A fine winter's weekend

We headed to III on a Saturday morning, December 29, 2007. We knew that there was more snow there than what we had around Creston, so it was no surprise that there was 6-7 inches of fresh snow on the ground. The only signs of life we're the animal tracks left by unkown creatures of the wild. We had tree branches down blocking the drive in, so had to pull them to the side so we could drive in. III is totally beautiful with snow on the ground, and on the CEDAR trees.

We (I) spent the late morning getting things ready, the fire going, the propane gas turned on, gathered firewood, got the 4-wheeler out and started. As herself had important errands in town, as usual, and also, what is becomming a habit, she will ask me if there is anything I need. I could only think of one thing, d-con. So, what is the one thing she forgot?

We had fun 4-wheeling in the snow. And for you oldsters, I was provoked into doing some Broderick Crawford's. (donuts for you youngsters).

This weekend, the temperatures only rose to mid to upper twenties during the day, and got down to 12 degrees at nite. This is the coldest its been, but the furnace and fireplace kept us snug as snails. The next step is to see just how cold it gets before we, as my first born daughter says, "bolt" and hightail it outta there.

One of my main jobs at III is to listen to the weather. All the radio stations all week-end had been predicting snow flurries on Monday morning, and continued to do so even on Monday morning. After we got up and got coffee going, we noticed it looked a little more seriously than maybe just flurries. So, I turned on the weather radio, and all of a sudden the forcast went from flurries to moderate to heavy snow for all of Northern Mo and Southern Ia. So we just kind of puttered around taking pictures, had breadfast, and still the snow came. Hard. So the decision was made that maybe, just maybe, we better get the heck out of there. So we packed, headed out to the highway, and made our way to Bethany. It was the long way, but we figured the snow plows would keep the road cleared. Wrong. The highway was completely covered. The only good thing is there was not much traffic. Even the interstate was not good, but it didn't slow down the trucks any. After we got past Leon, it started letting up a bit. The next day we found out they had 7 inches of "flurries".
Overall, we had a fine, snowy weekend at III. At least now I know what it looks like, and will look forward to more winter weekends at III.
Boi

Snowstorm

We got up Monday morning and there was a skiff of snow on the ground. About that time the local radio station started talking about some snow in the area. All weekend, the forecast had been "clear". But here it was, the snow. And heavy snow. We thought it would quit so weren't too excited but it kept coming down and now the forecasters are prediciting several inches of the white stuff.

We packed up and headed home.

It was trecherous, the first 30 miles or so, but the further north we got, the better the roads. We have learned since that 7 inches of snow fell in that area. Wouldn't that make for good snowshoeing!

I apologize for the orange cap BUT there are still hunters out there! and it was the only one I had with me. I am such a summer person I am surprised that I had such a good time in the snow.

I woke up Sunday morning with the the word SLED in my head. I should have called in the grandchildren. The pond was frozen over and wouldn't they have had fun sliding (skating) on the pond. The sledding would have been good too and it was warm enough that they could have played outside all day with only the occasional hot chocolate stop in the warm cabin.

I have forewarned my children about future "snow days" . . . hopefully it will still be this year!

Shagbark III

Our #1 Son made the sign, and others. I like the signs. He gave us some last year for Christmas and more this year. Very cool. Can this Nana say that . . . "very cool"????

Blogless in Missouri . . . 'til now!

For gosh sakes. Himself only sits at work every day with his feet on his desk. You would think he could post something in here especially after we just spent two days in a Winter Wonderland this past weekend. Yes! we finally found snow at III. Found snow and frolicked in it. Had nice mild days, 6 or 7 inches of snow on the ground and cold, clear nights. The cold clear nights don't bother us anymore, not with the cabin insulated and the propane heater.

Well, I take that back, about the heater. Himself, a throw back to less civilized times, still gets up to feed the woodstove even tho he wouldn't need to but it is habit and that is okay.

We drove down on Saturday morning. I shoved the ol' man out to unpack and put away and I headed back to Princeton to my second favorite consignment shop. I also picked up a few groceries but the one and only thing he wanted me to pick up in town, well, I just plain forgot it. It wasn't an emergency or needed right this minute, but still! you would think I could remember the one thing he wanted!

We experimented this weekend. Himself gave me a pair of snowshoes for Christmas so I experiemented with them. I had done some research but put them on and hiked with relatively little trouble. Sometimes I would forget I had them on and end up with one on top the other which does not allow me to take the next step. A few times I got them tangled in sticks or such and bumbled around a bit but one time I did just plain fall. In my research, I had read that if you fall with them on, in order to get up, well, just do it! So, I just did it and it was pretty ungainly and not graceful at all.

We also experimented with dehydrated foods, self heating foods, etc. The reason we are experimenting with these is we want some food stuff that we can leave at the cabin and not worry about it freezing or expiring. We might bop in sometime on the spur of the moment, or get snowed in an extra day or two and don't want to have to resort to boiling tree bark or eating moss or bugs!

The freeze-dried foods look like they will be the best bet. They have long shelf lives and only need boiling water and someone to read the directions (a story for another day). They are designed for hikers and the like. Himself will order us up some C-rations and we'll try them too. Guess they are called MREs now -- Meals Ready to Eat. Designed for the military, I think.

Another experiment was baking in my cast iron dutch oven. I learned a lot on this one! (That usually means it wasn't as successful as one had hoped.) I baked biscuits and I did get them done but it took an hour and 1 wood stove and 1 propane stove. It will be easier next time and the biscuits will be prettier. Do you remember that when we first found III, I wanted a wood cook stove. Himself discouraged me (I suppose because he likes to eat and was afraid he might miss that if I was cooking on a wood stove?) so that I gave up on the idea but I might just work back around to it some day.

