Lack of Fruit

 

The before photo of the big chunk of the elm tree that blew down a while back. You can't really see the extent of the damage on the trunk from this photo, but I need to consider having the tree taken down along with one of the big oak trees.

I finally got around to cutting up most everything I could reach from the ground or the stepladder yesterday. I'll have to get the extension ladder out to complete the job. 

The maple tree has changed color, but the lilac behind the house is still blooming, as is the neighbor's. The persimmon trees have dropped all their leaves, and it looks like the 'possums and 'coons have left me enough fruit to make a couple of loaves of persimmon bread. I usually like to wait until there's a frost before picking the persimmons, but it might be better if I pick them in the next few days, looking at the long-range forecast.

It's been a strange year for the trees. I had almost no fruit on the apple, peach and crabapple trees. The deer come in the winter and eat the apples that have fallen on the ground. I mowed underneath the trees Sunday and I did hit a single piece of fruit. Usually, it's kind of a slimy mess. While I don't miss that, I wasn't able to make an apple or a peach pie this year. If I was counting on the fruit trees to help carry me through the winter, I'd be in real trouble. Likewise, no raspberries or gooseberries either. Definitely something to consider from a "prepper's" standpoint.

I got the last hydraulic hose made up for the dump trailer yesterday. That project is nearing completion. The pins I made for the hydraulic cylinder have rusted quite a bit. Not surprising since they're made from plain jane carbon steel. My "eyeball" measurement says they're 1" OD. I think I've got a piece of stainless on the rack. Probably should make a pair and be done with it.