Kole likes to take "hikes" back there. There's lots for a little boy to love. Deer, foxes, snakes, horse poop, deer poop, a trough... that in a moment when I couldn't remember the word "trough" I told Kole it was a deer bath. I didn't say, "It's to hold water for animals." I said, "It's a deer bath." And now that's what Kole calls it. It's at the very end of the acreage so it's normally our destination point. To The Deer Bath! Maybe we'll catch 'em scrubbing down before bed.
With Spring here (I said it. Cats out of the bag! It's officially Spring.) Ken and I have been making plans for our new Plantation. Or maybe Compound. Sorta depends on which way we go with it. I thought Poulsen Plantation. But when I said Plantation I said it all sing-songy and made me think of "A Dalmatian Plantation!" Darn every last one of those 101 Dalmatians. It's all I think of now when I say Poulsen DALMATIAN Plantation. It just slips in unwanted.
Ken thinks another woman or two couldn't hurt thus making it a Compound... and, honestly, I'd welcome the help. He might be on to something.
We have plans for a big garden. With way more fruits and vegetables than we can eat. I know this because I went and bought seed two nights ago. I bought 19 packs. And yeah, I got the Swiss Chard. I don't know what Swiss Chard tastes like but it sure sounded classy so I bought some Swiss Chard Seeds. Try saying that out loud. It comes out Swiss Chard Sheeds. I have a tiller reserved for March 30. We'll dig out the garden spot, stake a fence, and commence! (Note to self: Make friends so I have someone to give vegetables to. Or just buy canning supplies and learn to can.)
Behind our garden spot is a miniature orchard of sorts. It already has two peach trees, two apple trees, a pear tree, and a raspberry bush. But, Costco had fruit trees for $11! Did I say that loudly enough ELEVEN DOLLARS! I wanted to score a cherry tree and a plum tree. Yet to make that happen. I'd like to add a sitting area and some flower beds to the orchard. Because fruit trees are just so pretty and lush. Oooo! Maybe a hammock. Wouldn't a little bird bath would be just darling. Some paths. Kids love paths. I love paths. Instant game.
Beyond The Orchard, there's a big red barn (tours given daily). The barn will work well for shelter when we move the goats or sheep in. Ken wants to put a little chicken coop back there too.
I'm thinking of adding a greenhouse... and heck... a water feature too. I know I've lost it.
Doesn't it sound dreamy here? So country. A place to sit back and watch the grass grow and sip lemonade while wearing a big hat.
In about 5 years it will be that place.
For now?
*Sigh*
We are past overgrown. Nature has taken over. There are trees that have grown through chain link fences. Bushes that are over 20 feet tall. And all those gorgeous, luscious, shade providing fruit trees... haven't been pruned in, I'd guess, 4 or 5 years. And are about one third dead. *defeated sigh* And the barn... is... well... kinda falling a part.
But, *clears throat* there's potential.
Just needs some trimming.
Come on. Bear with me. It's Spring!
There's blooms and buds on everything. It smells fresh and open and new. It's exciting.
We've started cutting down and cutting back and cutting out. And we have what appears to be 6 beaver dams scattered around our yard.
It's a work in progress. But I've got big dreams for this place.
And...
With God as my witness!
*shakes fist doggedly in the air*
