Whew! It is melting, though slowly. I don’t think it got out of the 30s today, but Frank insisted we go out after work and at least start spreading compost and mulch.
Mostly, I wimped out and watched him learn to use his scoop. I think he’ll get better at it, but right now it’s still a huge step up from using the pitchfork. It’s a bit messy, which is the part I hope he improves at, and he’s not getting it very full yet, but I think practice will help a lot. Moving the stuff around this way is so much faster and less work.
I really have to get out there this weekend and try to get ahead of him in these beds, though. I don’t want to spread compost on top of fallen leaves, because I fear they will mat down and not let water penetrate before they break down. Working outside in the cold and wet really isn’t fun, though. I hope it warms up this weekend.