AmeriCorps diary from the front:

We spotted the invasives several miles from the home base. Heavy infestations of bittersweet multi-floral rose, bush honeysuckle, and several regiments of poison ivy. We moved in with a lopper movement designed to remove most of the enemy. We then followed up with heavy hand saw and Pulaski application. After we were done, we had a nice walking path, and a whole lot less invasive plants.

All in all it was a great day. The members got some tool training, which they seemed to enjoy. I know I did. It was great to see them all get their work groove on. Working outside to improve the world is exactly why I took this position. There is something very rewarding about working to improve and restore an area. Even though we only did a small section of roadside it was a start and I look forward to doing more.

I got to see Tess this weekend, she was vibrant and amazing. I love her to death and she always puts a huge smile on my face. Her family spoiled the crap out of me and gave me a great dinner. They really are too nice to me. I can only hope to one day be able to give them a nice present in return.

Other than my constant battle to get enough sleep, things are going really well. I can’t wait to see Tess again this weekend, its going to be great fun. I am also training to run a marathon (OK lets be honest a 3 mile section of a relay marathon) but it will be the first time I have ever paid money to run. I mean I can run right now for free, but when you enter a race it feels much more official. Lets hope I will be in good enough shape to do this thing. Don’t get me wrong I am in good shape, but I just have a really hard time running, I am a bike man by choice, but am giving up the mechanical advantage to try this jogging thing out. Lets hope it sticks.