Already?
Where has the year gone?
Dunno, staring at a stocktake again shortly. I hate the way I forget how Access works because I don’t use it all the time. But I still like it and can work it out. I learnt databases first. I don’t like spreadsheets, they confuse me.
Quiet around here. Obviously the Winter weather is keeping people out of their gardens. Including me.
This weekend I think we might go to Casterton on Saturday for the Kelpie Festival. All sorts of daggy country stuff. I’ll take Long (The Pug). He can be an honorary kelpie. Dogs of all types of kelpie are welcome. They have egg and spoon races. Three legged races. Eleven legged races (2 dogs and 2 people, the people doing the three legged thing). Dog most like owner. Street parade.
http://www.kelpies-casterton.org/
buffy said:
http://www.kelpies-casterton.org/
Hehe ’11 legged races’. That sounds so cool :)
Not much gardening stuff happening here, just bunging in the odd clumps of spring onions from a friends seedling punnet that were never thinned, so grew into tangled clumps. Wire cage over to protect from hens scratching them out. The biggest seedlings are taking off. Only got six of each cabbage caulie and broccoli in the fenced vege patch, all going well. Still picking beans and cherry tomatoes growing well from the radiant warmth of the ceramic tiles on the mosaic shed. Great to realise it’s a fab warm spot, microclimate.
We’ve been sorting spare rooms and changed my sewing room over to the store room and vice versa. That way the store room, now more like a big pantry, is next to the kitchen and easier to grab stuff I need on baking days. Five bags of materials to go to others that can use it.
I’ve also been sorting out meal worm breeding buckets. How chickens love them, they squeal and get very excited at the sight of the tasty morsel, but what a time consuming pain in the rear to breed. Argh.
Also had a sudden phone call and subsequently a delivery of five metres of cypress leaf mulch on the middle of my driveway. I sent out the call to other chook keepers to bring bags and help me shift it. The beautiful scent of pine mulch now overtakes the hens run. They love burying themselves in it, keeping them warm as it breaks down.
Oh oh, and I’ve got peas growing :) They are climbing up the chook pen mesh. I enclosed them in whatever I had available to keep the hens and birds from ripping them out. Pics when I remember to take some.
Yes. There are usually places naturally available or places can be chosen to be planned to make the best use of, in relation to the availability of a direct angle to the sun’s position. Tomato seeds will germinate and survive in such places while frost will kill them anywhere else in the yard.
Happy Potter said:
Oh oh, and I’ve got peas growing :) They are climbing up the chook pen mesh. I enclosed them in whatever I had available to keep the hens and birds from ripping them out. Pics when I remember to take some.
I was silly enough to get my peas growing and flowering then dump pea straw on them. It was the next day since I did the mulching in the dark, that I realised the pea straw was full of the wrong pea seeds.
roughbarked said:
Happy Potter said:
Oh oh, and I’ve got peas growing :) They are climbing up the chook pen mesh. I enclosed them in whatever I had available to keep the hens and birds from ripping them out. Pics when I remember to take some.
I was silly enough to get my peas growing and flowering then dump pea straw on them. It was the next day since I did the mulching in the dark, that I realised the pea straw was full of the wrong pea seeds.
What’s the matter with the pea straw peas?
Happy Potter said:
roughbarked said:
Happy Potter said:
Oh oh, and I’ve got peas growing :) They are climbing up the chook pen mesh. I enclosed them in whatever I had available to keep the hens and birds from ripping them out. Pics when I remember to take some.
I was silly enough to get my peas growing and flowering then dump pea straw on them. It was the next day since I did the mulching in the dark, that I realised the pea straw was full of the wrong pea seeds.
What’s the matter with the pea straw peas?
Nothing really only that they are the McKenzies pea soup type peas.
Not much happening here. Frost finally killed off my capsicum plants the other day but they had slowed right down anyway. The perennial leeks are looking lush, they just look after themselves. Need to prune the fruit trees and cut off some rootstock shoots but I keep forgetting. All but one of the chooks and ducks are off the lay. I am only getting one bantam egg every other day.
Looking at a lazy day today. Had a crap night. Work was a bit more active than usual yesterday and my CFS symptoms flared up. Doesn’t take much unfortunately.
