Happy New Year

In January we will celebrate our second anniversary with Shagbark III. Time reallly does fly. I did think we would get down in December. We have had the weather for it but this month is just too busy with Christmas and family occasions. The good Lord willing and the weather holds, we'll be down in January. After all, we have visited the last two Januarys so I hope the trend holds.

THE YEAR IS OVER-6 DEC 2006

We have finally shut down both places. It has been a GREAT year. Many of our goals have been realized, with new ones taking shape for next year. One great step forward is we now have a ladder. I was really shocked that "herself" didn't decide to make it out of cedar, but this one we can fold up and store under the bed. We will need it when we finish insulating the cabin, and will no doubt find many more uses for it.
We have splurged, and purchased a "game" camera. This camera will attach itself to a tree or similar support, and is activated by motion and heat. Hopefully we will be able to see what kind of beasts walk our trails. Of course, this also may not be so good, depending on what kind of creatures show up. We have always been curious as to what prowls around after dark, as we have seen all kinds of tracks and signs of wildlife. There have been bobcat sightings, and bear tracks, so we will see.
The new 4-wheel trail is super, although it will not be a trail for unexperienced riders or passengers. It is the new bridge trail and it is difficult in places, as son Craig can testify to.
RWH, a visitor last summer, has notified us that he has purchased an outdoor shower for us and visitors to use at the timber. A true act of kindness and generosity on his part. I imagine after he seen our previous shower set up, that he recognized if he ever wanted to shower down here that maybe it was a little to rustic for him. Just Kidding, RWH. We really appreciate the gift and look forward to testing it.

This is a test

Himself is parking the mule in the "garage".

At least in the screen room,

it is somewhat protected from the weather.

III Tree

Last year after Christmas,
I picked up one of those scrawny,
artificial Christmas trees.
In decorating the house today,
I came across some old, old Christmas
tree ornaments I'd picked up at a garage sale.
Tin icicles, for goodness sakes,
and little tin bells with real clappers.
I put them all together and just loved it.
I think it reminds me of my childhood
and some not so perfect trees and
Mama's old ornaments that had seen better days
but went on the tree anyway.

When I asked Himself to admire the old-time tree,
he said "that should be down to III".
And it should!
Maybe next year . . .

Here kitty, kitty

Scratching Post

We found this tree on the pond trail. Something had used its claws and shredded the bark up about three or four feet. I wanted to think it was a bear as I have read that bears will do this but according to Mo's DNR there aren't too many black bears in northern Missouri yet. They are moving north though and the number of bears in Missouri has increased over the last few years along with bobcats and mountain lions. Black bears can be tan, blond, brown, red or black!!

The neighbor says that a male bobcat will scratch a tree like this, to mark his territory. The neighbors recently watched a good-sized bobcat cut through their property.

Himself and I will keep our eyes open. We will watch for prints, tracks and other signs of game. We are curious as to what creastures use our trails and timber when we are not there.

hhmmm. Wonder how a pair of night vision goggles would work . . .

Big ol' tree

River Bottom

Last visit, himself and I took the 4-wheeler off trail and through the trees of the river bottom. There is a lot of dead wood, trees down and some mighty fine living trees still towering above us. We can get through the area now that the shrubs, brush and poison oak and ivy are gone. Down on the bottom, we found where a huge old tree had fallen, probably years ago. It must have been 5 or 6 foot through and 75 - 80 feet tall. It looked as though there might have been two trunks or two large branches that split. One fell one way and one the other.

I will go back, next visit, and look around. I have been looking for the site of an old cabin. I think I should look in the area of the largest tree as any cabin builder/pioneer worth his salt would have planted a shade tree or encouraged one to grow. I will be able to traipse through the timber and poke and prod and not worry about the poison ivy/oak. I think that I shall find the remains of the old cabin someday!

Who am I kidding? That would be like finding a needle in a haystack as probably all that is left is a pile of chimney stones or maybe a metal hinge or something. It would take a miracle to find a fallen down cabin!

But then we did find the limestone well -- so maybe it is possible!

A Perfect Place

This is the tree (trees) for treehouse.

New Goals

As we cross 2006 goals off our list, we are already writing the 2007 goals. One, which Craig has gotten enthused about is the treehouse. Craig's Gramps had a treehouse for the grandchildren, a double decker, and Craig is certainly remembering the fun they had there. The treehouse has been one of my goals too, so the first deck, the first level, shall go up in the spring.

We have found and voted upon the location of the treehouse. It will be about 50 yards behind the cabin. I have cut a preliminary bee-line path from the cabin to the treehouse as Nana will have to keep a close eye on the little ones. I know I won't be able to actually see the treehouse in the summer but I'll be able to hear -- and have quick access should the need arise.

Eventually the treehouse will be at least a double decker. Possibly, in a few years, a 3rd deck or crow's nest, might be added but for now, next spring, one deck will do.

Ascent

A big smooth tree root and slippery leaves
made this part of the trail a little tricky.

Weekends

We have spent two nice weekends lately in the timber and Himself has yet to write a word -- so guess I will have to write to break the silence.

This past weekend when Son #1 came to visit with Gabby, Joe and "T", the bridge really got tested and admired. Himself finished up the last bits on the bridge with a little help, finished screwing down all the planks and put 2X4's on the edge to keep the planks from curling and cupping. Then he took the chain saw on up the trail and widened it so that the 4-wheeler will squeeze through. There is some rough terrain on this trail. Craig tried it out and got hung up on the ascent from the gully. That will happen only once, I bet, but I think we may have to build some "steps" up this hill or cut some notches in the tree root so as to provide better traction. Better safe than sorry.

We have had a beautiful November, until today. Last Friday, I think it was, the temps were in the 70s and all weekend the day time highs were 60, at least.

In addition to finishing the bridge, we put another bundle of insulation in the cabin, I drilled the last hole in my wooden sled (now I just need to remember to get some heavy duty chain, with which to pull it) and Himself took out more nuisance trees. He also worked on moving the trail back off the pond but when we tried it out, we discovered there is one more tree will have to go.

We are preparing ourselves for fewer visits, what with winter weather likely (and predicted) to set in but I have reminded Himself that we have been there on New Year's Day before. All we need is a nice weekend with milder weather, and we'll be down for a visit.

Maybe it will take getting homesick for the timber, to get Himself in gear to write again.

Himself's Bridge I

In process

Himself, working on the bridge floor.

It is wild turkey season and there were gunshots all around, some way too close! Otherwise, Himself would probably never wear this bright sweatshirt -- but a very good idea this time of year.

Cabin Comfort

Check another project off the list; the 4 post cedar bed is done! We went down on Saturday and Himself immediately disappeared down the new trail to work on his bridge. He left me behind at the cabin to put up a bundle of insulation and whatever else I found to do.

I enjoyed unrolling the fiberglass insulation and smoothing it down between the wall studs. We can get just one bundle of insulation into the jeep so it didn't take too long to cut each piece and staple it between the studs on the the north(erly) and west(erly) walls. (The cabin sets gee-jawed on the property.)

After finishing the insulation and checking on Himself's progress at the bridge, I cut and fitted a bed skirt, designed to hide all the storage boxes and tools that are now stowed out of sight, under the bed. I finished the whole thing off with a quilt the children gifted me with a few years ago. Now, doesn't that look warm and inviting? We like it!

