tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268103212012-02-09T21:31:05.553-05:00A Suburban Refuge for the Rural at HeartDeenoreply@blogger.comBlogger3881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-57452685359990385732012-02-02T14:37:00.003-05:002012-02-02T15:11:07.097-05:00

I got quite a surprise when I went out on the front porch this afternoon. There were two orange cats, approximately 6-8 months old, acting like they wanted in. I, the soft hearted that I am opened the door and tried to talk to them but they ran off.I know there is a colony of stray cats in the area. I've seen several big males dashing off into the bushes or skulking about the neighbours

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-6255441281378135612012-01-26T14:53:00.003-05:002012-01-26T15:12:41.564-05:00

In the winter we feed the chickens a little treat, especially on cold days. We cook up 1/2 cup of barley and feed it to them while it is still a little warm. Anyone who has used barley knows it expands when cooked, so 1/2 cp becomes close to 3 cps after making it a great cost effective treat.We do this for a couple of reasons. First, the chickens really slow down laying in the winter and we have

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-58974384292788477312012-01-16T11:46:00.003-05:002012-01-16T13:46:33.518-05:00

I gave up making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. Maybe it was because I chose goals that were unreachable or perhaps they were goals I simply didn't really believe in. Either way I found failing at my New Year's resolution disheartening and so I just stopped making them.For the first time in years, after much thought and some goading from PeterC, I made a New Year's resolution. I decided

Deenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-58251817069538687132011-12-20T14:37:00.002-05:002011-12-20T16:00:38.518-05:00

A gang of ferrets that is. After the loss of Freya I went on an spending spree and took in several ferrets in need of a good home. The first one was, ostensibly, to find a companion for the now lonely Bucky Boy. The next two were a pair that we took in because they needed a good home with good care and food. The last was a baby I purchased from a local pet store.In each case I justified the

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-24039504394152687042011-12-08T13:48:00.005-05:002011-12-08T14:07:56.745-05:00

After much frustration, redrawing, and redrawing again I finally have my personal device within the SCA. It isn't quite official yet. I have to submit the device again with a wider border, but I think it will actually pass and be registered this time.Per Bend Or and Vert, a Fox Saliant Proper to Sinister, within a Bordure Embattled Argent."In modern English that is a field split diagonal lower

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-34870300982247895362011-11-27T14:52:00.003-05:002011-11-27T15:40:22.156-05:00

The frost covered leaves cracked under her thinly soled shoes, the slight wind whisking away any warmth that her thin shirt provided. The grey sky provided no comfort in the harsh, froze, landscape.The beginning of a new post apocalyptic novel? No, though it probably would have made an interesting introduction. No this is what happened to me this week when, on the coldest day so far this fall, I

Deenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-8821082202408971822011-11-21T15:22:00.004-05:002011-11-21T15:56:36.583-05:00

November has been a very busy month so far. Actually this fall has been very busy for me. We had to create some items for our persons and to be gifted as part of our Baronial Taxes. I've been working on my entries for Kingdom A & S, not only the items themselves but I had to try to document them as well.Last weekend was Feast of the Hare, hosted by Caltdrithig. It was the event we presented

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-9614336745426619862011-11-06T11:33:00.003-05:002011-11-06T12:11:52.171-05:00

Years ago I saw a documentary on Japan featuring the releasing of "spirit boats", brightly lit paper lantern boats, into the local rivers. The entire village would participate and the river was lit with hundreds of these little lights. Each boat was for the spirit of a loved one who had passed away. The ceremony was part remembrance and part showing the spirits how to pass over to the next

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-24835109821253276122011-10-26T14:52:00.002-04:002011-10-26T15:26:25.978-04:00

If you come from a part of the world where the aurora is never seen, the first time you see it can be breath taking and rather magickal. For some people, like me, it is breath taking no matter how many times you see it. That was the case on Monday night for sure.We were leaving a friends house around 9:3o pm EST when we looked up and saw the beginning of a green ribbon. PeterC fetched the others

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83815419306538411802011-10-22T14:36:00.003-04:002011-10-25T13:24:57.148-04:00

There is something wonderful and comforting about the first fire, in the wood stove, of the season. Maybe it is the dry heat radiating into the room, taking the chill and damp from the fall air. Maybe it is the smell of the wood burning each time the door is opened to rearrange the logs. Maybe, just maybe, it is the knowledge that the circle has turned once more and we are again coming into he

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-72137971002333188262011-10-09T15:27:00.002-04:002011-10-09T15:35:09.093-04:00

It is once again Thanksgiving in Canada.A turkey is roasting away in the oven, while I try to make breadcrumbs for dressing. The weather is clear and warm, warm enough to have the windows open. The cats have all found sunbeams to sleep in, and the ferrets have all snuggled under the easy chair for their afternoon naps. With the exception of chest colds PeterC and I are both healthy, healthier

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-1919187006512522092011-09-25T12:38:00.002-04:002011-09-25T13:14:20.286-04:00

Fall has arrived at Sparrow Haven. The official first day of fall was September 22 this year and it was warm and humid. But, the week before saw fall arrive with a shout of surprise as the temperatures dropped down to single digits at night and highs of less than 20º C in the day.OF course it was no surprise to those who pay attention to the world around them. The goldenrod started blooming in

