These two rascals appear every March around here. They always make me smile.
Today we celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Or, perhaps, some readers are regretting that they celebrated a little too much last night. Whatever your situation, you or probably someone you know is proudly wearing the green. We’re all a bit Irish today, aren’t we?
My mother was an English war bride. But what many people in the US don’t realize, that many English natives have Irish ancestry, too. While nearly five million Irish immigrated to the US during the Great Potato Famine and the years that followed, nearly one fourth of all Americans have some Irish background. That is a huge amount. No wonder we’re all celebrating.
My mother always kept some Irish traditions going. As kids, we always wore the green to avoid getting an Irish pinch on the special day. There was sure to be cabbage with our corned beef for supper. Maybe an old-fashioned pudding for dessert.
She kept the legends of leprechauns and brownies alive, and they would be blamed if the milk got spilled or a button fell off. I still like to carry on these family stories a bit myself. Years ago, I purchased this little pair of leprechauns and told my boys that they symbolize the mischievous characters around here. I always drag them out this time of year. Probably much to my sons’ annoyance but, well, it’s my choice.
This past weekend, my granddaughter built a little fairy hut for the leprechauns. Some twigs and sticks, leathery magnolia leaves and a seed pod, plus a snail shell and some green Irish moss. Funny how the little guys found their way outside to enjoy a pipe and ray of sunshine.
The two resident leprechauns enjoying a pipe and a bit o’ sun.
Let us all be proud of our heritage today and always. We all come from somewhere and bring our unique traditions, food, song and culture to this amazing melting pot. Enjoy your day. Watch out for pinches.
The Singing Tree, acrylic on canvas with sterling silver gilding, 30 x 24, Kit Miracle
I have a singing tree in my front yard. Actually, right next to the house.
Oh, it’s not belting out O Sole Mio or anything like the latest rap. It’s more of a gentle, low key humming, singing really. The first time I heard it was when I was walking around the yard on a windy day. I kept looking around to see if anyone was there. It took me a while to realize that the sound was coming from a tree. The twisted branches were rubbing against each other, creating a sound.
Our house, like so many older homes in this part of the midwest, is surrounded by yard trees. These were planted decades ago to provide shade to houses in the heat of the summer, long before air conditioning. The trees nearest the house are all maples, mostly black or sugar maples. (Lovely colors in autumn.) Although we’ve lost some of the trees over the years, there are still enough to provide some shade.
The Singing Tree, original photoThe Singing Tree, black and white photo manipulation
Last spring I took a photography course. I was mostly interested in learning how to use the features of my cameras. Didn’t need much help with composition. One of our weekly assignments was to get out and film nature. The Singing Tree was one of my entries. After some computer manipulation, I did a very striking black and white, almost abstract. I was going to paint is as such, but then reverted to a muted impressionistic painting with added sterling silver gilding. I even added a maple leaf motif to the edges of the painting, in sterling silver, of course.
The Singing Tree, detail 1The singing Tree, detail 2The Singing Tree, edge with leaf motif in sterling silver
The whole painting has been sprayed with clear acrylic which prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing. Adding the gilding adds several more steps to the actual painting which slows the whole process.
This is the time of year when people gather together in homey places. Basements, dens, shops, barns. Places with warm stoves and fireplaces, indoors or outdoors, as weather permits. Shared food and snacks, tall tales, laughter and fun.
Typical buck in velvet captured on the deer cam a few years ago.
I’m not talking about Thanksgiving. I’m talking about the opening of deer season which was yesterday in Indiana. This is with firearms. Bow season has been open for a awhile already.
Oh, those poor Bambis!, you say. I probably thought that over 35 years ago when I lived in the city. Now that I’ve lived in the county for most of my life, I have an entirely different perspective. Long gone are the days when my Uncle Elmer Ray would go hunting in the UP in Michigan, bring back the deer he bagged, then drive around with the poor victim strapped across the hood of his car. It always tasted a little wonky to me. Wonder why?
