Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

5 May

Poppy Pops Up

by Jon Katz

We were both surprised to find this poppy growing in the garden by the stone wall. Maria cut one (there are two more), and we brought it into the house; I wanted to take a picture of it. I planted a bunch of poppy seeds in my raised garden bed on Saturday, as well as more Nasturium seeds.

It has been raining all day here. I am thinking of the people in Texas, where the flooding has been awful. We welcome rain here this time of year; the ground was getting dry. We’re going out tonight for an early dinner with a friend and, otherwise, staying inside to read and rest. On June 3, I’m offline for three days as I take my computer to a Mac specialist in Northern Vermont. We’ll make it into a brief vacation, something we both need.

The specialist is replacing my hard drive with one that will last at least ten years and extend the life of my iMac. It just dawned on me that this is likely to be the last computer I ever own.

The new hard drive means I won’t have to replace this one, most likely ever. I’ll be gone from Sunday evening to Wednesday morning. This computer has worked hard for me, and I’m happy to keep it. Our trusted homesitter will be here caring for the farm, the dogs, and the barn cat.

4 May

Fireworks, Photo Art. Flowers That Demand Attention, Feisty Flowers That Speak Out

by Jon Katz

Flowers are often associated with being gentle and soft, but that isn’t always so. As I explore the souls and feelings flowers give off, I find some with messages and speak out for attention.  Some are sad, some are angry, and some are defiant, coming to life just before dying.

I find them beautiful, intensely colorful, and spiritual. Above, the flower firecracker.

I’m signing off on a lovely day and hoping for another one. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.

These flowers gripped me; I hope you enjoy them. They are seething with feeling. Most were taken with my Iphone 15 Pro Max. The camera is uncomfortable being soft and abstract like the Leica, but it is excellent in detail and color. The two make a wonderful pair for me.

We’re getting up early to make some more Dandelion tea. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Sleeping late, there will be no Farmer’s Market this week.

Fire in the belly

Poppy in the garden.

 Poppy up close.

 My new Tulips

 

 

 

4 May

Zip And Me, (My Cat Brother) Saturday, May 4, 2024. Loving, Hunting, Dozing With Zinnia, Heading Into The Deep Woods

by Jon Katz

Zip and I had a lovely meeting this afternoon on the farm. I learned more about his territory,  patterns, and habits.

First, he climbs onto my chest, gets his skin scratched,  and falls asleep in my arms. Then he hops off to battle with his nemesis, the savvy chipmunk in the stone wall. She or he has managed to avoid Bud for a couple of years; she isn’t afraid of any cat. Zip looks for her every day. Then he returned for more cuddling and headed to the stone wall where the chipmunk leaves.

He covers a lot of ground in a short time. I’m beginning to grasp his territory. He goes to the same places at the same time every day.

The chipmunk has a whole bunch of tunnels and, so far, has no trouble spotting him and avoiding him. He got tired of searching and headed out to the deep woods. (Photo above by Maria Wulf.)

Zip stalks the chipmunk every day by the stone wall. She seems well ahead of him so far.

He is the Prince; he loves to look out over his province.

I watched Zip jump out of my shoulder and head into the woods, home of coyotes, bobcats, bears, owls, and hawks. It made me nervous, but it didn’t make him nervous. He only spends a little time out there and goes pretty close. But he is a Barn Cat, and barn cats go where they want.

Zinnia and Zip have decided to be pals (Fate is having none of it; she and Bud have yet to meet face to face, and she stays away from the backyard. Zinna ran away from Zip for a while, and he liked to tease her. At some point, they just decided to become pals. I never thought I’d see it, but it is foolish to underestimate Zip.

He’s working on Fate now. That would be a miracle.

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