Ray and I drove up to Ojai this morning, leaving at 6:00 am and arriving by 7:30. We worked at the orange grove until 2, then headed back home so I could see students beginning at 5:30. We worked on the old Spartan trailer again blocking as many holes as possible to the outside, and then cleaning up where rodents had yet again invaded. I was in charge of the inside work – cleaning out cabinets and sweeping up droppings, then washing the cabinet surfaces down with disinfectant. Lord, Lord, I feel as if this is my life’s work-just trying to stay one step ahead of our little field mice friends. This old trailer is out in the middle of an orange grove, after all, so we can hardly blame any self-respecting mouse for wanting such a fine residence to guard against the summer sun and the winter cold….
I think we may have finally gotten to the source of our problems today, however. We jacked up the trailer, took off the tires and discovered a veritable highway for our little mouse friends to sneak in from underneath. These open areas have now all been covered up with metal and screwed shut. Ah, is it possible we will win the battle? I am not confident about the war, but even a battle or two would be heartening.
On a completely different subject, Ray was commenting on how having the orange grove makes him feel better when we take the time to drive up. He said, “We fertilize the trees and water them, and they do what they’re meant to do: grow and produce. It’s a satisfying feeling.” Of course, we do have to contend with a few extenuating circumstances like drought, freezing weather or wind. But even with those, the trees often still manage to produce wonderful and plentiful fruit, which can be harvested. That is a good feeling. Seeing our trees healthy and our fruit, bright orange and full of flavor.
So, tonight we’re back in LA, tired but happy. A day out working in the orange grove surely extends both of our lives by at least five years.
I guess if we moved up there, we might just live forever!
Comments