It was a good weekend. Hopefully, Himself will tell the rest of the story . . .

Biscuits? Pancakes?

The biscuits, due to the novice baking them, ended up browning like a pancake. But not too bad for the first time!

Kitchen, After

I now have a counter top! I know this looks cluttered but everything we have serves a purpose and it is all right there, at my fingertips. Okay, okay, the dozen metal cans that were in the cabin when we bought it are just gathering dust and there might be a few things I carried down from home that are extras -- but mainly, everything in here has a purpose. And at least I don't have to keep rearranging everything just to get a meal now!

The purpose of metal cans and containers is to keep out the mice and bugs! We swept up a quart of Japanese beetles this visit!

A Day at III

LJ is up early, about 5:30. I sleep in until 7 or so, until the coffee is made, anyway. Then I crawl out. LJ has the wood fire going again but the little propane unit kept the cabin warm all night and he stayed in bed; he didn’t have to sleep in a chair feeding the fire. We have a donut and coffee, then get around and go to town. We need a sheet of plywood for my kitchen cupboard and since we need the trailer to haul it, Himself gets 4 treated 4X4 posts while we are there. Next spring he will replace the old tree trunks that are currently holding up the front porch but are starting to rot and we don't want to lose that porch!

Took the plywood to Too, to use the electric saw as I needed a couple of pieces 5+ feet by 20 inches and that would be a lot of hand sawing! Unfortunately, after we throw the wood out and plug in the 35-year old circular saw, it doesn’t work. The switch is bad. We discuss, while Himself bangs the saw on the ground and knocks it up along side the switch, that we bought the saw when we lived in our first home in Sioux City. We needed the saw when we shingled the house. So, it has been a good ol’ saw but today, it is not going to work. We take it down to the cabin to warm up. It is about 18 degrees and I’m freezing so I think maybe the saw is cold too. Himself finally takes it apart and there is 35-years' worth of sawdust packed in around the switch and it won't toggle. He clears that out and uses some WD40 and works and reworks the switch and when he puts it back together, the switch works and Himself saves the day! He is good! Working in the snow and cold, I mark out the pieces I need and even mark out notches for the corners so I won’t have to hand saw them back at III. I’m feeling mighty smug – Himself has saved me a lot of hand sawing and that cupboard should go right together!

So, we batten down the hatches again at Too and skip back to III. We get right on breakfast as that donut didn’t stick to my ribs. After eating, Himself takes the chainsaw to clear more saplings up the drive and I start in on my cupboard. I have to attach some braces to my frame, to hold the shelf so I saw several 2X4s and I have gotten pretty capable, hand sawing, and soon have the braces cut and screwed on to the frame. I no sooner think about the next step and I realize that the notches I had Himself cut out with the power saw are not big enough and I am going to have to enlarge all four notches. With the hand saw. ¾” plywood . . . oh no.

So, back to the saw but they go quicker than I had imagined and recutting my notches hasn’t been too much of a set back. I carry the shelf in and have to drop it in from the top, all the time hoping that there is enough room in there to work with it. After I drop it, I see that I still need another half inch out of two corners and not only that, I can’t get the shelf back out. Now, I am disgusted!

I wrestle that shelf and cuss and spit. But that doesn’t help so I go sit down and think it through. There might be just enough room for me to get the saw in to take out that inch. Sure enough, I wrestle it some more and wield the saw and one place I have to use the chisel. I am just about done when Himself walks in. I tell him that I will never ever attempt to build anything and he can see I’ve been in a fix but just then I knock that last bit of wood out with the chisel and the shelf falls down into place. Aha! A tight fit but it works! Himself helps me carry in the counter top, the last step, and at least it fits. Then it is just a simple matter to throw a screw in each corner of the top and I am done.

Sitting by the fire, several hours later, I say, “the next time I build . . .” oops. Already I have forgotten my promise never, ever to build another thing!

GETTIN READY-11/20/2007

Ok, this will be interesting. We are heading to III over Xgiving week-end. 4 days.
And there is a very good chance of snow, the high temperatures for the 4 days are not predictated to climb out of the mid-30's. WOW! You can bet the ol wood burning stove will be cranked up. We are taking lots of warm clothing, and lots of food, soups, stews, etc. I can hardly wait. I am looking forward to this more than a vacation in a condo. Our battery for the electricity is fully charged, so we will have lights, and we do still have the ol coleman lantern on standby.
I guess our main projects for the long week-end are: cutting and clearing the rest of the drive and up at the upper entrance. Herself wants to work on her kitchen counter, so we will have to get some plywood. The porch roof sags as the supports was built with trees, which are rotting, so I want to get some 4.4's to shore them up, but that probably won't get done until warmer weather.
We also have to stop at II and finish winterizing as I just did a partial when we were last there.
So if you don't here from us after a couple of weeks after Xgiving, you might drive to III and see if we are frozen in our tracks.
Himself

