tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77898655864182826972024-03-14T06:25:09.102-04:00Ohiofarmgirl's Adventures In The Good LandHere in The Good Land I made my place beside the still waters. I became a tiller of the soil, a keeper of the flocks, and a hater of pigs.Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.comBlogger1546125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-63174074649493751592016-08-17T07:37:00.001-04:002016-08-21T07:24:18.933-04:00The End.<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
scene: A short, somewhat unkempt woman in a dirty shirt and a bad
ponytail walked out onto a stage. A single spotlight illuminated her in the darkness.
She was holding in her arms a small gray and white cat with wide
green eyes and little, white Mickey Mouse paws. She stopped center
stage and the cat jumped down, sat himself down at her feet, and
wrapped his tail around his paws. He looked up to the woman and
nodded. </span></i>
</div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thank
you, Little Mo, and thank you all – friends – for coming. I know
that yesterday's post was a shock and I wanted to tell you all what
is going on.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">First,
thank you all for your well wishes and kind words. We have received
some very, very bad news and are reeling from what we found out and what is going to
happen.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I spent the whole day </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Friday
</span>at the OSU Veterinary Hospital with My Most
Excellent Good Dog, Titan. It did not go well. Two extremely
knowledgeable and kind doctors confirmed what my own vet told me the
previous Monday. Ti has been diagnosed with the very worst kind of bone
cancer, osteosarcoma. This is extremely aggressive and fast moving.
They said by the time it presents like this it is already too late.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There
is no treatment and there is no cure. The only thing we can do is
treat his pain until it becomes unmanageable. This will be Titan's end.
The doctors there said that he has “a few weeks” until it becomes
unmanageable. We reviewed all of the options and the hard truth is,
there are no options but pain management.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When
you get a puppy, folks tell you that large dogs - especially some
breeds - don't live very long....and you think, 'Well, ten years is a
pretty long life.' But then the time passes very quickly and then
before you know it you are told that your most beloved good dog will
not live to see his eleventh birthday. It has been a terrible shock.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For
now Titan is OK. But I am not. He has the right meds so that is
helpful but his decline has already been sharp and steep. He, of course, has
no idea what is going on other than I am extremely upset, I keep
giving him treats, and he can't play ball like we normally do. He is
also sick of my hovering around and giving him worried looks. The
rest of the pack is on edge so we are trying very hard to have a normal
routine and have regular days.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
why did I write that story if Ti is still with us? Because this is
the final post of Adventures in the Good Land. My blog will end
today.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
think it's weird when people just stop blogging so I feel like I owe
you all at least an explanation and a proper goodbye. With everything
going on with Ti, I honestly cannot think about anything else right
now.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
also wanted Ti to be remembered as I see him, as a hero on our
'battlefield' - the both of us slaying foes and doing the best we
can for the farm. I wanted him to be remembered in all his glory and
valor. I wanted to have that picture of him to carry with me....and not
as him dying in my arms as we lovingly send him to his final rest. I
wanted you all to know him how I see him and I wanted you all to know
that he is going on ahead of me. I wanted you to know how he changed me as a person and how much he changed my life.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Even tho I spend so much time talking about the details of our days, in real life I am an intensely private person.
Most of you will not even know when Ti passes. So I wanted to give him
one last glorious tribute because I don't think I can do it after
he is gone. So that is why I wrote the story now, while he is still
at my feet.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yesterday
was the first day that felt like fall here. It feels like the turning
of the page and it feels like the right time to end my blog of our
life here. I started this blog as our own record keeping... but then
it turned into me teaching folks about farming. We have acquired a
huge body of knowledge here and I'm glad that I could share it with
you.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In a
million years I never thought anyone would read this or care about
our life. But you did and I thank you most heartily for your
friendship. I have loved to watch you all start projects, begin your
farm, try new things...and best of all – to be able to cheer you
on. My greatest satisfaction is watching you all be successful in
your efforts. Thank you for letting me be part of that. I have
enjoyed letting you all come along as we all figured this out
together.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But
my grief for Ti is my own and is not for others to watch. I cannot
talk about it or share his decline. The most respectful thing I can
do for such a proud and noble dog is leave you with the memory of him
being robust and full of life.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Of
course, there is more.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Earlier
in the year I felt like things were beginning to change. I didn't
know what it was but I felt like we had to start preparing for
changes. Big changes. It felt like how it was when I was getting
ready to leave my old life. I recognized that feeling and so we have
been preparing ourselves.. We've been trying to figure out what is
going to happen next and getting ready for that next big thing.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
next big thing is that we are moving. We are ending our time here at
the farm, packing up some kind of Noah's Arc (not ark but arc as in “story line arc”)
to transport our cats and dogs, and heading out for the Land Where They
Don't Have Winter.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Both
my husband and I had that moment last winter when we just couldn't
take the snow and the cold and the ice one more second. We realized that we are not tied here for
any reason. We can go anywhere and do anything...and so we are.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
started reaching out, started wondering, started trying to see if we
could make it work... and miraculously all the points lined up. Quite
unexpectedly, and entirely surprisingly.... it looks like it is all
going to come together in a way that we could not have believed or
planned. But it is all happening in the very best way.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nothing
is set in stone right now but the momentum of the thing is picking
up. Unexpected turning of events, a few “just so happened”, a
couple of “right places and right times” are all weaving together
a new story for us...and we are eager to get going.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Are
we giving up? Selling out? Quitting? Nope. We love our life. We just
want to do it where we can enjoy the entire year and not be stuck
inside cursing the snow and ice. We think that is entirely
reasonable. You see, we are actually ten years into a five year plan.
We thought that being here was going to be short term but we actually
ended up being trapped here when the economy turned. But we adapted,
pivoted, dug deep and made this work. Gladly.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
best thing that happened during that time was that my husband got a
CDL (commercial drivers license) and now we really can go anywhere
and live where ever we want. He can also drive a huge greyhound style
bus that has been converted into an RV-like dog and cat ark. So that
is what we are doing. Why not? There are other adventures out there
and we are going to find them.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
why not continue the story? Document our journey and The Long Drive
with an unnatural number of cats and dogs in a huge bus?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Because
my heart is broken and I cannot carry the burden of thinking about
anything else except for my beloved Good Dog. I don't know if he will
make the trip with us... in all likelihood he will not. While there
is a poetic beauty to knowing that he will only ever know the farm
and working with me outside and leading our pack... I simply cannot
do this right now. The idea of writing about him after he is gone
just breaks me. So that is why I wrote our final Adventure Tail .and
that is why I am closing down the blog. ”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For
those of you who like to be in touch, I will mostly be offline. I
need to concentrate on shutting down this part of our life. But most
importantly, I need to take care of my Good Dog. My people are not
given to grand shows of emotion or public displays. We don't even cry
in public. So privately, respectfully, I will tend to my most
beloved, most faithful, most valiant companion. And when it is time,
I will not fail him. I will continue to praise God for providing me
with such a wonderful friend and thank Him for all the time that Ti
and I have spent together.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My
Most Excellent Good Dog, Titan Wolfgang Maximus Big Bear. My Right
Hand. The First in Command. The Other Half of My Sky. That day we
randomly went to look at puppies... he picked me. He.picked.me. I
have never been so thankful for anything in my life.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thank
you all, friends, for your well wishes and prayers. Thank you for our
time together.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>The
single spotlight fades to black.</i> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The End. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Edi<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">tor's<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Note: Thank you, everyone, for your kind words. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span>
</div>
Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-7054222557668105002016-08-16T08:37:00.001-04:002016-08-16T18:33:05.168-04:00A Brave Warrior Falls. The End of the Adventure Tails. <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You're
slowing down, Ti! Are you feeling your age? Ha!” Yelled OFG over
the din of battle. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm
just getting warmed up, Sir, it is you who cannot keep up with me!”
Col Ti answered. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The two
war companions were fighting as they did in the old days, surrounded
by foes, fighting back to back. The melee of battle around them. But
neither felt more at home. Or more alive. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The evil
rat fiends and the mouse menace had joined forces and called the
fighters of the Good Land into open combat. OFG and Col Ti had
answered with a merciless show of force. It would not be long and
these rodents would know the true meaning of the word defeat. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The mud
and the blood and the chaos that was hand to hand combat swirled
around them. They were holding their ground. OFG's forces were making
her proud. She could hear the horns cry out their commands, see the
banners direct the ground troops to their next moves, and very soon
this battle would be very handily sorted out. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Out of
the corner of her eye she saw her fighters advance. It was all going
perfectly according to plan. Overhead she heard hundreds of arrows
from her archers fly overhead. That would drive those stupid mice
back. They could advance now. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At
sides!” She cried to Col Ti and as one they both took opposite
steps and now were fighting side by side. They fought mightily. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We'll
be home for dinner soon.....” She said. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just
as soon as I finish off a new more of these damnable creatures! Then
you can count my kills and see I've bested you once again!” Col Ti
roared a laugh that struck terror into the hearts of enemy. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG
turned to answer the jibe with her own when she saw it. It seemed
impossibly slow. There he was, her most trusted, most able
battlemate, her First in Command, her Right Hand. Col Ti was robust
and full of life, his massive figure against the backdrop of the
day's warring when it struck. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
arrow. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She
tried but could not break it's path. She could not pull him to
safety. It was insidious. Wrathful. It struck true. She watched in
horror as it pierced Col Ti and struck him down. She felt it as
surely as it had ran through her own heart. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">NO!”
She roared. “No! Ti! No!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG had
seen death. She had seen those she loved be taken. She knew that an
old warrior like Col Ti would not live forever. But she did not think
it would be here. She did not think it would be this day. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He was
on the ground. Mortally wounded. She was there with him. The battle
continued to rage around them as if her world had not just ended.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Get
up. Get up, Ti, get up. No, no, no...” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He was
calm. He looked at his wound. He knew. “No.” He said. “I am
struck down.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She was
crying hot tears now, refusing to believe what she was seeing. “Get
up! Get up, Ti. Get on your feet, soldier!” She ordered trying to
pull him to his feet. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
wound was beyond repair. They both knew it. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">No,
stop it now.” Col Ti said to her, almost gently. “Don't do this.
Do not deny me a glorious death in battle. Today is a good day to
die. We will be victorious and you will sing song of this day and
tell stories on how this day was won! Tell them of how I fought by
your side today and all of these long years.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
reached up and brushed away her tears. She held his big hand to her
face, she kissed it, she was still shaking her head. “Don't go, Ti,
I need you.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But his
eyes were past seeing her now. He was looking just beyond her. “Do
you hear it? My ancestors call to me!” A wolfish grin past over his
lips. “Do you hear the songs? I... I... have only heard that
language in my dreams! Such proud songs being sung! Such bold
warriors! And oh, the feast! Do you smell the roasts on the spits!
Have you ever seen so much bloodwine!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
reached out weakly as if he was pushing open a large door. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There!
