pour three ounces Kentucky bourbon in a coffee mug. Top off with the sawmill gravy. Sprinkle in the Bacon, then top with a good grind of Pepper.
This goes really well with French Toast or Buttermilk Pancakes & Over Easy Eggs....