NOVEMBER 2007 UPDATE FOR OCTOBER

The last time we went to III, it was to spend the night and test out the new propane wall furnace. As the temp was to drop to the upper twenties, it would be a good test. I had worked most of the day cutting trees, etc with the new chainsaw, and was pretty well beat, so went to bed about 9:30 or so. Herself was to let the fire in the stove die down, and ignite the wall furnace, which she did. So, instead of having to get up every 2-4 hours, I would be able to sleep all night. So, what did I do? I stayed up most of the night waiting for the furnace to no longer be able to keep up with the dropping temperatures. I finally got to sleep around 3:00, and when I got up at 6:30, the cabin was still at 64 degrees and the outside temp had dropped to 27 degrees. So, the test was mainly a success, and I will be satisfied knowing the little furnace will keep up, and it was just set on low.
Now, the chainsaw. My old reliable Poulon has ran for 15 years and is still running, but seeing all the trees remaining to be downed, it was time for a biggie. I didn't get the biggest, but a mid-range Husqvarna 455 Rancher. It is a beast. When I first started it and let it idle, it reminded me of my high school years, and the guys with the souped up cars with the high performance cams, and then when I gave it the gas, it roared. It cuts thru wood like butter. Heaver, but boy does it cut. I now realize, I should have had it when we first acquired III.
We hope to spend Thanksgiving weekend, from Thurs thru Sunday, at III. I have to test out our new propane fired cooler, and hopefully maybe we will get a little snow to make the weekend complete. We will cook our turkey as the pilgrims did, over a fire. Just kidding, but it will be different than our usual Thanksgiving dinners, as there will only be the two of us.
Boi

Himself's Bright Idea

Himself, a couple of weeks ago, happened to think of the 12-Volt lights that were in the houseboat. Since we only use the boat for a playhouse now (the Grandbabes, that is), he removed the lights and the wiring and took them to III. Saturday morning we got up in good time and headed to III to get a little work done. We thought to try out the new propane wall furnace too, as the low temperatures were to be in the 30s.

You can see the result of Himself's industry in the photo above. (You can also see the skelton of my new kitchen counter to the right of the stove. I will have a 5' long counter when I decide what to use for my counter top -- then there won't be a mess sitting around like you see in this picture!)

The kitchen corner of the cabin was dark, even in the day time so when he asked me where to put the first light, I knew just where -- over the stove/sink. It was done -- and it is good. The second light was put above the kitchen table and again, it is good. We can have one on or both.

Saturday evening, after the cold and dark drove us inside, I was able to sit and read at the table. Himself, having gotten up about two hours earlier than me and after lots of fresh air and exercise, hit the sack and sawed logs. When I gave up for the day, I turned on the wall furnace and snuggled in. The furnace, on low, was plenty and Himself didn't have to get up and feed the fire.

We, at III, are living the good life!

Here is the wall furnace. It is powered by propane. In our snug little cabin, the pilot light alone furnishes heat! This may be one of my favorite conveniences only because Himself can't rest just using the woodstove as he worries and stays awake to feed the fire. He didn't have to get up once to stoke the fire this Saturday night!

Now, a little white beadboard paneling and an insulated floor and we could live here here around! Well, and some good gravel in the driveway . . .

"After" Kitchen

well, darn! You are just going to have to wait for the "after" kitchen photo.

"Before" Kitchen

A Place for Everything

and everything in its place. Yep, that is my motto. I want that at III. Himself is funny and says things like "we'll be sleeping outside in a tent". Ha, Ha. No need for a tent. Don't we have a wonderful 4-poster bed? And we don't even have to move things off of it, fold it out or make it up. There it is. Ready. Organized.

All I ask for my kitchen is organization! When I cook now, I move the picnic basket from the top of the woodstove, to the floor, to a chair. I move the dishpan from the stove top to the sink to the woodstove. I sit the hot frying pan on the hearth and move the coffee pot from the stove to the sink top to the mouse proof metal box. I go out to the front porch to get the refrigerated things out of the cooler. I just want to be able to put things in one place and not keep moving them! My new kitchen cupboard will help me get to where I am going. It will have two shelves, about 5-foot long and a counter top! Right now, I have a 9-1/2" counter top -- between the propane cook stove and the kitchen sink. Now, that 9-1/2" is more than I did have and I am not complaining -- but add another 5 foot to that and I will think I am in hillbilly heaven! (The cupboard is built of 2X4s, after all.)

Himself's new propane refrigerator will be inside the cabin, connected to the propane tank, and soon the kitchen will be laid out and organized!

Last time down, we finished insulating, we cleaned, baited wee little creatures and re-arranged the furniture. The cabin at III beckons! And if the weather holds, we will answer the call!

PS: himself just received his new "farm tough" chainsaw . . . and it WILL need field tested -- soon!

ANOTHER YEAR GOING BY(E)

We have made it to III on Oct 13, 2007, but only to work this time. We are doing the final push on insulation, and I am installing a propane wall furnace, that will hopefully take the chill off when we don't really need the woodburning stove, and also, will keep us warm enough that I don't have to get up every 3-4 hours during the nite to keep the stove fired up when it is really cold.
One great thing about III is that from early September on thru the fall, no mowing is required, which allows me plenty of time to get winterizing chores done, mowers and 4-wheeler readied for winter, and generally just a break from mowing.
The timber is changing everytime we get to III. It is amazing how it changes from week to week.
The new bridge trail will require a jog, as the section that goes up over a protruding tree root is causing some concern. We will find a new route that will bypass that section this fall.
Girl is revamping the kitchen and building a new storage cabinet. Before long, we will be staying outside in a tent as the little cabin is fast filling with storage cabinets and the like. Things keep coming, but nothing leaves.
This winter we will see if we can get into III after there is snow on the ground. We will be going onto our fourth season, and have yet to see what it looks like with snow. We have plenty of firewood, and with the new furnace we should be in good shape.
And for my birthday, #60, I might add, I will have rec'd a propane powered refrigerator/cooler, which will aleviate the necessity for hauling what seems to be tons of ice. It can also run from a 12 volt battery or electricity, which we don't have.
I do need to get a new chain saw, as my old Poulon is finally starting to wear out. Its about 15 yrs old and has cut down far more trees than it was intended for. Anyway it has been retired to II where it will live out the remainder of its life. The new saw will be an extra heavy duty one.
I have trees to cut.
Boi

First Day of Fall

and we won't be in Mo checking out signs that summer will soon be behind us and winter just ahead. Instead, Himself and I will be in other states -- Himself, keeping his promise that we will have other destinations at least once a year.

