Although we did not plan it this way, we had three crews working on our “outside” all in one day.
- Kay Carlson (Taking Care of Business http://www.tcbtwincities.com ) and her helper were here early to tackle the ornamental garden. This is the second summer and she does a beautiful job that I am no longer able to do — on the knees in the garden 😐
Kay’s helper — to see a photo of Kay and read her bio (veteran, ordained minister) click on her website 
Then five guys (so polite and respectful) from Prairie Restoration http://www.prairieresto.com showed up to do our prairie burn that needs to be done every three years or so. Some little saplings wouldn’t burn so we are having them come back to remove those by hand. Obviously the burn and the follow up are completely out of our area of expertise and physical capabilities.
Fortunately the wind was blowing northeast –so the smoke did not bother any of the other groups or the neighbors.
Next day it rained — the ash goes back into the soil to nourish it — this is what happened on the prairies – sometimes started by a lightning strike, or sometimes by Indians who wanted the land refreshed.
3. The third group from Northern Arborists http://northernarborists.com came to trim the big tree that was removed today. Gary Wemeier, our neighbor, is clearing and then planting a grouping of trees and shrubs on the west side of the house. It will include a large Linden tree, chokecherry (in honor of my Lakota friends), and a short row of Dad’s favorite – White Pine. Gary said he has had a vision for this space in his head every time he drives by on his way home.
Tree climber Doug Law
Doug, Dan Wemeier and Ben Gergen are re-positioning a small oak that will be mighty some day
ALL IN ONE DAY!!
We are so fortunate to find such dedicated and talented professionals to do what we can no longer do ourselves.
Oh, and we are counting the days that Bob can give up his cane for a bionic knee — that happens May 17 😉 😎 🙂