Bogieblog

You Want to Get Where?

You know that saying, that is supposed to be funny, that goes, “You can’t get there from here”? well, it’s a reality in Deering.

And just in case the link dies (it always does after a couple of days), here is the full content of the article out of the February 17 edition of the Union Leader:

Bird Watching

The Great Backyard Birdcount is happening this weekend and there are even contests. Anyone that lives in North America can participate.

Last year over 52,000 checklists were sent in resulting in 612 bird species observed and 6.5 million birds being counted. Help out reserch by getting out those binoculars and participating this year.

I'm just hoping the conditions for bird watching are better this weekend than last weekend when the NH Audubon's bird count was scheduled.

Dog Show

Congrats to New Hampshire's very own Champion HR Cedar Fog's Holiday, aka Billie, a Duck Tolling Retreiver who won Best of Breed at Westminster. Doubly impressive since her handler was a youngster (18 years old).

Bye, Bye G'Kar

So long to actor Andreas Katsulas, otherwise known as G'Kar on Babylon 5 (and the bad guy in several films).

Just showing what a geek I am.

Season's Greetings, or Something

Oh yeah:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Catalog Fever

Anyone else pouring over the garden seed and plant catalogs that come out this time of year? I've probably gotten 20+ catalogs so far. I've scrutinized each one of them and marked anything that I would like to get. Then I go back thru and write those down in a notebook, weeding out stuff along the way. For the next couple of weeks, I will be doing the same thing for any new catalogs that come along.

Then I will get to the serious weeding. First I will look at the cost and see if I can justify it. Most times I won't pay $14 for one bulb (or rhyzome or tuber), but if it is a truly spectacular plant, then I might think about it (same for potted perinnials). So, as I figure costs, more weeding occurs.

Then I look at the conditions plants like. If they need ideal soil, full sun and protection from wind, it will get weeded out 99.9% of the time. I don't have many places that fit that description (nor am I likely to create more), so only spectacular plants will make that cut. If a plant likes part shade or shade, can grow in poor soild or clay, and thrives on neglect, it will definitely stay on the list. Those that are in between the two extremes have a 50/50 chance of staying on the list.

Then comes the moment of truth; the time I figure how much I am willing to spend this early in the season. After all, I will probably find some must-have plants at Agway or The House at the Side of the Road. Also, early catalogs normally don't show plants that are shipped for fall planting, so I have to reserve funds for those.

I always start with humongous lists, then ruthlessly (or at least sadly, with many a fond look at the pictures in the catalogs) cut them down until only the cream of the crop (according to Bogie anyway) remains. There are is a way to cheat, but I  keep cheating to a minimum. Cheating consists of rationalizing getting a plant/shrub/tree (without penalizing myself its share of the cost) becuase WS thinks it is cool, or has expressed interest in it. Those are few and far between (and usually from Agway).

Then, and only then, will I actually order anything. And if, while I am ordering, companies have plants they only offer online, the pruning process begins again.

Monkey Business

Hey everyone, the Monkey is back (and apparently has been for a while). He quit blogging in June, and I haven't heard from him since. Good thing he left a comment today. Otherwise I would still think he was gone. Damn, another thing to add to my overcrowded schedule; catch up on his last 4 month of blooging.

PS - For those of you with delicate sensibilities, it is probably best not to click on the above link.

Coolness Abounds

Now how cool is this?

As the Wicked Witch proclaims, "I'm melting!" The icesheets outside the windows are melting/sliding.

As stamped on the picture, it is from the Mount Washington Website. More cool pictures if you go there and click on "Past Comments".

UPDATE: I just found the picture gallery for the Mt. Washington Observatory.

Number 7

Your Life Path Number is 7

Your purpose in life is to find truth and meaning You are very spiritual, and you are interested in the mysteries of life. You are quite analytical and a great thinker. You have many theories and insights. A life of solitude is perfect for you. You need time to think and do things your way. In love, you are quite charming. You attract many with your confidence and wit. While you enjoy being alone, sometimes you take it to an extreme. You can become too isolated, shutting out loved ones and friends. Express yourself a little bit more, and you'll be surprised where it takes you!

What Is Your Life Path Number?

Thanks to Jay for showing me the way.

Bogie, Niki, Sampson

July of 1989 I started looking for another dog. I wanted a northern breed mix (husky, malamute etc.) since he/she would be expected to stay outside while we were at work - even thru the winter. I heard of some puppies that were lab/samoyed mix, and went to take a look. The mother was purebred samoyed, the father purebred yellow lab. The owner of the samoyed was giving the puppies away, but taking donation to have her dog spayed (she had rescued the dog not too long before and was not too pleased that she had puppies). I took my time, determining which pup had just the right temperament; bold, but not too dominant, curious, friendly, and not clingy to littermates. The pups were too young to leave their mother at that time, so she marked the ear of the one I picked with a sharpie marker so I would get the right one when I came back.

About a week later, I happened upon an add for a free adult husky/shepherd mix. I called the number given and discovered it was a boarding kennel. They had kindly taken in a stray, and no one had claimed it, so they were looking for a home for her. I went to look at her, and saw that she was a true Heinz57. She had droopy ears as if she had some Lab in her. Her markings may have been the combination of shephard and husky (and others), but her undercoat and curly tail definitely pointed to husky. The poor girl had been dumped, with her leather color, but no tags.

She was overly enthusiastic; as soon as the door to the kennel was open she almost bowled me over - quite a feat for a 35 lb. dog! She also had a deformed, or broken but not set, leg which made her front right leg crooked. That did not slow her down a bit. As she was busy wriggling in my lap, licking my face, and being a generally happy dog, I realized that no one else was likely to give her a home. With her crooked leg, they were not likely to notice the intelligent eyes or the unhesitating trust she gave to a complete stranger.

(Niki - with a good shot of her crooked leg)

I told the kennel owner that I would take her. Upon taking her to the truck, I found out one of her
quirks - she would not get into a vehicle. Her demeanor immediatly changed from a happy dog to one that thought she was in trouble - or worse. I picked her up and put her in the truck, where she road peacably enough, but nervously.