I would not have expected this many leaves on the ground, this early in the year. :-/

This photo also shows just how little rain we have had this year.  If you look in the back, near the tire planter, there is a definite rectangle of greener grass.  I had set up the sprinkler to water where the grapes are, a couple of times.  Since it was there anyway, I set it to full to water the grass as well.  When I came to harvest some grapes, I moved the sprinkler to the other side of the steps, to water the wilting lilacs at the corner of the storage house.  Just that little bit of watering made a difference!

While I will water the plants, I don’t typically water the lawn.  Yes, we are on a well and water is “free”, but running the water means the pump is running constantly until it’s shut off.  I’d really prefer not to wear it out!

I have been chomping at the bit today, wanting to start working on the spruces.  While it hasn’t been quite as hot as predicted yet, we’re still up there, and the humidex makes if feel even hotter.  I kept thinking, it’s not that hot.  I could probably get a couple of hours in…  I managed to resist working on the trees, but I did go outside to work on the wiper blades on the van.  It’s parked by the house, to make it easier to load up for the dump run we’ll be making later, and I finally remembered.  Our van’s washer fluid sprays out from the wipers themselves, but on the driver’s side, the sprayer was held on with electric tape, which seemed to be blocking it.  The other side was held in place with a zip tie.  I ended up doing both of them with new zip ties, only to find that it just sprays wonky, anyhow. LOL  Then I cleaned up and rearranged in front of the main entry, making the hand rail more accessible.  I didn’t realize how much my mother needed it to get to the door.  The bench I placed in front of the bin we use to keep garbage bags until we can haul them away was blocking her from reaching it.

By the time I was done, I realised that yes, it is quite hot out there, and heavy manual labour is not a good idea.  No matter how fun it is! :-D

Tomorrow will be cooler and…

oh!  My phone just dinged.  A severe thunderstorm watch for today and tomorrow for the area.  Hmm.  What I was going to say is that it is expected to be cooler tomorrow, but it’s Sunday, and I do try to have Sundays as a day or rest, so I wouldn’t be working on the trees, anyhow.  I guess the weather is going to be making sure of that, after all!

Seeing all those leaves on the grass has made me more aware of how quickly time flies.  I want to get as much done in the yard as I can, before winter sets in.

I know it’s a running joke to talk about the weather, but it really is a big deal.  For my neighbouring farmers, weather can make or break their entire year.  I am grateful that our income does not depend on what the weather does, it still plays a big part in deciding what we do, and when.  Something as simple as the leaves coming down early is a good reminder of that.

The Re-Farmer