And I had a good night's sleep. Himself enjoyed a few hours snuggled up in the bed but due to someone's duty shirking (a story for another day) he was up at 11:30 p.m. and again at 3:00 a.m. to stoke the fire. I bestirred myself at 5:00 a.m. to throw on a log but, of course, Himself couldn't sleep through that so we were up for the day!

All Saturday afternoon and evening, I puttered around our little cabin. I put back all the wall "accessories" that I had taken down so as to insulate. I rearranged furniture, washed windows and swept hundred of Japanese beetles out (again!). I imagine I was just like thousands of pioneer women of years past who took their one room cabin, prettied it up with whatever bits and pieces they could find or spare and took pride in their comfort.

You'all come down now, and visit! Ya hear?

A new beginning

Himself in the ravine where the bridge will be.
I hope he doesn't put rails on it!

THE NEW BRIDGE-10/28/2006

We have just arrived at III after 6 days of vacation at Galena, Il. I now have 3 days in which to try and get a project done, or at least started. At least the weather is good. I started by beginning a new path which would lead me to a ravine. This is where I will start planning my bridge. After measuring, planning, thinking, etc, I figured out the materials I would need. This bridge would have to be strong, as it will be designed for 4-wheelers. So, the list is made, and Herself has a list of materials for finishing her cedar post bed, so we hook up my new "toy", the trailer, and head for Girdners in Mercer. They had everything we needed, so packed up and headed for II for the nite. The next morning, we headed back to III. Craig and kids had called and said they were at III, so when we got there, the kids and herself went to the shack while I unloaded my bridge materials by the path to the bridge. Craig and I hauled cement and 4 X 4 posts to the bridge location. I dug the holes for the posts and Craig helped level and plum. As Craig and kids had to leave, and since the posts needed to sit overnite, I decided to help herself finish her bed project. We finished that and put insulation on the walls behind the bed as we knew we wouldn't be able to later. The bed is finished and it is sturdy. Herself put many hours into this project and should be proud of it. I am.
Sunday: 10/29/2006 Herself and I went to the bridge location to see what we could get done. We fastened 2 X 8's to the posts and secured them with bolts. We then laid the flooring down, but were unable to secure them at this time as the battery for the drill was running down. Next time we will finish my project. I will need to build a railing for the bridge, and it will be done.
This has been a great summer with time being spent at II and III. It seems like everytime we go to either place, a new project comes to mind, and sooner or later reality. But I think thats what keeps us going, staying in shape, keeping active, and having fun doing it.
All for now
Himself

New Trail

Craig is trying out the new trail. It was a fine day and the timber was beautiful with the sun coming through the leaves.

Photo of Light and Shadow

This photo of light and shadow was taken on October 8th. It was a beautiful fall weekend and Himself and I worked hard, ate well and slept like logs. Fresh air and exercise are excellent tonics.

We will not get back to III until the 26th or 27th. I know Himself thinks that is WAY too long and would spend our entire 9-day vacation here but I have a need to visit my children, see new places and do new things -- and he keeps his promise.

When I look at the pictures and think about the beauty of the property, about the projects I have in mind and the trails to build, I am homesick for III too.

Harvest Moon at III

October Weekend

Himself and I spent most of the weekend at III. The cool nights were bright with the glow of the full Harvest moon. The days were warm and sunny – and much shorter. Darkness falls early.

The trees have started the business of losing their chlorophyll (something came up this weekend and we read up on the subject or I wouldn't even have been able to spell chlorophyll let alone talk about it). In other words, the trees are starting to change to yellow, red and orange. Some won't turn pretty, of course, but will just slowly fade away to brown. Some, like the oaks, will hang on to their leaves as long as they can and others, such as the fickle walnut, give them up early and willingly.

We spent most of our working time this weekend picking up left over brush piles and fallen limbs along the drive and around the perimeter of the clearing. Previous owners had cut the timber to make the drive and left the trees where they were dropped. Himself pulled the trailer down the drive while I walked beside. We both kicked out and scooped up the bigger branches, limbs and trees and threw them on the trailer. Himself made several trips down to the clearing to throw them on the fire ring and burn them. He will use the new brush cutter to keep the small trees down and hold the timber at bay.

After our evening meal, we tried to sit and enjoy the view but we kept finding ourselves up and working. I meandered over to the dam to look and ended up piling up branches and dead wood. Himself walked up the drive and did the same. The sticks and limbs later made for a good campfire and we watched as the Harvest Moon (before we could even see it through the trees) magically lit up the pond, the trees and eventually the whole clearing. It was a sight to behold. A magical, moon-lit night.

In two weeks, we will head east for a week’s vacation. I know that Himself would spend the entire week’s time at III. He wishes for that. When we bought the property at III, I made him promise that we would take other trips, go other places -- and he has kept his word. So, we will go to Galena, to Wisconsin and explore old Mississippi river towns. We will visit our dear daughter in Champaign. Then, we will turn west and Himself will beat it back to Missouri, to III, and he will be at peace . . . the other side

Project Done

This is my version of the drogue, or sled. Had I done my homework, I would have found a log with straight grain. This log, maybe Ash, wasn't and when I split it, we almost went clear around. So one runner runs on bark and the other on the split side. But it is kind of cute and the front came out as it should (turned up so as not to catch when it is pulled) and it if the Mule won't pull it, I'll just decorate it for the Season. I also learned a bit about chiseling. The front brace and back supports had to be chiseled smaller to be set securely into the log.

Here, the sled is adorned with colorful oak leaves.

Biker Babe

A visitor to III in July, this wild woman rode the trails with me. She's a nature person and I think she loved the place as much as Himself and I do. She'll be back in the spring, I hope, to teach me about morel mushrooms.

Smile, Vi! I bet you didn't think you'd see yourself here!

Chore for Himself

A large, dead tree fell across the River Trail and Himself took the chain saw down and cut his way through. Now we can, again, ride the 4-wheeler on the trail.

Himself thinks that limbs and trees always (and only) fall on the trails. He's probably right.

When the sled / drogue is done, we'll pull it down to the river, cut the wood to length and pull it back to the cabin.

Log Splitter

Young Abe Lincoln the rail-splitter in 1830 as he chops out center of a split log that did not break clean.

Fall Folly

The timber along the drive into III is showing changes in color and the canopy is lighter. The cool nights and brisk mornings testify that fall is here. Although the weather predictions had put us off a bit, most of last Saturday and Sunday were sunny, warm and just right for burning brush, mowing or splitting logs.

Sometimes I get an idea in my head and it just won’t quit. I’ll think and study on something and that idea just plain gets stuck!

Himself tried to derail me from this latest project. He suggested other ways and easier methods but I had thought to build a wooden sled and when I found a drawing and vague directions in my handy dandy paperback Handy Farm Devices and how to make them book, I made up my mind.

First! my book instructed, find a tree and cut it down, as it is easier to saw green. So, I ambled up the drive shopping for a tree, Himself reluctantly following with the chain saw. After discussing two or three trees (we needed one with a natural bend in it) we finally found a likely candidate close to the drive and room enough for Himself to drop it. It would have to come down eventually anyway. It was only 8 or 10” through but it didn’t need to be too big and soon it was down. One 8’ section cut out for me and the rest was soon made into firewood and the limbs cleaned up.

We didn’t have a saw for this job so against Himself’s better judgment and dire predictions, I got an axe, a hatchet and two metal wedges. Starting at the larger end, I worked and worked at making the first split. After probably an hour of pounding, cutting, self-doubt and thoughts of conceding, I got the first split in far enough that I knew, finally! I could do this. Wasn’t going to be easy -- but it was possible.

