Early Tuesday morning all of us were woken up by a god awful racket. The sounds raised hair on the back of our necks and it was all happening about 75 feet in the woods from our driveway. We headed out with flashlights and moved the truck so that we could get a bit more light into the general area. The woods are quite thick there and go up in a slight rise. At least 4 sets of eye shine caught in the lights but through the trees it was hard to tell just what was out there and the sounds really weren't recognizable, more like a keening baby or maybe just what a banshee would sound like. I caught a slim shape in my headlamp, coyote or wolf? No idea but dog like. My guess at the time was a deer or fawn was the victim. Come morning light, and I'm talking sun really up!, we headed out to investigate. This is the doe we found.
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| This pic has been edited. Coyotes usually rip from the hind portions and this carcass had those hallmarks. |
She was lightly predated. Now it could have been the coming light of morning, it could have been us that hurried them along but I'm thinking there was also a fawn. This was a long incident, over 15 minutes. I have not gone further into that part of the woods, and the whole thing was so limited in area covered. This doe didn't run far if at all. Nature will keep the true details to herself. If I could have been able to stop it, I probably wouldn't have. I'm sorry for the loss of life, but deer are the natural prey for many area predators. They are doing what they are supposed to do! Being the sort of weird curious person I am her death won't go unappreciated. For the animals who all can grab a meal at this time of family raising she offers quite a protein boost. For me we have put the trail cam out so we can see what predators are in the area or being drawn into it. Plus, well it will be interesting to see how long it takes to get down to bones out here. The Turkey Vultures are already working the day shift clean-up.
Okay, the worst is over! Now back to the mundane daily blog fodder. Sewing!
Bathrobe in linen with cute cotton lining is done!
Why haven't I used linen before for my robes I'll never know, but this one is lovely.
I use an old 1970's McCall's coat pattern.
Maybe one of these days I'll make an actual coat or jacket from it.
A new Canopus shuttle arrived.
I had asked Jon Hayman if he ever did a heavier shuttle to let me know. Months later this arrived. It is Koa top and bottom,
Rosewood center and figured Maple . So smooth it feels like glass and the weight is just right. Heavy enough to glide over a wide warp and a bit deeper. than my first one.
You can just get a glimpse of the towel being woven in Oregon Ducks colors of green and yellow. Better pics next post on this hard to use color combo.
The garden grows!
We have tomatoes, peppers and some lovely peas all coming on.
The squashes are forming, the eggplants too. Lettuce still going strong. This garden snake was out and about on the driveway by the flower beds. I corralled him and you can see he was doing his best to intimidate me.
Mama turkey should be proud. She has raised 10 keets almost to adulthood.
The largest family group we've seen in years. Usually by this time there are only 4-6 keets.
Blackberries are coming into season. It is a short one for these so I grabbed a bunch for jam. The later strawberries are coming on and I snatched the last of some local rhubarb. It all went into canning batches last weekend.
Some yummy options in the pantry!
Time to make some fresh bread.
Parting shots: The heartbreak of shark lip.
A lighter burden when shared.
7 comments:
I wouldn't have intervened in the deer, either, although I would have felt bad, just like you.
I, too, have Canopus shuttles, 1 made especially for me. Unlike you, I wanted them lightweight and short, and Jon did a great job!
What lovely shuttles, very pretty. Love shark lips, although Stella does look a bit like she is sharing a joke about it all.
Wild Kingdom post today! Thanks for the interesting play by play. We too have had predation, unfortunately for some creatures.
Ah....the circle of life (can you hear Elton John singing?) I'd say Mrs. Turkey is lucky she still has so many babies! I agree with you about old patterns...sometimes they come in mighty handy.
So what makes it a robe instead of a coat?
As Temple Grandin said, "Nature is cruel; we don't have to be." If there has to be death, I wish it could all come with a quick, clean kill (or in our sleep).
Michelle, Mindset on the robe and material, although this could stand in for a cute fall duster.
LA, Once in a while you find a gem of a vintage pattern. Those turkeys are growing so quickly, seems yesterday they were little balls of fluff hiding in the grass.
Mary, Oh yes, exciting times here at Runamuck.
Martha, They are beautiful shuttles, although my favorite shuttle is still my first, a Jenkins in curly maple. Shark lips is often the but of Stella's humor..
Peg, Next post you'll find out what killed that deer. Let's just say I was glad I did not intervene.
Jon makes some of the nicest shuttles around. My other Canopus shuttle is very light.
Sad but in nature it is not all fuzzy and cute. It is the cycle of life.
Love love the new shuttles. I am still using the same two Harrisville shuttles I started weaving with 40 years ago! I always loved them because they are a slim design and don't hurt my hands the way some newer thicker designs do.
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