Three Rakes and a Lasagna Ought to Do It

We came, we saw, we raked, we leaved (pardon my English-"left"). We had a family fun activity of raking leaves yesterday evening. Really, it was fun! Mike had the job of raking all the leaves onto a tarp to transport them up the little hill, I raked neat rows piles together, and Bacon kinda sorta helped too. Bits had the most fun helping Mommy and Daddy pull the tarp up the hill and pile the leaves higher and higher.

"All this raking and done by 7:30" -Mike.

I actually walked away without blisters, but I think that may be because the old blister spots are turning into callouses. Oh no- not the dreaded man hands!

I love looking at the lawn and seeing the grass freshly combed through. It's equivalent to the feeling of looking at a completely vacuumed carpet.

Mike must have enjoyed himself too. He has plans for all of us to head out back when he gets home to finish up the job. If you enjoy your raking adventures: "Leave" your comment/story below (tee-hee-hee, I am too puny today).

Fall Painting and Tedious Raking

I haven't really had much time because of the move, the new school year for Mike, and keeping up with outdoor yard work to do much artwork. I was commissioned from Mike's aunt to do a painting as a gift for her son's host family in Spain. We looked at a few reference images and settled on this image originally photographed by my dad. With it's Michigan connection and more specifically Greater Kalamazoo connection, we agreed it would make a nice piece.

How I love fall leaves. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees, especially with the help of heavy strong winds yesterday. I had just raked 5 huge tarp filled piles and dragged them, one by one, up the small hill to deposit in the weed patch last Wednesday. I was rewarded with 3 nice blisters.

Well, here we go again, but this time Mike has agreed (make that, formally committed) to raking the side and back yard, and I will again do the front yard, hopefully with less trips up the hill and no blisters to speak of. It's good exercise and gives a nice feeling of accomplishment when finished, but I need to have a word with the trees across the street about their constant need to send the leaves our way.