C.C. Castro

I have 2 grapes that I planted 12 or so years ago. I had sort of a gazebo structure that was already there and I was trying to create shade as I live in California's hot central valley. They were planted about 4 feet from 2 of the poles. It was built with scrap lumber. It is tall, 9 feet so when the grapes were babies I stretched out an old piece of hog wire between the two poles for something for them to climb on. After a few years they grew up to to top so I was able to take the hog wire down and tied the vines to the 2x4's that were attached crosswise on the top of structure. Then I just let them grow. They created some nice shade and easy access to the fruit when I was ready to harvest. 3 years ago a friend built me 2 sheds on the sides of the gazebo for garden tools, etc. Turned out good even though somewhat unconventional for a grape trellis. Has nice shade on hot afternoons.

I use a Ryobi cordless string trimmer and Ryobi 21 inch self propelled push mower. I was 'sold' on Ryobi products 15 plus years ago. Most of my hand tools are Ryobi. The batteries are the same for the hand tools and string trimmer- 18 volt 4 Ah. I know the batteries are indeed expensive but they last a very long time. I've accumulated 10 batteries over the years and I number and date them so I can keep track of them better. They are cycled through in order so they all get used. The first two are from 2016 and still going strong. They last 30 to 40 minutes on the string trimmer just like the newer ones do. I live on 60 acres so only control the natural grasses and brush 100 feet out around all structures for fire control because of local ordinances requiring residents in my area to do so.
The Ryobi push mower uses 40 volt batteries but the 2 batteries that came with the mower will mow 2 acres on one charge. It will mow down 2 foot high grass/brush efficiently in 1 pass.  Height is adjustable from 2 to 4 inches. Only use the push mower on the flat areas around the house. The rest needs the string trimmer because of rough terrain. It's slow work but an hour a day gets it done over late spring early summer. Here in California things dry out fast.

I love giving "things" names! It adds fun to my day. I have a '76 and an '02 Pontiac firebird. The '76 is 'big sister" or sometimes called 'the Black'  and the '02 is 'little sister'. My very old Ford tractor is Miss Deisel.
My recently acquired Kubota tractor is called Newby one Kubuty. I also see many hawks on my homestead and they are always called Hawkeye.

Wow I love this thread about rocks! So many great ideas.
I'm building a labyrinth from rocks on my property. Only have the center "rose" done so far. It's about 40 feet diameter right now. Should be about 100 feet when completed, which will take years.

This is such a great idea! I've been writing my observations of plants and wildlife at my place for years, but never thought of giving it a name! Would like to read this book for ideas on organization. 😊