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-31441114630645862902011-09-13T12:34:00.003-04:002011-12-20T16:01:17.958-05:00

Owning and caring for animals, whose life spans are so much shorter than ours, can be a rewarding and heartbreaking experience. Freya was one of those. She brought me great joy and has now brought me great heartache.Last Tuesday Freya disappeared and I thought she had managed to get out the backdoor when I when I went to collect eggs. We searched and called all all evening and all day the next

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-58843284780251954092011-09-11T11:51:00.002-04:002011-09-11T11:56:10.219-04:00

We just got home from the day trip down to Potsdam for the official unofficial weekend event. We had a great deal of fun, good company, and great food. It was a fine day and the site was lovely. It was a small event with only 30 attendees counting the land owners, with 14 of those being heavy fighters and about the same for fencing.It was tedious crossing the border with a 30 minute line up

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-13260502098161788802011-08-31T12:02:00.003-04:002011-08-31T12:32:49.628-04:00

I'm sure I have mentioned several times that PeterC and I look forward to the day when we can own a large parcel of land where we can build a homestead. A place where there is plenty of room for horses, dogs, cats, chickens, goats, sheep, and maybe even a cow. A place where we can build a modest home and still have room for workshops, a proper studio, and a garden big enough to feed us for the

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-14811284417231541442011-08-24T14:54:00.002-04:002011-08-24T15:25:34.157-04:00

I tend to be one of those people that everyone watches, from the outside, diving into projects and hobbies with both feet and not looking back. What they do not see is the fact that I live inside my head and carefully weigh all options and possibilities before making that leap. What got me started on this train of thought was a comment someone recently said about me jumping right into the SCA,

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-34000593563009728972011-08-20T13:38:00.003-04:002011-08-20T16:30:31.092-04:00

I've led a relatively sheltered life in some ways. I didn't see my first movie in the theatre until I was 18 and on my first date. It was "Return of the Jedi" and needless to say I became hooked. There is something oh so magical about sitting in a dark room with a huge screen and surround sound to really and truly lose yourself, suspend your disbelief as they say, and become part of the story.

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-36179695029219509152011-08-12T15:07:00.002-04:002011-08-12T15:11:47.611-04:00

After weeks and weeks of hot dry weather we finally got some rain. Not just a sprinkle or two either. An honest to goodness downpour that last for several hours. There was even some thunder off in the distance, too. It came to late to help my peas, the hot weather taking care of them weeks ago. But the beans celebrated by putting out so many flowers the entire bed looked like a flock of seagulls

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-76332776057860847912011-08-06T14:53:00.003-04:002011-08-06T15:14:47.137-04:00

When we first moved here we were told by the Real Estate agent that this was a century home. The building inspector said it was at least 1890's, and my own limited knowledge of building methods suggested late 1800's.Like good little citizens we contact the local Heritage Society to verify whether our house was listed and what portions of the house were protected. Unlike most Heritage Societies

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-86251099156706032982011-07-25T08:37:00.002-04:002011-07-25T08:58:47.715-04:00

It has been brutally hot here the last week. The weather forecasters say it is because of of "bubble" of hot air extending from the midwest USA. Maybe that is the case, maybe it is just a change in our environment, or maybe it is just a really hot and dry July. Regardless it has put a damper on my willingness to go outside.The green beans, on the other hand, seem to be loving this heat. I've

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-56245730640248613162011-07-17T13:33:00.003-04:002011-07-17T14:02:46.782-04:00

PeterC and I decided to attend Baronial Muster this weekend. It was a three day camping event but we drove out for the day on Saturday. It was being held at Raven's Knoll campground out past Eganville, Ontario which is a 3.5 hour drive so we left home at 5:30 am. The drive was actually very pretty especially after we entered the Bonnechere Valley.Usually we don't attend events being held so far

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-74184878041320492442011-07-09T12:19:00.002-04:002011-07-09T12:46:56.183-04:00

Vacation is here again. It started with a visit from a friend of PeterC's. They spent the day at the Biodome in Montreal and then came home for supper, some SCA sparring, and of course lots of good company.Since then we have spent at least part of every day out in the yard working on a open sided shed. Once the shed is competed this will be PeterC's blacksmithing workshop. In the Winter we will

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-46400070058886836092011-06-29T14:02:00.003-04:002011-06-29T14:19:13.328-04:00

This past weekend was Summer Siege III. Friday we spent a good part of the day setting up hay castles, stringing barriers, and in general setting up mostly soaking wet. It was wet, wet, wet Friday. The rain came down in waves, sometimes so hard it looked like a sheet of water as it barrelled towards us.Saturday was only marginally better. Saturday morning was very wet and we were glad we had

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-61573879065522519182011-06-12T13:03:00.014-04:002011-06-12T13:52:02.662-04:00

It has been a very busy couple of weeks since my last post. Between working on commissions, going to fight practice and armouring nights, going with PeterC to riding lessons, and getting merchant booth stock ready for Summer Siege time has just gotten completely away from me.It has been very hot, dry, and humid these last couple of weeks. Yesterday was the nicest day we've had for two weeks and

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-88242707992171864832011-05-29T13:30:00.004-04:002011-06-12T13:03:44.381-04:00

