Don't Mess with Me, Big Dog

I captured this scene yesterday morning. Abby, the big dog, was trying her best to get Frodo to play. He, apparently, wasn't in the mood for games.

Country Mouse

One of the things that happens when you live in the country is that mice sometimes come in for a visit. I'm not sure what they think they are going to find. I clean up most of the crumbs, I really do. But, field mice just want to visit once in a while. And Thursday morning was one of those times.

I was dozing nicely about 6:45 am, when I heard a commotion in the bathroom. The sound of the trash can being tossed around, followed immediately by my husband's voice calling me. I thought he might be sick, but noooooo...he was trying to catch a mouse. I opened the bathroom door to see my husband, in what I now refer to as his official "mouse catching suit", a business suit he happened to be wearing at the time. He was bent over with the trash can in one hand and something else, not sure what (a toilet plunger?), in the other hand.

Just as I opened the door, he then said, "Close the door! Close the door!" Turns out, he HAD the mouse in the trash can, but had failed to account for the amazing acrobatics of a frightened rodent. It had jumped OUT of the trash can and was headed for ME.

It managed to escape, and was later spotted by our daughter in the kitchen. The cat, obviously too well fed, wasn't interested in giving chase. Frodo the Wonder Yorkie, however, has kept a pretty steady vigil at the base of the stove.

I'm counting on you, Frodo. Show that mouse who's boss.

Miscellaneous Goings On

The above birdbath was created by my daughter at spring break camp. She loved putting it in our butterfly garden, where we've planted loads of flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds like--such as lantana, butterfly bush and clematis. The birdbath is decorated with a flower (not a dragonfly-don't ask me how I know that).

The vegetable garden is tilled and ready to plant, if we can just find the time to get the seeds in the ground. That's probably a project for my son and me later this week.

And, this time of year, Frodo the Wonder Yorkie becomes Frodo the Mighty Lizard Hunter. He's hot on the trail of ...something.

Meet Abby

This is Abby (the dog, not the kid). She's spending the weekend and maybe moving in permanently. Abby was abandoned at our vet's office a few weeks ago and is in need of a home with lots of room to play and maybe a few goats to guard.

We are getting to know her and letting her get to know us, as well as Frodo the Wonder Yorkie, and the cats, Domino and Jinx. So far, so good.

Do you think the children like her?

We survived the storm and the racoon came back

We survived the storm just fine. The worst of the thunderstorms went around us; even the daffodils are fine. The grass is getting very green and a few things are in bloom: the daffodils, of course and the spirea; the chives are coming up and the daylily leaves are starting to peek above the mulch. Ahhhh....spring.

Also, the raccoon made another appearance Sunday night. We were all still up (so it was before 9 pm) and Frodo the Wonder Yorkie started barking. We looked out the front window and sure enough, he was back.

So we released Frodo. He dashed out, feet barely touching the ground and chased the aggravating little thief back into the woods. A minute or so later, Frodo came racing back up the porch steps, looking rather more relieved than triumphant. I must remember, he's a "Wonder" but he's still a "Yorkie".

Did I mention, it will officially be spring in three weeks?

Frodo the Wonder Yorkie--Before and After

Before the groomer--

After the groomer:

Pardon the blur. He's so much faster without all the hair to slow him down.

Snow in the Swamp

Here's what 6-7 inches of snow looks like in the swamp.



The field above our house:

Walking on the driveway:

Frodo The Wonder Yorkie:

I'm glad to be back inside with a warm cup of coffee. How are things at your place?