I know that Himself, checking in on my progress periodically, thought many a time to himself that he was going to be able to say, “I told you so”. I know many a time I told myself, he’s not going to be able to say that!

As it split, that log talked to me. When it first “spoke”, I stopped and turned my head to hear the droning insect or find the airplane overhead. I didn’t know a splitting log would talk! I can’t describe that sound. I made Himself come and listen and he heard it too and after hours of pounding steel against steel, stopping to do other chores and resting between, that little ol’ log split -- talking all the way and practically spitting when I made the final swing!

I was so weary from swinging the axe and had cuts on the palms of hands from the steel wedges, that I wasn’t sure I could finish the job. I was afraid I might have to wait until the next trip down. However, grit and determination – and dread of hearing “I told you so” – took over and after another hour or two of finishing, cutting the wood fibers where they hung on for dear life, I finally had two 6 or 7’ half logs. Runners for the sled. Then I dragged, drug, drogue to the porch and fell into my rocking chair . . .

Drag, Drug, Drogue

The split log will be the runners of the sled. Himself will help with the next step of cutting heavy, old oak planks into four foot lengths. I have drilled holes in the logs and shaped the ends of a stout oak pole to use as the front brace. Don't even imagine that our sled will be this neat and pretty -- just don't.


I could not find the word “drogue” used to describe a wooden sled in the internet except in the book, Handy Farm Devices and how to make them . The book was copy writed in 1910. You wouldn’t think the word would have fallen from the English language so soon. One meaning found in an on-line dictionary: “Perhaps alteration of “drag”, “drug”. the other side

NEW TOYS AT III-SEPT 28, 2006

Well, I finally got to try out my new 44inch trail cutter. It is supposed to cut down any tree that I can drive the 4-wheeler over, so I was anxious to put it to the test. As we had plenty of areas that were starting to be taken over by small oaks and cedars, I decided thats where I would start. I was very careful at first, going very slow so I wouldn't ruin the mower, but when I seen how easily it cut down the small trees, I let her go to town. It has cut trees up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter without even slowing the engine. Once the trees are mowed down, the cleared areas will become meadows, growing only prairie grass and possibly wild flowers.
I have taken dad's old snapper back to II and brought my "special" big mower back to III to try to shorten my mowing time.
I have really made a huge dent in the stumps. I have found a way to get rid of them with hardly any effort on my part. I take the axe, whack the stumps a few times, cover the stumps with charcoal, and light it. The stumps just smoulder away. Of course this only works if the stumps are more than a year old.
Herself is keeping busy with a new project: a sled to haul firewood with. This is what is really great about III. Herself does what she wants, and I do what I want. And we are both willing to help the other if the need arises. We are a team. And a damm good one at that.
The season is rapidly coming to a close. We will have to start preparing for winter. getting mower engines prepped, batteries removed and charged, etc. We are hoping for a late fall as we still have trails to blaze. When we ride the old trails, I still marvel at how we were able to plow through the timber and not get lost. Eventually I hope to get the trails wide enough to get the trail cutter through, as I am sure I have done the Snapper no good by using it to clear the trails.
This is our second season at III and we have accomplished so much, especially clearing the land.
Next season, we will have a couple of major projects. Finish the cedar post bed, and build a storage building. It will keep us busy, as usual.
All for this time.
Himself

September Visit -- Finally!

After bad weather and good family events (or something like that) had kept him away for several weeks, Himself found time to pull his new toys down to III. He had purchased the brush cutter about a month ago and had the new "toy" trailer at least a week before he could get away to Missouri. It took considerable restraint on his part, I think, not to run off south on his own and make an opportunity to try them out.

Finally, this past week, we took a couple of days of vacation and two little bairns and headed down. I and the Little Hofs stayed at Too most of the time as electricity, running water and television come in handy with the "wee" generation but Himself spent considerable time at the ranch. He mowed the lane and the clearing conventionally, hauled the Snapper to Too, hauled the "big" mower to III, did end-of-summer maintenance on all then assembled his new brush cutter, made the adjustments and went to work. I wasn't there to record the event with pen and camera so had to rely on Himself to report that it works great! He tried it out down the lane, pushing the brush back to the timber again and did the same in the clearing. (Beats having to cut each 2-inch tree with the loppers!) I think having the bigger mower there and this brush cutter will do one of two things. It will shorten his mowing time or he will be mowing 30 acres. I guess time will tell.

Meanwhile, I will have to put the Cedar Post bed project on hold as I need to make an old-fashioned sled to pull behind the Mule (wooden runners with oak planks for the bed). There are dead trees down across the river trail and Himself plans to cut the trees for fire wood. He would like to haul the firewood up to the cabin. Our trailers are too wide to pull down the trail. So that Himself doesn't have to widen the trail, a sled is the perfect solution! I found half-hearted instructions on the 'net so I'm set! I'm ready to getter done. I can sleep on the floor another month or two . . . the other side

Lean, Mean Mowing Machine

The machine wasn't doing Himself much good, sitting at home in the garage.

Fall is coming-end of August

This summer has flown by as no other summer before it has. The weekends are getting away from us, and it appears most of September will be taken up by events beyond my control. I will try and do my best to be patient during this period.

A note for Clint. As we didn't get to fully test the converter and battery last season, I thought i'd let you know that in march, i fully charged the battery, and six months later, it is still going. Thanx again for the gift.

It is now nearing the season in which all other projects will end and work on the new trails will begin. We don't have far to go to get to the upper clearing by the highway, but it is pretty rugged terrain, and a bridge will have to be built.

I can see it is becoming almost a full time job just keeping the current trails cleared, as every time we have gone down the trail, a tree or trees have fallen, and of course they ALWAYS fall across the trail. You would think they could fall another direction once in a while.

We have purchased a new trailcutter mower. It will be used to clear the land that has not been fully overgrown with big trees, and to keep the trails cleared. It will be pulled behind the 4-wheeler. I can hardly wait to try it out.

We have pulled Tony's boat out and have stored it out of the way in the timber garage for the season.

Herself has kept busy with the 4-corner cedar post bed, while I try to take care of things outside and stay out of her way. I believe she will get it finished, and am sure it will be better than sleeping on the cold un-insulated floor.

All for this time
Himself

Fairy Land

The fairy flowers growing on the creek bottom are gone now but all the rain has set the stage for another fairy wonderland. This weekend, Himself and I admired 6 or 8 different kinds of mushrooms. Some looked just like pancakes and were as big around as dinner plates. Some were like the traditional white mushroom with stem and cap. These in the photo were a beautiful shade of rosy red. Every where we looked, there were mushrooms and fungi.

I have been reading up on Missouri mushrooms and there are edible ones out there now. One, called the “Other Mushroom” as opposed to the Morel, is the Chanterelle. Himself and I will need to develop a palate and an eye for mushrooms. With this many mushrooms, we could eat like kings -- and feed the world!

Getter Done

(or Sheer Determination)

After a three week hiatus, we finally got back to III. Two weeks ago, Himself and I were in the neighborhood at Too but as there was about 4" of rain in the gauge -- and still raining -- we didn't even visit here. This weekend was wet also but Himself made up his mind that he had to mow so Saturday afternoon we drove to III. After all the rain, the drive wasn't too muddy but the grass was about 8" tall and wet. Very wet! Himself immediately revved up the mower and headed up to the gate to make the ol' homestead presentable. After knocking off "the top" he mowed down the drive and part of the trails before the skies opened up and the rain forced him to the porch.

