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Saturday Gardening and Puttering Thread, May 22 [KT]

Acer-palmatum-Wol.jpg

Happy Saturday, everybody! There were some quotes from Don in Kansas in the Thread Before the Gardening Thread. The photo above is from one of his plant photo posts. Take a look and follow the link. Some of the photos are spectacular.

NATURE BEING, WELL, NATURAL

Perhaps we can ease into this "natural" thing with a little anthropomorphism courtesy of JT:

lasdee.jpg

Here's some REAL nature:

This is a site of a bird meal, obviously, but what was interesting was the ID of the victim...

Broad Winged Hawk.

We do have a Red Shouldered Hawk family that raises its young every year here, so maybe that, or a fox, coyote, bobcat, etc....

MkY (Lost my AR)

UKBird1.jpg

UK bird.jpg

A Lurker sent in photos of a possible suspect:

We have been losing chickens to bobcats and coyotes so we built a fence. We were doing well until yesterday a bobcat snuck in there and got one.

There's a what I think is a mom and a juvenile hanging around. The bobcat was at my back door about two weeks ago.

My husband cornered the bigger bobcat inside the chicken coop and he's lucky that cat didn't attack him. He said it was huge, about 35 pounds . . .

They're beautiful creatures.

Probably Mom, caught on a stealthcam:

bobmamma.jpg

bobmama2.JPG

The juvenile?

bobjuve.jpg

Illiniwek sent in some photos reminding us that nature is about more than food, from around his pond:

A pair of geese are guarding three eggs by the pond.

kt3 goosemy.jpg

kt3 goose eggsmy.jpg

And the blue herons apparently hostaed out at least one, this is a juvenile on my dock

kt3 heron juvenille.jpg

An adult, nice early morning light.

kt3 heronmy.jpg

Does it make you envious of Illiniwek to see these photos of his place?

Speaking of ponds: gardening and farming are partly about domesticating nature. Here, Larro snaps a photo of his SIL's pet cat.

Fish, that is.

petcatfsh.jpeg

Yeah, it rained 4" after I parked, and I had to get out through the standing water.... I got stuck big time!! 6 wheel drive diesel dually spinning and sinking! Had to call out my brother's John Deere.

Last week there was some discussion of solving the world's problems while driving a tractor. Here is this week's tractor photo.

johndeerehigh.jpg

Thinking about getting some land? Or a tractor?

EDIBLE GARDENING

We have ripe Apriums. They are good-sized this year. Not a real heavy crop, which is probably why they are big. A little tangier than a good, sweet apricot, with a slightly different flavor and texture. But they look just like apricots.

AZ deplorable moron sent mater photos from the place he is leaving, plus more:

Here are the last pictures I'll take of this year's tomatoes.

We lost one to the birds today. It wasn't ripe but some bird tore a hole in it, now the rest are netted.

And a picture of a Jojoba (foreground), saguaros, figs, date palms, and pomegranate at the new place.

These are not in the 'garden' area, that area has raised beds.

materazzz1.jpg

materazzripe.jpg

newazzplace.jpg

I am impressed by that view! And fig, date palm and pomegranate! Waiting to hear about the jojoba.

Anybody else making progress with tomato plants?

GARDENS OF THE HORDE

We are catching up on our photos of spring flowers. From April:

Here's a pic of my teacup magnolia in full bloom. We're supposed to get a hard freeze this week and that'll be the end of the blooms. Also, ignore all those little yellow flowers on the lawn!

-Duke Lowell

magnollduk.JPG

Beautiful. Those freezes always come at the wrong time.

But these are recent photos:

It's still very early for us in Alaska, but our primrose are blooming with patches of snow in the yard! Couple pics attached of our Drumstick and an unknown Primrose. Love the early bloomers to let us know summer is on the way.

Jerry in Alaska

Other Primrose May 2021.JPG

Anyone know what species of primrose this is?

Drumstick Primrose May 2021.JPG


If you would like to send information and/or photos for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden
at that g mail dot com place

Include the nic by which you wish to be known when you comment at AoSHQ,
unless you want to remain a lurker.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 01:24 PM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Yea KT!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:26 PM (6R9QC)

2 Ahh. Fresh gardening air!

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:27 PM (ynpvh)

3 Early?

Posted by: JAS, AoSHQ addict at May 22, 2021 12:27 PM (xopIz)

4 My uncle kept a Manx-looking bobcat on the ancestral farm, we called him "cat"....

Cat sounded like a jet engine....

You had to keep him corralled in the main barn away from the fortress like living turkeys and chickens.

