June 25th - Tree Trimming

I did more tree trimming today. This pickup load came from the cedar tree in the foreground. Previous to today I already carted about half this much stuff to the burn pile, from this tree and the area around it. I think one more load from this tree, cutting off the branch/trunk on the right, and I will be done with it. I cut off the branch/trunk on the left with the 14" electric chain saw we bought recently. It worked fine.

I also worked with the house water softener today. There was no salt in the brine tank when we arrived at the house. I got a bag and put it in the brine tank, only put a single bag in because once I'm sure everything is working properly I want to take the brine tank outside and clean it. After about two hours of putzing around with it I finally got the valve out of the bypass position. I called the local Culligan man, it is a Culligan softener, to find out why the valve seemed frozen. He told me it was probably mineral deposits and that I should use the handle end of a hammer to knock it free. It worked.

This was the same guy who gave me a good deal on replacement resin for the softener we use for the RV. I made an appointment to have one of his technicians come out to check the reverse osmosis water filter, and replace filters as necessary. I want to watch someone do it the first time.

I tried compacting the dirt around the hydrant that was repaired yesterday. I succeded in getting it to leak again. Carl and his buddy came over this afternoon and working on it for another 1-2 hours. We left the hole open this time. I will check it tomorrow to see if it still appears to be leak free.

After putting gas in the lawn tractor it started. I had been unable to get the oil filler cap off to check the oil but managed to loosen it today. I was very pleasantly surprised to see that it was full of clean oil. Carl loosened up the brake linkage while he was here today and drove it a short distance. As soon as I get an air compressor, or air tank, to add air to the tires we should be ready to mow.

It only got to 93 today. Right now, 8:30 PM, it is clear down to 87. The highs the next four days are forecast to be 90, 99, 104 & 104. Still no rain in the extended forecast.

Good night to all and may God bless you and yours.