Life is harder when we are older and the weather is colder. ;)
My tomatoes vanished into blackness but my capsicums still live. My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
We went to the Kelpie Muster. We took both of our dogs. Buschka is not big on crowds, so after the parade Mr buffy took her back to the house and the pair of them lounged on the verandah. I took The Pug through the crowds for some crowd training. He got a lot of pats, but eventually he flagged a bit and got tired of it. When you walk The Pug all the young children want to pat him. When you walk Babuschka the teenage boys shyly ask to pat the “cool dog”. It’s amusing. I almost put Long into the fattest dog contest, but it’s not really fair to put a Pug in against a Kelpie. Pugs are naturally fat looking! And I’m afraid I chickened out on the dog most like it’s master too. But maybe next year I’ll take my red dragon coat, and Long’s red dragon coat and risk the ridicule.
:)
Still picking up walnuts. have to beat the blackjays and magpies to them.
Picked heaps of radish seednand set them there to dry. Went to White Cliffs for two days. Radish seed decimated by crested pigeons..
roughbarked said:
My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
That wouldn’t be the Roccoco variety would it? I used to grow it in Melbourne but the seeds I saved went mouldy (obviously didn’t dry them properly) and I’ve been wanting to get some more ever since. They have black seeds.
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
That wouldn’t be the Roccoco variety would it? I used to grow it in Melbourne but the seeds I saved went mouldy (obviously didn’t dry them properly) and I’ve been wanting to get some more ever since. They have black seeds.
Don’t know which one it is. Only know that it has survived in a very stressful position for something like 15 years or more on a couple of waters after it has almost wilted away, in summer. Sometimes the frost kills a bit of it but prune back the tips of those branches and it all looks the same in a few weeks. Has normal chilli seeds and small pointy fruit.
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
That wouldn’t be the Roccoco variety would it? I used to grow it in Melbourne but the seeds I saved went mouldy (obviously didn’t dry them properly) and I’ve been wanting to get some more ever since. They have black seeds.
Don’t know which one it is. Only know that it has survived in a very stressful position for something like 15 years or more on a couple of waters after it has almost wilted away, in summer. Sometimes the frost kills a bit of it but prune back the tips of those branches and it all looks the same in a few weeks. Has normal chilli seeds and small pointy fruit.
OK, the variety I am after has black seeds. The best I have ever tasted. Capsicum pubescens is its proper name. Looks like Daleys sell it as a seedling. Might look into it in Spring.
It’s looking like Max has type of doggy dementia, he’s doing weird things, scared of his food bowls, stares at corners confused and is scared out of his wits of the dark- will not cross a dark room, even to follow me. He wouldn’t come through the glass sliding door because he thought it was still shut, even though I reached out to pat him and encourage him inside. He’s 11 this month. He is keeping us awake at night pacing the house crying, but we can’t work out what he is upset about. Vets this thurs. :(
Today the rear neighbours white cat, that’s been stalking my chickens for years but never came into the yard, did so and tried to get my small new white silkie hen. Had the hens head in it’s mouth. I chased and walloped the cat, it let go of the hen. Silkie will be ok, small wound on it’s comb and cut under the eye. All cleaned up and in a carrier inside to rest. Max went barrelling out but ran off in the opposite direction to chase the cat.
I’m borrowing a cat trap asap.
My cars not going, alternator is dead. I suppose it’s 19 years old now. We’re all feeling old.
Happy Potter said:
It’s looking like Max has type of doggy dementia, he’s doing weird things, scared of his food bowls, stares at corners confused and is scared out of his wits of the dark- will not cross a dark room, even to follow me. He wouldn’t come through the glass sliding door because he thought it was still shut, even though I reached out to pat him and encourage him inside. He’s 11 this month. He is keeping us awake at night pacing the house crying, but we can’t work out what he is upset about. Vets this thurs. :(Today the rear neighbours white cat, that’s been stalking my chickens for years but never came into the yard, did so and tried to get my small new white silkie hen. Had the hens head in it’s mouth. I chased and walloped the cat, it let go of the hen. Silkie will be ok, small wound on it’s comb and cut under the eye. All cleaned up and in a carrier inside to rest. Max went barrelling out but ran off in the opposite direction to chase the cat.
I’m borrowing a cat trap asap.My cars not going, alternator is dead. I suppose it’s 19 years old now. We’re all feeling old.
At least your alternator can be replaced.
