More Fun

Quite a lot of time was spent here too, this weekend.

Something about a hammock . . . and Craig was reminded of the white one out to Gramps and Granny's. The one you could wrap yourself up in and spin all the way over. Kristy reminded me of that hammock last summer when she and Tony brought this colorful one to Too . . .

Another "missing" weekend

We missed III again. Himself and I have been to Missouri and back, this long Holiday weekend. However, we did not "get in" to III. We stayed at Too as the forecast was for rain, rain and maybe more rain. They had predicted 4-5 inches of rain in small, localized areas but don't think that happened. However, Trenton radio (that's Missouri) reported 4" of rain in 4 days. We had 2 inches of rain in the gauge upon arrival and then another 1/2" Saturday night with some lightening and thunder.

Our two little house guests had already gone to sleep and they didn't hear (nor worry) about the the thunderstorm. Gabby and Joey came Sunday. I met Craig in Cameron and we three made it all the way back to Bethany before Joey convinced me he was "super hungry". He had chicken nuggets and Gabby had french fries dipped in Ranch dressing. Oh, and then Joey ate his apple dippers. Guess he was super hungry! Reminds me of the time I picked the Small Frey up in Creston and by the time we got to Osceola, they had convinced me we needed a Mickey D stop!

On the way back from Cameron, I and the little Hofs pulled into III and looked down the lane. As there was water standing up top in the the ruts, we knew the shady lane would be muddy -- usually the water doesn't "stand" up at the gate so we didn't even try it!

Craig and Traci drove to Newton (or beyond) and traded two dogs for Tyler. I think Craig and Traci got the better end of the deal! But when they got back here, to Too, somehow, it all disintegrated into a water fight free for all. It was wild! It was crazy! Poor Ty took the brunt of it. But they all had a good time and I managed to mostly stay out of it. A good thing! And that's Traci, up the hill. She tried to stay out of it too but didn't always! Well, it was good, "clean" fun!

Global Warming

Due to Global Warming we have not been getting to III as much this year. The Global warming has made our weekends cooler and wetter. This Memorial Day weekend, parts of southern Iowa/northern Missouri may receive 4 or 5 inches of rain. If that happends at III . . . or even another 2 or 3 inches . . . we might not be able to get in for a visit.

Running through the timber

We knew there were Redbud trees in our timber but we had never caught them frolicking in their finery before. Finally, this visit we found them in bloom and it is evident that they are running wild through the trees.

We took Granny on a ride last evening through southern Union County and the wild plum trees were in bloom everywhere! Great, large clumps of them and the ride and evening was beautiful!

Wildflowers

This weekend, Himself and I again found several big (BIG) bunches of the wild BlueBells. We were also delighted to find that 3 of the ones we transplanted last summer on the far side of the pond have come up. In a few years, there should be a big patch of beautiful BlueBells each spring.

We also found deep purple violets, the small whimsical Dutchman's Britches, yellow violets and a little pink and white speckled flower unknown to me.

More good news is that it looks like there will be a half-way decent crop of Fairy flowers this year. Last year, with the late freeze, the poor fairy flowers failed to flourish. Unfair! It truly is magical during a good year when the fairy flowers are in bloom. Can't wait to see that again!

Historical Marker

Himself and I have been looking for the south fence. It has been there 100 years and now fallen into rack and ruin. However, we can trace the south line by looking for the biggest trees.

When it was pasture, the farmer would have mowed the ground a time or two each year to keep the trees out of it. Except in the fence line. Sometimes trees were allowed in the fence line because they eventually became the fence posts. Other times the trees were just left in the fence line as the mower couldn't get to them to take them out.

So now, when we go looking, we look for the biggest trees. And we find this. Barb wire strands swallowed right up by a growing tree.

This surviving stretch of fence is short -- just between these two trees. It is hard to see in the photo but the fence is only there because the trees have grown up and around the barb wire. So if your Mama ever told you pounding a nail into a tree would kill it, it was an old wives' tale. The wire in these trees is a quarter of the way into the tree.

Problem Solved, a Day at III

A dead tree leans. Potential for danger.

Himself hooks the "mule" to the problem and unleashes the power!

Now to work with the new Husqvarna.

A job well done!