We definitely needed the rain.... (Tampa, Ocala: appointed, live, to move)

[kmarc]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 5 months or so here in the Ocala area. Within a couple of weeks after arriving here at the end of September, the weather moderated and it was the first autumn/winter season in a number of years where the weather wasn't discouragingly warm. Many brisk, beautiful days. But, definitely dry for the most part. Just a couple of days ago my neighbor had their lawn cut and the mower was stirring up clouds of dust more than anything else.

So this rain we're having, which is scheduled to last through tomorrow, is rather welcome and hopefully will put a bit of a damper on the fire season. A good soaking rain. Is this usual heading into spring here?

[A Little Hoarse]

I have hundreds of pounds of live oak leaves to burn. Huge pile. I couldn't get a permit because it was dry. Now I can't burn them because it's raining.

Very disappointed in February. A friend told me it would be cool, and then we had all that hot weather.

[dontaskwhy]

A can of gas and a match will do the job, even in the rain.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by A Little Hoarse

I have hundreds of pounds of live oak leaves to burn. Huge pile. I couldn't get a permit because it was dry. Now I can't burn them because it's raining.

Very disappointed in February. A friend told me it would be cool, and then we had all that hot weather.

Mulching party at Hoarse's house! BYOM (Bring Your Own Mower) do some crazy eights and pop a few wheelies! Weenie and marshmallow roast!

Wait, that was hot weather? I admit, we had a few warm days, but it was followed by a nice cool down, bright blue sky and wonderful breeze. I loved to see the flowering trees, but it was a little short lived for me.

Lotta chemtrails here, though.

[A Little Hoarse]

I've found that using gasoline on the burn pile is a great way to get rid of unwanted leg hair and melt my shoelaces.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by A Little Hoarse

I've found that using gasoline on the burn pile is a great way to get rid of unwanted leg hair and melt my shoelaces.

Stomping on those piles for fire control?

[kmarc]

I have to admit, I rather like it here. I would be really bummed if I had to move back to the Tampa area.

[A Little Hoarse]

I can't believe these leaves. I installed a mulch kit on the mower, and they just sit on the ground while I ride over them. And the Spanish moss IN THE GRASS (is that even possible?) wraps around my leaf sweeper's axles so I have to cut it off. I tried burning it off with a torch. Then I found out how beautifully Spanish moss burns. Big flames. I did not see that coming.

Last time I burned leaves, the pile kept going for 3 days, and it was impossible to put out. I feel like this is an overlooked energy source. Probably the best kindling in the universe. I thought they would be gone in an hour.

[A Little Hoarse]

Originally Posted by kmarc

Stomping on those piles for fire control?

I put around 4 ounces of gas on the burn pile and lit it. The blast and fireball covered me from head to toe. Was I surprised? In a nutshell, yes.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by A Little Hoarse

I can't believe these leaves. I installed a mulch kit on the mower, and they just sit on the ground while I ride over them. And the Spanish moss IN THE GRASS (is that even possible?) wraps around my leaf sweeper's axles so I have to cut it off. I tried burning it off with a torch. Then I found out how beautifully Spanish moss burns. Big flames. I did not see that coming.

Last time I burned leaves, the pile kept going for 3 days, and it was impossible to put out. I feel like this is an overlooked energy source. Probably the best kindling in the universe. I thought they would be gone in an hour.

Some friends of ours used to keep a couple of horses on five acres in a semi-rural part of Hillsborough County. Those horses would eat the lower hanging Spanish moss off the oaks for a snack.

Seriously, though, Hoarse, how're you doing? If I recall, you moved up here from Dade County a little before we arrived from Hillsborough. Has that been a big adjustment for you?