We've had some rain this year, and even days of it recently, but we are still in a drought status that has carried over from previous years. But it hasn't been enough to prevent drought conditions that we can't always see (underground water table), but also what we can.
As Woodchuck was oiling and greasing up his tractor, I took a walk down to the pond and was shocked to see that the water had receded enough that I could walk in areas that had always been under water previously. I could see where the pond banks should be, I could see debris laying that would have normally been under water. I was geeking out! The thought of being able to stand on an area that would normally be under water is absolutely fascinating to me!
Muddy and squishy in spots, but I was able to walk out nearly to the waters edge.
In this picture above, you can clearly see now that there is a blueberry bush in the water. That tells us that this side of the pond has failed by several feet.
I had the thought that we should take the boat out. We struggled to find a good spot the first time we went out there to assess how bad the water quality was, and why pass this opportunity up? So, we grabbed the boat and started dragging it towards the water. One pudgy, gray mouse abandoned ship! They are nesting in the Styrofoam in the boat seats! And the smell! OMG. 🐁😵 Hubby drops the boat, kicks it, rocks it, and another pudgy, gray mouse jumps overboard. They were so cute though, I have to say! But I don't want them in the boat with me when we hit the water. Hubby drops the boat, again, we are now right at the water, and a larger, fat brown mouse jumps out! Hubby drops it and walks away to get the oars while I take over shaking it to see if there are anymore in it. I think it's safe to go in the water now. I didn't think to ask if the boat was water worthy until we were already on the water. Panic attack ensues.
Lots of little Kermits in the water, as usual! Lots of algae and watermeal too and between the stagnant smell of the pond water and the mouse piss smell in the boat, it was like being stranded on a tiny island that has a zoo on it!
Even the entry to the ditch had dried up and I was able to get down in there and walk around. SO overgrown, and many logs laying there. I'm wondering if the previous owner placed those in there? So much to learn!
While I don't want a drought to continue, us cleaning up and prepping up these ditches will be a whole lot easier and safer, for us if they aren't filled with water. All we can do is watch and wait until it's time for us to start working on them, and then we'll see what they look like then.
The monster multi-flora rose that I will be taking out has its rose hips now and I've been debating on harvesting them and utilizing them. I'm tired of making jelly and jam though, so I want to do something else with them, but can't decide on what. Adding it to the list....
We also had a creature recently on Das Zem! It was sitting quietly and patiently in the front CRP forest, ready to pounce and make us his own!
He sat and watched to see if we would just walk right by, but as soon as I noticed him I called to him and he came to us for some loving. We hadn't seen him before, and haven't seen him since 😞 He was a very sweet and loving boi! I've named him Shadow McGhee.
That's it for now! Our contractor is a few jobs behind schedule due to lack of workers, so we are working on all of the other things that we can in the meantime. Big changes are coming soon and I wish the pictures could capture better how it all looks! Stay tuned....
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