My Journal
Sunday, July 9, 2023
We started cutting the willow trees into logs today. I plan to use the logs as edging around my wood chip beds. I don’t have nearly as many as I will need, so I may have to consider cutting down some trees in the wild, wooded area at the back of the property. I’m not sure if that would be considered a permaculture best practice.
Carter and I are still working to reclaim the island. It had become overgrown with small trees and vicious sticker vines tearing me up. I will be so happy and relieved once it has been tamed.
As we were taking a break, we saw two wild ducks fly in, landing on the bridge. They were very unusual, and I later learned that they were Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks. Carter and I were so excited to be witnessing them, especially when they flew into the pond and mingled with our flock. It is moments like these that make me feel so grateful to be living where we live.
Saturday, July 8, 2023
It's mid-summer in South Louisiana, and the heat is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Carter and I have been bushwhacking the overgrown weeds on the island and around the pond, and I'm pretty sure I've lost at least 10 pounds in sweat. But it's worth it to see the progress we're making.
I also took down some small wild willow trees that crowded out my bald cypress trees. I will chop them into logs and use them as edging around my wood chip beds. I'm hoping the wood chips will help to prepare the ground for plant guilds around each tree.
Carter has been working like a champ this summer, moving and spreading wood chips for me while he's been out of school. He's a good kid, and I'm lucky to have his help.
After a day of hard work, we jumped in the pond and swam with the ducks and geese. Our three white Embden geese must have thought we were crazy, swimming in circles around us and squawking the whole time. But it was a lot of fun, and it felt great to cool off.
Our day ended quietly with Mary Pat fixing breakfast for dinner, bacon, scrambled duck eggs, and sliced avocado. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.