So, we will be off to Estes Park and points beyond! The extended forecast is for 70 deg days and lows in the 40s with only a chance of rain or two. We go seeking back roads, old towns and buildings and mountain roads. We are off to seek adventure! (pretty tame adventure, but adventure non the less!)

And don't forget WORK

Himself, with the help of our two grandsons (Jack, left, Joe, right), mixed cement this weekend and poured another support for the ol' cabin. The boys were interested and helpful. Himself glad to be busy and doing. On Tuesday, with the quiet descending after all had headed home, Himself and I poured two more supports, for the porch this time. Come time to pull that porch off and rebuild, we will have all the prep work done, less one. Can't get to the front middle support of the cabin until the porch comes off. The last week of September, we vacation for a week in Estes Park. Looks as though it is going to be October -- or Spring 08 !! -- before we get to that porch. Time flies . . . For helping, "the boys" got their names in the concrete.

Water Balloons. Sitting in the Shade. Appetites.

Family Reunion

It turned into a wonderful family weekend with all but Johanna and Audrianna in attendance. The weather was perfect! Warm enough for the little ones to swim during the day but cool enough at night for some good sleeping! Kristy and Tony brought a hammock and yard games and camped on the Lake Lots. Himself smoked two kinds of meat. We had watermelon, home grown tomatoes, cukes and ice cream cones. We played at the beach, rode the 4-wheeler at III, played volleyball. The little ones had the houseboat for playhouse, 3 swings, animals, fish and insects to discover (and disect in some cases). There were falls, bumps and bruises and contusions but fortunately no stitches! There were hugs and kisses and good times.

I loved every minute of it! Thanks for coming, thanks for loaning me the bairns and let's do it again next year! Love, Ma

Look out Missouri!

Some of the Hofs and families will be descending upon Too and III this coming weekend. Himself and I can hardly wait to get there -- in fact, Himself will go down a day ahead to mow both places, as needed. I will have to work Friday but will take an extra day on Tuesday as The Fontanas are vacationing here from Illinois and 5 of our 6 beautiful grandbabes will be there too. Mrs. Frey, Son Hof and who knows who all will be in and out this weekend. We are looking forward to good times and good weather!

Labor Day is meant to be a day of celebration for the working man (and woman) but it seems to have become a symbol of the end of summer. I suppose because all the schools are starting, it is the end of summer for the children -- but it won't be me!

I will not be sad nor nostalgic as I will look forward to many good days in Mo this year. Happy Labor Day!

A summer storm

The camera caught some of the rain drops, to my surprise!

Dog Days, II

We were up and at it fairly early today. Okay, I'll retract as I'm sure Himself will set the world straight, if I don't. I think I slept until 8:00 or so while Himself got up at 6 a.m. But, it didn't take me long to get started. So I worked on my garden and Himself held the porch down. I pulled garden fence posts and measured and straightened and rechecked for "square" and then Himself helped me reset two or three fence posts (pound in with a sledge hammer) as he told me I was a wimp. And I let him!

While I pulled and dug weeds out of the garden, Himself took breakfast duty even tho it was my turn so that by the time I was starving, there was bacon, eggs and toast and even fresh tomato! Bless his heart. Then, the day got so oppresive that we sat on the porch and watched while the sky closed in with thunderheads and the rumblings of thunder started off to the south. The clouds rolled through, the wind picked up and finally, while we waited, it just opened up and poured. Some lightening but more noise then anything -- and about 1/3 inch of rain but we enjoyed every drop of it.

If you are reading this backwards -- or from the middle out -- click Here to see video and hear the thunder!

III's Bounty

if you are reading this in 2008, click here to go back . . .

Dog Days

We arrived at III shortly after noon as we had to mow at Too this morning (it had rained Friday and the grass is wet). Saturday is on it's way to being a hot, humid dog day in MO. Himself has to mow both the clearing and the "top" so he is immediately on the mower and going at it. I jump in the Jeep and run to Bethany where I visit my favorite consignment shop and my unfavorite Wal-Mart. Upon my return, I find Himself at the cabin, waiting for me. Fortunately, for both of us, he has not waited long. He needs the Jeep and the jumper cables to get the mower started again. Darn mower, anyway. The mower starts and Himself goes off in the heat of the day to finish mowing the top. It is 90+ and humid with a heat index of 100, at least, and mowing is a hot, dirty job. I am not very ambitious but manage to set up my new sink resevoir, my new wash stand (a present from the children) and a few other odd jobs until the walkie talkie crackles and Himself is calling 911 for the Jeep and the battery cables again so off I go, at his beck and call! (I am not complaining! Here I come to save the day! Nancy is on her way!!)

Before going to town, I asked Himself if he needed a new battery for the mower. No. Okay.

Himself starts the mower again and off he goes, down the lane, headed back to the cabin. I am loaded with water containers so I take it easy and slow so as not to slosh but I soon catch up to him and the cantankerous mower. This time the belt has come off. Himself is busy, pushing, pulling, straining. At one point, I think he is about to push the mower over the edge of the ravine and let her roll! But the "otherside" sits in the Jeep with the air conditioner running, just pretty well entertained -- although I don't smile and I don't offer any comments or suggestions! Finally, the belt is on, the mower starts, and all is right with the world.

