helping hands

We had the pleasure of family visiting us last weekend. With one very big strong boyfriend and one teensie tough little daughter, we found plenty for them to do, here on the farm. What guy wouldn't want to drive this big toy?! Our main tractor has the rake attached to the front of it. My husband was giving Jon lessons in maneuvering it around the almond tree rows because we had brush that needed to be scooped up and thrown onto the burn pile. We had previously spent the week before doing some extensive pruning and all those branches get put into neat little rows. Jon was very excited and looked like a pro in no time.

No rest for the weary...when that was done Angela and Jon prepared to pound the mummies (leftover clinging almonds) off the trees. This little red cutie is our mule and makes traveling around 18 acres much easier. As you can see...they are both putting on their game faces. (poor trees)

Actually, they are seldom serious and enjoyed the fresh air muscle using work. Jon would smack the base of the tree with one hard "whack" and then Angela hit off the left overs (called polling). They got every single tree done...good job guys! :)

This picture was taken from so far away because I am behind the camera and warm & cozy in my house.

I don't mind pruning. I don't mind stacking brush in neat little rows. And I love driving the mule...but I refuse to be around when the trees are being whacked. Certain parts of farming make me wince...I am still exploring why I feel this way. I spend a lot of time walking these rows and the trees and I really like each other. Call me a tree hugger if you will...because I'm not going to deny that I haven't hugged one or two...or more ;)