Dd10 saw an unfamiliar bird in the backyard by the blackberry bushes. She burst into the kitchen.
"Mom you have GOT to come see this bird!!" We went out and two large birds flew away. I noticed a reddish tinge to the wings. I called "pish.pish.pish" and six little birds came out of the bushes to spy on me. I think they were warblers, but I know not what type. We stayed still and listened. We heard a woodpecker in the trees and a squeaky strange call.
We went inside and looked in the bird book. I thought maybe a tanager or grosbeak. I showed dd10 but she insisted it was MUCH bigger. "Huge," she said. "Like a dove."
I gave up and returned to my dishes and laundry. She went back out to play with the boys. A minute or two later she burst in again. "Bring your camera and we can zoom it in. It has a red beak and red tail and it is grey!!!" We walked back to the blackberries, trying to remain calm and quiet.
Then I saw them! Two large birds blending with the green and red leaves on the bushes. They were grey with red hints throughout and a bright red tail. I could not see the head! I took some photos because I was scared they would fly away again. They flew to the apple tree. I walked to the tree and finally saw the head. A large red-orange beak! Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Our first time and we see two females. YEAH!! I am so excited.
Now I want them to stay for the winter. Oh, I also want to see their mates!!
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A neighbour friend slaughtered his hogs and gave us some back bacon. I cut it up and fried the meat for lunch yesterday. It tasted good, but more like pork than bacon. I am thinking that store bought bacon must have many preservatives, etc. Does anyone make homemade bacon? What can I do to improve the flavour?
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We had a great start to 2008-2009! Each child had some one-on -one time with me. We went on a nature walk and visited some friends. All subjects did not get done today but I am using a loop schedule this year. The subjects that didn't get done today are where we shall begin tomorrow!
On our walk ds12 picked Queen Anne's Lace and got the root. He had heard me mention that it was in the carrot family. Daucus carota is very plentiful along the roadside. The root is long and thin. It is white or pale yellow and has root hairs similar to a garden carrot. The children noticed it smelled like a carrot, but I would not let them taste it until I checked online. (www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/queen.html) They had a little nibble but no one found it as appetizing as "normal" carrots. Be careful that you do not harvest deadly hemlock or parsley! We also use Queen Anne's Lace to decorate our hair and as pretend bird's nests.
The children found two dead dragonflies of different type and size. I brought them home but I am not sure of how to store insects! They are already dried up with the exoskeleton remaining. Any ideas?
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I guess it has been quite a while since I was last here! I can't say that I have simplified much in the past four seasons! But now it is spring cleaning time. This month I attended a seminar about health and wellness. The speaker was Natalie Foeller of the Centre of Education for Children's Health and the Environment. www.ceche.net What an eye-opener that was!
Tips:
- Cross-ventilate your home. Open all windows for 20 minutes a day.
- There is pesticide in VIM and chlorine bleach.
- Plastics: Do not drink out of them. Use Klean Kanteen or SIGG. www.kleankanteen.com www.mysigg.com Plastics # 3,6, and 7 are garbage. Plastics # 2, 4, and 5 are safer but never put them in the dishwasher or microwave! Plastic # 1 is for one use only.
- Phthalates: estrogen imitator, respiratory problems, carcinogen, and neurotoxin. They are found in Febreeze, Johnsons and Johnsons baby wash and lotion, Swiffer wet, plug ins and air freshners, baby wipes, nail polish, PVC and vinyl (#3 plastic),etc. http://www.ceche.net/PDFs/plastics.pdf
I have become a member of Melaleuca (www.melaleuca.com). I am very happy with their cleaners, vitamins, and personal care products. Anyone else know of any safer alternatives? Please let me know about the companies you have decided to use. I am always looking for ways to improve my home environment and the safety of my children.
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The snow has arrived in Nova Scotia.
The children love to go sledding, make snowforts and snowmen.
Then inside they come with red noses and fingers.
Yummy hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies.
We enjoy the snow while it is here..lately it has only been lasting a few days.
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We have a new addition to the homestead. "Raja" is a cute blond kitten. I have never seen another cat this color! The children love him. He has been dressed up in doll clothes and carted around. He has found a great hiding place inside the couch!!!
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I have been reading every book my local library has in stock on the topic of "simple living."
I am trying not to buy so much "stuff"...where does it all come from?! I have been sorting and cleaning and tossing and giving away!!! But I just keep finding more and more. It was in closets and boxes and bins and ....Yes, I admit, I am a packrat and it is hard to stop 
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Any suggestions for keeping rats and mice away?!
I am buying a cat at next opportunity.
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I have been reading other blogs today and I am feeling overwhelmed!! What should I do first?! I desire soooo much to be a true homesteader, but I feel I am at a loss. All you experienced homesteaders, what are the top three things that I should do in my home? I need to get started, but where?!
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I am attempting to be a "homesteader". I have been homeschooling for six years now. Two years ago I started to buy more natural and unprocessed foods. I have a small herb and flower garden.
At our old home my husband had a medium-size vegetable garden. But alas, our present lot is very small and our soil is poor. I would like to know about "raised" vegetable gardens and how to garden organically...just the basics for now (carrots, beans, tomatoes, peas, radishes..)
We would love to move to a more secluded area with more acreage. We have a spot in mind and we are just waiting for God to open up the doors:-)
That's all for now.