What's Been Going On Lately

Temperatures have changed, and the sun finally came out.  The rain stopped, we’re waiting for the partially cleared clay (hole) to dry. We have more skimming, tilling, and fencing to put up before adding rich soil, and planting seeds / seedlings.

While waiting for this area to dry out, Bulldog Man and I decided we’re going to start our orchard.  We purchased our first apple tree, a Honey Crisp.  Because it was raining like crazy, we stored that tree inside the dog run against the house.  This way the deer would leave it totally alone.

Since the rain stopped, we dug a nice hole twice the size of the tree’s root base, on the south side of the property, where the tree will have sun access and plenty of space to spread out.   We added moisture retaining soil, and compost to the hole then planted the tree.  Then we placed T-Posts, and fencing around the tree, to help protect the tree from deer eating the branches, leaves, or apples when they come in.

   

 

Starting this orchard has put a smile on my face.  Now, I can’t wait until next week, when we go purchase a couple more trees.  Our goal is to plant more apple and peach trees.  Eventually, we’ll have all the trees we want planted.  This is a project in the making!!!

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I needed a larger place to dump my compost.  Right now, I have a plastic barrel designed to spin easily.  It’s just not big enough for the size of garden we eventually would like to have. 

 

After having all of our sub floors replaced in the house, we were left with all kinds of left over plywood.  Bulldog Man, Tank, and I pulled out several pieces we thought would work for making a large compost holder on the ground, not too far from the new garden we’re working on.

 

We pulled several small trees, previously cut down in the back part of the property.  Bulldog Man decided we’re going to use the trees in the corners of the compost box for support.  Here’s what the project looked like as it went up. 

Plenty of openings for ventilation, and water access when needed.  After helping the guys with the project, I attached the small trailer to the old yard tractor and drove it down the driveway toward where our drain ditch is located, out by the gate, to rake up two trailers full of damp wet leaves, and drove them over to the compost box, where I dumped them.  Everyone knows compost needs wet leaves and worms!

Tank was home to help wearing his strange boots!!!

 

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The other day while going outside, I came across approximately 23 – 25 wild turkeys, walking around our pond, near where we feed the deer.  I realized I forgot my camera, and ran back into the house.  This obviously scared the turkeys, and they wondered from the front area of the house into part of the woods out back.  I was able to capture part of a large group walking through.  This was the largest group I’ve seen on our property.

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A friend of mine, Harry at Self Sufficient Mountain Living,    commented on my blog stating he sure wished he had my energy.  I responded back to Harry with, “I have arthritis in my back, and hips. If I don't keep moving the pain is worse”.  It’s true!  So I keep on….keeping on!  My doctor suggested I see a pain management doctor to help with the pain.  Off I went to an amazing pain management doctor up in Oklahoma City.  He examined me, looked at my x-rays and MRI, and made an action plan.

This past Wednesday, I went in for 6 lumbar epidural steroid injections and 1 sacrum (to the hip) epidural steroid injection totally under anesthetic.  These injections are to help reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves and pressure on the nerve roots.   I should know in a week or so if the injections will make a difference with my pain, and actually delay/prevent me from having surgery.   I don’t dwell in my pain; I get up daily and MOVE!!!  

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In the state of Oklahoma, you’re allowed to feed the deer……..please don’t send me complaints about this!!!  I feed the deer because there isn’t much for them to eat in the winter time.  Twice a day, I provide corn and apples.  When spring starts knocking at the door, I slow down their feed to one bucket, and then eventually to none.  Lately, the deer have become a bit possessive with the feed.  I’ve started spreading only one bucket in several areas across our dam for feeding.  

 

I’ve attached several pictures of a pregnant deer trying to hog the feed, she bites and kicks the other feeding deer. 

Life is good living in the country!