I had been piddling around as he mowed, figuring out in my head how I was going to get four cedar posts to stand and actually hold up a mattress and two full size adults. I finally decided I wouldn't know 'til I tried and got out the tools and went at it. Himself got bored sitting (or maybe I was making him nervous with my sawing, pounding and drilling) and he came and helped me with a couple of posts -- and out of a tight spot or two, I might add.

With three posts up and a couple of rails, it is easier now to figure out how to put the rest of it together. As I have to measure twice (or 3 or 4 times) to cut once (hopefully) and as I have no plan or How To book, it is a slow process but it will be there next trip for me to anticipate and to study on. But all ready, the next project wriggles around in my head and I want to getter done and get on to the new.

Sunday morning, we arose early to more low clouds and drizzle. Himself, more determined than ever to mow, waited for the clouds to break and the grass to dry. The radio's weather forecaster predicted a break in the rain around 10:00 a.m. As we have gotten a bit skeptical about weather forecasts, we weren't really surprised at 10:00 a.m. that it was raining harder than ever. Finally, after a good hot late breakfast, Himself just bore down and went out and mowed her wet. In the drizzle. In the tall wet grass. He got her done.

Three cedar posts are secured (in the fashion of a pioneer's rope bed).
The fourth post will be the challenge!
It was so dark and dreary in the cabin, that without Cousin Clint's gift of power and our lone electric light, I could not have taken this picture.

August In Missouri

We are back from a weekend at III. Saturday was hot but a breeze blew all day and Himself and I puttered around the clearing. He mowed; I went to town and shopped. He burned stumps; I smoothed cedar bed posts. Came evening and Himself cut stumps and I meandered along behind with my loppers awaiting the right opportunity. When he stood and stretched, I was there.

Will you please take out one scrawny cedar tree for me, while you have the chain saw out, I asked politely. Silence. A "look". Then, "which one?" he reluctantly asked and I showed him the small tree. He pondered but didn't answer. He stood and contemplated longer and I knew we were in far enough that I must remain quiet. Patiently I waited for the decision. I knew he could see the need but one thing was going to lead to a half dozen more.

He sighed. Then Himself said, "that whole clump needs to come out; those three are dead and that young oak is crooked and has to go". No, that oak will straighten out after the cedars are gone, I countered. Himself didn't reply and after a few more minutes, he pulled the rope and the chain saw roared to life.

There went the cedar. A stretch and a pause, then the second scraggly cedar was gone. Himself bent again to the task and in one fell swoop took out the little rugged oak, turned to me and grinned.

I was not surprised. I knew early in the negotiations that the price I might pay to have the cedars taken out was one poor, misshapen oak. I had gambled and lost; had hoped the Judge might grant a stay of execution at the last moment -- but had never counted on it.

Smiling to himself (I well imagine) he turned away and started on the three dead trees, calling over his shoulder, "you better figure out how to get these cut trees cleaned up!

Stop the Clock!

This weekend, Himself and I admired our cabin clearing -- the neatness, the mown areas and the groomed appearance. Himself has asked me before to be sure and take "before and after" photos and I do have some early pictures such as the "The Lane, before", below. So when I went to post the photo, I was surprised when I looked at that photo with nostalgia.

I love the cabin clearing today and take pride in the work Himself and I have done but when I pulled that "before" picture up, I thought "oh no!" "Stop!" "Don't do any more. This is the way the lane should look!"

But maybe, I really just want to go back and do it all again.

Himself and I have connected with this place. Though we worked hard, we have played hard too. We enjoy our time here -- and each other. We have connected again, Himself and I, in this place called III.

The Lane, before

This is how the lane looked when we bought the property, in December 2004.

The Lane, after

And this is how it looked in May (when the children and bairns were all down). Himself had it all mowed and groomed -- and there are about 50 fewer trees and shrubs now.

A Man's work is never done

The dependable Jeep threw a shoe!

Himself is looking to see what caused the slow leak.

Discoveries

We are at III every other weekend. This visit, Saturday midday (after I had been to Bethany to shop, of course) Himself asked, as he always does, what is on your agenda today? Don't know, I said. Can't get motivated to do one thing yet. Himself agreed and we sat on awhile. Then we got up and went our own way. It was hot and humid and I walked across the clearing, moving rather slowly when I spotted some nails on the ground. One can tell, there once was a burn pile here. Himself has trained me well and just last visit the Jeep had a low tire as a result of a stray nail. So I picked up the nails and screws and as I did, I found more. And more again -- so I went and got my metal detector that I've had for 6 or 7 years but never really knew how to use. I sat, then, and read the book, set the dials and went to work digging out a cupfull of nails and screws. I learned to use my metal detector.

It finds nails and screws amazingly well. I hope it finds gold and silver as easily!

But there at III I'd get a "hit" and hunker and search and might only find a half inch brad but I would always find something. Sometimes it was just a piece of shiny tinfoil -- but that detector works!

I took the metal detector up the drive to the front gate and my first hit was a square nail! I was thrilled. The old farm house that used to sit "up top" has been dated -- at least part of it built with square nails. Unfortunately, the farmhouse was bulldozed and only an old cistern remains. I will take the treasures I find and make a memory board to those that walked this land, planted flowers, planned and dreamed, worried and schemed, way before my time.

And my unplanned, no agenda afternoon led to several hours of playing in the dirt, learning a new skill and discovering just a little bit of the history of III.

The Enemy

This is the critter that almost got my tomatos at III! Two weeks ago the tomatoes were looking poorly. I thought it was just the result of the deer chomping on them and I built a chicken wire cage over and around the cherry tomatoes. I want those cherry tomatoes to go to seed so they'll volunteer every year. I won't have to plant new ones; just wait for the little rascals to grow from last year's seed. But then! Then, I found one of these ugly little creatures. I tried knocking him senseless with a stick. If he would have let go, I would have stomped him to Kingdom come but he hung on for dear life. Not having the courage to just pluck him off, I roared off to town for tomato dust and dust them I did! This past weekend, two war-ravanaged tomato plants still survived. I dusted them again. Let us hope for a late frost. Those plants need to bear fruit and make seed. And next year, I will be prepared with my cage and my Sevin!

4TH OF JULY 2006

We headed to II on Saturday, July 1 for a full week, actually 9 days of "vacation".
The first 3 days and nites we spent at II, just doing minor repairs, cleaning, etc. It was nice, as the previous year, we would to go to II just to mow on a Friday nite, then immediatedly take off for III. Which was all right, but now i am realizing that work must also be done at II. We had a very relaxing week, at least I did. I worked when I wanted and just sat and did nothing the rest of the time. Herself just couldn't seem to just sit and relax for more than a few minutes, and off she would go to find something to do. With the screen room done, most of the clearing done, and the trails in fairly good shape, i spent considerable time just soaking in what all we had done. I will try and finish another trail this fall, and i will try and get a bridge built. Will depend alot on cooler weather.
boi

Red eye

We are off, tomorrow morning, for a week in MO. The lists have been made and the bags packed. The weather report is calling for hot, humid temperatures but we are used to that. These two beauties await me at III. These cedar logs are project material!

They are a little rough, in the photo, but I have been working them. They are ready! and so am I . . .

