It's All About Physics...

 All because we wanted less grass...

When we thought about how to landscape our park strip, we decided to put down rocks...lots and lots of rocks. Part of why we decided on rocks is because it appears to be this region's greatest commodity. They're everywhere. Last year we did not completely finish the project, so this spring, we were at it again. I dug out our wheelbarrow and went to work.

A few words about the wheelbarrow...

It's basically made by Fisher Price.

Not really, but it might as well be.

All kidding aside, I like it--it's been a great help for us. It's light and the wheels do not deflate. We've used that little thing so much last year hauling literally tons of rocks and dirt. If it had a fault, because of its design I had to take baby steps when hauling the rocks. It wasn't until last weekend I figured something out and it had to do with physics.

I found a point, by leaning the wheelbarrow forward, that it balanced on the wheels, similar to using a dolly or hand truck to move very heavy object. By balancing the load, I could stand up and walk normally. With that small discovery, it made the task so much simpler. 

Funny how the little things can help so much.

Another Bumper Rock Crop...Just Like Last Year

 How quickly spring arrives. Why, it seems like just yesterday we were working in the yard, moving rocks. 

Lots and lots of rocks.

Last year, we put in grass. That was a minor miracle. We found the cheapest way possible to pull the sprinkler pipe through the rockiest land you ever saw. We helped put in the sprinkler system and when summer hit, we had a yard.

It was a blessing...something we needed. Now, with the big stuff in, we need to focus on the smaller things, like taking care of the space between the house and the grass. The problem is, the projects don't feel "smaller." They feel pretty big. Today my wife and I took on a couple of patches, the space at the end of the driveway and a section near the back door.

We only worked a few hours, but the difference was shocking. Now, we've got to just figure out how we can finish up.

Whenever I see someone post on social media the birth of a new child, I remember bringing home each of our four children. There's one thing I always forgot about bringing home a baby...the days of getting a good night's sleep were over. Working in the yard today reminded me of something I had forgotten--just how sore and tired my body feels after even a short time in the yard.

I also forgot just how rocky this land is. Yes, we had another bumper crop of rocks this spring...just like last year.

Give Thanks...For Neighbors

 We thought when we moved from Farmington, that we'd be leaving behind a yard full of rocks just underneath the grass and plants.

Turns out Farmington's got nothing on Tremonton.

This land has rocks everywhere. As we prepare to put in our yard, we've got a lot of work to do. We have several rock piles at various locations around the yard and we'll have to deal with them. Yesterday, we decided to tackle some of those piles. 

Problem--one of the rocks was huge.

Another problem--I am not huge...well, huge enough to move the rock.

Our next-door-neighbor saw us working and he came over to offer help. And help he did. He pulled up his Jeep, wrapped a chain around the rock and attached it to bumper. A few tugs from the gas-burning beast and the rock was moved several feet to the north.

We're still getting to know our neighbors. On our old street, I knew everyone. I knew everyone on several streets and all over the town. It's reassuring to know others by whom you live. You know there's people you can count on for help. It's impossible to really know how others think about you. Are we good neighbors? I'd like to think so. I'm sure we could do more...we can always do more.

Leaving our good friends was the toughest part of the move for us. We've only been here a few months, but we're hoping to get to know those around us in the months and years to come. I'm grateful for our neighbors. I'm grateful that people choose to help out each other...even if it's just to move a rock a few feet.