Dark Earth

* In Wallsburg I always feel like I am living, really living in each season. I think it is because of our drape-less windows, we can always feel the weather outside, inside, and my morning walks. Spring brings such hope. The earth is so dark and rich, just waiting for new growth. Tom and I have been getting the fields ready to plant. We started last fall tilling everything twice. This spring we have tilled again and then sprayed to kill the weeds. Then we tilled again and dragged to smooth everything out. You can see part of the drag that is a big metal frame with railroad ties welded to it. Tom would create a giant dust bowl as he drove back and forth. He would come in at night looking like a chimney sweep. We shower at night and crawl in bed so tired. I need to mention that we have cleared a million-zillion pounds of rocks. Nicki and Colby have helped us. We filled buckets with rocks and then poured them into the creek beds. We bought an entire truck load of alfalfa seed and oat seed as a cover crop to shade the alfalfa. Yesterday Paul came and helped us plant. We used our old planter and it worked like a charm. This is the first time we have ever replanted. Our bodies are tired but we are filled with great hope. We can hardly wait to see the first green sprouts. For the first time in months we are glad that the forecast is for rain. A perfect gentle watering. I love Wallsburg, the green of spring, and Tom.
* . . . and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." Alma 34:38