We are having a good rainy morning here in Hewitt Tx. The rain started yesterday and must have continued through the evening hours. We have almost ½ inch in the rain gage this morning, the photo you asked for to follow.
Yesterday was a non-working day, again. I did get a cup of real coffee, and I did get Alex to school on time and safely, and after lunch I did go to the store again, that is the third time in three days. Ole people go to the store and think they got everything then the next day they need something else. I guess I should make a list but if I did, I would likely forget to write the items needed on the list.
After the reading of the bible yesterday, I decided to see if I could find something I had written several years ago. Over the years I have written several things, and one of them was how to do yard work. I believe it has 5 pages of written material and 17 photos and was written close to 15 years ago. After reviewing some of this material I think I have changed my mind about a couple subjects in the teaching material. I will attempt to present some but not all of the written material at the end of this post.
Today is Friday and we have no big plans currently. School is out so I do not need to get up early to take Alex to school. Now the problem is if I don’t take him to school, how will I get a cup of real coffee? I came up with a plan. I asked my favorite wife if she would like half a burrito for breakfast and when I was out getting the burrito I would get a cup of real coffee. That was accomplished and the burrito was good and I had a coffee.
I guess I should stop for now, we hope you have a great day and that you are able to stay dry and safe at the same time.
Mr. Donnie the Ford
This is to be a book about lawn mowing and should be somewhat funny. I should make fun of myself and others.
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing this book because I really need the money. If you are not interested in having a nice yard, don’t read this book. This book is totally factual, “except for the parts I made up” and the information that is “my opinion”.
Planning
- When planning a yard remember that each item (tree, bush, flower bed, kids sand box etc.) must be trimmed and mowed around. One large flower bed is easier to work with than several smaller beds (this is personal preference but the person doing the trimming and mowing will appreciate less).
- When considering what to plant originally or replacing plants or grass, go to the local nursery and tell them what you are considering. They will advise on proper plants for your area and needs. They will try to sell you something so…
- If something dies or is not looking good, get the local nursery to take a look. I remember a situation where the grass under the trees at work was dead from the tree trunk out to the edge of the tree leaves. The local tree person looked and said the only thing he could suggest was someone had fertilized the area under the tree with too much fertilizer, he was correct my maintenance man had done that. Use the professional…
- Look around the neighborhood to see who has a nice yard and then talk to them. Brag on their yard and they will be happy to tell you what and how they do it.
- Plant too close to house; don’t do it.
Weeds
- Weeds; Pulling weeds from the flower bed is very difficult when the ground is very dry. It is easier if you water the afternoon before you are going to pull the weeds. You can water too much and then you are working in mud. You will learn after a couple tries.
- Weeds; Have a box or basket to put the pulled weeds into; don’t toss them on the ground around you to pick up later. That is double work. Also, when you have been on your hands and knees for a couple hours you will not want to have to pick up all the weeds you have pulled. Your back will thank you.
- Weeds; When you have a nice yard with lovely even grass, never pull weeds and just drop them on the grass.
- Know the difference between the flower and weeds, if you are not the person who planted the flower, check with him/her before you start.
- To enjoy the time you spend grooming your yard, schedule your time. It is important to know how much you can do without over working yourself. If you over work you will not enjoy the time in the yard and will probably find reasons not to return to the grooming process.
- Where the proper clothing; for some it is a time to get some sun but be careful because you may have to pay for those burns later in life, I have. When possible schedule your work so you are in the shade. Stay hydrated. I like to take a couple bottles of water with me and drink before you get thirsty. Notice I suggest a couple bottles of water; I usually have dirt or grass on my shoes and I have been told to not track dirt in the house. More than one drink allows me to stay outside longer.
- Bagging the grass clippings when mowing should be done occasionally but it is not necessary to bag all the time. There are many different opinions on this subject so listen to me because I am right, then do it your way because you are also right.
1. Bag the first couple cuttings each year. This will help get some of the old grass out of the yard. It will also collect any weeds and seed that you have cut.
2. Bag if the grass has grown excessively as in the condition of a lot of rain and you have not been able to mow as scheduled. You can tell if the grass needs to be bagged when your mower is leaving clumps of cut grass.
3. Bag your clippings in the fall when the leaves are falling. Your mower will shred the leaves and leaves that have been chopped into small pieces take up less room in the trash bags. Using the bagger on your mower is easier than raking.
And that was not all but a start for my enjoyment.
May today be better than your best day, but not as good as tomorrow.
NARBNL
