In and out of my cocoon/Carlos Pueblo

In and out of my cocoon/Carlos Pueblo

I was summoned to help to clean the weed of Michelle’s rental property

in Austin, Texas for two days in and out of my cocoon. It is one of a few

activity which I consider a meaningful life during my aging life tenure. We

have anticipated what we shall do in the yard both in the front and the back

; therefore, we have brought some tools from home for the task. It is an old

house with innovation yet still has weed all over the yard and she does not

expect that her tenant would take care of it. Other than cleaning the yard, we

also witness a catch of a possum, the major reason for this trip. I feel that the

weed problem is under control now and it is a matter of time that the rental

property will become manageable.

A pet control pickup truck was waiting on the front yard parking space. Her

tenant was complaining that noise was heard at night and she knew immediately

that would cost her at least $200 to send someone to check it if it was caught,

the cost would be up to $300 in this case including holes repair was $600 in total

cost. Pet control is a very good business. The possum is a big one, bigger than our

cat Stich. I was joking with the owner of the pet company about a description of

a scenario of the novel, To kill a mockingbird, describing people in rural Alabama

to barbeque the possum and the good smell. The owner says that he has a recipe.

What I did with the vine weed, a kind of vine crawling all over the yard on the fence

, bushes, flowers with a strong stump. Every time, I would cut hem and they would

grow back again and the rose garden is covered by it like a mushroom shape. It is

horrible. I would cut the vine loose in a small area vertically and horizontally, then

pull the entangle vine out of the struggle roses like pulling hair out of a head or cut

the mushroom umbrella one by one. 6 months ago, we had had 7 pickup load of trash

to the dumpster and this time maybe one and a half. Of course, it was including the

trash junky branched. The chemical which Michelle applied on the tree cut is working

at least control most of the junk trees and this time she applies to the vine stump and

unfinished junk trees. This is why I feel the yard issue is under control. She has owned

the property since 2007.

There are apple tree, peach tree, pomegranate tree which all bearing fruits and one

grape fruit, Texas ruby, bears 4 first year produce and I expect more next year. I do not

expect to see the 0.2 acre lot will become like the home garden in Germany, Offenbeck,

Berlin or along the German railroad track, yet after years after years effort it may do.

I have been in my cocoon most of the time and this is a time that I become a moth or

butterfly in and out of my cocoon to see not wander the world outside the cocoon.