Oklahoma Chain Saw Massacre

The real trick to using a chain saw is to avoid cutting off stuff that then falls on you.
The real trick to using a chain saw is to avoid cutting off stuff that then falls on you.

Last winter a powerful ice storm blanketed our state, severing electrical power in many areas, and damaging many trees in the state. While we got off relatively lightly in Byng, some trees were damaged in our yards. Some of those were later removed by companies hired by OG&E to clear power lines, some simply fell off the trees during

Dorothy's peaches; since she lets them grow mostly wild, they are small and spotty. I grab one and eat the good part when I roll by on the mower, then throw the rest on the ground. (Don't look for this one. It was delicious.)
Dorothy's peaches; since she lets them grow mostly wild, they are small and spotty. I grab one and eat the good part when I roll by on the mower, then throw the rest on the ground. (Don't look for this one. It was delicious.)

windy spring storms, and some just stayed where they were. Tonight I worked on one of those, a stubborn tangle of elm, grapevine, mulberry, and mimosa that fell to the ground in the ice storm but didn’t break off and die. Recently I have been out there with Roundup to kill any remaining poison ivy, so tonight I was finally ready to dig into it, although I recognize it is a multi-evening task.

The reason this is noteworthy: my chain saw. I still can’t believe I am a guy with a chain saw. Together with my Ada Cougars baseball cap and sweat-drenched t-shirt, I felt like I really belonged here in our little patch of green using a noisy gasoline power tool to cut it to pieces.

Our vine-covered cottage in the county; I have removed this morning glory on the front fence many times over the years, since Abby doesn't like it, but it's back, and I think it might be here to stay.
Our vine-covered cottage in the county; I have removed this morning glory on the front fence many times over the years, since Abby doesn't like it, but it's back, and I think it might be here to stay.