Garden Invasion

Last trip down, I lovingly planted five cherry tomato plants. I chopped through 50 years of pasture grass and dug out Prairie Roses with 2' long roots. I pulled grass and dug in a large bag of potting soil, then embedded the tomato plants. I watered them profusely hoping they would make it two weeks until I could get back and tend them. While I was gone, while my back was turned, something stepped over my garden fence and feasted on all but two of my tomato plants! And next to them, wildflowers had been cut off a foot from the ground as neatly as though I had taken my garden pruners to them.

It must have been a deer but I couldn't find any tracks. I can't think what else would have munched them all down and left 12" of the wildflowers and why didn't they take the last two tomatos?

I will save those tomatos! I pounded in stakes and wrapped chicken wire around the surviving two plants. If something gets in this time, it won't get out -- but I don't know what I'll do if I go back and find I have trapped a deer! Or what I will do if the last two tomatoes are gone.

Summer at III

Among the bumble-bees in red-top hay, a freckled field of brown-eyed Susans dripping yellow leaves in July,
I read your heart in a book.

From "Adelaide Crapsey" by Carl Sandburg

It is summer at III. The bashful Brown-Eyed Susan is in bloom as well as the Prairie Roses. We spent only part of a day here this past weekend as we were at Too, doing overdue repairs and maintenance. I enjoyed the day at Too but as I cut back grapevine or sprayed poison ivy, my thoughts wandered over here and I wondered how the tomatos were doing, what flowers were in bloom and how is that next project going to turn out.

We soon will have a whole week at III. I'll have my fill, no doubt, of prairie flowers and pioneer ways but for now, my thoughts are of summer days at III.

A VISITOR TO III June 9,10,11 2006

We were welcomed by the news that my brother, RWH, was finally coming down for a weekend visit at II, and also a visit to III. Now, he finally knows what we have been writing about. RW and a friend came to II on Friday, and stayed until sometime Sunday, while herself and I stayed at III. Saturday afternoon, RWH and his friend came to visit us at III. They immediately hit the pond with their fishing equipment, hoping to have the same luck as previous fishermen have had catching the big "cats".
HOWEVER, the only fish that seemed to be biting were small ones, and I mean very small. But, RWH seemed to be having some uncanny ability to catch stick fish, or, maybe they were "fish sticks". And, I might add, was very consistant at it. Cast after cast would bring in sticks and more sticks. As the picture indicates, he finally pulled in the "big" one. I never did see him catch anything that was alive. Anyway, it was fun having visitors and hope they will come down again sometime. I do want RWH to know that one of my first thoughts when we were first looking at this property was all the times we roamed the timber around Prescott, shooting at squirrels and anything else that moved.
We didn't do to much this weekend. I mowed as usual, herself started her new project of planning a cedar post bed. I worked on removing more stumps with the chain saw. I think I am finally down to maybe 25 more that I have to remove before I can mow and not have to worry about hitting one, as I did this weekend. I bent the deck enough so that it stopped the blade from turning, but managed to get it repaired, changed the blades, did a little maintenance, and basically took it easy for a change.
We went back to II on Sunday afternoon to mow there as we knew it would be another 2 weeks before coming back, and with the 1 and 1/2 inches of rain we got Sat. nite, it would have been a jungle. Anyway, I got half way down with the push mowing, and the engine quit. So, have to install a coil the next time down. The mower is 27 years old, but keeps on a runnin. Just needs a little coaxin sometimes.
All for this time

Ronnie's Catch

III's Garden

Crazy Quilt

Crazy Quilt

The garden at III started as a symbolic gesture when we first began our sojourns to this pretty part of the world.  It was late winter or very early spring and too cold to really plant anything but I carted down a bunch of winter onions and a clump of chives and stuck them in the ground just so I could say we had a garden.  Soon after, in imitation of the pioneers during the great westward expansion, I put in a fence to signify that this is my place, my homestead.

The fence is short and virtually useless but I dig in there and compost and am conditioning that area for a real garden someday and the fence bookmarks the garden spot.

Today, early June, the garden is colorful with a few yellow blossoms of the Brown Eyed Susan and some pearly white Queen Anne’s lace.  The last of theWild 4 O’Clocks are fading and I am letting various other wild things grow – at least until they bloom.  Depending on what gifts they present me, these wild young things might be removed or decapitated.  Some transplanted Bachelor Buttons, brought from home, were added to the fabric today.  I am hoping that the “Buttons” will blossom and set seed to return each spring on their own.    

III’s garden is a mish mash of colors and textures right now – a Patchwork Quilt.  In order to keep down the grass and unwanted wild flowers, I have placed small pieces of carpet in the garden.  This might be an unorthodox method of weed control but it works and I like the look of my Crazy Quilt garden.

The Rifleman lives!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND-2006

We were ready for a warm weekend. We had been going to II and spending the nites there as the days only warmed up to the 60's and the nites dropped to the mid 30's and 40's. That was fine, as the cooler weather allowed us to clear some old brush piles that remained, and a few other cool weather projects that needed done.
But Memorial Day Weekend held promise of warmer weather. We headed to II on Thurs evening after work. Had a quick bite to eat then jumped on the mowers and got that out of the way.
Friday morning, we packed up and headed for III. We got there about 9:30 and the temperature was already in the 70's. I headed for the rider and started my mowing while herself did the usual. Anyway she got back from who knows where around 1:00 PM. And I know the only reason she came back then was because she was hungary. I had finished most of the mowing, having only the trails to finish, so we had a sandwich, a short break, and off to finish the mowing.
It had rained 3/4" a few days before we arrived, but the topsoil was dry. I was covered with dust, dirt, grass and weed clippings, you name it. So my first job after the mowing was to get our outside shower going. I hauled 30 gal of water down to our water reserrve(trash can), then hooked up the propane tank, installed batteries in the pump, lit the heater, and I was ready to go. I went and got my clean clothes, soap, etc and headed for the woods. We had been dreaming of a shower since last year, as it is so much better then just cleaning with a washcloth. IT WAS GREAT!!
The next day (sat) we worked on finishing the screen room, adjusting doors, installing hooks, etc. It is now done except for some flooring of some sort. I thought to myself, this is great, now we can rest and do whatever the rest of the weekend. WRONG!!!!! Herself cannot rest, and when she cannot rest, I feel as though I have to help. Anyway, we now have to build a little storage shelter for all my tools, oils, gas, etc. All her stuff goes into the cabin, my stuff goes outside.
Anyway we build a little roofed storage area, got it finished, and moved all my stuff into it.
The rest of my "free" time I did battle with the carpenter bees. They try to build their nests in the 2X4's under the porch, and I try to kill them. I think I finished off approx 20 to 25 of them, but there is a few left. I will not fail. At one time, on Friday afternoon, we were being swarmed with them. I had a can of spray killer in each hand and got several of them, but had to give up when I ran out of ammo.
The Frey's and Craig's and Johanna all came down. We all had a good time, had fun riding the 4-wheelers, and had some pretty good potato soup. You will have to ask herself about that dietary delacasie(SP).
Herself and I really love it at III. Peace and quiet. At nites we listen to the whip o wills, coyotes, whoot owls, etc.

