Monday, May 25, 2015

Wisconsin Barns, Good Fences, and the DNR

Barn just west of Cadott, WI on X

On our way to Wausau, we drove past this cute little barn scene just west of Cadott on Highway X. What a beauty it is, with its pretty little pond and perfect board fence. I can imagine Mr. Farmer, wearing striped Oshkosh overalls and T-shirt (okay, definitely my dad's generation), coming out of the barn with his eager Border Collie to collect the Jerseys for milking time. I was thinking how lovely it would be to see a few sweet cows occupying that pasture when Mr. C. reminded me that IF there were cows, the scene would look very different than it does now. The bank of the pond would be muddy and eroded and the barnyard would be a sloppy mess. Good grief. Talk about bursting my bucolic bubble! Can't he just imagine sweet cows tippy toeing to the water to drink while being careful not to muddy up the yard??? What a killjoy. But... I'll have to admit that it's true.


This is probably a playhouse or tool shed now,
but I suspect that originally it was a pump house.





I was going to crop this photo, but decided to leave it all in. It's so typical of small-town Wisconsin.

We took the long way home, driving on Highway X which parallels Highway 29 but runs through all the little towns along the way. It's so much more interesting.

One of the reasons we drove to Wausau:

Keeping her balance
Sticking out her tongue definitely helps.

I was planning on planting the tomatoes and peppers today, but it's been quite rainy. I might wait until tomorrow afternoon.

***

Color me CRANKY. We went to Yellow River Gardens in Spooner, WI, a 46 minute drive each way, only to find out that the pond plants I had phoned about did not include the regulars which they always before carried: water hyacinths and water lettuces, which were the main factor in keeping algae out of my garden pond. Why?? Because, said the unhappy owner, about 3 weeks ago the brilliant DNR regulators decided that they won't allow free-floating pond plants into Wisconsin because they are an invasive species. Right. Well, they are, but certainly not in Wisconsin. They can't survive in Wisconsin's fall and winter temperatures (which is why we can only get them when they're trucked in from the South after all threat of frost is past).  So now I have to pour some chemical into  my pond to keep the algae at bay. Fortunately, we did find something that's supposed to be safe for fish and pets, but still, the pond plants were so pretty... In the meantime, I'm going to be writing a letter to my representative, as though that will make any difference Do these people at the DNR just sit around dreaming of ways they can regulate everything, before even doing some simple research?

Thus ends my rant for today.

P.S. This is not the fault of Yellow River Gardens, and they do have an amazing selection of wonderful plants...but no floating pond plants. If you're in the area, be sure to check them out!


 ***

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44 comments:

Terra said...

I think it is good that you are writing to voice your opinion on the floating plants ban. What a pretty scene you imagined with the cows, but then reality popped the bubble.

TexWisGirl said...

sorry about the aquatic plants. did love that barn scene! :)

MadSnapper said...

you could always order the plants on line...
or drive to the next state and get a few.. DNR do not resuscitate is what that means to me.. LOL
love that farm and all the pics and glad you did not crop the one. hubby is right, much to pretty to be a working farm and looks like someone takes great care of it.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh that farm is just heavenly, Judy! I can see the cows and dogs and barn kitties all romping through that green grass by the pond. :) Loved the pic of your sweet little hometown, too. Kind of looks like mine. :) I used to work for a landscape company that specialized in water gardens. We always carried water hyacinth and water lettuce...knowing that they are just annuals here in the midwest. Bummer that your shop does't carry them any longer. :( They truly are beautiful when blooming and do help keep the water clean and sparkling!

xoxo laurie

Anonymous said...

Very pretty pics. Your little grand is so precious concentrating on keeping her balance! So sorry about your pond plants. Wishing you a nice week.

Deb said...

What a gorgeous barn setting. Love the reflection in the pond (which is adorable). Yes, as much as cows would make it idealic, animals are messy. haha! So sticking out your tongue doesn't help with balance? I think your grandittle would argue that. :)She's a cutie.

eileeninmd said...

Lol, I am trying to imagine the cows tiptoeing out of the barn. It is a pretty scene, love the barn reflection.Seeing the metal art store would mean a stop for me. Sweet Cutie reminds me of my great-nephew he also has the same tongue out helping to balance himself. Enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I sure wish I had my old pond to put some pond plants in!
Brenda

L. D. said...

If someone would mail them to you would the DNR come to arrest you. I know those plants do keep a pond clear. I haven't had plants for a few years. The barn shots are so wonderful. Cute little girl.

Linda said...

I loved your beautiful photos!!
Seems it is raing EVERYWHERE in the USA these days!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

These are such beautiful photos...I love seeing small town stores and streets. And you always see the nicest barns in your state. Enjoy your week my friend. Hugs, Diane

VioletSky said...

I also tend to romanticize farm settings, too. On my farm, everything would be pristine and smell only of fresh cut grass and flowers. Never any manure!!

Sue McPeak said...

What a perfect pastoral scene with the Barn and pond. Your cutie pie certainly has her balancing act down pat. So nice to hear from you today. Thanks for visiting. I enjoyed this post.
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Anita Johnson said...

I love small towns and barns too!
I just read my husband your paragraph on water hyacinths and water lettuce. He is surprised the DNR would make that judgement. They are certainly not winter hardy. We have crystal clear water in our koi pond because of our plant filter, but our pond is small, approximately 20x20x3 feet. The koi liked to snack on the water hyacinths.

