They're Still Here...

One of three feeders on the front porch

Sorry my post is late today. Google wasn't uploading my images. Anyhow, I wanted to share a couple photographs of our wee hummers who are still visiting my feeders.

I've been changing out the nectar and cleaning the feeders to make sure they get safe food as they fatten up for their long migration south.

Feeder outside the pantry sink window.

I leave the feeders out well past the last sighting, just to be sure any stragglers are nourished. We've had at least three (probably more) here all summer. 

I've read that they remember where the feeders are placed from year to year, and they return to them. Also that they remember faces. I like that thought a lot because they're never far away when we're rehanging the feeders, and sometimes they even hover around us when we're outdoors.

So, I'll continue feeding these little bugs this season, and look forward to their return next year and beyond.

 

A Task Accomplished...

AI Web Image

I ended yesterday feeling pretty chuffed that I accomplished a necessary annual task. I've come to loathe tax preparation these past few years, but it's a job that has to be done. This year, everything seemed to get in the way of sitting down to do this. I finally had to stop procrastinating.

I sat down to the computer with all my papers and by dinnertime, I was done! All the needed documents are in a priority package on the way to our tax preparer. The surprise, though, was that it took much less time than I thought it would, and that will spur me on toward next year.

I tell myself every year that I'll stay ahead of the task to make it simpler, but the truth is, every year, I put it off as long as possible. I think this year was a record. I've never liked or agreed with how my tax dollars are spent (Does anyone?) When we drive on washboard roads, have homeless on the streets, etc. etc., and get so little in return for decades upon decades of paying into the system, I find myself wondering, "What's the use?"

Well, I certainly don't want agents showing up at our house or sending collection letters with penalties, so again we file and hold our breaths in anticipation of the final paperwork. The only redeeming factor is that now I can sit down - guilt-free - and concentrate on my needlework without distraction. 

Shelly told me last night that we're supposed to get up to 9" of snowfall over the next couple days. Seriously?! I hope it's just warm enough that we get rain instead. Spring showers and all, right?

I'm working today, but plan to stitch a bit when I get home. For now, I'd better get changed into my work duds and be off about my business. I hope you have something fun planned for today. See you tomorrow.

Birds and Bella...

 

 

Many familiar birds have returned to the farmhouse in the past week. Yesterday I saw a trio of Baltimore orioles - two males and a female - when they visited the grape jelly feeder I had out. Their colors are stunning, and I'm quite sure I'll embroider this bird some day.

 

While I heard a hummingbird late Wednesday, I didn't actually see one until yesterday. This female was buzzing around the feeders I've had filled awaiting their return. I'll make new nectar today for them.

Bella came through her surgery in fine form. The remnants were exactly where they'd been located in the ultrasound and were removed by the surgeon. Dr. Welker also had a little look-around to make sure there were no other anomalies before closing up the incision. When she called us, Bella was resting comfortably. Handsome will be going to pick her up this morning, but I'll stay home with the other two and get some things done that have been waiting for my attention.

Thank you to everyone who took time to think about, pray for, or offer good wishes for our girl. We were praying hard for her, and I know our collective thoughts were heard and answered. We're beyond grateful. I'm looking forward to having her back home and giving her a little extra love tonight. Thank you again! Have a great weekend. I know we will.

Be Still...

Be Still and Know

A Productive Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dog-Themed Custom Mask Order

 

It's amazing how much I can accomplish when I'm feeling good. This weekend, I completed a custom mask order for a friend. She ordered all these fabrics from Spoonflower, sent them to me - along with a mask that fits all her family members as a pattern - and asked me to make a batch for her and her kidlets, who all participate in showing dogs.

The mask she sent was made from a knit fabric, so I made my own template to mimic the style and size of her, and made a protoype for size. I tried on her mask, and then tried on the one I'd made. I changed my pattern slightly, added side tucks to each one, and voila! They were a perfect fit. 

I'll be mailing them to my friend, and she, her son and two daughters will all be able to safely attend dog shows. I hope she loves them!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Autumn Table Mat

This was something I brought to Wisconsin from my Florida Saturday morning coffee club at Sandy's Quilt Shop. It was packed safely away with other projects I needed to finish. I chose a pretty, coordinating floral fabric for the backing, and then added a light print fabric for the binding.

I sandwiched the fabrics with a central batting, and then machine quilted the layers together. Once that was done, I attached a binding and sat down with a hot cup of tea to finish the hand sewing the binding. I'm glad to add another completed project to my list for 2020. 

Now, the table topper sits on our kitchen table, along with my small acorn cookie jar (filled with candy corn and candy pumpkins. High sugar, I know, but they been a perennial favorite for both Handsome and me, and we don't over do it.)

It's beginning to look a lot like Autumn outside. The leaves are turning color, and most of the birds are on their way South. I saw a flock of bluebirds in our apple tree yesterday. Such a beautiful sight! I was happy and sad at the same time, because they're so beautiful, but I know they're getting ready to leave. 

