On This Imbolc 2026
This is my first Imbolc at my new ranch, and I failed to capture pictures of all the critters; shame on me. It was a warm and sunny day, my buddy came over to help with some construction, and afterwards I went out to perform the traditional wood gathering.
Sips With Sheep
Good Morning sheepies. Later in the day, I would use a hella sweet little chainsaw to remove those horrid Black Locust trees.
Quacktastic
Ducks are happening at the new ranch. They still need a little pond.
Peabirds
Last Fall I was given a Peahen and 2 Peachicks. The little ones grew up so fast; neither appears to be a Peacock. For reasons unknown, the little peabirds are attracted to
any burn pile that I light. Their interest in flames has led me to name them Phoenix and Icarus. I mostly just call them "hey birdybirdy".
Moss and Doggos
It wouldn't be a good day without walking around with the doggos. There is always something to see in the woods, and I like to wander just to find out what randomness will bring my way.
It brings a lot of moss.
Bring on the Butterflies!
Imbolc's wandering brought me to a splendid sight indeed. A flowering California Pipevine. This plant is the primary food source
of the California Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars. The vine grows in multiple locations on the ranch, and I've begun to propagate
the plant in my nursery.
Collecting Firewood
Like I said, it was a warm sunny day, and there was plenty of time to collect firewood. Technically, I collected 'burn pile' wood, and not firewood
that I would put in my wood stove, but you get the idea.
All of the fresh wood on top of the pile is the horrid black locust. The tree has nice milled wood, but the massive thorns on the branches stab me every time I have to deal the tree. Aside from getting stabbed by a tree, I also got bit by a ticks; which happens quite often these days.
Anyhoo, that's Imbolc! Sorry kitties and fishies for not taking pics. :/
cheers,
jezra