I love working on outside projects this time of year. There's something nice about having to bundle up to stay warm with no risk of overheating.
This year I decided I needed to be a bit more intentional with our various projects to capitalize on good weather. Don't get me wrong, I love all the rain we've been getting but it does hamper getting things done outside. So, I've got a list of outside projects for sunny days and a list of inside projects for rainy days (such as purchasing supplies so I'm ready to go when the sun comes out).
We've been wanting to cross fence one of our pastures for a couple years, and with spring looming, last weekend was the perfect outside project kind of weekend to start. Our plan entails putting up about 130' of new fencing and a new gate. It's so much easier to dig post holes and drive T-posts into the ground this time of year as opposed to summer when the dirt is like hardened cement.
My standard fence recipe is a wooden 4x6' post every 100' set in concrete and braced. T-posts are spaced every 10' and then we stretch the horse fencing. A come-along makes it relatively easy to pull the fence tight.
When we first moved here, we used railroad ties for posts, but they required a much bigger hole and the neighbor's tractor to lift into place. Too much work! While the 4x6' posts are easier to move around and look better, the juror is still out on how long they will last.
Two posts set. Ready for T-posts.
As with every project, there are always some unforeseen complications. I didn't realize there was a willow and blackberry bramble just within the fence line until I strung up a string to ensure the fence would be straight. Normally, it would be quick work with a chainsaw to slash back the obstruction - assuming you can get the dang thing started. Note to self, get the chainsaw repaired!
As rain was forecast this weekend, the kids and I dashed out Saturday morning to purchase the new pasture gate (and some unrelated art supplies) so it would be on hand and ready for a pleasant day. To my surprise, we arrived home and the sun was shining! My inside project day just turned into an outside project day.
With some help from Kristy, we set the final post and hung the gate.
We'll have to wait to stretch the horse fencing until the ground dries out a bit. I don't want my nice straight posts leaning on the first day!
In other news, albeit belated, our donkeys came home late November from breeding! Yes, we hope to have baby donkeys this year...probably late summer. Exciting!
- Matt
Expectant mamas, Lucie and Willow.