Mike
and I loaded a light lunch, plenty of water, and the dogs and went to the farm on
Tuesday (May 29). We were a bit dismayed that the work crew wasn’t
there, but Big Mike the Contractor came in during the noon hour accompanied by an environmental specialist,
who took samples of air from several places in the house. Big Mike said that
demolition will involve two more days. After that they will sand mold from
boards. He said it would be three weeks before we would be ready for the
plumber. Big
Mike explained that he is “deluged” with work all over the region due to
flooding, and naturally, since our place is so remote, they can’t just pop in
to work an hour or two. With so much travel time involved, they have to be able
to dedicate a whole day. He’s having to juggle crews right now. I just hope the
house is finished by Christmas. The
two men didn’t stay long, though the air quality specialist said he would like
to spend the afternoon enjoying the cool breeze.
As they left, Mike and I ate our lunch on the front steps. Mike had already finished mowing, so he spent an hour trimming the
yard while I continued puttering.
Hallie’s
trees look good. The yarrow is there but has yet to take off. The zucchini I
planted last week has sprouted, with the exception of one hill. Actually, I
forgot to close the wire protecting that tire bed, so I suspect something ate
that hill. Anyway, I replanted it. The strawberries have bloomed and the
berries are forming. The honeysuckle is doing well. I watered everything and
set up “plant nannies” in the zucchini bed.
I
also cleaned out the gated raised bed, tossing old yard ornaments and
attempting to cultivate. The soil is compacted, but I think there’s compost in
the composter, so next trip I’ll apply it and plant something easy, like more
summer squash, since we won’t be able to tend things closely this summer. It
will be a different kind of year, and maybe the different focus will do
some good. Before
we left the farm, I pulled rhubarb, and last night I made a small crisp.
Black-eyed
Susans are blooming now. I wonder if I could transplant them to my problematic
bank. I wish they would just move themselves over there. It might be a good
year for thimbleberries since they are blooming nicely on the grade. So is the
honeysuckle, which I don’t remember noticing before.
The
lilacs are past now except for the one late variety that I bought years ago,
not realizing that it was a late variety. I cannot now remember the name of
this late-bloomer, and it doesn’t matter. It’s okay, though. Kinda
nice, in fact.
Once
back in town, I convinced Mike he should reward himself for a day of hard work by attending another NAIA
tournament game. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were cooler, and he came home
with cold feet. Even so, we’re enjoying this spell of cooler weather, as are our
transplants. KW