Saturday, April 18, 2026

Logs Three

Another view of the logpile on the Artsy Organized Neighbor's property, adjacent to the vineyards. Nothing much to say.

The leaning wall and the bulwark.

I cut the west forty yesterday afternoon! The west forty is the biggest section of our property. The way the grass is growing right now, however, means that it won't be long until the whole yard needs cutting again. Weather permitting. In the meantime, it does look under control and like someone is taking care of it. 

Friday, April 17, 2026

Logs Two

This big pile of logs started to lean and it looked like it might fall over. Whoever owns/manages the piles (I think it's the Artsy Organized Neighbor) built up this barrier to reinforce the main pile and keep it standing. Sort of a log jam, if you will. Tasha will keep a watchful eye out.

Tasha inspects the bulwark.

I was somewhat productive yesterday afternoon and mowed the north and south forties of the yard. If things go right, I can get the west forty done today. Fingers crossed. 

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Logs One

I took a walk though the Artsy Organized Neighbor's property yesterday morning. At least that's who I think owns this land and stocks old discarded road signs, building stone, and other curiosities among the trees. Right now he's been cutting younger trees along the edge of his land (where the vineyards start). He's also cleared a lot of brush from ground level and burned it. Things are looking neat and tidy.

One of the tractor paths and log piles on the AON's property.

We're enjoying a few days of "it could be worse" weather. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to get the mower out and get some cutting done between now and the weekend. This morning I'm planning a trip to the supermarket. Oh, what a glamorous life! 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

No photo Wednesday

No, it's not a thing. Yet. It's hard to get motivated these days. There's nothing new going on. No subjects that haven't been done several times. We don't venture far from home. The weather has not been propitious for roaming around on foot or in the car. I've been reduced to watching the grass grow. So... NPW. Hopefully, something interesting will catch my eye soon.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Tasha Tuesday

Tasha hears a deer. We both heard the rustle of leaves on the edge of the nearby woods as an animal moved away from us. Then we heard the coarse bark of a roe deer. Tasha was very excited and ready to bolt toward the retreating deer, but she listened to me when I told her to "stop!" and "stay!" Then we continued on our walk.We heard the deer's bark a few more times as it moved away from us. Did you know that roe dear bark? That was one of the first things I learned while walking through the vineyard with our dog, Collette, back when we moved here in 2003. She loved to chase the deer, but we had to be very careful on hunt days that she wasn't mistaken for one.

Tasha's on deer alert.

I'm not enjoying the cool/cold wave that's currently upon us. It's not stopping the grass from growing, however. It's time to mow again.



Monday, April 13, 2026

Another look at the wysteria

I think the flowers are at their peak now. Here's another look at them. I have to keep the spring growth in check so that the plant doesn't take over again.

Wysteria on the west-facing wall.

The weather is cold again. I don't think it's as cold this morning as they predicted, though. Our outdoor thermometer reads about 8ºC at 07h00. That's not life threatening for the new growth in the vineyards around us. Still, it ain't warm. 

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Undergrowth

All kinds of little (and not so little) plants grow beneath the canopy of the woodsy areas around us. It's nice to walk through on the paths that the wildlife (and some humans) make. We've seen deer, wild boar, badgers, and foxes to name a few of the critters out there. Tasha and I use some of the paths depending on the day and what we feel like.

Fresh growth in the woods.

Yesterday's market trip was successful. I got a bunch of white asparagus and loaded up on Asian egg rolls. I also stopped in at the produce store for some shelled nuts (pecans and walnuts), celery, and radishes.