Memorial Day Archaeology find

Census records and historical maps of Verona, Wisconsin show that in the 1880's and 1890's  our land was farmed by James and Ann MacDonald and their children. 

We unearthed this metal oddity on our land over the weekend, and discovered that it is a Civil War hat pin from the 69th Irish Union brigade. 

Records of the 69th include a James MacDonald who enlisted in December 1861 at the age of 26 and deserted two years later in June of 1863. Only 1 in 4 soldiers survived the war.

Archaeological finds at Horseshoe Bend in Dane County, Wisconsin

My husband has been excavating an old foundation he discovered on our property. We should probably stop teasing him now... a Civil War Irish 69th brigade hat pin, porcelain imported by the first mayor of Madison, Jairius Fairchild, and many other items have been unearthed.

Robin's egg

Lovely moss nest with white eggs

May 22, 2016

I was rearranging pots and this suddenly looked rather lovely.

This small moss and grass nest has five perfect white eggs.

From two weeks ago.. Asparagus is up.

Rich found the remains of School Number Six on our land,,, from 1873.

Also from last wèek:broccoli "Calabrese" on the left with Chinese cabbage. Broccoli "Parkman" out-growing it on the right.