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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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.
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| "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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