Look there! There are the brothers of my youth! I have not seen them
since I left my own mother's door. Such brave warriors – look at
them. Do you see them? Such a great company!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG was
crying hard tears. “Please, Ti, don't...How can I do this without
you? My most beloved companion. Please... please...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In a
final moment of clarity he looked at her. He saw her and said firmly,
“It is your only command that I cannot obey. I cannot stay. You
must let me go to the halls of my ancestors. This body is ruined. Be
glad that I lived such a good life with you. Be glad I will not grow
old and feeble, unable to walk, or work, or be of any use. Look at
me. I am strong and clear … I do not want to die an old feeble man
muttering into my porridge. Death comes for us all and I will meet
it head on. It is my time.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
continued, “Do not be afraid, my master, The Shining Light of the
Realm will show you the way. And what harm can befall you if you
stand under the Shadow of the Black Death? Kai and Zander will help
you now. They will be your companions. Let them guard you well. But
you must let me go. ”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Acceptance
gradually washed across OFG's face, through her tears. She struggled
to find the words to tell him how grateful she was for every day they
were together. To tell him how proud she was of him. To thank him for
all their long years together. To say everything she ever wanted him
to know... but he already knew these things. There was no need for
grand gestures now in these last few moments. All the love she had
for him had been given freely – on each of their days together. He
knew.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">If
you wish, I will wait for you outside the doors of The Great Feast,
my master, I will wait until you join me. When I hear of your coming
I will gather the others and hail you home. I will cry out to you –
my war cry will be loud and long and you will know it is me. We will
all run to greet you and usher you home. I will do this. It may be
long years for you but it will be just a moment for me. I've waited
all these years to go home to my ancestors... I can wait .. just... a
few...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And then
he was gone. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Across
the battlefield The Dread Commander Zander, The Black Death, saw Col
Ti fall. He saw his mother throw herself down to him, to hold his
hand, to look into his eyes, and now she was burying her face in his
chest. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To
your liege!” He cried and rallied his men, barking orders, and
urging them to OFG. The men spread out around her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From up
on the hill The Princess Kai heard the urgent horns she turned to see
her mother's standard bearers run up the black flag. She knew what
that meant. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Fighters!
On me – and try to keep up you slackards! Fight you fools, fight
like your very lives depend on it. Now run!” Kai's fighting forces
cut through the enemy like a scythe. Kai raced dangerously
ahead of her men but she was relentless. The <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">sunlight cau<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ght her flaming battle tiara and she was The Shining Light of th<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e Realm. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Princess Kai</span></span></span> </span>ran with such force that
when she reached the fallen Col Ti she skidded to a stop. The
warrior Princess crouched low in front of her mother, guarding her and the
fallen hero. Kai took the brunt of the blows and her men killed the
enemy without mercy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There in
the midst of battle Zander stood over them, fighting their foes.
Zander's mighty shadow covered OFG slumped over the dead body of Col
Ti. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Time
passed. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A small
figure hurried through the darkness of the forest. A pale moon barely
lit the path but she went as fast as she could, completely aware that
she was being followed. Little Mo was absolutely the worst tracker in
the history of the Good Land. She hoped he would give up but she had
to admit he was determined to keep up with her. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Finally
she stopped. “Come out, Little Mo, I know you are there.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She
turned and waited for him to come out from behind the tree. He peeped
around the trunk, his wide eyes reflecting in the moonlight. “You
need to go back, Little Mo.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
stepped up to her determinedly. “Sir, I am going with you.” He
had a small pack and was wearing his traveling clothes. He looked at
her, pleading. “Please, Sir. You need me.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She was
dressed as a traveler also and not as their leader. She didn't even
carry her axe...but Little Mo had it in his pack for her. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG
sighed heavily and swept the hood from the nondescript cloak off her
head. Little Mo could see the silver in her once dark hair. For
perhaps the first time he noted the lines on her face. She never did
recover from the death of Col Ti. He had won a glorious death in
battle but it was she who carried a wounded heart that would not
heal. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You
cannot come with me, Little Mo.” She said firmly. She held up her
hands to stay his protests. “The Good Land needs to you stay.
Zander needs you to stay and help him. Together with Bitty they need
to rule the Good Land and you need to help them. Do this for me,
Little Mo. Please.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From in
the darkness a horse nickered and stepped. Little Mo looked up to see
the big man seated on the enormous black horse with no name. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG
gestured to the big man. “You know that I cannot be married to both
the Good Land and also to my mate. It is time, Little Mo. Do you know
the best thing about getting older? It is that you know when it is
time for the younger ones to take over. This is Zander's time. Bitty
came to us at just the right time. Kai has gone off to establish her
own Lands. This is the turning of the page. Zander and Bitty can do
this but they need your guidance. Please, Little Mo, for me.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She drew
Little Mo to her and kissed him on the top of his head. “Go on now,
go home. I have other adventures to find. And your place is here.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo blinked back tears and nodded. He watched as the big man pulled
OFG up onto the horse behind him. She looked back once at him, then
turned, and they rode away into the darkness. Begrudgingly Little Mo
turned back to walk home. The moonlight seemed paler and the night
seemed colder. It was a long walk back alone.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo silently crossed the Great Hall. The Commander Zander would not
want him as an adviser. Surely he would chose one of his own men.
Little Mo arrived in the Good Land alone, and he would depart as
such. He wondered what would become of him. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
figured stirred and Little Mo started. “Oh.. I'm... Commander, I am
so sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Zander
was sitting in OFG's chair on the dais... his elbows on his knees. It
was dark except of the soft light thrown by the braziers. He looked
sullen. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
she is gone then?” Asked Zander. Little Mo only nodded. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I was
just getting my things. I will pack them up and go....” Said Little
Mo.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Go?
Go where” Zander seemed concerned. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
just thought that you would find someone else. I ...” Stammered
Little Mo.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Someone
else? No.” Zander shook his head. “I don't know the first thing
about administrations, Little Mo. I'm a soldier. I...” He spread
his arms, “I don't even know what we should do tomorrow. I...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Well,
I happen to have a list here, Commander...” Little Mo pulled a
scroll out of his sleeve. “I have the schedule here and the duty
roster and...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">See?
This is why I need you.” Zander smiled appreciatively. “Please
stay on, Little Mo. I really want you to stay. She trusted you and so
do I. Come, let us talk like men.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo bowed low. “Of course, Commander. One thing I think we should
consider, now that she has gone, we should shore up our alliances.
Surely someone will try and test your resolve. I recommend we
immediately send word to have a Counsel.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Agreed.
I should meet with Bourbon of the Red, the old bastard. My mother
regarded him as her own brother. But I never cared for him. Do you
know that he once chucked my chin when I was a pup?” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo looked surprised, “You don't say.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It's
true. I showed him my teeth, yes, I did. He is still probably
terrified.” Zander and Little Mo laughed a little. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Where
do you think she's gone, Little Mo? My mother..” Zander looked a
little worried. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo crossed his arms and thought. “Well, she cannot go to see her
own brother, Henri the Bold, in the Land of the Ocean's Tide.. you
know well of 'The Troubles”... so not there. But there are rumors
she has a sister in the Land of Ever Summer. She is said to be fair
haired and the Mother of Many. Apparently she leads a band of warrior
maidens.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
sister?” Exclaimed Zander, “By the heavens can you imagine two of
them?” He shook his head chuckling. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Zander
and Little Mo glanced at each other, grinning. Then the slightest
look of pain crossed their faces. The both nodded to each other
knowingly. Then Little Mo and Commander Zander got up and started to
make their way across the dimly lit Great Hall. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Onward,
then?” Asked Zander.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
upward.” Said Little Mo. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
scene faded to black, then opened again. This time outside a small
house in the rural Ohio countryside. Two people were busily loading
the last of the boxes and tools onto a huge, black, Greyhound style
bus. The big man got in the driver' seat and started the engine –
the bus roared to life. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are ready for action!” He said to her. “Almost done?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
dunno, I feel like we are missing someone. Let's do a tail check...
one, two....” She started counting an unusually large number of
cats in cages line up along the walls of the bus. She got distracted
and looked up. “Hey honey, does this big ol' bus have a name?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nope.”
He said. “And it's not going to have one either. Do you know why?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She went
back to counting cat butts, “Huh?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So we
can say that..... we've been thru the desert on a bus with no
name...” He started singing, “It felt good to be out of the
rain...In the desert you can remember your name...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That
is the stupidest joke ever.” She said. “You aren't funny at all,
you know. I'm the funny one. .... Ohmigosh!” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She
suddenly ran into the house and came about out carrying a huge gray
cat in a too-small carrier who was loudly protesting. “We almost
forgot Nicholas!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Don't
forget the Nicholas, baby!” He laughed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nicholas
yowled his discontent. But now they were all loaded. The bus had all
the seats taken out of it and was converted into a kind of Noah's
Ark. It was filled with dogs and cats all securely in the places for
The Long Drive. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So,”
Said the woman, “We are just gonna drive away from our life here.
Just take all our people and go?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yep.”
He said. “We are pointed in the direction of adventure.” He
looked at her, “You OK, baby?” He said putting his hand on her
arm. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm
just thinking of everything that happened. We had a lot of good times
here in this good land... and we got a lot of good friends here.”
She said gesturing to the bus full of cats and dogs. “I guess we
are leaving some behind too.” A tear welled in her eye. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My
old lady cats, your good ol' girl Shady, Grumpy old Teddi...and...”
She stopped herself and tried to refocus. “I just...Wow. We've
lived a whole life here.” She wiped the tear away and made herself
smile. “But it's time to go and do something different.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So..
onward then?” He asked.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
upward.” She said.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For the
last time she walked out to the gate, opened it, let the the huge bus
roll passed, closed the gate, and then hung up a sign. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She
hurried to the door of the bus and climbed in and exclaimed,
“Ohmigosh, who has the toots?!? Is it dogs? Do dogs have toots? Oh
boy.. this is going to be a long drive. Are we there yet?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Ha
ha.” Said the man and he checked his mirrors one more time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The bus
pulled out of the drive and headed in the direction of adventure.
Dogs barked, cats screamed, and the two people laughed. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Back on
the gate a sign read, “The End.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
that, friends, is The End of the Adventure Tails. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Editor's note:</b> Friends, as you know there is always some <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">truth </span>in our Adventure Tails - we call them "Not Entirely Fiction" for a reason. We here have received some devastating news. I'll provide the "what really happened" tomorrow. I know that there are a lot of questions and they will be answered. Until then, thank you for your loving support.</i> </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>
</div>
Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-18354888846332975312016-08-14T17:34:00.002-04:002016-08-14T17:38:39.589-04:00Bitty Finds Her Place in the Good Land. Part Two. <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Did
you look in Commander Zander's quarters?” OFG asked as she was
standing, leaning over her desk.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes,
of course, Sir.” Said Little Mo.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Did
you look under his bed?” She asked more fervently. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes,
of course, Sir.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG
harrumphed and began pacing. “For heaven's sakes, how hard could it
be to find her! Have you gotten an update from the scouts?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Not
since the last time you asked... which was exactly five minutes ago.”
Little Mo looked at her, unblinking. He was seated at his stool
just in front of his liege's desk. He was reviewing reports and
getting his lists ready for the next day... and trying not to be
frustrated by OFG's frustration. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just
then Kai burst into the room, OFG's Inner Chamber. “So, what's this
now? She is missing again?” Kai had a bit of cheeky tone and was
smiling much too widely to be actually concerned. “Did you check
Zander's quarters?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes.”
Said OFG and Little Mo together. OFG harrumphed again and started
pacing. Again. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She'll
be back. Bitty is probably just playing with her potato somewhere.
She always comes back.” Kai threw herself down in one of the chairs
and picked up a mug of strong broth. She gulped it down, wiped off
her mouth, and said, “She always comes back.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Another
report was handed to Little Mo and then the page hurried out of the
room. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nothing
yet, Sir.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
small room had more people in it than normal... OFG, the Princess
Kai, Little Mo, some pages, runners, some of OFG's personal guard....
and then Col Ti stalked in. He looked annoyed and shot OFG a glance.
She looked surprised, smiled, and then said, “Really? When?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
corners around Col Ti's mouth tightened and OFG laughed. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
soon?” She asked out loud. Col Ti, shot her another angry look,
then stalked to take up his position near her. He always watched over
OFG regardless of who was actually on guard. He stood silently.
Watching. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
secret language between OFG and Col Ti had vexed Little Mo since the
first day of his duties at OFG's side. How on earth did she expect
him to know what was going on if the ruler of the Good Land and her
First In Command spoke is silence and glances? Only heaven knew what
this surprise was going to be. Little Mo stared hard to Col Ti.
