I think these might be volunteers from last year; they look like a cross between Dragon’s Egg and Sikkim cucumbers (both of which I grew last year). In any case, they are delish (taste like a regular cucumber) and don’t get bitter with size/heat.

For like the past five years around early fall I think “man, I have got to try a paw paw this year!” But then never come across one (deer probably eat most of the ones within a human’s reach!). The other day I was running along the trail and there it was! They are delish; tastes like a banana with a tropical twist; very creamy and smooth. Interesting to find such a tropical-tasting treat growing in the forests of Missouri!

We are having a great time with the bunnies…

The two baby black ones (Bun Bun and Puff Puff) are a type of rabbit called Rex. The Rex breed originated in France and they were bred for their very soft fur. So they’re quite fancy.

From whence did these chic creatures come you ask? Some guy on craigslist selling them “mostly for meat, but sometimes for pets”. Hahah

I found this description of Rex rabbits and have found it to be accurate…

Rex rabbits tend to enjoy human company, and are often described as being more catlike than anything in their personality, happily laying around in their favorite spots before suddenly dashing up and binkying around with joy. (source)

Binkying you say? That’s not a real word!

OH YES IT IS!!!

A binky is a rabbits’ expression of pure joy. If you imagine being so happy that you literally jump for joy, then that is what your rabbit is doing when they binky.

Your rabbit can do a binky at any time; whilst running at high speeds, whilst slowly hopping around or from a complete stand still.

They jump into the air flicking their back feet and shaking their heads, possibly combined with a twisting landing. (source is from a blog called…Binky About). 

As for Butkus…

He is a Holland Lop (or some mixed type of Lop). He is not as fancy. In fact, he’s a bit mangy.

Despite giving him a bath, he still is shedding and just generally looks disheveled.

The above is called “Bunny TV”. Open the door and just observe. Hahhaah Their hutch is quite large but right now they are just using the middle section (we are storing hay for their bedding in one side and alfalfa hay for eating on the other side). Once they get a little bigger we will open up another one of the sections.

Dexie has been present a few times while they hopped around her in the house and she hasn’t bothered them (mostly her face just gets REALLY serious), but for the most part we keep them separate (she has eaten her fair share of wild bunnies so we’re not taking any chances!)

One great thing about the bunnies is they are enjoying lots of things from the garden that we aren’t really going to eat plus other scraps that I would’ve otherwise thrown away. Half eaten apple? Cauliflower stalks? Perfect bunny treats! I realize a compost bin could serve this purpose, but bunnies are SO much cuter!

We have TONS of little white carrots this size and the bunnies are loving them.

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!!