Crisp and Sparkly

The first real frost! It makes me so happy. Why? I don't know. It's the time of year where you can't grow or plant or harvest anything, really - I mean there are some exceptions but it takes serious effort, and for the most part containers aren't an option there. But that first -  almost always - sunny crisp cold morning, with the bite in the air and the crystals on the windshield and the puffs of breath. The coffee tastes a little better, seems a little hotter. The big pots in the kitchen all but rattle themselves in anticipation of hearty stews and soups and braises. I feel a chili coming on, in fact. Keep an eye out, readers. Possible chili recipe coming soon to a football watching couch near you! 

Note: there may be upcoming posts about adventures in DIY baby food here on the blog. If this is interesting to you, let me know, and if you've ever done this yourself please share wisdom! As our fall farm share changes with the season to include things like yams and butternut squash it seems we will be rife with opportunities to prepare and freeze baby friendly purees. Watch this space! 

Fat Tail Rats

I put in spring bulbs early this morning. 

Then I added a layer of chicken wire. I feel like I've imprisoned the flowers. 

I could feel the beady little squirrel eyes watching. When I put the chicken wire down I think I heard: "Challenge accepted, human. Marty! Call for reinforcements - this is a squirrel all-call situation!" 

Last year it was an ongoing struggle - and this was without the added incentive of fresh bulbs. They came for the birdseed and stayed to bury their black walnuts in my vegetable pots. It was irritating enough having them scurry around disrupting the birds, but then they started coming back for their nuts around the time that I was starting my summer vegetables. That is when I first bought chicken wire. Prior to that I was that crazy neighborhood lady who would go running out on the deck in house slippers, waving a broomstick at "those damn varmints!" I really impressed everyone with that. Chicken wire helped although I still had to "dissuade" some from interest in my herbs pots for a while. 

Now, bulbs and wire and the winter stretching ahead. Who will win? Spring will tell. 

This guy does not need my bulbs.