I make a pint of nectar for the hummingbirds every day, and carrying the feeders from the porches to the kitchen and back inevitably results in some droplets of sugar water spilled onto the floor. It’s hard to clean up sugar water.
But
it’s even worse when we service the wasp traps that we hang next to the
hummingbird feeders. The purpose of the traps is to attract the wasps and
yellowjackets away from the feeders, and it works fairly well. It’s almost as
much fun to watch the wasps as it is the hummers.
We
fill the traps with a concoction of sugar, vinegar, and apple juice, and I
think it’s stickier than the sugar water. The routine is to bring the traps
into the house first thing in the morning. Some wasps will have drowned in the
potion, but a few are still alive. Rather than risk getting stung, Mike puts
the traps in the freezer for a few minutes to quiet the live wasps before
flushing the contents. Wasps don’t like to be cold. But as he carries the traps
to and from the bathroom, some of that gooey concoction will land on the floor –
and other places.
Mike
picked a few serviceberries this morning. He wished he had thought to do it
last week, but it was so hot! No matter. I made juice for jelly and put it in
the freezer to be added to the haw or elderberry juice later in the season. Serviceberry
jelly is not as strong as elderberry. Some people prefer it. The black hawthorn
berries are quite mild but lemon juice gives it some interest.
Yesterday
I went out to take pictures, looking for some different views. The photos here are a few of my favorites.
7 comments:
Perhaps a small bucket or plastic container could be employed when moving the feeders and traps…
Where's the sport in that?!
Great pictures. No combines, yet?
You guys okay with the fires all around?
Hallie, you are right. I have thought about using a plate or platter, but it would be one more thing to juggle, so I just don't bother.
I had you in mind when I took those pictures, Chuck. And no, the combines aren't here yet. The winter wheat has to be close to ready. The spring wheat is still a little green.
And Chris, smoke is dense in the canyon and the buttes are obscured. Sometimes smoke wafts through and we can smell it. I read that the air quality in town is hazardous and that people should stay inside, but we need to go back for supplies. How is the air quality with you?
We're smokey but not too bad. My weather app says 137 for air quality, worse than yesterday, but not anywhere close to the valley. With Hwy 12 closed, you'll have to go over the top to get to Clarkston, maybe shop Grangeville?
Oh! For sure we could shop somewhere else, and Orofino would be my choice. But I know we're a bit anxious to check on the town property. And besides, Mike has a ride planned for Sunday -- if it's advisable or even possible.
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