Fall Cleaning

As a child in Montana, I heard about spring cleaning on the radio and TV, but our family rarely did it. That was probably because spring didn’t arrive really until June as school ended. But what we did do every year was prepare for winter or fall cleaning. We scoured the 2-acre yard for tools, toys and materials, we chopped over 5 cords of firewood, and we sealed any holes or cracks that we could find. Because once the temperature dropped and the snow started to fall, almost all of this would become more difficult or impossible. I don’t live in Montana anymore and haven’t for years, despite this, fall cleaning has always been important to my family. The military stressed this as well because the ice and cold would stop a unit faster than the rain and heat or enemy. Now we are not likely to have to deal with the winters of my childhood but “being prepared” is still a motto we take to heart.

So here at LFV we have begun fall cleaning, by clearing the fence lines and hill sides of excess brush, vines (evil wild grape vines) and trees to promote growth. We have been sorting the material collected into three piles: use now (sticks for fence post), use later (vines for wreaths) and use the ash from the burn pile to spread on our food plots. My children as always were actively involved in the endeavor, for which I am grateful. Though I do catch myself going into NCO mode as they complain about the obvious effects: “I’m tired, thirsty, sore, on fire” you know the usual. To which I give the usual responses: “drink water and keep moving”. I look forward to this seasonal battle to take its annual pause once the temperature drops. Until then, we will be ever vigilant and well hydrated. Deven Little