Not only did I feel sorry for the poor deer, when I moved to my90acres, I didn’t worry about the deer roaming around the property. Hummmm…. After they’ve eaten rows of green beans, new pea sprouts, or my flowers, I’ve got a different viewpoint. They don’t have much respect for what is my territory and what is their space.
But what really changed my opinion over the years have been the ELEVEN deer / car run accidents my family has had over the years. Plenty of expense and at least one car totaled. No injuries, fortunately.
The white tail deer population was mostly wiped out in Indiana by the early 1900s. It was reintroduced in the 1940s. Now, there are an estimated 680,000 deer here. Unfortuntely, having large wild animals roaming freely means that Indiana also saw more than 14,000 deer / vehicle accidents last year. That translates to 1.5 M across the US. This translates further to 1 B damages and around 200 fatalities.
Look carefully at the bottom of the photo to spot numerous deer tracks in the mud.
I’m not going to discuss the pros and cons of hunting season, but here are some things to keep in mind from becoming a statistic if you have to travel through rural areas. And by the way, the deer population is pretty strong in urban areas, too. This information is not scientific so draw your own conclusions. But I used to drive to work on country roads for a minimum of 250 miles per week for many years. These are some of my conclusions.
If you see dead deer along a certain stretch of the road consistently, consider that an unofficial deer crossing. They will often use the same paths over many years. Be aware. I saw one trying to cross the road in such a place just this past Friday evening. I was driving rather slowly (50 mph, probably to the annoyance of the car behind me) when a young buck appeared on the side of the road. I laid on the horn and the brakes; fortunately he turned around and went back but he looked as if he was going to run out in front of me.
They like to move at dawn and dusk but don’t let your guard down. I’ve seen them roaming at all times of day and night.
I’ve noticed that where a tip of woods touches the road with another tip on the other side, you’ll often see deer crossing. They’re using the cover of the trees.
Same goes for drainage ditches. They’ll take cover running along in the ditch, then pop up where the road crosses. Surprise!
They often run in groups. I’ve braked for a deer running across the road, then drove on, only to see in my reaview mirror the car behind me hit another animal in the herd.
Those are just a few hints to help you avoid becoming a statistic. Just use caution this time of year. Avoid feeding times, use your high beams, if possible. Slow down a bit. It just might save you a lot of aggravation down the road.
Just a note. The hunters around here are not just seeking trophies (although there is some bragging for that nine-pointer), but they actually use the meat for the table. Many hunters even share with local food banks and other organizations of need.
Afternoon visitors. They’re eating fallen fruit from the orchard.
I was tinkering around in my studio this week in between starting some new work when I pulled out a sketchbook. Well, one of many. I have sketchbooks of all kinds and sizes. Some fit in a pocket or purse, others are what I call vacation sketchbooks where I record scenes, thoughts and ideas while traveling. There may be more than one vacation in a book. Some I will start and finish completely, while others I pick up as needed. One of my favorite sketchbooks is a handmade Japanese book with thick deckle-edged paper. I don’t remember where I got it but it is so beautiful that I choose carefully what I put in it. Most other books, I write in the back the maker and particulars. And my name and contact info in the front.
Found objects, present from my son. Praying mantis egg casing and three blue jay feathers.A posy of violets, large four leaf clover, and a pretty leaf.
I find sketching to be very relaxing but I’m not obsessed with it. I try out new ideas. Make notes of the materials I’ve used. Or I might write the name of a book that I heard about while listening to NPR. They’re my sketchbooks and I can do what I want. There really aren’t any rules. I might cut swatches from a favorite article of clothing before I put it in the rag bag, or add a post card. Or how about that sticker from that wonderful chocolate shop I visited in Paris. I would never remember the name of that again.
If you looked through my books, you might find some pressed flowers or leaves, lots of four leaf clovers (artists are good at finding those). A favorite quote from a Chinese fortune cookie.