Continuing education

I hadn’t shot a rifle since the last time Himself gave me some training -- about 30 years ago. After asking for and receiving a general review on how to hold and load a rifle, I was thrilled that my first three left-handed shots all hit the target. I was sure I would miss it completely. After that first flush of success, I shot 6 more rounds and all six hit the target but not as well as the first three. Ah, beginners luck! I really enjoyed the target practice and hope to do it again. Of course, as Himself tells me, I can do whatever I want, when I want, at III (except for when he needs my help – but he didn’t say that!) . . . the other side

Puddle Jumper

We pushed and pulled Tony’s boat into the lake and I took the first lap around the pond. Himself pushed me off and called after, if you see water coming in, check the drain plug! Now I am not comfortable IN WATER so that made my heart pound hard for a bit but as I didn't see any water rushing in, I relaxed and tried my hand at paddling a flat bottom fishing boat. Using two mismatched paddles, I’m sure it was rather comical to watch me paddle and wigwag my way around the small pond. I finally got in a sort of rhythm and paddling as one might a canoe, I managed to manuever here and there. LJ came and jumped in after a bit (literally! and rocked the boat) and between the two of us, each with one paddle, we made our way around again. It will be nice on cool summer mornings to take my coffee out in the boat and drift in the cool morning air.

May Stay

Beautiful May columbine.

We stayed at Too Thursday evening and were up and around in good time. Himself took the breakfast duty. He scrambled eggs, fried up some bacon and we were on our way to III. The sun was out and the dire, cool forecast didn’t materialize here as it got up in the high sunny 60’s -- just right for working outside cutting brush. Himself pulled the easy tour and mowed half the day while still wearing his jacket and down-filled vest on top. Cutting brush, I took my jacket off, later the sweatshirt went and soon I worked in just a knit shirt. I cleared brush and overhead branches in the drive and hauled them down to the cabin clearing with the Mule and trailer. Himself said later when asked that, yes, he could tell I had worked up there. But when we rode up the lane later, I said, “you CANNOT tell that I’ve done a thing!” Too many trees and too many branches to even know I’d been there.

After a lunch of Salami sandwiches and Jalapeno potato chips (my turn to cook!) Himself went to mow the trails and I clear-stained the three screen doors and various wooden molding strips. Himself had been wanting this done and I hadn’t told him my plans so when he stopped back in for a break between trails, he was so glad to see that it was a fait accompli -- and I enjoyed surprising him.

We hadn't stocked up on groceries for III so our supper was make shift, just two brats each, with mustard and bread. We were hungry and, we reminded each other we were roughing it. We gulped them down; they hit the spot and clean up was easy.

We didn’t get such an early start the second morning but, again, after eating breakfast we headed to III about 10:00 a.m. I tarried just long enough to help unpack, review my shopping list and then drove back to town where there were city-wide garage sales. I stopped at four or five of them and spent a grand total of $1.55 while buying a half dozen things! I shopped the local grocery to buy stock for III and two rib eye steaks for supper. Next, came the big investment when I bought gas for mowing and filled the Jeep. Himself was back working on the shade room when I returned.

All weekend, the Phoebe birds scolded us the whole while we were in the shade room and Himself finally took pity (or gave in to their nagging) and moved the nest outside to a ledge under the eave of the screen room. He even went to the pond, the ol' softie, and got some mud to paste the nest down. The parents do that when they build the nest. There were 5 little perfect eggs in the nest. We are hoping the parents find the nest now and claim it.

Isn’t it such a coincidence that we have a nest here and one over the porch light at Too. And aren’t we fortunate to have two beautiful places, Too and III. . . . the other side

The "bottom" trail

Where Himself mowed with the brush as high as his head.

FIRST THREE DAY WEEKEND OF '06

The last time we went to the cabins, it rained the whole weekend. The grass was already tall, but could not mow. So, the weekend of May 13, we took Friday off and headed for Missouri on Thurs afternoon. When we arrived at II we found over 4 inches of rain in the guage, and the grass was tall. So we immediately fired up the mowers and knocked down II.
The next morning, we ate a good breakfast and headed to III. Since we had not mowed at all there this year, everything needed mowing. So I fired up the snapper and took off, while herself went - shopping!!!! I finally finished mowing all we had cleared about 2:00 PM and took off to see if I could clear the trails. The trail down by Sandy creek was overgrown with some kind of tall overgrowth. I had driven the 4-wheeler through where I thought the path used to be, then followed up with the rider. The stuff was so tall, I could see neither left or right, only straight ahead, but managed to plow through. Hopefully I will only have to go through this once a year.

After the mowing was done, we started to work on finishing the screen room. We put up the last section of screening, hooks and handles on the doors, etc.

Sunday was a day of relaxation at last. We spent the day clearing old brush piles, and burning them, blazed a new walking trail around the pond, then we mowed what we could of the dam, cleared brush where we couldn't mow on the dam, and just generally took it easy. Ha!!!

Ms Phoebe's pride

Phoebe bird

Phoebe bird

I’m not sure what it means, but Mr. Roger Troy Peterson in his Field Guide to the Birds, asserts that the Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) has a weakness for small bridges. I think that really means that they build their nest on them, or under them, not that they just nest near them but the irony of my nesting Phoebe bird is that she chose to nest above Too’s outside light fixture – near our little bridge. The Phoebe likes to nest on sheltered ledges and niches and will build on bridges, porches, eaves and sheds.

Ms. Phoebe has produced five fine eggs. The light fixture is too close to the porch ceiling for us to just peek into the moss and mud nest so I used the hand mirror and with the help of Himself, was able to take a picture. As we go in and out, we startle her off and away and I feel sorry that she can’t sit on her eggs. I have proposed to Himself that when we have her startled off the nest, that we turn on the outside light to produce a little heat to protect our eggs. Himself doesn’t think that is probably necessary.

The Phoebe named himself as he says phoe-be or fi bree with the second note alternately higher or lower that the first. It isn’t really whistled but just spoken. Phoe-be. Phoe-be. Mr. Peterson says that the Phoebe is in the Flycatcher family and that they are not as restless as most birds but sit quite still but they do pump their tails up and down as they sit and wait to snatch up passing insects.

Last visit here, Ms. Phoebe scolded at us. She sat up in a tree somewhere and chided us, trying to shame us into vacating. This time, she has not scolded but waited patiently for us to quiet down. Then she slips back into the nest without us hearing so much as a whisper of her.

We will go to III tomorrow and leave Phoebe bird in charge.

one more thing . . .

Things fell off the shelf and down onto the metal table and range. My heart stopped. My breath held. I waited for the shattering of glass but none came. Creaaak. Creaaak. I jumped to my feet, scrambling for my glasses as my heart went from zero to 120. I stood beside the bed and waited. Creeaaak. Creeeaak. Creeaaak. For Gods Sake! It came to me that Himself was out there jacking up the corner of the cabin while I was asleep in bed! About that time, down came two or three more “pretties” from the wall. Startled out of my disbelief that someone would actually level a cabin with a sleeping person inside, I climbed up on the chair and took down all the breakables. I heard noises outside and knew that Himself was pushing a block or board under the cabin and heaved a sigh of relief. It was over. I breathed again. My heart slowed. I went and poured a cup of coffee.

Creeeaak. Creeeaak. SH__! Now he is jacking up the middle! I very precisely sat the cup of coffee in the middle of the table as tho an earthquake was imminent or as a drunken person might sit down a glass, making sure it wouldn’t spill then stood in the center of the cabin as I thought “nothing can come down and kill me here.” I waited for him to be done, to slide the blocks under the cabin wall. As I heard those welcome sounds, I let out the breath that I had been holding just as the cabin crashed back to the original position. The walls and floor boards groaned and slid slowly back into place and pans, light fixtures and pretties all rattled around again. The blocks had slipped out from under again! My heart dropped from my throat and bounced off my diaphragm. The whole cabin was going to come down around me.

