Relative Something

When Ian and I finally returned to the farm after our visit with Carlos, we put our energies into chores, beginning with distribution of some of the accumulated manure. When Ian cleans out the stables, he puts the manure and wet sawdust into large plastic bags and ties them closed to avoid attracting flies. When enough bags have been filled to warrant the task, we toss them into the back of his Subaru and drive to the area next in line for fertilizing. This day, it was the vines up on the tier where the greenhouse is located. These bags take some effort to hoist, yet Ian is a model of efficiency and appears to expend little effort to artfully handle the task. On the other hand, I muddle my way through to untie it, find a grip, barely lift the weight, and then struggle to pour more of the contents to where the vines need it, and less on my feet.

I am spreading manure with my friend, Ian, and I am overflowing with glee at my good fortune.

Bags emptied, Ian drove us back down to pick up the tools for cutting undergrowth. I have one day’s experience under my belt at this point and now I am ready to improve my technique. My primary objective was mulching the ferns and other volunteer growth in an area of pine trees, while Ian would cut growth nearby that gets fed to the horses. This was the second time I had ever tried to operate a gas-powered brush cutter. The first time was the day before. I was intent on improving my skills. My goal was two-fold: I wanted to knock down a large enough area to appear productive, yet also do an adequate job of mulching that which I’ve felled.

One thing that I did do better than on day-1… I remembered to use my ear covers to protect my hearing. On my first try, I was so focused on the task that I worked for about 20 minutes before I realized I had forgotten to slip the ear covers I was wearing on my head, down over my ears. I took that as a sign the little machine wasn’t all that loud.

Having no reference for measuring the level of my progress, I settled on personal satisfaction over what I accomplished in the time that Ian finished cutting and hauling a carload down to the stables. I was also able to decide when to call it quits because my machine was not idling so well and if I didn’t keep the RPMs revved enough, it would stall. Even though I was pleased with the amount of area I had mulched, I quickly saw how much more remained to cut. This was an ongoing task that Ian manages year round. I have gained a whole new respect for both man and machine for this chore.

With the cutting sufficiently accomplished for the time being, the next task was to get the horses back to their stables from down in the bottom field. Ian managed to move both Lucy and Frida, and asked me to wait about 5 minutes and then open the gate to let Doll and Sebastian head up on their own. I did my best to imagine 5 minutes, then delicately maneuvered the gate to allow them out and not get myself trampled. Away they ran as darkness of evening settled upon us.

When we arrived back at the house, we found that Cyndie had dinner waiting. In her quest to make worthy use of the multitude of ripe figs available, she worked hard this day to undertake the task of drying them, using information we researched on the internet. In addition to that, she had made fig jam which was served with our meal. It was AWESOME! A very special finish to a very full and wonderful day.