towing combine heads stir up so much dust that it briefly looks like the Great Dust Bowl. Here is a combine head parked at the neighbor's place. It's longer than a truck. It seems to attain supersonic speeds, too fast to photograph in motion.
The gravel road is entirely too close, only kept from getting closer by the fence. This is one of the small grain trucks, a minor dust-raiser. Most of the trucks are semis and rolling pretty darn fast, notwithstanding the sharp curve before the bridge. I took the pic through the storm door because I value the camera lens. Not surprisingly, dusty wind is a big reason to not hang out laundry, mow leaves and mulch the garden beds. I've tried working with a dust mask, but the dust still stung my eyes.
As I've mentioned, the wind is usually from the road. The ironic part is the farmers only get on the fields when they, and the road, are dry.
That got me to thinking that it's helpful to have a supply of valid reasons for putting off outdoor chores.That way, no guilt is attached to what otherwise might be viewed as indolence. The following excuses are valid and have stood the test of time.
Digging soil and pulling weeds are only possible when it isn't too dry or too wet.
Planting can be put off because of the above, plus unfavorable moon signs.
Burning the brush pile can be postponed when it is too windy, there are dry leaves in the nearby trees, or it is too cold to hook up the hoses.
Watering is not sensible when there is rain in the forecast, even days hence.
Fishing is out of the question when the river is above Fishing Beach. Also when it's too windy, the moon is not favorable or the river is frozen.
Running the chain saw is out when the poison ivy is in leaf or it is hot.
Beau is glad when the road is dusty because we usually go for a long walk in the woods, where the dust can't reach us.
Harvesting is one thing that brooks no excuses. Even pouring down rain doesn't qualify as legit. However, relying on the "Rain before seven, dry by eleven" will allow an extra four hours of slothful behavior indoors. This time can be used to iron curtains, or work a puzzle, whichever needs to be done the most. Ironing, of course, is more pressing.
