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.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
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.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
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
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, April 21, 2006
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. . .
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. . .
Saturday, April 15, 2006
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
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
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
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
Thursday, March 23, 2006
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
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
Friday, March 03, 2006
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
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
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
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
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
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
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