I often wonder what’s going through Lucy’s mind. She was just 2 months old when she came to live with us, and at the time and we lived in the old neighborhood, the one with the big backyard and her friend Tuffy the Jack Russel Terrier who lived at the top of the hill. It seemed like every chance she got, she’d try to dig her way under the fence to escape and go see him. And it was kind of sweet actually. Young love. Tuffy would be there waiting for her in his front window, and then I’d have to call Tuffy’s mom so she could let Lucy in their house and I’d go and catch her and bring her back home.
And then we moved to the HOA house, with the big front window and a much smaller {but fenced} yard and she pretty much turned into a mini Gladys Kravitz. She’d bark at the other dogs that walked by, the landscape trucks, the delivery drivers, ANYONE that passed by her window. I think it bothered her that they didn’t stop and give her a little attention.
One guy did though, and every time she’d see his truck when we were out for a walk she would sit politely on the side of the road and wait as he’d reach over and offer her a dog biscuit. It got to the point where Lucy would sit down in the road every.single.time a small white trucked passed by us in hopes it was the cookie truck. And then if they didn’t stop and give her a cookie…. She’d bark her for a good 10 seconds in disgust.
And it seemed like even when we were staying in the tiny 600 square foot apartment, she still found things to amuse herself with. Although I’m pretty sure our daily treks to the beach were the highlight of her day.
Then spending 4 days in a car and sleeping in a new hotel each night…. That was quite the adventure.
But now, with a giant yard with unlimited digging potential…she is finally home. 😉
This dog, she’s got her work cut out for her. With so many holes to dig, and so many new places to discover, she is settling into life as a country dog just fine. I’ve got my trouble making little sidekick back…. and the snow is starting to melt, and that can only mean one thing…
IT’S TIME TO GARDEN!!! 🙂 Granted, it is the end of March and we may get another snowstorm, but hey, time’s a wastin’ people, time’s a wastin’.
Imagine, and entire property we can do whatever the heck we want to do with it. For the first time in 20+ years, we are not living in an HOA community. And you know what? IT FEELS AWESOME.
Check out this dirt!!!!
I was so afraid the area I selected to plant my vegetable garden in would be riddled with rocks and turning this space into a lush garden bed was going to be a huge undertaking.
But I lucked out!
There are stink bugs though….
And rabbits?
But yesterday I found the pussy willow tree so all is well.
On the agenda for today: Call the local hardware store and see about renting a big tiller and DIG UP THE YARD. If all goes as planned, my garden space will be turned over and mapped out into neat little rows by the end of the weekend.
Dreams, they really do come true.
Planting season, it’s on it’s way…. Snow or no snow! 😉
Have a WONDERFUL Thursday everyone, enjoy the sun.
~Mavis
Rosaleen says
Hey, Mavis,
Welcome to the (New England) neighborhood! I see no scale to judge the size of the animal droppings pictured, but my guess is you found deer excrement.
Enjoy the new place!
Alice says
if you use the oak leaves for scale…….that would be a BIG rabbit. lol
Lace Faerie says
Yep, I’m guessing deer, too. They tend to have routes they walk, you may end up providing them with a nice spring smorgasbord of tender sprouts. One year I had to plant my green beans 4 times, finally figured out who was the culprit when droppings gave them away.
Silke says
Hi Mavis,
it’s nice to hear how happy you are now.
Best wishes!
E in Upstate NY says
Pussy Willow: So miss mine. Currently live on very small lot, so no room to add one. Sob. That said, if you want to be able to harvest stalks in the spring, keep your tree trimmed. Nothing worse than having a marvelous crop to harvest, and every one being way over my head. Don’t ask how I know the pain.
Scat [droppings]: Sure look like deer to me. Rabbit would be much smaller, pellet-like.
Leaves: So far, I’ve seen oak leaves in your close ups. Be aware that as compared to maple, oak leaves take f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to decompose. Grinding them up makes a huge difference in their composting rate. So when you look for your riding mower, consider adding a leaf collector that also shreds to the shopping list.
So much fun, reading your posts. Like many of your followers, I’m living through your writings, as my life is in constant high stress level. Thank you.
Nancy D says
Good Morning Mavis! On the idea that she has a history of “digging out” and visiting neighbors AND now in a new unknown neighborhood….Have you considered an “invisible fence” for Lucy? We had a Jack Russell and a huge yard and it seems like Miss Puggle, she frequently wanted to know what was so important on the other side and would dig out. We just placed the perimeter wire on top of the ground at first to see if it was effective for her. It was SO nice to be able to relax and not have that “I can’t find her” moment. Also, had our dog microchipped.
Mavis Butterfield says
The HH is looking into one. 🙂
Gwenn says
Petsafe makes a great invisible fence. We have the one where the cord goes on top of the ground (help in place with landscaping staples), eventually the grass grows over it whic makes mowing much easier. You can also move it if you want. They also sell portable units. We have 3 dogs and it works great, even for our Boxer mix, and the price is reasonable.
Tamara says
Love the pics! Looks like rich soil. Those are deer droppings. Deer LOVE acorns. You will need a higher fence! 🙂
Carol Jean says
I live and garden in Wisconsin and those are definitely rabbit droppings (which can go directly in your garden.) Our white tail deer droppings look like black licorice jelly beans. Have a great time in your new garden.
