The Good Shepherd

Gregg and I love to walk for exercise. Running is not an option for him due to problems with his back, so we walk instead. We like to explore new places, yet we have favorite routes which we like to repeat. This summer, his employer is offering an incentive to walk a certain distance each day, so we are going to have fun trying to "beat" that number.

After dinner last night, we went to one of our preferred spots and found that the city of Bainbridge Island is utilizing a natural means for dealing with the encroachment of pernicious ivy in this park: they brought in a goatherd and his flock of goats.

This man parks his huge trailer in the lot, and camps there with his dog and herd until the job is done. Let me tell you, those goats are dedicated workers (eaters). When they have stripped one area, he moves the flock (and the portable electric fencing which protects them) to another section of the park.

It is amazing to see them strip the undergrowth. We saw goats climbing trees, butting each other, standing on stumps and fallen trees, eating bark and branches and navigating slopes so steep that it looked as if they would certainly topple over. They are sure-footed, efficient, comical, and noisy.

We stopped to ask questions of the goatherd, and learned a bit about his work. His business is called "Healing Hooves Vegetation Management." It is an alternative to chemical weed-killer - a natural, organic use of a resource in a way that illustrates the old saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." It reminded me of a favorite psalm.

"The Lord the Shepherd" (Psalm 23)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need [will lack nothing].   

He lets me rest [makes me lie down] in green pastures. 

He leads me to calm [quiet] water. 

He gives me new strength [renews my soul]. 

He leads me on paths that are right [righteous; or straight] for the good [sake] of his name [reputation].  

Even if I walk through a very dark valley [or the shadow of death], I will not be afraid [fear no evil], because you are with me.  

Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.  

You prepare a meal [table] for me in front [the presence] of my enemies. 

You pour oil of blessing on my head [anoint my head with oil;oil was a means of refreshment in a hot, dry environment];  

you fill my cup to overflowing [make my cup overflow; a cup of blessing].   

Surely your goodness and love [loyalty; mercy] will be with [pursue; follow] me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever [for length of days]."

Sunset over the calm waters of Rich Passage

Sunday Stuff

After reading the Palm Sunday scriptures today, I took a beautiful walk on the south end of Bainbridge Island. Gregg & I usually walk there together at least once a week, but he won't be home until after dinner time, so I went on my own today. The blue sky, huge billowy clouds, scent of woodsmoke and the sight of spring flowers lifted my heart.

Lots of people were out with their dogs and/or their children. A sweet little girl complimented my sweatshirt.

A funny thing occurred on my walk, as I was passing a house which has fabulous raised garden beds. I love the property. As I was walking by, I heard a rooster crowing - but it sounded like a dog barking. I stopped to listen again: dog? Rooster? Dog? I decided it was a rooster. I wish I'd had a way to record it. Do you suppose that a rooster - who has no access to other roosters, and is surrounded by dogs - could get his voice confused? That's what it sounded like. It was hilarious.

We've had people working here this week, making new drainage in our yard, clearing debris and taking 11 years' of moss growth from our roof (and "whatever" from our gutters).

Our house is tall, with a steeply-pitched roof, and it is a big job, requiring a safety harness. That's why it's taken us so long to get around to having it done.

While they were cleaning the roof, they found a hole in it- a puncture; I suspect it was made by a large branch that shook the house when it fell on the roof last year.

That's why those falling branches are called "widow-makers" around here.

Good to know about the hole, before some little critter decides to take up residence with us! That will need to be repaired soon. In our "next house," I think we should consider a metal roof.

And in case you are thinking of having your roof cleaned, you might want to plan to clean your windows afterward. Just sayin'.

Latte has been unfazed by the activity, and has set out to make friends with the crew. Liger is terrified of the noise their compressor makes as they clean the roof. He has been hiding behind the washing machine and under the dining table.

Gregg is on his way home from a business trip to Spain. He's been away for 9 days, and I can't wait to see him!