Typical found birds nest waiting to be captured in my sketchbook.Basket of feathers, mostly turkey, and a small nest composed of dog hair and lichen.
Many of my sketchbooks are devoted to nature or natural elements. I have plenty of subject matter out here on the 90 acres. Plus, one of my sons would (and still does) leave interesting things on my drawing table. A birds nest, some feathers, a praying mantis case. I’ll hang onto these items until they become too ratty and disgusting to have around. But the drawing will last much longer.
A messy robin’s nest. See if you can spot the secret code in the drawing. Notice the thumbtack shadows.
One of my oldest sketches (not in a book but just loose paper) was of a very scruffy robin’s nest which my son brought me one day. I did a fairly large drawing, added some (imaginary) eggs, and scanned it electronically. I’ve used that drawing for many years. I’ve even printed it off on watercolor paper and painted it so I have two versions. Unfortunately, I have seen my drawing pop up on the web elsewhere under someone else’s name. Ha ha. What they don’t know, is that I added a secret code to the drawing so I know it’s mine. I kept the original drawing on my bulletin board in my studio for years until the paper yellowed but you can see the thumbtack marks in the corners. Yeah, those artists are violating copyright laws but I have neither the time, interest nor resources to pursue the matter.
Box of found objects. Birds nests, acorns, chestnuts, magnolia seedpods, etc.
Back to the point. I highly recommend keeping a sketchbook or two or four. They’re so great to relax, record your life, your thoughts. I’ve used pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, colored pencils and markers. I don’t use charcoal much as it tends to be messy and it smears but you can use what you want to in your book.
A dead bird. Anything can end up in the sketch book.
Cold weather seems to bring on an appetite for hot soup. We make a variety of soups here on the farm not only because they are tasty and filling, but it’s also a good way to add those veggies into the diets of some people who claim they don’t like vegetables. We never make small batches of soup around here either so this is as small as it gets (an eight quart pot). Plenty to eat for a couple of days and plenty to share.
The other day I made one of our favorites, Thick Kale Soup. Don’t like kale? You will love this soup. My granddaughter says this is her favorite soup. I actually posted this recipe a few years ago but it bears repeating.
Simple ingredients: smoked sausage, onions, garlic, kale, potatoes, white beans, broth and spices. That’s pretty much it. Got company coming? Add more broth, potatoes and another can of beans.
Cut the smoked sausage into bite-size pieces.Cubed potatoes. Personally, I like to leave the potatoes unpeeled.
Heat the olive oil in a 6 – 8 quart soup pot. Add the chopped smoked sausage. You can use any kind of smoked sausage – regular, light, turkey, or even Polish kielbasa. Stir and brown.
Add the chopped onion and stir until clear. Add the minced garlic. Keep stirring so they don’t burn.
Strip the kale from the stalks with your fingers. Much faster. Then rough cut.Here I have added the potatoes to the pot with the sautéed smoked sausage, onions and garlic.
Meanwhile, wash and strip the veins out of the kale. Rough chop and add to the mixture, stirring until wilted. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and cover. Bring to simmer.
Wash and dice the potatoes. Sometimes I leave the peel on just for added texture. Add to the pot after it comes to a slow boil. Cover and bring back to simmer.
Breaking down the potatoes with my very old, inherited potato masher. This helps thicken the soup, too.White beans. Top are great northern; bottom are cannellini
When the potatoes are cooked (about 15-20 minutes), use an old fashioned potato masher and rough mash them in the pot. This just helps the soup to thicken.
Then add the two cans of beans (drained). Frankly, I just use whatever white beans I have available. I’ve even added butter beans and it works fine.
This is the final kale soup should look like.
Add the cracked pepper to taste. You probably won’t need any salt as the sausage is pretty salty, but suit yourself. I often use a couple of bouillon cubes to add salt, plus always some garlic powder.
Serve with crusty bread for a filling lunch or dinner.
Still gathering produce from the garden this autumn.
