Of Sling Blades and Sweat

Been a busy week here at Tranquility Bay! We began the week with (finally!) cooler weather and a foray into the weedy patch that will someday be part of our beautifully landscaped oasis in the woods. After tromping around through briars, hitchhikers, and poison ivy, my wonderful hubby and I decided to clear a path to the area where the well is to be dug.

Out of bed early (believe it or not ~ lol), we gathered our tools and set to work. At first, I didn't think this was going to be so bad, but there is so much hidden under the brush. We were "high steppin'" over limbs and ivy and decades old trash, long buried and struggling to be seen. A path to the well site was what I had my heart set on and my hubby went along with yet another one of my well-intentioned but unformed ideas. For better or worse, right? He puts up with a lot.

This is me. This is me with a sling blade.

 
This is me with a sling blade clearing off part of the path my hubby and I want to create. Sling blades are heavy. I quickly realized that my talents were more suited for pruning and raking. I generously returned the blade to my hubby and set about trimming back the overhanging limbs, pulling up unwanted pine saplings, and tearing/raking the unidentifiable vines out of the way. At some point, the endless enormity of the reality caught up with the foolish optimism of my ambiguous 'plan'. I was completely overwhelmed. Yes, I know this was MY idea and I know I told my hubby we could do this "in a snap!" ... I always say that when I realize I've bitten off more gum than I can chew. I kept on working -- no way I was going to weenie out after dragging my sweet man out of bed at 6:30 A.M.! NO WAY.

Meanwhile, hubby sling bladed to his hear'ts content -- as his talents are DEFINITELY the muscle of this team. He moved logs and cut down small, scraggly trees; took large limbs off fallen trees and started piling them into small stacks and path markers. Honestly, one of my favorite traits in my husband is that he is willing to work so diligently at such an enormous project with straightforward effort. No complaints, just a will-do attitude. Before I knew it, we had accomplished what I thought would be near impossible: a clear walk-way to our well site. I must say, its a beautiful thing. Most of the credit goes to my great inspiration -- my husband.