We used to throw whole kielbasas at cat to keep him content.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (Lzpvj)

5 Is the pile of weeds growing in my back yard amogst my blackberries and pecan tree considered a "garden"?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (ynpvh)

6 Hiya !

Posted by: JT at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (arJlL)

7 Good afternoon Greenthumbs
Have a few of Tomatoes, Japanese cucumbers, yellow squash, hot and sweet peppers ( onesweet starting already) and a few types of herbs.
Desperately could use rain as hasn't in over a week.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:29 PM (Cxk7w)

8 sven at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM

Your uncle sounds tough.

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 12:29 PM (BVQ+1)

9 Bit by the nood bug ... again!
Will Sevin work?

Posted by: torabora at May 22, 2021 12:30 PM (YrdOP)

10 And got a picture of snake ( about foot long) in garden yesterday, will watch not to run it over or harm it.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:30 PM (Cxk7w)

11 Hiya, JT!

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (BVQ+1)

12 8 Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 12:29 PM (BVQ+1)

If you knew my aunt you'd understand he had to be.

They kept a pet raccoon they raised from kithood that resisted going feral for 7 years.

Visits there were always fun, though my cousin spiked my drink with horse tranqs once I think.

God the 80s were a blast, I have no idea what "brave new world" is being born here and I am not certain I want to anymore.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (Lzpvj)

13 The hawk ( I have Broadwings here as well) I think might have been injured or sick to be caught.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (Cxk7w)

14 10 And got a picture of snake ( about foot long) in garden yesterday, will watch not to run it over or harm it.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:30 PM (Cxk7w)

Unless it's a rattler. Came across rattlers where I grew up a couple of times, never little ones. One had a diameter of about 2 1/2 to 3" and was about 4ft long, all coiled up in the sun. Left that MFer alone.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (ynpvh)

15 13 Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (Cxk7w)

Hawks and owls both seem to suffer in the vicinity of windmills.

I would give my right amigo to have a nice 5 acres with a barn owl, a raccoon, and a bobcat around maybe some fox as well.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:34 PM (Lzpvj)

16 That unknown primrose in Alaska is charming.

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 12:34 PM (BVQ+1)

17 Illiniwek, those were great shots of those herons.

Posted by: 40 Miles North at May 22, 2021 12:34 PM (uWF4x)

18 Hey AZ deplorable is that Black Mountain in the background? If it is welcome to my 'hood. Have plenty of I'toi's to share.

Posted by: Weekreekfarmgirl at May 22, 2021 12:35 PM (yE1WS)

19 15 13 Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (Cxk7w)



Hawks and owls both seem to suffer in the vicinity of windmills.



I would give my right amigo to have a nice 5 acres with a barn owl, a raccoon, and a bobcat around maybe some fox as well.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:34 PM (Lzpvj)

I guess you wouldn't plan or want chickens on your 5 acres...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:35 PM (ynpvh)

20 14 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:32 PM (ynpvh)

and THAT is why gramps carried a pocket .32...

I never knew it until one day he shot a cottonmouth down in Tennessee on a trip.

We were out in his brothers' garden and *pop*....

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:36 PM (Lzpvj)

21 My 12 tomato plants are ready for transplanting into the garden. It's been hot here this week, and I'm watering the garden patch now so the soil will be moist when I plant them tomorrow, after the heat breaks. Does anyone have opinions on whether or not to "prune" tomato plants so their central stem stands bare at ground level? It involves removing side shoots as they form. I tried that last year, and I didn't find it improved the tomato crop much at all. I kind of prefer watching the tomato plants getting really large and shaggy, although I sometimes have trouble keeping heavy branches off the ground.

Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at May 22, 2021 12:37 PM (+HI7g)

22 Taking a break from spreading about a tone of mulch. This was so much easier when my sons lived at home.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 22, 2021 12:37 PM (kTF2Z)

23 19 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:35 PM (ynpvh)

Eh if I were to raise chicken I think I'd keep them in the upper level of a two story barn, maybe.

Chickens are not a lot of work, so much as a constant worry.

The neighbors' dogs killed a dozen chickens my friend was keeping at Fort Bragg's rural areas for sport.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:37 PM (Lzpvj)

24 Hey AZ deplorable is that Black Mountain in the background? If it is welcome to my 'hood. Have plenty of I'toi's to share.
Posted by: Weekreekfarmgirl

Don't know what that one is called; but, we are 4 miles from Lost Dutchman State Park.

I think you are north of Anthem?

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:38 PM (6R9QC)

25 22 Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 22, 2021 12:37 PM (kTF2Z)

Lad and I spread some miracle grow soil in collapsed root structure left over from a 30 foot pine toppling last fall.

