I have a shrub at THO that has busted out in pink blooms this year. It turns out that this nice little plant is an invasive species… a native of Siberia (and other parts of Asia). A weed that was brought here as an ornamental plant but it pushes out the native varieties.
My first reaction was to stop and admire it… now I know what it is and am not so sure it is pretty. 
This morning when I woke up the rain had just begun to fall. I flew out of bed to uncover the garden and headed back into Tiny House Ontario to get dressed and organize my day. My cousin Tracey and I planned on a slumbie at her place in the city tonight, so I had a few things to pack into the car.
I was just about to put them there when I noticed there was a HUGE turkey just beside my door. Instead of going out, I grabbed the camera and took a couple of photos. Unfortunately, he got a few feet from the house… and through the glass the photos are not terrifically clear. Even so, they are better than nothing and I did not want to scare turkey off. These wild turkeys run fast and fly quite well so I am lucky to get a photo from 20 feet.
The turkey was alone as far as I could see. Probably attracted by the mix I put out for the birds and chipmunks. It certainly looked well fed and mature. I would guess that this turkey was well in excess of 20 pounds.
I knew that there were turkeys here on our historical land because I often see their tracks in the snow; large arrows pointing in direction that they left behind. It is the first I have seen one come so close so I am thrilled and hoping for more!
The wild turkey is really making a comeback in Eastern Ontario. I understand from my grandparents that they were once very plentiful; however, as a child I do not recall ever seeing one nor do I recall ever hearing of anyone who hunts ever killing one. Yet, in the last decade they seem to be thriving. I also understand that these turkeys were reintroduced to the area from the United States. Apparently 274 birds were brought in a couple of decades ago and now there are some 35,000 of them in the area.
No matter the details, it was thrilling to have a turkey visit THO this morning! Now I am signing off because I am going to gobble down some lunch… turkey free, of course!
No worries, this rural girl listens to the radio and I have it covered!
As many of you know, I very much need a shed at Tiny House Ontario. In order to build this, I need to raise some funds. I decided in the winter that I would try to up my income, by bringing prints of my work to the historic Springer Market Square in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. BUT in oder to do this I had to buy a car… a 1999 Golf… and is in the shop now getting a $400 repair done. So much for earning. So far, I pay rent at the market and I am not quite breaking even… but with the car repair and gas… tragic (for me)!
I was speaking about my concerns to fellow artist friend (another Laura) and she made a few suggestions. In short, I have followed her advice. I opened an account with Fine Art America to sell some of my pieces, originals as well as prints.
I decided to keep the prices minimal – marking them up just a dollar or two on each print and the originals are marked to pay for my materials as well as my time. I wanted to keep the prices as low as I can so that everyone in the tiny house community can afford to support me. Too, I think it would be cool to see my work up in other tiny houses! I am really hoping that this will happen!
What a difference a day makes! This morning when I woke at THO – I could not longer see over the escarpment to the windmills on Wolfe Island… I could not even see the Rideau Canal. As a matter of fact, I could not see the end of the ridge. By next week the canopy will steal the sky.
Tiny House Ontario 