Beetle-Buster In Town

Spring break allowed a quick visit to the farm for Eric and Tommy.  It was great to have them - especially for beetle control. 

There's something very satisfying about sucking up a hundred or so of these invasive Asian beetles that invade the cabin.  But then, 30 minutes later, a new swarm is back.

Grandma went out and met them on the arrival and gave Tommy a ride in.

We got the worm ranch put into operation.

We'll see how growing our own nightcrawlers works out.

Tommy got some practice in with his bow.

And he also got to try out the challenge target with a 22 cal pistol.

We did some touring to check some of the cameras.

And then we went for a walk to check for shed antlers.

We covered a lot of ground.

And we encountered some blocked trails but Tommy winched the obstacles out of the way.

The eggs, tadpoles and salamanders were very interesting.

We learned about vernal pools.

Grandma has been itching to learn Mah Jong and Tommy helped to get her started.

We also did some rifle work. Trying 308

Like father, like son - shooting buffalo in the horns.

Google says that these are toad eggs.  They look different than the frog eggs that are in bubble sacks.

My 30-06 group.  Less than an MOA - it'll do.

Eric's 308 - it'll do too.

Lamb chops for dinner.

Waffles for breakfast.  With Dave's home-made Michigan maple syrup.

Visitor to the bird feeder.  The hens come in to clean up the spillage.

Giving 200 yards a try.

Trying out the 17 cal lever action.

Dialing in the 308.

First try with the 9mm.

Video action. 9mm First Try

Eric finally spotted a shed antler.  It must have been last year's.  Well nibbled by rodents.

More touring.

Whitetailopoly.  Eric was the big winner.

After three weeks of working at it, I finally got the hung up maple to the ground.

And I sprayed the new orchard with some dormant oil.

We had all kinds of truck traffic this week.  The cable guys were back stringing lines.

I waited for a war in the Middle East before refilling my tanks (duh).

Some chores in process.

I thought that this was a balance summary of the risks of Roundup.  Roundup Health Risks

And this is the tree cocktail that I'll be using in my TSI work. Tree Cocktail

Prior week touring.

Pedicles getting ready to sprout this year's antlers.

Coats looking ready to lose winter hair.

Showdown.

Fox.

Coyote.

Turkey season coming soon.