Weekend Cleanup

With warmer temperatures and sunny days after several cold winter months, Collin and I begin to feel the beckon call of the outdoors which summons us to begin cleaning the yard of debris and fallen leaves in hopes that spring will be arriving soon. We have a big yard with lots of trees. Even after several fall cleanup days, there is always a lot left to do to prepare our yard for mowing and getting things in shape. We were out in the yard yesterday morning by 10:00 and worked until after 5:00. We actually got more accomplished than we thought for and were pleased with the days progress. As we headed to the shop to move a few things and get to our necessary yards tools of wheel barrows, racks, trimmers, etc. Collin took a minute to even sweep out the shop of winter dust and dirt.

I have my own tools and headed out to the mailbox. I have ornamental grass here and it needed to be cut back from the season. Before long, it will be growing green and tall again. I leave it through the fall and winter. I love it's golden color and it's feathery ends which blow with the wind. Before the day was over, I also pruned the crepe myrtle trees, and Collin planted a new hydranga bush for me in our garage area. He dug up a start for me from my mom's bush.

We have a creek that flows through the middle of our backyard area. Unfortunately it collects leaves during the winter months and has to be cleaned out during early spring before the rains set in. If not, leaves, trash, and all kinds of debris wash out into our yard leaving a nasty mess. Collin went out into the wooded area to cut away and open the ditch so the water would be able to flow freely. If this is cleaned out, it's actually kind of pretty in our backyard with a clear stream flowing through it. It is also a major landmark serving as a division in our property where our kids played a great deal. Because of it's positioning, if Bryan was trying to tell something important of needed definition when he was a little boy, he would frequently refer to "our second backyard." Now I ask--how many people do you know who have two backyards?

I raked a ton of leaves yesterday dragging them off to the burn pile. I cleaned all around the house on all sides except for the south side. Yard work can be very tiring and make for a sore body when you haven't done this kind of work for four months, but I love to be outside. It clears my head and calms my mind. The sunshine felt good.

And here is Collin keeping an eye on the fire. He did his own share of raking leaves and picking up sticks.

Yes, it was a busy and tiring day, but we accomplished a lot. We are by no means finished; there will be several more Saturdays of work, but we're on our way looking forward to spring.

And look at these little beauties--the first of the season. Yes, indeed, the promise of new life is on the way and I can hardly wait.

Marcia