Thursday, February 17, 2011

My hillbilly home

It was a beautiful day here in Maryland and after work I was able to take my walk in a light jacket. As much as I love winter, it sure does feel good on a beautiful day that holds the promise of Springtime.

Tonight my fingers felt so chilly that I had to make myself a nice cup of hot chocolate just so that I could wrap my hands around it in between sips.

Yum.

Last night, I wrote what I thought was a ridiculous post using a song that got stuck in my head and some bird photos from last year. Then I closed the computer and didn’t check my mail until this afternoon.

When I opened my gmail account, I was floored to find so many comments, as well as a Post of the Week Mention for Good Photography (thank you very much, Hilary). Sometimes the blogging world surprises the heck out of me.

It really was such a nice surprise, though.

DSC_0449 copy 2

A not so nice surprise was the picture below, taken by my husband this afternoon.

I think I will entitle this photograph . . . “My Hillbilly Home”.


DSC_0432 copy 2

It’s almost embarrassing, this picture my husband took while standing at the dogwood tree looking towards the breakfast nook window. Personally, I cannot stand the array of lobster buoys he has strung from the window ledge. I think they’re completely tacky, especially because we live nowhere near the water. But he found them all in Maine, and he brought them home, and he seems to like them.

So I keep my thoughts to myself.

But the rest of it? Ugh. All the ironwork poles you see in the foreground used to be for the bird feeders, but now my husband just keeps them around for the birds to perch upon while they wait their turn at one of the many feeders that he’s got strung across the wire that runs from the house to the tree. This is his squirrel-proof bird feeding system – and let me tell ya – as ugly as it looks, it really does seem to be working.

He has strung a sturdy wire from the tree to the house, supported by the many poles and branches you may or may not notice. Strung across the wire are various bird feeders, hung with ‘S’ hooks and taped with electrical tape to keep them steady.

It’s shabby backyard chic. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

On the anti-squirrel front – he told me today that he watched a squirrel try everything in its power to get to those feeders. It was quite amusing, he admitted. And finally, he saw it come to rest on the roof of the birdhouse on the dogwood tree, staring across that wire and looking so angry. He said the squirrel was seriously upset. And that it actually rubbed its hands over its head several times before leaving in a complete huff.

Husband 1

Squirrels 0

So how was your day? Inquiring minds want to know.

123 Signature

59 comments:

Linda said...

I kinda like it! A bit of nautical Audubon!

Gail said...

The song was in my head all day!!!

Hey, if this keeps your great photos coming, it is worth it. I see the love in it.

Ellen said...

I always love a "man vs. squirrel" story where man wins.

A Scattering said...

My day today was civil and almost boring, it was so normal. Yesterday, however, can be found here: http://ascattering.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-world-tuesday.html

Love your Wild Thing post - groovy!

Jeanne said...

As long as the birds are happy~

I've done battle with the little squirrels too and they sure can give out some Dirty Looks! Downright scary sometimes. :)

Caroline said...

I like Linda's comment...a nautical Audubon! Today has been good...can't believe my finger heart photo made PW's group...that gave me a boost. ;)

Unknown said...

It's whimsical.

and I'm rooting for your husband.

Country Gal said...

Its different but heck its cute lol
Glad he finally beat the squirrels at keeping them off of the bird feeders.We have iron shepherds hooks we call them here for our feeders they are hunter green have two hooks each side with a butterfly in the middle of each one. Our day was ok but this evening wasnt we had to take our Miggy in for knee surgery I miss her I have posts about it all ! Loved your photos and post. Have a great day !

Deb said...

Just stumbled by and love your photographs. If that is your home in the header...Just Beautiful! I'm your new follower and look forward to future posts. Oh, I like squirrels so I'm cheering the squirrel on. Deb=^..^=x5 Ottawa, Canada

michelle said...

Hey if all those poles and lobster buoys attract the birds that you take such gorgeous photos of I say embrace shabby backyard chic!

Country Girl said...

Well, Deb. If you really want to be on the squirrel's side, you go ahead.

They are troublemakers, though.

And welcome.

~ C.G.

TexWisGirl said...

That light in the header photo is just stunning, btw!!!

And I rather like the buoys and all their color. Maybe that's why the birds come up to the windows/feeders so willingly - they have plenty of camo cover... :)

Aww. Poor scamper rat. I rather enjoy the squirrels hanging off my feeders.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I scrubbed the mudroom with ammonia. 'Nuff said.

I love the Maine buoys! For real!

mrs mediocrity said...

Hahahaha, that just made me laugh. And I'm telling you, he should figure out a way to market it... maybe you could work the hillbilly thing into the name.

Jen at Cabin Fever said...

I like the look. It adds character as they say... And up here in Vermont, a state not even connected to the ocean, I know of a handful of houses lined with lobster buoys.

