Har har har,Houzz a.k.a-bart's power tool revolution

2 months ago

Peeps, I've foiled Houzz by using Brave instead of Firefox, so now I'm back!

What a difficult year this has been. Since my hip replacement last May, I've had so many problems. The surgeon did a good job, but the follow-up doctors,not so much IMHO.They didn't give serious painkillers, so the pain would not go away, and so I had to keep on taking them (painkillers) far too long-ended up with diverticulitis, and a very painful knee, which by now has degenerated into what I think may be sciatica (back, hip, and leg pain). Tommorrow I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor, who will hopefully be helpful.

In spite of all this, pig-headed bart has continued working out at her land. Having been absent for so long, there's a lot of mess. Brambles and the loathsome wild clematis have bullied and even killed many a plant. There's also several areas that have been invaded badly by ortica (stinging nettle?)So DH and myself went out and I bought him a new, uber-powerful weed-wacker that can handle this disc thing that can and does cut brambles,and he's worked wonders so far, though there's still SO much yet to do. I, instead, bought myself this adorable little battery-operated weed-wacker, and I try to maintain what he's done by cutting some stuff every time I'm out there.

@ Melissa-I sure can relate to you when you say your helper tends to go for "tabula rasa", lol. But there's no alternative for these areas that have been neglected for so long. I went and told my DH to just GO FOR IT,not to worry too much about the invaded roses, because they'll just get choked out anyway, and so he has done. Basically there's only one I'm worried about-one of my Climbing Old Blushes. Eventually I'll have to get to that and see what's what-that is, if its chopped down or just covered in dead wild clematis.

Of course there's too much to do to hope to get it all together in one year, but it's a start.

I love my mini-chainsaw; just sad that I didn't get one sooner; possibly I could've saved my right shoulder from bad arthritis if I had done so. I'm using my wee-battery-operated cheapo trimmer, too; that's really necessary for cleaning up around plants. Probably I'll get a better one soon.

There are many roses that are still doing well in spite of being invaded by brambles; these I will have to clear out by hand.

Sad to say, a hideous heat wave hit us last week-end, so I fear that the rose season will be cut short. I know for sure that my gardeing season is drawing to a close. Since I don't have shelter out there, I can't go in the morning, rest during the hottest time of day, and then water in the evening,which would be ideal.

Oh well,it's a start.

Featured Answer

Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR

2 months ago

last modified: 2 months ago

I love hearing about this Bart. I really relate to the wildness. I love my battery operated pruners now. It is so much easier for me. I am sorry you have had these medical issues. What a fricking pain.

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Comments (13)

Melissa Northern Italy zone 8
2 months ago
I can relate, too! I've always been terrified of power tools, but perhaps these testimonials will encourage some further thinking on the subject.

Bart, that heatwave also put paid to most of my rose flush that was still going on, unfortunately. It just shows how badly shade is needed in the garden, for plants AND humans. Grow, trees!

Well, if your active season in the garden is now done for a few months, that means you'll be able to look after your health, right? I hope you'll have a decent summer convalescing--and taking it easy. Don't forget the taking it easy part.
bartisback thanked Melissa Northern Italy zone 8
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bartisback
Original Author
2 months ago
You guys are so sweet! Ah, Melissa,if only I knew how to "look after my health". I'm an obssive-compulsive.Hopefully St. Raphael will give me a hand and bail me out once again... (and St-Rita, Jude Thaddeus,St. Gabriel of Tblisi, Guardian angels, etc, etc, etc. ) Let's hope the roof stays on, lol!
judijunebugarizonazn8
2 months ago
BART, I’m mighty glad to see you back! Please do take care of yourself and get the help you need, but I totally understand the thing of pushing yourself, because I operate that way myself most of the time. If I can, I will, even if it hurts.

Power tools are so helpful, and if used carefully are less dangerous in the long run because they allow you to get the job done with less taxation on your body. I don’t have a mini chainsaw… yet! But I do love my Milwaukee tools, like my hedge trimmer and pruner.
bartisback thanked judijunebugarizonazn8
susan9santabarbara
2 months ago
Bart, good to see you back!
bartisback thanked susan9santabarbara
portlandmysteryrose
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Yay!!!! It is so good to see you back again. I’ve been rather absent, too, and it’s lovely to see you‘re on the forum again as I have checked in.

As others have said, please take very good care of yourself! I am sending you healing thoughts and wishes for some real relief!

You are amazing with your undaunted spirit and power tools.

Carol
bartisback thanked portlandmysteryrose
jerijen
2 months ago
You go girl!!!
bartisback thanked jerijen
DDinSB (Z10b Coastal CA)
last month
I’ll echo the good wishes of everyone else - hope you’ve kept cool in the latest heatwave. Good to see you back (I’m one to talk; haven’t been “here” in a while!)
bartisback thanked DDinSB (Z10b Coastal CA)
jerijen
last month
You're an inspiration!
bartisback thanked jerijen
Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
last month
last modified: last month
Bart,

How did I miss your last month post? Senior momentx2!

Hip replacement is no walk through the park. Had both done not too long ago, six months apart..... far too soon for the second one. I know the pain. Oxy. and its tramadol sidekick......side effects were worse than the pain for me. Fortunately, simple old ibuprofen worked, and worked excellently. I should be the poster boy for ibuprofen. Just gotta' watch for side effects with it too!

I hope you mind is refreshed off your worries with your rose exploits. Keep us informed of everything.

Pillars are so important in the work they do holding up building parts. Your pillar status at the Roses Forum is undisputed. Please keep us held up! Bless you! Thanks!

Moses.
bartisback thanked Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
bartisback
Original Author
last month
Thank you ,too, Moses.Summer is always a struggle for me, and this one is proving to be a really bad one. I dream of it being over so I can get back to work.
Rosefolly z5
last month
Bart, glad you are back! I hope your recovery proceeds at a good pace.
rosecanadian
last month
Bart, I'm so glad you managed to get back here. :) :) You've been going through some tough times. Hip replacement surgery sounds scary, and you're pretty wrecked from it. I hope your health improves. And good job getting your hubby involved and not fussing over what he hacks out. Keep on keeping on. :)