26 bags, I probably need another 26 or so.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:38 PM (Lzpvj)

26 I love the way Don in Kansas uses light dramatically in so many of his photos. Really, take a look when you have a couple of minutes.

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 12:40 PM (BVQ+1)

27 Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:38 PM (Lzpvj)

---------

I feel your pain.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 22, 2021 12:40 PM (kTF2Z)

28 Illiniwek' s place looks really cool!

Posted by: Emmie at May 22, 2021 12:41 PM (ofYez)

29 Taking a break from spreading about a tone of mulch.
Posted by: Duke Lowell

Those tomatoes above had just under 2 tons of mulch as well as about 20 bags of potting and garden soil put in last year.
Now I get to renew the fallow raised beds here at the new place.
Oh joy and aching back!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:42 PM (6R9QC)

30 27 Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 22, 2021 12:40 PM (kTF2Z)

I also have decided that if I want to garden here in La La land I will most likely need to build a greenhouse, which is not a big deal.

The problem becomes shading and reflecting the abundant bayou sun.

I'd like to keep bees but I am next to a high school, and am certain some allergic child would wind up harmed from my endeavors so I probably will not do so, *or* keep them on my friend's rural spread.

Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:44 PM (Lzpvj)

31 WOW beautiful pic of juvenile blue heron...they really are blue at that age!
I've seen many adults, with the greyish blue plumage but never one so brilliant.

Posted by: kallisto at May 22, 2021 12:46 PM (DJFLF)

32 We used to throw whole kielbasas at cat to keep him content.
Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (Lzpvj)/i]

Mmmmm

*purrrrrr*

Posted by: Mayor Pete at May 22, 2021 12:47 PM (fLVm1)

Posted by: Mayor Pete at May 22, 2021 12:47 PM (fLVm1)

34 Other strange thing going fom compost is literally hundred tomato plants popping up from it. Now my system is it takes two years from start to garden for compost to get there.
Pulled lots out but started to water at lest a dozen that are 4 - 6 inches high. Rarely get much from volunteers but they cost nothing so might let them come up.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:48 PM (Cxk7w)

35
I think you are north of Anthem?
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron

Or do I have your place mixed up with 40 miles North?

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:48 PM (6R9QC)

36 5 Is the pile of weeds growing in my back yard amogst my blackberries and pecan tree considered a "garden"?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (ynpvh)



yes. One man's "weed" is another's "wildflower"

Posted by: kallisto at May 22, 2021 12:48 PM (DJFLF)

37 That top pic...

Posted by: Tommy Chong at May 22, 2021 12:49 PM (1DAzO)

38 Have some Golden Eagles nesting just below my property. Mrs. Sock found the remains of one of their eggs a couple weeks ago on one of her walks. I haven't found the nest yet but I've been frequently seeing the adults riding the thermals for the last several months.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * recycled footwear with an attitude at May 22, 2021 12:50 PM (vaJW4)

39 34 Other strange thing going fom compost is literally hundred tomato plants
popping up from it. Now my system is it takes two years from start to
garden for compost to get there.

Pulled lots out but started to water at lest a dozen that are 4 - 6
inches high. Rarely get much from volunteers but they cost nothing so
might let them come up.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 12:48 PM (Cxk7w)

Tomato seeds are tough little bastards. I've heard stories of "sterilized" compost producing tomato plants, the seeds having survived both the chopping and heating processes.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:50 PM (ynpvh)

40 This is our first summer in this particular house, so we are trying to get the yard and flower beds going. The previous renters were not at all interested in doing so, which is apparent to anyone driving past our house.


Today we planted what I've always called 'creeping nancy' but I guess it's real name is 'dead nettles'. I like my words better. Tomorrow we will dig up a spot for another rose bush. I can't remember the variety. I like English roses, but this is not them.

Posted by: grammie winger at May 22, 2021 12:51 PM (45fpk)

41 36 5 Is the pile of weeds growing in my back yard amogst my blackberries and pecan tree considered a "garden"?



Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:28 PM (ynpvh)





yes. One man's "weed" is another's "wildflower"

Posted by: kallisto at May 22, 2021 12:48 PM (DJFLF)

Who said anything about flowers? Well, except the dandy lions. Plenty of wild grain grasses (seeds stick to my clothing and socks) and of course, burrs.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:51 PM (ynpvh)

42 Sadly it's been so wet here that all my potted plants are in a little group under the overhang on my deck. The ones in front are huddled in a group on the porch. No end in sight for the damn rain. No wonder I've been grouchy.

