There has been a lot of rain and wind as we wrap up April and head into May. Fortunately, we were spared the tornadoes that have impacted many to the north, south, and east of us! We have had our share of cleanup both from downed trees and some minor flooding, but consider ourselves fortunate. We have mitigated some of the trouble spots, and are seeing some success, but our most critical problem is that the lateral field is no longer working as it should. Back when this home was constructed, 30 or so years ago, the soil perked. These many years later, the heavy clay soil composition no longer supports the lateral field. It will, instead, be necessary to dig a new pond (and not the sort we would have preferred).
We continue our efforts to move the downed trees, but the ground has become so saturated that we do not want to drive the tractor around and churn up the grassy area. Instead, we are attacking the limbs with a chainsaw, and using a small trailer on the UTV to transport debris to the burn pile. The trunks can wait. We are also working to finish planting in the vegetable and flower gardens. Today’s task list includes tidying up the strawberry patch and getting my giant marigolds and sunflowers planted! It is ironic that the moisture we are cursing now, is the moisture we will be praying for in August!