Tree Trimmers!

 Tree Trimmers!

 

Ben and Blake W. came to mow Patty’s grass and to cut some dead trees down for me and haul off the branches already accumulated that came from other dead trees in my yard. To put it mildly, trees are a risky business out here on this ol’ hill. About the only ones that survive and drive me wild while at it are the Western soapberries. They spread, they attract bugs, they don’t provide much shade, and they drop branches like dandruff! Can’t even begin to count the number of plum, peaches, and apricot trees that have died out there in the line of the drying wind. Not sure if a good, solid fruit tree could even live in this ground long enough to send out roots for new trees. Have had five apricot trees—Lewis’ favorite trees—over the years. The apple and pear trees that died last year just added to the different kinds that have been planted. We had pecan trees nearly 55 years ago that Lewis had to cut down to prevent them from jacking the foundation up on one end of the house. Don’t think we should count that kind. Some squirrel planted those. Oh well. The cedar trees that a storm took out were there for well over 60 years, but the old elm out front was there that long as well before it died. Hanan planted some cedar elms on either side of the car port, but so far, they have not turned up their toes. But it is early in the life of a tree. Only the Hackberry trees are determined enough to keep on growing and living. So wouldn’t you know some sprouts had to be removed yesterday to keep them from taking out the side of the workshop. Trees: the foundation of voices for both man and beast.

 

Called Sterling a bit ago and discovered that he was totally exhausted. The “garage” sale started at 7:30 this morning and has made at least $600 so far. If the next two days are as fruitful, the church should have a good amount to send on the mission trip. Now if only Sterling would SIT down to help. But he promised that he was about to go get a garbage sack, tape, and clean night wear before he headed to take his shower. Certainly hope that he rests well tonight. The blood thinner they are giving him makes him look as if he has been taken out behind the barn and whupped thoroughly.

 

Cousin John sent pictures (taken by wife Wham) of the pulley system he has for his bird feeders. Looks as if it would work very well for a short person like Jenn. This way she can put the feeders up out of the way of the tall people at their house and then let them down when she needs to refill them. Neat!

 

Went out and mowed the east lots this morning and got grass in every wrinkle in my shirt, every part of my socks, shoes, and hat and mower! Just enough wind to be “helpful” for moving that grass! Doesn’t matter. The lots look nice and the flowers that were surrounded by grass show up better. Just wish the storms last night had brought us a good rain. But would not have wanted the dadgummed tornadoes. As it was, the neighbors across the street had their car picked up and dropped a couple of lanes over from where they were. Then they were hailed on from Chickasaw to Lawton and had to take cover until the hail stopped. Just thankful they got home safely.

 

A guy that made my acquaintance lately said that God doesn’t like ugly, so it seemed a good idea to think about flowers. Went out and admired the flowers out front. After we get back from the doctor’s office tomorrow, need to get the weed eater out and trim the fence line grass down. Have a feeling that this is going to be a year for fires. The only thing that is not ugly about fires is the growth of new grass afterwards. Will try to post some pictures of the irises, bluebonnets, and poppies later.

 

Let’s remember tonight that we need to cultivate the loving thoughts that God has for His children. Doesn’t mean we have to lie down and be drug through the dirt, but we don’t have to focus on the nasty stuff either.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.