https://cozmd.com/2023/12/19/even-so-stories-from-an-overpopulated-farmhouse-a-memoir-by-david-d-coster/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_0703.webpimg_07032026-02-04T17:33:49+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/12/08/starting-over/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20250527_193448.jpg20250527_1934482025-12-08T16:01:50+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/11/24/the-new-health-care-crisis/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_n-1.jpg324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_nhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_n.jpg324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_n2025-11-25T13:37:38+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/06/11/what-is-an-abortion/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_0703.webpimg_07032025-11-21T13:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2010/07/25/parallel-universe/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thumbnail-2.jpgthumbnailhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thumbnail-1.jpgthumbnailhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thumbnail.jpgthumbnailhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0498.jpgIMG_0498My Turn-of-the-Century Felsing Clock, designed for the Parisian market.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/imgres.jpgimgresChristopher Isherwood and Don Bacardi. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/marlene-dietrich-in-the-1940s.jpgMarlene Dietrich in the 1940sMarlena Dietrich in the 1940's.2025-11-20T21:44:02+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2024/12/08/a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-story-of-christmas/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f5sa6krqncetk6plsa357rydi.webp6F5SA6KRQNCETK6PLSA357RYDI2025-05-24T11:55:06+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/05/22/when-the-doctor-is-the-patient/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_n.jpg324507811_726663995431721_4873772481252250998_n2025-05-22T16:12:36+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/03/21/baobab-bonsai/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0.jpghttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250213_064639.jpg20250213_064639https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/resized_20250213_054558_1739447057338.jpegResized_20250213_054558_1739447057338https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/th.jpgthhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/oip-1.jpgOIPhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/r-1.jpgRhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/oip.jpgOIPhttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/r.jpgR2025-03-21T12:27:46+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/01/19/a-slave-with-two-masters/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_0703-2.webpimg_07032025-01-20T15:19:03+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/01/17/the-lungs-of-the-earth/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_0703-1.webpimg_07032025-01-18T11:29:56+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2025/01/15/the-garden-room/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20201113_184803.jpg20201113_184803https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_0703.webpimg_0703https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20201113_184052.jpg20201113_1840522025-01-16T11:15:43+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2024/12/07/oh-god/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_0703.webpimg_07032024-12-07T14:08:56+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2024/11/19/bubble-butts/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/img_0703.webpimg_07032024-11-26T16:40:08+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2011/06/23/artist-lee-ver-duft/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/20180514_084515.jpg20180514_084515https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_10554.jpgIMG_1055https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1544.jpgIMG_1544A nearly completed Lee Ver Duft oil self=portrait. 1940.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1522.jpgIMG_1522Lee Ver Duft's original wood block personal letterhead stamp.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1563.jpgIMG_1563"Christmas Tree" A 25x30 Ver Duft oil that was stolen in its frame on August 16, 1965, and never recovered. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_15621.jpgIMG_1562"Maitre'D". A 20x24 Lee Ver Duft oil that was stolen on August 16, 1965, and never recovered. This photo is badly out of focus, but it's a very interesting work.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1562.jpgIMG_1562https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1558.jpgAnother Ver Duft. Poor photo; unknown title, date, and owner.A poor photo of a Lee Ver Duft; I have no info on this painting.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1550.jpgA photo of a photo of a 1974 Ver Duft. Where-abouts unknown.A 1974 Ver Duft. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/img_1552.jpgLee Ver Duft, portrait of a man. 1979A 1979 Lee Ver Duft portrait of a man.2024-11-16T12:30:47+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2024/11/14/aging-what-is-this-all-about/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/0.jpg2024-11-14T18:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2012/01/04/wicked-little-town/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/imgres.jpgimgresJohn Cameron Mitchell as Hedwig singing Wicked Little Town.2024-10-07T12:43:40+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2015/01/03/where-i-have-been/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/006.jpg006https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20120830_092633.jpg20120830_0926332024-10-07T12:35:58+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2010/07/15/gardening-in-iowa/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_1702.jpgIMG_1702https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0104.jpgIMG_0104https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0105.jpgIMG_0105https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0022.jpgIMG_0022Here's the 2010 version of the purple garden. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/034.jpg034https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_1506.jpgIMG_1506https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0918.jpgIMG_0918Sometimes it just snows and snows in Iowa. It's beautiful too, and I love it. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0366.jpgIMG_0366https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0358.jpgIMG_0358A carefully tended Iowa garden in July. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0368.jpgIMG_0368A different view of The Purple Garden. The coleus were beautiful, though the purple undersides of the leaves showed only when they fluttered in a breeze.2024-02-13T20:38:50+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2010/07/12/seraphim-pigeon-breeding-project/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0672.jpgIMG_0672Snow on her first set of eggs, April 4, 2011!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0650.jpgIMG_0650The first Seraph of 2011, just 3 weeks old but already with nice form! Note the reddish coloring that will vanish with the first moult. This little guy is the son of Gorgeous and Superjock; I say "guy" because he is a very aggressive little thing and I think his behavior indicates a male. Isn't he cute?https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0628.jpgIMG_0628The first Seraph of 2011. Superjock and Gorgeous are the parents. It has all the makings of a really nice bird. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0544.jpgIMG_0544So here's Snow sitting happily on her new eggs already, just a few days after being paired up with No Band. Notice she still has a little red on some feather edges. She still has some of her juvenile plumage and is young for a first nest. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0535.jpgIMG_0535James on the left, and his new Seraph mate. They are truly as white as snow. A really beautiful pair.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0528.jpgIMG_0528No Band in front; his new Seraph mate behind. A beautiful pair.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_01541.jpgIMG_0154The first Seraphim from Gorgeous and Superjock, 2010. A hen, as it turns out. Note the diffuse recessive red in this little one. She is now almost pure white and actively seeking a mate.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0162.jpgIMG_0162And here is the little Seraphim at about a month of age. Note how differently the recessive red is expressed in this bird compared to the baby of SuperJock and Gorgeous in the picture above. This young one is likely a hen, but is very small and slender---more than I would like. The other two babies from this pairing this year are silver red-bar, also both very small and slender, though very pretty. I'm not so sure this mother/son pairing is a good thing. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0154.jpgIMG_0154The second Seraphim baby this year. Note the diffuse pale recessive red coloring. I think this baby is a male, unfortunately. But if he has the form of his older brother, he may be great at the show. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/img_0129.jpgIMG_0129The baby on the right is a split: silver bar/bandtail. The baby on the left is a Seraphim; note the light recessive red coloration and the bald spot on the top of the head! That bald spot is a marker for the Seraphim, and will be covered by surrounding feathers until it fills in with the first adult moult. 2024-02-13T20:28:36+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2010/08/28/building-a-pigeon-flight-or-aviary/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0911.jpgIMG_0911https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0110.jpgIMG_0110Here then is the final 8X12 foot version. It has a ceiling of the same panels and was incredibly easy to put together. It is rugged and rust-proof. The birds love being outside and spend all day out there now. So.....I can strongly recommend this product from Northland Pet Supply. Again, although it is an AKC approved dog-run, it is perfect for any bird from the size of a dove on up!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0091.jpgIMG_0091Another view. I really like how the aviary is nestled into this space with gardens and specimen shrubs all around. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0090.jpgIMG_0090The almost complete new aviary! The access door at the end of the path has a second half-door so one can reach inside to fill the bird bath without walking all the way in. It is a great design for larger birds, even though it is sold as a "dog-run." Perhaps Northland Pet Supply should consider some alternative markets for this product.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0060.jpgIMG_0060Here's the site--8X12 feet. I changed the path so it will come to a door in the center for easy access. I put old willow fencing on the floor to avoid mud. A bird bath will be available. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0059.jpgIMG_0059Hanging small aviaries or flights off the side of the building is convenient and easy and allows for lots of exercise and fresh air. This technique is best for small birds.2024-02-13T20:15:45+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2011/01/24/how-to-make-an-indoor-plant-conservatory-in-iowa/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_04721.jpgIMG_0472Amyrillis. Plant the bulb at Thanksgiving and this is what you have at Christmas. Plant it outside in the spring, dig the bulb in September, cut the top off, and store it in the garage until Thanksgiving and plant it again!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_0472.jpgIMG_0472Plant an Amyrillis bulb at Thanksgiving, and this is what you'll have at Christmas. They come in a lot of colors and patterns. Plant the bulb outside in the spring, dig it up in the fall and cut the top off and let it dry out in the garage for six weeks before planting it again at Thanksgiving. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_1502.jpgIMG_1502This is my Fall "Staging Area". I put all my indoor plants on the steps for cleaning and re-potting; the door to the conservatory is conveniently located at the top of the steps. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_0183.jpgIMG_0183Ugly beyond belief! This Thanksgiving Cactus blooms like this every Thanksgiving. I leave it out from April until mid-November, and this is how it rewards me! Pathetic!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_0517.jpgIMG_0517I know.....hideous, aren't they.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_0519.jpgIMG_0519Everything described is in this room, and it's MINE I tell you, it's MINE!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/img_0475.jpgIMG_04752024-02-13T19:32:39+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2011/03/24/bonsai-2/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_08471.jpgIMG_0847End of May. Great growth and color. The moss is beautiful. A little ceramic Asian man has been added to complete the scene.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0847.jpgIMG_0847And by May, lots of growth. I added a little ceramic man and a couple of hens-and chicks. The moss is growing nicely, and a few sprigs of bluegrass are coming up. Great color. A very content looking Bonsai.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0711.jpgIMG_0711And just for fun, a new edition---a Dwarf Japanese Holly. Slow growing with great leaf structure. I used the same technique but a traditional Bonsai soil mix and a more standard pot. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0713.jpgIMG_0713...and now outside for a few days with some real sun and true color!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0703.jpgIMG_0703Here it is a couple of weeks later, growing like mad. It is usually a very deep purple, but it has less light in the house where I put it for safe-keeping. I will put it outside the first week of May.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0648.jpgIMG_0648Potted, trimmed, and wired. As the dead wood ages, hopefully it will darken and create an interesting "shari" visually. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0644.jpgIMG_0644A very fat trunk with live and dead wood makes this Daphne already look "old" as well as interesting.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0647.jpgIMG_0647A final artistic trim and wiring of some of the branches with copper wire, and the Bonsai is safely ensconced in the conservatory, away from squirrels!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0638.jpgIMG_0638The final soil covering of moss, lava rock, and white marble. The tree is slightly to one side to allow for the growth of branches to the right only.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/img_0637.jpgIMG_0637The nebari come to life with the addition of bright green moss!2024-02-13T19:26:41+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2011/12/13/seraphim-pigeons-for-sale-at-coz-lofts/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_1789.jpgSuperJock on his nest.SuperJock on his nest; he can't help but look fantastic no matter what he's doing!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_1807.jpgAnd another beautiful Young Hen.FeatherEye, a spectacular hen out of NoBand and Snow, paired up this year with a spectacular young cock out of SuperJock and Gorgeous.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_1805.jpgNo Band at the 2011 Des Moines Show. Fantastic Form.NoBand's show-stopping look.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_1797.jpgJames @ the 2011 Des Moines Pigeon Show, Best Rare AOV.James' show-winning pose.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img_1796.jpgJames. Best Rare AOV at the 2011 Des Moines ISPA Fancy Pigeon Show.James: Best in Show, AOV, High Standard (HS). Des Moines ISPA Fancy Pigeon Show, December 2011. James is the founding Seraph cock of one of my Seraphim lines. 2024-02-13T18:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2012/02/08/videos-of-seraphim-pigeons-at-coz-loft/2024-02-13T18:06:23+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2012/05/28/the-moss-garden-in-iowa/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0446.jpgIMG_0446Completed Moss Garden with stone statue, Oklahoma Moss Rock, River Pebbles, and colored Glass Pebbles.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0367.jpgIMG_0367A nearly mature Moss Garden.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0372-e1338207629700.jpgIMG_0372A freshly planted Moss Garden using patches of Moss harvested in town, in the woods, and from abandoned buildings in the area. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0774.jpgIMG_0774A view of the Moss Garden overlooking the pond in the massive Japanese Gardens at the Missouri Botanic Gardens in St. Louis. It is covered by a copse of flowering crab apple trees, allowing in dappled light. Nearby is a stone hut where one can sit and meditate. It's a stunning view.https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0759-e1338206548125.jpgIMG_0759Glass Water Globe Sculptures floating on a pond at the Missouri Botanic Gardens. https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_03681.jpgIMG_0368https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img_0368.jpgimg_03682024-02-13T18:01:22+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2012/01/29/robotic-general-surgery/2025-01-19T16:58:19+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.com/2010/07/22/the-miniature-garden/https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/031.jpg031Pinks and variegated Yuccahttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/030-1.jpg030-1My favorite Hen and Chicks with Alpine ground cover and Irish Mosshttps://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/032.jpg032https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/0261.jpg026Roses in the back, Golden Globe Arbor Vitae, Yucca, Creeping Phlox, Pinks, Thyme, Basil, Tri-color Sage, Alpine Ground Cover, Irish Moss, and 16 types of Hen and Chicks!https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/004-2.jpg004-2Old Hen and Chicks, Alpine Ground Cover, tiny Sedum....https://cozmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/026.jpg0262023-02-28T19:47:20+00:00monthlyhttps://cozmd.comdaily1.02026-02-04T17:33:49+00:00