Just do it

   After Hurricane Zeta hit us with full force, we had more work than we could shake a stick at.  It was overwhelming especially since I was still recovering from the stroke and heart problems.  I was told to "take it easy", "do not overwork" and "let others help".  Well, that is all fine and dandy except, there was no time to take it easy and was virtually impossible not to overwork.  That part about "let others help"...well, no one did.  Son and I had to do it.  We struggled and are still neck deep in debris and repairs.  We will get there.  Today, however, was spent more in helping others.  Why?  Because that is what we do.  Bayou people help others. It is the neighborly thing to do.

  Several large trees were downed on my brother's place.  He is not in the physical condition to clean up the mess so, since Mark was home, he decided to cut the downed trees.  We would just clean up the place.  No problems.  Mark cut the huge tree and Son split the logs with the axe.  I tried to help load the smaller ones but, once again, am under orders not to do much.  While cutting, Mark had the idea that my other brother could use some of the firewood.  So...he cut, Son split and loaded wood for that brother.  After several hours, the place was cleared, the firewood was all cut, loaded, hauled and stacked and we were exhausted, yet again.  

 Folks, while we are an independent sort and will get our work done without the "let others help" crew that never shows, there are those who occasionally need a helping hand.  They do not ask.  They, too, try to fend for themselves.  This is where kindness and generosity come into play.  Just do it.  Do not wait to be asked.  Just do it.  Do not expect anything in return.  Just do it.

The New Toy!

Mark has been having a terrible time with his chainsaw as of late. I should say..chainsaws..as he has multiple old saws that he keeps trying to fix. It seems that every time he wants to cut firewood, one old saw or the other would just die an untimely death. He then would spend hours upon hours trying to get one running again. Not that he does not have the knowledge to fix them but rather it is virtually impossible to get parts for any of the ones he has. They are just that outdated! He has even at times resorted to "making" parts which never is a good idea if it can be avoided. Today, however, was the last straw. Not for him..he would have kept trying to revive a dead saw..but for me. I just hated to see him frustrated by the lack of parts and the multitude of problems. "Enough, already! Go buy a new chainsaw!" He was reluctant but finally consented and off he went to price saws. After much contemplation of the prices, warranties and makes of saws, he settled on one. We are now the proud owners of a brand new chainsaw! It is a beauty!

Once he got it home and all gassed up, he set to work! I was happy to see some of the scrappy trees and "in the way" stumps cut. I was also extremely happy to see the woodpile slowly start to grow! This means for a much warmer time with the upcoming February and March weather. Here on the Bayou, these are usually our coldest and wettest months of the year. It is then that I fully appreciate a full wood rack! It will be far easier to make a dash to the nearby wood rack to get an armful of already cut wood versus going out with an axe to gather it! How nice it is to have a ready supply!

He spent the afternoon cutting down some of the trees that I destined for firewood. These were some that were damaged by hurricanes and by woodborers. I always hate to cut any live trees but diseased trees do no good and can cause problems for healthy trees in the same area. I tried to help a bit by loading the wheelbarrow but with illness still wracking the body, I am afraid that I gave out far too soon. I did convince him not to try bringing all the wood up the hill. Once Son is well, we can always gather the cut logs. I think Mark would much rather cut than haul anyway so this worked out well. So..I do believe the new toy is a keeper!!