I love this discussion about the squirrels! We are all having the same issue – Becky just texted me that they have those clumps of leaves on the driveway almost every day. Here’s today’s offerings.
And here’s where I took them. These were some happy goats!
Did you know that goats prefer to browse instead of graze? Browsing means eating upwards like trees and bushes versus grazing downward on grass, etc. Just a little tidbit for you.
Reed’s dad, Kevin, came over tonight and planted my Japanese Lilac tree that Reed gave me for my birthday. I know I could never have dug that hole so having him do it was also a huge gift! Thanks to the whole Rauk family!
Have you ever heard of a joint mouse? I have one. A week ago I got up on Monday morning and literally could not walk because my left knee was so painful and I did not recall doing anything to injure it. I let it go for days because I assumed it would go away. I finally gave in and saw my chiropractor who immediately diagnosed a joint mouse. A joint mouse is a piece of cartilage or bone that breaks off and gets in the joint causing pain. He adjusted it and I’ve seen loads of improvement until yesterday when I mowed again and irritated that mouse big time! So back to the chiropractor again today. Heat, cold, a brace and staying off it will help. Grrrr….I don’t have time to sit with my leg up! Many of you likely understand knee pain – both Becky and Connie have recently had painful knee issues. Could it be a sign of old age? Say it isn’t so!
I think the squirrels may be working for the goats…. knocking down leaves for them since the goats can’t quite browse that high lol. I hope your knee starts getting better. It is amazing how quickly something can happen to ‘disable’ us from our usual routines!
How is a Japanese lilac tree different from a lilac bush? Never heard of them. Do they get the same type of flowers? I’m sure we’ll get more pictures as it grows. What a nice gift!
Japanese lilacs are truly trees, not lilac bushes. We have 2 in our front yard that are now about 35+ years old. They bloom later than traditional lilac bushes, and are white in color. Fragrance is similar, but a little more delicate. Ours usually bloom at the end of May or early in June. LOVEmy Japanese lilacs. Hubby wanted to cut me down, and I practically had to throw myself on the tree to stop him! Our yard would be terribly empty with just one out there. Think they are over 30 feet tall now. One of my favorite things to watch budding in the spring. By the way, I live in Lincoln, NE, and we have Japanese lilacs planted in many of the city’s right of ways along major streets.
Rosie – in the boulevard was where I first noticed a row of these lovely trees and Reed was in the car with me. I made a comment that they were so pretty and I’d like to have one. My birthday rolled around and he remembered I’d said that. Won’t he make someone a wonderful husband?
He’s a keeper, for sure! So glad you are in his life. It benefits BOTH of you!
There is also a condition that developers in knees called pseudo gout. Ibuprofen will help it but it does come back. Yup old age is not for sissies. I have a morning pick up,of little branches in the back yard. Those squirrels keep,you busy. They are working on the Apple tree now. Hope they leave me a few. Hope the knee gets better.
So sorry for your mouse/joint problem…that Reed, he is definitely a keeper..
Reed is such a sweetheart!
I’ve seen both crows and squirrels tear up leave like that! Last summer a bunch of squirrels got even with a crows nest and man did the leaves fly!
I feel your pain in the (behind) knee. 1st surgery was to clean up the cartilage, worked great until I fell at the hospital while hubby was recovering from colon surgery. That fall caused me to almost rip my meniscus in half. Oh my goodness that one really hurt but still recovery was only about a week. I sure hope you get to feeling back to your self soon. Take care.
Jeri
I’ve never heard of a mouse joint. We probably all have them occasionally. Lol… I had a knee replacement a couple months ago so have eliminated the knee pain in at least one knee.
Let us pray it’s not a sign of old age. I turned 65 last Friday. Honestly the worst birthday because I always associated old age and Medicare together. I sure don’t feel old.
Kate – yay! Medicare – you reached that fabulous age where you don’t put off seeing a dr. because of the expense. Hope you’re healing!
Thanks for the ‘education’ on a ‘joint mouse’! I’ve been babying a knee for several years now. Do not want to have knee replacement surgery if I can help it… so far it has worked for me. I just have to pace myself. I wonder if there is some sort of brace or support you could wear while working so as to keep your ‘mouse’ from moving around on you.
Reed and family are such a wonderful example of good neighbors – as are you Mary. I enjoy following along on your projects and adventures you do/have/plan with Reed. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Connie – funny you should mention a brace – I got one yesterday!
Know all about knee pain. Just had my second knee replaced in 2 years. No more knee pain! You just can’t get around when your knee hurts with every step you take. Hoping your knee calms down soon.
Look what I learned from this post! A Japanese lilac grows as a tree rather than the lilac bush I see here in western NY. And what a joint mouse is. I do know that Reed is one special person all the way around and I am sure his family is proud of how well they have raised their children as they should be. Hope the brace keeps your leg more comfortable so you can go about your daily life as I am with you on who’s got time to sit around. Not me. Heal and see what new ache tomorrow shows up with cause old age sure can be difficult.
Well I have painful jpints sometimes but never heard of a joint mouse…what a name! Also never heard of Japanese lilac…does it have blooms?
Janie – I laughed when he said joint mouse but you can search online and it’s right there – even joint mice!
Mary, I have arthritis in my knees…have been using Blue Emu from the big white jar and Tylenol 500 mgs as recommended by my dr. Both seem to help. I can really tell when a storm is coming!
Growing up in WA I used to pick strawberries in summer and often wonder if crawling on my knees to pick the berries contributed to this. It was a great way for pre teens to earn money.
Reed is so thoughtful and will be a wonderful caring adult. It’s a beautiful tree.
No, not old age, just lots of use!! My husband had two new knees and lots less pain. The goats look very happy:) We need a new tree; the flowering pears are all getting a disease and dying here in Central Ohio. I’ll suggest the Japanese Lilac. Thanks:)
Definitely not old age! Some of our parts just have trouble keeping up.
I had a loose piece of cartilage cleaned out of my knee (my knee would actually lock up until the chip floated out again) about 20 years ago. You and I are just a few years apart in age. Getting my knee cleaned out got my right back on track. I was out of commission for a few short weeks. All the best to you! Marcia, Eagan MN
Old age ain’t for sissies!!!! HAHAHAHA! Haze will love your down time. I have a Japanese Lilac and love it!!! What a wonderful gift……
Gosh a mouse in your knee both a cute and gross image.
Interesting about how goats prefer to eat, here in my town in California there are large open spaces and goats are brought in to eat the grasses to remove fire fuel and there are trees and bushes whose leaves are eaten to a certain height.
Oh Reed what a joy reading about his kindness and that of his family
I so enjoy reading your blog
Live hearing about your farm tales & tails! Is the sweet black & white goat going to have a kid??? Or just plump 😊. Hope your knee sorts itself out soon.
Joyce -just plump haha,
Seems like some new ailment pops up with each birthday. I’ve never heard of a joint mouse, it sounds painful.
Lori – I had never heard of it either but the pain is nearly gone – love my chiropractor!
Hi! I haven’t read everyone’s comments. I had joint mouse in 1974 age 18. The drs told me it was an injury common to adolescent girls and football players. Girls because knees are at risk due to the pelvic angles, football players due to clipping. I had open knee surgery…it was before laprascopic was available. I’m glad your chiro can adjust yours. Mine was severe, couldn’t straighten the leg at all.
I hope you feel better.
Julie Anne – my knee is almost back to normal, thank goodness!