More From The Homestead

I have a big patch of flowering oregano, and the honey bees are loving it. I've been cooking with the dried oregano that I gathered months ago, and for some reason, dried oregano is more potent and pungent than fresh. I've also started using the garlic I've just picked, even though it's not yet dry. It's very nice.

I'm working on keeping Pogi on track when we're walking off leash. One thing I've learned is that I can mostly keep control, even at a great distance, when I continue to talk to him. If he sees a rabbit or squirrel however, all bets are off. He's all about hunting and he seems to lose it when in pursuit of small game.

Halo is different, he minds me perfectly, and is all about guarding me. He'll walk 50 feet ahead, but look back every thirty seconds to check on me. He's from a ranch, and seems to be the working strain of collie, with strong herding instincts, and could probably handle 100 sheep.

Those Amazing Dogs

We just got back from a walk, and a few minutes ago, we passed the thick woods by the creek. Both dogs took an interest in something that I couldn't see. Halo wanted to wait and watch, and sure enough, a minute later, this strange guy completely dressed in military camouflage came out of the brush and walked towards the road. He never saw us, but the dogs had both noticed him before he was within human sensory range.