Today we were able to see the wind screen trees planted. This happened through the hiring of Dustin and Michael. The trees were donated through the Real Wishes Foundation’s Monument Fire Tree Replacement program. We received them approximately 2 years ago and they have been healing in and becoming quite strong over those two years. We lost two of the original 16 we received, and 1 that we did plant is rather iffy, but we tried to give them all the good stuff that they could possibly need. We also tubed 3 to give them some protection from the wind because they still have some growing to do. I asked Sue to take a photo at the beginning of the morning… you can see all the trees lined up waiting.
We followed nearly the same system as the orchard, but in stead of completing them all the way, we asked the guys to just get the trees all in the ground today, because Sue and I can cover the wells with cardboard and then throw the heavy mulch on top. This is Micheal, showing how the trees are going in, with some of the mushroom mulch (which shows as the darker soil) going in and around each of the trees. This looks like it might be a Blue Ice Pine – not sure about that. Michael is a friend of Dustin’s who has a great deal of experience planting trees and landscaping for Master Planned Communities.
We also had them stake each tree so that we can give them some help against the wind. We were lucky to have Dustin and Michael today for this especially as they are both taller than Sue and I. Dustin has also done a great deal of landscaping work and has even taken some classes for horticulture and worked with an herbalist for a time. Both of them were wonderful helps today. Dustin brought along the supervisor for today, Thor. He kept watch over the guys the whole time. Such a good boy. I’ll share other photos as we get the cardboard and mulch laid out. Once this tree-line grows in, it is going to provide some great shade and much needed wind protection for the main yard and house. YAY!!!
That’s my quick update for today. I might have more to share with you on Thursday. Until then, as always~
Thanks for reading.
Today’s Weather: Nicely warm today. High was supposedly around 88°. At 3:15 it was 87°, so that is probably pretty close. Currently, at 7:18 p.m., it is 77° with 38% humidity; winds north/northwest at 4 mph; barometric pressure at 29.86 inHg. Zero chance of rain. Sunrise today was at 6:05, sunset at 6:21. Carbon copy for tomorrow.
Egg Report: Sunday – 26 chicken, 2 duck. Monday – 27 chicken, 2 duck. Tuesday – 22 chicken, 2 duck. Well, the ducks are consistent. To the right, you will see a photo of a huge stack of eggs. This used to be what we would collect in one week. This is actually two weeks worth of eggs. Our production has slowed down that much already. It will decline even more as the days continue to shorten. Don’t worry – eggs, that are not washed can stay at room temperature for about 7 weeks. Once you wash them, that goes down a bit and once you refrigerate them, goes down further.
Fun Photo: Here’s our fun photo for today. Sue took this shot of the Friday the 13th full moon peaking out from behind the monsoon clouds. A very cool photo! I’m leaving it large so you can get the full effect. The next full moon on a Friday the 13th will be in 2049 (that little tid bit came from my niece, Rhiann).
Wing and a Prayer 