Nothing. No discernible means of communication whatsoever. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Kai,
sweetheart, I have a surprise for you.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Kai
brightened and turned toward her mother, “What?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">You'll
see... soon.” OFG said still smiling. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The door
to OFG's sleeping quarters which adjoined her Inner Chamber, creaked
open slowly and a very groggy Bitty stumbled out rubbing her wide
eyes and shuffling her little feet. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What's
going on?” She asked with a big stretch. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All eyes
turned to Bitty in shock...and then an eruption of questions and
scoldings. Kai started laughing. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty!
Where have you been? I have riders out looking for you!” OFG was
mad. But not too mad, Bitty was kind of cute ...shuffling along in
her stretch.... she was a funny little thing. But naughty for hiding
again.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Kai
raised her eyebrows and muttered, “I told you.....” Kai casually
threw one leg over the arm of her chair and started swinging it in
mock annoyance. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For
heaven's sakes! Call back the riders, Little Mo, and tell the men to
stand down.” Ordered OFG. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty!
Have you been sleeping under my bed? Do you have one of your
little piles of hidden food there? Is that why I have been dreaming
of chicken?” OFG scolded. Now she was mad. They had yet to break
Bitty of her bad habit of hiding food away. And hiding. “What have
I told you about.....”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG
turned her attention... A big man walked thru the door. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Father!”
Cried Kai and she raced across the room and threw herself into his
arms. OFG smiled as she watched her Princess daughter, one of the
most deadly fighters in the Lands hop around and squeal in excitement
at seeing her father. Kai was chattering to him, and hugging him, and
giving kisses on his cheek. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It was
clear he had been traveling a great distance. Little Mo hurried
toward the man to take his pack, to ask if he needed anything? Little
Mo shoo'd away a page to bring strong ale and a platter of food. Satisfied Little Mo returned to his <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">place </span>to record the return of the big man. He took out a scroll and pen. The
room was swirling with excitement. In the midst of it Little Mo
caught sight of Bitty. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty
was standing alone, unnoticed, her wide eyes were huge and her face
in shock. She was mouthing something but no words came out. Tears
brimmed in her eyes... “Pa...... Pa....” Little Mo could hear the
faint words and his jaw dropped in amazement. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Papa....”
Bitty said in barely a whisper.... “Papa...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo dropped his pen and scrolls. Eyes turned to see what he was
looking at.... conversation stopped. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
smallest voice was finally heard by all, “Papa?” Bitty reached
her arms toward the big man like a child. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Kai
turned to see what everyone was looking at and heard Bitty call the
man, “Papa.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">No!”
Snarled Kai, “This is not your father! This is my father! He is MY
father!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The big
man was transfixed by Bitty standing there, her arms toward him, big
tears rolling down her face. He shrugged off his cloak and started to
walk past Kai...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">NO!”
Screamed Kai savagely and she rounded as if she was protecting her
father. “No! This is my father! Stay away from him! Bitty, you
minx! Liar! This is my father! I should kill you for your lies!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But the
big man kept walking toward Bitty. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
shock in the room that was a stunned silence now turned to alarm.
What if Kai killed Bitty in a rage? Col Ti was the first to spring to
action. He hurried across the room and caught Kai in his arms, held
her tight to his chest, and hustled her out the door. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Lock
the door behind me!” Col Ti ordered one of the men at arms. Others
had joined Col Ti in trying to subdue the Princess Kai but she was as
an enraged wild animal screaming in fury and threatening death. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The door
slammed shut. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Silence.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Papa.”
Bitty was crying. The big man was standing over her now and looking
down at her with gentle eyes. He reached down and picked her up and
laid her on his shoulder. “Papa..... I.... I thought you were a
dream.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty
heaved big sobs, exhausting herself with emotion. The big man came
back. Her Papa finally came back. After all these years, all this
time, she thought she made up the memory of a big man leaving her
there in the middens so long ago. The last thing he said was that she
would be safe there and that he would come back. She stopped
believing it a long time ago. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And now she was here in her new li<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">fe, surrounded by friends who loved her...and her <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">own <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Papa had come back for her. Here in the Good Land. She had everything she ever <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">wanted. </span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The big
man put an enormous hand on her head to comfort Bitty. “Child.”
He said, claiming her as his own. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty
hung on his shoulder like a small doll, sobbing softly, and saying
over and over... “Papa... Papa...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo realized his mouth was still hanging open. He was trying to piece
it together but...but.. the line of succession! It had to hold.
Zander was the chosen one. He was the appointed one who would rule the Good Land
next.. unless this was some kind of power
grab? But why? Who would <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">try<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> and overthrow OFG</span></span>?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
liege. Little Mo blanched and then swallowed hard. That man, that big
man was her mate but OFG was not Bitty's mother. That man then...
he..... Then it occurred to Little Mo that in all the time Bitty was
here... the big man had not been around. This was the first time he
saw them together in the same room. And now he was Bitty's father? It was all
too much. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Oh
no.” Thought Little Mo. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">How is
OFG going to react? Would she strike at that man? Cast him out? Try
and kill him for this obvious betrayal? Or would he try and take the
throne for himself? Would that big man try and establish a new line
with Bitty as the next ruler? Would....</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo glanced around nervously. Col Ti had left the room. What if the
big man tried to kill OFG? What if there was blood to be spilled? She was un<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">protected. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo put his hand on his dagger and resolved to himself, “Then I will
fight for her. I will fight for my liege and I will die for her.”
He nodded to himself. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Little
Mo never liked the big man. He was too tall, too dark, and too
brooding. In truth Little Mo was afraid of the big man. But if that
man were to try and kill his liege then Little Mo would find the
courage and he would fight and die for her. He held his breath and
waited to see what was going to happen next. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So,”
Said OFG quietly. She started to cross the room toward them. Her
boots on the hard stone floor was the only sound. The big man was
still holding Bitty on his shoulder, patting her gently. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Your
own child, right here, right under my nose this whole time?” OFG
chuckled.... “I should have known. I just knew there was something
about her. She is a pip that is for sure. I should have known...”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">OFG had
reached the big man and he had stretched out his arm and pulled her
close. The three of them stood together. OFG put her head on his
chest and a hand on Bitty lovingly.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This
little Bitty. I should have known.....” Said OFG chuckling to
herself. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nothing
else in life could have shocked Little Mo any more than this turn of
events. He stood agog, his hand still on his dagger watching the
scene with absolute shock. His mouth was still open. His liege was
not going to kill the big man. There would be no death. He shook his
head a little trying to make sense of all of it. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There
was a ruckus in the hallway and a loud and familiar voice was
yelling, “Kai! Kai! What are you doing? No - settle down. What is
going on? Ouch! Kai! What is the matter with you? What do you mean
you are leaving!?!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Commander
Zander ordered the men guarding the room aside, “<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">O</span>pen this door
right now or I shall kick it down and the rest of you with it!”
The door was unbolted hurriedly and Zander angrily slammed the door
open, came into the room, and stopped short. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
mother, the big man, and Bitty were all standing in the middle of the
room. Hugging. Bitty was crying. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bitty?
Mother? What on earth is going on?”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Editor<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">'s note: </span>You can </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>read more about how Bitty f</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>inds her place in the Good Land <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/08/bitty-finds-her-place-in-good-land-part.html">in Part One here</a>....a</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>nd t<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/p/not-entirely-fiction.html">he rest of our Adventure </a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/p/not-entirely-fiction.html">Tails here.</a></i> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-44043402701675822322016-08-11T12:00:00.002-04:002016-08-11T12:00:17.294-04:00Bitty Finds Her Place in The Good Land. Part One.
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
frozen ground crunched beneath OFG's feet as she paced the courtyard.
The accursed winter had lasted longer than anyone expected. A false
spring had teased but now the wind whipped and the cold settled
across The Good Land. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The sun
had set not long ago and purple streaked the skies. She shouldn't
worry but she did. The Princess Kai was one of the finest fighters
that the Lands had ever seen but it was a mother's prerogative to
worry about her young. And so OFG paced and waited for her daughter
to return. Kai could be reckless. Impulsive. The Princess left with
her men at arms early in the day and still had not returned. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In the
coming darkness a small figure hurried across the way, catching OFG's
eye. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty!
Is that you? What have you there?” Called OFG. The small figure
stopped, clutched something to her chest, paused, and then
begrudgingly turned toward OFG. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nothing.”
Said an unconvincing voice.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty,
come here right now and show me your hands.” Said OFG. At least
Bitty was wrapped in one of her new cloaks and was wearing good
boots. It was a struggle to keep their wild little one appropriately
clothed and shod. Bitty was not used to living with people even after
these many months.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let
me see.” Said OFG. Bitty pulled her hands from under her cloak and
some chicken bones clattered to the ground. “Bitty... have you been
scavenging again in the trash piles?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
hurried to answer, “No...but... yes... I mean... look! There is
still some good meat on these and we shouldn't be wasteful and we
might be able to....” Her voice trailed off under OFG's
disapproving glare. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
does the Old Wisdom say about leaving generously for the gleaners,
Bitty?” Asked OFG trying to temper her annoyance. Bitty had not
stopped her habit of stealing away food and hiding it. They found
unclean and ruined little piles of her scrap stores all over. It was
getting to be a problem.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
harrumphed and gave in. “That we should leave extra for the
unfortunate and....” She honestly could not remember the rest.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
those who cannot ask for our help.” Finished OFG. “Bitty, we are
about to have Evening Meal – there will be plenty of food and you
do not need to take from those who need to glean. Do not be selfish,
Bitty.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
Bitty lived on the middens it never occurred to her that someone with
so much wealth would leave generous scraps for someone like her. She
drew her eyebrows together thinking about it. Could it be true that
someone cared for her then? Someone who didn't even know her? She was
used to only looking out for herself. She did not think it was
selfish but rather just survival.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">OFG
watched Bitty try and piece it all together. “Now off with you,
Bitty, go and sit at my table. Tell Lucky HouseMaster that I said to
bring you an extra portion and then you can think about how you want
to use it. You can squirrel it away to be wasted or you can take the
best portions and leave the rest for someone else. Now off with you
or I shall box your ears.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
scampered away. She didn't really think that OFG would box her
ears.... but she didn't want to take any chances. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sir!”
Called the century from the watchtower. “They are coming!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At
last.” Muttered OFG under her breath. As she turned toward the
Great Hall she hear Kai's laughter on the wind. It wouldn't do for
Kai's men to see OFG out there like an old mother hen, fussing over
her daughter's return. By the time OFG reached for the door she could
clearly hear their merry banter. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">No!”
Protested Kai in an easy tone, “I will! I will honor the wager! You
won...you did!” Her men scoffed and joked and then Kai laughed and
said, “I will! I will serve you as much bloodwine as I can carry!”
More laughter. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
can drink a lot of wine!” Said someone. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then
I shall serve you a lot of it!” Laughed Kai. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
clattering of hooves and feet filled courtyard as the tired band of
warriors made ready for the night. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">OFG was
already seated at her table on the dais, with Bitty seated at her
left, when Kai and her men entered the hall. Kai had removed her
armor, tiara, and weapons and was in just a light shift. Her face was
dirty but she was laughing. She was trailing behind her men and being
far too over dramatic when she gestured and called to the barman for
“The largest tray, filled with the largest cups of bloodwine!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One of
her men, clearly enjoying the jest, called to her, “This way,
Wench! When the tray is full, of course!” The company burst into
ruckus laughter. Kai half curtsied to them, shouldered the enormous
tray, and followed along calling out, “As you wish, Commander!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All the
fighters in The Good Land loved the Princess Kai – especially those
in her own ranks. She was brave, fearless, and never asked anyone to
do anything she herself would not. The men adored her...and more than
that they all respected her. She could best any man in The Great
Hall, save her brother of course, and she was utterly devastating in
battle. She was fair in her judgment and true to her word. If she had
wagered her men and this was her penalty then she would fulfill that
obligation gladly... and they would love her more for it. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
happened to be a pair of travelers that night in the Great Hall. From
time to time men like them would come to pay their respects to OFG
and offer their services as guides, huntsmen, or fighters. OFG kept
some of them on but mostly these drifters were just that. They lacked
the iron strong discipline of her fighting forces.... and besides who
could trust a man who fought for money? They were just passing by.
