Thursday, June 20, 2013

Of Haymaking, Ponds, Frogs & Turtles

We're making hay the rest of the week so I am going to disappear from blog-land for a few days.  In the meantime, Bowstreet wondered what my pond looks like now that it is all filled up so here are some pond pictures for you.   

I have counted at least five painted turtles hanging out on a bale of barley straw I put in the pond to help keep it clean.

We think of turtles as slow, but these guys see me coming as soon as I step out of my house and dive for cover faster than the eye can see.

A massive explosion in the frog population. 

And if you're wondering about my little catfish, well so do I.  I've seen nary a whisker, but I am not sure I would.  I just have to take it on faith that they are in there doing their catfish thing and living their catfish lives.


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19 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 20, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Can I come live in your pond?

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    1. The Dancing DonkeyJune 20, 2013 at 11:24 PM

      As long as you don't mind sharing with a whole lot of amphibians:)

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    2. UnknownJune 21, 2013 at 5:02 PM

      I'm actually quite fond of amphibians...I've been told I'm a bit froggy myself, but I relate more to turtles...slow and steady wins the race! LOL

      Delete
  2. Strawberry LaneJune 20, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    Your pond looks wonderful!

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  3. Lori SkoogJune 20, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    I'm impressed that you do your own hay!

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  4. thecrazysheepladyJune 20, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    Looks great!!!

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  5. AnonymousJune 20, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    How pretty!!! Have you dipped yet?

    And when you get back, can we have a little tutorial on haymaking?

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    1. The Dancing DonkeyJune 20, 2013 at 11:33 PM

      I haven't been in the pond yet because it has been too cool. The next heat wave though....

      I'll work on a hay post...so much to write about and so little time!

      Delete
  6. The Three MuleteersJune 20, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    That pond looks so healthy! Love the pic of Ramey staring at it, maybe there's monsters in there? Good luck with the haymaking - hope the sun shines for you :)

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  7. Tyche's MinderJune 20, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    What a great woodsy setting. Exactly how much land do you have? I picture thousands of acres of half-tamed wilderness, based on your trail rides, pond setting, haymaking, etc.. ;)

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    1. The Dancing DonkeyJune 20, 2013 at 11:32 PM

      I own 20 acres, about 3 acreas of woods and the rest is split into fields by old stone walls and hedge rows. The trails I ride are all on neighboring property or state land. There is a lot of state forest land around me. The haymaking happens at Farm Buddy's place about 3 miles from here, she has 60 acres. This is a very rural area, but not what I would call wilderness, unfortunately.

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  8. Thirteen Sheep (Or More)June 20, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    You get the best pond shots!
    I think I might be at least 2 weeks from haying. The hay is close to ready, but the weather is not.
    Haying is the best part of the summer!

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  9. TerryJune 20, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    What a lovely pond! And you have turtles!

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  10. WillowJune 20, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    That is neat sbout the barley straw keeping the pond clean snd doubling as a turtle reef :)

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  11. AnonymousJune 21, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    Great pond!
    I am wondering, though, how does the barley straw help keep it clean?
    And I bevelled Aero's heels a little today, thanks for the suggestion

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  12. IrmgardJune 21, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    You and nature have done a beautiful job with that pond!

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  13. Mom LJune 21, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    Your pond is beautiful! How does barley straw keep it clean? I'm glad the painted turtles enjoy sunning on the straw.

    Nancy in Iowa

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    1. The Dancing DonkeyJune 21, 2013 at 11:15 AM

      Supposedly, as the barley straw degrades it releases oxygen into the water, which helps prevent algae.

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  14. MTWagginJune 22, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Holy tadpoles!!! I hope your catfish are doing well and those turtles will get used to you. The pond is lovely and are you seeing any skeeters because of it or are the frogs and catfish taking care of that?

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