Rosaleen says
It could be the variety of deer or what they eat based on locale. Tbe deer droppings I’ve seen in my yard and trails here in MA look like those in Mavis’ picture.
Heidi says
Morning Mavis, if you haven’t already rented a tiller, think about maybe getting a sod cutter too. Remove the sod and compost it, then till the soil. That should greatly reduce the amount of grass coming up in your veggie garden.
andrea d says
I am not a pet person (gasp!), but seeing your sweet pictures of Lucy ALMOST makes me consider getting a dog. Love the updates and look forward to following along as you enjoy your forever home.
Mavis Butterfield says
We were not pet people until Lucy stole our hearts.
Teri says
Love seeing you in your element and so happy! You go girl:)
Jennifer@thefrugaldribble says
Looks like you have a lot of work ahead. Im excited to follow your progress.
Jennifer says
There can never be enough Lucy pictures! Loved the update!
Mama Cook says
Like you, we are just breaking ground in our new space. Our soil also looks and feels rich with lots of worms. My question is, will you be applying amendments this first year or just planting straight in? Being in the PNW, I’m feeling a bit behind the gun on cool weather crops!
Love all the pictures of the new place!
Mavis Butterfield says
I think we are just going to plant with the soil we have this spring and then work on getting a nice compost layer on top of the garden this fall. Next spring the vegetable patch will be nice and lush with chicken compost, leaf litter and grass clippings. There is so much to do and big ticket items {mower, snow blower, table and chairs, that spending money on having amendments brought in just seems kind of silly to me. Fingers crossed everything works out. 🙂
Mama Cook says
Thanks!!!! ☺️
Jane says
Your property looks Awesome! Get your dig on! (Both you and your pup!)
Marybeth says
She is so darn cute. I’m glad she is finally home and happy that she brought the rest of you along for the ride. Happy Gardening!
bobbi says
Strip the bark off that birch tree and you’ll have the best fire starter there is!
I can’t wait for this new adventure to progress. So envious too!
Barbara Gantt says
Looks like deer poop, we get a lot of that in the winter. They love to munch on berry bushes , any other bushes they can find. Be careful tilling too early. The ground will be frozen deeper and you will end up with clods of mud. Also make sure you arent digging up periennal plants that will pop up soon.
Marilyn says
That looks like moose or deer scat.
Deborah says
I have to ask, are you digging your garden by hand? Or are you just making the boarders? I am wanting a square foot garden. Preferably in raised beds.
Mavis Butterfield says
Digging the border with the shovel then tilling up the garden.
Sherry says
Is it possible to document how you make your gardens. I so want to do something like this, but have no idea how or what to start doing. Thanks for the updates, love, love your blog!!!!!
Laurie in CA says
I love following the adventures of Mavis and Lucy! I can’t wait to see what you do with your house and land. I’m curious, is your handsome husband retired, semi-retired or did he start a new job on the east coast?
Tracy says
Mavis, you’re moving very fast. May I suggest that before you plant your garden without any amendments you consider having it tested. Your county extension office will give you a kit, wry very inexpensive. Soil in our part of the U.S. can be very high ph and deficient in key minerals. Very easy to remedy but you have to do it before you plant. And get ready to wage war with deer. They will eat every single thing you plant. Only solution worth a damn is a physical barrier and height has to be at least 6 feet and sometimes that isn’t enough. Might be useful to do a bit of research with a gardening neighbor before you dive in so hard, so early.
Becky says
Your soil is BEAUTIFUL Mavis. I wouldn’t touch that soil with a tiller… We use raised beds and mulching. Charles Dowding has an incredible market garden (he’s on youtube and has published books on Amazon) using no-dig method. So happy that you’re enjoying your new home 🙂
Joan Blurton says
I love Charles D gardening videos.
Becky says
So do I Joan! He is such a peaceful person and his gardens are beautiful and productive!
Lace Faerie says
I am really excited for you and your dream home and garden! You worked hard to make this happen and deserve to enjoy every inch of that new yard!
We are hoping this will be a good yard and garden for us, too. My HH just retired and that means I now have full-time muscle for the big stuff. We have great plans, can hardly wait for the opening day of Pacific Growers retail Saturdays. That marks the beginning of spring for me. Baskets, bedding plants and some veggie starts. Come on April!
Connie says
Best wishes in your new home. Looking forward to hearing about Lucy’s adventures and pics of your home. My husband still works full-time, but hopefully he’ll decide to retire in about five years. Currently we live in NJ in a HOA, because of my husband’s job. Would love to move to another state, possibly Tennessee, one day! There’s no income tax there and property taxes are low. Again, so glad you’re happy in your new home.
Rosaleen says
Hey, Mavis-
We were working on our yard today and I made a comment to Hubby about checking for ticks. Then I see one of the comments on your site and realize that you may be unaware of how heavily southern New England can be infested with Lyme-bearing deer ticks. It is nothing to fool around with. Please check with neighbors, maybe the local board of health, etc., to see what the story is auld you. Also read up on Lyme disease. Don’t forget that Lucy could be a target and carrier.
You are welcome to contact me, directly, if you wish.