Okay, tree-limb cutting is hard work!

After I got home late this morning, I decided I'd haul my step ladder around the back and do some trimming of the heavy branches that hang over my fence. I've been concerned they would somehow damage the sheeting or otherwise cause problems.

So off I went, ladder and two hand saws with me.

Just a tip: It's better to have someone around when you're up on a step ladder that's resting on uneven ground. Just saying.

No, I didn't fall, thank you, Fates, but I sure as heck hung on to my fence posts with one hand for much of this, making the whole exercise even harder.

I know it doesn't look like I did much, but my arms and shoulders would say otherwise, if they could speak. And had the energy to do so.

A couple of the lower branches on the right were trimmed some time ago, but I did the upper ones today.

You really can't tell what the mess of green is, but it's all the branches I took off. Some of them actually are very large, and I was amazed I didn't injure myself or damage the fence sheeting. That's the green utility box on the far right, below. Toby jumps up onto the lower part of my fence from there.

As for all the branches, if they're still there when Dad visits, I'll see if we can haul them away. I need to rent a truck to take some stuff to the garbage centre anyway.

All the branches that were hanging on my fence are gone now. I'm sure I'm the only one who will notice this!

From my back step.Nice to have the heavy, overhanging branches gone.

A closer look at a few of the spots I cut back.

I was totally covered in sawdust after that (good thing I was wearing my sunglasses, btw), and absolutely exhausted.

However, after a quick shower and some lunch, I went back out to use my newly-purchased staple gun and attach the critter deterrent along the top of the fence, in a couple of strategic spots. This is the stuff I bought on-line from Lee Valley Tools in Ottawa, back in May. It's been in my hall closet ever since.

Below is the low part of the back of the fence, where Toby jumps up. Sorry, Toby. You are absolutely welcome to come for food and scritches on my front step, but you are not welcome to walk along the top of the fence, meowing your head off, particularly when my boys are outside. Because, goddess forbid, if you ever get in, you won't be able to get out except with human intervention. And I shudder to think how ugly a cat fight could be. BTW, those are plastic spikes and won't cut him, or any other critter. But they sure won't be comfortable to walk on, either. Oh, and I added some moth balls to the top too, in between the spikes. For good measure.  :-)

Below: The low part is off to the left, and I put a few more pieces on this part as well. It doesn't look like it from the pic, but I have the spikes centered, and there's very little room for any critter's paw or claw. I have 4 more squares of the stuff, so 8 pieces when cut in half, if I need to put more elsewhere. But I'm going to cross my fingers that this will be enough.

So, what with the post-payday stocking up/running around this morning, and the unaccustomed upper body exercise this aft, I've had a workout. Of sorts. I feel an Advil coming on. LOL.

I hope everyone's day isn't quite so exerting!