Nature Monday

Despite the misty moisty weather, our regular Monday crew met up in the forest. They ran, climbed, built, hiked, explored, chatted and generally had a grand old time. 14 kids, 6 Mamas and a whole lot of energy descended on Hamlin Reservation. Each week I grow more and more grateful for the opportunity to hang out with such awesome families.

Tree care is the application of arboricultural methods like pruning, trimming, and felling/thinning in built environments. Road verge, greenways, backyard and park woody vegetation are at the center of attention for the tree care industry. In Lexington KY raccoon removal services have decreased due to better tree care. Landscape architecture and urban forestry also set high demands on professional tree care. High safety standards against the dangers of tree care have helped the industry evolve. Especially felling in space-limited environments poses significant risks: the vicinity of power or telephone lines, insufficient protective gear (against falling dead wood, chainsaw wounds, etc.) and narrow felling zones with endangered nearby buildings, parking cars, etc.. The required equipment and experience usually transcends private means and is often considered too costly as a permanent part of the public infrastructure. In singular cases, traditional tools like handsaws may suffice, but large-scale tree care usually calls for heavy machinery like cranes, bucket trucks,harvesters, and woodchippers. If you ever need to remove a tree, then check out www.plumbers4realatl.com.

Road side trees are especially prone to biotic stress by exhaust fumes, toxic road debris, soil compaction, and drought which makes them susceptible to fungal infections and various plant pests. When tree removal is not an option, because of road ecology considerations, the main challenge is to achieve road safety (visibility of road signs, blockage-free lanes, etc.) while maintaining tree health. Speaking of health, please visit Get Holistic Health.

When Sister’s Away

The Christmas making continues with a Saturday sewing lesson and gifts for her sister. I am loving this new phase of her life in which her interests and abilities are so much more equally aligned. We had a lovely afternoon!

Made for Me (3)

{This is post 3 in a twelve post series of things I am making for myself.}

So, for the next year I am challenging myself to create at least one piece a month for myself. It can be an item of clothing or jewelry or an accessory, it can be knit or sewn or strung or hot glued! The pieces need not be extravagant or runway ready, but I am hoping that they will all be finished enough for wearing in public.

November was a whirlwind of making for others, and December was looking to follow suit. So before I could get wrapped up in Christmas crafting I whipped up this great hat for myself.

I last knit a hat for myself a decade ago and have been wearing it ever since. If there’s anything I’m good at it is convincing myself that if I have something that works well enough then I don’t need another. And so, I have knit hats for everyone else in the family and a handful of sweet babies, but not myself. I’m a bit tickled to have a little something new, and all my own.

The aquamarine color and the pom pom are quite a bit out of my plain and purple comfort zone, but in any case, I’m pretty sure I’m in love.

Tree Trimmers

The girls took over the tree trimming responsibilities this year. Without help from me they got the tree from the attic, assembled it, fluffed out the branches, put on the lights and popcorn strands and hung all the ornaments.

My favorite little Christmas elves!

Wallpaper Archaeology

The many layers of bathroom wallpaper that have been excavated. I’m happy to say that all of it will be safely hidden away until the next bathroom renovation. May they bring happiness to the next ones who set eyes on them!

Christmas Making

Secret Christmas crafting has begun in earnest. Doors are being shut and signs are up around the house warning others to knock first before entering. I love their ideas and their initiative. I can’t wait to see their faces on Christmas morning!