My aching back

Part of the problem with a farm is that there are so many things to do it's tough to know where to begin. Since we moved we've been talking about a garden and, well, since warm weather has arrived we've been out playing in the dirt. Besides, if you have a farm how can you not garden? Sunday was all outdoors: Skies were clear, sun was out, and since the house is filled with plants waiting for somewhere to go, we spent the day digging.

Gina had one plot complete, but we figure we'll need at least a total of four. After years of growth the grass in the meadow is unbelievably thick, so the first step was to remove the sod: loosen with pitchfork, hack a section out, pick it up and whack at it to remove excess dirt. Needless to say, it's time consuming. After a few hours, we had two more plots (4' x 10') complete. Last night (Wednesday) we finished the fourth. We'll need to dig them again before planting, but we're almost there. This weekend the planting begins.

I also built a big compost bin, which we've been filling slowly and steadily. I have no experience here, but I'm trying to get the balance right so that at some point we have some good, healthy compost for the garden. Next up: painting one of the six outbuildings. Hoo, boy. Anyone have any experience with paint sprayers?