Ah spring!

[rephetibel]

Growth of much green stuff.  While mowing the north meadow the other day, I couldn't help but notice all the places that have vegetation that needs to be cut down.  Along the railroad tracks for example.  Right now that border is made up (mostly) of six foot high dead teasel from last summer.  Not lovely.  There is also all that stuff - mostly periwinkle - that has taken over the cleared areas across the creek.  I have grim memories from that long past of trying to start gas powered weed whackers but my friend Kathy said that she bought one from Horners that starts easily.   I decided to check it out.  That was last week.  I am now the proud (and somewhat intimidated) owner of a Stihl FS 90 Bike Handled weed whacker.   It does start easily, bless its heart.  It's a monster though.  I have to wear a special harness that I put on like a vest to support it.  The reason I chose this particular model is that it also has various steel blades that can be purchased separately.  I purchased one of those so that I can use my marvelous machine to take down blackberries and teasel.   I haven't tried that attachment yet because its been raining. I also bought some safety glasses that  are black metal mesh with black rims.  Not only do they not steam up, they will be the perfect accessory should I ever decide to make a bee costume.

Rats.  Black rats to be specific.  They are attempting to establish a colony in the dove room out in the barn.  I counted five of them day before yesterday.

Kitchen garden.  The weather has been so rainy that I'm just getting around to taking out my winter garden in preparation for my summer one.  Everything except the Swiss chard is trying to go to seed and is now too tough to eat.  The kale held at about the two foot high mark all winter.  Last month it shot to six feet high and put out yellow flowers.