Harvest time with lots of help !

Well its  been a long time since I gave a update on my resident helpers here at Ravenswood. Things were  a blaze this season with veggies and fruits this year. Lots of hard work, but best of all lots of great friends, and help, equaled a glorious harvest!
Some of you may remember my first encounter with Byrum Thimbleberry (2009). Well since then his cousin (on his mothers side) Ballota  Munstead came up from Rootunder, to live, and help Byrum with duties here at Ravenswood. We've been happy to have him. Ballota's  help was much needed and his expertise in vole control, and removal from my pumpkin patch was very much appreciated!!
To our surprise, two days ago near the entrance to Rootunder, my dogs and I came upon a new fellow. He introduced himself as; Thymus BeeBliss from "Twisted Maple Grove". (a short stretch of the legs from Rootunder.) Thymus informed us that Bryrum; (his uncle ) had requested that he join him here at Ravenswood for his training in gnome residency. He is young, but seems eager and strong so I will leave it up to Byrum  to see to his comfort. Here at Ravenswood we can always use extra hands..
Current photo's ;

Ballota Munstead    Thymus BeeBliss "ROOTUNDER"

New Blue standard Cochin fresh hatch

Sweet baby number one of 3 !!

MY DIY Project

Well, I think I like it!!! duc tape has always been a staple around my home. But not the colored type? So I gave it a whirl on a yard sale find. I had been looking for one of these old kitchen chairs FOR EVER! A little rust on the legs and a worn out seat, but a little  black spray paint and my choice of duc colors and here it is..

The Spotted Towhee is a large, striking sparrow of sun-baked thickets of the West. When you catch sight of one, they’re gleaming black above (females are grayish), spotted and striped with brilliant white. Their warm rufous flanks match the dry leaves they spend their time hopping around in. The birds can be hard to see in the leaf litter, so your best chance for an unobstructed look at this handsome bird may be in the spring, when males climb into the shrub tops to sing their buzzy songs


But what this does not say is. He is a a little creep, he loves to destroy my garden he nips off the new sprouting cabbage , squash of all varieties, cauliflower, broccoli, CORN, Brussels sprout, green beans..

 I have for the last few years pre started everything in the green house and then transplant in when big enough to take a hit. In the beginning ( 25 years )  I had to replant and replant. Then I went to extensive  bird netting. This year he is attacking the bigger transplants brand new? Its like he was waiting.. I even caught him in my green house once this year. Not eating anything, just destroying, I think he needs a shrink !!

beekeeping 101

I am trying something new here at ravens wood. I am going to see if my bees will fill the jars themselves? LOL   As a novelty..

I will let you know how it all turns out?



Well, all this is how I spent my Sunday had to get it done early before the heat hit..  It is yummy !!
 Pumpkin bread, home made using my home grown sugar pumpkin, and home made white bread..

Vietnam Memorial Tribute

Hi all, I found a web site some time back honoring Vietnam Soldiers that died in action. My cousin Jimmy died there when I was ten. His death effected me very much . The way I feel about war, politics and government. With that said I mentioned it to family members about uploading a photo. I'm not sure who did it, but through the grapevine the word went out . I just checked the site yesterday, and a photo was there and the memorial is complete.  I have placed a link to his page, and if you have family, or friends that served you can complete their page. Please pass this  link along so others can find their loved ones and  have a complete page too..




Honor States Org.




James Walter Briles

Semper Fi

Hi All , Wow, has it been hot here at Ravenswood. I am almost done planting the gardens now. Oh of course I had to give it one last shot at corn seeds all mine were old stock some back as far as 2003. So I "seed whispered" LOL - 40 to sprout. Took some doing but sweet corn here I come!! This is a picture of Sweet Pea Farm, and my farm stands in place. Sweet Pea Farm has had some lookers, although it is not officially open yet. Very exciting.

Trying something new in my bee hives.. Thought this looked fun.   Going to give it a try. We will see if my bees like it?

First attempt @ a farm stand display

My Hubby and I made two of these out of repurposed fence boards and scrap wood. I really like the look got the idea off of Pinit.

Love to go junkin !!!

Well had to in search OF? and I found some cuties that I like to keep for ME !! Vintage S & P's 

New Baby's here at Ravenswood.  My eggs did not hatch AGAIN !
Non fertile, so alas will go to plan B and try again with better stock management. But that said I got 6 chic's from my feed and grain this weekend  so the little peeps are chirping away.

Please have a safe and happy weekend.....

Faithful The sun shines bright, burning hot as we watch from this tarmac. In boonie hats and digital cams straight and tall, brave young men. No tears of joy will fall today, As you march off into harm's way. On bended knee we stop and pray, for a safe return to this tarmac. In digital cams, with boonie in hand.   Copyright ©2009 Teresa M. McNair

My green house is full must mean time to plant lets hope I am over flowing. Tomatoes basil celery potato's --from real seeds this year garlic chives sage etc. corn beans squash etc...

WOOSTER

This is my partridge  standard cochin rooster he is 1 1/2 years old..

Newest garden spaces in and ready AHHH my back !!

Finally Got it done Potato's, and my tomato's are in. The other spot is for corn and squash of all kinds .

Garden season is upon me..

Well garden looks like will be in early this year.. not really all ready but on my way one last garden to prep.. This is my tiny one by my green house and MORE hatching eggs  .. My other did not hatch Long story..

Spring my time of year and the seeds are flying

Can not wait for fresh veggies.. I am busy busy but love every minute of it  had two swarms of bees come home and the buzzing is fantastic..

From 2015-04-07 hatching eggs 2015 april

Well Long time but i am trying to recover...

Hi to all, 

Its been a while. I am pushing hard to get back on track .. My apologies... for such a long lapse..
Well spring is here, and many changes "But" as always spring chores are top priority here @ Ravens Wood .. Bee's little cottage is buzzing with bees this year. We had a mild winter, and the hives did well.. Gardens are in the works, and LOTS of planting this year. I joined a neighborhood farm stand.. "Sweet Pea Farm". I also am hatching out chicks again this year.  French Copper Marans,  the chocolate egg layer... just trying for a few ... but it will be nice as I lost 3 of my sweet hearts this last year..

From 2015-04-07 hatching eggs 2015 april