The spring snowstorms have been giving way to spring rainstorms. While we did have a few inches of snow on Monday, it was not only gone by Tuesday, but the temperatures actually brought out the shorts. For about a day, then we were back into sweats and jeans. And the region seems to have settled into its usual pattern of afternoon rain showers for a few days, followed by some of the best weather we could ask for. But only for a few days before the rain begins again.

This, of course, means the meadow is beginning to green up.

One of our ATVs survived the fire, and it was due for new tires, so we took it to the tire shop on Monday. In the snow. Oh, and we also had it in the only trailer we had available—our water trailer. Somehow we managed to shoehorn it in, with inches to spare on the sides. If getting it into the trailer was an adventure, backing it out was even more of one. We didn’t have ramps with us, so we opted to unhook the trailer from the truck and let gravity work in our favor. We picked it up on Tuesday, in the rain. This time we brought a proper ATV trailer so there would be no problems.

We have planned a workday for yesterday but got the word out late in the week, and by then, everyone already had plans. We got the ATV to the property, and I took the opportunity to drive around to see what’s left. I was surprised that the heavy smell of wet campfire still lingered in the trees. I was pleased to note that the gully system that runs down the meadow is doing its job. I didn’t see any new rivulets running through the property, nor did I see any signs of heavy erosion. I did, however, notice that the grasses are taking over the field.

With luck, we’ll have more water available now that Mother Nature has so graciously removed the cottonwood trees from next to our well-head. First Reader wouldn’t let me cut down live trees. I won’t give them a chance to grow back.

We made a lot of phone calls and did a lot of waiting this past week. Next week, we start by driving up to Wyoming to see what their modular home floor plans and prices look like. We were hoping to ride the bikes, but as I look at my weather app, I can see that might not be an option. Ah well, another time.

I feel like this process is moving at a glacial pace, but I know when I look back on this year, things will have happened fast. I look forward to this all being a memory.