These travelers could exchange work for provisions or trade for
goods. All were welcome as long as they kept the law and traditions
of The Good Land.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
man, a rogue of no good character, sat at the end of one of the many
long tables in the Great Hall. All around were the soldiers and
fighters sworn to OFG. The rogue sat muttering and complaining to his
companion about the wealth of this liege of theirs... that woman who
commanded them all. His companion, a small thin man of no note, just
nodded and stared into his cup. They had been there for some time.
Drinking. And muttering. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now
there's a lass.” Said the companion jerking his sharp chin over the
rogue shoulder. “Aye...she's a pretty one.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Behind
them Kai's men at arms continued to joke and jibe at the
Princess-turned-serving-wench, “Keep up now, Wench! That tray isn't
too heavy for you now, is it?” Laughed the leader of them. He was
young and handsome. His coat was a dark silver-pewter. His name was
Augustus. “And don't spill anything!” The soldiers laughed again.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
truth, the tray of drink was heavy but Kai shouldered it well. They
had won the wager and she was a good sport. She walked behind them
and good-naturedly took their jibes, laughing them off and playing
along. All of them would die in her service and she knew it. This
little fiction, her serving them, had been won in the field. She
drove her men with determination so it was nothing for her to play
along. They deserved it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">From her
dais OFG watched the Princess Kai with interest. Kai was always doing
something outlandish so this was nothing new. A game perhaps.
Normally any of the warriors would be honored to bring her a cup or
serve her food. This turn about of roles thrilled the men. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
Princess Kai's build was very powerful. On the battlefield she could
be mistaken for a man. But she was quite feminine when she was
relaxed as she was now. With her shining eyes and mirthful grin here
in the Great Hall she lit up the room. She was the Shining Light of
the Realm. Even with her dirty face and without the symbols of her
status Kai was quite regal. She was beautiful. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kai
naturally rolled her hips when she walked. Some found it.... alluring
but none would cast a wayward glace least Kai's grin turned to snarl
and hell befell anyone who thought to put his hands on her. It was
known. Except to this rogue. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">No one
will know if it was the drink or the jealousy of the treasures of the
Good Land that caused the rogue to make such a dreadful mistake. But
as the Princess Kai walked passed his table he reached out... and
grabbed her bottom. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kai's
yelp of surprise filled the Great Hall. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Immediately
a deafening silence filled the air. Then the scraping of benches and
chairs being pushed back and those who were close scrambled to get
out of the way. Some serving ducks raced to take the tray from the
Princess. It required four serving ducks to carry and even then they
struggled. Fear encouraged them to make haste. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Colonel
Ti,” Said OFG, flatly, from her seat on the dais, “Please take
Bitty to get a closer look.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sir.”
Her First In Command nodded.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">OFG then
turned to Bitty, “You will see how Kai handles her honor.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
got up and followed obediently but muttered, “I don't see what is
the big deal, he just patted her on the bottom....”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Col Ti
heard all things and so he turned to her and replied sharply, “That
man's lack of respect brings dishonor, Bitty. If you want to be taken
seriously then you need to BE someone who is taken seriously. She
cannot let this go unanswered. What are you if you do not stand up
for yourself? Do you think anyone would pat my bottom?” He glowered
down at her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
tried not to shrink back and just shook her head. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">No
one would ever want to pat his bottom.” She thought. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
further,” Col Ti continued, “It is not wise to manhandle the
Princess Kai as some have found out. But more importantly we do not
allow such indignities in The Good Land. All are safe here. Even the
least among all of them.” He said pointing to the crowd. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do
you think that someone who cannot fight or who has a lower station
should be treated so poorly - without respect? Who are we if we allow
others to be mistreated? Discipline. Courage. Respect. These are the
values of The Good Land and we defend these.” He stared hard at
Bitty and then walked on. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
hurried to keep up. She never really liked Col Ti. He was as hard as
the angles in his face, gruff, and only ever seemed to like OFG. He
also scolded her and made declarations like, “Be on time for
morning maneuvers, Bitty.” Or, “Stop fussing and stand at
attention, Bitty.” And of course, “Stop playing with that potato,
Bitty.” He was much to coarse for her. She wished Zander was there
but he was away on patrols. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not only
did Zander never scold her – The Commander Zander always laughed at
her jokes, loved to watch her dance, and always let her ride on his
shoulder. As it was Bitty had to run to keep up with Col Ti's swift
steps. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Col Ti
abruptly stopped and cleared his throat. Immediately those in front
of him cleared a path to the scene. He took up a wide stance and
crossed his arms over his massive chest. Bitty scowled. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Col
Ti? I.... I can't see.” Said Bitty. If Zander were here he would
put her on his shoulder but Bitty doubted Col Ti would do that.
Instead Col Ti reached down, picked her up, and placed her on the
nearest table. She could see now. Not that it mattered. The Princess
was just standing there. The man and his companion were looking
around trying to gauge what was happening.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Suddenly
Princess Kai turned to him, a laughing grin and a glint her her eye.
She stood, coyly, on one hip and blinked at the rogue. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
is she doing?” Asked Bitty. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Playing
with her food.” Replied Col Ti without looking at her. Bitty
shivered. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The man
looked around nervously. “What's this?” He said, “What is
this?” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
serving ducks had all but disappeared and the nearby fighting men had
backed away. The rogue noticed that some, who all seemed to be
wearing the same insignia, had formed a perimeter. One though, a
younger fighter, in a silver coat was standing nearby. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
young fighter had unsheathed his sword and was holding it loosely in
his hand. He then spun it by it's tip on the floor, chuckling, and
grinning as if he knew some secret joke. The sound filled the hall,
metal on stone. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
there!” Said the rogue angrily, “You! Tell me the meaning of
this! What is so funny?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At that
Augustus threw back his head and laughed out loud. The Princess Kai
continued to stand, grinning at the man. Intentionally she slowly
shifted her weight to her other hip and then narrowed her eyes at
him. The man started to panic now and looked around for help. He was
getting none.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What?
What! What... is this wench something to you? Is she under your
protection?” Demanded the rogue who's companion had disappeared
into the crowd. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Augustus
just shook his head, started to turn away from the rogue, and took
some steps toward the perimeter. He swung his sword so it laid
casually over his shoulders. He held the grip in one hand the blade
in the other. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
rogue was astounded. This young soldier was completely open to
attack! His back turned, holding his sword like a walking stick.....
and worse, the young soldier continued to laugh. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If it
wasn't for the band of men around him,” the rogue thought, “I
could surely take this young dandy and teach him some manners.” He
wondered how he could get the young fighter alone. The young fighter
was now shaking his head, his back still turned.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">No,”
Said Augustus casually, “She is not under my protection...”
Augustus turned toward the man and looked him directly in the eyes,
“I am under hers.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
rogue whipped his head back and stared in terror at Kai. It all
seemed to come together for him. It could not be - this must be some
terrible mistake. Could this really be the most deadly she-fighter in
The Lands? The one who commanded legions of fighters and destroyed
her enemies? The BearKiller herself?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He
looked closely at the wench now and could see beyond her dirty face
and unkempt appearance... he had heard the Princess was beautiful but
he would have never guessed she would dress as a servant. It didn't
make sense, his world spun under his feet. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You...
you can't mean..” He was stammering now and trying to back away but
could not get his feet under him. “You are... you are the
VengeanceBringer?” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">His last
words were barely a whisper. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When it
was over Col Ti walked Bitty back to her place at OFG's side. The
brutality of the thing left Bitty stunned. She sat quietly not
knowing what to think. The night's activity returned to the Great Hall, the Princess Kai had gone off with her men, and the serving ducks were cleaning up a terrible stain on the floor. No one would mourn that rogue. The story would be told... and no one would dare such a thing again. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Life
is hard, Bitty.” Said OFG, “It is harder if you are a fool. You
are not a fool but you must understand the Way of Things. If you
continue to sit at my table, to be at the Commander Zander's right
hand, then you must learn these thing. Hard things. All of your actions
must be to defend The Good Land. Always.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bitty
sat thinking of these things. She did not know if she ever wanted to
be among the rulers. She was just Bitty - and only just recently named at that.
