Cool weather

After a few days hiking in Land Between the Lakes, we dropped by Cullman to get some chores done. I started early with some bushhogging but had to be careful because the ground was very wet in places. I managed to cut around the barn and home place along with the upper field and hillside. Then I jumped on the Zero Turn and took care of the grass at the old home place. The grass was coming back nicely after the army worm invasion. The ZT wasn't mowing neatly so I took a little time and sharpened the blades on it. I also worked on the lights on the 55-66. I have ordered new lenses for the broken ones. I did a little search to see if I could get the flashers working but didn't look for the flasher relay. Next time maybe. 

I found what I believe will be a fix for the problem with the hydraulic switch valve. Apparently the dent inside is either missing or worn out. I'll check with Mr. Baker to see if we can get it working. The two way valve should stay in place when the switch is used. A diagram shows ball bearings that act to hold the switch in either position.

Secrets of the Hackberry

 Another time to do work on the farm. I got the field by the lake mowed. And I tillered the garden plot for the turnip greens. The tiller was slipping a bit so it is probably time to replace the drive belts.

Becky visits

We finally got together and Becky came to see the farm and visit Maw Maw. This was another work weekend for me. With all the rain I had to get work done between showers. But I got the yard of the old home mowed despite the wet grass. I discovered a problem with the old John Deere that I believe I solved by clearing the vent on the gas cap. The next day I got the tiller tank and carb sorted out. No more leaks. I also bought some conibear traps to go after groundhogs. After setting the game cameras we saw a armadillo at Irene's house. I set a trap and caught a groundhog. I got the bush hog work done between rains and even managed to clear a path around the old barn. Friday morning just before we left, I was going to mow in the garden a bit and discovered a flat on the old mower. I put in a new tube. Hope that gets it done.

The old peach tree at the barn was doing its best to produce fruit. Persistent old tree.

Boys at MawMaw's

 Earlier this week Max came up and helped with the mowing and various projects. Then I had to run home to get his vaccine and do physical therapy. Then David and I returned to collect Gramee. After a very warm morning of mowing, David and I trued up the rifle and he shot another Groundhog that was burrowing under Bo's house and the old shed. He has gotten quite tall.

A variety of tasks

 Max came with us to Cullman. The prior two days had been very rainy so everything was soaked. We spent the first morning working on the diesel carrier. I got the second set of wheels on it so we could roll it over to the tractor. A small improvement but a useful one. Then we got the battery saw and trimmed the overhanging branches on the field behind the house. That will make mowing a little less trouble and will permit me to put herbicide on the growth at the edge. Then we discovered the rototiller had a leak from the gas line. We got that fixed fairly easily I relocated the zero turn to the barn since it continues to drip oil. The bottom seal will require replacement at the end of summer. I put the new mower and the tiller in the workshop. I also registered the Toro mower and requested the side discharge attachment that we needed. Today we will spray some weeds and perhaps get some mowing done on the field across from the lake.

Repairs for another farm tool

The time was coming. I put up with the discomfort for more than a year. But after two frustrating weeks of discomfort, I made the decision to proceed. I engaged the help of Dr. Appell and had the hip replaced. What seems like a serious surgery was made to sound fairly routine. Post operatively, I was in a bit of pain. The whole recovery process is taking a little longer than I had hoped. At the one week mark, I can walk without the walker fairly well. The operative site is still sore and overnight the joint aches a good bit. But from here forward I suppose I can expect to steadily improve, which wouldn't be the case if I had done nothing.

5/31/21: Day by day I get a little better but I am guarding against overdoing it

6/3/21: I've given up the walker for now. Still being ultra careful when walking.

 6/4/21: Doing twice the distance this morning felt uncomfortable. I got up feeling much more well.

6/9/21: Still getting better.  

6/13/21: Improved sleep and comfort.

Finding something to do...

I jumped right in and did some bush hogging and it is a good thing I did. Weather came roaring in and dropped rain leaving everything wet. 

I never connected with the folks selling their rotary mowers so I bought a new one. But the 284 was very weak. I asked Preston to look at it with me. He dropped down Saturday morning and we found the problem. The plugs had become fouled. Probably needs a new set but we cleaned them and it is running strongly now. 

Bev and I pruned the Camelia bushes at the front of the house. They could have been shaped but we agreed that leaving them alone looked fine. So they are shorter and will get another 1/3rd taken off later. 

I brought the Murray mower home where I will redo the spindle and muffler so I can mow while I'm down and out with the surgery.

 My spraying with the cone sprayers didn't do as good a job as it should. I'll be switching back to the fan sprayers.