Autumn is my second favorite season (spring is my favorite). I think it’s due to the brilliant colors, all those reds and oranges and yellows. The garden is winding down but I’m still extending the season. Frost was predicted last week (didn’t happen) but I covered the vegetable patch anyway. Still getting some tomatoes and peppers. They’re small but we’ll miss that fresh and juicy taste when the last one is gone. I started a new crop of lettuce and spinach. The spinach isn’t doing well but the bib lettuce is coming along. We should be eating fresh lettuce in a week or so. I know it doesn’t seem like much to most people when you can just go to the store and buy fresh lettuce, but still there’s the pleasure of picking my own.
Covering the vegetable patch to prevent frost damage.
We lost all the peaches due to a late freeze this year but we’ve had a bounty of pears. My husband has the patience to sit and process them for the freezer. Future pies and cobblers. I get the fun job of picking them with my long handled fruit picker, with the aid of my grandson who thinks it’s pretty special to dodge the fruit as it comes down. The persimmons are also ripening. I don’t particularly like persimmons but a lot of people around here do. As do the deer and other night creatures. If you don’t know, you have to have both female and male trees to pollinate them. Just a fun fact.
The Kieffer pears just do not want to give up. We don’t spray so, no, they are not perfect. But they make great pies.These are natural persimmons, not those pretty store-bought ones. Many people make persimmon pudding.
The potted flowers haven’t given up yet either but they’re getting pretty straggly. I like the roses that still put out an effort and a few late blooms. And I did take a grandchild to the library to paint pumpkins.
A late-blooming climbing rose.
I returned from our trip to the Smoky Mountains last month inspired to paint many of the beautiful scenes that we saw. Sunrise in the Smokies, mountain streams, just so many awesome vistas. After a few small paintings, I printed some cards and painted some holiday scenes for a local gift shop and one of my Etsy shops. Tis the season and most artists and craftspeople are busy this time of year.
Smokey Mountain Sunrise, Acrylic, 10 x 20Mountain stream in the Smokies. Acrylic, 10 x 20.
And, hey, it’s fall break this week, too. Hummm….guess I’ll cajole the grandkids to help me do some chores, like cleaning out the greenhouse and the shop. Both of those tasks have been on the list all year. Maybe pick up some walnuts for replanting. I picked seven gallons of redbud seedpods which we’ll sow in the woods. If you don’t have this beautiful understory tree in your area, I truly feel sorry for you. A good excuse for a walk in the woods with the kids.
Anyway, I hope that you can get outside to enjoy the final warm days of the season wherever you live.
Afternoon visitors. They’re eating fallen fruit from the orchard.
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, maybe imagining some exotic vacation, nothing could be further from reality. Mostly just hanging around here tackling one thing after another.
Although we had a week or two of pretty hot weather, last week was marvelously cool with temps in the 70s. We also have managed to have pretty even rain – not too much, not too little. All good.
My little raised bed garden has been producing better than I thought. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant. Note to self: plant less squash next year and more beans. And I just planted a fall crop of spinach and lettuce.
Unfortunately, all this produce came at an unlucky time when our 35 year old freezer elected to die. This involved a lot of hassle with the local big box store (HD) on delivery dates. But mostly the fact that the huge truck they decided to deliver the freezer – the same one that they delivered the washing machine two months ago – suddenly couldn’t make it down our drive. Lots of unhelpful phone calls until we cancelled the order and went with the local appliance store. Spent a little more but the service was great. I like supporting local businesses, too.
The second half of this misadventure is that the freezer resides in the back of my studio. Which meant, of course. hauling out most of the paintings that have been stored back there. Might as well clean it out while I’m at it. None of this was on my schedule. Anyway, it’s all fixed up now. On to other things.
The Golden Marble (detail), acrylic, real gold and silver leaf, 30 x 24. Kit Miracle
I’ve been experimenting with more applications of gold and silver leaf to my paintings as discussed earlier. I really like this but it is so tricky to work with. This is 23K gold and sterling silver on the thinnest of metallic sheets. Even a breath of air will mess it up while applying it to the canvases. Here is a detail shot of one of the largest paintings that I’ve done using this technique. I’ll post more about it later.
