Deb and I heard Steve hard at work with the chainsaw while we were touring the property on “The Gator”….  He was cutting down three good-sized trees which had invaded the bamboo stand.  We just couldn’t bear to stand idly by, so we joined in the fun, hooking the trees to the rear end of the gator and helping him pull them down once he had cut them.  Deb drives the gator like a wild woman at the rodeo, and we were both feeling essential to the endeavor.  After an hour or so, we agreed it was exhausting to watch Steve work so hard and returned to the porch for a glass of wine. 

This is a beautiful piece of land Deb and Steve inhabit, with lots of birds and butterflies in the bushes and trees and ducks on the water.  I know Deb is itching to get her fishing pole out.  There is some talk of me remaining here for a few days until we can entice our mutual friend from Atlanta to join us for a barbecue party next weekend.  If it all works out, I may take a day trip or two to see the sights of northern Alabama and then return here.  At this rate, it will be early 2014 before I arrive in Montana. 

Meanwhile, Deb and I spent some time this morning sharing our genealogy findings, and I just may have to get back in the thick of my family history.  Yes, it’s all in the back of the car, along with my mother’s recipe box, which may get a workout in the next few weeks.   I will have to post pictures of my stay here later, as my phone does not have reception.  Meanwhile, we’ll have an early evening thanks to our hard work clearing the land.