Happy Potter said:
It’s looking like Max has type of doggy dementia, he’s doing weird things, scared of his food bowls, stares at corners confused and is scared out of his wits of the dark- will not cross a dark room, even to follow me. He wouldn’t come through the glass sliding door because he thought it was still shut, even though I reached out to pat him and encourage him inside. He’s 11 this month. He is keeping us awake at night pacing the house crying, but we can’t work out what he is upset about. Vets this thurs. :(Today the rear neighbours white cat, that’s been stalking my chickens for years but never came into the yard, did so and tried to get my small new white silkie hen. Had the hens head in it’s mouth. I chased and walloped the cat, it let go of the hen. Silkie will be ok, small wound on it’s comb and cut under the eye. All cleaned up and in a carrier inside to rest. Max went barrelling out but ran off in the opposite direction to chase the cat.
I’m borrowing a cat trap asap.My cars not going, alternator is dead. I suppose it’s 19 years old now. We’re all feeling old.
Sounds like Max is having eye problems to me. Might be going blind as a consequence of the other problems.
bluegreen said:
Happy Potter said:It’s looking like Max has type of doggy dementia, he’s doing weird things, scared of his food bowls, stares at corners confused and is scared out of his wits of the dark- will not cross a dark room, even to follow me. He wouldn’t come through the glass sliding door because he thought it was still shut, even though I reached out to pat him and encourage him inside. He’s 11 this month. He is keeping us awake at night pacing the house crying, but we can’t work out what he is upset about. Vets this thurs. :(Today the rear neighbours white cat, that’s been stalking my chickens for years but never came into the yard, did so and tried to get my small new white silkie hen. Had the hens head in it’s mouth. I chased and walloped the cat, it let go of the hen. Silkie will be ok, small wound on it’s comb and cut under the eye. All cleaned up and in a carrier inside to rest. Max went barrelling out but ran off in the opposite direction to chase the cat.
I’m borrowing a cat trap asap.My cars not going, alternator is dead. I suppose it’s 19 years old now. We’re all feeling old.
Sounds like Max is having eye problems to me. Might be going blind as a consequence of the other problems.
He doesn’t have cataracts or anything, he can follow a bird that escaped him as it flies away, so his sight is ok. But still, could have something to do with his head tilt with his peripheral vision. The power went off tonight for 2 hours and he practically flew into my lap, scared of the dark.
The mechanic came and tested the alternator in my car and yep, it’s buggered. He took it out and will bring it back tomorrow, reconditioned. Yippee.
Happy Potter said:
bluegreen said:
Happy Potter said:It’s looking like Max has type of doggy dementia, he’s doing weird things, scared of his food bowls, stares at corners confused and is scared out of his wits of the dark- will not cross a dark room, even to follow me. He wouldn’t come through the glass sliding door because he thought it was still shut, even though I reached out to pat him and encourage him inside. He’s 11 this month. He is keeping us awake at night pacing the house crying, but we can’t work out what he is upset about. Vets this thurs. :(Today the rear neighbours white cat, that’s been stalking my chickens for years but never came into the yard, did so and tried to get my small new white silkie hen. Had the hens head in it’s mouth. I chased and walloped the cat, it let go of the hen. Silkie will be ok, small wound on it’s comb and cut under the eye. All cleaned up and in a carrier inside to rest. Max went barrelling out but ran off in the opposite direction to chase the cat.
I’m borrowing a cat trap asap.My cars not going, alternator is dead. I suppose it’s 19 years old now. We’re all feeling old.
Sounds like Max is having eye problems to me. Might be going blind as a consequence of the other problems.
He doesn’t have cataracts or anything, he can follow a bird that escaped him as it flies away, so his sight is ok. But still, could have something to do with his head tilt with his peripheral vision. The power went off tonight for 2 hours and he practically flew into my lap, scared of the dark.
Might be able to see well enough outside during the day but sounds like he is having problems indoors or at night.
Morning green ones.
Max does have the beginnings of canine dementia as suspected. Cognitive deficits and odd behaviours add up to that. The vet agrees with me not to put him through tests or brain scans, an anaesthetic is hard on an older animal. Plus a scan wouldn’t change anything except cost a bomb. Sedatives could risk the return of his seizure prob, so she is going to ask a consulting vet if there’s one that could lessen his angst without causing more harm.
An eye check was fine. His peripheral vision was good too, his brain has adapted to his head tilt. Hearing good overall but less on his left, lower side. We’re just getting on in age and I’m to keep doing what I’m doing with his care, and keep giving him the turmeric paste.
Happy Potter said:
Morning green ones.
