Busy week

 Lots of work done in the yard this week. 

Early in the week the main project was putting up cattle fence around a field so that trees can be planted at the start of the rainy season.

We continued to work on the garden, planting, burning brush, and working on bio-charcoal.

The citrus 'Orchard' received a big face-lift with tree trimming, brush cleaning up; holes dug for grapes, passionfruit and kiwi vines. 

Harvest of the young tree leaves occurred being placed by the holes for compost when planting occurs.

Second smaller holes were dug to put up tall wooden poles for trellises the vines can climb.

Taking down non-fruit trees or trees that were sickly not only allows more sunny areas for the nursery but locations to plant fruit trees.

We did take a break on Wednesday afternoon to lecture the students one last time this term [Farming economics and pulmonary diseases], we continue our Tonga classes three afternoons a week, and attended the closing chapel service Friday. 

Weeding the nursery bags planted with avocado revealed that about 15 have sprouted!

We have about 600 seeds planted from the one avocado tree near the church, enough to plant 3 or 4 acres if we get good germination.

Moringa seedlings needed to be moved to a sunnier spot.

Two hollow log bee-hives were made and placed in mango trees, and while cutting posts the guys found a hive and harvested 3 Liters of honey, some of which they shared with us. Tasty.

Brush to biochar. Biochar turned hard clay into soft black 
garden soil in Haiti. Unlike compost it lasts hundreds
of years if not eroded away (Brazil's "Terra Preta")

Old dried soybean plants were collected from the field for compost before it could be burnt in preparation for plowing the field.

Trees will be planted, but while they grow, the field can continue to be used for other crops. 

The 'early showers' did bring spring flowers and lots of big bugs! 

Didn't get a photo of the log before tin put on the ends,
only about an inch or two thick hollow log.

It is strange thinking of Thanksgiving in the Spring and seeing all the pictures of snowy Michigan while we enjoy sunny days in the 80's.

We're thankful that Anna's travels yesterday to Michigan went OK so she can celebrate a wedding and Thanksgiving with family before returning to California for finals. 

Getting the house screens repaired maybe moving up on the to-do list before mosquitoes multiply. 

Next we've invited 4 couples to share a Thanksgiving meal with us.

Cory plans to make a shopping trip prior to Thursday.

Rachel, the national secretary is working on our work permit renewal as our current ones run out on Nov. 30th.