Blondie's Journal said...

Such picturesque views. I always dream of living on a farm when we drive through the country but in reality--it's a lot of work.

My husband has had his battles with the DNR in Michigan. He has proposed so many natural and harmless ways to clean up the weeds in our little bay on the lake. They wont's budge. Finally we found this plastic sort of barrier that we laid on the bottom of the water along the shoreline along our property. So far so good after a few years. But---your problem is a bit different. Keep pestering!

Jane x

Beloved's Redheaded Bride said...

You have such a lovely little blog spot here! Thanks for letting me visit. Your pictures and adventures are delightful.

Cheryl said...

Good grief. I think that people DO sit around dreaming up stuff to regulate. So many rules...

Loving the photo of the little grand with her tongue out for balance! Adorable!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

That barn is gorgeous!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Yes it is good to write about the plants. I love the fences but especially the reflection in the first shot. My father in law always had his tongue out when he was consecrating on something .she is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Lovely photos, love the one of your grand daughter sticking out her tongue - so cute:
Beautiful barns, and town pictures. Enjoy your Tuesday!

Eva

Preppy Empty Nester said...

All beautiful photos, Judy!But my fave is the one of that beautiful grandbaby of yours! What a little doll!

Maureen @ Josephina Ballerina said...

So, now this is two things I have to send you: 1) goats, 2) floating pond plants.
LOL! m & jb

Theresa said...

What a cute little reason to take a ride:) Hope you find the plants you want! HUGS!

This N That said...

She's adorable...Love the fence, gorgeous barn..Enjoy your week..

Lady Jane said...

What a tranquil scene. I like this one better than the alternative. Your little one is so precious.

Anonymous said...

That's a lovely first shot.

Tired Teacher said...

Your photos are truly amazing!

Sorry that your plants are no longer available. I hope you can find a solution other than chemicals.

Carla from The River said...

HA!
I have to share with you...the DNR also introduced the Asian Beatles and few other bugs to help us get rid of other bugs!RIGHT! We had a fun visit with a Pest Control fella and he said they have to be ready for what the DNR decides to introduce next, because it always becomes our next pest!!
My sister is always battling the DNR on her Cranberry Marsh, it is so silly and such a waste of money the things they come up with.

Thank you for sharing about the Yellow River Gardens.

I love the first photo.

Jill said...

Lovely pictures! Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Jill

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Well, you did paint a nice visual of the pond with the cows, I enjoyed it.
We've had quite a bit of algae build up over the last couple of years which makes me think I need more snails. Do you add them to your pond Judy? They love to munch their way up the sides (where the raccoons usually scoop them out) and eat the debris on the bottom. I purchased them for a few years and haven't remembered to do so recently.
Our water lilies will cover 3/4 of the surface soon which helps keep the sun from encouraging algae growth. If your state has banned the floating plants we will likely follow suit because my province is on a bandwagon about invasive plants.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You made me laugh while picturing cows on tippy toes. lol! Your granddaughter is such a cutie!

Cynthia said...

The picture of the little one is too cute. Enjoy seeing family. Such pretty pictures as always

Cindy

Terri D said...

I like your vision of the farm and cows much better than Mr. C's. Spoil sport!! ;)

That is a lovely young lady, even with her tongue stuck out!! So cute!

Wonderful photos, as always, Judy! Hope the chemical works for you, and doesn't hurt the fish.

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

That last picture is adorable! And yes, sticking out your tongue does help, or so I kept telling my ballet teacher when I was learning a new move!

podso said...

What a wonderful reason to take a little trip! She is darling.

And the barn is like a perfect vista---and the door is open even making it look welcoming. Wonderful photos!

Lynne said...

Love the barn . . .
And the balancing act is pretty cute!

Anonymous said...

Little ones are always worth the trip! Beautiful barn and pond. Sorry to hear about the water plants.

DeniseinVA said...

Cute shot of your granddaughter. She is adorable, as is her pose. Good for you for making your voice heard. Enjoyed your post very much.

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful reflection in the first shot. Ha! LOVE the photo of your granddaughter sticking out her tongue as she works to keep her balance!

Kathy said...

It's definitely a beautiful scene. Unfortunately, your husband is exactly right about the cows!

LV said...

Always glad when you take us along on your neat little trips. I enjoy them.

A Colorful World said...

Your photos are just beautiful. That farm is so idyllic! I love the way it looks! Have to say, though, I agree with your hubby---no cows would be there and it stay so pretty! :-) I wonder what kind of animals they do have.

The "rant"....hey I'd be furious! More government over-reach! If those plants can't survive the Wisconsin winters then they aren't invasive. They just want us all to use chemicals....don't get me started! :-)

Ida said...

What a great post. That barn scene is lovely and I just chuckled about your hubby bursting your bubble. I like your vision of the scene so much better then his.
I think I would enjoy visiting that shop. - What a bummer about the water plants. Seems everyone is always trying to regulate something.

Suzan said...

We DO drive miles and miles for a visit with our Grandbabies!!!
Such a fun age/stage!!
Awesome barns!!!
TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT in our lives!!
I'll stop there!!! Grrrrrrr!

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