The Ringed Teal is a fairly small duck as are most of the ducks in the Teal family. When in full color, the males have a pinkish breast that is spotted with black. The back is a chestnut color that is truly striking. The flight feathers have a bright patch that is a nice shadeContinue reading “Animal of the Month – Ringed Teal Duck”
Author Archives: Jeff and Rita
Animal of the Month – Golden Pheasant
The Golden Pheasant is often called Chinese Pheasant because of its origins in China. This stunning bird is native to central and southern China. It thrives in areas of the dense cover that forests and mountains provide. In the wild, the birds eat an omnivore diet consisting of insects and grubs, as well as bambooContinue reading “Animal of the Month – Golden Pheasant”
Is There a Wrong Way to Compost?
Most gardeners, whether they be new to the hobby (or profession) or not have heard of composting and the many wonderful benefits of it. What I’ve found in researching the topic is that there are so many different styles and methods of composting that to decide which is the best can be slightly overwhelming. It’sContinue reading “Is There a Wrong Way to Compost?”
Reasons to Mulch Your Garden
Are you like so many other people all over the United States and other countries who are planting gardens like never before? If so, you might want to consider mulching this summer. Ruth Stout, a pioneer in garden mulching and no-dig gardening, ranted and raved on this method of keeping weeds down and produce yieldsContinue reading “Reasons to Mulch Your Garden”
The New Victory Garden
We’ve all seen and heard enough of the COVID-19 stuff these days, and I’m not here to follow that thread. However, I do live in Michigan where we have had some of the toughest restrictions since late February and continuing to the present. Our governor has placed restriction upon restriction and she has ordered moreContinue reading “The New Victory Garden”
Where There's a Will, There's a Way (when your greenhouse is not completely built and you need to start your plants)
We have cats in the house, two to be exact. The cats are the whole reason we finally bit the bullet and purchased a greenhouse kit this year. Every year that I have started plants in the house, I have watched the cats completely devour them just about the time they were ready to transplantContinue reading “Where There's a Will, There's a Way (when your greenhouse is not completely built and you need to start your plants)”
The Birds with which We Live
We purchased more ducks when in Wisconsin a few weeks ago and I thought you might like to see some of them. Also in the mix are our pheasants and quail. I hope you enjoy! PS: Please remember that we will have ducks and pheasants for sale sometime in the near future.
How to Make Your Own Corn Tortillas
I love just about all Mexican (or Tex-Mex) food, even the stuff that is so spicy that it makes my mouth water. So does the rest of my family. Because we are trying hard to eat as simply and cost efficiently as we can, I have begun making my own corn tortillas (two of usContinue reading “How to Make Your Own Corn Tortillas”
Keeping Everyone Warm
Here in northern Michigan, January can be brutal. This year hasn’t been as bad as “normal”, but right now we are in the midst of a ton of lake effect snow – up to 10 inches. The weekend forecast is for that much system snow. Ugh. Keeping everyone warm can be a difficult thing toContinue reading “Keeping Everyone Warm”
Where do You Go for Recipes?
I go round and round looking for the best recipes. I have printed off two large binders full of recipes. I regularly check recipe books out of my local library and make good use of inter-library loan. I’ve been known to buy old, used recipe books from garage sales. But the best recipes by farContinue reading “Where do You Go for Recipes?”