The rest of the day goes well, as long as one doesn't labor in the sun and drinks plenty of liquids. I pick tomatoes -- finally and eat them with barely a washing! We have supper and sit on the porch and wait for it to cool down. We have a long wait, this evening.

A tired, hot mower

BOI'S DEFENSE

OK, in defense of my actions pertaining to the outhouse dig, first of all it was hot and muggy. I wouldn't have minded helping except most of the time we discuss herself's projects before we (she) jumps in with both feet. As we hadn't gotten to III on a regular schedule this year, my first priority is to keep mowed what we have cleared. It usually takes 4-5 hours of steady mowing just to accomplish this and that's if there are no problems with the equipment, such as having to jump start equipment, fill flat tires, etc. And this does not include mowing the trails, which takes another up to 2 hours if all goes well, such as the belt coming off or getting stuck and having to be towed back by a maniac driving a 4-wheeler. Herself is not aware of the times the belt comes off the mower, and all the sticks, limbs, branches, etc that I have to stop and pick up. And unless it has just rained, I and the equipment are covered with dust and dirt and insects. So, yes, I , when I get done spending hours on the mowers, oh and I forgot, after I do all that mowing, I hook up the trail cutter, fill it with gas, check the oil, etc and go mow with that for an hour or two. So, when done, yeh, i'm ready for a shower and to get cooled off, and drink an ice cold beer. So while yes, my beautiful stubborn wife labored at the outhouse, and I do admire her for that, it wasn't that big a deal. She did her thing, I did mine. That's the way its supposed to be. Both jobs got done, we both survived, and most important of all, we're still talking.
Himself

Too's New Cornerstone

Etched in Stone, almost

Himself worked hard this weekend at Too. The old cabin had settled at the corners. She’s been droopy and needing a face lift for a few years. The porch has settled too, enough that the door won’t always open all the way and the porch has pulled away from the cabin.

This weekend was a preliminary “prep” weekend leading up to a bigger, better weekend this fall when it is cooler. We will pull the porch floor off, replace the porch columns, and pour concrete porch supports – and then put her all back together. If we are lucky. Or determined.

It was a bear of a weekend -- 90 degrees and humid. Just walking in the sun caused the sweat to pour from his brow so Himself worked in the shade, took advantage of the breeze and rested frequently. He got three of the supports done Saturday. Each support involved digging dry, packed Missouri dirt out from under the cabin (not to be mistaken nor compared with the impacted granite dust at III). There also would have been at least one cement block at each post, sometimes two -- which the cabin, plumbed and leveled, originally set on. They had settled and been sucked into the clay and had to be hacked out too.

My job this Saturday was to go to town for groceries, cement mix and, of course, the garage sales. After I returned, I was designated Tote and Fetcher (my Dad’s term) –the “go get this” “go do that” person but I am used to this role so I Toted and Fetched and helped however I could.

And at the cabin’s “corner stone”, Himself left a sweet surprise . . . the other side

Lap of Luxury or is that "Seat of Luxury"?

A while back, Himself received a battery-operated light bulb as a gift from Kristy and knew immediately where he would hang it. It looks realistic and almost fools the eye . . . and comes in right handy for those middle of the night runs.

Sunday Challenge

Yesterday while I plugged away at the outhouse pit, Himself took off on the big mower to mow the “top”, the entryway, to our little hideaway. He finished that up then decided to mow some of the trails so after a late breakfast, off he rode. I was preoccupied with the “pit” and busy. When he left, he had taken the walkie-talkie and given me the mate and told me if he had any trouble, he’d let me know via the little two-way radio.

After an hour or so, here he was on the walkie-talkie. Will you come on the 4-wheeler and bring the battery and battery cables. Okay. But easier said then done. I dragged and carried the heavy marine battery to the front porch and backed the 4-wheeler up to the porch. I managed, out of shrill will, to get the battery up and loaded and I was off to the rescue!

The mower deck had become wedged between two dirt banks. It had died and now the mower wouldn’t start. Himself hooked the battery charger up but still the mower wouldn’t start so he got the tow line and hooked the mower to the 4-wheeler. I could tell he was torn. Should I (i.e. the woman) ride the mower (linked BACKWARDS to the 4-wheeler) or should I drive the 4-wheeler and tow him riding backwards? Finally, Himself told me to get on the 4-wheeler, instructed me what gear, etc, and told me he would steer the mower backwards as I pulled him back up the trail. I was a bit nervous, as I’ve not had much experience towing and was much more nervous after he didn’t like the way I was turning the 4-wheeler around on the narrow path. I almost got off and told him to do it himself. I did tell him, come turn this around but he instructed and I persisted and soon the mower was attached by towline to the 4-wheeler.

He was riding backwards and couldn’t see that because of the torque on the mower, caught between two dirt ledges, the 4-wheeler, even in low gear and 4-wheel drive, was being pulled sideways towards a tree. I was fighting it and doing my best. He yelled. I stopped. I tried again. He yelled. I stopped. I tried to explain what was happening. He didn’t care. He didn’t verbalize that but I could tell by “the look”. So I tried again and got the “mule” back on the trail and we got to moving. I was a little unsteady at first and must have gone faster than he wanted and he yelled, “go slow!” On the down hills, the mower would roll and catch up to me. On the up hills, the rope would tighten and I would tow him up the hill. After a bit, I decided I was going to enjoy this no matter what. I was learning and doing something I hadn’t before. I laughed out loud and soon I was pulling him more steadily, at the low speed Himself demanded. So up the trail – and down – and soon we had the mower and Himself back in the shade at the cabin.
Back at the cabin, we both laughed and congratulated each other on the successful mission and will await the next challenge.

