Dock

It is general maintenance that is always needed for every homeowner. Luckily I have a handyman who takes care of the grass, flowerbeds and snow removal. He also does hundreds of other mini-chores for me and I'm fortunate to have him live nearby. There are other things that I now need helpers for and one helper is my grandson. He and his lady clean beams and high-up things in this cabin every spring. Recently, he came after his regular work job and took the time to put preservative on the dock. It was difficult this time due to a hillside washout that caused the mud to flow down and over the bank onto it before the real project could start. It took lots of digging, scraping and sweeping to prepare for the application. Sealing our wooden dock is the best way to preserve its natural beauty and ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

He and several others did the under-barrel replacement and side repair in 2018. 

In 2004 he and his mother undertook the task of building a new dock. The supplies were purchased by them and it was built as a surprise anniversary gift to us for when we returned in July from SC. 

The original dock and float were built by my husband, brother and brother-in law in 1963.

If you live on a lake, you just gotta have a dock!

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Done Dock

This morning the loose dock was carried away from the concrete spillway and was moving along the water's edge. Well, after lunch, I looked out to see it right against mine and now had to get it tethered so it wouldn't dislodge mine or we would have two runaways. I called a couple of neighbors and two came right away. While they worked, their dogs had a great playtime of romping and chasing. The rope that was on top of the "traveler" was long enough to tie it up to the "woodpecker tree".

You may wonder why it is called the woodpecker tree? First of all it was already there in 1961 when the property was first purchased. Woodpeckers continually used it through the years. My dad filled the numerous holes with cement! The first photo here is my firstborn daughter (age today 66) holding her little sister (age today 55.) The other little lady is my middle daughter (age today 62.) The tree was used as a backdrop for many pictures taken by my mother. I hope it lasts another 60 years! Lily of the Valley covers the ground around this tree and now the red squirrels live in new holes. That tree could tell tales - I know it!

The Traveler

I'm referring to the loose dock. Hope it stays where it is and won't wander around the corner and bang into mine! Not all homeowners are permanent and I don't know if it has been identified and the owner notified. It is a hazard. Perhaps one of the other residents will be able to tow it away soon. The good thing is that the water level is low and not flowing over the spillway and I don't think this traveler will blow over and down into the sparsely filled creek below. My rideabout today was not at all interesting but I plan to take another trip tomorrow. The sun felt good.

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don't fall over the railing

Nice Friday

I finally got up enough energy to see what is new in the neighborhood. My volunteer sunflower has bloomed. The one in the back had its top blooms bitten off but is recovering with more lower blossoms opening. This one is in front and seems to be a different variety - only one blossom. I have never had sunflowers in my gardens all these years. Maybe it is there to support Ukraine.

The Mullein still has not opened but the top is stretching up higher.

A lady from our neighboring lake took a short video of a buck swimming in their lake! We wonder if is the same guy. No closeups to compare though!

I rode around over there and saw a large track excavator in action scooping some of the black mucky stuff from an old dried up pond this morning. I wonder if it will be used for gardeners. It must contain a lot of nutrients, I'm guessing. I liked watching the large machine in action scooping and dropping the black gold into a heap.

Two of these things do not belong!

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Just call Me Happy

It's a wonderful sight to see my daughter able to get in and out of the lake much easier for her swim. 80° at noon here. Nice day. Happy me!

Took long relaxing swim! Then...