Add it to the list...

Add "snapping turtle" to the list of local wildlife...

Introducing....

Introducing Ms. Sassafras, the stray cat who WOULD NOT LEAVE despite my best attempts to run her off, which included throwing water at her and chasing her down with yard implements (don't call PETA-I never hit her, I just waved the pitchfork at her). A few weeks ago she was in the barn, and as usual showed no fear when I approached. Since she probably hides and then eats after I leave, I told her she could hang around as long as she promised not to have any kittens and to help with the mousing. I'm guessing she has more that one home because she's pretty plump (and she's been that big for a while so hopefully she's won't have a litter). After our little talk, she trotted right by me to the food and started eating. She's very friendly and loves to be petted. 


She was given amnesty for her trespassing a few days before Taylor died, and even though we miss him a lot we're very glad to have "Sassy" hanging around. She and Twerp had to get used to each other for a few days, but now they're hanging out and sharing peaceful meals at the food bowl. 

Turkeys

Last week I was running out of the house to go to work, when I saw something walking by the living room window-- it was a turkey! It was walking about a foot away from the house. I ran to the mudroom to grab my camera-and to my surprise another turkey was walking by! Having never been so close to a wild turkey before- those suckers are BIG! I was really thankful I saw them before I left the house, because I would have been caught between the two and may that would have made for feathery encounter.

The second bird walked right in front of the front door before joining his buddy in the yard. It was almost like they were conducting surveillance as they circled the house, eyed the yard and the open door to the barn. Apparently there were more interesting things in the pasture, because the two birds took off over the arena towards the back pastures. 

A Sad Day

Two weeks ago our barn cat Taylor died-I found him by the side of the house. Our guess is that he had been poisoned as there were no signs of injury. After bawling my eyes out digging his grave beside the stand of pine trees, I spent the rest of the afternoon contemplating the meaning of life, without coming to any hard conclusions.

I know barn cats don't live as long as their indoor counterparts, but it was still tough losing the little guy-we hadn't been with us a year yet. Our routines felt out of sync for a few days, but we have started to adjust to not having our grey tiger striped kitty being around.

Cat nap

Someone took a nap in the planter this morning.

Horsing around...

My parents came to visit today and we paid a visit to Four Green Fields Farm this morning. It's has been unusually warm, and this morning's drive was very pleasant. If you ask me, you can't do much better than a peaceful wagon ride through the woods... 

It's a Rough Life...