As we’re crawling towards spring, we’ve been stuck in a cold arctic spell. Last night it was -18 and today at noon, it warmed up to zero. With a wind. Plus we just got four inches of new snow. So Will and the “boys” set out to plow the driveway.
Hondo used to hate going in the truck. He got sick, drooled, and shook. But Will worked with him all winter, putting him in the truck and only driving around the circle in the yard, parking the truck with Hondo and Spencer in it. And it worked. Just lately, Hondo decided that he loves to ride! Now when Will says “load up boys,” Hondo is the first one to the truck door and the first inside. He sits right up and watches with interest as the snow flies, observing the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife he spots on the driveway. To Spencer, it’s old hat; he’s ridden shotgun in the pickup all his life and has always loved to go. It got so we even had to spell the word “go.” Then he learned to spell. Go figure…
While the boys were plowing, I started soaking my peat pellets so I can get my peppers and petunias planted. I’ve found that when I use hot water to soak them, they swell up faster and the warm, damp pellets encourage very fast germination of the seeds. I cram several pellets into a variety of trays I’ve saved for this purpose, plant two seeds per pellet, then slip the whole works into a plastic shopping bag. The containers then go on the shelves of my cheapo little plastic-covered greenhouse that I’ve got on the side of the wood stove. So they stay nice and warm, out of the way of Mittens; and seedlings pop up very fast.
They say it’s supposed to be 40° F or even higher, come Sunday. And let me say we’re REALLY looking forward to that! — Jackie
Author Michelle Oaks,
I’m sure readers would love to read the Kindle edition of your book! So would I but I don’t have Kindle! Pretty low tech, huh? Hey, Hondo still thinks he should sit on my lap in the house….and he is BIG. He looks so funny standing up on my knees, doing the “Hey Mommy, I NEED to sit on your lap” dance!!! But I just have him sit and pet him awhile, instead.
Cindy,
When the beavers come out from under the ice, I’ll sure ask them. So far, they’ve batted 100%. Not bad for big, furry critters, huh?
Wally,
Will says you’re welcome to come plow our driveway anytime!!! lol
Linda Bee,
Hey, “go” isn’t the only word we have to spell., AND the’ve learned to spell, too! We even have to say “travel down to see the postal container” because they spell mail, drive and car. No fooling.
Pat A,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s death. I know I still think of my parents often and all the things they taught me over the many years.
Loved the story about your dogs going for rides. We got a new dog last year and he LOVES to go for rides. It was ok when he was a puppy but he is too big to sit up front on my son’s lap now and so he whines about not being up front. Been working on that and he seems to be getting better :-)
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Oh Jackie you are so funny!! “Load up boys” and spelling go! We have had to spell words too!! Cookie! Oh well. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to start plants again! What a long winter of not too much snow but COLD!! You need to ask those beavers what’s up for spring and summer!! Well, you better G-O and plant more seeds. Cindy
Pat A. sorry about your dad passing.
It is not that cold here but a couple weeks ago, I woke up in the morning about 6:30 and looked at the thermometer on the dresser at the foot of our bed and it read 20 degrees> Yes, you read that correct. 20 degrees in our bedroom. I thought I was back on my covered wagon!
This makes me want a longer driveway and a plow truck.
That was funny Jackie….the boys learning to spell the word ‘go’. I always look forward to your blog.
My Dad who just passed away this last week , taught me to plant my peppers 2 to a hole. I have found the plants seem to really like it and maybe give them a little more support. Fun to have two plants in one hole.
Spring is coming I’ve heard the cardinals singing.
Pat
I love the photo of Will and the boys. We’re looking forward to spring here too. Our house is rented and we can’t have a garden until we buy our own land, but I’m starting a large container garden that I hope will be successful!
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