Posted by: Jewells45 at May 22, 2021 12:52 PM (nxdel)

43 AZ Deplorable, I am south of Anthem. you are way out there. Had to look up where Lost Dutchman was. I'd have to send you the I'toi's, I thought I lived in the boonies! Good luck at the new homestead. May the gardening Gods smile on your land.

Posted by: Weekreekfarmgirl at May 22, 2021 12:52 PM (yE1WS)

44 Is the pile of weeds growing in my back yard amogst my blackberries and pecan tree considered a "garden"?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia)

Sounds like a 'normal garden' that didn't get weeded for a week to me.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:53 PM (6R9QC)

45 I think you are north of Anthem?


I have an aunt that lives in Anthem.

Posted by: grammie winger at May 22, 2021 12:53 PM (45fpk)

46 44 Is the pile of weeds growing in my back yard amogst my blackberries and pecan tree considered a "garden"?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia)



Sounds like a 'normal garden' that didn't get weeded for a week to me.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:53 PM (6R9QC)

Weeding? What's that? LOL.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:54 PM (ynpvh)

47 Weeding? What's that? LOL.


Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:54 PM (ynpvh)

It's when you spread a 50 lb bag of mulch over whatever looks greenish.

Posted by: grammie winger at May 22, 2021 12:56 PM (45fpk)

48 Weekreekfarmgirl, well at least I was right about the 'Anthem' part!

2.5acres with a shared well and in the county.
I found I can get the I'toi's from the Tucson Native Seeds place, pickup only (of course!).

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 12:58 PM (6R9QC)

49 47 Weeding? What's that? LOL.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:54 PM (ynpvh)
It's when you spread a 50 lb bag of mulch over whatever looks greenish.


Posted by: grammie winger at May 22, 2021 12:56 PM (45fpk)

Haven't had decent rain here in quite a while, everything (except plants that are watered) has turned yellow and brown. Was planning on pulling it all up this morning, but my meds make me a vampire when I'm out in the sun.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 12:59 PM (ynpvh)

50 Jewells, I will trade you some rain for our cold temperatures. Below freezing for 8 of the last 10 nights. Killed my tomatoe starts when I forgot to bring them in. Had to go buy some this week. We haven't had any significant rainfall since mid March. Not the norm. I fear the huckleberry crop will be on the shy side this year.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * recycled footwear with an attitude at May 22, 2021 01:02 PM (vaJW4)

51 On a postive note, picked the first few blackberries a week+ ago. Normally don't get into full swing for an other week or so. Won't be as heavy a crop as I've seen in past years (70+ lbs).

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:03 PM (ynpvh)

52 Jewells, I will trade you some rain for our cold temperatures.

At this point I would consider it.

Posted by: Jewells45 at May 22, 2021 01:05 PM (nxdel)

53 And I still have the ten pounds or so of Pecan I picked last year (what the crows didn't steal and smash on my roof and solar panels). As always, those pecans have a slight sweetness.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:05 PM (ynpvh)

54 jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:03 PM

Mmmmm Blackberries.

Making cobbler?

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 01:06 PM (BVQ+1)

55 Made some mention of putting my Monkey ass in third gear in the below thread. Must have double clutched. Need to get busy on the fence project. Baby goats will be here in about 3 weeks.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * recycled footwear with an attitude at May 22, 2021 01:06 PM (vaJW4)

56 Talking about volunteer plants... we've had tomatoes and cucumbers pop up from last year, but in weird spots in the garden. I presume when it was tilled the seeds got moved around.

One of these years I'm going to make an effort to nurture them along and see how they do.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:07 PM (3H9h1)

57 54 jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:03 PM



Mmmmm Blackberries.



Making cobbler?

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 01:06 PM (BVQ+1)

My wife will sometimes make pie, if she has the energy (less and less every year). I used to make blackberry jam, after sieving the seeds out first. Oh, that was the best blackberry jam I'd ever had. Haven't had the time or energy to make it in more than a few years. It's amazing how much work it is. Would make a few gallons of it, give it away as gifts to friends.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:08 PM (ynpvh)

58 10 days ago we ran the furnace.This week the a/c is going! Welcome to N. Indiana. 104 pepper plants in. 20 different varieties, 38 tomatoes. Have been harvesting beautiful roamine and bibb lettuce, head lettuce started to form decent heads. I water every day, and pray it rains and cools down some before they bolt or tip burn. Tomorrow i plant beans, 'provider' and 'Cherokee wax', maybe a few teepees of Ky Wonder. I need to source a few dozen eggplant before too long.

Cousin from GA sent wifey 3 Jap maples.

