I knew it was coming. The dozer. The man who NOW owns the property behind us stopped by on Sunday to tell us.
He had asked us back in February—if it would be okay to take down the fence and put up NEW fence, in order to keep his cows in his field.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I guess, NEW FENCE.
You can see the gnarly old barbed wire--- it was so mangled, it wasn’t doing the job.
We waked some mornings with cattle ‘lowing’…very close to the back porch!
Our corner post with our next door neighbor. She actually had cows under her carport and at the patio door one morning!
I’m torn.
Not sure how to feel. On the one hand—we’re getting a new fence back there. On the other hand—we have lost a lot of trees. Trees that grew right on the fence row. The picture above shows the ‘China Berry’ (Texas Soap Berry Tree) that we lost last summer – we asked if he’d push it our way. We’ll cut it for fuel next winter.
These Pillars are staying. I’m glad. They serve as a solid place to “tie-in” and they mark our property line too. They serve as SOMETHING FAMILIAR in this Unfamiliar time. I’m assuming he will be putting barbed wire back up there. One thing that gives me a little bit of peace about the whole thing; At least he is putting his cows back out there when this is all over and done with…and not a Sub-division, or RV park or something like that.
Still, the trees being down has changed everything so quickly. Overnight.
I was wondering where all the birds have gone. Today, I noticed there were more in our yard and around our home. I saw several flying to the old oak tree out back.
(looking down the property line) The Oak on the left—in OUR field and the tree straight down…barely inside the line.
This pile of trees represents homeless and misplaced birds. I wondered how many nests for birds, squirrels, etc. were disrupted when these trees were pushed into a pile. Even the field of Black Eyed Susan's were crushed as the Dozer…chomped, chomped, chomped it’s way through the pasture.
This ‘Susan’ … a casualty.
Still, I know more trees will grow. I don’t know if I’ll be here to sit under their shade and walk in the breeze that will rustle their leaves. I’m so grateful today, to have this view regardless. Very soon, the fence will be up and the cows will be back.
For now, I AM trying to get used to the view again. The birds are not the only ones misplaced. I sort of feel as though I am misplaced too. It is a strange feeling having someone fiddle with your surroundings. 
The sunset a little differently tonight.
Til next time, Be Blessed!
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Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8
13 comments:
What a wonderful post, Pat. It is nice that you are getting a new fence but I am so sorry that you had to lose trees along the way. I hope the neighbor turns out to be a good one. xo Diana
That's great there is a new fence going up, but sad about the trees. When my ding dong neighbor is out bulldozing in the woods, the birds go nuts. They are chattering on so much lately. Once the fence it up there, hopefully the birds will rest easily, and no more cows at your house.
Its always sad to think of the little animals that get misplaced during these times. Hopefully the new fence will come up soon and the birds can get settled in. You have very peaceful surroundings. I enjoyed the pictures.
Oh Pat, you tell this story so well. There is an old saying " The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now." Perhaps it would help you recover if your family planted a few trees on that line :) Maybe an orchard will arise from the devastation and the cattle will stand in its shade and munch on its fruit. And maybe the neighbor will toss some manure your way...and some fresh, raw milk perhaps???
You still have a very lovely setting! :-)
The end result looks great but I know how hard it is to see trees and flowers just be pushed away.. I am glad that it is only cows and not a subdivision or something that would block that great view.. I am sure nature will take its course and there will be more wild flowers and vines to make their way around the fence very soon. Have a great week and Blessings as you enjoy your new view!
I sympathize! We can't afford actual property (acreage, I mean), but are so blessed to live on a dead end in a small rural neighborhood. We thought about trying to buy our neighbor's property, but she passed before we ever got around to serious investigation. A local rich guy bought it, and the one next to it. I was so stressed out when he started bulldozing and building it up - the lady who used to own it was told her half acre lot could be split into three lots!! So far he seems to be ignoring it, and I'm hoping it stays that way - at least until we can afford it! I'm so relieved for you that your neighbor at least is still keeping cows, and not "developing" the land!!
Beautiful place!! I love old china berry trees...been thinking that I was the only person that liked these trees. My husbands family has been in the tree growing business for 85 years now!! All kinds of trees with their specialty being PECAN trees!! A huge business!! I love all kinds of trees, and hate to see any of them have to be pushed up. Enjoy the view..
It sure does feel strange. But this sounds like it had to be done. Too bad the fence couldn't work around the trees a bit more. Pat, I hope you got some that old fence wood and barbed wire - I'm sure you could do something with that! If it were me, I'd miss the sound of the cows outside my house too. Ann
God will ensure the 'misplaced' birds and squirrels are led to their new homes -- worry not!
Sometimes change is unsettling; however, when God allows change in our lives He knows we are ready for it.
May you enjoy the new view! Much love :)
I too am sad for the small animals that are displaced, but happy that you will have cows close, but not too close! Also thankful as you said, that it's only cows, and not new homes or worse.
change is tough.
gail
I can sympathize with you, I hate seeing trees cut down, but just think . . . no cows on the back porch, LOL.
Our neighbors cows get out now and again, once we had a stampede down our subdivision road. I had to call the fire chief because he lives down in the valley and would probably know who was missing a heard. A bull was in our driveway looking into the garage. They are so heavy that they left deep hoof prints everywhere and trampled the grass. I'd vote for the fence- or close that garage door with one inside and say .... cow? What cow? Then BBQ!!! LOL
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