TALES FROM THE BOBBI LAMA

The Universe always seems to give me a new project, and this time, it’s to remove a huge hunk of an island that was shoved (by hurricane or tornadic winds) onto my back yard! Those 90 mph winds and 21 inches of rainfall filled the lake and caused such high water that it managed to uproot and blow an entire one-acre island from the center of the lake right up against several properties. One part of this massive floating vegetation that has heavily landed onto three properties including mine, has started growing into the grass with highly invasive roots of the island vegetation. So, needless to say, it can’t stay. With the clock ticking, so to speak, I’ve committed to removing a section everyday until it’s “unhooked” and free to be moved (if our association can determine how to move it back and stake it down.) I’ve discovered that has been done in other “floating island” cases. Besides, the view of the lake will be gone until I do at least that. My late husband and I created a sitting area to enjoy that view of the lake when he was alive, and now I still want to sit out there and feel his loving energy around me so the challenge is on.

I started with a snipping tool to remove the vegetation so I could see the foot deep of rootbound peat that came with it all. Then I tried a shovel, but the roots were so tightly knarled and the wet peat combination was extremely heavy. Next I got a saw and began to cut a cubic foot around the edges where it was a bit lighter, a little at a time. I found I could break free all the thick roots and branches that stopped me at each cut if it was dried ou I could only make a little progress each day because of that. After a few days, I finally reached the bottom of the first cleared section and was able to see my property (ie dead grass). And a few days after that, another chunk of the island blob was removed. Now, I’m not sure why I feel so exhilarated, but I love thinking that I am able to remove this big invasion of a land mass from my yard all by myself. As a senior citizen I’ve had to learn to pace myself each time I go at it. I know I have to stop and come inside about every 30 minutes or so, or sooner if I get overheated, the bugs begin to bite, my back bothers me, or my heart pounds. (I also keep an eye out for any possible alligators that could possibly be lurking under the massive floating island.) I cool off for an hour or two and then go back out. I’ve learned that doing just a section at a time has been the key. And it’s getting done gradually so I only need patience to go with my determination. I had a funny thought, though, about whether I would live long enough to remove it all (till death do us part, lol) but I don’t care. The sense of satisfaction of working to complete this goal is wonderfully motivating and the exercise isn’t bad, either! Of course there was a feather in the middle of it all, so I feel my late husband’s spirit is there keeping me company…one chunk at a time.