 

Most of our hummingbirds are gone, too, but a pretty, green female is still coming to the feeder. Handsome can see that I'm already contemplating knitting a little sweater for her (or even making a home for her inside if she doesn't leave in time)! kidding. not kidding. I'm sure she'll leave soon, but the feeders will stay out until I'm sure she's on her way to warmer climes, too. I'm going to miss those little hummers, and will look forward to them returning next Spring.

 

Hummingbird Haven...

Brynwood Needleworks - Five of Seven Hummers

 

September, 2020 will mark the fourth anniversary of us owning Hickory Hill Farm. Since 2017, I have been putting out hummingbird feeders with homemade nectar. That first year, I put out six feeders, and changed out the nectar every week. We had two hummingbirds visit them.

This year, I've put out three feeders, all in close proximity. Until Wednesday night, I'd seen four hummingbirds, who flittered in and out of the "feeding zone" outside our kitchen windows. If you're a hummingbird watcher/feeder, you know that they can often be little bullies, chasing each other off the feeders, but usually, they manage to co-exist when there are multiple places to eat.

On Wednesday, we were watching the skies as storms started rolling in. We knew they were going to bring a lot of wind and rain. You can imagine my sheer delight, as I watched not four, not five, or even six, but seven little hummingbirds come in together to fill their bellies before the storm!

Handsome (who you may remember is a retired professional photographer) challenged me to catch all of them in one image. Of course, I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, but sadly, I only managed to capture five at one time before the rains dispersed them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Five, Coming In For Food

In my feeble defense, those little bugs are fast! Not only were they concentrating on getting to the feeders (this one seemed to be their favorite), but they also were trying to chase off the others. They also went up to the two feeders I have hanging in the soffit near the main porch entry.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hungry Hummers

Only now, as I edited and am writing this post, do I realize that all the hummingbirds in these images are females (ruby-throated females). The boys must have been the other two zipping in and out of frame - and eating at the upper feeders. Their harems were content to sit at the same buffet.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Busy Little Bugs

 

I can't tell you how delighted I was to even see all of them at the feeders! Catching this many together in my photographs was pure serendipity (and a lot of luck). I've been watching the feeders ever since, hoping to get another chance to capture more multiples. You'll notice the empty hook. I think I'll add one more feeder, and maybe increase my chances. 

By the way, for those of you who might be interested...I make my own nectar, so I thought I'd share the recipe I use. 

 

Hummingbird Nectar

 

Let me say that the old recommendations were to use a 4:1 ration of water to sugar. Research showed that the calculation being used didn't take into consideration that the sugar was a solid, not an equal composition to the water. When the difference was recalculated, it was determined that a 3:1 ratio of water to sugar more closely replicated the nectar produced by flowers. That's the ratio I use when making my nectar.

 

In a saucepan, combine: 

3 c. spring water 

1 c. pure cane sugar. (MUST be cane sugar. If it's not marked "pure cane sugar", it's likely made from beets, which makes hummers sick. I don't skimp on the price of the sugar, so I do pay more for pure cane sugar) 

Stir together and bring the mixture to a boil to remove any bacteria. Remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature before filling the feeders. (I actually put the pan containing the nectar into a sink, filled with cold water to bring down the temperature of the nectar.)

Any nectar left over after filling your feeders can be kept in the refrigerator. Bring to room temp. before filling feeders.

***I empty and clean the feeders once a week unless it's really hot outside, and then I do it more often. Otherwise, the feeders can develop mold, which can kill hummingbirds. As you can see, I don't use any dyes in my nectar. It's not necessary.

I also plant hummingbird, butterfly, and bee-friendly plants, but my feeders stay out to augment what they can eat from my flowers. I also have a small (I mean tiny - it's a little dish used for soy sauce) dish that I place in my birdbath to fill with grape jelly. Not only will the bees eat from it, but I've seen the hummers tasting it, too. 

 

My birdbath has one section of clear glass stones to help the bees and butterflies get a drink of water without drowning. I also clean out my birdbaths as needed, and on especially hot days, I add ice to help keep the water cool. Getting a solar fountain is on my wish list, so they have moving water.

I thought I'd share that information, because I think everything contributes to what attracts the hummingbirds to our yard. I'll continue to install plants that will help draw them to the gardens. These are just a few of the aspects of our home that make it a true haven for us.

August Farmhouse Kitchen Garden...

Brynwood Needleworks Kitchen Garden Vignette

 

The hummingbirds flit from blossom to bloom, stopping to drink from their nectar whether it's sunny or raining. They love the nectar I make for them every few days, and they argue over who's allowed at which (of three) feeder. Now they're visiting the hollyhocks and morning glories, too!

 

The plants in my garden are lush and productive. I've been harvesting basil, lavender and chives, as I enjoy the beautiful morning glories (climbing up the ground lines that connect to the lightning rods on our roof), hollyhocks (which now peek in our kitchen windows), Shasta daisies, delphiniums, geraniums, dianthus, creeping phlox, hostas, mint, thyme and rosemary (which I will begin harvesting to dry).

 

The other birds take time from their daily foraging in the fields to visit the feeders I still make sure are filled for them every day...and I know we have other visitors each night. Nature loves the farm, too.

 

I love my life. I love our life.

It Won't Be Long Now...

