I took a few weeks off to regroup and start to think about our next steps. With fall here, the attention has turned to chopping things down. I was greeted last week by the bean harvest – like proud parents, we watched ‘our’ crop get collected up and sent into town.
But as some of you already know, and we are for sure finding out, the harvesting of the beans to the south, means the sudden migration of millions of Asian beetles north. And north is where the schoolhouse is. I don’t have a picture, but have you ever seen a bug-rug? The vacuum is working overtime. Right now – Bugs – 1, Us – 0.
So inspired by the giant combine, I decided to do a little harvesting of my own. Sumac being my primary target. Yes, I get it’s not a traditional crop, but it’s taking over what someday might be my garden, so out it must go. Here is the before…
. Like any good battle, you must go in prepared with your armaments. Here I go! 
Suddenly, I found myself surrounded, knocked back and held down by an aggressive growth of grass and sumac! It was a Sumac-Attack! Would I ever get out? 
But fear not, eventually, with help from K, we emerged victorious! Hey! We have a view!
After that, what’s the best plan of action? Going fishing, of course!
Our catch was mighty, as you can see, but as they say, a bad day fishing beats a good day working!