She was no one. She never thought of being “at Zander's right
hand.” But … maybe that is exactly what she was now. Bitty sat
thinking of these things for a long time. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The dark
night gathered around the Great Hall. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Editor's note: You may find more<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/p/not-entirely-fiction.html"> Adventures in the Good Land here under the Not Entirely Fiction </a>page. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-tale-for-winter-part-one.html">Find out when Bitty first arrived</a> and<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/vengeancebringer.html"> all her adventures since then</a>. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></i>
</div>
Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-62261214398882418292016-08-10T07:33:00.001-04:002016-08-10T07:33:26.719-04:00Fall PlantingOne thing that has always befuddled me about this part of the country is that folks only really plant once during the growing season. Me? I'm doing fall planting. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2kSoWV8BX7NnwJYaZ7OTe8kkaIWBRAd_zWB5eudmiUxAuARGtnatneZ8mCPoSQhDaq4KmYzqJVjvL1PjuAnTh_12m_3OTmeuXC97rRR1bLLrCLNRH-Buomy38T3O6hdeSKG167Uk-oE/s1600/kale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2kSoWV8BX7NnwJYaZ7OTe8kkaIWBRAd_zWB5eudmiUxAuARGtnatneZ8mCPoSQhDaq4KmYzqJVjvL1PjuAnTh_12m_3OTmeuXC97rRR1bLLrCLNRH-Buomy38T3O6hdeSKG167Uk-oE/s320/kale.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and kale.... note my sophisticated chicken keeper-outter.... old fence FTW!</div>
<br />
I planted two kinds of beets, some beans, and kale in the upper garden. I need to find my turnips so I can get those going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rJE1w6n9mRkMlwT-IjcfIf-2JN0El-KdNP2x7FaHmZ0Nydg4sV_-M7M6fiJK6teJpPuc55GGSOf8cHakNB-95b9l10SrZSq40OxUr_Ha2JZTK6ytqe4Cid4qR3oxor7CF2Y9yvpZWJA/s1600/IMG_6674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rJE1w6n9mRkMlwT-IjcfIf-2JN0El-KdNP2x7FaHmZ0Nydg4sV_-M7M6fiJK6teJpPuc55GGSOf8cHakNB-95b9l10SrZSq40OxUr_Ha2JZTK6ytqe4Cid4qR3oxor7CF2Y9yvpZWJA/s320/IMG_6674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Might as well plant some beans. </div>
<br />
The turnips did really really well all last fall and into the winter. I was able to have roasted turnips into January... and they help improve my bad soil. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/11/planting-cover-crops.html">I'm also going to get some cover crops going now and not wait until November like last year. </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Msa7DVcGtsuSaoW9a8EORyt2PLdb-7QiN4Q6HbYvgNlOAWGt9kxd6w5fEuiAlCxShB2umml2pUHfspI0McwqGXApk5FMM7JMGVpRUhzrhcnVcgAm2nOalVvnIQg6-cJuP7AsSMXT9Q/s1600/IMG_6677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Msa7DVcGtsuSaoW9a8EORyt2PLdb-7QiN4Q6HbYvgNlOAWGt9kxd6w5fEuiAlCxShB2umml2pUHfspI0McwqGXApk5FMM7JMGVpRUhzrhcnVcgAm2nOalVvnIQg6-cJuP7AsSMXT9Q/s320/IMG_6677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy helped me by providing management and oversight. </div>
<br />
I might try and get some last minute potatoes into the ground just to see what happens. Cant hurt, right?<br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you fall planting?<br />
<br />
<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-14042744063600983692016-08-08T08:29:00.000-04:002016-08-08T08:29:11.588-04:00Grilling corn on the cob.... nekkid. I have a very fun friend who has extremely funny sayings. My favorite was when their dog was kind of naughty and they said that he "was having a large day." It's a good way to describe it. When Kai is being a toot we say she is having a "large day."<br />
<br />
So when my friend was asking me <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/07/i-love-summer-sweet-corn.html">about grilling corn they asked if I just put the corn directly on the grill.</a>.. just shucked and with nothing else... just nekkid. I thought it was a very very fun way to say it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIKeZCSlO4oHV3afs6Ue3bsJJ3Pa9XN9Eqe20_beik2V4A25vPo4Ycng1-Frb7mSIi3lULZEovYNuKFhjfTXM-a3rJ4MtJSlivkCcmw6bzf9TUXGOPhrVTOyww0QcCAnz5bBrTexkze4/s1600/grilled+corn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIKeZCSlO4oHV3afs6Ue3bsJJ3Pa9XN9Eqe20_beik2V4A25vPo4Ycng1-Frb7mSIi3lULZEovYNuKFhjfTXM-a3rJ4MtJSlivkCcmw6bzf9TUXGOPhrVTOyww0QcCAnz5bBrTexkze4/s320/grilled+corn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grilled corn. The perfect way to prepare it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So several days later I was in town talking to some gals that I only kind of know. We were all standing around watching folks flock to the back of a truck to buy sweet corn. The farmers were selling tons and tons of it and so we were talking about the 'best' way to fix it. There are a million different ways to prepare corn on the cob. <br />
<br />
I was thinking about the fun way my friend had described grilling corn and so I said, "Well all's you gotta do is grill that corn nekkid."<br />
<br />
Both gals whipped their heads around and looked at me in shock, mouths open. I realized the error of my ways.<br />
<br />
"No, no, no... I mean the corn is nekkid... not you."<br />
<br />
The teetering began.<br />
<br />
"What kind of farm are you running, OFG?" Asked one of the gals.<br />
<br />
"NO! I mean..."<br />
<br />
It was over. You know how sometimes a gaggle of gals will get to laughing and then go directly in scream-laughing? Yep. That was us. Almost to the point of tears. We were hanging off each other. Everyone was looking but we didn't even care.<br />
<br />
So to clarify... how to grill corn on the cob:<br />
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Just put it on the grill. As is. Nothing else. </div>
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1. Go and get the freshest corn you can. NOT from the grocery store. Stop at a roadside stand and buy it a dozen for $3.<br />
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2. Heat up the grill.<br />
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3. Shuck that corn.<br />
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4. Place the corn directly on the grill.<br />
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5. When it starts to get a little color on it, give the cobs a quarter turn. This takes about 3 minutes. Do this until it's nice and done. A little char doesn't hurt anything.<br />
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Done!<br />
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There is no further preparation. You don't need to soak the corn, or grill it in the husk, or whatever. Directly on the (clean) grill. That is it. How easy is that? <br />
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My favorite way to eat corn on the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/mexican-grilled-corn-recipe.html">cob is in the Mexcian street style. Prepare yourself. This might blow your mind.... </a><br />
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Take that freshly grilled corn and butter it. Then take mayo and give it a slather. Next give a little <a href="https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/northwoods-fire-seasoning/c-24/p-504/pd-s">shake of a spicy spice mix (like this one)</a>, shake a little Parmesan on it... and most important.... a squeeze of lime.<br />
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Did you totally gag? Don't. This is life changing. You will not be able to believe this taste sensation.<br />
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If that is honestly too weird you can always use <a href="http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/48/Corn-Fritters">leftover corn to make fritters</a>. </div>
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I know that it sounds weird. Mayo? On corn? Yep. It's a thing. You may never go back to butter and salt and pepper.<br />
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I can feel you not believing me. I was once in your shoes and then I saw the light. Just give it a go. What do you have to lose?<br />
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Happy Monday everyone! Are you grilling corn... nekkid?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-17817964183795163482016-08-03T14:34:00.002-04:002016-08-03T14:34:32.657-04:00Holy tomatoes!I love summer. I love every thing about summer. Today it's hot and I don't even care because it's summer and I love it. (Plus the humidity is lower so it's not so bad) One thing I love about summer? Tomatoes.<br />
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How cool is this? Butterfly on a zinnia! What could be more summer like?</div>
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Remember when <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/08/funny-things-in-garden.html">I was so excited about the tomato that was just about ripe</a>? I ran right out there expecting to pick it the other day and found this!<br />
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LOOK!</div>
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Look at it! You know who did it, right? Chickens that's who. I can tell you truly that someone is on their way to glory in a pot of noodles very very soon.<br />
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I was mad. Real mad. So mad that I was telling anyone who would listen about my tomato-lovin' chickens. Someone finally listened and they took pity on me. So they gave me this.....<br />
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LOOK AT IT!</div>
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How hilarious is a big ridiculous tomato of doom? I think it might be the heirloom Gold Medal. I didn't pay attention when they told me what variety it was because I was so filled with tomato glee. They also gave me some perfect ones and a bucket of beautiful cherry tomatoes. I'm set now until my maters are ripe. <br />
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So I've been having a tomato-rrific day... despite those chickens and their tomato killing ways.<br />
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Happy Wednesday everyone! Do you have a big ridiculous tomato?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-65683025820179815782016-08-01T06:56:00.000-04:002016-08-01T06:56:45.744-04:00Funny things in the garden....I found a few funny things in the garden.....<br />
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First, I have heaps of tomatoes... all green.....</div>
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Except this one that is just about ripe!</div>
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Pears! The only ones...</div>
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Then I was completely surprised to find two pears! I didn't think we were going to have any fruit this year. That extremely late frost really killed off everything...<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-entirety-of-my-peach-harvest.html"> except that one peach... that the bugs got</a>.<br />
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These two pears are from a recently planted pear and not our established tree which usually has tons of fruit. Except this year. It has exactly none right now.<br />
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Then I found THIS! Um.......<br />
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I wonder where this came from?</div>
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So that's a goose egg (shoe for scale). I have no idea how or when it got there. But I'm glad I didn't step on it! Pretty sure it's been there a while. The question was... what do I do with it?<br />
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Picking up a rotten egg can be dicey. It might explode... or ooze... ew! So I got a container and a shovel and carefully moved it. I dug a hole and then gently put it in... and then planted a tomato over it. I had one mater left in a dried out pot.. but might as well try, right?<br />
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Then there are these characters.....<br />
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OD! Get out of my picture!</div>
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The Gang of Nine are all a bunch of gangsters. However, they are doing a great job of weeding around my established plants. Their little feet are the right size to stir up the soil and not rip up the roots. However, they have eaten just about all of my lettuce.<br />
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The momma leads this Gang all over. They are doing great! </div>
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We have a cool morning so I'm heading out!</div>
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Happy Monday everyone! Did you find anything funny in the garden?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-62279952696985133142016-07-28T11:13:00.002-04:002016-08-01T15:41:26.002-04:00We got a Big Barker!!!I<a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">'m so excited! We got a Big Barker!</a>!! And I'm <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOqCN2KXm2o">not talking about Bubby's big boy bar</a>k..... We finally got off our wallets and <a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">got the super fancy, super luxurious, very expensive orthopedic dog bed from Big Barker. </a><br />
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It's here!</div>
<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/those-eyes.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/those-eyes.html">My Most Excellent Good Dog</a> has been showing his age lately and we decided he needed a really, really good dog bed. Normally we just buy whatever is big enough at Costco and call it good. But we wanted something better for Titan. I asked around and <a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">my big dog friends recommended the Big Barker.</a> So I went and checked out.<br />
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When I first saw the price I sucked in a sharp breath and thought... nope. There is no way. But then I did a little digging and I was sold. The Big Barker beds are made for big dogs...not just any dog. Big ones. Big, heavy, hard working dogs like my crew. They even make one especially for Great Danes. Sorry, little dog people, these bed are not for you.<br />
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If you have big dogs then you know they are really just cats in wolf suits. My Dog Horde can easily sleep 18 hours a day... or more. So when they aren't out on patrols, warding off the terrors that stalk the nite, <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/11/so-i-was-attacked-by-rabbit-this-morning.html">or helping me with the farm.</a>... the dogs are sleeping. And they are getting older so we need to have good beds for them. <a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">The Big Barker beds were just the ticket for lots of reasons.</a><br />
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First, I love that this is made by a real company and real people and not just some big box store. They actually seem to care about their customers. I was wow'd by how much information they provided in the box. They also have a rare five star rating on Amazon! I honestly don't know another product that gets this good of reviews from its customers. <br />
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But what I really liked is that there is a 10 year warranty on their beds.... and it's American made. Crappy third world foam? Nope. These beds are made right here in the USA. It might not seem like a lot but I know folks who could use a good job. So even tho I don't know these people personally... I like how they run their business and that they care about more things than just their bottom line.<br />
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And finally... you just know that <a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">I loved that I could order this from Amazon</a>! Free two day shipping with my Prime, baby, YEAH! <a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">So I ordered this one</a>. I didn't entirely think that my crew needed, or would use, the roundy pillow end of the fancy model. So I got the sleek edition in khaki as it would show the least amount to dog hair.<br />
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There was a lot of excitement. The other box is a different order... my new shoes!</div>
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Two days later, right on time, the UPS guy showed up. Me and the dogs were out there to greet him with <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/10/pig-butcher-day-prep-part-two-tools.html">the Bacon Wagon of Doom</a> because I wasn't sure how big the box would be. Turns out they already solved that problem. The beds come vacuum sealed and shrunk down for easy handling! But I was still glad to have my trolley because it was still a little hard to wrangle. I yelled to the delivery guy to just drop the boxes where he was and back away from the fence slowly. He did. When he was safely out of the drive I went and got the boxes.<br />
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There was a lot of excitement. And smiles.</div>
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We all rushed inside and opened the box. As I mentioned, there was a lot of information included in the box. I also had received an email from the company so I knew what to expect. Much to the barking delights my of Dog Horde...and a lot of over interested cats.... we ripped open the plastic and the bed sprung to life! Well, it slowly opened but Kai gave it suspicious looks and some woofs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uoFtqJmDjh4JLLm_sJsZL8RRIRcUeZtP2Q8ELqhYMz2PUIOMPXu9m1vB_g05rGNeRXiHVlnBSIdfJY0Ps0ICJDgg0r3X_45PEmDy9gTXHm09VHbf1cGWyeUgF5uuXt47POY7gIrHU44/s1600/pepper+in+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uoFtqJmDjh4JLLm_sJsZL8RRIRcUeZtP2Q8ELqhYMz2PUIOMPXu9m1vB_g05rGNeRXiHVlnBSIdfJY0Ps0ICJDgg0r3X_45PEmDy9gTXHm09VHbf1cGWyeUgF5uuXt47POY7gIrHU44/s320/pepper+in+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once the box...I mean.. the cat trap... was deployed we immediately caught Pepper. </div>
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Our Pepper is a normal sized cat. You can see that the box wasn't too big and it held the entire bed! The cover, also in the box, is super easy to put on the bed.<br />
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That smile says it all!</div>
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They recommend that you wait 24 hours to let the bed fully fluff up. So I did but not before Ti jumped right on his new bed. He was thrilled.<br />
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The past week or so has been about everyone getting used to The New Thing. Mostly they have been excited that I have been laying on the bed so that automatically makes it The Best Spot. Everyone wants the best spot but in our dog pack Ti usually claims the best spot. We have been laying on it together.<br />
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I have to tell you... that bed is super comfortable. I'm not a person who lays on the floor...but I really like snuggling with my big dogs on the Big Barker. It's like a real person bed. Only better because it's easy to move around and you can take the cover off and throw it in the washer.....say if one of your cats immediately pukes all over the most expensive purchase you've made in months.<br />
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This is over 240lbs of dog. They fit just fine and this isn't even the biggest bed the company makes!</div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2ajsMbV">We got the Extra Large bed which </a>comfortably fits two 100+ pound German Shepherds, <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/10/happy-gotcha-day-big-bub.html">or just Zander,....or me and Zander </a>snuggling together without a lot of wiggle room. Technically if I curled up a little I'd fit on it just fine to sleep on it all nite. Don't ask me how I know this....<br />
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For his part, Ti is spending more and more time on it. There is a full time musical bed game of who lays on it. Kai is the only one who doesn't want anything to do with it. She doesn't like new things. <br />
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Lucky can't get all the way up on it because it's so tall.. but he makes this face when he lays on it....</div>
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Peaceful cats sleeping with sad dog nearby....</div>
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... I should say 'when he gets the chance.' Because you just know who lays on it the most, right?<br />
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Nicholas!!! </div>
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That shadow is the ears of a dog not laying on the bed due to cats.</div>
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It took a while for us to noodle around to convince ourselves to actually pay all that money... but we are really glad we did. We'll be saving up our change so we can get more of these beds. I want to give a special 'thank you' to Logan's mom and also Frank's mom for their recommendation. We are THRILLED with our Big Barker and can't wait to order more!<br />
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Happy Thursday everyone! Do you have a big barker? Do you need one of these beds!?!<br />
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<i><i><b>Editors note:</b> Your attention please! This is a sales post with affiliate links!</i></i><i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=advinthegoola-20&linkCode=wsw&">Do you need anything Amazon?
