Weeds can possess a surprising beauty, their vibrant green leaves often glistening in the sunlight.
Until you cut them down, then they transform into brittle, yellowing strands
that resemble dried straw.
Danger Will Robertson!
As fire season approaches, homeowners are taking proactive measures to protect their properties by cutting back vegetation. During hot, dry, and windy weather, the ground dries out quickly, so we use drip irrigation around trees and sprinklers for areas, such as lawns and flower beds, to conserve water.
Originally, our backyard had a lush sod lawn, but we've removed about 75% of the grass and expanded the patio to save water. Despite these efforts, my water bill remains high. Even with conservation measures and expected winter rain, the cost per hundred cubic feet (CCF) stays elevated, resulting in continued high water and electricity bills for the next 6-7 months.
Teen Challenge visited yesterday to assist with the growth of grasses and vinca on our hill. They'll return monthly, which will greatly support our gardening efforts. The $100 monthly cost is reasonable, as it benefits a worthwhile cause. (Troubled Teens)
It's not as green as it used to be, but I like it better now that it's all cleaned up.
We have equipped our property with emergency sprinkler systems mounted on tripods, allowing us to create a protective barrier against approaching fires. Strategically placed to ensure that, in the event of an evacuation, we can cover the entire house and surrounding areas effectively.
When the grasses and vinca are trimmed back, they wither away in the summer without the nourishing touch of water. By the end of winter and the beginning of spring, these persistent weeds spring back to life.
We are currently working on painting the house trim.
I'm really hoping that this project will be completed by the end of June, if not sooner, so I've been pushing us.
Today, Foodie and I ran errands and did some grocery shopping. We left at 9 AM and returned a little after noon. I was exhausted! After dropping off his groceries, he picked up his e-bike from the store, which had been serviced, and rode it home. Painted some - and then took a nap.
For Mother's Day, I'll be going to church, then an ice cream social where the men will serve. We're grilling Carne Asada, and I'm making an 1980s favorite dessert—Pretzel Salad with strawberries—for Mother's Day since my husband has never tried it.
I wish you all a wonderful Mother's Day.
Debby
I do love the pretzel salad with strawberries. My Sister-in-law makes it for special occasions. Sounds like you all have made a lot of necessary precautions in case of the fires reaching your area. It is nice when you can get the help you need in clearing the yard and yet give to a needy cause. Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day weekend Debby...an ice cream social sounds super sweet especially with the men serving.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you will have a lovely Mother's Day. You have a really nice size yard, and have done wonderfully at preventing burns around your house! Let's hope it is never needed.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've done a good job fire-proofing your property.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothers' Day to you and your family. God bless you all always.
ReplyDeleteWe are currently under a fire advisory here in Central Florida as we are dry...and we are preparing for hurricane season here. Wishing you a beautiful Happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteOh, I dread the wildfire season, Debby. It's wonderful to have those teens over there to clear out and spruce up. I do hope we don't get any this season. The yellow flowering bush is nice. Have never heard of pretzel salad with strawberries, sounds interesting. So glad you and your son did some grocery shopping and spent time together. I will spend the day with my son next week for my birthday. Sons are the best.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you, Debby.
~Sheri
Happy Mother's Day, Debby!
ReplyDeleteYour fire protection set up is great. We live on a hill and the association comes each Spring and cuts the wild growth down a ways for fire protection.Of course they don't rake any of it and take it away. I would like my husband to set some sprinklers up to spray down the hill if there was a nearby fire but he's not concerned.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you. Have a great day and a delicious meal.
Happy Mother's Day! Sounds like you will have a good one. So glad you took care of the ground cover. Good idea over there.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a great with the steps you've take to protect your garden.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely Mother's Day.
We sometimes have grass fires outside of town, but yesterday the wind blew the smoke from the fires in Northern Saskatchewan down. It was very hard to breathe for awhile.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I remember those pretzel salads! How fortunate you are to benefit from the Teen Challenge; I sure wish such an organization existed in these parts. Maintaining one's own land sure isn't for the faint of heart. Enjoy that carne asada!
ReplyDeleteFire season is terrible and fires can do so much damage and cause so much sorrow and heartache, so it is good to prepare and be ready just in case the worse happens. I hope you have a good Mother's Day
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothers Day. Hmm, I thought I commented yesterday on this post but I guess it went into cyber space.
ReplyDeleteLots of hard work and I think Teen Challenge did a great job and will continue to do so.
On our way to church and then out to lunch with son Steve and daughter in law to Chilli's. No dishes for anyone!!
Sue
Ah yes, fire season. I remember from living in Ventura County. I like the idea of the sprinklers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you!
Is the dreaded fire season already here? Seems like it just happened. Am glad you are prepared though and pray none comes your way. Vinca vine here is too invasive. I actually had to kill mine. Janice
ReplyDelete