Mother’s Day: My mother was born on Wednesday April 3rd, 1907. That being 118 years, 1 month, 8 days ago.
After the visit of Ann and Fred last Sunday, this has been a week devoted to watering flowers and brushing. Meaning cutting small trees and scrubs that grow where I don’t want them. Mostly these are west of the house and shed and to lessen fire threat they need to go. I have short paths through the “swamp” {now wet/damp; later dry} that need maintenance. The brush is relentless and occasionally dead trees or limbs block the paths. I also want to get most of the woody parts removed – much can be burned in the wood stove after two years of drying.
Cutting lengths into stove-size pieces happens on the radial-arm saw — works well for pieces less than 3 inches in diameter. I also have a Milwaukee M18 Sawzall for somewhat larger diameters. Larger trees require using a chainsaw. Twigs and leaves land on the path before the larger parts are carried out. I don’t have to go to a gym to exercise.
On Saturday, prior to a few games of Pétanque, I had lunch with Phyllis and Cameron (winery folks). The Pétanque place is only 5 miles downriver on a basalt bluff east of the Columbia River. It is a little farther by road. Garret had visitors from Bainbridge Island (in Puget Sound, just east of Seattle). I’m a novice, they are much much better. Still, I filled out one of the teams of three. I was on Jimmy’s team (he being the best player there) and he gave advice that I tried to follow. The boules (balls) are steel and weigh almost 2 pounds. The target is called a jack [cochonnet (piglet)]. I had not participated since last fall and my throws were tending to fade to the right. I need to strengthen my wrist, I think.
This game is a favorite of French folks, thus the names of the target and balls.
I have several scheduled activities this coming week. While the brush grows. Bummer.
Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John