Stay green, thumbs!

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at May 22, 2021 01:09 PM (n/szn)

59 I also have a cactus in my back yard that occasionally flowers (only in the early morning, when I see that I act as the pollinator). The fruit are red on the outside rind, white on the inside with little edible black seeds, fruit oval, one fills my entire hand. My Mom called the fruit "Pitaya". like it much better than the other cactus fruit (she called "Tuna" in spanish), as no tiny spines.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:13 PM (ynpvh)

60 I didn't escape to caves, but I did leave New Orleans for farm living back in 1999. I didn't go in debt to buy the whole farm but have the woods and lots of ground to "conserve". So while the world goes wild, I'll enjoy life as a "conservationist", my personal "green new deal".

I'd lost seven of eight chickens all at once over a year ago, to coyotes when I let them free range way out into a corn field. Now they are fenced in 1/4 acre of garden, but one disappeared a week ago. No signs of feathers, but the other chickens now seem to avoid the open areas ... I'm thinking a hawk or even a bald eagle, which I'd seen while the geese were on their nest.

Two of the goslings hatched out .. but I've only seen them a couple times, once the family was walking up to the pond from way out in a field ... they seemed vulnerable, but maybe found a new hiding place.


Thanks for the compliments ... there is always non-essential work to do, but that is what I wanted. I don't send pics of the messy and overgrown places.

Posted by: illiniwek at May 22, 2021 01:14 PM (Cus5s)

61 The hollyhocks I planted last year are going great guns and look like they're about to flower (they're biennials).

My blue morning glory plantlet is shooting off tendrils like The Thing. It's scary how fast it's reaching for the porch column.

The pepper plants are making baby hot peppers (chipotle jalapeno and yellow devil's tongue).

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 22, 2021 01:15 PM (Dc2NZ)

62 56 Talking about volunteer plants... we've had tomatoes and cucumbers pop up from last year, but in weird spots in the garden. I presume when it
was tilled the seeds got moved around.


One of these years I'm going to make an effort to nurture them along and see how they do.



Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:07 PM (3H9h1)


Had that happen with Cherry tomatoes. We had oval yellow ones and round red ones, but occasionally the birds would eat some. The next year we did not plant, but had a crop pop up, mixed (red oblongish, yellow roundish, all inbetween sorts from cross-polination). Then it happed the second year. Third year, no natural reseeding.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:16 PM (ynpvh)

63 10 days ago we ran the furnace.This week the a/c is going!

Cicero Kaboom - same here. This last few days have been our first planting opportunity. Freezing until just a few days ago and now 80.


I did see that tomorrow afternoon is supposed to drop into the 50's again. Not sure if you are in our weather system or not, but it said southern Lake Michigan areas. I sure hope I don't have to cover my plants.

Posted by: grammie winger at May 22, 2021 01:17 PM (45fpk)

64 Love JT's praying mantis cartoon.

We have plenty of chives to cut. The leaf lettuce is coming along and small dill plants have resurrected from last year. The tomato plants went in this past week now that we are done with frost at night.

The garden will be pretty simple this year but I have hopes for the tomatoes and herbs. A bruschetta with slice of tomato, olive oil, and herbs sounds darn inviting. A cool white wine would make it a light, tasty lunch.

Posted by: JTB at May 22, 2021 01:22 PM (7EjX1)

65 That top pic...


Posted by: Tommy Chong at May 22, 2021 12:49 PM (1DAzO)

Right? Must be Panama Red. lol

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 22, 2021 01:25 PM (VwHCD)

66 When I first started dating my (now ex) wife, I brought her up to my parent's place in the hills while I was getting some stuff ready for class. She was outside, taking in the view (huge open space district on 3 sides of property).

I was in the kitchen, and I heard her talking - which seemed odd because this was waaaay pre cell phone. Then I heard "kitty-kitty-kitty". Which seemed a bit odd, because I was looking at our 20+ yr old Siamese cat Kim Chi laying the couch.

So I go outside and there's the ex, slowly walking up to a 28-30 lb young bobcat, just sitting looking rather bemused at this hooman in "go pet the cat mode". The conversation at that point went something like "how beautiful, what kind of cat? What's it's name?" Bob. The cat's name is Bob. Bob Cat. I don't think she believed me until it got up and sauntered away, the lack of a tail (and massive size) was a big tell.

Posted by: clutch cargo - processed in a facility that may contain lead at May 22, 2021 01:27 PM (wAnMi)

67 I love the insouciant saunter of that bobcat.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 22, 2021 01:28 PM (Dc2NZ)

68 i love tacos.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:29 PM (mcSw2)

69 Bob. The cat's name is Bob. Bob Cat. I don't think she believed me until it got up and sauntered away, the lack of a tail (and massive size) was a big tell.

