Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Absolutely Nothing Going On

I was in town today for my book club plus a myriad errands, which included fresh tomatoes from the Hmongs at the farmers market. I realized that I had about 45 minutes to spare. I had queried on Facebook for places to buy cheap cotton. I remembered that someone had suggested Mill Ends. With time to spare I came away with ten pounds of cotton at $1 a yard. I cannot wait to start my next rug!
I'll be back in town tomorrow for a haircut, to pick up a donated loom to our guild and to see if the folks at the cooperative extension can help us find what's eating our potato plants. Ian's relocation program is now up to 6 packrats and 9 squirrels, but I don't think either of them can eat nightshade plants. They've asked me to bring digital photos and samples of the damage. They also suggested that I go out in the middle of the night and see if I could find munching insects. I'm still recovering from the night I went out twice with camera and flashlight, to no avail.
We are so excited to see these ripening tomatoes. We have another month of growing season and might actually have tomatoes enough to preserve. I'm holding my breath because tomatoes are also nightshade plants, and if it turns out the potatoes are being eaten by insects, these guys are next in line. How did anyone ever homestead here and thrive?

And then there's this - someone some-
where left the gate open. These fellas are walking down our road just past our gate, so not where they're supposed to be. Oh boy, is someone in trouble - somewhere.
That driveway? It's a house for sale that apparently is hot because there are a half dozen cars checking it out a day, at least that we've seen. Just mosey on by boys, nothing to see.
And there they go - up Steve's driveway. He had some bales of hay leftover from decorating last Halloween. Total cow bait. What was he thinking??

8 comments:

Marion B. said...

I'm sorry to hear about the potatoes, I always feel a little sad when a harvest doesn't work out. I really do, as I listen to the news on tv that so many harvests/crops? a bad or completely lost, I alway feel tears behind my eyes. Must be the ancient woman in me I guess.

But still, great to have so much cotton for such a nice price. And the one who left the gate open sure has a problem but it is kind of funny to when I read your story.

Have a nice day,

Theresa said...

So, roaming street gangs there? Maybe they were checking out the house for sale, maybe a place to crash after eating too much alfalfa? Or someone's veggies?
Hope you get an answer to your spud problem and it's an easy remedy!

Nina said...

Great price on fabrics! How lucky to have a store like that. Our tomatoes are just starting to ripen as well. I can't wait for that first tomato sandwich.

Evelyn said...

What a deal on fabric! you are really on a rug roll.
Those potatoes look like something quite large is munching through the fence.
When we had sheep they always seemed to find a way out onto the road, gate open or not...

Life Looms Large said...

Roving gangs of cattle and rogue insects...tough neighborhood!

Great find on the cotton. I like how you've taken to weaving rugs!!

I just took some of your advice about my moth-eaten yarn. Basically I decided not to mess around with possibly introducing moths or moth eggs to my studio or looms. I don't love the yarn in question nearly enough to take that risk.

Have fun with your rugs!

Sue

Annie said...

So much cotton! That will mean a lot of weaving fun!
This afternoon I saw a lovely bag, woven with cotton strips... Also a nice idea! I'm definitely going to try it.

Benita said...

Cow bait? I love that!!! Good luck to ther person who has to get them home again.

Nice, bright fabric - ought to make a happy rug.

Judy said...

What a great find on cotton fabric! Weaving rugs is so rewarding, from start to finish, it's just enjoyable.

Great photos of the cows moving along! They must be firm believers of the grass is always greener elsewhere.