A Jungle No Longer

A veritable jungle was rising directly behind our garage and out from the deck. So we called "FireSmart". They were recommended by our great friend-Joe. The service is funded by Department of Lands to clear an area around your home within 500 feet so that you have a fire - break.

The service is totally free to the homeowner. Great news.

This will make the area more open; we will be able to view our woodland friends better; and we are better able to defend in case of wildfire.

Once the guys are done, I want to get a chipper/shredder to eliminate what is left. We have several piles of these on our property to burn, but with the rains soaking everything and then an abrupt dry season... there is no time to burn safely. So I think I could manage to use a chipper/shredder by myself without unduly injuring anybody or anything. ( oh- by the way. Greg's buddy Robert cut 2 fingers off in a tablesaw accident the other day. so distressful & horrible. )

So it is a beautiful day outside and I will be finishing up this post; then spending the day outside working in the yard. With the fresh smell of pine trees on the warm air, the sound of chainsaws ripping in the background and the sun on my face will make for a great day!

I cleared off an area 1000 feet in front of our home, but it took me 3 of the first years we lived here. Without using a chainsaw, it did tend to take a little longer. But I was not going to endanger my life or limbs using one of those. So I took my step-ladder and a handsaw. Working away diligently, I managed to clear the lower limbs up to a height of 6 feet. It has a wonderful park-like setting. Over the years, I have received many comments & compliments about it.

The hubby had actually wanted to clear this area out himself this year, but he has so many OTHER honey-dos on his list that I thought it would take him 4-ever to do this. Thankfully, our friend Joe was talking about his property and what "FireSmart" had done for him.

Marty called from FireSmart the other day after I filled out a short application & mailed it in. I was plesantly surprised that we received a call so soon. Marty & Larry came out to assess the property Monday; and a two-man crew has been here since 7:30 as was promised yesterday! They are already 1/2 way done with it and it's only almost noon! Fast & efficient. I am truly amazed at this and will definitely be tendering a recommendation to their supervisor.

When I went out to offer muffins to the guys, I took Isabelle to familiarize her around them. She had been barking her little head off in distress over the strangers that had invaded her property. What a nut! As I petted her head and gently calmed her, she seemed to accept that the men were not there to upset her. She is curled up on her bed upstairs-fast asleep!

In other news to update - the kids left for Tenerife and will return to the UK on the 16th. Can you just imagine? Five wonderful days on an island with black sands. They will be visiting the monkeys which are reputed to be not far from their villa. Hope they have fun & bring back LOTS of pics.


The frame I used above for the tree-scene is one of the vintage frames that I am currently working upon. Probably will be releasing them soon.

In the meantime, you can have DATED.

I remember the days of Slide Rulers and wanted to make a date freebie based on that.

There are several colors of slides you can use to indicate the date. I have also provided silver & gold edges. There is a date form you can color to your own preference...or use the plain white form. If you want, there is also just a plain date .png file without the form behind it.

Get DATED HERE.
Play around with it. Have fun.