LMAO! That's hilarious!

Posted by: Jewells45 at May 22, 2021 01:31 PM (nxdel)

70 2 mins already?

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:31 PM (mcSw2)

71 In all my years living in the Rocky Mountain west I have never seen a bobcat or lynx. I've only caught quick glimpses of mountain lions a couple of times.

But there have been times, while hiking, that my spidey sense starts tingling, and I am sure I am being checked out by a large feline carnivore. It's an odd feeling.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Back in Montana at May 22, 2021 01:31 PM (4l77G)

72 Cukes are going strong, planted about two weeks ago and already two inches above the ground. One type of tomatoes is just now coming up, planted same time as cukes. Still waiting for the sweet peppers and bell peppers to peek out.

And my old tire Tater tower is going strong. I've already thinned them out to four strongest plants.

Posted by: That Guy What Always Says Yeah Buddy TM at May 22, 2021 01:32 PM (7YxtN)

73 the vet could of just cut the tail off before you got it.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:32 PM (mcSw2)

74 66 The conversation at that point went something like
"how beautiful, what kind of cat? What's it's name?" Bob. The cat's name is Bob. Bob Cat.


Posted by: clutch cargo at May 22, 2021 01:27 PM (wAnMi)

LOL, great story. Reminds of the time driving through Colorado. There had been some nasty Thunderstorm recently, the 1/2" hail still on the road when my wife starts taking pictures out the driver's side window.

Me: "What you taking pictures of?"
Her: "That strange cloud over there."
Me: "That's no cloud, that's a TORNADO!"

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:33 PM (ynpvh)

75 my glasses are always dirty. time to clean

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:34 PM (mcSw2)

76 I would give my right amigo to have a nice 5 acres with a barn owl, a raccoon, and a bobcat around maybe some fox as well.



Posted by: sven at May 22, 2021 12:34 PM (Lzpvj)

I guess you wouldn't plan or want chickens on your 5 acres...


Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia)

Yep, having farm critters is one way to understand why the old timers killed everything that wasn't "tame".

Posted by: Some rat in the swamp at May 22, 2021 01:35 PM (r1z5A)

77 "The conversation at that point went something like "how beautiful, what kind of cat? What's it's name?" Bob. The cat's name is Bob. Bob Cat."


cool ... I have them around and see them on trail cams, but have never seen one in "person". Hopefully it stays that way, and they keep their fear of the house. Raccoons are menace enough, but they walked right by the chickens when they were grabbing my apples.

Posted by: illiniwek at May 22, 2021 01:36 PM (Cus5s)

78 what about the turtle back flopping off the path. i have never seen a tail like that on a turtle. long tale.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:39 PM (mcSw2)

79 i have bullfrogs, hornets, insects of all kinds, bats, don't think i ever had a turtle this far north west.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:42 PM (mcSw2)

80 Just spent last 45 minutes cleaning gutters of maple seeds mostly. Outbuilding I have to do off a ladder, house I use leaf blower. No rain in over a week should have seen the pollen Iwas blowing off roof.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 01:45 PM (Cxk7w)

81 79 i have bullfrogs, hornets, insects of all kinds, bats, don't think i ever had a turtle this far north west.


Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:42 PM (mcSw2)

Don't know which turtle you're talking about, but Red Sliders range from Mexico to near Canada.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:46 PM (ynpvh)

82 Some people keep their chickens completely caged in, often in a "chicken tractor" ... a cage that can be dragged along the ground every day, for better forage.

Posted by: illiniwek at May 22, 2021 01:47 PM (Cus5s)

83 i think i have 30 bats or so, basically no insects. hell i dont go up there and count them. as far as i know its all legal, until they change the law.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:47 PM (mcSw2)

84 Hi ya'll. Had a mystery hole appear in the gravel driveway, debated as to what it was. After blocking the hole, yesterday a ground squirrel appeared next to it tunneling out, mystery solved.
Never had them here before, had them in the yard at the farm where the soil is looser than here. People around here call them gophers or chipmunks, but they are really striped ground squirrels. So far I'll live and let live if it doesn't tear into the yard.

