Groundhog's Day

Nothing makes me madder than a freeloader, especially when that freeloader is furry with four legs. The girls, the boss and I went to tend to the garden the other day and were met with a horrific sight. The tops of the beans on two rows had been eaten. Something had decided it wanted a midnight snack and had made itself at home. By the looks of it, the thing had brought the whole family along.

Now, I get that the animal is only feeding itself and on an enlightened plane of thought I can appreciate that. Far be it from me to deny an animal its right to eat. BUT I draw the line at my garden. That is for me and mine and I'm not in the mood to share with strange critters looking for an easy meal ticket. So I marched to the shop to elicit the advice of my husband. Farmers are the most resourceful individuals because in their line of work it is a necessity. They also know how to work with nature as well as how to battle nature on its home turf.

Groundhog trap

Farmer Dad decided to set a groundhog trap in the garden in hopes of catching the sneaky thing. He also enlisted the help of  the Great White Hunter, his dairy man (the guy who milks the cows), who is an avid hunter. Well neither solution worked. In the end, nature took care of it. There were actually three groundhogs noshing on my beans. A random car got one of them, Farmer Dad took out another, and his dad took out the last one. It just goes to show you that an easy meal makes you lazy and careless. Just think about Peter Rabbit. It is always best to follow the advice of mother bunny and stay out Mrs. Bright's garden!

Notes From the Boss

I can't let my guard down for a minute. I went to bed one night and thieves invaded the garden. Mom was mad. Now don't let her mild demeanor fool you. As my sissys will tell you, it is not good to get on her bad side and that groundhog was definitely on Mom's bad side. I thought the trap was interesting, but wasn't sure how a groundhog would fall for it. I mean think about it. The little groundhog walks along and sees some apples. Yum, he says. I think I'll eat these apples. Oh, look no I'm supposed to go into a cage. No matter, I love apples! Yeah, not Dad's brightest idea even if it is humane. I preferred the Great White Hunter's approach and offered to help with the stake out. Dad said no. Mom said no. The sissys laughed. In the end Dad and Grandpa went Elmer Fudd on the groundhogs...only they didn't get away like Bugs Bunny. Problem solved.

The Beach Life

Relaxing at Destin Commons

We took a break from gardening and went on vacation. Yes, while Dad stayed to tend to the cows, the Boss, the Queen, the Monkey and I escaped to the beach with my family. The sea was salty, the sand was sandy, and every bit of it was fun. There is truly nothing like a little rest and relaxation to make you feel human again.

The girls playing in the surf.

The girls spent most of their time rolling in the surf like mermaids while the Boss spent his days finding ways to be carried around. He discovered that Pepaw was a softy and so made an easy target!

The girls getting a little crazy at the Whataburger.

Enjoying a delicious meal at The Back Porch

Feeding the fish at Fish Lips

Nothing like filling your belly and falling asleep!

When we were back on the farm the girls told me how much they missed the ocean, their cousins, and the crazy aunts that drank Coca-Cola for breakfast. They also wanted to know when they were going to get to do that!

Future pilots at the National Naval Aviation Museum

Notes From the Boss

Enjoying a little sun, sand, and surf.

After driving and driving and driving, we finally arrived at the biggest pond I have ever seen! All of Dad's cows could fit in this thing and still have room to swish around. The water kept coming in and going out making a pounding noise that was just so exciting. I'm going to tell Dad to put a pond like that on the farm. Yeah, that would be good. Cousin O was there as well. I had to explain to her about my toys and how she couldn't touch them. I tell you what...girls just don't listen. Also, her mom had to explain to her that I wasn't a drum. My mom said she was just excited to see me...whatever Mom. I think next time I'm going to be excited to see her. What do you think about that Mom? In the end it was okay because Pepaw understood. He would scoop me up out of danger and show me the sights. I like that old guy. He is just about my speed.

Hanging with my godmother (who loves me best!)

The Battle Begins

The call to arms has been sounded. The War of the Weeds has begun. Last year the weeds won, but I was handicapped. I was growing reinforcements for our side, and I couldn't bend over very well. But this year the Boss is here. This year I am ready. I have assembled my troops. The weeds will not survive.

Okay, so my "troops" aren't very hardened (except that weathered guy in the back), but give them a few years and they will be unstoppable. Until then, I'll just have to work with what I have.

The Boss has appointed himself general. He surveys the battles from the comfort of his stroller. The Monkey and the Queen take turns pushing him in the shade as he shouts encouragements. Meanwhile, one lucky soldier and I hack and pull at the ferocious weeds. No survivors is our motto. When necessary Dad pulls out the artillery, the rototiller, and finishes the weeds off in a sneak attack at night.

We have planted six rows of corn, four rows of bush beans, four tomato plants, some squash, and some cucumbers. It is ambitious, but think of the delicious fruits of our labor.

Notes From The Boss

I am General Boss. From my noble steed, Stroller, I survey the battleground. I take my job very seriously. Mom is fighting on the front line. Someone needs to keep the soldiers focused and busy. That is my job. So, up and down the gravel drive I go making sure that everyone is doing their part. I even check on Dad as he works on the farm. Sometimes the Queen tries to abandon me in the shop so she can sneak and read her book.One time the Monkey even tried to strand me in an apple tree. No matter because Mom's eagle eye seeks me out and everything is put right. Weeds beware. I, General Boss, will not rest until every last one of you is gone!