Drew and Will are hard at work, putting up Drew’s wood stove, double wall pipe. They put three sections together, as it kind of screws together, and those pieces are heavy when assembled. Of course, the higher they go, the harder it is to carry them up the ladder. Today, Will decided it was much safer to use the big Kubota tractor’s bucket for Drew to stand on rather than try to climb the ladder with the stovepipe. Yes, it IS much safer and easier for them to work with. Will stays in the tractor, monitoring the hydraulic bucket, making a nice platform for Drew to stand on, rather than trying to balance way up there, on a ladder.
With the warmer, sunny weather, they’re hoping to get the entire pipe installed by this weekend, including building the support brackets.
Yesterday, the semi-load of 16-foot red pine logs was delivered. Will and Matt went halves on the load, planning to use them for cutting lumber on their sawmills. Will wants to finish the run-in cow shed in the cow yard and cut siding for Drew’s new abode, where Matt wants to stockpile lumber to build a house.
Today, I’m going through my pepper seeds, as it is time for me to start my pepper plants. The ones I set out last year weren’t quite as large as I would have liked. This year, I’m starting them a little earlier to remedy that. I’m doubling up the jalapeños as we really love the extra Cowboy Candy syrup I’ve canned up. I put it in condiment bottles to squeeze out on a variety of things from meatloaf to baked chicken and pizza, to name a few. Yum! Last year was a bad pepper year for us, due to the crazy weather. I’m hoping for a much better year, this year. Gardeners are always optimistic!
I also want to start some pansies and petunias, which are slow growers but such an addition to the edges of the flower beds and various containers around the place. They are so cheery. — Jackie
