CntryBoy777 - The Lazy A** Acres Adventures

[CntryBoy777]

It was certainly Hot today....got up to 92 with heat index at 100°.....I waited til this evening to do any work. I decided to get back to some "Basics" and use a tool that I was allowed to use in the 3rd grade..... ....tho, this is a newer version of the original tool....but, that original is in Dad's storage bldg....
This is the before pic....I was holding the phone up as high as I could to take the pic....which the shadow proves.... ....this was when my clothes were dry.....and this one is just 45min later when I couldn't have been wetter, if I'd have jumped in the pond.... .....the Boys showed up to check it out and keep an eye on me. They really miss us being with them everyday and we will spend periods of time with them, but this heat is a big obstacle to do so these days....

 

[Mike CHS]

I've said it before but when I was stationed in Mississippi, I remember often thinking this has to be the most hot & humid place in the United States. I know it gets hotter elsewhere but something about that state makes the temps miserable.

 

[Bruce]

All cut with "loppers"?? Geez I get out the string trimmer for big stuff like that. You must have been beat!

 

[CntryBoy777]

Those aren't loppers, they are hedge shears. The only weed eater I have is an electric one....and it will not do that good on the johnson grass at this stage. The seed stalks are too thick and tough for the .65 string. I just want to lay it down, let it dry, and burn it. Also, there is golden rod in there with stalks that are up to an inch in diameter. It really wasn't too bad except for the sweating.

 

[CntryBoy777]

I think there are a few things that contribute to the heat and humidity factor here Mike. Location....with the gulf and river, the direction of wind, soil type, and elevation....these work to saturate the air and winds, or the lack thereof, work with the elevation to stagnate the air. Even tho the sun is hotter in Florida, the seabreezes keep the air moving and the sand allows the water to dissapate quickly. The clay holds the moisture close to the surface and evaporates back into the sinking stagnant air....so it just hangs there and envelopes ya like a glove. I just hope it breaks in Sept as usual, but it didn't last year....it waited til November.

 

[Bruce]

I knew they weren't actually loppers that is why I put it in quotes but the length of the cutting surface seems pretty short for hedge shears.

I know what you mean about the electric trimmer. A single string B&D 36V was my first trimmer after we bought this place. Runs 20 minutes before needing a 60 minute recharge AFTER the battery cools down. Can't get a lot done here in 20 minutes, it would have been fine at the old place with a lot size of 44' x 100'.

It cuts grass OK (until the battery is done) but does NOT deal with thicker stalked stuff like mature stinging nettle. The stalks aren't more than maybe 3/16" but are fibrous/woody. They rip up the plastic string as much as it rips them up, mutual death! Wouldn't even bother using it on the thicker stuff. That is why I finally sprung for the gas model a month or 2 back. Double, stronger, string. Runs about 45 minutes before needing more gas. For the Johnson grass you are dealing with I would put on the metal blade. I'll bring it right over They also sell a "power scythe" that I have not yet purchased, not real cheap but it would be perfect for your Johnson grass!

Maybe the Johnson grass would make good bedding for the goats??

 

[Bruce]

I just hope it breaks in Sept as usual, but it didn't last year....it waited til November.

That is why you should do all your hard outside work in the winter! No frozen ground to make it hard to put in posts and no hot humid weather

 

[farmerjan]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents on the breeds of chickens. I don't know much about the ëaster eggers" but in the standard breeds one of the best all purpose is the New Hampshire. Also the Plymouth rocks which come in a variety of colors. Wyandottes are not known for their year round laying nor are most orpingtons although buff orpingtons are touted as a "homestead"type flock. Rhode Island reds are a decent dual purpose bird but a little slower maturing. Delawares are also a fairly fast grower but I have heard mixed thoughts on their temperments. The ones I had were active and decent for table quality. I have really liked the Welsummers for the real dark brown eggs and they were good layers and a decent size to kill also. Also have had a few others. If you want a real decent bird for a layer and then to kill, the good old fashioned "black sex-link" hen is one of the best for all purpose. No, they won't breed true, but if you use a good NH or Plymouth male on them, the chicks will grow up with the increased laying capacity and the males will make good birds for the freezer.

One thing that a lot of people don't think about is the amount of money that goes into raising a chick up to full size. I have found that started pullets of sex-links can be bought for $5-$10 each. They are usually 20-24 weeks and ready to start laying. They will lay for a good 2 years, still make a fine soup bird. So you are getting something that will start producing right away, will lay real good for a couple of years and will make a good pot of soup or stew.

I have NH's and standard Black Langshans right now. Purebred show quality birds. I love the Langshans very stately carriage, but they are not the layingest breed there is. I really liked the welsummers and the color pattern is similiar to the light brown leghorn which I love, so I went with the welsummers until we had the eagle problem and lost the purebreds. They are next on my list once I get retired and have a little more time and can get a few more coops to use. For the free range pastured hens I used both the black and the red sexlinks but the black definitely were a meatier bird and laid real good.

 

[CntryBoy777]

I would really like to get rid of the johnson grass and golden rod. This is too close to the garden for poison, so my goal is to keep it cut and stop the seeding of the stuff. I was unable to get to the johnson grass, but caught the golden rod before it bloomed. There is some bermuda there, but the taller stuff keeps it from spreading very well....so, if I keep it cut then the bermuda will hopefully choke most of it out. Since this area used to be in the garden I have to get thru there and clear the ground so the rider can make quick work of the area. Mom used brick batts to mark plants and to hold black plastic down in futile attempts to control the grasses from getting in the garden.....not to mention the plastic pots and other such stuff. There are tree staubs in there too, so have to clear it by hand before it gets easier. I certainly don't need to damage and lose another mower.....the SIL did enough of that with his visit....

 

[CntryBoy777]

Thanks @farmerjan , that is good info and well appreciated. I will include several of those in our next acquiring and try them out.