Buzz Blossoms

     The warm spring continues and the first apple blossoms are opening. We're hoping for a nice harvest this year and so far the trees are looking great. With the warm weather also comes the familiar buzzing of...

     Lawn mowers! They are singing their praise! Last year we purchased an 80v electric lawn mower as we were not interested in having another gas powered yard tool. It has been great so far. Think of it as a box fan on steroids (sounds like one too), it's light weight and easy to push and you can have a conversation with someone while using it.  We get about 30 minutes a charge and it takes 4-6 charges to mow our .75 acres of grass.  They charge as fast as we use it, and if not, you get a nice little break. The lawn was eager for attention as I had to mow a 2nd time last week as the grass seemed to shoot up instantly after the first cut, I hope this is not a trend for the rest of the season. 
 
     I was able to get the rainwater collection hooked up just in time for the rain. As of today, we have collected 50 gallons of water. With a pretty vicious looking storm approaching, we should be getting closer to filling the tank. After a little research and brainstorming, I am considering using the rainwater in a sort of "Quaquaponics" system. The idea is to use the water in the duck pond, and then recirculate the water through plants in a growing medium where it is cleaned, and then back to the duck pond. For now we will use the duck pond water for our corn and vegetables, then in the future we will add onto it.  

     A single row of  asparagus plants (8) have been put in, I will be adding a second row soon. When planting, you have to dig a trench, build up small mounds within that trench, then spread the year old crowns and roots over it (think of a small volcano erupting), and then partially back fill soil around them. We won't be able to get a harvest for a year of two, so for now its patience. 
     Myriah was able to get in 500 feet of underground wire for the dog fence and with a busy week ahead, I took over and finished the last 2-250 feet. On Saturday the system was up and running, and Buzz, I mean Baxter was learning quick. We did a few training sessions with just the vibrate and beep, he did did not seem to pick up on it, so we turned on the stimulation (a static shock). After that he learned quick to associate the shock with the boundary flags. It's a bit disheartening to see him shocked and to be fearful of the flags, but it's a relief to know that he is far less likely to run into the road.  For now it is a slow process of learning and getting comfortable, but he will make it through it, each of us will.