Thursday, July 3, 2008

Charlie's Stash

Charlie likes to stash stuff, under the sofa cushions this morning I found my outdoor clogs, a tea cup and some foam he ripped out of one of the dog beds. He has also chewed a corner off the comforter and ripped the dust ruffle on my bed, they are yard sale finds so not a big disaster. I don't put the good stuff out because the older cats would snag it as they climb up on the bed. He looks so innocent laying here. I have the kiddie gate up to keep him out of back hall, where I have put the cats food. He sure keeps me on my toes. This will all pass and he will get the idea as to what is acceptable and not. Went out to take some pictures and came back in to more chaos, he found Jim's Moose slippers again, and stuffing from ?, I'm not sure yet.

My Hollyhocks are starting to bloom, they have gotten so tall this year. I guess not mowing them and clearing out all the weeds around them helps. I have some more seeds I forgot to plant, may go ahead and put them out and see what happens. These are all ones that have come up by themselves, the seeds are different colors and doubles. I think that would make a nice mix.
I had to also check on the goats, Star fell off one of the big wood spools yesterday. I was afraid at first that she had broken her leg, I am thinking now it may be a sprain or bad bruise. She really landed hard, and after first getting up she lay back down. Eventually she got up but was limping badly, as of a short time ago she is getting around much better. It is not quite the same as one of the cats or dogs, where you can throw them in the car and go. I guess I better keep my eyes open for a small horse trailer, just in case.
I wanted to give some perspective when I talk about my thistle overload. They smell heavenly and the bees and butterflies love them, but I have far too many. They are in the 4 foot range and really bite if you brush against them. Jim's main purpose this weekend will be getting mowers running so I can make more of a dent in this jungle. I am going to leave a patch of the thistles for the butterflies, but the majority will go.
I am going to make a real effort to get one of my birdbaths finished this weekend so I can take pictures of it. I will love to get feedback on this project, I have a ton of ideas.
Best to you all and have a safe 4Th!! Barbara

7 comments:

Carole Burant said...

Makes you wonder how dogs think of the places to hide stuff! lol A puppy certainly can be very mischievous but as you say, it doesn't take them long to learn to behave:-)

I love hollyhocks but don't have any growing in my flowerbeds. I think I have seeds for them, though, so will have to look. Oh wow, you sure do have tons of thistle...good luck in mowing most of it down!! That's going to be quite the job.

I do hope Star hasn't damaged her leg too much! xox

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Barbara!
It's so nice to meet you! I love your blog and can almost hear you talking while I read your words. Almost like the narrator you hear talking on the TV show telling you the story as it's unfolding. You write so beautifully.
I will be back to hear your continuing story!
Thank you for entering my giveaway and for visiting me! Please come back often so we can sit and chat over some iced tea or lemonade!!
Hugs, Sherry

Unknown said...

When you say you have thistle, you have thistle. This place looked a lot like that only instead of thistle it was underbrush and thickets of briar. JD started to try and clear it by hand and gave up on that idea not too far into the process. We ended up paying $75 for a guy to come in with a dozer and clear it and tuck it under. I proptly planted grass seed and kept my fingers crossed and sent up a lot of prayers that the seed would not be washed away by rain or all eaten by the birds. The first time the couple that we bought the place from came back to visit they couldn't get over the difference. She kept saying how it looked like a park.

Karen said...

Charlie is a lucky dog to have found such a good home. Your calm attitude gives me hope that we can work with our puppy and teach him to be a nice pet to have around. The frozen kongs have been a life-saver!

Your place sounds beautiful. I'm excited to seeing what the birdbath looks like!

Happy 4th to you:)

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Barbara,

I'm sure Charlie will learn in time what is a no-no. I'm glad you're s weet, tolerant lady.

I had lots of thistles, too, and had to mow most of them down, but the butterflies really do love them. Your hollyhocks are so pretty.

Can't wait to see your birdbath. Hope you're having a great 4th weekend!

Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Oh, and I forgot, but do hope Star will be okay!

violetlady said...

Beau, our poodle, tears all the "innards" out of his stuffed toys. He also carries shoes around with him. I wake up in the morning with several of the shoes in bed with me. Aren't these creatures wonderful?