January Wonderland

A January winter wonderland arrived today; beginning late afternoon and continuing through the early evening.

 

And, the results...

 

 

 

 

 

My Winter Yard

This is my winter yard; no flowers, yet, full of color and texture...and, very interesting.

Still,  a delight to my eyes!

No matter the season, a walk around the garden is always comforting, always satisfying to my senses.

A definite treat for my spirit and soul.

Split Rail Fence Rx

 

 

My split rail fence, the shortest of two, constructed at the corner of the woods and pasture, at a curve in the farm road near the house, made with recycled and rotting rails, was damaged, yet again. Not by the usual storm, but by Glenn returning to further clean-up old storm damage.

 

I thought this corner was cleaned-up for good last time Glenn spent some time there; evidently, I was wrong.

 

 

Today, Glenn and Becky actually removed previous storm damage (lengths of downed trees, broken branches) which was taken off the road and piled along the road sides.  Additional broken and downed tree limbs were removed from the pasture.   Plus, Glenn decided to cut down the triple-stemmed yellow-poplar that was still standing, but dead as a result of a direct lightning strike during the last major storm (see blog 7-31-11 A Most Welcomed Visitor).  I did not know that tree was coming down; at least, not any time soon.

 

Glenn’s rational was to cut the dead tree down before it had a chance to rot further and fall over.  We use that farm road daily.  It was time to eliminate the danger.   I understand.  The logs were still solid enough for use as pulpwood, not lumber.  Nevertheless, some use is better than some waste.

 

 

Unfortunately, as good as Glenn is in felling a tree in his chosen location; he did not account for a bounce.  That tree bounced into my fence breaking the rails in one section of the fence.

This specific split rail fence has previously been repaired two times after two different storms.  All the useable rails had been used; recycled for the last time. There was no opportunity for another fix, another repair.

 

The only feasible option is to shorten the fence by one section; removing the damaged section which sits smack dab in the middle of the length of fence with the end section of rails.

 

So, my fence will be shortened from seven sections to six.  In reality, I guess this same fence can be shortened, if more damage occurs, until no sections remain. 

With Glenn around, that could happen quicker than anticipated.



Notes:  Blog site is still not allowing me to post photos - my apologies.  I hope the fix is found soon!

I was finally able to post photos...the temporary method only took two days to work - ugh!

In The Darkness

Last evening, I decided to take a short walk.  It was dusk; and, bad timing on my part since dusk quickly turns to night at this time of year.

 

I took the farm road through the woods thinking it would be easier walking; unfortunately, it was also darker under the towering trees.  The dogs were my only companions.  Sometimes, the cats follow along on walks, but even they must have felt it was too dark to wander in the wild wood.

 

Within moments, I was unable to see my feet.  Even on bright, sunny days, I watch every spot of ground where I place my feet.  I have this fear of falling; so, I try to be careful with every step.  Not so tonight…I would be taking chances. 

 

Nevertheless, I continued as the obscure calmness of the night lured me into complete solitude.  Buddy ran ahead and was out of sight and sound in a second.  Jake, even slower than I, kept pace just behind me.  I could make out just a glimpse of the white fur about his neck.  He crept silently.

 

There was no moonlight filtering through the bare tree branches.  I stood, surrounded in total darkness.  I listened.  There was not one sound, no leaves crunching from an animal in motion; no passing deer, no curious bear.  The forest was silent. What little fear I felt vanished.

 

I was safe.  I was revitalized.  I was at peace.

 

I will have to revisit this worthwhile sojourn again…soon! 

 

Every Sunset Is Different

Here is a look at tonight's sunset....

Well, not quite...I cannot seem to get any photos to upload; that is one BIG problem. And, now I have been trying for two days...any suggestions?  After a bit of searching, I discovered that I am not the only one having this problem - thank goodness; makes the problem not my problem. I found a fix even before I found the suggestion for a temporary fix..I am getting good at this computer stuff. I can dream, can't I?

 

So, now, here you go...last night's sunset!

 

Still impressive...don't you agree?

 

 

 

Working Off The Farm

If it is winter, it must be time to log!

 

Winter season usually slows a bit on the farm; and, logging becomes the chore of choice.

 

Not only is logging more conducive to the season - no leaves, no sap running (a benefit to the residual trees) and cool/cold temperatures make the task a bit easier; but, it comes at a time when the extra money pays those hefty insurance bills, government taxes, and the such.

 

Becky has been bugging Glenn for weeks about getting started; she needs the cash.

 

Today, they made a practice run on the farm.  Glenn insisted a few trees needed to come down on a level piece of ground to open up more pasture for the cattle and sheep. We do need more pasture for our farm management needs; and, in reality, Glenn likes to fell trees. 

 

Glenn felled and Becky ran the skidder to move and pile the logs; a near perfect team.

 

The practice run went well…no injuries, no equipment failures or breakdowns.  Now, it is time to move off farm for some real logging.

 

There are many privately-owned timber stands that need thinning or harvesting to maintain the health and vigor of these forests.  Since Glenn is a retired forester, his management expertise supplements the overall success of prudent logging of this renewable resource for future, vital forests.  Glenn is not the typical logger.  He is always looking for the best way to sustainably grow the next generation forest.

 

Like Glenn says, “Logging is just another form of farming…tree farming.”

New Year's Day 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2013!

 

I begin the New Year with tentative hope and lots of inner trepidation…I am not comfortable with the recent evolution that I, personally, have no control over. Therefore, I will move forward positively, focusing on those things that I can control; some old, some new...have to keep life interesting!

 

Please continue to follow our daily living  at Mountain Glen Farm; perhaps, adding a bit of amusement to your life.  As always...enjoy!

 

And, I trust, one year from today, I can wish you all another HAPPY year.

 

Life on the farm takes no holiday…off to my chores!