You can support
this blog by just clicking one of these links. Or using the black Amazon
search box on </a>the right side of this page. I'm supposed to tell you that if you order anything using these links than I get a tiny percentage
of the sale and doesn't cost you once cent more. If you like this blog, or if I've helped you at
all in your farming efforts, just <a href="http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=advinthegoola-20&linkCode=wsw&">make a purchase from Amazon</a> from one
of the links, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/advinthegoola-20">my store,</a>
or the black Amazon search box on the right side
of this page. You can order anything you want and need to purchase
anyway. I never know who orders what. THANK YOU for your purchases! </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i><i><b>Editors note2:</b> I know I never do this...but if you were the person that bought something very very expensive not too long ago from my page... I want to thank you so much. Really. Have no idea who you are as I do not see any order detail.... but a thousand thanks for thinking of buying it thru my affiliate link. *gives hugs* </i></i><br />
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<i><i><br /></i></i>Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-32758772694737143132016-07-27T13:51:00.000-04:002016-07-27T13:51:41.071-04:00Killing Cousin It... with fire. When we first moved here we quickly learned that the previous owners had intentionally planted every single noxious, invasive plant known to man. I'm sure they thought they were just installing easy to grow plants. Nope. They were growing my own personal hell. And I'm allergic to all of it. Wormwood, wild ginger.. it's all horrible and everywhere. <br />
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My arch nemesis.</div>
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Sure they didn't intentionally grow the poison ivy and sumac that is everywhere... but they sure didn't do anything to stop it. Don't even get me started on the honeysuckle. Or the Virginia Creeper.<br />
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But the wisteria.... they did that on purpose.<br />
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We call it Cousin It because it's shaggy, misshapen and completely out of control. We were pretty sure it was about to pull the trellis over at one point. So something had to change. Cousin It had to go.<br />
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But to answer your question, the the goats wouldn't eat the damn thing...and I'm not particularly sure it would be good for them anyway. So that was not an option. <br />
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At first I just started trying to keep it trimmed. Later I started hacking away at it to cut it back to a reasonable size. Then it started fighting back. It got everywhere.<br />
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It's like the Terminator. It just keeps coming....</div>
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The vines sprouted up 30 feet away. Then they came up on the other side of the garage. That was the point where I was just about done. This winter I went out there and used the sawsall to cut the major
branches and the base trunk hoping the freezing temperatures would help kill it. Then I started cutting back all the new
sprouts. Mowing it down? You betcha. I had some success but it just kept coming. Then <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2011/05/best-farm-tool-ever-and.html">I decided to fight it mano y mano.... with fire. Me and Drogon went out there to do battle</a>.<br />
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I'm not saying that it was wildly successful. But I am saying that I've finally put a dent in it.<br />
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The hard part is that the birds build nests in the upper branches. So I had to be careful not to have any roast chickens or whatnot. I concentrated all my fire power on the base of it. I think we may have success if I keep up with this this summer.<br />
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Operation Carthage is next. </div>
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It has to die at some point, right? Because my next step is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salting_the_earth">Operation Carthage </a>and I will salt the ground around it until there is nothing but a barren wasteland......<br />
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Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you fighting the good fight?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-6848644891462455252016-07-24T09:00:00.000-04:002016-07-24T09:00:00.771-04:00Our beloved Bobbi BarnCat...This is her smiling. Our beloved Bobbi BarnCat... the grumpiest of them all....<br />
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Doesn't her smile warm your heart?</div>
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We have loved her for her entire life and this is how she looks at me. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/03/resting-bob-face.html">Resting Bob face we call it</a>. Bobbi and Shine are our barncats and while <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/vengeancebringer.html">Shine, King of Barncats, is the most loving, interactive, hard working, rat killing, bunny destroying barncat of them all</a>.... we honestly don't know what Bobbi does all day. No clue.<br />
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I'd love to put a cat-cam on her to find out but we can't even handle her. If she needs vet care we have to trap her - which results in a lot of crying and not only by Bobbi.<br />
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Our Shine, the light our of farm.</div>
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The other day she and Shine walked very deliberately up into the Upper Garden and convened a very important meeting. When I went up there to find out what they were doing.....they both sauntered away, dubious of my reasons to be there. Bobbi gave me the above loving look. And I was grateful that I even got that much from her.<br />
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Peep, giving serious attitude for ten years. </div>
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I should point out that Bobbi and Shine are from <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-life-of-peep_28.html">the same litter as our Peeper</a>. Peep knows how to throw massive shade... a<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-life-with-peep.html">nd who's tortitude is legendary</a>. Mrs. FluffyPants, their mother, came back for Bobbi and Shine... but Peep was abandoned for sure. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-life-of-peep_28.html">That is how we got our Peep. We saved her from certain death</a>. Weeks later Shine and Bob came back as healthy, spunky kittens and became barncats.<br />
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Shine loves agribon. </div>
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The first time I saw Shine he hissed at me but<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/02/more-on-shine.html"> then he warmed up to us and became our best buddy.</a> Bobbi, tho, has no hoots for us at all. Of course she will come when my husband calls her <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/03/resting-bob-face.html">but mostly she gives me mean looks</a>.<br />
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Happy Sunday everyone! Do you have barncats? Are they worth their weight in gold? Do they give you mean looks?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-73680910608984839772016-07-21T06:57:00.000-04:002016-07-21T06:57:37.568-04:00The entirety of my peach harvest.Here it is. The entirety of my peach harvest this year......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOg7guUgAOCCH8OFKotKW9Z6zvZgmEiEPbnKHUxZUmUr1LA8I4dnE9JmEWW_1yWSduuIxoiawblnSm5K4ZnGJsFPWrKacbU9Tmt-NPwx_VXSpf42UrBzNGeBYVPc8_SbZF1rYjOGINIU/s1600/peach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOg7guUgAOCCH8OFKotKW9Z6zvZgmEiEPbnKHUxZUmUr1LA8I4dnE9JmEWW_1yWSduuIxoiawblnSm5K4ZnGJsFPWrKacbU9Tmt-NPwx_VXSpf42UrBzNGeBYVPc8_SbZF1rYjOGINIU/s320/peach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One. </div>
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Yep. Just one lone peach. One. And the bugs got it. I had one more peach on that tree...but it fell off. So I lost half of my peach haul this year. <br />
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Remember back in the day when t<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/07/soon.html">hat poor little tree was breaking under the weight of a peach bonanza</a>?<br />
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So what happened? Bad weather. We had that very very late frost which pretty much killed off the blossoms. Around here the only folks with peaches are the ones who lucked out... or who irrigated their orchards to hold off the frost.<br />
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It's pretty frustrating when things don't work out. But onward and upward!<br />
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The heat will start coming on today so I'm running out early to get some work done.<br />
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Happy Thursday everyone! Did you get one lone peach? A whole basket? Did you make peach pie?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-81053268785056041902016-07-20T06:44:00.001-04:002016-07-20T06:44:57.447-04:00I swear I'm not doing it on purpose....I dunno, man, it just kind of happened..... it just....broke.<br />
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It's like some kind of curse.</div>
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In the meantime, we are prepping for some very hot weather - the warmest of the season. Thankfully we got a really good rain the other day - a real soaker. So I don't have to worry about the garden bursting into flames. I'll probably run the sprinklers for a while tho - just in case. And I'll be keeping an eye on the barnyard to make sure everyone lives thru this hot spell.<br />
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<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2011/07/extreme-hot-weather-livestock-care.html">How do you keep your barnyard from flopping over dead in the heat? Here are a few tips to help you out. Basically give them shade, water, and every opportunity to make it thru these hottest day</a>s. Make sure everyone stays calm and try to keep everyone from running around.<br />
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<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2011/06/over-heated-meats.html">All of our heat related losses have been from overheated meats. This is why we prefer to grow out meat chickens</a> in the late fall/winter. For us it's just easier to keep them warm then to try and cool them off. We also prefer cool or<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/i-dont-practice-santeria.html"> cold weather butchering than trying to do it in summer</a>.<br />
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I love summer so much. </div>
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Guess I won't be doing any tilling until my husband can fix they pull-starter-cord-thingy. But I have tons of other work to do...and I need to get out there early. I'll also be eagerly awaiting the delivery guy...more on that later.<br />
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Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you keeping cool? Are you waiting for the delivery guy? Don't you just love summer?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-42752567181826965562016-07-14T13:35:00.001-04:002016-07-14T13:35:42.491-04:00Now THIS is a ham slab!This isn't even a ham steak... it's a ham SLAB!<br />
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Yes. It's that big. Bigger than a plate. Isn't it beautiful. It tastes like victory.</div>
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Why aren't I talking about pigz this summer? Not getting them. None. Nope. Nada. Totally pig free. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/10/life-without-pigs.html">How do I feel about not having pigz? Fantastic. </a><br />
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Don't I even feel a little bad? Nope.<br />
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<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/12/pigz-on-lam.html">After this misadventure I don't need to see those porkers for a good long time. </a>As long as the freezers hold out we are living high on the hog and enjoying the fruits of our labor.<br />
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So far it has been a terrific pig-free summer. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/p/what-i-know-about-pigs.html">If you want to try your hand at pigz, tho, please check out these fine posts and I'll tell you all about it. </a><br />
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Happy Thursday, everyone, who wants a slab of ham?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-32454098493271622852016-07-13T07:34:00.001-04:002016-07-13T07:34:31.717-04:00I love summer.... peppers!I love summer. I love summer food. This week we got our first peppers The best way to fix them.... grill them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtRZn9ZxzPm4keBF1KhFrTpHp6ANzfOsN7_u6e5yQPAj7oXsUM22g7r0AbSlxjRWt5cqbXfaXC4gS1K0urI1JrcZXsCiCpQXj37moUdbX8JSiANzR5LnGqlDee6BcJj8upeiSeNfxJAo/s1600/peppers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtRZn9ZxzPm4keBF1KhFrTpHp6ANzfOsN7_u6e5yQPAj7oXsUM22g7r0AbSlxjRWt5cqbXfaXC4gS1K0urI1JrcZXsCiCpQXj37moUdbX8JSiANzR5LnGqlDee6BcJj8upeiSeNfxJAo/s320/peppers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I picked these peppers.<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-giant-bubby-pepper-poke-disaster.html"> I did not poke my Bubby in the eye this time</a>...</div>
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Spice them up!</div>
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I spiced them up. For lots of reasons our favorite spice mixe right now is Penzey's Arizona Dreaming. It is just terrific. I love Penzey's so much. They have the freshest and most flavorful spices. Friends, stop what you are doing right now and clean out your spice cabinet.You should only have fresh spices. There is no prize for having spices older than the dog. Fresh spices. Get them every season and you will not regret it.<br />
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Then grilled them up. The little bit of char makes them good.</div>
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And made tacos....</div>
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I absolutely love summer food. Now if the tomatoes can just start coming on I can make the salsa to go with this. <br />
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Today will be another summer scorcher so I'm heading back out. The dogs have been getting me up about 5am so I'm focusing most of my work in the early part of the day. I'm actually hoping for some storms this afternoon - we could use the rain.<br />
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Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you grilling your peppers?<br />
