I'm always happy for a break in the weather so we can play with the pony! Kelo was feeling under the weather earlier last month, but he's back to normal. He is the first to run up to the barn when we arrive - even when all of the horses are in the big pasture - and his appetite is as sharp as ever. Even though he's an easy keeper, we give him a bowl of senior feed when we visit. It's good for him, and gives me time to set Sam on his back.
I've been in Montana nearly 20 years, and I can't remember a winter storm quite this early.This includes the 7 years I lived in Coram (a.k.a. the land of perpetual winter) outside of West Glacier. We went from ninety degrees a couple of weeks ago to 2 inches of snow and temperatures in the twenties.
Yesterday's storm shut down the unprotected parts of the garden. The basil in the cold frame is gone, but some of it is still alive underneath the floating row cover in the greenhouse. The cabbage and other hardy ones are doing fine in the cold frame and greenhouse. Even though we had a nice burst of warm weather in September, I'm not ready to throw in the towel when it comes to the garden. We'll see how long I can push some of the cabbage and greens into the winter.
Grant wasn't thrilled about the change in weather, either. The first part of this week was the marking run in the annual rainbow trout population estimates on the Missouri River. The crews go out from sun down to sun up electrofishing. It's a few days of hard work each spring and fall, but Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been collecting this data for thirty years so it's an important project.
Electrofishing is an interesting technique. I've always been warned about mixing electricity and water, but for decades biologists used it to gather fish on a grand scale. In the simplest terms, they send a current through the water, and the fish caught inside the zone are practically immobilized. The biologists and unwitting volunteers (who often think it sounds more fun than it actually is) net them to bring them into the boat to measure, mark and weigh before releasing them back into the river. Two weeks from now they'll shock the same sections of river, and will count the number of marked fish they recapture. With this data Grant will calculate the population to make sure there aren't severe fluctuations that may flag a problem.
Although the electrofishing works wonderfully, it's not without its hazards. It is powerful enough to harm - such as burns or broken bones through extreme muscle contractions - or even kill fish making it important to have knowledgeable operators. The process isn't easy on the people doing it, either, particularly when it's cold and snowing... and anyone who's visited this area knows the wind can make thing miserable even in better conditions. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as the original forecast called for, and they marked over 1500 fish.
One of the nicest catches was this 30.5 inch/ 12.9 lbs. walleye caught in the electrical field. Grant said many times they can see these big boys beneath them, but they aren't often captured during these runs. It's pretty impressive to see what's out there, especially when they're as nice as this one.
Without question, it was my favorite program partly because nothing died (most films I worked on involved a carcass), and the whole situation was actually pretty funny. During the rut, the bulls lost their minds and chased anything that looked at them wrong. This included old women or Japanese tourists. In some years people were gored or cut, so the bulls were serious.
The first day of filming a woman was trying to take the picture of a bull in front of the hospital, which I thought was very appropriate. When the bull charged her she held out her hands in an "I mean no harm" manner. Well, the bull did. She managed to get out of there so there was no money shot.
I messed up another situation when I couldn't bear to watch an old woman be gored. We were at Turtle Mountain Campground where a particularly testy bull was set off by the squeaking of the door on the women's restroom. Everytime someone came out, he went after them. He was parked on the lawn outside the door when an Eastern European "Nana" type lady came shuffling out. As soon as that door squeaked, he was up and coming at her. She never noticed him. I couldn't help myself and yelled. That stopped him for a moment, then he went around a tree to come at her again as she slowly walked down the sidewalk. I yelled and waved a second time. She barely glanced at me as she kept going, and obviously never realized her imminent danger. At this point, he came after me, but I was easily able to out maneuver him by running in between campers and cars.
The entire two weeks we filmed we like that. Every day was a new scenario usually where people were too dumb to know better. Other times it was just comical, such as watching the golfers at the Banff Springs Golf Course try to put around the herd. The bulls also did a number on the greens, which is something I talked about in this week's PlantersPlace blog. Anytime I'm frustrated with the deer nibbling the apple trees, I need to remember the damage the elk did in Banff!
We have another week of blah weather so I'm not sure how much I'll accomplish in the garden, although I typically would plant the tomatoes in the Wall-O-Waters and seed more early varieties. The cabbage and broccoli could also easily go out. They're looking good and healthy.
My helper, Sam, is usually out with me no matter what I'm doing, and seems to have a natural talent for gardening. He undoubtedly looks like Grant, but he's definitely inherited my tendency to attract dirt. We were out for all of five minutes last week, and he was filthy. There's no way I can be upset since I was just as dirty!
It's beyond me how some people (Grant) can stay clean when they're doing projects. When I first met him I remember he said he had to replace the motor that drives the windshield wipers. It took him all of ten minutes, and he could've gone straight to church. If I would've done it, I would've required gasoline to clean the grease off of half my body.