We attended our second event since we joined the SCA in January. The Spring Crown Tourney was held in Greely, Ontario and featured a great afternoon of battle and chivalry between the competitors for the Ealdormere Crown.Between bouts I socialized with people I knew, worked on nalbinding, visited the merchants booths, and in general tried really hard to absorb as much information as I possibly

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-49088411807740776652011-05-25T14:57:00.003-04:002011-05-29T12:05:33.340-04:00

Some regular readers may remember that I ordered two dwarf blueberry bushes from Henry Fields Nursery last January, to be shipped last May. You may also remember that they never shipped and I was told they were out of the plants. I asked for my account to be credited with the amount I paid.A couple months after sending me a letter saying my account would be credited I received a card saying the

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-31631461364425675652011-05-24T14:13:00.003-04:002011-05-24T15:15:52.106-04:00

The Sparrow Haven 2011 garden is complete. The herb garden, and a few chili peppers, have been planted. Just in time, too. It has been raining several times a day since Saturday, which was an absolutely gorgeous day.Saturday, PeterC had a riding lesson in a small town in Quebec. I tagged along with my nalbinding and sat in the shade watching him ride the halflinger gelding, Johannes. The wind was

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-59648283026971056982011-05-15T16:16:00.003-04:002011-05-15T16:34:37.021-04:00

I've been incredibly slow in updating the blog recently. Not sure why, but I just haven't felt like writing anything. Since it is raining out I decided it was time to add a new post about the garden.This year's weather has been up and down since February. It was actually warm enough to plant in March but I held off. It was a good decision, as April was cold and wet all month long. Even though

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-6160629939030597762011-05-04T15:22:00.002-04:002011-05-04T15:52:14.476-04:00

This has been a very stressful week. Sunday we headed out the door to attend our SCA Canton meeting. Our Canton headquarters is 1 1/2 hours away and the meeting lasted for about an hour plus another hour of gabbing and visiting. All told we were gone from the house for 5 1/2 hours. It seemed like a great day until we got home to find that Freya was missing.Since Freya couldn't get out unless we

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-85942280970694807522011-04-18T08:58:00.005-04:002011-04-18T09:31:45.474-04:00

PeterC went out of town this weekend to take a 3 day metal bashing course and I planned, while he was gone, to get at least one garden bed planted and covered with the old windows. This would of course be three weeks earlier than normal. However, as the title of this post says plans went awry.The weather, which had been holding cool and moist all last week, turned cold and wet. The temperatures

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-52573872744369729432011-04-11T14:57:00.002-04:002011-04-11T14:58:40.003-04:00

This past weekend I entered my first SCA Arts & Sciences competition. This competition was what they call a Blind A&S. The project could be finished or not and documentation was strongly encouraged. Each project was judged to be beginner, intermediate, or advanced. A winner from each category was then chosen. I entered a small chip carved box, unfinished as I only found out I could enter the

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-26518338551641001362011-04-04T15:55:00.004-04:002011-04-04T16:04:37.009-04:00

I've been really lucky recently to have gotten several commission orders. I've done nalbound hats and mittens, painted shields, and some sewing. The most recent commission was a love spoon.The person placing the order wanted flowers and hearts, but otherwise left the design up to me. Here is the finished product. I'm quite happy with how it looks, and I hope the person purchasing it is, too. It

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-49197099070306261312011-03-30T15:02:00.003-04:002011-03-30T15:15:18.577-04:00

I finally got my hands dirty yesterday. It wasn't much and it wasn't for long but it felt so good to let the moist, cool, soil crumble in my hands.We covered one of the smaller beds with some old windows we got from freecycle. These were supposed to be turned into a cold frame 2 years ago but as usual everything else takes priority over the garden, especially in the summer and fall. So last fall,

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-39858713822944955232011-03-21T14:54:00.002-04:002011-03-21T15:20:30.604-04:00

Spring is back. Mother Nature only hit the snooze button, rather than turning off the alarm and going back to sleep. The ground is squishy, the sun is warm, the birds are moving in, and the snow is melting quickly.The Grackles, Red Wing Blackbirds, and Starlings have been here for over a week taking advantage of the extra seed I put out for the Chickadees. The first Robin showed up yesterday

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-70242542370456922142011-03-09T13:15:00.002-05:002011-03-09T13:31:48.274-05:00

March started out warm and very wet. We got more rain in the first two days of March than we normally get for the whole month. Every flat field, ditch, and low area was absolutely flooded. The snow was almost gone in areas where it wasn't packed down. Then that all changed.Mother Nature called an abort of spring. Maybe she realized it was just to damn early for this part of the world to lose it's

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-59091985845704426252011-02-28T13:54:00.003-05:002011-02-28T14:29:48.640-05:00

As silly as the title of this post sounds I can attest to its accuracy. Since the untimely death of Cassie I have found myself mired deep in depression. Deeper and darker than I have experienced in years. I find myself bursting into tears late at night, early in the mornings, and sometimes in the middle of the afternoon. My body aches, especially my neck and shoulders. I am tired all the time and

Deenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-51280376134315289182011-02-16T15:22:00.003-05:002011-02-16T15:58:03.863-05:00

This has been a hard week for us at Sparrow Haven. We had to make that final choice for one of our beloved cats, Cassie. Even though I know it was the right choice it has just been to painful to think about without lots of tears.Three months ago she started sleeping a lot more than normal and hissing whenever we tried to touch her. The vet diagnosed a sore spot along her spine which we hoped was

Deenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-13725955038054837782011-02-06T17:51:00.009-05:002011-02-07T07:53:08.640-05:00

We attended out first meeting of the local SCA group, in garb. I've been working pretty hard to get everything done for the last month. In the end I managed to get most of Peter's outfit done, sans belt pouch and leg wraps. I had enough garb to show well but it is not complete yet and still needs linen under dress, belt, belt pouch, and light weight linen breacs (long underwear) to wear under

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-7380461049936495982011-01-29T12:02:00.003-05:002011-01-29T12:36:04.703-05:00

It is the end of January and the seed catalogues have started arriving on mass. That means the planting season is only three months away, unless you plant indoors first then it is only two months away. With the arrival of each catalogue I feel that stirring within to go dig in the dirt. Of course I can't dig in the dirt right now so the agitation just keeps building until I am ready to

Deenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-27699850346878593082011-01-17T13:52:00.003-05:002011-01-17T14:33:54.085-05:00

We attended our first SCA activity Thursday evening, armoured fight practice. While I joined the SCA to get hands on experience with my various fibre art interests, I was also intrigued with the idea of learning to fight with sword and shield. Truthfully, I am more interested in the construction of the armour than in the actual fighting, but it is something PeterC and I can do together.Since it

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83698600702703674712011-01-13T15:11:00.004-05:002011-01-17T14:02:05.734-05:00

I finished PeterC's belt for his SCA outfit. The belt is woven from a wool blend roving. The embroidery, based on archaeological finds, is done in a heavy cotton 8/3 thread. The belt buckle is a brass rod bent into a D ring and the "rivets" are some decorative paper punches.

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-32190002820646123062011-01-09T13:49:00.003-05:002011-01-09T14:46:37.422-05:00

I have a great number of hobbies that all revolve around ancient crafts, interpreted in my own unique way, and the techniques employed by the peoples of the past. I am fascinated by archaeological finds surrounding the early British and Anglo-Saxon peoples, and their artwork.With all that in mind I made a decision on January 2nd that I was going to try something new this year. I decided to join

Deenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-51936496394169965642010-12-29T14:20:00.004-05:002010-12-29T14:42:20.302-05:00

Christmas has once again come and gone here at Sparrow Haven. The ground was white, the air crisp, not overly cold, and all but one day was gloomy and over cast. In other words, perfect.We had a nice turkey dinner for the first time in several years. I now remember why we stopped cooking turkeys. There are only two humans here and we can not eat a whole turkey in under two weeks. We gave it a

Deenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-82876902063999756232010-12-20T09:14:00.004-05:002010-12-21T10:56:12.283-05:00

Every family, clan, and homestead have some form of tradition for the Holy Days. Sparrow Haven is no different. We have an annual tradition that almost always involves us bringing home a new furry family member. This year was no exception.Our tradition always follows the same schedule. On the last Sunday before Christmas we get up late and decide to go into town to eat breakfast and go to the

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-8723491853298752952010-12-12T11:18:00.003-05:002010-12-20T09:12:40.951-05:00

The weather has turned nasty and apparently it is my fault. The chickens tell me this every time I go out to feed, water, or collect eggs. They are particularly upset about the 2 inches of snow that fell Monday and Tuesday this week. They don't like rain and are uncomfortable in the wind, but the snow is unbearable and therefore they must complain about it constantly if I am within earshot.The

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-74713523291443015042010-12-06T12:07:00.002-05:002010-12-06T12:51:36.070-05:00

I've always been drawn to the life of a hermit. I used to fantasize about living in a cave or cabin in the mountains with just myself and the animals to keep me company. Living day to day, off the land, with no contact with another human being.As I aged this fantasy moved into the background, especially as I attended college and began working in the corporate world. The idea of living a quiet and

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-24173272766908336002010-11-27T14:25:00.002-05:002010-11-27T14:52:05.291-05:00

This is the time of year when I hate going shopping. Don't get me wrong I like the Holiday season; snow on the ground; and flashy, shiny lights. But, I hate shopping during this time of year. The malls, free standing businesses, and even the grocery stores are packed with hurried, stressed, and generally rude people who think their needs are far more important than yours.Even though the Christmas

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-35130733713743149482010-11-13T14:24:00.003-05:002010-11-13T14:37:10.947-05:00

There is something infinitely comforting about chicken soup or stew. I love it all especially if I am feeling under the weather, depressed, or just plain lonely. Normally I make chicken noodle soup or chicken and dumplings. Occasionally I'll make chicken and rice soup, especially good with wild rice. This week I had leeks, caught on sale at the grocers, and decided to give cock -a-leekie soup a

Deenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-35944859327801614372010-11-09T13:56:00.003-05:002010-11-09T14:16:52.596-05:00

With the weather heading resolutely to the wet and cold variety I have been taking advantage and getting some more products ready for my online store, Chestnut Tree Creations. Truth is I spend 6-8 hours every night working on stuff but the cold and wet has allowed me a few extra hours in the day, too. I've also spent some extra time in the kitchen making bread, but that is a once a week

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-37398207564014599522010-11-03T15:05:00.003-04:002010-11-03T15:10:14.075-04:00

