Thursday 16 November 2017

A frosty morning scything....

So, if you were me, what would you do when the frost is laying heavily on the ground but the sun is shining hot enough to melt it.  You would get outside and start scything as quick as you can while  the vegetation is still stiff with frosty coldness which makes it easier to cut with the scythe, that is what you do........boots on, fingerless gloves found and put on, big thick scarf draped round my neck, dogs collected up, and off out I go.
 
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11am: what a glorious way to spent a couple hours of my life, that is what I thought as I dragged a couple of branches from the recently fallen oak tree from where it lay half way along the river path towards the far field. They were only the smaller branches. The heavier ones Lester will have to sort out at the weekend. He is not available to do farm work during the week (office hours 9 - 5.30) because he is working on his computer. Don't ask me what he does, he did tell me but it is beyond my comprehension. Not to worry, he still has time to look after the animals, and there is not much else to do on the farm during the cooler months except tidy up the place.
 
I want to continue cutting the front hedge down, which has been ongoing since we got here ten  years ago. I mentioned to Lester that I could do with an electric chainsaw for ladies which would make the job quicker and easier. He has his own chainsaw but it is a very hefty and fierce machine, entirely not suitable for a lady to use.
He said that we do have an electric chainsaw but he didn't know where it was.
Ah ha, I thought, a 'search and rescue' mission on the way to find it, meanwhile visions of chainsawing my way through that hedge and the oak coppice which is starting to grow in a corner of the front garden, floated across my mind.
But of course this all depends on whether or not I can actually lift the chainsaw when it is found, which will be a lot heavier that my wooden handled scythe. I shall try, though.
 
Two trips I made to the fallen oak, and four branches I dragged back.
On the last trip I started fantasizing about having a cup of milky coffee and a piece of cake.
Oh ho! Time to stop.
 
Earlier on, scything went well, and I scooped up the cut grass / vegetation and gave it to the chickens, putting it in a heap so they could have the pleasure of rummaging through it.
They were not impressed with my offering though, and didn't know what to do with it. Not to worry, they will soon learn. It is a new chicken flock so are still on their own learning curve.
Lester has been looking after the chickens so they know his ways. They don't know mine.
Last night Lester had a conference call so I was the one to round them up. I am now training them to respond to me calling out 'chook, chook, chook' while tapping their food container.
As I say, they are on a learning curve. They need to know that when I call and tap their bowl they should to come towards me and not rush off in the opposite direction.
It might take a while.

Off into the hours of my day now,
which will hopefully include a portion of time spent knitting outside in the sun,
so bye for now,
Vx
 
 


10 comments:

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Ohhhh, I could do lots with a small chainsaw, too. Our small ones unfortunately are electric which is a pain snaking extension cords across the property. Inevitably, they get jammed up, or break. I think it's funny that your new flock has to learn how to scratch their way into a pile of grass. Mine used to love when I would edge my gardens because I would toss chunks of sod into the chicken run and they would rip them apart looking for worms and bugs. -Jenn

Vera said...

JENN, I don't think I could lift a chainsaw which is petrol driven. I think an electric one should be lighter, but I may be wrong! But I would only use the chainsaw close to the house, and any woodland work would have to be done by Lester and his beafy chainsaw!

Our chickens know how to scratch up the soil, but didn't know how to react when I put the heap of vegetation in front of them this morning. A few hours later and the heap is now no more, so they are learning quickly!

minwks said...

Good Morning Vera, Your scything sounds positively Zen on a crisp sunny morning.

We are not permitted to keep chickens in our urban area but when I go to Australia I enjoy observing my sister’s hens and also our friends troop.

My sister keeps them for entertainment, as they rarely eat eggs, they give them away to their staff or friends. When I am there the many cousins and friends I visit benefit as I bring eggs from a sister, citrus from a cousin and another cousin gives me a bucket of honey to distribute.

The expression “pecking order” certainly makes sense when I watch the hierarchy of the flock.

Only another month till the shortest day of the year. How time slides by Vera. I will be interested to hear if the electric chain saw was found and if it was suitable for you.

Regards Janine

Vera said...

JANINE, I always find scything relaxing, and it was such a lovely morning too.
Chickens are fun to watch, and I miss having them in the courtyard, but I don't miss the mess they make. I shall let you know if I find the chainsaw and actually get to use it. As for the shortest day coming up soon, it will be good to have the lighter evenings gradually coming back.

DUTA said...

There's a variety of both electrical and gas chainsaws on the market suitable for ladies: that is, small and light. You need, however, protective gear as well: safety glasses, ear protectors, special boots. And above all - be very careful. Work with a chainsaw has its hazards.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your day. Sounded very productive and I liked the knitting in the sun afterwards. Hope that was delightful :)

Vera said...

Shirley, I did appreciate the warmth of the sun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Vera said...

DUTA, thanks for the caring enough to mention all the safety requirements that I need to take..... I shall borrow Lester's protective gear, and chainsaw with care.

Rhodesia said...

You are so energetic - I hate the cold and it takes a lot to get me out unless I have to. We have a petrol chainsaw and although not heavy not easy to start!!! Take care. Diane.

Vera said...

DIANE, ...that is why I want an electric chainsaw after having seen Lester trying to start his! I don't like the cold either, but I do like the sun, so cold and sunny is OK for me! Wet and cold is not!