March 12, 2013 - Windstorm Cleanup

I was so concerned about getting all of that windstorm mess cleaned up, I could not get to sleep last night.  My mind was too busy picking up pine boughs and pine cones, then wandering off to digging the potato beds!  I remember looking at the clock shortly after 5:00 AM, before finally dozing off for a whole 2 1/2 hours of sleep.

This morning I called my daughter and asked if she had someone who I could pay to come over and do the cleanup.  Luckily, before she had a chance to call around, youngest son Scott called, and I threatened talked him into coming over to help me out.   It cost me a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but he did a good job of raking while I manned the leaf sucker/shredder, and it only took us a couple of hours to have it looking halfway decent again.  All that is left can easily be picked up with the lawnmower.

Much cleaner than yesterday!


Still a lot of work to do in the front, where they dug up my flower beds to install the sewer connection.  I have to replace a PVC line, riser and bubbler in the small (front) bed, remove the planters and dig out the longer bed.  Quite a bit of soil was tossed in there, so now the level is higher than the driveway.  I want to dig it down 3-4 inches for drainage, and put in bark mulch and some small evergreen shrubs.  The planters will be moved to the front of the garage.


I finished cleaning up behind the shed, and dug compost into the lettuce bed.  I have to cage my lettuce, or the sparrows eat it all.  I have lettuce seedlings that are almost ready to transplant, so now their little bed is all ready for them.  

I finished up my gardening/cleanup day by sweeping out the shed.  I've worked hard enough this week.  I'm tired.  I think it's time for a day off.  Mr. Granny can take me somewhere for a nice lunch tomorrow.  I deserve it.

18 comments:

  1. RobinMarch 12, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Looks great Granny! When I made that comment on your previous post. I was thinking that you may be over tired and not be able to sleep.

    Take a break tomorrow and make sure Mr. Granny takes you out for lunch and dinner! You definitely deserve it!

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 12, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      Robin, not only that, I'm going to take Benadryl tonight and go to bed early. That will catch me up!

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  2. dianefaithMarch 12, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    What is the leaf vacuum/shredder that you have? I'm in the market for an electric one and have no idea where to start. Thanks.

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 12, 2013 at 4:31 PM

      Mine is a Sears Craftsman 220 MPH, which is no longer available. The model they sell now is this one: http://tinyurl.com/amjnox5

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    2. dianefaithMarch 13, 2013 at 9:56 AM

      Thanks. Last year I never got around to burning leaves, and I haven't yet this year. They're either too wet, or its too windy. But, how I do love to burn them! Love the smell and being outside with rake in hand. The price for the blower is less expensive than I expected. Will go to the nearest Sears store next time I can and check it out.

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    3. Annie*s GrannyMarch 13, 2013 at 5:38 PM

      Let me warn you, it gets really heavy as the bag fills. It has a strap that is supposed to go over your shoulder, but if the leaves are really large, like these sycamore leaves, you have to occasionally reach down with one hand and help them into the snorkel. You can't reach it if the strap is dragging you back. I am very, very sore today. I had to get into some tight spots with it, and the leaves were really matted down. When I've used it before, I had Mr. Granny keeping the snorkel cleared, which helps a lot.

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  3. Cozy Thyme CottageMarch 12, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    Isn't it great to have kids around close enough to help out. You definitely need a day out after the hard work you have done this week! Nancy

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  4. Julie.Smith.BearMarch 12, 2013 at 7:32 PM

    Yes Granny, you deserve a day off and a nice lunch!
    Julie

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 12, 2013 at 8:06 PM

      I'm looking forward to it, Julie. But first, a good night's sleep. The potato bed can wait another day :-)

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  5. kitsapFGMarch 12, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Glad you got some help - but next time - get some sleep first! :D

    I really like your garden bed cage. My sister had something like that in her beds when she lived and gardened in this region (she lives in Arizona now) and I always thought they were pretty nifty.

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 13, 2013 at 7:29 AM

      Kitsap, up until about 2009 I didn't have to cover my lettuces to keep them safe from the sparrows, nor did I have to cover my spinach and beets to keep the leaf miners out. On the other hand, I used to have to pick Colorado Potato Beetles from the potato plants, and huge horn worms from the tomatoes. I've seen none of these in recent years. Go figure!

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  6. langelaMarch 13, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Your porch is so clean that I know you don't have chickens free-ranging at your place! It just looks so pretty. I've had mine that way a few times this winter, but yesterday the 'girls' kicked all the hay out of Buddy's doghouse and now I can't even see the porch. When it gets above freezing again, I'll have to get out there to clean up. OR... once you get rested up, you could come over and help beautify my place. Your work is all done, right? :)

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 13, 2013 at 7:30 AM

      Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

      Yer so funny, Langela :-D

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  7. Daphne GouldMarch 13, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    You are getting a lot of work done. I wish my snow would all melt. I think after today it might be mostly gone. Then I can check if it is still frozen.

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 13, 2013 at 5:32 PM

      The way my body felt this morning, snow (or anything that could keep me in bed) might have been a welcome sight! I hope I'm not getting sick again. I'm allergic to pine trees, so you can imagine what it does to me to have to clean them up. I think it's just general body soreness from manhandling that heavy leaf sucker.

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  8. LANAMarch 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    Lookin' good! I'll soon be getting my garden ready as well. Can I borrow your son? He can have all the grilled cheese he wants!

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    1. Annie*s GrannyMarch 14, 2013 at 12:35 PM

      Lana, you would be better off with the oldest son. The youngest just can't stop at grilled cheese :-)

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