<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-83148542437080624642016-07-11T11:38:00.000-04:002016-07-11T11:38:24.179-04:00The Great Shed is upon us....Zander and Kai <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-young-lion.html">are both blowing their coats at the same time.</a>.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwYjzgTw-TgPZxBWv-AaSwhFfdq1MUVCee8PvvZRrP5Ey525RhkcNmvykZHhDcX5D3jz86tWJgVt3Q5DWK_VEsi4A91Wb6Ue5dwvYHV0_m8mYvd8vb5m0SB8yP-MuYPIfxWqThV32Gug/s1600/bub+chunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwYjzgTw-TgPZxBWv-AaSwhFfdq1MUVCee8PvvZRrP5Ey525RhkcNmvykZHhDcX5D3jz86tWJgVt3Q5DWK_VEsi4A91Wb6Ue5dwvYHV0_m8mYvd8vb5m0SB8yP-MuYPIfxWqThV32Gug/s320/bub+chunks.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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....it's a LOT of dog hair. </div>
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Sooooo.... sooo much dog hair. I could probably make a new dog with this.</div>
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It comes out in big Bub chunks. </div>
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Kai does a funny wiggle when I'm brushing her out. The rake makes a lot of noise but it doesn't hurt her. Ti is the one panting and he's just mad that Kai is getting all of the attention.<br />
#dogpolitics<br />
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Pretty much the entire world is covered in dog hair right now.<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-young-lion.html"> I use one of these to get their coats brushed out</a>. I think they look funny with out their under coats. I've been giving Kai funny brush outs... it's kind of like having a topiary.<br />
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Of course I'm gathering up all the fur to take out along the property line. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/vengeancebringer.html">We need to defeat the evil Bunny Empire. </a><br />
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Happy Monday everyone! Are your dogs feeling the heat? Are they losing their fur in big hunks?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-85311425235019794182016-07-10T06:49:00.001-04:002016-07-10T06:49:45.974-04:00I love summer...... sweet corn!This is it... summer is officially in full swing. Yesterday I got some of the first summer sweet corn.<br />
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The best way to make corn on the cob? Grill it. </div>
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Earlier in the week someone gave me some fresh, ripe, sweet peaches. Peaches and sweet corn? It is definitely summer now. I love summer so much. The last couple days I've gotten up early in the 5am hour, worked outside, and have had a big grill up for dinner. There is nothing better.<br />
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It's been a hard week for our country. So I think it's important to remember there are a lot of good people in the world. During the recent tough days I had no fewer than three different people (strangers) call me "honey" or "dear" during normal conversations, a random person shared their blackberries with me, and while I was in the grocery parking lot a man cut me off as he was leaving. We happened to be at the same traffic light and he got out of his van, walked back to my car... and apologized.<br />
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There are a lot of good people out there. We should not be overwhelmed by the evil that some do. If you are feeling helpless in the face of these hard days then be the change you want to see. Reach out to someone who needs it. Go out of your way to help someone else - even if it is something small, like taking their grocery cart back for them. Don't wait for others to make things better - you make things better in your own world.<br />
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We are all in this together. Now get out there and enjoy summer!<br />
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What's on your grill?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-24482456403705783662016-07-05T10:04:00.002-04:002016-07-05T10:05:42.076-04:00FarmstandGot some bargains at the local farmstand.... <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/i-revenge-bought-lot-of-zucchini-in.html">much better than that whole zucchini episode.. </a><br />
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You can't beat beets!</div>
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I've been eating roasted beets in everything. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/08/pickle-day.html">And I get to make pickles today</a>..... anyone else so happy to see folks selling extra produce at the farmstand at the end of their driveway?<br />
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Happy Tuesday everyone!<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-53543417033197338202016-07-03T09:03:00.000-04:002016-07-03T09:03:00.828-04:00Me and the mower.......This happened..... apparently the mower and I have a failure to communicate. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-might-have-dinged-up-mower.html">Don't worry, I got the big hammer and fixed it. </a>Again.<br />
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So, you wanna, dance, mower? Fine. Let's do this thing...</div>
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Yesterday hubs and I spent two straight hours mowing. Both of us, at the same time, with dueling push mowers. While the yard looks better....and the big hill down to the pond low looks like a charming, park-like setting... I hate the mower. I hate mowing. Having grass is stupid.<br />
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One of my goals in life is to never spend another valuable moment of my life mowing again... or maybe have only enough grass that it only takes about 15 minutes with a push mower to mow.<br />
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I went on a <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2012/05/kill-bull.html">significant rant about the folks around here and their unnatural devotion to mowing here</a>.<br />
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It's just stunning to me. There are hungry people in our community but the nearest biggish town doesn't even have a community pea patch or garden. On the way into town you can see yards that are several acres.... all in perfectly mowed grass. I would think that people would have something more important do do with their time. <br />
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Are there fruit trees? Regular trees? Interesting shrubbery? Nope. Can't mow under a tree so all the houses around here look like they were randomly dropped on a putting green. I just think it's weird. With every single step all I can think about is how I'll never get that time back..... so me and the mower continue our fight. <br />
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And before anyone says it, I will save you the trouble. NO! The goats do not get out there and evenly trim the grass down to an acceptable level. At this point Debbie and Nibs are on a Performance Improvement Plan as neither of them are even grazing the bramble. So everyone who is a ruminant is in trouble.<br />
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Me on the other hand..... me and the mower will continue to fight about it.<br />
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Happy Sunday, everyone! Are you wasting your time and money mowing? Do you hate it also?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-8345796683763026652016-07-01T12:31:00.000-04:002016-07-01T12:31:35.499-04:00Updating salad bowls.... and projects around here. Remember <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/04/how-to-make-salad-bowl-planters.html">these salad bowls?</a><br />
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They are going full steam ahead.... but are just about over picked. </div>
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I know someone who grows a lot of lettuce and she said you can typically get about 3 clippings before the plants just get over leggy and need to be replaced.<br />
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Mostly stems and not leaves.</div>
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I was trying to keep them going for longer than that but it seems like these are at their ends. Also this green and red leaf lettuce is starting to look a little heat stroked. So it's time to change them out.<br />
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Sprouts!</div>
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Good thing I have another tray of seeds started...of romaine which is probably a little more robust. I'm hoping it will hold up to the heat.<br />
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Why didn't I just start the lettuce seeds in the planters?<br />
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Because the existing leaves would block out their progress. So starting a tray is just easier and more effective. So that is what I was working on... but then it rained and we all had to run into the house.<br />
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What else is going on? Lots. I moved the fenceline for the small yard by the Turkey House. Pretty much just the geese are on this side now and I have a "secret" project going on with the Turkey House. It's almost done.<br />
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I see dog butts..... all day. Hey you guys, grab those buckets for me!</div>
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But in the meantime we didn't need that fence so the "new" area is much larger. Kai and Zander spent about an hour going around and sniffing and peeing on everything. This is not a new area for them - just the fence was moved. It was big fun.<br />
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One of the things that we did not do well with this property is have a yard where we could just let the dogs out to do their business. Right now they just walk directly out into the main area of the yard and can go off in all directions. This was not a problem when we just had Good Dogs #1 and #2... but Kai and Zander are a little more adventurous so they need to be escorted... or in a secured yard.<br />
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We never created that secured yard. Mostly it's because of the weird layout of this place. There was no easy way to pull our vehicles into the drive, get out, and walk directly into the house if there was a dog yard enclosing the house. There is not another door to let the dogs out into a place where they are secured.... so it was always just annoying.<br />
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I'm working on fixing this. I also learned what a joy it is to have all the dogs underfoot... no, really, I like it. All of us out there together. But I couldn't do this before because the chickens would wander into may work area.. or Kai and Zander would wander off. And since they live up to their reputation as Silent Hunters... I would turn around and they would be gone...and I would hear chickens screaming. <br />
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So fencing a new dog yard that does not make it annoying to walk into the house has been a priority.<br />
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We are also working on a project in our downstairs. Unfortunately we do not have a cool, old farmhouse.... we have a 1980's split level. It's very annoying and as heaven as our witness we will never, ever have another house where you need to walk up a flight of stairs to get inside. There is no "ground level" main floor. <br />
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I think technically the downstairs is a "daylight" basement with a door that goes directly outside. But it is so ineffectively placed that we do not use this door. So it's up the stairs to get out ... or down the stairs to get downstairs.<br />
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Our Shine, King of Barncats, did not ruin the carpet...but he would given the chance.</div>
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The best thing about this house when we got it was the downstairs. It had a nice, dark green rug in a big open room with the wood stove. However, because we live largely like unsupervised teenagers with a pack of cats *points to The Insane Cat Posse* we have entirely ruined the carpet. What we did not ruin was extra-ruined by the last be rain that we had.<br />
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We lost power for a couple hours and so the sump pump stopped working and we got some water in the basement. If you are reading this, and I know that you are, I should have listened to you when you said you got the battery back up sump pump for your house and that we should get one too. We did not. And now the carpet needs to go.<br />
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We have, however, decided once and for all that we are not carpet people. We both hate it. Mostly it is just a big trap for all the dirt and mud I drag in, all the dog hair, and probably a lot of cat barf. I would like to just burn it all. And I might.<br />
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My Most Excellent Good Dog just wants me to throw the ball. But we are limiting his running.</div>
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We would move to all hardwoods (the bamboo hardwood from Lowes.. it's magnificent) except that Dog#1 and Dog#2 are both getting a little older and are having trouble on the slippery floors. So that is not an option for us.<br />
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But ripping out the downstairs carpet is.... and so that is what we are working on.<br />
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Not much of a farming update but that is what I'm working on. Not too long ago we looked around and said, 'you know, we need to get our act together.' We've both been working so hard and focused so much on our farm stuff that we let our home stuff go right out the window. We need to get back on track.<br />
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Sometimes I'm not sure what to talk about here. I consider my non-farm life pretty much nobody's beezwax... but I also was reminded that I started this blog as a way to record our life events. So right now it's not very farm-y but it's what is going on. Hope that is OK.<br />
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And now... I'm going to run outside and change out some old lettuce for some new starts..and then think about what to do with a huge pile of bad carpet.<br />
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Happy Friday everyone!<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-31657182673075272622016-06-27T09:27:00.000-04:002016-06-27T09:27:17.620-04:00Finally! The sound of silence.... they are gone. Finally! That sound you hear is not <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-bugs-they-are-loud-really-really.html">The Loud Bugs</a>... I can finally say they are gone. Dead. Quiet. At last. I am not interested in hearing them again in 2033.<br />
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Summer is finally back on track.</div>
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About mid last week we finally had a <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-bugs-they-are-loud-really-really.html">decrease in the volume of the cicadas</a>... then one last burst of loud buzzing... and then magically they were gone. Now we are finding the dead ones everywhere. But finally I can work outside without the constant noise.<br />
