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