The leaves turned several weeks ago but the trees have been doing a great job of holding onto them, even through wind storms. That was until yesterday. Every single tree in the neighbourhood dropped all their leaves yesterday. It was as if some giant had sneezed and they all came down like so many dandelion puffs.Here a picture of our yard guardian looking contemplative in the newly fallen leaves

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-33820889694342334782010-10-28T14:19:00.000-04:002010-10-28T14:20:25.874-04:00

Saturday we headed into town to pick up a few things including tarps. When the TSC first came to town it was the best place to get decent, heavy duty tarps for a good price. For some reason the last 6 months the TSC has gone from a farm store to trying to compete with Canadian Tire. We needed a farm store, instead we get a clone of our local not so great Canadian Tire.Since TSC didn't have

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-52108304799738721982010-10-21T12:50:00.003-04:002010-10-21T13:54:18.326-04:00

PeterC loves sushi. Loves it! Unfortunately, there is no place within 100 km to get sushi. So I decided as a "Hey it's Fall and I love you" present I would learn how to make sushi. I did some Internet research and found out it is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Great! I made a shopping list and headed for the store.Luckily, the local Food Basics carries all of the makings for sushi,

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-7509946420223792112010-10-12T13:28:00.004-04:002010-10-12T13:54:43.287-04:00

We had chickens when I was a kid but, like most farm kids, they were just one more chore on a long list of never ending chores. As I grew up I learned to appreciate the subtle personalities and character traits that each animal has. Now that I have chickens again I can truly appreciate them, and their quirks.We were working in the yard this weekend and as usual the chickens were under foot. While

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-39471219375286491232010-10-06T14:25:00.003-04:002010-10-06T14:57:08.369-04:00

I've been a tad lazy this week getting my latest post done. Actually I've been pretty lazy about everything this week. This past weekend was good and we got a lot of wood split and stacked, and I got 2/3 rd of the cranberry beans picked. But Monday started out with me waking up late and it has pretty much been going down hill from there.I did manage to get the last of the cranberry beans picked.

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-34072781002501628122010-09-26T13:45:00.002-04:002010-09-26T14:12:56.049-04:00

Fall is definitely here and cucumber production has finally stopped. I'm glad the cucumbers were so productive but I'm also glad this growing season is over. We ate cucumbers, gave away cucumbers, and pickled cucumbers. Pickled a lot of cucumbers actually.We are not huge pickle eaters and still have dill pickles from three years ago. However, we do both enjoy Bread and Butter pickles so this year

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-12425382372477972992010-09-17T14:33:00.002-04:002010-09-17T15:07:18.624-04:00

The weather turned cool and wet at the end of August, with very few days dry enough to do anything in the garden. We were able to get some herbs dried though we had to use the dehydrator because of the humidity in the house. We took in the occasional tomato or squash but for the most part the garden has been ignored for the last few weeks.Today the sun was shining so I decided to hit the garden.

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-22509265175058373702010-09-12T13:24:00.005-04:002010-09-12T13:48:01.361-04:00

I've always enjoyed cooking and in my earlier years I thought I wanted to be a professional chef. Many years and miles later, I have come to realize I love to cook but I absolutely hate working with other people, entertaining, drama, and politics. All things required to be a professional chef. So now I cheerfully enter the kitchen to cook meals for my family that I know they will love, if only I

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-61019222712255896882010-09-07T16:08:00.003-04:002010-09-07T17:56:09.274-04:00

PeterC and I decided to do some driving around and explore roads we had never been on. In the process, PeterC noticed a sign for a 94 acre farm for sale. As we drove further down the road he mentioned it several more times. Finally, after we stopped for a bathroom break I declared we should go back and take a look. So we did. We couldn't get up the driveway to look at the place proper but the

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-41715993777950531612010-08-31T14:05:00.002-04:002010-08-31T14:33:50.705-04:00

This year we decided we wanted to learn how to grow and harvest our own grains. We eat a lot of grains in their whole forms as well as ground for flour. We figure waiting until we are starving to learn how to grow something is a good way to die for want of food. Even a small patch can teach a lot of useful information.Due to seed availability we decided to start with buckwheat. Buckwheat has a

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-66314939191293521322010-08-24T13:52:00.002-04:002010-08-24T14:14:48.475-04:00

Well, vacation is over this year. We did a whole bunch of nothing for vacation this year. We stayed at home, except for the occasional trip into town, and melted on hot days and relished the cooler nights. We pickled eggs and cucumbers, and did a little work on the windows but otherwise a whole lot of nothing.The garden is doing well. We've given away over 4 litres of cucumbers so far and expect

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-87116616347796983952010-08-08T13:58:00.003-04:002010-08-08T14:20:58.237-04:00

Yesterday was such a lovely day I decided it was time to get the wormy cabbage out of the garden. While I was at it I decided PeterC needed to dig the potatoes. We ended up with 10 lbs of lovely small to medium size potatoes and even found a few garlic bulbs that had managed to survive being covered with straw. Of course the chickens were delighted with the dirt and helped us dig up and recover

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-77071713775477390062010-08-05T17:09:00.004-04:002010-08-05T17:24:39.991-04:00

I should have posted this last weekend but, well, time just got away from me. We are on vacation and my posting will be hit or miss for the next couple of weeks. Until then, here are some baby mourning doves to make you go Awww! Actually, they looked pretty ugly when these shots were taken, last week, but they smoothed out like their mother and flew away Tuesday.

