New Views~

Our second day of chipping - we were moving a bit slower!  The day was slightly overcast, but perfect for the work we were doing.  These piles, were full of dried leaves still attached to the branches & covered in dust.

Up the west edge~

Butch put the Bronco further up the hill, making the trek to the piles shorter.  It did sink in an inch or two, but the wide tires helped.  There was only one spot where the grass was torn.  Not nearly as bad as I expected.   

Many more~

Once we had the big pile at the bottom done, Butch decided he'd drive the Bronco in to the Timber & closer to the remaining piles. I just closed my eyes while he did it :-)

Chipping away~

My husband is the only person I know, who could have maneuvered the Bronco, chipper in tow, through the trees! There was only one place to get in & he just missed one of my little juniper bushes!

Clear at last!

By late afternoon, we were done! The piles of somewhat green leaves & chips are all that was left to tell the tale. I had a picture in my mind, when I'd started, of what it would look like. Now, I can't wait to see it all turn green! Wild Violets were as close to a ground cover as we had last spring. I hope they come back & multiply. With the honeysuckle gone, there will be a big increase in the amount of sunlight filtering down through the trees.

From the corner of the house~

What a change.  This change happened way faster than it would have, if Farah were still here.  Without her, clearing became my obsession.  Something to get me through the first very tough year...  It worked.

Another pair of worn out leather gloves~

I can't even count how many pair of gloves I've gone through.  We should own the company by now :-)  With several piles of chips ready to move, at least we made back some of the expense of the chipper with all the mulch.  

We went out for dinner, then took an evening drive.  A working weekend, but one of the finest of the year-to-date!

Chipping Away!

After a very cold night, down to about 22, the minute the sun crested the horizon it started warming up!  This winter, reminds me of the first one we enjoyed here the end of 2016.  February 21, 2017 - I'd ridden Farah on the Wabash Trace from Mineola to Council Bluffs.  Exactly the same ideal weather.

Bronco with the chipper~

We picked up the chipper last evening. With the help of the Bronco, Butch maneuvered it down the slippery hill, as close as he could get it to where we'd be working. Close, but not close enough! We had the length of the backyard to drag & carry all the branches, especially those at the far east end.

Five piles~

I'd managed to burn the largest pile last Sat., before we were told to put it out. Thank heaven, it hadn't been a problem for the first two-years. I'd drug all the mess from behind the Cabin, across the front, through the double gate & down the hill to our fire pit. I'd spent weeks & weeks cleaning up the mess that had been dumped on the property over the years.

Butch operating the chipper.

By sheer luck, a low wet spot along the creek bank, lined up with where the chips flew. We had our system down. I'd break the stacks of branches into manageable piles, then drag them up to Butch. When Butch wasn't chipping, he was dragging piles too. It took us most of the day.

Clear!

We did stop for lunch at Adriano's, following that with hard pack ice cream from Sugar Makery! They had lemon! I can't even remember the last time I've enjoyed lemon ice cream!

Pile of chips!

For a while, I didn't think we'd end up with many chips at all, but by the time we'd finished, there was a sizable pile!

From the deck~

Tomorrow, we tackle the piles in the Timber.  At least - I say least in the broadest sense of the term -  they're all Bush Honeysuckle.  Just as invasive, but slightly smaller branches, no thorns & not as heavy as the Autumn Olive.  Introduced in 2003 for erosion control, it rapidly got out of hand & is one of the top invasive species.  If you live in the mid-west, read up on these plant pests & eradicate them from your yard or property.  Native plants will thank you for it!

Feb. 27, 2019

 The difference a year makes~

A Clear View~

Almost two-months since I've written a post!  Returning from Washington early October, the  following day, I started a part-time job, two days a week. Something new to learn & occupy a few of our upcoming cold winter days.  Five minutes from home & working at the local Optometrist office.  I'm taking after my Grandmother, who worked for  Dr. Purtzer in Greenfield, many years.  

Saw Whet Owl~

 After a few days of bitter cold (No bugs now!) & two light snows - mid-October - we've been experiencing a perfect Indian Summer!  Temperatures climbing into the mid-60's blue skies & light breezes.  I've spent these last weeks in the timber.  My Ryobi  Reciprocating saw in hand, fresh batteries, leather gloves & most days, Nika keeps me company.