This is an article I wrote for the April 11 "At Home" section in the Great Falls Tribune (www.greatfallstribune.com). I've wanted chickens for some time, and this just seals it!
There’s a certain satisfaction in gathering fresh eggs for breakfast, or to always have plenty on hand no matter what the recipe. Fortunately, unlike other livestock that requires considerable space and care, chickens are a relatively easy choice for home growers who want a few hens to keep the family in eggs.
Chickens and a rural lifestyle go hand-in-hand, although they’re versatile enough to adapt to suburban situations. Vicki Stevenson in Ulm
Keeping chickens is one way she can enjoy raising useful animals without needing acreage. “My chickens run in my front yard,” she said. “I get the fresh eggs,” as well as the option of a chicken dinner whenever she deems necessary.
Personality Plus
Stevenson said she enjoys the clucking and noises her chickens make while they’re busy scratching and foraging. She noted that every breed has distinct qualities, and individuals aren’t lacking in character. “Every one of them is different,” she said.
Some breeds are notably flighty, while others are definitely more personable. Stevenson said, “You got these others that you have to push away with your foot.”
Choosing successful breeds is something Stevenson has done for over thirty years as a poultry enthusiast and judge. “I see a lot of different breeds,” she noted. “Sometimes I’m so impressed. There are hundreds of breeds of chickens, and more thought of every year.”
A recent addition to her flock is the Wyandotte Minnesota
On of the first decisions in picking the best breed for you is deciding whether you’re looking for eggs, meat or both. From there, considerations such as location, the size of the bird and temperament are other factors.
Poultry Palace
“Chickens are really tough,” said Gene Hickman, a Helena
“They really need a dry place out of the wind,” stressed Hickman. “It’s even better if the structure is insulated and heated.”
Many people use the brood lamps, but Hickman uses an oil heater set where the chickens can’t land on top of it. “It uses less electricity and is less of a fire hazard,” he said.
Even if you don’t have a heat source, Hickman said with protection they should do fine. “They’ll bunch up on a roost together. That’s the chicken way of doing things. They generate a lot of heat. Birds have a high body temperature. On the floor the water might freeze, but they’re warm.”
“They prefer to jump up and roost on something versus sitting on the ground,” he said, and recommended building a roost with 2x2’s or 2x4’s because the flat lumber is easier for them to grasp versus the round poles that were once popular.
Hickman said you don’t have to break the bank to build adequate housing for the chickens. He used scrap materials for most of his keeping the basics of providing a dry, draft-free place for them.
Chicken Feed and Garden Helpers
Providing the proper diet is fairly simple with the variety of nutritionally sound chicken feed on the market. “The poultry feeds you buy are balanced feeds,” said Hickman.
He said, “Some people feed scratch all of the time, but it’s low in protein.” Scratch is primarily a grain mix that provides carbohydrates. Hickman said some scratch is fine, but recommended a core diet of game bird chow or layer mash to provide adequate protein.
Hickman also allows his chickens free range so they’ll do a lot of foraging on their own. He keeps his garden fenced off to keep deer, as well as his hungry flock, out of the area during the summer, but turns them loose in the fall.
“They’re turning the soil for me, and eating weed seeds.” He said they also make quick work of anything left in the garden, which is true even if they happen to gain access when there are still viable crops.
“A chicken looks at a plant and thinks it’s upsidedown,” laughed Hickman noting that they’ll pull out plants by the roots.
Hickman said he’ll sometimes hang a head of cabbage just off the ground, and let the chickens consume it. Plus, most of their chicken scraps, including meat, can be tossed to them. “The only thing you worry about is salt,” said Hickman because it can be toxic to them.
“They need a variety in their diet,” said Hickman who noted that increased green matter results in a superior quality egg. The free range eggs have a distinct orange-yellow yoke, and are typically more flavorful.
In recent tests, free range eggs have thirty percent less cholesterol, twenty-five percent less saturated fat, more vitamin-A and twice as much Omega-3 fatty acids than commercially produced eggs.
Despite enjoying the health benefits of home grown, free range eggs, keeping chickens is a wonderful way to have a daily performance teaming with entertaining characters right in your back yard.
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There are many organizations and websites that can answer all of your chicken related questions:
Montana
www.montanapoultryfanciersassociation.com
Rocky Mountain Poultry Fanciers
Contact: Vicki Stevenson (406)866-3548
The “Chicken Whisperer” http://www.radiosandysprings.com/showpages/backyardpoultry.php
Back Yard Chickens
http://www.backyardchickens.com
My Pet Chicken
The Country Chicken
http://www.cyndilou6.com
The Poultry Site
The forecast called for a few inches of snow, but it was quite a surprise to wake up to about nine-inches of the fluffy white stuff blanketing absolutely everything. It stacked up on the deck railing, as well as bird feeders and sunflower heads, which is very unusual for this area since our snow arrives horizontally on many occasions.