Saturday Evening

After a delicious evening meal Saturday evening, we were sitting on the porch relaxing. Himself had had his shower back in the timber and I was looking forward to mine but one of the projects I had outlined for myself today was pulling the run-away dock out of the pond. I told Himself that I was going to put on the mud boots and see if I could get the dock to shore before I went and showered.

So I donned the boots. Himself said he’d better come along in case I needed help and I waded out into the pond. I pried the dock up with a pole but could hardly budge it as there was still one pole attached to the dock and embedded in the muddy bottom of the pond. After working at it several minutes, Himself offered to go get the 4-wheeler and maybe we could get a hook on it with the tow line. I was in deep enough now that water was running in the top of the boot and the boots were getting stuck in the suction of the soft mud bottom. I was floundering, my broken toe pulling against the quicksand. I had to reach down and literally pull the boot out of the mud with my hands. Then Himself came and threw me the line and I hooked the dock. After trial and error and ungainly action in the pond, we wrestled the dock to shore. We gotter done.

Afterwards, sitting on the porch, relaxing and talking about how to fasten the recovered dock to shore, we had a brainstorm. We’ll build a new dock 8' or 10’ square so fishermen can take their chair and tackle box down to fish or I can take 5 or 6 grandchildren down to look and sail leaf boats. Or Himself and I can just go down and kick back! We will build a new dock. After all, Himself is a professional dock builder. Practically.

Now, if we are going to build a new dock, why did we go to all that trouble to wrangle the old dock?

Weekend Adventures

We have had fun at III this weekend. We also had some tense moments and frustration but over all it was a great stay. I decided Saturday to get at that new pit for the outhouse. It was almost imperative that this chore get done! I had marked it out last visit, it was in the shade and although the temperature was going to get up to 90 degrees, there was a nice breeze and not much humidity. So I got at it. The ground was dry and the digging hard but as I chipped away at what felt like impacted granite dust, I kept thinking I would get down to something resembling soil – soil with some moisture in it. In Iowa if I dig down two feet (8” even) I will find moist soil. After working on and off all day and into the next, I was down about two feet and it was still dry as a bone. Each time the spade hit the ground, it hurt my wrists and my elbows protested. I’d work awhile, go rest, work awhile, go do something else. I couldn’t seem to get Himself interested in the project (now what made me think I could?). I tried telling him a few times how hard the ground was but he had other projects, other things to do and didn’t seem interested so I kept chipping away.

Finally, Saturday evening, we were sitting on the porch talking about our day and the subject of the pit came up. Guess I had reached my limit with it and I let Himself know that I wanted him to look the situation over and I wanted him to do it right now! So we walked down and reviewed the situation. Himself took the spade and nudged the bottom of the pit a bit and said, well, he was cleaned up now (he had showered) so he’d put some time in on it “tomorrow”. It would be cooler in the morning.

True to his word, Himself strolled down to the pit about 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning and tapped the spade four times on the hard bottom of the pit, exclaimed “Jesus Christ!” threw down the spade, and walked away. Oh Great! Now what? I thought. We need that pit finished and if Himself can’t dig it, how can I? But then Himself came back and offered some free advice: dynamite (I didn’t have any and believe me I had already considered that idea!) and water. Soak the bottom with water. I had already considered that too but I had thrown the idea out as water and Missouri soil means big, sticky gooey clumps of mud-like cement but, up against the wall, I took the pail to the pond and carried up a bucket of pond water and threw it into the pit.

Then I went away and weeded some in the garden, made some little wire mouse bait cages as we think something bigger than mice has been feasting on the D-Conn, did this and that and then went back to work on the pit. The water worked but, as I knew it would, it played havoc trying to get that mud/cement off the spade. Sometimes, I would just get down and throw the mud out w/my leather gloved hands. Himself came along and helped a few times and about mid day, we decided we were ready to make the move. We nailed together a 4X4 treated wood frame, leveled it and “walked” the outhouse over. Himself sunk some screws through outhouse and 4X4s and I stapled chicken wire around the bottom to keep out the creatures that have been chewing through the outhouse walls. We are good to "go" for a a bit!

At Last!

Tomatoes at III! But, will they still be there -- and eatable -- this weekend?

We will head to Missouri on Friday. We hope to get an early start and are anxious to be there. We think that MO has had rain so there will probably be mowing on the to do list.

Priority List

Himself and I lolled about on Sunday. I trimmed up a few trees and found a new spot to which to move the outhouse. We have decided a new outhouse has to be moved up the priority list. At least a new outhouse hole, must be a priority.

So, I will dig the hole, lay down 4X4’s for a base and we'll scootch the outhouse over a few feet, atop the 4X4s. We'll staple wire to the bottom of the outhouse and 4X4s to keep creatures from chewing their way in and fill the old hole with dirt. In a few years, we'll have lovely flowers or a shrub growing and blooming there!

This "move" will be a temporary measure to give me time to build a new outhouse behind the cabin where I have had a hole started for a year or better. One thing about it, there's always next year -- the Lord willing and the creek don't rise . . . the other side

Summer Day

90+ degrees and humid. It is Saturday and we are at III. Thank goodness for the shade of the porch and trees and the nice breeze. We will just spend part of a day but it has been several weeks since I have been here and it feels good.

Because of the heat, we don’t have any big projects planned and Himself took an extra day of vacation and was here yesterday to mow. We just loaf about. I tackle a small project of a wooden rack to hold my new bits and feel as though I cheat because I use the battery-powered drill to do it. I should have used my hand brace! But it is done and behind me and I will have other opportunities to use “hand” power.