Cabin Fever in Vermont

becky up the hill said...

I did don't like the furry rodents that inhibit my garden. I think I told you about our ugly squirrel proof feeder. One squirrel had a system, he'd jump from an apple branch, body slam the feeder, which caused seed to fall to the ground. Need I say more? I'm just glad he or she did not have kids who evolved.

Deb said...

I kinda like it...hey it could be alot worse....

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Change your photo to black and white and give it a nice texture...then you'll have a shabby chic photo :-) Hubbys...can't live with em...can't live without em!!! It's such a small thing!!!
Have a beautiful day tomorrow!!!

tainterturtles said...

I love your photo....backyard chic for sure.

My day was busy and by the end of the day I just wanted to shut down!

Linda said...

Kate, Check out the hoops this squirrel goes through to get to the feeder:)

Chrissykat said...

I must admit, I do really like squirrels. I feed them right along with my birds, everyone is happy! I also must tell you how much I LOVE the buoys! They are charming and New England-y. I look at them and I can smell the salty air...aaah!

JaneK said...

girl.... you don't even know hillbilly; trust me. I do home health in rural deep south.... I don't think I need to say anymore :)

Cloudia said...

Nice country place, Country Gal :)



Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

><}}(°>

Bonnie said...

Kate, sometimes I think men lack the "Aesthetic" gene and were given an overdose of "functional" genes, don't you?!

Laura~peach~ said...

i need super idiot proof specific instructions on the squirrell proofing... little bastids are gonna be eatting my BB's soon they are back to tearing up my stuff... gah....

Bluebird49 said...

It takes a very special brain to outsmart squirrels like that. Seein' as how the lobster buoys didn't scare 'em off and all--I think he's got the right idea now. ;)

Shoot--although I haven't seen him UP CLOSE--after the photo you gave us of him in the snow with your "I LOVE" post---I wouldn't spend TOO much time looking at those lobster buoys, Girlfriend!

I love your sense of humor. Never thought of lobster buoys as being hillbilly!

I surely wish I had thought of Carolyn's "Nautical Audubon"--that has such a darn GOOD flow to it. It's like a song--or, better, the name of a rock band. Alert The Troggs! So much better.

And...no--I don't "talk" with a drawl too much, just seem to "think" with one over here, 'specially when I see the word "hillbilly!"

Bluebird49 said...

Sorry Linda--it was you that came up with that term!!

BB said...

Funny and sweet...
:-)
BB

CiCi said...

Hey, if the birds don't have to share with the squirrels, then you husband has hit on something most people are not able to do. There are some bird feeders on poles with umbrella type things that are supposed to keep squirrels from getting to the bird seed but I have not found anything yet that really works. I personally like squirrels and we some gray squirrels and black squirrels here but I want bird seed for the birds too.

J'Ollie Primitives said...

1. I found a Droll Yankee feeder online that instantly made me think of your husband and the War of the Squirrels. It's called a Flinger or a Flipper. Or something. I'll find the link.

2. There is a larger than life wooden motorcycle in my garden. It is not mine. It is tacky. It is trashy. Did I say it's not mine? The ex left it behind a year ago. I wish it would go away.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

I think to officially qualify as a hillbilly you must have at least one piece of living room furniture, preferably a sofa on your front porch.

(Not that there's anything wrong with hillbillies OR sofas on the front porch, if that's what floats your boat.)

Just don't let him get the idea to hang the lobster buoys from the bird feeding contraption as some sort of squirrel baffle; because that's a whole 'nother ball game in the rules and requirements of all things hillbilly. Lobster buoys hanging from your homemade bird feeding contraption might well qualify you, and then some.

(Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Nurse Nancy said...

I love the bouys...they must make your husband feel the warmth of summer...and not to worry about the look of the feeders...as long as the squirrels stay away.

My Mind's Eye said...

I love the breakfast nook picture. Of course I can say that because it is at your home. LOL But it is colorful and if your hubby is winning the battle of the squirrels...he is A OK in my book.
Those rascals are chewing our deck bench....
Madi and Mom

The Weaver of Grass said...

I bet that squirrel has gone away to have a good think about things - he'll be back and next time he'll solve the problem. There's no stopping a good squirrel.

Anonymous said...

I understand your Hubby's frustration with the squirrels. We have had so much snow here in Illinois that the squirrels can walk right up to the birdfeeders since the snow has drifted to about 6 feet by the feeders. Thankfully the snow is melting. That melting snow also makes it a whole lot easier to fill the feeders too!

I have so many of those little house finches this year along with Cardinals, so I have had a very colorful winter.

Love your Blog. Thanks for spoiling us with all of your wonderful posts.

Please give George a scratch behind the ear from me. :)

Debbie from Illinois

nancy in ks said...

