or the zen of lawnmower maintenance.
Before I start, how many of you misread the title as "transcendental meditation"?
I've been threatening to trim the redbud trees in the backyard since last year. But fall and winter came on too fast and I missed the chance. So the current plan is to trim them this summer. And it will happen.
I wanted a couple dry days before mowing the lawn. It wasn't to be. When I had the chance (and time) I headed out before I needed a bailer. I started off, as always, string trimming so I can mulch that stuff along with the rest. The grass was tall enough, and wet enough, I decided I would have to use the bagger and fill the compost containers. What joy. Longer to do the deed, but better than leaving clumps around that would choke the grass and make things look nasty(er).
Once the "weapons of mulch destruction" were ready and raring (is that a word?) to go, I got rolling (if the string trimmer would stay running that is...silly thing is the most cantankerous critter). Most of the edging was trimmed and I was hitting the area around the South tree when..."BAM!" I was on my back looking up through leaves and an angry bee was raising hell off to the side.
Working under the tree, the brim of my hat blocked just enough of my vision that I walked full-tilt into a branch. I was off balance just enough, and the grass was just wet enough, that the sudden stop of my head took my feet right out from under me, and gravity was just enough to deposit me properly on the ground.
I wondered where my hat went and found it laying politely on my chest when I looked down (forward? I was on my back...remember?). And that angry bee? Well that was the string trimmer; sitting there in the grass, on its side, running like it was meant to. When I got up and got my hat back on, I picked up the trimmer only to have it stop as soon as it was back firmly in my hands.
THAT DOES IT...THE LOW BRANCHES ARE GONE!! When I finished with the trimming, I grabbed the cutters, the saw, and the trash can. Almost an hour later, the can was full, my blood pressure was down, and the damn tree still had branches to go. Fine! Next week. Right after the can gets emptied.
I finished the lawn and went to throw something away. When I lifted the lid to the trash can I was greeted by a swarm of spiders (do spiders swarm?). Seems trees are a great place for spiders. And a bunch of the tree was now in the trash, along with its residents. I don't mind spiders much, but I did have to warn Dudette that I would be taking the trash out until trash day. She appreciated that.
Horticulture happens.
A swarm of anything is just plain creepy. Spiders I don't mind, and occasional ant or two I dont' mind. Anthills boiling over with ants I do mind (in our yard, that is a way of life) and a swarm of spiders does not give me the warm fuzzies (unless they are not headed straight towards me).
I guess a swarm of butterflies is okay though.
There is no amount of Japanese Beetles that is okay (1 is way too much).
Posted by: Bogie | July 20, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Oh my! Knocked on your backside - I laughed and laughed when I read your post this morning. Then I went out and was mowing (riding mower). I'd been ducking this small tree limb when, on the final pass, I forgot! Darn- I saw stars in the middle of the day. Lucky for me I drive the mower with a death grip or no telling where I'd have ended up.
And I totally agree with Bogie on the Japanese Beetles. I'm still vacuuming up bodies!!
Posted by: martie | July 21, 2008 at 01:59 PM
I seem to have been appointed the chief string trimmer for our household, and I desperately need to get out and get it done. It's been more than a month since I last trimmed due to one thing or an other. It's satisfying to get out there and clean things up, so that when you look out the window you're not seeing a jungle. Next up is the weeding of the herb beds! I could be outside for a couple of days, if I only had the time!
I hope your back is okay, and that the string trimmer is behaving itself.
Posted by: buffy | July 23, 2008 at 08:01 PM