Posted by: Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:50 PM (55Qr6)

85
We put in seven dwarf bottlebrushes and some flowers that should attract bees and butterflies. Our star jasmine pots are flourishing and day lollies are blooming.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 22, 2021 01:50 PM (mht8P)

86 oops, i forgot. butt load of bumble bees out front. i don't think the bats like bees, but who am i to say

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:51 PM (mcSw2)

87 Something nocturnal is eating up my tater leaves!

Posted by: Uncle Vud is hunting tater bandits at May 22, 2021 01:51 PM (iFyKi)

88 84 Hi ya'll. Had a mystery hole appear in the gravel driveway, debated as
to what it was. After blocking the hole, yesterday a ground squirrel
appeared next to it tunneling out, mystery solved.

Never had them here before, had them in the yard at the farm where
the soil is looser than here. People around here call them gophers or
chipmunks, but they are really striped ground squirrels. So far I'll
live and let live if it doesn't tear into the yard.Posted by: Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:50 PM (55Qr6)


At least an ass didn't come out of it. I hate what that happens.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:53 PM (ynpvh)

89 probably a raccoon.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:54 PM (mcSw2)

90 87 Something nocturnal is eating up my tater leaves!

Posted by: Uncle Vud is hunting tater bandits at May 22, 2021 01:51 PM (iFyKi)

What's the shape of the holes in the leaves? Potato leaves are poisonous to lots of critters, but some insects are more than happy to consume.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:54 PM (ynpvh)

91 There are no holes. They're completely gone.

Posted by: Uncle Vud is hunting tater bandits at May 22, 2021 01:56 PM (iFyKi)

92 LMAO! That's hilarious!
Posted by: Jewells45 at May 22, 2021 01:31 PM (nxdel)


That actually remained one of her favorite early days stories. What's funny is she was raised in a pretty rural environment, but I guess all the farm animals kept them at bay.

cool ... I have them around and see them on trail cams, but have never seen one in "person". Hopefully it stays that way, and they keep their fear of the house.
Posted by: illiniwek at May 22, 2021 01:36 PM (Cus5s)


Our Los Altos house sat at the border of one of the largest open space districts in the valley, Rancho San Antonio. So we saw everything. Bobcats were not rare, but they'd always made tracks as soon as you were on the scene. I think this one was a small-ish juvenile (don't see the ex confusing a 40 lb+ bobcat with a housecat) and was trying to figure out WTF was wrong with this crazy girl.

Posted by: clutch cargo - processed in a facility that may contain lead at May 22, 2021 01:56 PM (wAnMi)

93 84 ...People around here call them gophers or
chipmunks, but they are really striped ground squirrels. So far I'll
live and let live if it doesn't tear into the yard.

Posted by: Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:50 PM (55Qr6)

Gophers are not squirrels or chipmunks. I know gophers, have killed hundreds of those bastards. Once considered making a coat out of their winter fur...too much work.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 01:57 PM (ynpvh)

94 Slugs maybe

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 01:57 PM (Cxk7w)

95 u cant legally kill moles out here with a mechanical trap. poisen is perfectly fine.

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 01:58 PM (mcSw2)

96 Slugs maybe
Posted by: Skip

Wow Skip, did maybe complain much?

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 22, 2021 01:59 PM (6R9QC)

97 Had ground squirrels year ago when out in the country. Our Australian Shepard pulled on out one time. Huge teeth and claws. Albino. Embiggen, and you got a movie monster nightmare.

Posted by: Uncle Vud at May 22, 2021 01:59 PM (iFyKi)

98 So far I'll
live and let live if it doesn't tear into the yard.Posted by: Farmer at May 22, 2021 01:50 PM (55Qr6)


Unless it leaves, you might wind up sending it to squirrel heaven. Just one of those things can make a mess of your yard. Of course, since everybody owned horses where I was, they were at the top of the list for target practice. Luckily, they don't seem nearly as smart as the bushy tailed tree rat cousins.

Posted by: clutch cargo - processed in a facility that may contain lead at May 22, 2021 01:59 PM (wAnMi)

99 Nice shot of Blue Heron, we have lots but they keep their distance.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 22, 2021 01:59 PM (58Q0M)

100 GREY PET NOOD

Posted by: Skip guy who says NOOD at May 22, 2021 02:01 PM (Cxk7w)

101 it took a NOOD to get us to 100...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 22, 2021 02:02 PM (ynpvh)

102 lols

Posted by: taco at May 22, 2021 02:05 PM (mcSw2)

103 Saw a Blue Huron this week on pond edge, would have beena good picture but had no way to take one.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 02:07 PM (Cxk7w)

104 Slugs eat leaves,find them on hosta sometimes. At least think they do.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 02:09 PM (Cxk7w)

105 Oh, I was going to talk about my garden before I got sidetracked. Last year I bemoaned my horrible vegetables, in part caused by the recent lockdowns. Worst tomatoes ever (all the same - even though bought at different nurseries).