I can't say I'm overly pleased since I already have a terrible case of spring fever, but I have to admit, it is a winter wonderland out there. The sun's been shining all day, and the birds have been going nuts on the feeders. Unfortunately, the wind is picking up, which could rearrange things a bit.
We had a fun, low-key Christmas. No drama and no stress. Sam loved his new toys, particularly the Jack-in-the-Box my grandmother gave him. My mom thought it might scare him, but far from it. Of course, he cheats - he doesn't have the patience ( hmmm... from whom did he inherit that trait?) to turn the crank. He just flips the latch to release the clown, then thinks it's the funniest thing in the world. I love it - no batteries!
One of the nicest parts of the day was being able to go outside without risking frostbite. Grant dressed Samin many layers, reminiscent of the "kid brother" in Christmas Story, and took him outside for awhile. Sam had a blast. Grant set him on top of the big snow bank that drifted over top of the garden, and he enjoyed his perch (too bad we don't have a little saucer sled). And Grant pulled him around the yard on the sled. They had a grand time.
It is -14 degrees with more snow on the ground than we typically see for more than a day or two here in northcentral Montana and this is the shortest day of the year. But I I’m surprisingly optimistic. Since this is our most abbreviated day for sunlight, it means it’ll only get better!
As many of you know, I lived in the FlatheadValley in northwestern Montana for 17 years before moving to Great Fallswo years ago on December 27. The Flathead is renowned for its beauty – a lush green valley nestled between mountain ranges. FlatheadLake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi (and home of our own Nessie-like monster) borders the southern part of the valley while
In Great Falls we have a reputation for wind. Granted, it sometimes blows so hard I know people who chain down their barbeques on their porches, but it certainly keeps the air clean.
But with the wind we have the sun, and after living in cloudy areas all of my life I can’t begin to explain what a welcomed sight it is even when temperatures are well below zero. When the sun is out we can open the drapes, which we normally keep pulled tight to help retain heat, to allow the radiant solar energy to warm the living room. It makes a huge difference. And now with lengthening days, there’s even more reason to celebrate and soak in the rays.
After a mild autumn it was bound to happen. We had a doozy of a blizzard roll in yesterday, and are forecasted a week of extremely cold temperatures. Bah humbug! The Farmers' Almanac (www.farmersalmanac.com) predicts colder than normal temperatures for us this winter, but I sure wish they were wrong once and awhile.
The storm roared in about 1:30 a.m. yesterday morning waking all of us up for a deep sleep. We're used to the wind in the this neck of the woods, but this was like a train coming through the house. None of us slept well the rest of the night. By morning the temperature dropped from 37 degrees when we went to bed to below zero, and it kept going. Officially we received six inches of snow, but it drifted in huge piles against anything vertical. The photo of the drift against the fence taken in the garden makes the mammoth sunflowers look tiny.
We hunkered inside all day yesterday, and won't be terribly ambitious today. Even though it's sunny - something I greatly appreciate after nearly two decades in the perpetually gloomy Flathead Valley - it's not supposed to crack zero. Samuel still brings me his coat and hat to go outside, but he doesn't understand frostbite risk!
Seems like a perfect opportunity to bake to me. Last night I mixed up a batch of bread dough that you can keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks and use it as you need it from the current issue of Mother Earth News, and I'm just about ready to pop my first sticky rolls in the oven. I think I'll share a few with our neighbors to the east of us. Then I might make another batch for the family across the street just for a reason to crank up the oven again!
It's been a goofy year for gardening. After a cold spring, we had a blizzard in the middle of June, which set things back a fair amount. Up until our hot weather hit the end of July, we were practically four weeks behind.
For certain, my squash are late. Normally by this time of year, I'm sick of looking at zucchini, and am scratching my head on how to use it. This year, I've frozen only four cups, and seem to be able to keep up with it has I harvest. And the Patty Pans are just starting... unheard of the first part of September.
I'm particularly concerned about my winter squash. I know I have 'Lakota" planted, and my aunt gave me a 'Delicata", but I can't say for certain what the other varieties might be. Sam pulled my tags after planting, then the ones I replanted post-snowstorm are also no longer named. It looks like pumpkins are growing alongside the 'Lakota' and acorn squash might produce a few.
But I know we're running out of time. The forecast for Thursday is 35-degrees, which is a worry. I'll cover with the floating row cover, but frankly, I don't have enough to cover everything. I'm not ready to give up the tomatoes, basil, peppers, or beans yet either. One tip a lady just told me is to cut off the vines past the last fruit on each so the plant can put more into the squash than into growing. So today I went around snipping off the ends.
Hopefully, we'll make it through this week without a frost, and the pruning will give the plants the extra energy they need to ripen those squash... so I can figure out how to cook them later!