Himself’s brother and wife stopped in, late morning. It was their first visit to III. Himself took them each around the trails on the 4-wheeler and I think they both enjoyed it. We had a pleasant visit, caught up on families and partook of a late lunch featuring Himself’s smoked pork loin and fresh, homegrown green beans.

It was a good summer day . . . the other side

Larry and Pat, come back soon! I forgot to take your picture to put in here; it is a rule! You have to have your photo in the Blog!

Isn't he handsome?

Dana was sure glad to see this guy. He had started to think there were was nothing but Blue Gill left in the pond. But after a fun, short struggle, this ol' channel cat came to Daddy -- and got put back for another day.

First bridge trail

This is one of my most favorite spots on III. We have talked about putting a picnic area some where around here. Himself's first (and not last) bridge is at the bottom of the photo which is part of the reason I like it so. The terrain is rugged, the trees close. There are delicate wild flowers hidden away and huge rough boulders. It is beautiful!

Me Too

I miss III. Last weekend we went to Too and did the mowing and some maintenance and sat on the porch in the wonderful summer evening and enjoyed. I did hope we would get to III, tho, to check on the game cam, the tomatoes, the flowers, the timber, the trails . . . but we didn't. Maybe, barring the birth of a babe, we will get there this weekend. It would be good even just for a day, just to make some discovery! Here Maddie Mae and Nana discover wild strawberries. .

Shag Too

Comfort at Too. This is a first, putting in a photo from Too -- but Himself commented on it in his last entry so it is called for . . .

Neighbor

Our game cam finally came through. We got this photo of a young doe. I said I was embarrassed though, that any deer of ours was so scrawny. I will feed her corn and give her a salt block! But, no hunting allowed!

JUNE 8, 2007

This has been a difficult summer for me. As we are climbing the ladder to old age, it seems to be more difficult than ever to get to the "Shaggs" on any type of schedule. It is hit and miss, one thing after another pops up.
And things that should be done on a regular schedule are set aside, and then have to be done the next time we make it down. This is no one's fault in particular, I just feel that this period of our lives should be doing the things we want to do, when we want to do them, but as I am reminded, we have responsibilities.
After 2 years of mowing prairie grass at III, I have now sown grass seed, hoping that it will soon take over. I don't mind mowing weeds, but grass will be much better and easier to control.
We have the new shower set up, and combined it with the pressurized, and heated shower head we previously used, to make one heck of a nice shower.
We have found that no matter which place we are, the tool we need is at the other place, so one after another, tools and equipment are added to each place. When we are gone, someone is going to hit the jackpot, if they like tools.
We had carpet left over from the Creston house, so we took it to II and installed it, along with a new couch. The little old cabin looks pretty cozy.
One of my projects this year is to screen in the porch at II. I have hauled every tool I can think that I would need for the project, but I know something will not be there when I need it.
All fo now
BOI

The new shower

Himself pounds in the last stake for the new shower enclosure. Thank you, Ronnie!

ahhhh . . .

Thanks to Himself's brother, Ronnie, we have a new shower enclosure. I think Ronnie might have been embarrassed by the skimpiness of our old shower (open air) so he had this luxurious version sent to us. It has a shower caddy, a rain hood, a towel bar. Himself and I put it up this weekend (Himself, mostly) and after almost 90 degree temps and working out in the hot sun and amongst visiting mosquitoes and maybe ticks, we both partook of the shower Saturday evening. Ahhh. so nice. Thank you, Ronnie.

We had a bit of a short weekend at III. Himself headed over fairly early. I had to go back to Lineville and buy the washstand I have been wanting. I cannot remember who had one or where I saw it but somewhere in my childhood someone had a washstand with a linoleum-covered top. This one has one small shelf for the washbowl and a larger area for the chamber pot. I saw it Friday afternoon but the owner wasn't around so all I could do was think about it overnight. I made up my mind, on the way there, that I wouldn't pay over $20.00 for it as the door stuck and the paint was peeling. When I caught up to the owner and asked him innocently if it were for sale, imagine my surprise when he named his price. $2.00! I was so delighted that I bought a chair from him too. $3.00. And I will be able to cane the seat sometime when I have more time on my hands. So, between the shower tent and the washstand, I had a fine weekend. We had to leave early Sunday tho to get back home, as family matters called. We were both totally wiped out from all the fresh air and exercise. Oh and work.

Himself, thanks for the good weekend and for the outhouse! and Ronnie, thanks for the shower.

It works!

We had 3-1/4" of rain in the past week. The ground was too soft and I tore up the newly sown grass but Himself had asked me to clean up some piles of timber so I hooked the drogue up to the "mule" and hauled a load away to be cut into fire wood. It worked! My sled will be useful. It didn't fall apart and it hauled a load that would have taken me 5 or 6 trips (or more) to hand carry. The drogue is a success.

Blue Bells

The Bluebells look pretty pale in the photo but in "real life" are more vivid and lovely.

Spring visits

We have had a couple of nice visits to III in April. The wildflowers are blooming, the daytime temperatures are warmer, the trees are leafing out and it is nice! Last weekend, Himself presented me with great huge bunches of wild Bluebells. The patches are as big as double garages, vivid purple, and this past weekend, the aroma wafted through the trees on the "bottom" and sweetened the air. Miss Gabrielle, visiting, was asked each time she went on a 4-wheeler ride, did you see the blue bells? "yes", she would nod. Did you hear them ring? And she learned to answer, yes; yes, she did.

This is our third Spring at III and the first that we found the Bluebells. That seems to say that each season, each year, will bring new, lovely surprises.