So this year I went to the best nursery in the area - Yamagami's Garden Supply. Since I'm on my own - just 2 tomatoes should work - so I got a Mr. Stripey and a Brandywine. I love both of these, and they're already blooming (I cut the first blossoms when I planted). Also a proper cucumber (a real one, not the Armenian I foolishly got last year) Persian variety (description sounded good). Rocoto peppers, and red knight bell. Also some hot chilis, and some still growing from last year. I forgot to grab Tarragon, still need to do that. 3 types of basil, 2 types of oregano, sage, curly parsley, cilantro (hoping location helps insta-bolt this time), thyme, marjoram, dill.

Didn't get my act together to make a new bed, so the veggies are still in the old raised flower bed - which worked good enough for my humble needs. Assuming this year the plants actually match the tags.

Posted by: clutch cargo - processed in a facility that may contain lead at May 22, 2021 02:10 PM (wAnMi)

106 Almost got a Stripey tomato plant but never had one so didn't.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 02:17 PM (Cxk7w)

107 As said have Japanese Cucumbers, have had a lot of luck last few years with that kind.

Posted by: Skip at May 22, 2021 02:18 PM (Cxk7w)

108 Skip, that's almost like a Zen koan.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 22, 2021 02:18 PM (Dc2NZ)

109 Mr. Stripey is a nice 'mater. Big. Juicy, some tang, sweet old timey flavor. 'Pineapple' is similar but more sweet than tang.

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at May 22, 2021 03:01 PM (n/szn)

110 clutch cargo at May 22, 2021 02:10 PM

Yea. Hope your plants were correctly labeled this year!

Mr. Stripey is climate-sensitive. Get local advice on planting this one. Same with Brandywine (though there are many strains). But if you have had good luck with them in the past, that's a good indication for the future.

Posted by: KT at May 22, 2021 05:18 PM (BVQ+1)

111 Henderson County TX. Lots of rain and pleasantly cool weather. Garden looks better than ever this year and I hope I don't jinx it by telling y'all. Used lots of mulched leaves and pine straw to control the grass and weeds. DIY compost also. Lost a mater early to a worm but the neem oil seems to help. Oh, and we have some earth worms that I could easily sell for bait. From what I've read, that is good for the garden. Makes sense.
We get lots of critters around the house. Always entertaining. Latest is an amazing Barred Owl that has been hanging around for weeks. Big silent bird. I think it is stalking prey around the feeders. I simply want to observe it's hunting tactics in real time.
We also have a resident peacock that hangs out. My wife witnessed an epic battle between it and a juvenile hawk. Peacock was brutal. Hawk survived by playing dead. Or, Big Bird showed mercy. Now I wonder about peacock vs. owl.

Posted by: TwentytwoLR at May 22, 2021 05:38 PM (kv2Cj)

112 I didn't realize primroses were so pretty. Never gave them a thought.

Posted by: S.Lynn at May 22, 2021 08:10 PM (HLuYz)

113 From Boise area: Last Mon., high 84 F, today 54 F and rainy. (Pistol trainer event we attended ran fine, it stayed dry for parts of day.)

Ate first spinach and radish, but have to eat more or they will outrace me! All tomatoes seem alive so far, but one is shaky. Will need to do more thorough garden checks for next week's report.

We took a 2-night trailer trip - one indoor poblano nearly died but revived after watering. The cover over the tomatoes blew right out from under its weighted edge and went all the way to one side of its arched structure. First green bush bean sprout. Germination of shelling peas still low. First corn variety starting to sprout.

Yellow columbines and large lupines (from Hummingbird-attracting mix sown 2 years ago) blooming; Siberian Iris at peak; ditto bearded iris.

Posted by: Pat* at May 22, 2021 10:11 PM (2pX/F)

114 105 ..... Yamagami's Garden Supply.

clutch cargo May 22, 2021 02:10 PM

Yamagami's in Cupertino? You're in our old PRC stomping grounds it sounds like. That was our go-to when we lived in Sunnyvale in late-80s - mid-90s. Amazing that it's hanging on with the ridiculous Cali real estate prices.

Noticed up thread you used to be near RSA. That and Montebello OSP were a couple of our favorite hiking spots. Saw bobcat there and at Fremont Older OSP several times.

Posted by: Pat*''s Hubby at May 22, 2021 10:47 PM (2pX/F)

115 Man pale bist beste yutuber aber nutzen doch auch
mal ne andere Waffe außer die ak

Posted by: agent sbobet com at June 09, 2021 06:07 PM (eSeil)

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