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-82281212748895366862010-07-26T14:26:00.003-04:002010-07-27T06:05:40.518-04:00

This has been a great weekend here at Sparrow Haven. The nights have started cooling off so we can open the windows for fresh air. The chickens are happy and healthy. The garden is starting to come along nicely. We managed to replace two windows, one in the bedroom and one in the study. And, best of all, there is only four days left until PeterC's vacation starts. The temperatures are finally

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-44280217360075471782010-07-19T12:55:00.006-04:002010-07-19T14:21:43.876-04:00

A baby cucumber. The herb garden looking good.Tomatoes, corn, and a lone watermelon plant. Cone flower with a fly that looks like a bee.Beautiful cabbage being eaten up with caterpillars. The weather is really good for

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-43205650325928913432010-07-13T13:56:00.003-04:002010-07-13T14:04:42.095-04:00

This year our first harvest is pretty late. We should have picked currants already but the birds, wild and tame, beat us to them. This year the harvest was 3/4 cp of fresh green peas. Sweet as fresh corn. The peas a re a little later then they should be simply because the heat slowed them down so much but peas are peas and I am looking forward to cooking them for supper one day this week.The

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-28427322499927907432010-07-07T12:35:00.002-04:002010-07-07T12:47:56.323-04:00

So I get an email from PeterC telling me to check the garden for damage. Huh! Damage, there is a 5 foot fence around the entire thing, why would there be damage?Turns out we had a rogue chicken incident yesterday. One of the reds managed to get into the garden and didn't make a peep when PeterC went to shut the girls away for the night. Yesterday morning, when he went to let them back out he

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-36252724674544157672010-07-03T13:15:00.002-04:002010-07-03T13:17:39.712-04:00

The photo is worth more than the words I could use. Ah, to be a chicken.

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-15280455371393185792010-06-28T11:30:00.004-04:002010-06-28T11:48:06.020-04:00

Unfortunately, it got so hot soon after the lettuce sprouted that it went almost directly to seed as soon as it was big enough to eat. It didn't matter that a month later it cooled off to near normal temperatures, perfect for growing lettuce. The lettuce had had it. And, it was to late to plant more because it would heat up again and I'd just waste the seed.So I decided to let the seed lettuce

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83465968957284041752010-06-19T10:33:00.005-04:002010-06-19T11:03:46.518-04:00

We decided some years ago that we would try to grow our own grains at some point in the future. It was an unclear goal other than that. No plans for time, space, or even where to get the seeds. We bought a book on growing grains and read it but otherwise the project just floated in the ether.Then this past Spring, during my annual seed catalogue hunt, I found buckwheat seeds from a new seed

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-61340831564308234862010-06-14T13:40:00.007-04:002010-06-19T09:17:22.414-04:00

We try to provide as much natural habitat as possible to encourage wild birds doing what wild birds do, eat and have babies. We always get to see the babies after they have fledged and have started flying around, though still being fed by mom and dad. Sometimes we get to see them in that stage just before they start flying.This year it was a baby robin, who had obviously hopped or fallen out of

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-9722153037818189442010-06-12T20:27:00.000-04:002010-06-12T20:29:21.399-04:00

As you can see I've been playing with Bloggers new templates options. I think the blog looks much nicer but it seems slower to load and browse. Please let me know if this new look slows down your enjoyment of Sparrow Haven. If it does I'll go back to the old template as quickly as possible.

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-59254891753463843372010-06-06T12:44:00.002-04:002010-06-06T12:48:03.163-04:00

It has been incredibly dry here since I planted the garden. We were having to water the beds every other day. Finally though we have been getting rain. Not just a sprinkle, but all day drizzle that soaks the soil and just keeps going. Thank the Gods and all that.Since we got the first rain storm the plants in the garden have gone crazy. The herbs have already started spreading out into their new

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-73600574318918778212010-05-31T11:45:00.003-04:002010-05-31T12:11:27.852-04:00

We just haven't had much luck with the seeds this year. The tomatoes and hot peppers never sprouted at all. I have only three corn plants and they are only 3 inches tall. I have a total of three cucumber sprouts and they are looking puny. And a majority of the herbs never sprouted.Part of the problem was old seed. Part of the problem was a late cold blast. Part of the problem is the weather which

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-21562040711889684992010-05-20T22:10:00.004-04:002010-05-24T15:42:58.295-04:00

What is Love? This is a question that has plagued mankind since we crawled out of the muck and learned to think about such useless things. I know this question has plagued me since my first marriage fell apart and my Mother announced in a knowing tone that she knew it wasn't Love.Over the years I have discovered many things about Love. Love is the ability to sit in silence together. Love is

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83484658541567231652010-05-16T18:21:00.004-04:002010-05-16T19:08:21.021-04:00

Last weekend and into the early part of last week there was a freeze warning for our area. Of course the cabbage, beans, peas, and cucumbers had sprouted. So we had to try to protect the baby plants from the coming weather.Luckily, we had straw on hand. We used the straw in the winter to lock the wind from getting underneath the coop, allowing the chickens a dry, relatively warm place to sit in

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-861399949541735062010-05-06T14:20:00.003-04:002010-05-06T14:35:41.240-04:00

