May 16-17, 2014

It was a cloudy and cool two days, with highs only reaching the low 60s. Fortunately we had received a nice rain mid week. The rain gauge had 1.75", and we received another quarter inch over night. The rain sure helped green everything up.

Showing

We had three prospective contacts mid week. One I sent my FAQ, and then we never heard back from them. Another couple was in Harrison, up from Texas, had been looking at property in the area, and was ready to head back Thursday but had seen our ad. I sent them directions and they were to look on their own Thursday, and would stay over until Friday if they liked it. I guess they didn't, because we never heard back from them.

The third was an extended family (brother and sister) who already owned property just up the hill from us where they were planning to build (two homes I believe). They decided to check out our place because it already had a house. We showed them around most everything. They liked the property and the idea of building one home up on top of the hill. However, financing may be a sticking point for them, as with many others, since banks do not seem to be willing to lend money for the land. We just have to wait and see what works out.

Fallen Giant

On the way in, Sally and I noticed this huge tree down on the opposite side of the ravine from the road. I was anxious to hike up and check it out, which I wasn't able to do until Saturday. It had obviously been dead for awhile (notice the broken off roots), and I was surprised I had not noticed it was dead given its size. I always hate to see these big old trees die, but that is nature. From the lower bark I couldn't tell what it was, but once I saw the shiny silvery bark on the upper limbs it convinced me it was a red oak. I'd love to cut it up since it would make some fine fire wood. It would easily role to the bottom of the ravine, but getting it back up to the road would be a chore. Perhaps a job for the next owner.

Other Dead Trees

There were two dead pines standing in the woods to the left as you drive down the road. They had gotten to be an eye sore for me, especially since one was beginning to lose its bark. I cut them down.

There are about three mimosa trees along the drive in on the upper portion of the road. They are not dead, but are being very slow to leaf out. I actually would not mind if they died, but Sally likes them when they bloom. I will be curious to see what they do.

Wild Turkey

When walking up to check out the fallen giant, I flushed a large wild turkey from a nest she had just below that tree and just above the bottom of the ravine. Thirteen eggs, just like the nest I found down in the pasture a few years back. I wonder if that number is the norm. I think she must have kicked the two off to the side when I startled her. She certainly startled me. When driving out, I looked back down from the road. She was not on the nest but I could make out a few eggs. I'll be keeping an eye on her nest since it is so easy to do from the road.

Garden

Still not much action going on, though the green beans were sprouting. Sally planted some marigolds and I did some weeding. It was nice not having to water.

Mow

I did everything on the benches, but skipped the road/pond since I had done them the weekend before. That and little weed eating around the house was it for lawn work.

Bird Nests

Unfortunately, something had gotten the baby blue birds/eggs in the house out back. All I found was a tiny tiny deceased baby. I cleaned it out, and maybe they will give it another try. Survival in the wild is tough.

Walnuts

I did another cracking of black walnuts, which leaves just one more and I will have last season's all cracked. I'm not sure how many bags I have picked, but I gave two to my folks, have two in the freezer at the farm, and two at the house. Maybe I'll send some to Amanda and John.