Everywhere I looked, leaves blanketed the outdoors. Over the years, we have tried to improve the operation of removing these leaves, maple and birch. Evergreen trees have their own pine needle drama. Which is better for composting? Determining the PH of the compost is a must. What do I know anyway?
I've learned that the barometer for a healthy planet is measured in the frogs that litter mother nature's worldwide landscape. If there are none, then we, the humans, are next for extinction. We are either the guardians or the menace of the earth. When we left the small town after many years, we ended up in the country. Frogs were everywhere. Their voices were loud and clear. I had been a city girl, too. When I saw a frog I moved it out of its way out of respect. Today, I oversee their passage to higher or hidden ground in case Mr. Wiggles is near. He is very nosy but very gentle and kind, too.
Frogs' survival means alot to me. Stopping the lawn tractor when one is crossing ensures a safe trip. Royalty is here. Safe passage is a must. Their lives mean something. Once I noticed a 'dead' frog upon a pile of leaves. I was told he was hibernating. We moved him carefully, covered him gingerly and hoped he survived. I did not know what else to do in that moment. Predators do roam for dinner. During the nights, in our fenced yard, frogs sometimes appear. A photo op could be waiting.
Our canine soldiers are careful. These delightful creatures - all of them, actually - seem to understand their role when confronted at night with these tiny reptiles.. So sweet, so special.
Now back to the leaves. I have owned a manual lawn mower, a relic of the past, for many years. It is pink and deep turquoise and looks like new. I use it to mow newly grown grass in small areas, small areas of our dog patch. No electricity or gas just old fashioned human energy. Good for me, the planet and our pets. Now I use this modern technological wonder to mulch the leaves as they tumble down. Helps the new lawn take root while it 'hibernates' over winter. Even wet, these leaves are easily cut into tiny pieces of future compost. A lightweight tool that sastifies me and annoys Sally, our 14-year-old. Great exercise all around.
One late and scary night, I found a frog sitting quietly upon the rigid egg shaped 'puck'. The little guy just sat there, so I took pictures. He was adorable as the larger creatures of the night - Mr.Wiggles and Sally- went about their business. I moved about, flashlight under chin, to click here and there. It was a sight I had never seen. Another photo-op of nature.
Choosing the right machine - manual, battery operated or me - helps to keep our property tidy and the air around us healthier, too. The animals have lived in Mother Nature's garden longer than we have. Tidying up the environment we share with them requires respect. Soon, winter will be here. I am now the recent owner of a battery operated snow thrower, the shovel with a difference. Small areas, 10 inches in width, can be cleared for our 14 year old retriever just as the cold fluffy stuff falls. Shovelling the snow will be easier to perform and my senior girl and her younger brother will have an easier time winter walking, one less hazard to confront. Thrilled for the modern twist on snow removal. Happy holidays!
