Dreaming of Spring Gardening in the Middle of a Wisconsin winter part 2

[jvls1942]

went to the dr. today for the follow up
of the EKG I had back in Sept. all is good.
this morning we caught squirrel number 13,
they are getting harder to catch as the numbers dwindle.

 

[Callender Girl]

Great news about the EKG, Jim!

I have a 4-by-4 that I want to use to anchor the railing, I'm just struggling with cutting it to the proper length. Had I repaired my chain saw, it would have been much easier.

Also, I'm avoiding digging the hole to put it in. My experience with setting fence posts has taught me that I don't enjoy the effort one tiny bit -- especially since I got that steel plate and screws to repair my fractured pelvis. My right hip will complain strongly for at least a day.

Good news is that the warm temps will hold out for a few more days, so I still have time to convince myself to get it done. I just have to imagine how much safer I will feel this winter when ice covers those steps and I am able to firmly grasp a railing -- rather than skating down on my behind and breaking something else.

And, I've only ever once knowingly eaten a cow that had a name. I was much younger and having dinner at my boyfriend's family home. I have to admit, it ruined my appetite, too, knowing that I had petted and talked to my dinner when she was still on the hoof.

Anjanet, how are Honey, Cora and Rosemary doing? I feel a special kinship with them now!

Just when I believed I had all my serious winter prep done (except that darned railing), I realized I still need to put up chicken wire to protect some of the shrubs so they don't become bunny buffets this winter. And, taller tree wrap on one of the young apple trees.

The World Series starts tonight, and for once, I don't dislike either team. It's more fun when there is someone to root for and root against. I may choose the Phillies because they have a couple of former Cubs on the team. Plus, I like underdogs.

 

[jvls1942]

Barb, get a chair and sit down to dig the post hole.
take your time and rest a lot. It is just one hole.
I went down only about 22 inches.
you can cut a 4x4 with a skil saw. It will not cut
all the way through. but you can finish the cut
easily with a few strokes with a hand saw.
with the circular saw make a cut, then turn the post
90 degrees and cut into the cerf. repeat, and repeat.
all the way around the post.

 

[Callender Girl]

Jim, great suggestion about the circular saw! I made the cuts, like you said, then used a (slightly dull) bow saw that was hanging near the garage door -- convenient tools are sometimes my first choice, often instead of better choices! The post is done. The hole is not started.

Once again, I got distracted. When I went to open the door to the garage addition, I realized the trim piece I thought I had repaired last week had fallen off again. Fixed it again.

Then, I decided it was past time to build a new replacement for the sorry excuse for a ramp on the big A-frame coop. Also done.

And, I removed some old, stubborn and rusty screws from a board I'm using to make a Halloween sign for my sister's upcoming party.

Guess I'll do about ANYTHING to keep from digging that hole, huh?

 

[jvls1942]

Jim, great suggestion about the circular saw! I made the cuts, like you said, then used a (slightly dull) bow saw that was hanging near the garage door -- convenient tools are sometimes my first choice, often instead of better choices! The post is done. The hole is not started.

Once again, I got distracted. When I went to open the door to the garage addition, I realized the trim piece I thought I had repaired last week had fallen off again. Fixed it again.

Then, I decided it was past time to build a new replacement for the sorry excuse for a ramp on the big A-frame coop. Also done.

And, I removed some old, stubborn and rusty screws from a board I'm using to make a Halloween sign for my sister's upcoming party.

Guess I'll do about ANYTHING to keep from digging that hole, huh?

Yeah but,,,,look at all the other stuff you are getting done.
not warming up very fast here. I think I will venture
out soon.
the pump man is here, putting a new cap on
the well casing. a tight fitting one that spiders
and bugs can't get into . right now he is circulating
chlorine throughout the system to disinfect things.

 

[WIchickMama]

Barb, the chicks are doing great! They are running and hopping everywhere and are mirroring everything they mama does. Rosemary is going to have some nice dark brown feathers I think.

Can't wait to be outside today, going to help a friend cut down some trees and will be bringing some wood home for winter.

Will write more later, but had bad news about pup yesterday at the vet...bottom line cancer has spread and we have made the decision to put her down next Thursday.

 

[Callender Girl]

I am so sorry about your sweet dog. The remaining time is so precious, and I'm sure your pup will be able to feel how much she's loved.



Great news about Rosemary and her siblings!

 

[jvls1942]

Yesterday all I got done was to plant one grape.
I thought I had two of them, but the one had multiple
shoots. I had it in a 5 gal bucket. the bucket was full
of roots. Next spring I will prepare a permanent
spot for it.
Annjanet, Sorry about your dog. That's why I don't want
any more dogs.

 

[jvls1942]

this morning I caught squirrel number 14. each time
I catch one now, I think it is the last one. there is
a grey squirrel hanging around, but I think he lives
across the field in the woods. I think next year
there should be a lot of black walnut trees sprouting
down in the lower land along the river.
today we hope to get the mowers into storage.
were going to do it yesterday, but company showed up.
today if anybody shows up, I am going to put them
to work . lol
Sally, yesterday's company, brought us some chili.
it was good. but it must be a local recipe in
this rural area. I have had chili in several places,
and it is all similar. Not hot and spicy like mine.
a dash of sugar and a couple shakes of red pepper
and a drop or two of tobasco, takes care of that.

 

[Callender Girl]

You're so right, Jim. Chili SHOULD be hot and spicy. I used to buy any old hot sauce, now I only buy Valentina. It's good on everything, including scrambled eggs.

One of Jim's boyhood friends lives a few miles past me and checks in regularly to make sure I'm okay. Yesterday, he installed the deck railing post! I still have to build the rest of the railing, but digging that hole was the major deterrent for me. I need to get 1-by-4 lumber for the rails and am considering repurposing some spindles I already have.

Before he came over, Frank asked if I had a post hole digger (yes) and an auger (no, I said). Turns out I have one; it was just buried among other tools. Today, I went out and reorganized the corner tool rack. Found some other tools I didn't know I had. Jim was a great collector of tools and gadgets, among other things -- which has greatly benefitted me.

On his side of the garage, I discovered a battery-operated leaf blower in a box, never used until I charged it up today. It is so much easier to use than my old corded model.