Tumbleweeds and Camp Opanana

The idea was good. I'm sure it was. After my granddaughter, Chaja, was deprived of 4-H Camp in Washoe County (already full) and Lyon County (they don't accept kids outside the county) I decided, who needs them anyway? I can do my own camp so...like the little red hen, I did.

Now I am not complaining because I had a great time, but I think I took on too much as the camp director, activity director, chaperone, cook... My comrade in crime, Randi, helped a lot but her days were shorter than mine since Helen only came for daytime activities. I was up each morning before 6:00 and crawling into my sleeping bag under the olive tree by the chicken coop by 11:00 pm.

I think the kids had fun...it's hard to tell. I ran it like a camp and they didn't have the measure of freedom they are accustomed to when they come out to the high Nevada desert. They did learn about the area with trips to Ft. Churchill and the Oxbow Nature Study.

The best thing for us, though,was getting rid of weeds. Before Camp, when Helen came to visit, she navigated through tumbleweeds growing waist high (her waist high) in our yard. Now Helen in only 4 but I could see what an issue it was for her, avoiding all the stickers and prickly branches. Then and there I decided to begin a weed eradication program, half hour of weed pulling every morning as the sun was rising to heat up the day. The piles have grown, multiplied and taken a life of their own. But to Helen I owe thanks for showing me that under all those weeds we have a delightful yard.

Camp is over but I am still fighting the battle against the tumbleweeds. I am determined and their life is withering as the days shorten. I think I may be victorious.