Back Breakers (Ground Breakers Update -6/06)

Don't you get tired of blogs where the blogger constantly apologizes for not making entries for several days? Me, too, so I won't! I've been busy in the wilderness out behind the house for the last week creating a man-made (woman-made?) impression on nature. Armed with a spade, a rake, a pick, and a half-gallon of flonase, I'm tackling Springtime in the Rockies.
So far, I've been able to fine-grade several little tiers, patios, garden islands and other goodies which will (Lord willing) this summer sprout color and life under (with Ronny's work) a canopy of SHADE! (In the last week, he's planted 32 miscellaneous trees and shrubs taken from riverbanks, etc!) Since Monday's delivery, I've managed to spread one-quarter acre of topsoil and then sow some very nice crested wheatgrass (native stuff you see in hiway medians, etc.) This should be a drought-friendly, low-maintenance natural ground cover alternative to weeds and mud. My back feels like it did when doing the tilework here (y'know that so-tired-you-can't-even-really-sleep-well-at-night-tired?) but there's no more gratifying feeling than to have it all done in the small window of opportunity just before the big spring moisture comes in. Now we just wait for May when frost danger is past for sowing & growing green stuff. Meantime, it's mulch, slag, shrubs (maybe some nice Russian sage and other xerics, a few more grapevines, and some preventive weed control.) Last year I spread some halts preventer all along our driveway and it really kept the tall weeds down, so I did it again this year. In this here promised land, two of our meanest giants have been weeds and evil, sticky clay mud. But God is with us and the giants are falling a little at a time! And we're enjoying the benefits of better fitness (I don't need no stinkin' gym) at the same time. Yesterday, stopping to look over it all, the brilliant green of the pinon and juniper, the deep blue of the Greenhorn under a bright whitecap, the smell of fresh manure(???) I just had to let out a cry of worship to our Lord for all His many blessings! Thank You, Father, for all that you've blessed us all with: living in a free country, enjoying family & friends, freedom to worship, freedom to prosper so that we may give and be a blessing, free to work hard and become unique individuals in You! WOW! Halleluiah! Well, today I sense the need for us both to take a much-needed Sabbath and to recharge. Next week is looking busy in the studio and I'm up to bat to lead worship at church, so rest is imperative. Check your email today for a cool little April Fools Day link that I think you'll really like. Plod on!!!