Both weekends were relaxing with no major projects. There is always some pruning and tree cutting to do, sweeping out and dusting in the cabin. The evenings are still cool enough we need a little fire in the woodstove but this time, we didn't need it until about 3:30 a.m. Himself claimed I had taken all the covers so he crawled out of bed in the wee hours, started a small fire and had the cabin warm and cozy in just a short time.

Gabrielle and Joey washed rocks for their Nana and begged for 4-wheeler rides. One more ride, mid afternoon, and Joe would have been napping on the front of the 4-wheeler! He loves those rides.

Both weekends, I walked and walked, looking for the elusive morel. South hillsides, damp areas, dead elms, I checked them all but not one mushroom did I find. Well, that just gives me something to look forward to. I crawled through timber, under brush, waded ditches, met brambles and thorns and grass and trees and did not see a tick. Craig arrived from Kansas City, hit the ground and walked to the pond where he threw in a fishing line and had the first tick of the season. He is good at finding ticks, now if he could learn to find the mushrooms. Or fish!

Next weekend visit, we will erect the new shower, gift of Ron. It will be "shower season" as the days are warmer and since the first tick has been found. Thank you, brother Ron!

I did see a couple of grasshoppers this weekend. It is way too early for grasshoppers; they usually show up in late summer. Himself was amazed at the number of wasps there are this year. I said, you have done away with the carpenter bees and perhaps this has let the wasps into this territory. You, Himself, have changed the ecological balance and now will be fighting hoards of wasps! and you probably caused global warming too! the other side

If you have been reading this in May 2009, CLICK to go back

Son's signs

As we ride the trails, we come upon these signs now, thanks to our son who made them for us for Christmas. I like the look of them and as they are still "new", I am always pleasantly surprised to find them on our trails.

I like them! Thank you, Traci and Craig!

The Wood Stove

Bbrrrrrrrrr

We have given up on warmer weather so we loaded up Saturday and headed to III. We had most of the walls of the old hunting cabin insulated so we stopped at our favorite old-time lumberyard and got two more bundles of fiberglass insulation and went to work. Himself took to the ladder while I cut to length and in a couple of hours we had those two bundles of insulation snugged up in the ceiling. It wasn't enough insulation to do the whole roof but that is all our ol' Jeep would carry and we were satisfied with our day's labor.

Then Himself lay in a supply of firewood while I re-situated all the furniture, necessities and knick knacks. A light supper, some local country western radio and plenty of peace and quiet. Night fell, as did the temperatures, but we were cozied up in the cabin with Cousin Clint's electric light, extra clothes and the wood stove primed and heated.

The low fell to 18 degrees or so -- frosty! but I had a good night's sleep in the 4-post cedar bed. Himself, the hardy pioneer, took to the davenport so as to be closer to the stove. He had to pile on more wood 2 or 3 times in the night but slept between. I only woke a couple of times to see if Himself was on duty and knowing that he was, slept the sleep of Queens.

A good time . . . the other side

The deer are laughing

This should have been a likely spot to get photos of deer or other wildlife. We have seen many tracks up this trail. Didn't get a one, tho! So we have moved it again.

Game Cam

Himself and I, for Christmas, purchased a "Game Cam" so that we could capture photos of the wildlife on our poor acreage, III. We waited through January, through cold February and finally in March ventured down to our timber and posted the camera on a likely tree near where we had seen deer tracks and evidence of other wild life. We left it there and went back two weeks later. Amazingly, the only animals captured on "film" were Himself and I after we situated the camera. So we relocated it and left for another two weeks. This time "zilch, zero, none". What is going on?

So, when all else fails, read the directions. We did, and once again re-situated the camera to another likely spot. We tested it, made sure it was working and have left it again, primed and ready -- multi battery operated, a flash for night photos and motion-sensored.

Meanwhile, we find deer tracks between the cabin and the pond which leads us to the only logical conclusion -- our wildlife is camera shy!

Big, Bully Chainsaw

Himself has cleared many trees and you all thought he had a big, bully chainsaw, I bet. Remember, we are roughing it at III and using a lot of hand tools. Here is Himself's (Hillbilly) chainsaw. Now, think about all those trees and limbs he has disposed of!

It is official

It is "cabin" season. We got to Too on Friday evening then hit the road halfway early Saturday morning to get to III. The frost is coming out of the ground so the slick Missouri clay drive was a bit adventuresome going in and coming out. In fact, Himself said, he thought this was the first time ever he had the Jeep sideways going down a road. I was laughing aloud through it all. Probably deliriously happy that he was driving and I was not!

We tramped the woods, rode the trails on the 4-wheeler, Himself cut trees and branches and burned and I walked and cleared about half the north fence line. There are small signs of spring -- green grass where the drogue sat all winter, swelling buds on the cottonwood trees, the Red Wing blackbirds. A few more weeks of warmer weather and the green miracle will happen.

Himself mounted the game camera close to the cabin Saturday night as there has been some creature nosing round but Sunday morning, there were no pictures. Then he mounted it down by the pond and immediately got one photo of Himself on the 4-wheeler but as we left it there, we hope to have about 50 game photos next visit. Can't wait to see!

We are starting the 2007 list of goals but have not finalized it. Can't wait to see what adventures this season brings!

Winter's Day

New Bridge road

III Fever

Himself and I have been wanting to get to Mo. Now that the cold spell has broken and we have spring-like temperatures, the cabin fever has really set in and III calls. There was hope for the weekend but the forecast now is for thunderstorms Saturday and 5 to 10" of snow on Sunday! Now that will spoil weekend plans!

Soon tho . . . the other side

test blog

this is a test blog from LJ

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.