I ran out on the porch. What on earth are you doing? I (probably) shrieked! Himself had a smirk about him but calmly told me he was leveling the cabin as he started in again to jack up the middle. I was angry – and speechless. I stood there on the porch debating whether it was better to be standing underdressed on the front porch in front of God and everyone or inside where I might be killed.

With the cool, morning air finally making the decision for me, I bounded back inside, shaking, quaking and furious! I threw on my clothes. I secured more objects. I paced the floor. I heard the blocks go under the cabin. I didn’t know whether to let down my guard or not. I wondered if the blocks would hold or go. I fumed and paced and stewed. Himself took his time in coming in and a good thing too. As angry as I can get, I am too quick to forget. By the time Himself came in and cooked me a good, hearty breakfast, I could almost laugh at the situation. I could almost see the humor. . .

Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without

Himself saves everything. Our new shower shelter is 1/2 pup tent from the Viet Nam era. We have packed it around for 35 years, through three states, four towns and six houses and have finally found a use for it. It is the shower "curtain" at III.

I was going to build a "stick" enclosure, 2-sided, tucked into the timber for a little privacy but as I was surveying the situation and making my plans, Himself decided to help. "Why do you even need an enclosure?" he asked. I do, I said. "Why don't we . . . this?", he said. "How about . . . that?", he asked so we compromised and strung the pup tent up between me and the world. I am satisfied for now. I will have a hot shower, a little privacy, a great view -- and finally a use for that tent! . . . the other side

A Natural

Himself is pretty funny. Should have been a comedy writer. I don't dig because I'm stubborn (or keep digging, is more accurate as anyone can start to dig but not everyone finishes). I dig because I'm a natural. I come by it honestly as my Great Grandfather Austin and his sons were ditch diggers. They were scallywags and moved all around a three or four state area but for awhile, around the turn of the 20th century, they lived near Shannon City, Iowa and hired out to dig ditches.

As it turns out, I'm glad they were ditch diggers as they were hired to do a job for George Washington Wilson, established farmer, over by Arispe. One of the Austin "boys", Robert, or RB as he was called, had his head turned by a little bit of a gal, George W.'s daughter, Mattie Jane. Great Grampa Wilson wasn't too enthused about his daughter marrying a ditch digger by the name of Austin but Mr. Wilson had 14 children and evidently Mattie had her mind made up so what was a man to do?

Robert Briggs Austin and Martha Jane Wilson were married July 5, 1907 at Creston, Iowa and also moved around alot, looking for the better life. They had five boys of their own and two daughters. Their third son, Forrest, was my dad who dug a few ditches in his lifetime. So, if it hadn't been for those Austins digging ditches for Great Grampa Wilson, I would have been someone else and wouldn't be a natural at digging. Then it would have been Himself having to do the digging as I'm sure most wives won't. Ain't he a lucky dog? . . . the other side

THE WORK HAS STARTED

04/12/2006
WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO HAVE SOME NICE WEATHER ON THE WEEKENDS. WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO II ON FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. WE SPEND THE NITE AT II, PUTTER AROUND, DOING SMALL THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DONE BEFORE THE SEASON REALLY START. HERSELF HAS BEEN PRACTICING AND BUILDING UP HER STANIMA FOR THE SHOPPING SEASON, WHILE I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE MOWERS READY, BATTERIES CHARGED UP AND INSTALLED, PICKING UP STICKS, ETC.
HERSELF WAS SLEEPING IN SATURDAY MORNING, AND AS I AM AN EARLY RISER, I JUST COULDN'T SIT AND DO NOTHING, SO DECIDED IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO TRY AND LEVEL THE CABIN. I HAD A JACK, AND SOME PIECES OF LUMBER FOR THE LEVELING. I THOUGHT I COULD DO THIS EASILY AND QUIETLY SO AS NOT TO DISTURB THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. ALL WAS GOING WELL, I JACKED THE CABIN UP ABOUT 4 INCHES AND SLIPPED THE 2X4S INTO PLACE. JUST AS I GOT IT INTO PLACE, THE JACK SLIPPED AND THE CABIN CAME CRASHING DOWN(ACCORDING TO HERSELF). I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THAT BIG OF DEAL UNTIL I HEARD THINGS FALLING OFF THE WALL THAT HERSELF HAD HUNG. ANYWAY SHE WOKE UP TO WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS AN EARTHQUATE.
AFTER THAT TRAUMA, WE LOADED UP AND HEADED FOR III. THE FIRST ORDER OF THE DAY ISSUED BY HERSELF WAS THAT WE WERE GOING TO SET UP HER OUTDOOR SHOWER. IT DIDN'T MATTER WHAT I HAD PLANNED. I HAVE LEARNED TO OBEY.
ANYWAY, WE TRIMMED SOME TREES AND BRUSH FOR HER SHOWER IN THE WOODS. NOW, IT MUST BE SAID, NO ONE COULD FIND US BACK IN THE SOUTH FORTY UNLESS THEY KNEW WE WERE THERE, YET SHE WANTED THIS SHOWER PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TIMBER. AND THEN WE HAD TO PUT UP A SHOWER CURTAIN FOR PRIVACY. ANYWAY ITS ALL SET UP.
I THEN WENT TO WORK CLEANING UP MORE STUMPS WITH THE CHAIN SAW WHILE HERSELF WENT ON TO HER NEXT PROJECT, A NEW OUTDOOR OUTHOUSE. SHE CLEARED A PATH(AGAIN, TO THE MIDDLE OF THE TIMBER) AND PROCEEDED TO START DIGGING THE HOLE. I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT HER STUBBORNESS COMES IN HANDY SOMETIMES. SHE DOESN'T GIVE UP, DIGGING THRU THAT CLAY AND ROOTS UNTIL SHE HAS A FINE HOLE IN THE GROUND, AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO HELP!!!
THE 4-WHEEL TRAIL IS LOOKING GREAT!! IN MOST PLACES IT IS NOW WIDE ENOUGH TO GET THRU WITHOUT MUCH TROUBLE.
OUR NEIGHBOR IS TRYING TO WRANGLE AN ACRE OF LAND FROM US. SINCE IT IS LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO HIS NEW HOUSE, I REALLY DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. HE SEEMS TO BE A RIGHT NICE GUY, ALWAYS WILLING TO OFFER HELP OR WHATEVER WE NEED, BUT ALSO SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF A BULL SHOOTER.
WE NOW HAVE FRESH WATER AT III. I BROKE DOWN AND HAD THE RURAL WATER INSTALL A METER. FRESH WATER WAS THE MAIN TROUBLE WE HAD AT III. NOW I CAN WASH THE MOWERS AND 4 WHEELER ONCE IN A WHILE.
THIS SUMMER, I PLAN ON NOT DOING ANYMORE CLEARING OF LAND, OTHERWISE I WILL SPEND ALL MY TIME ON THE MOWER. ITS PROBABLY GOING TO TAKE 3-4 HOURS NOW. THE TRAILS SHOULD ONLY NEED MOWED 2 OR 3 TIMES. ONCE THEY ARE ESTABLISHED, HOPEFULLY I WON'T NEED TO MOW THEM ANYMORE.

