A few weeks back, I scored about 40 pieces of 2"x12"x 3 or 4 foot (a mix of both sizes) lumber; perfect for raised beds! The down side was, they have other pieces of wood nailed on to each side; on the bottom are 4"x4" pieces at each end to serve as legs, and 2"x4" pieces on each end of the other side to act as spacers of some sort so the assemblies can be stacked.

Each one of those extraneous pieces of wood have to be removed, so it has become my own little hobby. I found out very quickly that the nails used are the ones that look like they have a slight twist, making them difficult to pull out.  Luckily, I rather enjoy the mindlessness of pulling them apart, and the pile of cleaned boards is finally starting to take shape.  The other pieces are destined to fuel the fire pit this winter (if we ever get winter weather!)

Earlier this week, Hubby trimmed up the four pine trees in our front yard.  I spent a couple days trimming off the smaller branches and needles, and now have the larger branches left to cut down for the fire pit as well.  We have an 18 volt battery operated chainsaw that works amazingly well for branches up to 4-5" in diameter.  I cut down a couple of the branches, but the vibration from the chainsaw did a number on the fingers on my left hand; they hurt like heck!  So, I'm leaving THAT little job for the Hubster.

My tomatoes planted in the Earthbox last month are actually setting fruit! I have to figure out a way to stake them; they are an indeterminant early bearing variety (NOT Early Girl though, we had terrible luck with EGs this summer.) We have gotten three tiny strawberries from the plants in the other Earthbox, but the whiteflies are taking their toll on the plants.

One of our Jersey Giant girls is laying now; ping-pong ball sized dark brown eggs that are surprisingly small for such a large bird.  Ah well, can't expect extra large eggs from a pullet!