Deer in the bean field
And, the deer seem to be out in abundance. Although we rent our fields out, it’s sure a shame to see how much these visitors eat. The beans are high enough now that we mostly only see their heads. And they don’t seem to be skittish at all with the noises coming from the house and yard. Well, another couple of months it will be a different story when hunting season starts. Meanwhile, I love watching the twins playing in the yard just as any youngsters might do.
I hope to post a bit more regularly in the future. And I also hope that you’ve all been managing the weather – heat, drought, hurricanes. Autumn is coming and the leaves are even beginning to change. Can’t wait!
A couple of weeks ago I jokingly claimed that people around here had to keep their car doors locked in the summer to prevent good-intentioned neighbors from leaving bags of zucchini in them. Zucchini are prolific, in case you don’t know.
But a few days later, I found myself foisting off some fresh-picked tomatoes on a visiting neighbor. He wasn’t unhappy about it as he doesn’t have a garden this year, but it gave me pause. This is what gardeners do. What we love to do, i.e., share our bounty. Although our garden area is much reduced this year, I still love to share.
A few years ago, I did a painting of my grandmother who so generously shared her garden bounty, too. You never left her house empty-handed.
Generosity, 24 x 18, oil on canvas, Kit Miracle artist
The painting depicts her holding an armful of, what? Probably turnips but it could have been tomatoes or peppers or just about anything. The original photo was black and white. The dress was typical summer attire, homemade with no pattern. She just laid out an old dress on the fabric and cut around it. Something I would never be confident enough to try, but grandma worked in an underwear factory during WWII, cutting out fifty layers of long johns at a time. A simple housedress could be whipped up in no time. On her Singer peddle sewing machine. Which I now use as a bedside table. Memories.
Anyway, if someone offers you an armful of fresh garden produce this summer, take it. Even if you don’t like turnips, you’ll be perpetuating the nearly lost act of sharing what we have with fellow human beings. It’s worth reminding ourselves that caring for others reflects well on all of us eventually.
We had quite a bit of rain last week but temps are creeping up and I think the rain is over for awhile.
Five varieties of tomatoes and two eggplants.
The raised bed frames that I posted last month in April are doing well for the most part. As I expected, we had a late freeze and lost some tomatoes that we planted too early. I knew that we were taking a chance but, oh, well, it’s fun to experiment.
The first set of tomatoes that we had planted were two cherry tomatoes and four Park Whoppers. They had time to get established so when the freeze hit, they were still viable below the ground cloth. I cut off the dead tops of the cherry tomatoes and pulled out the Park Whoppers although they probably could have made it, too. The cherry tomatoes came back and have made up for lost growth. We’ve added some more tomato varieties – Pink Brandywine, Celebrity, Fat Mama (a roma variety) and a couple more Park Whoppers. And two eggplants in that raised bed.
The second raised bed with peppers, peas,
and a variety of vegetables.Fresh, tender spinach.Two varieties of lettuce, so crisp and tender. The netting keeps out bugs…and the cat. And provides some shade.
The second raised bed has more variety. I planted spinach and two kinds of lettuce. I put some netting over it to keep the cat out of there and that is actually helping keep bugs out and provides some shade. Those greens taste as tender as butter. Then several varieties of peppers, cilantro, basil, and some climbing pea pod vines.
Row of beans and two hills of squash. The cardboard is to keep down weeds and to keep in moisture. And the wood is to keep the cardboard from blowing away until it gets really moist.
Then I had some space between the second raised bed and the asparagus patch. So it’s bush beans and two kinds of squash. I’ve added cardboard between the rows to keep down the weeds.
I’ve filled flowerpots and weeded. But there is always more to be done. Trimming bushes. Trimming back the lane. Trimming trees. It’s a never ending project but it sure racks up the mileage on my FitBit. I guess that’s a good thing.
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 