I've always wondered what the outside of your breakfast room windows looked like because you get the most wonderful bird photos through your windows. So Thank You for posting these today! They don't have screens do they?

I still wouldn't be surprised if the squirrels learn how to walk the tiniest wire though. They're really cute. But they're really buggers.

The JR said...

I luv the buoy's. I personally would like to see them in a buoy tree. You know, like a bottle tree, except these hang off the limbs.

People use cedar trees and stick bottles on the end of each branch. I could see these hanging from the limbs of a cedar as a focal point in a flower bed.

Daryl said...

He found those lobsta bouys? Cool. I actually think it looks cheerful and makes me think of summer and warm weather and lobsta salad .. congrats on the POTW mention ALL your photos deserve that ..

Lili said...

You could be my neighbor with that look! All except for that gorgeous stonework, that gives it away. What we endure to be squirrel proof, huh? xo ~Lili

Anonymous said...

As wives, sometimes we just have to allow our husbands to play with 'things' around the yard. It keeps them happy at home.

Di

beth said...

i think we all have a little hillbilly in us :)

i did my son's laundry for him...the true sign of a mother's love....

canvas prints said...

lol this stirie makes me laugh brill!!

sharon said...

I'm over at my daughter's house watching my granddaughter. Grandson had surgery this morning for tubes in his ears and a catscan. all came out well. waiting for the results. I sure love that little guy and his sister!!

sharon said...

oh, PS
Love the buoys, strange I know, I live no where near the ocean, but I love the colors and shapes. go figure!

mudmaven said...

I picked up a couple of those buoys while living on our boat off the coast of MA this summer - they are now birdhouses hanging in a tree and on a porch in Colorado - way far from the ocean too. They make great bird houses and I'm waiting to see how my house finches like them this spring. Hopefully better than they like my hanging flower baskets! ~chris

Char said...

congrats on the popular post! i like the buoys too..i would totally hang them out

Kate@CatchupwithKate said...

this made me crack up so bad and believe me - needed a laugh today! HA!

I think everone has a little display like this... maybe not lobster buoys....

Carolynn Anctil said...

My day yesterday was relatively uneventful, which after the events of the past several days, was a blessing.

I would like to have seen pictures of the squirrel giving your husband 'the bird'....pun intended.

Unknown said...

The squirrels have gotten the better of me today....I am tired and still have work to do......so.....I blog browse....smiles.

Mary said...

My neighborhood has been invaded by McMansions, so I'm sure they all think that my house is hillbilly heaven, especially when my kids leave the trash cans in front of the garage...

And I kinda like the buoys -- the colors are cheerful. :)

Glad to hear the score on the husband vs. squirrel front. Yay!
xoxo

thecatalanway said...

Hello Kate It's Kate here in Catalunya!
I popped by to see your post today and then got seduced into looking at first Georges story and then yours. I really love your blog - your photos are wonderful and for me especially when they are of birds or of course of George. But also you write so well - both when you are just adding a few words to an image, or the snatch of song which felt so joyful, or in your stories about you, your husband and George.
It must be wonderful to have all these comments - I can but dream! - but I must say you deserve every one.
Great to see the photos of you - I can't see one unphotogenic atom. but I understand the feeling - I have it too. My mouth goes all awkward when I have to pose and I hae that people take a photo, pause to look at it then say. let's do another!!
Well, this is a humungous comment but I just wanted to tell you what I am thinking.
Have a great day! Kx

ahomespunyear said...

Well done in out-witting the squirrel...takes some doing. They have a drey high up in a tree close to our house and come to raid the feeders all the time!
I think your house looks charming, by the way!

Kerri Farley said...

Hooray for Hubby!
And I'm a Hillbilly myself :)

Now I think I may go make a cup of hot choco :)

GailO said...

...When I first quickly looked at your photos I DID think it was taken during your Maine vacation:) I love the look of lobster buoys no matter where...

My late step mother used to shoot BBs at squirrels...now THAT is hillbilly:)

Mental P Mama said...

OMG!!! You are safe. There are plenty of folks here in CT with those all over the place, and they don't even know what they're for!

Charlotte Wilson said...

Awww, if he is a good husband, embrace his "artwork". It looks like shabby chic and it has a practical use as well! I like the look myself, but I dont' have to live with it. LOL
i love your blog!

Skeletalmess said...

Husbands 1

Squirrels 0

Love it, and actually I about lost a mouthful of coffee upon reading.

I applaud you for granting hubby his Country Chic space without reprisals.

Jeanne Walker said...

A couple of days behind on reading your blog....but I must say that your husband and my husband are out of the same gene pool! I tell DL that he's an 'engineer wanna be"! Gotta keep reading now!

Joy said...

I like the buoys--great colors.