Saturday, June 7, 2008

A Strange Bird - Unmasked!

Hello Everyone!

It's been a hot, dry month here in North Carolina. It has been in the upper 90's, and yesterday I noticed the time and temperature sign at our local electric cooperative read 104 degrees F. There have been heat advisories issued during the past week and we have had to limit our workday in the blueberry field to early mornings - 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., which is safer for the workers.

The packing is done at my dad's pack house (where I work), and I have the benefit of fans. Hooray! It is still very hot and humid, even with fans. The lack of rain has already started to affect the blueberry production - smaller berries, but very sweet. I've always heard that dry seasons produce the most flavorful berries. If this is true, they should be GREAT!

I hope all of you are doing well. It seems as though it has been such a long time since I have talked with you. I am still going to the Farmer's Market on Saturdays and having a ball! There was a tremendous crowd there today - I would estimate around 400. Today was Berry Day! We celebrated the strawberry and blueberry with FREE homemade ice cream for everyone! We made five churns and it was enjoyed by all! Some visitors who were passing through from Missouri, were so excited to get some homemade ice cream - fresh strawberry, blueberry and peach! Blueberry still remains the favorite of the patrons.

We had a new vendor - a local, family-owned nursery that carries tropical Hibiscus as well as hanging baskets and other plants. A returning vendor from last year brought pomegranate plants and they were "POPULAR!" He sold quite a few in just a short time. One of the ladies who joined the market to "share the excess" of her garden, came to tell me she had "SOLD OUT!" She was so excited and I was glad because I had encouraged her to come.

The day has arrived! The "bird" is no longer a mystery! It was described in a previous post as being black and white with grayish spots under it's throat and having long legs. It was also described as being able to "masquerade" itself and as having "appeared" from time to time on "Plant Lady's Ponderings." It has shown up in the post, "She is Faithful" and is seen "from time to time" in the pictures on the Garden Photos Slideshow where she is "hiding" in the corn patch.

The "bird" is Daddy's dog. The day I first noticed her in the birdbath was especially hot. I guess she smelled the water and just decided to masquerade as a bird in hopes that no one would notice!

I have had so much fun seeing all your comments about this "strange bird." She is REALLY a "bird!" I hope you have enjoyed playing along with my "feeble" attempt at humor. I love each of you and hope I have brought a BIG smile to your face!

Be Encouraged!
Plant Lady

9 comments:

Shirley Mary said...

I wasn't sure I wanted to be the first one to comment on "the bird" But I guess someone has to be first! Well, now, we are getting a little insight into Plant Lady's personality!
And that's great! I think it is wonderful to have a sense of humor. There are so many "heavy' things to deal with in life that it is refreshing to have a little fun!
Well, let's see,now. Have you given "the bird" a name? I think it deserves a proper name. Don't you think "the bird" needs a name other than "Daddy's dog"?

Plant Lady said...

Mary,
Daddy calls her "Sweetheart", so she thinks that will be a great blogger name. She wants to keep her "real" name anonymous to avoid the paparazzi! You know how they can be!

Plant Lady

christi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
christi said...

ok - i feely really silly. i googled for 30 minutes that day trying to help you find that silly "bird"! i had fun though looking at all the different types of birds.

i am glad to market is such a success. i wish i had me some blueberry icecream! yum! i have never had it before. it sure sounds devine!

have a blessed week!

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christi said...

Plant Lady,
No, No. No worries! Please know that I had a great time looking at all the different kids of birds and when i didn't find it, I was telling myself that you just might have you a "Special" Bird there.

To me its kinda funny that I really fell for it and all. I mean, I was checking your blog 2 and 3 times a day to see if you found out what it was! Tee Hee!!

Anyway, I love your blog and can't wait to see what you posted.

Blessings to you my friend!

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Plant Lady,
I love your sense of humor and your stories. Sweetheart sounds like a beautiful name for such a rare and distinctive bird as she is. I don't know if it's you and your Daddy's blueberries or what but I've been eating blueberry everything lately. Dried Blueberries in my oatmeal is great.
Thanks for the picture and post. I've had company this weekend but hope to post soon.
Love,
Lynn

SKY4KAT said...

Yes indeed we get to see another dimension to Plantlady. What a beautiful dog and so graceful to be able to land and perch on the bath without tilting it over!
I would love to visit your farmers market. It sounds like so much fun not to miss the blueberries. They have been wonderful out here this spring large and sweet. I'm not sure where they are grown.
I am still waiting for the gourd and hope to receive it before we leave Wed morning for the river.
Been busy cooking meals and freezing then in preparation for our trip.
Blessings
Katrina

From the Heart said...

No one but you could pull off something like this. I think you are a very special lady. Sweetheart is a very beautiful bird but I think he/she might need a parachute when trying to fly.
AliceE.