Trees, tractor tire, Gates and more Gates

    Okay so today was kind of busy but it looks like we didn't get anything done.  First, Jethro met his first skunk.  That means his first bath in the bath tub.  For a dog that loves the water trothes he sure doesn't like bathtubs.  We washed him with antibacterial soap and mouthwash.  Then Jethro stayed in half the morning drying.  Dad and I headed out to get my uncle's welder so we could get the gates all fixed and useable.  The problem is that I didn't realize how many gates that would be and how long it would take.  With my Dad's Father manning the cutting torch and Dad welding there wasn't much I could really do to help.  So I worked to get some of the trash burned down.  
    Mom spent the day cleaning the inside of the house and cooking.  I have to admit I like the days when we are all home and working on the farm.  I look forward to the days that we can make a living spending the days the way we did today.  I also like that we get to have three meals a day sitting as a family and saying Grace before we enjoy meals together.  Normally we don't get but one a day that way.
    The most fun was had after all the gates were fixed and it was time to put the tractor tire back on.  It took Mom, Dad and I and a bit of help from the beast ... Meet the beast ...

    I have to tell you that it took all of us to get that tire back on.  Dad ran the Beast while I screwed in the bolts.  Mom, however, had the work horse job.  She lined up the bolt holes and shoved the tire on and held it.  It took more then one try but Mom was a real trooper and we got it done.  I tried to make it look like I was working hard.  It can't all be work and no fun ... As for Mom she gets to soak in the tub tonight ... a bath really is cheap help you know ...

    One of the other things Mom and I did today, while Dad did the gates, was that we started some Linden Tree Seeds.  Okay we didn't really start them.  Mom doesn't know how the Linden Tree seeds got on her order but she got the seeds and she did pay for them but we are in the wrong zone so Mom decided to at least try and start them and use them as house trees until they get to big.  By then she hopes they will be big enough to stand Oklahoma weather. 
    Mom read that to start Linden trees you have to put them in a damp cold place for 90 days and then start them in warm soil.  So Here is what we did.  First we set up our damp pot ... We lined a small container with a paper towel.

Then we put the seeds in and covered them with another paper towel before we wet the whole thing down

And put it in the frig.  It will stay there for 90 days according to the instructions. 

 Then Mom says she will be planting them in her Birthday gift ... Which is funny because Neither Dad nor I got her anything.  So what was she talking about???  Well, I never did get that cake made for her birthday so it was a good thing when a friend of Mom's showed up with one.  And it came in this ....

    Well, You know Mom she turned it over and added a few toilet paper rolls and Paper towel rolls cut in thirds and she calls it a greenhouse and said it was her present and just what she needed because she wants to have a better garden this year.  The cake that keeps on giving ... who knew? 

    Anyway, to end the night I have a guy coming to buy a rooster because his died ... Then I am off to bed...