Archive | June 2016

Du Quoin Street Machine Nationals 2016

Nothing related to the Ridge today, but went to a great car show this weekend – Du Quoin Street Machine Nationals!

The weather was hot and the cars were hotter. My best friend and I have attended this show for many years. We were sad when they stopped it for several years, but now it is back and better than ever. While I have a love for all things Mustang, this is a great show to see a variety of cars. I highly recommend you mark your calendar for the third weekend in June next year!

When asked why, the V8 Prorsche owner said “why not?”
Prosche_V8

P-I-N-T-O!
P_I_N_T_O

When I said “variety” this is what I meant – a blown V8 bicycle.
Bike_V8

A few more just for giggles!
Tempest

Pontiac

Mustang_Blue

Mustang_Black

Hurst_Olds_Shifter

Hurst_Olds_Motor

Hurst_Olds

Blue_442

Charger

Firebird

Firebird_Black

Firebird_Blown

Ford_Motor

GTO

Big_Green_Monster

427

Stone Hill Ridge Summer 2016 Update

Garden

Since if finally stopped raining and the sun came out I think I can actually call it a garden.  The tomatoes have gone crazy and I had to stake them.  I cut a few small cedars to build a structure to stretch string across.
Other things are doing ok, but not great.  Peppers, artichokes, lettuce, corn, egg plant, and squashes.  I am trying a new short season corn, supposed to harvest in 55 days.  Well it is about 8 inches tall and I can already see tiny ears of corn.

Bees

The bees appear to be doing great. I say “appear” because my mantra this year is “leave them alone”.  They are coming and going in good numbers and still finding pollen.  I won’t go into the hives again until July 3rd and yes it is killing me!

Chickens

We processed our meat chickens last weekend.  11 out of 11 survived.  I didn’t weigh them, but would put them up against anything in the local store.  After cooling them for 24 hours, we vacuum sealed them all, freezing 5 whole, parting out 5, and cooking one immediately.

There are also still 6 out of 6 Jr. Roosters.  This last week they are taking turns trying to roost under the coop instead of in the coop.  I chase them around in the dark cursing until in the end they sleep IN the coop.  Like little rebellious teenagers. UGH!

Rabbits

No changes regarding the rabbits.  They are NOT enjoying the heat.  On the 90+ degree days I give them each a frozen two liter bottle of water around noon to get through the hottest part of the day.  Still looking for a pedigreed American Blue doe or two, if any one has them for sale.

Other

The house was in great shape when we bought it.  But since my last update post we have replaced the roof and installed an attic fan.  Next up in early fall is geothermal heating and cooling.