Monday Miscellany

 

It was sad to see this sight.  

We had considered the idea of propping up our plum tree in hopes that it might regenerate itself.

The tree has produced generous crops of plums each year until this one. 

Our plum crop took a big hit this year with last winter's strange weather.  One tree died because of the weather, and this one blew over in September during the wind storm while we were gone.  

Bill, the tree man, said it was possible that the tree's roots may have been diseased, causing it to be uprooted so easily. 

So, after a few days home and thinking about the pro's and con's, we finally decided the tree needed to go.  

It's looking like about a two-day project for Bill and his chainsaw. 

He has already hauled one load of branches to the transfer station and will probably do at least a couple more before the job is finished. 

While Bill worked on the plum tree, I did some weed eating of this year's flower bed growth. 

And, I worked on the garden with thoughts of bringing out the rototiller and working up the soil. 

If I can get that done, I'll haul some more barnyard dirt to the plot and spread it out for next year's crop. 

Yesterday, I also did some more brush hogging in the hay field, and I'm surprised that some of my body parts didn't fall off with the extreme bouncing through some rough ground. 

This project will take another day or so, and then the fields will be neat and tidy as well as ready for new grass in the spring. 

My concern with the fields involves those fast-spreading weeds called marestail that I've discussed in other posts. 

Bill and I were amazed to see it growing along the roadsides in some parts of Spain. 

I'd love to eradicate our abundant crop before it spreads further.  Bonner County's weed specialist told me this week that there had been some success with a weed killer which we'll probably try in the spring.

On another project, we think we figured out yesterday how to attach the leaf bags for the new mower.  I gave it a spin and picked up several thousand service berry bush leaves. 

Several million more still need to fall to the ground so I'll be busy for the next few weeks scooping up and dumping the dead leaves. 

And, so the fall stuff continues, maybe with a break during today's light rain. 

 

One more reminder that you can help support the girls' basketball team by dining at Sweet Lou's tomorrow. 

I know the coaching staff and the team will appreciate your help.

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

*****

Today I'm expecting to take a trip down Memory Lane as locals from our Sandpoint High School Class of 1965 get together for lunch and to make some preliminary plans for our 60th-year class reunion.

Back before the Pandemic began, we had started the process of planning a 55th-year event, but, like so much at that time, it didn't work out. 

So, ten years passing by at this point in life means a lot of changes in each of us individually.  Not only have our physical condition and mental acuity have taken some hits, but probably our attitudes about work and what's fun have also been affected. 

So, I'm doubting anyone will lobby for a rock band to entertain us and inspire us to do some dancing.   

I also don't know how much hiking or golfing we'll want to do, but history tells me that even at almost 80,  folks do figure out a way to get together and to enjoy each other. 

So, we'll see what comes up. If nothing else, we'll have a fun visit today. 

Happy Monday.