"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Monday, March 12, 2012

Spring Time ~ Storm Clean-Up Time

Last week there were two beautiful sunny days that just made it impossible to justify staying indoors even though I have so much to get done inside. The birds at the feeders were busy and their whistles, warbles and chirping were a pleasant sound to hear through my open windows.Above you can see a pair of Pine Siskins. My dogs accompanied me to our road on the other side of our pond while I worked for a few hours cleaning up storm debris from the ice storm of February. The dogs are sitting in front of just one of the 5 piles of sticks, branches & limbs I pulled from our pond area.There is still a great deal of work to do before the pond is cleared of the fallen tree debris, but most of the work remaining will require hip waders, our small dinghy, a chain-saw, and more muscle than I can offer.
Doesn't look like much was accomplished, but ...
...here is how bad it looked before I started pulling stuff out.
At least you can tell we have a pond there now and not just a massive brush pile .
The best part of this weekend was the surprise visit from our oldest son. He just drove up the driveway all the way from the other side of the mountains, a 6 hour drive away, and said he was here to help , and he brought me flowers too! Here he is with my husband, they went right to work, beginning the repairs to my sheep shelter.First they had to move temporary fencing to keep my sheep in while they tore down the old structure.
You can see what falling trees and huge falling tree limbs did to the shelter. There was a ram confined here and it is a blessing he was not crushed by so much weight on the tin roof. I was just humming with joy to have 3 of the important men in my life repairing the shelter for my sheep ~ my husband, my oldest grandson, and my oldest son. My youngest son & his wife were having a great time watching our oldest son's daughters, thank-you! Thank-you daughter for allowing us to have your oldest son for the weekend too. With all the storm destruction around here, and lots of work to be done just to repair the damage, at least we can smile as we enjoy the antics and cuteness of lambs while we work. Lots of cuteness, lots of work, life is good ~ thank-you God. "Out of the south comes the storm, and out of the north the cold. From the breath of God ice is made, and the expanse of the waters is frozen. Also with moisture He loads the thick cloud; He disperses the cloud of His lightning. And it changes direction, turning around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth. Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen." Job 37 : 9-13

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy, I know you and your husband were thrilled to have your son and grandson with you. I loved seeing your dogs. So sorry about all the storm damage but I'm thankful you/your pets were not injured.

I'm taking a break from my blog but I'll still be visiting and you can always reach me by email.

KathyB. said...

Thank-you Maple Lane, and you are so right, I am thankful especially because the storm was amazing in it's destructive power , yet we & our animals were preserved.

I have been on a little blogging break too, mostly to work outside, and then when I come indoors I am usually too tired to do anything but go to bed.

You are precious to me Mrs. Maple Lane!

KathyB. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kim said...

A surprise visit and ready to help too ~ how wonderful!

xinex said...

How lucky of you to get some help, Kathy and how sweet of your son and grandson to be willing. I had to hire someone to help me clean the secret garden yeasterday. I wouldn't go there cause weeds were up to my knees and I am terrified of snakes but now, the area is usable again. Still lots of cleaning needed...Christine

A.K.W. said...

Enjoyed the pictures.

Blessings,

Amy

Pondside said...

What a generous and thoughtful son!
We had a bad storm here yesterday - lots of storm damage on the island, but only fallen branches at Pondside.

Hallie said...

My heart aches for all the mess you are having to clean up. We too have a big job ahead of us... for now we are just going to enjoy this snowy day and wait for warmer days ahead! :)

Hallie

Connie said...

How wonderful that your son and grandson were willing and able to help you. So much work to do. I'm sure their help was very much appreciated. With so much damage, you are fortunate that you and your animals weren't hurt.

joanne said...

how wonderful to look out and see your wonderful family all working together. I didn't realize you had so much damage...glad you are all ok. take care.

Carol............. said...

What a mess these storms can bring! Further north we have water standing 5 inches deep on the lawn and in the coops!

Dolores said...

Yea for surprise visits!! Your family is very thoughtful...and how sweet of your son to bring his mother flowers.

I love the pictures of your handsome men and sweet dogs!

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Hi Kathy,

What a wonderful post! You got a lot done on the pond, I can tell. The dogs look so happy to have you out there to hang out with.

Thanks for showing us the progress that you and the guys are making with the clean up. I've been thinking about you and wondering how things are going.

Kathy M.

A. Joy said...

You're welcome. He enjoys working at your place. David looks like Daniel in that picture! Glad they could help out with some of the work.

rkbsnana said...

What a handsome son and grandson. You did have some damage alright. Isn't it amazing what ice can do? Hope you have continued good weather.

Vickie said...

Wow, that WAS quite a storm you had from the ice. And that WAS a nice surprise from your son and grandkids! Thank goodness for family when ya need 'em!

I've been busy myself around here at Sand Flat Farm and not having much time for blogging but I'll be checking back in soon! Hope spring is springing up there for you and yours, Kathy! Take care!

Unknown said...

This the most delightful blog I have ever found.

How I envy your huge plot of land and your lifestyle. It was just what I had always dreamed off my whole life - but was never to be.

It's lots of work for you all I know, but it must be so peaceful - like the garden of Eden - and those animals - pure heavenly joy.

I am following your blog now - so won't lose you.

Off to read even more posts -when I should be doing some chores

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Bless your heart, so glad you got past the storm and that you son got to visit! You asked me on my blog about the plant in the other post? It is an algerita berry.......it grows wild here in Texas. The small red berries are sweet and safe to eat. Lots of folks here make jelly out of them. It is a wonderful food for the birds and wildlife. What I love most of all is the wonderful fragrance it gives when blooming.

Shelley said...

I love seeing your place Kathy! And I didn't realize you had that many dogs - they're beautiful!

Karen said...

God bless you, Kathy. I am glad you had some big strong helpers!

Nancy M. said...

Wow, that you really couldn't tell a pond was there before cleaning it up. Glad you had a few nice days to do it in.