Farmhouse Lilacs

 

All our lilac bushes are in bud, now. If the weather continues to stay warm, we might even have flowers this week. I love lilacs, so I can hardly wait! 

 

I have a slight dilemma this year, too. Do I enjoy the short-lived blossoms in vases for a week, when part of me wants to make a luscious lilac jelly that can be enjoyed into the summer? I just can't decide.

Today, Shelly and I are heading up to Honeymoon Acres Nursery, not far from here, to purchase some of our garden stock for the year. I have my list, along with a few things I'd like to research. I'm looking forward to our little trip.

Oh, and a little bird update: I've hung six hummingbird feeders this year. We had one hummingbird until after I put up the four newest feeders. Now we have two hummers visiting. I'm hoping they'll tell their friends, so that we'll be able to enjoy lots of them hovering around the house. Fingers crossed!

Tag will be back tomorrow. Who knows what he's got up his little, short sleeve? I'll be as surprised as you are, and look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday.

Tuesdays With Tag - Hummin'birds...

Brynwood's Taggart - August 2017

 Hi, Everybody!

Welcome back to another week on the farm. Actually, Dad says it's not really a farm these days. We don't have any livestock (ya know...chickens and such); crops; or even a proper garden. Mom says, this property has always been a farm, and even if we never do anything different, it will always be a farm. I'm goin' with that.

Did You Hear That?

It's been fun watchin' the changes every week on our property. There are always different smells, flowers, animals and birds. Every time Boo and I go outside, all we wanna do is run around to make sure we don't miss a single thing.

Mom has been feedin' hummin'birds this year. She makes their food and fills two different feeders that they come to. They're teeny tiny and sound like bumblebees when they fly, and these ears always hear them when the drop in.

Honeysuckle At Hickory Hill Farm

Our honeysuckle vines are bloomin' again, and the birds and bees love stoppin' by for a little sip. (There aren't any in this picture, so you don't have to squint or enlarge it or anythin'. I just wanted to show you the flowers.) Wait! I think I hear 'em now!

Hummingbirds

There are three hummin'birds zoomin' around. I think they're havin' some kind of races. Man! They're fast! Mom managed to snap a picture with two of them comin' in for more nectar. We were pretty lucky to get both of 'em in one picture. They fly off again in the blink of an eye.

Brynwood's Taggart

I'd love to hang around and chat, but you know the drill. I'm a busy boy, and there's always somethin' interestin' for me to do. I'm gonna be here for a little bit. 

I can see the road, and if anyone heads this way, I'm gonna throw Mom and Dad a warning bark. But, I'm a versatile guy, too. Later, I might have to check out Mom's little garden, or chase Bella around, or just doze off for a while. 

I'm gonna ask Mom to take me on a little adventure to share with you next week, too. Let's see how good my powers of persuasion are!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Farm Jewels...

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Just when I think we've seen all the gifts the farm has to offer, Mother Nature gifts us with more. Yesterday was a gorgeous day. It was sunny and breezy. Everything is greening up and growing. I couldn't resist just sitting on our porch steps with Tag and soaking in a little sunshine.

Next to me, growing on the stair rails (one on each side), were these vines. I looked them up online, and I'm quite sure they're trumpet honeysuckle vines.

Trumpet Honeysuckle

As you can see, their blossoms aren't yet open. Like a cat who couldn't resist a warm sunny spot, I leaned back against one of the pillars and closed my eyes. I found myself contemplating whether or not we might get hummingbird visitors on the farm.

After a few minutes, I sat up and opened my eyes. Right in front of me was a hummingbird! I'm not kidding. I held my breath and sat still until it zipped away.
 

A Bonus For The Hummers

Before the end of the day, Handsome and I went out and ran a few errands. As we were heading home, I asked if he'd mind stopping for a hummingbird feeder. Of course, we stopped, and came home with a simple feeder.
 

Hummingbird Feeder

 

I looked up a nectar recipe from the Smithsonian Institute's website and made up a batch of simple syrup as a nectar for the hummingbirds I hope will stop to visit our Hickory Hill Farm. In case, you're interested, this is the recipe I used:

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe (Link HERE) 

courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Directions for making safe hummingbird food:

1. Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present.
2. Cool and fill feeder.
3. Extra sugar water may be stored in a refrigerator.
4. Red dye should not be added

I made up a batch according to the recipe and then let it cool before filling the feeder. I hope the hummers find it in the morning!

It's so wonderful to know that the farm has offered up another gift this summer. Here's hoping we have little flying jewels buzzing around all season.

Nature Always Finds A Way...

You never know what you'll see if you walk softly and keep your eyes open. Yesterday, I found a partially-built hummingbird's nest under one of the trees.

I've seen quite a few of these precious, little jewels over the past couple of weeks, so I wasn't surprised to see a nest on the ground.

It's been windy and this one was so light that the wind just carried it out of the tree. It was almost transparent because wasn't finished, so there was no worry that eggs had been lost. I would guess that a new nest is already being constructed. Nature always finds a way.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see baby hummingbirds? They must not be much bigger than a bumblebee. Maybe if I'm very lucky...