Himself and the mule

Spring is not yet in full bloom at III. Himself has been out working on the trails. Here, he had to pull down a tree that was blocking one of the trails.

Awakening

We have been to III two weeks ago and again, this weekend. Some spring rain and warm sunshine have brought green to the pastures and lawns enroute but our own small patch at III is still clothed in winter colors -- browns, beiges and yellows. The drab oak leaves still cling to the trees and overall, it doesn't appear that spring has made an appearance here.

However, if you hike through the timber and take time to look, kneel down and sweep the leaves away, you see the first signs. Small ferns stick their noses up through the carpet of leaves, moss is mounded, green and plush and other plants, unnamed by me, are showing shoots of green.

III is awakening . . . the other side

NEW YEARS BEGINNING

Weekend of March 10, 2006
We had intended to go to Shag II on Saturday and install new plumbing in the cabin, however around 6:30 PM on Friday Nance declared "we should go tonight". So, rush around and gather things up and off we go. Of course we can't turn on the water at II as the toilet leaks, but anyway we arrived and carried in 10 gal of water to get us thru the nite.
The next morning, I got up and started on the plumbing. As all the plumbing and fixtures had been there since the cabin was built, my goal was to replace everything. While I was doing the plumbing, Herself started her year off by: you guessed it-she went shopping!!! However, I will concede that this time it was necessary, as the cabin had to be restocked, gas cans filled, etc. I truly am glad she enjoys it, because I truly despise shopping.
Back to the plumbing. I removed all the copper plumbing and started installing the new flexable "pex" piping. With the tubing and all the snap together attachments, it can make a plumber out of anyone, me included. All went well until I tried to remove the bathroom faucet. It would not budge. Every fitting was corroded. So I had to take a hack saw and cut the faucet out. Once that was done, everything else went smoothly. I also installed a drain faucet outside the cabin, so when we drain the pipes for cold weather, instead of taking the pipes apart, then put them back together, now all I have to do is open the drain.
The temperature climbed rapidly to 70 degrees, so we had a quick lunch, and headed for III.
By the time we got there, it was 75 degrees and sunny. We immediately went to work. Actually I went to work, herself started her year off by going exploring down by the well while I worked on widening the 4 wheel trail. We (I) worked till about 3:30 PM then we decided to pack up and head back to II to spend another nite, this time with water.
We got up on Sunday to cold and rain so we just puttered around the cabin, had a good breakfast, then packed up and headed home.
Herself's year got off to such a good start that after we got home, we discovered her arms were covered with poison ivy. If anyone ever wants to find poison ivy, just follow Nance. She can find it anywhere.
Later
Boi

Migration

Here in the "north", the ducks, geese and hawks are moving into and through the area. We have had warm days of sunshine which tantalize our senses into thinking spring is here. But then, the very next day, the temperatures have dropped, the air is crisp and we are made to realize that it too soon, too early. It is not yet time to start our migrations to III.

I am restless and yearn for the outdoors, the timber and the creatures of the fields. I take Mom on long drives on the back roads, into the hills and crooked roads of southern Iowa, looking for areas that remind me of III. When it is dry, we take the low maintenance roads where the trees are apt to meet over head, where long abandoned barns have been brought to their knees, where the roads go up hill and down vale and follow the natural curvature of the earth.

Our inner clocks tells us that soon it will be time to go south. . . . the other side

Fall colors

Disconnected / Isolated thoughts

We arrive at III about 9:30 or 10:00 Saturday morning. Himself hits the ground, loppers in one hand and orange fluorescent paint in the other. He is on the 4-wheeler and tearing off down the hill to finish up the trail started in November.

We have checked the mouse bait. The outside bait is gone and the inside bait is not. That is good; we are evidently holding the little critters at bay. The outhouse bait is gone; I think that we will concede this battle due to the nonchalant construction of the little building. The wee creatures can just come and go at will -- as long as they don't nest in there!

I fiddle around the cabin awhile, have a snack (I can't operate on an empty tank) and make sure the fire in the wood stove is going good before I hike down the trail. I meet up with Himself and help him clean up the trail, then we wind our way through the timber to connect this trail to another. It is not too cold in the timber and Himself and I work companionabley, with little conversation, moving fallen trees, cutting branches and brush. We make the trail wide enough for the 4-wheeler. Some parts of the trail are natural; we just follow a preordained plan but other sections of the trail must be wrested from the brush and the scrub and the trees. We work on until mid afternoon, then take a ride on the trails and measure it out at one mile. We have two more major trails to build this winter or early spring. After that, we will have to be content to just maintain the trails or Himself will be mowing and grooming a 37-acre park!

The shade room still sits with one open wall. Next spring, we will hang two screen doors providing an opening wide enough that the 4-wheeler can be parked under a roof. Once we finish screening that wall, we will be able to cook, eat or sleep there, protected from all the flying pests that live out the short seasons of their lives in this place called III.

We started with a Coleman stove and lantern, advanced to an indoor, propane cooking stove and even a sink with an outside drain. From there, we moved on up to one, battery-powered light bulb. And now, Himself has given me a portable camping shower. It will even have hot water -- thanks to a propane tank. One of the first projects next spring then, will be a shower stall. It will be two sided, made of oak poles and branches and backed up to the timber so that the one in the shower will be the only one with a view . . . the other side

Makin' do

The dock sits above the frozen pond, isolated -- disconnected from shore. The pond must have been very low when “whoever” built it. When we first saw the dock, the shore end was a couple feet from shore and under water, the pond end still hanging from the wooden posts. Over the summer, I pried at the low end with a stout branch and have managed to prop it up on blocks. Next spring, I will draft some young, strong family members and pull the dock up and back to shore. I think we can mount it on metal fence posts that we have gathered up from around the old pasture. That will be satisfactory. I like to reuse, recycle, make do . . . the other side

NEW YEARS RELIEF-12/31/2005

Saturday morning we decided to pack up and head for the hills. The temperature was supposed to get to the mid 40's which would be nice for what we intended to do. We got to Shag III around 10:30 AM. We opened the shack expecting to find mice, but none were found.
We then unloaded the necessities and got out the equipment we needed to work on our trails, and off we went. We forged a new trail from the SE corner of the property and made it all the way past the pond and on to one of our previous trails. Then we cut off and started off for the NE corner of the property. We then came to a huge ravine. I need to find a place to build a bridge and I think I have found it. So we will forge a trail that will end on the other side of the ravine and thats where I will build a bridge. It will be my first attempt at building a bridge, so I will be looking for volunteers to be the first to cross it.
About 3:00 pm and we decided we better quit and head for Shag II for the nite, as we needed rest after working all day and didn't want to be up in the nite feeding the fire(we are not true pioneers, yet). So off to II. All was well till I turned on the water. The pipe to the toilet was leaking again, so it was back and forth to the hydrant and toilet to get it fixed. Finally decided there was no hope, so just shut the water off for the nite.
Sunday, we got up and had a good breakfast, closed up II and headed back to III. Herself and I spent the day cleaning up the trails we had forged. Then I went exploring as did Herself, both off in different directions, but after about an hour we ended up about 100 yards from each other.
We think we may have a couple of locations for a future house, but that may change as time goes on.
The temp got up to 56 degrees with some sunshine. Two perfect days for trail breaking.
Had lunch about 2:30, then packed up and headed home to await our next adventure to the timber.
BOI