Looking west, drying piles~

With the area between the backyard & creek done, it was the perfect time of year to take on the eradication of the bush honeysuckle.   Researching the plant, I did find the ones here, do Not have hollow stems or branches, but are solid all the way through.  I carried a bottle of Tordon with me & sprayed every cut thoroughly.  I expect it will take constant, vigilance for years, to kill any  sprout from either the stumps, or bird dispersed seed.

Our two additional lot's were totally invaded.  My goal was to clear the second (largest) to the west of the backyard & third (Cabin site).  The Naturalist at Pony Creek Conservation Center  encouraged me to; "just cut them down"!   My problem -  what to do with all the debris?  These bushes are more the size of small trees, many with bases over 6" in diameter & over fifteen feet tall. They produce literally hundreds of berries from just one plant.  I didn't bother to cut off the many branches, unless they were too big to carry.  I began making piles - until the piles were so high I'd have to start another.

The Clear View~

With 360 ft. of creek frontage alone, it's been a massive task. Sunday, I cut down the last!  I'd expected it would take a couple years, but the Sawzall made all the difference.  I went through at least a blade a week.  Two-weeks ago, I started burning the oldest pile from last year.  Butch taught me to light the propane torch.  It didn't take long to make a small pile of ash from all those branches.

Our Quail, from Rusty Birds~

At the Seattle Flower & Garden Show last year, I discovered Rusty Birds!  The perfect garden art for an area not fenced - yet - but mostly inaccessible. It's also freeze proof!  I have a wish list of little birds that I'll find places for here.

Southeast from the west end, brush piles along the trail.  Creek far right~

Behind our house the backyard drops away to another flat section, before dropping again to the area above the creek.  I'm still finding rusted barbed wire, broken glass, auto parts, even rusted tools.  Two trees have grown around sets of old bed springs & another roll of wire.  We've made three more trips to haul away the trash.  (Reminiscent of our early days on the Homestead.)

From the back deck~

 From street level, there's enough elevation change - most of the area isn't visible. I felt like the trees breathed a huge sigh of relief. I think the few that died have been the result of honeysuckle stealing the nutrients from the rich soil. It's as close to indestructible as any plant I've ever seen.

Southwest~

The weather held off long enough for me to get done with all but the burning. That will take a while! A friend gave me tree starts & I have plenty of places to plant things now!

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.

Loud Rumbles - Sweet Smells~

 The thunder rumbled & rain came down!  Then, this afternoon the sun broke through & the humidity went sky high!  But oh the smell!  The air was rich with the fragrance of all the honeysuckle & locust tree blooms!

From the deck~

Butch & I spent yesterday in Omaha.  Tests, tests & more tests.  My visit to a second Retinal Specialist confirmed the diagnosis of the first.  I'll be visiting him monthly.  I'm told the likelihood of any improvement is slim at best.  Changes in the eye will continue.

Jack-in-the-pulpit

I am atypical for this to have occurred.  My test results were all fine.  No health issues, a healthy lifestyle etc.  The Why may never be determined.  Dr. Angle said to consider it a blessing, because if it hadn't entered the eye - my brain would have been next.  When I consider the helmets I've broken, the falls I've taken & close calls I've survived.  It is difficult for me to comprehend being struck so suddenly & without warning.

Honeysuckle~

Again, many thanks to the friends who have called, texted, emailed, messaged.  All the ways of communication we now enjoy.  Your prayers have strengthened me.  With time, my brain will adjust to the changes & I may hardly notice any difference.  I've been thinking about faith in the last few months, as two good friends struggled with serious health issues.  Faith is easy to have when things are fine, the test comes when they're not.  Now - It's me being put to the test.

The swing~

I'm taking one of my favorite pieces of advice.  It was shared by my long time amigo & mentor after my serious accident in 2003; "Forward Motion saves your beehind!" (The sanitized version.) The trick is to just keep moving forward. I plan to be back in Farah's saddle as soon as the heat & humidity subside!