I like to think of myself as being reasonably intelligent. I'm not a genius but I can usually figure myself out of most situations. However, it is beginning to look like I am not as smart as the average chicken.As I mentioned in a previous post, the chickens destroyed my herb garden. I put up a decorative fence, since the garden can be seen from the road. Turned out 10 inch wide chickens can

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-23055423851969673812010-05-02T15:01:00.003-04:002010-05-02T15:17:43.442-04:00

What do you get when you mix a freshly planted herb garden with free ranging chickens? As the title of this post suggests, you get pre-seasoned chicken. Before anyone gets upset I did not kill the offending chicken. I would have had to kill them all as they were all taking turns destroying all my hard work.It was my own fault really. I planted the herb bed without putting up a proper anti-chicken

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-62384854150368489072010-04-24T21:19:00.002-04:002010-04-24T21:34:03.765-04:00

It is days like today when I realize that Sparrow Haven is a very magical place to live.While doing some yard work I wandered over to the flower bed behind the garage, with the intent of removing a tarp we have in place to kill off weeds. A mourning dove was on the tarp picking at the leaf litter from last year. As I walked to the edge of the bed, she calmly walked to the far side of the bed and

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-1978295473199965092010-04-17T12:03:00.003-04:002010-05-02T15:18:56.736-04:00

We made the decision to let the chickens have free run of the entire yard this week. The grass in their small yard was dead and even moving the fence to give them fresh grass wasn't enough to keep the grass from dying back within the week. Beside, the chickens were becoming quite adept at getting out of their fenced in area, regardless of what effort I put into fixing any loose fencing.So, we

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-71672033505569482312010-04-11T14:23:00.002-04:002010-04-11T14:49:46.009-04:00

It is amazing how spoiled I have become. Last weekend we were able to finally get the tub surround and fixtures installed. PeterC and I drew lots to figure out who got to take the first shower. I won and spent the next 20 minutes with hot water sluicing, oh so luxuriously, over my body. I'm pretty sure there was a moment of transcendental mind shift when I glimpsed Nirvana, or maybe it was all

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-64127728928609822182010-04-03T10:23:00.004-04:002010-04-03T11:47:51.163-04:00

This is Spring Break week for PeterC and we have been making good use of his time off. I already mentioned we started renovating the bathroom. It is still not complete. The shower surround is almost complete, though we have been able to shower for the last two days. We still have painting and final caulking to do for the surround to be complete. We decided to hire a company to install glass

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-78799727636673609822010-03-29T12:31:00.003-04:002010-03-29T13:01:40.181-04:00

PeterC is off this week so we decided that it was time to renovate the bathroom. We were optimistic that we would be able to get the shower wall board and fixtures replaced in 36 hours, leaving the rest of the week to replace the vinyl floor, vanity, and paint. We bought everything we thought we needed Friday night so we could spend Saturday working.Let me tell you, reality sucks. We stripped off

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-1506930674776404532010-03-22T11:30:00.003-04:002010-03-22T11:49:31.731-04:00

Last week I mentioned that Spring was in the air, and that I expect to see Robins soon. I was correct. In fact it was only two days later that I saw the first Robin, and Canada Geese, Starlings, Nuthatches, Goldfinches, Red Wing Blackbirds, and even a baby rabbit. The ground has even thawed enough that we were able to put up a length of fence to keep the chickens from wondering into the

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-73683911904328948672010-03-14T13:05:00.002-04:002010-03-14T13:08:03.223-04:00

The snow is melting. The Grackles have come home. The daffodils are sprouting. Spring is in the air. I expect to see Robins in the next few days.

Deenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-89973452362970444762010-03-08T15:16:00.002-05:002010-03-08T15:33:23.111-05:00

So far Spring has been very lovely with temperatures hovering right around 10º C and eight straight days of sun, sun, and more sun. I know I want to spend as much time basking in a sunspot as the cats do and I figured the chickens would love to do a little grazing on the expanding patch of lawn that is being exposed. The snow has been melting quickly but has been remaining in broad patches that

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-25697808478391881152010-03-07T12:31:00.003-05:002010-03-07T13:32:55.344-05:00

When shopping for those great, or not so great deals, at the grocery store the buyer most definitely has to be aware of sly little tricks on the parts of the grocers and manufacturers. The most common tricks, seen to date, is the same price for a slightly smaller size. You know the 596 ml bottle of pop, selling for the same price as the 600 ml used to. Or my favourite, NOT!, the 4 litre

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-1855286681861228102010-02-26T12:40:00.003-05:002010-02-26T12:50:49.330-05:00

I found an interesting recipe over at Back to Basics blog and decided to give it go. Of course I had to alter it to suit my own tastes a little. This is quite a hot soup, so if you don't like a lot of heat use less chili pepper flakes and less garlic chili sauce.Hot and Sour Soup1 package of firm tofu - cubed6 cups vegetarian chicken flavoured broth1 package of sliced mushrooms1 can bamboo shoots

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-21422304317862523262010-02-20T14:40:00.005-05:002010-02-21T11:42:16.901-05:00

The weather was very mild this week and we even had a couple of days with sunny skies. Maybe that explains why the gardening bug has hit me hard this week. All I can think about is getting out in the garden and planting this years crop of goodies. I've even been dreaming about gardening, which you must admit is a little bizarre.I sat down Monday with the seed catalogues and made a list of

