Early up and down late and still behind. I did finally get the grounds mowed. Was overjoyed to find my pit is once again passable with the Hustler. Historically I've used it for burning yard debris, but overnight a few years back, it became Lake Irma and has been in various stages of that since. Hopefully it will stay in fire pit condition for use once our Covid-19 burn ban is lifted. Irritating that ban!!! First they lock us up at home. Then they make it difficult to do much of anything around the home. Alachua County's Emergency Response went into effect at the end of March. With it, the rural collection centers were deemed essential but remained open only for household items. "No yard debris - No large items". I tried to take some fiberglass screen there in the early days which I'd removed from my Gazebo and tightly balled up for deposit and I got a head shake and a finger wagging. "Only household items" I was told. "Things that could attract rodents". I explained my frustration with the whole thing. Placed on lockdown and given the perfect opportunity to "tend to and clean up our homesteads but hands tied with nowhere to actually dispose of said things. After considering my point, I was allowed to deposit by smallish ball of screen but haven't dared to take anything of the sort since -unless it could be discreetly hidden within a bag. I also cheated a bit with the burn ban, as did my neighbor. Actually he cheated a lot with a fire nearly daily. Smoke from my fire a week or so back however alerted the neighbor on the other side. He trapesed through the woods to get a glimpse of what was causing the smoke and informed me of the burn ban. Told him "I thought it had been lifted'... By the time he arrived he acknowledged the fire was nearly out and that I had my hose at the ready... He didn't want to see me get a $5000 fine... but actually I think he was worried about the woods behind his place. First time I'd met him... I explained same frustration that I'd explained to the lady at the rural collection center and he nodded in agreement. Thought the burn ban had to do with dry conditions. First time I'd met him and we ended up with a nice long chat. One positive that came from this ordeal we find ourselves in.
The yellow flies are still wreaking havoc here but my shipment of Picaridin has finally arrived. It's the only thing I've found that somewhat keeps them at bay. It's fortunate the dogs seem unphased by the buggers because they swarm them too.
But enough on the trials of life and the trials of "Rona"...
After my long day of mowing Thursday I decided to introduce the pups to an evening outing on the porch and to the fine art of griddling chicken. I quickly learned though, they've yet to appreciate the wonderful aroma of chicken as it sizzles away. They nearly immediately went back to their preferred job of bush trimming. Personally I think they need some practice but I give them credit for effort. And team work. What one decides to do, they all do. Whether it's eating kibble, drinking, trimming or napping. Great group effort among them.
Their follow me has become very good whether I'm out in the yard with them or bringing them back in the house from the back deck. They quickly come in from the out and jump right into their indoor accommodations with minimal encouragement and lots of rubs and praise once they get there. And they're keeping their sleep cot relatively clean. Yay for that.
.... A few photos of our evening outing. They were out well before the chicken was done. Not a nose was lifted. Hard work, that bush trimming. I assume their appreciation for the smells of a cook will grow in time.
Yesterday was a big day of shopping but even with that the pups were included. In a way. I purchased their toys, one of which will be their take home gift from me, as they begin their new journey's in life. That time rapidly approaching!