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Was it really that annoying? Yes. It was hard to be outside all day because it was so stinkin' loud. Normally nature doesn't bother me but this was totally off the charts. Some of my non-believing friends had a reason to drive to where The Loud Bugs were... and then they became believers.<br />
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We have a little damage in our trees. One of the old timers around her said that the dead new growth on trees was from the cicadas.. there is nothing to do about it. I remember what my orchard friend said about how the real damage is from the larva that are burrowing down and eating the tree roots.<br />
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But I am glad they are gone. Thanks to some very heavy rains most of the bug bodies have been washed away. I've even been able to let the dogs roam around in the woods... as there are no bugs to eat and so no tummies to be upset. <br />
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The only downside of the bugs being gone? The chickens are banging on the door demanding to be fed. It was nice to save all that money on feed and just letting the hennies free range this whole time. We have a lot of fat and happy hens.<br />
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So now I can get back to working outside longer during the day instead of coming in the house and watching really loud movies to drown out the sound of the bugs.<br />
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We are going to have a tiling project in the house very soon. It's apparent that we are not carpet people. We just have too many feet for regular carpeting... and we are about to start ripping it all out. In truth, the carpet needed to be replaced when we moved in. But we knew we *points to cats and dogs* would just ruin it... we are to the point where it is really ruined now. I'll be researching this project and will be getting it underway.<br />
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In the meantime, the garage mamma and her nine chicks are doing great, the goats still refuse to get up off their duffs and free range, the garden needs some attention, and no one misses the two ganders that I took to the auction. I am also covered in poison ivy from trying to get it removed from near the house.<br />
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All in all I think we are finally getting back on track. Finally!<br />
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Happy Monday, everyone! Are you back on track? Are you getting your projects back on track?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-67400650411699011542016-06-21T07:47:00.000-04:002016-06-21T07:48:53.806-04:00I revenge-bought a lot of zucchini in response to being hornswoggled by an unscrupulous produce purveyor You know,<a href="http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm498841.htm"> I get that locally produced produce is better quality than store food and I'm OK with paying a bit more - especially given the recent food safety recalls</a>... but think it is also true that there is such a thing as taking it too far. I found out the hard way about artisanal pricing recently.<br />
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I was at a local farmer's market recently I figured I'd get me one of those beautiful looking early season zucchinis a vendor had on their table. I marched over with a dollar in my hands thinking that maybe the price for the smallish zucch would be maybe $0.75.... or maybe even $1... but that would be pushing it. I can get zucchinis from my Amish neighbor for $0.25 during the season. Heaven knows I am the only person in the mid-west who can't grow their own damn zucchinis. <br />
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"How much on the zucchini"" I asked already holding out my dollar.<br />
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"$1.50" She replied.<br />
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I stood there stupefied. One DOLLAR and fifty cents? For one small zucchini? I was so stunned I actually paid it and then skulked away.... ashamed at being hornswoggled. Usually I'm a pretty good negotiator but this caught me so off guard I couldn't even defend myself from such piracy.<br />
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I took it home and cooked it up for dinner. I have to admit that having the first real, fresh veg of the season was pretty good. But I was still mad. So I took action.<br />
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Later that week I went on down to local produce auction. I shoved other people out of the way so I could be in the front row. I stood defiantly near a peck box of zucchs. When the bidding started no one would match my aggressive buying.<br />
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"Sold!" Called the auctioneer. "What's your number honey?"<br />
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"298!" I said, "I'll take two boxes!" And then I marched off, victoriously, to the office to pay for my purchases.<br />
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This is what I got for $6. Six whole dollars - why it's more zucchini than any one person could eat...<br />
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Two glorious peck baskets of farm fresh zucchini. $6 total. Not each, total.</div>
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Based on the artisanal pricing at the market my $6 would have only gotten me four of these little beauties. Four.<br />
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Four. Ha!</div>
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Who is laughing now, Zucchini Pirate Lady? Who? ME! That's who.<br />
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So now we've been having zucchini, in many different iterations, every night for dinner. And lunch. And even breakfast also. All my friends are getting zucchinis just because... it's a thoughtful gift. Pretty sure we are set on zucchinis now for a while.<br />
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From now on I'm going to stick with farmstands and the produce auction. <br />
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Happy Tuesday, everyone! Did you ever revenge buy a bunch of zucchinis to get back at an unscrupulous produce purveyor?<br />
<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-20793389480575340632016-06-17T07:22:00.001-04:002016-06-17T07:22:07.327-04:00Nine chicks, lemon cake, and a Bubby-bee....It's been an adventurous last several days....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFmITq04IOa4MJI56H3b3ooPGOO7h9ZAEaIfq0KAhzVV2Q8Vf0tZCnK1ll6Gpzt68W3FODj0JlZ9YovPdaYCmNSYDtzESOWMm1DD5MozM4N0LJsbd97J0C1jLFU5PPYbCG6fRTYnkboA/s1600/peeps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFmITq04IOa4MJI56H3b3ooPGOO7h9ZAEaIfq0KAhzVV2Q8Vf0tZCnK1ll6Gpzt68W3FODj0JlZ9YovPdaYCmNSYDtzESOWMm1DD5MozM4N0LJsbd97J0C1jLFU5PPYbCG6fRTYnkboA/s320/peeps.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just a few of the new peeps. They are a hoot!</div>
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We ended up with a bunch chicks under the garage hen... they are doing great and the momma may, in fact, be part piranha. I was able to snap a few pix before she fluffed up and charged me.<br />
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Since <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/so-much-for-reducing-our-poultry-numbers.html">we are supposed to be reducing our poultry numbers </a>we were surprised to find there were... nine. Ooops. This news was not met with wild enthusiasm.<br />
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So, of course, <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/06/boss-lemon-cake.html">we made lemon cake because that fixes everything</a>. I'm sure I'll be making a trip up to the livestock auction.<br />
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The cake was really good. However, I frosted it a bit too soon and the cake was still too warm. So we had a cake-valanche and the top slid off. We had a good laugh, I put it all back together, and secured it with toothpicks. It's now in the fridge. Even tho you aren't supposed to refrigerate cakes... I gotta tell you, <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2014/06/boss-lemon-cake.html">a cold lemon cake is extremely refreshing. </a><br />
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And then we had some of this. Really, little slug? Get out of my salad. Ew!</div>
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We also had a minor crisis here with Zander. It's always something..Poor Bubby got stung in the face by a bee. His poor face started to swell up and his eye was almost swollen closed.<br />
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My handsome Zander before he was done in by a Bubby-bee. </div>
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Good thing I have the vet on speed dial. They always answer the phone, "Hi, OFG, what now?" I told him to either give me the right dose of Benadryl or to tell me when to start driving to them. We got the dose and I fixed my Bubby right up. One of my friends said that he got stung by a "Bubby-bee." It was very funny.<br />
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Bubby was back to rights the next morning. We walked the Dog Moat to make sure there wasn't a nest of mean ground beez... but I think the sting was from Zander always leading with his nose.<br />
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We've been having some hot days so I've been working outside early. I really love this time of year... the long days are so fantastic. The garden is growing....and <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-loud-bug-continue-to-vexand-it.html">I think The Loud Bugs are starting to die off. </a>What a great week!<br />
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Happy Friday everyone! Do you like lemon cake? Did your biggest dog get stung by a bee?<br />
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Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-25159601226658423742016-06-15T09:52:00.000-04:002016-06-15T09:52:06.889-04:00So much for reducing our poultry numbers....Yeah, so..... this happened.<br />
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Hello, baby! (click to zoom this pic)</div>
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I dunno what happened.... but I completely lost control of the hen house and now we have a new swarm of peeps out there.<br />
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I just can't even. </div>
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I don't know what happened.....but I had a lot of explaining to do....</div>
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But hey! New peeps are fun so there is that...<br />
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Happy Wednesday, everyone! Do you have surprise peeps?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7789865586418282697.post-15916557556216242162016-06-13T07:50:00.000-04:002016-06-13T07:50:04.358-04:00It's hot, Nicholas saves me from a Loud Bug, and more on those goats....Saturday was a hotsy-totsy... the weather guy said it was the hottest day in three years! And swampy... it was hot and swampy. After a while we gave up, went inside, cranked up the air conditioning, and watched loud movies. My hubs' choice for movie? The 1953 version of War of the Worlds.... the alien noises sound just like the bugs. I can't get away from it.<br />
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Guess what she is looking at? </div>
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The other day I walked inside and there was a Loud Bug on me. I flung it off me in utter terror. Then I realized there was a bug in the house. I needed an assassin...because I sure wasn't going to touch it.<br />
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"Nicholas!"<br />
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I called The Grey Terror by name exactly once. He arrived on the scene, killed that bug, ate it...and stomped off twitching his tail. I honestly don't get the "cats are jerks" thing. Based on results my Nicholas is better trained than half the dogs I see.<br />
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My hero. He's a little lazy most of the time but definitely a man of action.</div>
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Anyway....<br />
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I had some further interest in <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2016/06/thoughts-on-becoming-entirely-goat-less.html">my post about why we are considering becoming entirely goat-less.</a> The long and short of it is.... they have outlasted their usefulness - at least in our case. For now. One of the things that changed was that my husband got a new job. Without saying too much about the details of our life, the old wisdom about 'why by the goat when you can get the milk for free?" still holds. So since our household dairy needs are mostly met we no longer have a pressing need for tons of milk.<br />
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But what about the barnyard? Don't we need all that free milk for the pigz and chickens?<br />
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Well this summer is shaping up to be somewhat different than before. Based on our freezer space and our projected needs.... we may not get pigz this year. <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/10/life-without-pigs.html">We had a pig-free summer before and we loved it. It was quiet and not stinky. </a>Of course we were<a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2013/10/heres-lookin-at-you-turkey.html"> over run with turkeys that year - which was hilarious</a>. But not having pigz is just fine by me.<br />
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Nibbles. Looking majestic. </div>
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So if I do the math, *OFG holds up piece of paper covered in scribblings.....* then you can see here that goats may not fit into the equation. Especially if they are not milking and probably will not be in milk ever again.<br />
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Both Debbie and Nibbles are kind of on the old side... and poor Debbie had such bad congestion in her udder the last time I'm just not sure it would be good for her to be in production again. She had a couple of very hard births so her days as a wildly successful milker are pretty much over. <br />
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Remember that farming is <a href="http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/2015/07/not-every-body-gets-to-stay-goats-gone.html">a series of hard choices about managing your own situation. Not every body gets to stay</a>. We are looking down the barrel of hard choices this summer and our thoughts of being entirely goat-less is one of those decisions.<br />
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Don't ever be afraid to critically examine your situation and make adjustments. What worked for you before may not work for you now. Effective farm management means there will always be changes. <br />
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Happy Monday everyone! Was it hot there? Did your biggest cat save you from a bug?<br />
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<br />Ohiofarmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606563929369721111noreply@blogger.com7