Tis the Season

A few shots from Christmas Eve. yes, that is a clay pigeon thrower, but don't be alarmed, they're just throwing marshmallows with it for now. And that kitty with glowing eyes isn't actually an alien by the way.

Meet Bubbles and Brandon

The handsome fellow in the round pen is Brandon, known as 'B' to his friends. He's a mature fellow, probably 20 years or thereabouts. He is always spotless and shiny, and prides himself on being a reliable mount.

Bubbles joined us at Higher Ground this summer for Horsey Camp. She and B got on fabulously and were riding independently by the end of the week. Upon returning home (B naturally was devastated at her departure, but did make a full recovery), Bubbles eventually began dressage lessons. This weekend she placed third in her first competition! B has remarked on Bubbles significant improvement and given his grudging approval of her mount. He is greatly looking forward to next Horsey Camp.

Should I ever get out of trouble for the whole horsey thing-its not my fault, the kid was born with a stuffed horsey in her hand-there is the possibility of video from the dressage show. For now though, you can see the full slide show of Horsey Camp 2011 here.

Winter Garden

Here's a few shots from the Garden today. Unbelievably Hot was so dry and hung around so long that we didn't have a Fall Garden this year. There will certainly be Much Rejoicing when we have some tomatoes again...

About that broccoli....

So, early in Not Quite As Hot a few things were put out in the garden; cole crops, lettuce, that sort of stuff. Our efforts were rewarded with vigorous growth and the distinct possibility of homegrown broccoli in time for Thanksgiving.

Sadly, a few days before the big event, the broccoli was mysteriously mowed nearly to the ground. A single lettuce was sampled; the cabbages, onions, and cauliflower were unscathed. Security film demonstrated only the barely discernable image shown below.

Chupracabara? Aliens? None of the above...shockingly, sophisticated analysis of the imagery revealed a Broccoli Stuffed Sicilian Donkey in her Jammie's!

Occupy Veggie Patch?

Polar Bear Attack!

Well, Higher Ground is located on the Gulf Coast, right on the very edge of the Great State of Confusion. Seasons here are Hot, Unbelievably Hot, and Not Quite As Hot; we're presently in the latter. Below you'll see the view from the Big Black Truck, taken on the way home from Occupy Workplace. We're in for a chilly few days with nighttime lows right at freezing.

Preparations have been mighty. Fortifications of PVC and acres of frost blankets cover the gardens (Thanks Rapunzel!), the henhouse is battened down and high carb treats served for the residents bedtime snack. The Noble Steeds are snug in their blankets, generously served with hay, and extra rations were provided for the Barn Kitties.

But wait! The Dynamic Duo (our Collies) report something unusual out by the barn. Rather large, pleasantly plump? Big ears? Big dark eyes! A Polar Bear? You've got to be kidding....ah, its sort of green? Hmmm, No mystery there, it's just a Broccoli Stuffed Sicilian Donkey in her Jammie's (that broccoli bit is a whole 'nuther story),

Home Invasion!

We hear that as the economy tanks, home invasions are becoming more common. Apparently we are not immune here at Higher Ground. Direct evidence (pictured below) was discovered by dawn's early light, right there in the kitchen.

Fortunately for the masked invader, should he be apprehended, a friend can provide a jury of his peers, and has plenty of alternates available. On the other hand, he may find himself simply appearing before The Judge, who being tough on Kitchen Crime, will most likely hand down a ruling, probably a .410.

Working Girls

Unbelievably Hot has finally passed, and its cooled off a little. Despite the intense heat and drought this summer, hive inspection revealed that the girls put up plenty of honey. Where do they get the nectar? Normally there is an abundance of white clover and blackberry for them to work. This year it's just a mystery.

You can see a frame of capped honey below. During a good flow the girls can fill several of those daily; they add up pretty quick. There eight of those Frames in each box. One box weighs about fifty pounds and will pretty well fill up a 5 gallon bucket.

There's a link to a little bee movie I just took today too.

cool bee movie

Scattered Showers and Spaghetti

"On the first day, FSM made noodles and said unto the people: boil four quarts of water, add salt, and cook the noodles just to al dente. The people wore their colanders, made some meatballs with sauce, sprinkled freshly grated parmesan and ate Spaghetti. FSM said it was good and promised to reward the people.

On the second day FSM made the Rain, and there was Much Rejoicing.

Ra-men!

Jumpin' dillers, we're on the internets!

Donkey Soccer, Pastafarian Revivals, and Copperheads in the Toilet - there's rarely a dull moment here at Higher Ground, our little homestead located near the coast of the Great State of Confusion.