Max does have the beginnings of canine dementia as suspected. Cognitive deficits and odd behaviours add up to that. The vet agrees with me not to put him through tests or brain scans, an anaesthetic is hard on an older animal. Plus a scan wouldn’t change anything except cost a bomb. Sedatives could risk the return of his seizure prob, so she is going to ask a consulting vet if there’s one that could lessen his angst without causing more harm.
An eye check was fine. His peripheral vision was good too, his brain has adapted to his head tilt. Hearing good overall but less on his left, lower side. We’re just getting on in age and I’m to keep doing what I’m doing with his care, and keep giving him the turmeric paste.
Ah. Poor thing. We know he will get the best of care in your hands.
Happy Potter said:
Morning green ones.
Max does have the beginnings of canine dementia as suspected. Cognitive deficits and odd behaviours add up to that. The vet agrees with me not to put him through tests or brain scans, an anaesthetic is hard on an older animal. Plus a scan wouldn’t change anything except cost a bomb. Sedatives could risk the return of his seizure prob, so she is going to ask a consulting vet if there’s one that could lessen his angst without causing more harm.
An eye check was fine. His peripheral vision was good too, his brain has adapted to his head tilt. Hearing good overall but less on his left, lower side. We’re just getting on in age and I’m to keep doing what I’m doing with his care, and keep giving him the turmeric paste.
:(
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
That wouldn’t be the Roccoco variety would it? I used to grow it in Melbourne but the seeds I saved went mouldy (obviously didn’t dry them properly) and I’ve been wanting to get some more ever since. They have black seeds.
We grew Roccoco back in that year when there were 16 varieties in the patch…
I’m finding winter is harder on me as I age. It’s no longer my favourite season.
Happy Potter said:
I’m finding winter is harder on me as I age. It’s no longer my favourite season.
I’ve been out taking frosty type photos. My tootsies are cold and most of the photos are a bit shaky looking.
painmaster said:
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My perennial chilli bush thrives in this weather.
That wouldn’t be the Roccoco variety would it? I used to grow it in Melbourne but the seeds I saved went mouldy (obviously didn’t dry them properly) and I’ve been wanting to get some more ever since. They have black seeds.
We grew Roccoco back in that year when there were 16 varieties in the patch…
Ok I’m trying the direct link to these photos..
Whatever freak of nature cased these miniscule cauli’s to form? I planted large cauli’s.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2805_zps1a06usii.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2802_zpsub1xpdpd.jpg
Happy Potter said:
Ok I’m trying the direct link to these photos..Whatever freak of nature cased these miniscule cauli’s to form? I planted large cauli’s.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2805_zps1a06usii.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2802_zpsub1xpdpd.jpg
Oh forgot to add, broccoli too, same tiny heads, same vege bed. I grew pumpkins in the bed previously, aka my previous pumpkin wall pics. It’s a wide bed and the pumpkins were close to one side.
Happy Potter said:
Happy Potter said:
Ok I’m trying the direct link to these photos..Whatever freak of nature cased these miniscule cauli’s to form? I planted large cauli’s.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2805_zps1a06usii.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/happypotter07/IMG_2802_zpsub1xpdpd.jpg
Oh forgot to add, broccoli too, same tiny heads, same vege bed. I grew pumpkins in the bed previously, aka my previous pumpkin wall pics. It’s a wide bed and the pumpkins were close to one side.
Timing and soil fertility.
Best to grow your own seedlings or purhase seedlings from a local grower. Sow seed early, mid to late summer. Fertilise the soil in the proposed bed well and feed newly transplanted seedlings regularly with liquid manure. The plants need to use the autumn for growth as the winter temperatures will slow plant growth.
They look like they are just starting to form. I don’t grow cauli, the bugs get them too easily, but the Romanesco broccoli/cauli starts with little ones and you leave them to get bigger…and bigger….and you watch, and at some point they start to get less compact, so you pick. And then sometimes you get some little side sprouts too, later. Has it just not formed up properly yet? I reckon you might need to tie some leaves across the top to protect the head, though.
buffy said:
They look like they are just starting to form. I don’t grow cauli, the bugs get them too easily, but the Romanesco broccoli/cauli starts with little ones and you leave them to get bigger…and bigger….and you watch, and at some point they start to get less compact, so you pick. And then sometimes you get some little side sprouts too, later. Has it just not formed up properly yet? I reckon you might need to tie some leaves across the top to protect the head, though.
Usually, the l;eaves need to be as big or bigger than the cauliflower head you want to see but can’t because of all the leaf. From my experience, the ones depicted aren’t anything like what they need to be.