Sunshine Days ~

 Last year, we were working on fencing at the farm.  Riding was always my priority, not a lot got done around home.  This year things have changed.  Without Farah, I still feel some-what incomplete.  So many years of self-imposed responsibility & the huge joys (along with the time commitment) that came with it - now over. 

Trail into the Timber~

 With the warm & sunny spring weather, I've found plenty of new challenges to keep me occupied.  I go to the Y, three times a week. The elliptical is my torture of choice, pushing the time, distance & incline, competing against myself.   I've always enjoyed some sort of challenge.  It seems normal after so many years of competitive riding.

June 3rd - Rain~

Our Mills County Naturalist - used the term infestation - to describe all the bush Honeysuckle on our property.  It is truly amazing how quickly these plants sucker, grow & spread.  I've taken down all the huge plants that were on the back side of the south fence.  It's really expanded our view & given the small trees there a chance to grow.

Butch brought me a reciprocating saw with an aggressive blade.  It does a great job of cutting the woody stems down to the ground.  A treatment of Torodon, should kill what's left.   Butch will use the chain saw on some of the largest & we'll probably rent a chipper to get rid of the debris.  It will take years to finish the job.  So far - I have at least five piles about ten-feet high.

Iris

A friend invited me over to collect plant starts from her stunning yard! The Iris above actually bloomed two-days later. I planted it in the corner of the marsh & I hope it spreads! Another friend has given me huge & beautiful hosta's. Those are now in gardens at the edge of the Timber & on each side of the Cabin.

"My" Yard~

The lower backyard used to be such a mess.  All the Autumn Olive here, have been cut down.  The four varieties of edible Elderberry I planted last year - are almost five-feet tall & blooming.  Soon, we'll be able to sample the berries.  We've planted a small White Pine & two Swedish Aspen that I hope don't sucker.

Nika hears Butch's truck!

It's been in the low 90's most of the week with crazy high dew points.  I take my electrolytes, drink water & wear a sweatband.

Awaiting blooms!

The days have been stunning, the ground still damp from all the rain.  Usually, there's a breeze to dry the sweat.  The evenings are warm, the air thick & rich with the smell of blooming flowers & trees.   Earlier this week, the Lightening Bugs returned!   A spark here, there, high in the air!  Giving us notice that summer right is around the corner.