I was posting to Rock and realized I had started upon some kind of an update. Figured I’d continue here, and see where it goes.
Ah fall time. My walks among the trees and tall grass is crunchy with all the dry leaves underfoot. Not much sneaking up on anything.
We had a bit of a wind storm a day ago which removed near most of the what was the remaining leaves from the tress. Most open areas were likewise blown clear as well. My lawn was full of grass clippings and leaves in thick windrows, now all gone. Blown across the prairie until hitting some bushes or such. The last bastion of crunchy walking is only within the now naked trees’ umbrella.
Nighttime is gorgeous. Last night was so clear, and of course it’s dark now much earlier. So, returning from driving my Mom home after movie night, I sat outside and looked upon the stars. The milky way clearly glowed. Like a painted trail across the black sky. Various planets popped, being the brightest points of light in the sky. So many stars; almost too many to pick out the constellations.
Dark nights with skeleton trees silhouetted against pale star light is all very Halloween like.
This afternoon I cut down the swinging/climbing rope from the large elm tree from within the circular driveway. This elm is on the east end of the row of four trees which run basically down the middle of this inner area. The west end is another big elm tree that so many kids have climbed as well.
To the north of the row of trees is a thirty by fifteen foot sand box. And to the west end of that, resides a half court basket ball area with dug in backboard and hoop. To the south of the trees it slopes down around seven feet. This is an awesome space for croquet. Lots of flat space, shade, and a nice steep hill to place the stupidly difficult wickets. We like to have some very challenging games.
Anyhow, the rope is tied to the main horizon limb which is about 14 feet off the ground. I backed the truck under it and used a step ladder to reach and then cut the rope. Yes, cut the rope. The tree has grown over the years and the clove hitch is now far too tight to undo. I tied the rope when the kids were so tiny. The limb actually has extended further than the 1” rope which is seated within grooves now. Cutting was me chiselling through the rope, then pulling and prying the rope from around the limb.
The dogs faithful watched me. Likely wishing me not to fall. Not from any well wishing, just that I’m the one who feeds them. Lol.
After, the dogs and I dug up a few mole hills and set some traps for the critters. Moles left unchecked do dig up a lawn rather quickly, and make some real large piles of dirt overnight. Case in point, I had five hills appear in two days.
The dog and I ambled about the yard. A nice mid teen temperature and cloudy, with just a hint of rain starting. Was kind of quiet for a while. Then our walk entered the bushes and it tuned all crunching and noise. The two dogs sniffing and running here and there and rustling everything.
Eventually the rain turned more imminent. I gathered the dog food and the dogs raced me to the pen. They always win! They are happy within their space and there is no problem getting them back to it. One dog always sits upon the play structure watching me, ha, more watching the food make its way to them. The other hangs out by the open gate likewise watching and eagerly waiting.
One bowl, well old metal round wash bucket actually, for the two dogs. I dump in the pail of food and they share with no fighting. Both dig in, heads side by side. I always like seeing that. Even yesterday, when I had some older ham which I figured was likely ok, yet didn’t want to chance. I cut it up and mixed in with their food. Still, just side by side.
Hope everyone’s weekend was good and your upcoming week is as well.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
