Stan & Joyce Orchard
Trying to figure it out since 1975.
Tremendous Trillium
King County sent our one of their awesome brush hogs on our road this spring. They really cut back the foliage. Today on our walk we spotted a bunch of trillium. Apparently, all the cutting of brush resulted in a bumper crop this spring. We normally see one or two. This year, many. Quick trillium trivia: one of the alternate names for the plant is toadshade. LOVE that!
The Rock
Everyone on The Orchard Compound is sick right now, except for our five year old granddaughter and me. So, it was just the two of us and their dog Bella on our walk today. She had to stop and play on the same rock in the same place her dad did when he was her age. Many things have changed over the years, some things remain the same.
Spring Firewood
Took advantage of the nice weather this Easter weekend to harvest some of next season’s firewood. Our youngest grandchild is the same age her father was when we moved here 39 years ago. The tradition continues.
First Skunk Cabbage
Other than the first warm weekend of the year, if you need another reason to smile here in the Pacific Northwest it’s the first sighting of skunk cabbage here in Hobart. Feels good.
Watershed Adventure
Two sides of our five acre property border the watershed where the Seattle area gets much of its drinking water. Today our five-year-old granddaughter and I did a little exploring. Her first time. Saw some deer, plenty of game tracks and trails. But no sheds. Maybe next time.
Growing Begins
Today is Presidents’ Day, the traditional start of the grow season here on The Orchard Compound. We planted more onions, peas, spinach, cukes, carrots and more. Can’t wait for spring.
Out For A Walk
It’s been nearly two weeks since Joyce Carol has left our small house. So, today we walked to the barn and then spent a half hour or so in the greenhouse. Her smile still makes my day.
Chilly Hummers
The only ones more tired of the cold on The Orchard Compound, other than humans, may just be our hummingbirds. Their feeders freeze as fast as we put them out, so it’s pointless. Here’s to warmer days ahead. Hang in there everyone.
First Outage Of 2024
Power and Comcast went out at 12:30 this morning. Wind was as bad as I ever remember in our 39 years here. But our generator is working as is our wood stove. T-Mobile has been remarkably good this time. All in all, could have been much worse. Stay safe, people.
Shaggy Coats
About 20 of these wondrous critters stopped by to say Happy New Year! They seem ready for some cold weather ahead.