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-6653392029235691552010-02-07T14:37:00.011-05:002010-02-07T15:23:14.182-05:00

Can you believe one of the hens has decided she is going to set a clutch of eggs? Doesn't matter that it is the middle of winter, no matter how mild it has been, it is still winter. Doesn't matter that none of the eggs she is trying to sit on is fertilized. And, apparently it doesn't phase her in the least that I take every single one of the eggs out from under her every day.Every day I will go

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-5467324520253041442010-02-06T12:35:00.003-05:002010-02-06T14:12:50.639-05:00

Best Ever Pizza Crust2 cps warm water - hot from tap will usually be about right2 Tbsp sugar or 4 Tbsp honey2 Tbsp Yeast1 tsp salt2 Tbsp Olive oilenough flour to make a dough - around 4 cpsDash of cornmealPlace warm water in large bowl and add sweetener. Stir until sugar is dissolved.Add yeast, stir to dissolve, and set aside until foamy - 5-15 minutes.Add oil and salt, mix well.Add flour 1 cup

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-2560254947848019852010-01-31T12:15:00.006-05:002010-01-31T12:51:29.618-05:00

With all the wet, snowy, or cold weather we've been having I've had plenty of time to finish some more nalbinding projects. I finally got PeterC to use his amazing photography skills to take some photos of the finished projects to share online.All of the projects have been made from acrylic yarn because it is the cheapest yarn I can find at the local Wally World.My most recently finished project

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-70698973329664492612010-01-23T13:42:00.002-05:002010-01-23T13:51:21.210-05:00

If you want a delicious and different way to eat squash that is so rich it should only be eaten once a year, boy do I have the recipe for you.Squash Pancakes2 cps cooked squash2 eggs - beaten1/3 cp milk1.5 - 2 cps flour2 Tbsp Garlic2 Tbsp Tarragon1/2 tsp Caraway1/2 cp diced onion2 Tbsp Baking Powder1/2 tsp salt1 tsp pepperVegetable oil - for fryingMix squash, eggs, milk, onion, and spices

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-42587152048104265842010-01-17T14:34:00.000-05:002010-01-20T14:47:42.967-05:00

This has been a very slow week here at Sparrow Haven. Winter is always slow but this week has been slower than normal. I don't know if it is the mid-winter blahs, that always seem to hit after the fourth straight week of cloud cover, or if it is the lingering effects of the head cold I had last weekend.The only real activity has been my various hobbies in front of the television. I've carved out

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83460857455092249722010-01-09T12:53:00.002-05:002010-01-09T13:37:34.814-05:00

There is something about winter that gets me into a contemplative mood. Maybe it is the lack of sunlight or maybe it is simply because with little to do outside I can think, dream, and plan for the future without feeling guilty for not getting chores done. All this while working on my fibre work or wood work.The seed catalogues have started arriving so my mind has been working on what I want to

Deenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-68930935235187893392010-01-01T15:33:00.004-05:002010-01-01T16:03:59.322-05:00

2009 saw a lot of changes at Sparrow Haven. We've added chickens to our menagerie at home and added two horses who are stabled off site. I took the plunge and started Chestnut Tree Creations to sell my home made items, and in the last three weeks I have sold enough to pay for all the special wood, tools, and other stuff I have invested this year. All in all it was a good year.We rang in 2010 in

Deenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-29900984133836883092009-12-26T12:55:00.002-05:002009-12-26T13:50:45.586-05:00

We made a trip into town on Christmas Eve to do our grocery shopping for the next two weeks, and while walking up and down each aisle in the store it struck me that PeterC and I have developed a tradition for the holidays. The holidays for us starts on or very near December 21st and goes all the way through to Jan 2nd and we seem to have a series of routines we follow unconsciously.We usually

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-5372625194600484242009-12-19T12:58:00.004-05:002009-12-21T12:12:57.339-05:00

Once upon a day so dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious link of forgotten lore,While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my patio door.`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my patio door -Only this, and nothing more.'And so my Edgar Allan Poe-esk story begins.While I was not dreaming of sweet

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-59887417206102522892009-12-13T12:46:00.004-05:002009-12-13T13:11:25.427-05:00

We have an egg eater and I am so disappointed. One of the hens has decided that all the work of the other hens is there for her to crush and eat. I know we have an egg eater because I have found empty and cracked eggs for the last three days.We normally get 7-9 eggs a day but Friday was the worst. We only got 3 eggs and one of those had been pecked hard enough to leave a gaping hole. While

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-35372830255419215062009-12-07T12:33:00.002-05:002009-12-07T12:52:12.033-05:00

Winter is finally here. It's about time, too. I was beginning to think this was going to be the year that never froze.Up until now the weather has been cool and damp, which makes it feel much colder than it really is. The ground was soft and squishy, making it hard on the boots, shoes, horses, and chickens. The only snow we got melted within a few hours, making the ground even soggier.The weather

Deenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26810321.post-83977023156265734042009-11-29T13:50:00.003-05:002009-11-29T14:15:34.048-05:00

I have been writing short stories for years. Some of them have been quite good while others have left much to be desired. Over time I have lost most of the stories, since I wasn't computer literate at the time of their writing and never saved copies. Except one story. The following story was published on the Tir Na Og website, a site for people who live and love the stories of the Fae creatures,

Deenoreply@blogger.com1