Tuesday

 

We were able to remove the chain link today.

We got off to a tough start. I was setting up to use the sawmill to cut the tree that was embedded in the fence when I saw a burrow, either for bunnies or possums--we've seen them both in our backyard. It was about two feet from where I was going to be working, and it freaked me out. John had gone out to get dog food and people food, so I called him to let him know what I found. He came home after one trip and we decided the best way to proceed would be to remove the plants because at least we could see what was coming.

He went on to the grocery store and I finished removing the plants so that I could get to the tree without being trapped in the bushes with a frightened critter. It turns out someone had place a jar in the hole, but we both agreed that the dirt looked fresh. 

I cut the base of the tree and rolled it up in the chain link and made progress from right to left, slowly, since the chain link was 3-4 inches in the dirt intertwined with roots. I used the sawzall to cut through metal and roots, and pulled and pulled to get the fence up. I was soaked in sweat, from head to foot.

Not a happy worker.

John returned and pitched in just as I was fading.

We cleared a path to the second tree, which was also embedded in the fence.

This tree was much smaller and I now had experience.

Together, we lifted the chain link fence up and over the remaining bushes and sprinklers.

We took a break for lunch.

After lunch, I removed the top rail of the fence. It is one long, continuous piece.

Tomorrow, I'll put in a metal blade in my sawzall and cut the rail in smaller pieces to put at the curb next week for pick up. Then I'll attempt to cut the fence posts and remove the gate that is in the corner.

Pile of chain link

We have 5 bags of plant debris and 2 32-gallon containers of the same. Plus 40 feet of metal netting that was covering the chain link fence. Why, I don't know. Oh, and we removed 40 feet of plastic edging that was against the bottom of the fence. Don't know why.

Toby's on Benadryl but he has as many bumps as ever. He also has some patches of inflammation. He did sleep most of the day, and he doesn't appear to be bothered too much. I rarely see him scratching or biting.

Miles walked: 6.2

Miles biked: 0