Chef

Joshua and I had a hunch that there was a fair-weathered friend hanging out in our backyard when we found a white and tan striped feather on the ground last week. We quietly tucked it away for safe keeping. Perhaps, it came from a mighty hawk who  passed by on the way to his next conquest.

I never imagined that the  lovely feather came  from a beautiful barred owl.

He made another appearance tonight with  magnificent calls from the tall trees on the side of our house.
WHO COOKS FOR YOU? WHO COOKS FOR YOU ALL?

I managed to gather the faint calls on audio. Turn your speakers up loud. (The frog's wreeping and my rustling around drown him out a bit.) You can definitely hear his signature WHO COOKS FOR YOU? WHO COOKS FOR YOU ALL? in the background.

WHO COOKS FOR YOU, little owl? Why ME, of course. If you'll allow me. I think I'll name him Chef. So appropriate, wouldn't you say?

Happy Earth day!

I wonder how they got their pug to do that? My pugs act a little more leisurely.

Since we have been enjoying townhouse living for the last few years, we have been doing to following things to save the earth:

- Recycling- Joshua and I have more in our recycle bin than our regular trash.
- Stainless Steel Water Bottles- I carry my bottles everywhere!
- Do it in the dark- We try to turn off our lights and unplug appliances.
-Compact Florescent light bulbs- Save energy!
- Local Food- It is our motto. We buy bulk local grass-fed beef and frequent the farmer's market.
- Gas Mileage- Joshua and I both drive cars that get over 30 miles per gallon.
- Cloth Shopping Bags- No plastic please!

Once we move to our country house (May 16,) we will be implementing a few more green things into our lives:

- Compost- Leftover veggies = black gold.

- Vegetable Garden- 200 plus seedlings. There is nothing better than fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

- No pesticides!- I have a feeling that Joshua and I will be weeding like crazy!

-Rain Barrels- Free water!

-Power Strips- We are going to put all of our electricity on power strips so that it is easier to unplug when not in use.

- Clotheslines- Nothing beats the fresh smells of line dried clothes.

- Open Windows- Hopefully, we will utilize all of the windows in our new home and not turn on the air conditioner until absolutely necessary.

-Walk! Walk! Walk!- Although I am still going to have to drive to work, we will be living in the center of town where we will be able to walk everywhere.

-Chickens- Eggs and fertilizer.

What green things do you do to help save the earth?

Television. We have a love- hate relationship. I love all of the cooking shows you have to offer. I love the trashy reality shows that I just can't help but watch. I love nature shows. I love Gossip girl. 

But. . .

We are going to have to end our relationship. It just isn't working anymore. You are too expensive and time intensive. I want to enjoy time with my husband. Enjoy the nice spring weather on our front porch. Weed our garden.  Dinner on the deck. Take our lovely puggies on long walks. Cook delicious meals. Concentrate on my studies. Take up running.  Read trashy novels. Finally crack out that sewing machine. Knit.

As you can see, television, I just don't have much time for you anymore.

If I must. . .  If I have to . . . there are several online sources that will help me get my fix. Free.

PBS - I can still take in a Master Piece theater or Nature on occasion.

CW - Gossip Girl, I will never leave you.

Food Network Canada- Thank you for existing!

ABC- Jamie Oliver, I will never forget you.

USA- Royal Pains, Come back.

NBC- Biggest Loser, I still love you.

Wild Earth TV- Live Animal Cams. How cool is that?

Hulu 

Surf the Channel

Nine Networks- For my Aussie Fix.

Africam- For Lions, and tigers, and bears. Well, at least lions. . . and baboons.

Bye Television. It just wasn't meant to be.  I'm too busy enjoying life.

Alas. . .

I often dream about screen doors, sweet tea, pugs on porches,
a kitchen garden, relaxed days in the sun, clothes lines,
the fresh smell of cut grass, chickens, compost,
and the sound of my husband's voice in my ear.

Joshua and I are moving to a small town in Missouri where all of these dreams will soon come true.

This blog will chronicle our lives as we embark in small town living.