Friday, July 17, 2009
This morning is warm and sunny, with clear blue skies. By 11 O’clock, it was 78 degrees, with a light breeze keeping it from feeling too hot.
I followed my usual routine of putting out raw peanuts in the shell, hiding some in the woodpile for the chipmunks to find, sunflower and birdseed for the birds, and checked the feeders to make sure they have enough to keep everyone happy. I do this every morning when I let Zack out and turn on the stove to heat my water for coffee. I then do those things most of us do every morning, take my medications, brush my teeth (all 32 original), wash the sleep from my eyes and face, comb my hair and clean my glasses.
By the time I finish, my teakettle is whistling and I make my coffee, turn on my modem and sit down to check my emails and do whatever needs to be done on the computer. In between that, I watch the chipmunks find the nuts and chase each other around, the birds argue whether or not the sunflower seeds are for them or the chipmunks, as they try to steal them, and generally enjoy nature all around me.
It doesn’t take long before noon is upon me and I make myself a brunch. Usually a muffin, sometimes with peanut butter, fresh pealed orange and wash it down with a glass of orange juice. By now, Zack has come to me three or four times, asking if it is time to play, so I’ll clean up my dishes and play with him until he is tired and wants to nap. That is my opportunity to change into my work clothes and get some things done.
Today, I am going to tackle the creek, as I have been meaning to all week long. This involves grabbing a shovel and my Pulaski and hiking down to the creek and clear the debris and weeds from the channel diverting the main flow into my pond, which feeds the water pickup to the cabin.
It is now Saturday, and I have recovered from a near heat stroke and can finish this. I took my bottle of water, shovel, Pulaski and hiked down to the pond to restore the water flow. I found the channel I had dug last year was badly clogged with creek gravel and mud. I began digging it out but had to stop after just a few shovel loads. I was already exhausted and had to rest before digging a couple of more times. I repeated this process several times over the next hour and finally restored the flow.
I couldn’t believe how tired I became and after dragging myself back up the hill and replacing the tools, I went to the cabin and ran cold water over my head and then laid down until I regained my strength. I have never felt so unfit in my life and must be affected by my blood pressure medication. I felt very much like the time I almost had a heat stroke, but it wasn’t that hot and I didn’t exert myself that much. I decided to stay indoors rather than tackle another outside job.
I relaxed the rest of the evening and had my shower and a delicious meal before watching some television and retiring.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Aside from still having a breeze, the morning is completely clear of any clouds and sunny. It is 76 degrees in the sun at 11 AM, so I am looking for another nice day, allowing me to work outside.
I need to clear the silt and weeds from my creek tributary feeding my pond. My house water pick-up is pulling too much silt into the system and while the filters take it out and the ultra violet light removes all the bacteria, the smell is that of muddy water.
I did two loads of wash while having my morning coffee and before I could start working outdoors, a couple of visitors came and distracted me. It was a “neighbor” and her son. I had met the husband and a younger son last week. They bought the placer mining claim on Dog Creek; about three miles from me near the beaver ponds, and moved in a prebuilt log cabin about two years ago. I had originally looked at that piece of property when I was investigating this area, but decided against it as a county road passes through it. I felt that it was too open and would be exposed to a lot of passersby.
After they bought the property and moved the cabin in, they fenced the entire area off, including the county road, with barbed wire. The county made them remove that part that prevented the roads right of way, but they left the rest up. That caused a lot of bad feelings among the folks that have been using the area to camp in for all their lives, so I wasn’t surprised to find out that all the cabin windows had been shot out and someone broke in and stole all their guns. You don’t make friends by coming in and fencing off commonly used land, even if you now own it.
His defense was that the trucks were causing damage by tearing up the area. I tried to explain to him that any vehicle traveling through during rainy season is going to do that. It probably wasn’t intentional, but there are kids with big trucks that like to “mud bog” and try to get through some bogs without getting stuck just for the fun of it. He then tells me that he has called the sheriff and the Federal marshal on several occasions for people camping near his property and shooting guns. I tried to be polite and not call him an asshole, but it was difficult.
He lives in Helena, so is from the area and should know better than to piss off locals the way he has. He asked me if I have ever had any problems with vandalism, what with my open garage and leaving things out. I told him no, I had met and become acquainted with just about everyone that frequented the area and got to know the cattlemen that grazed here, as well as the National Forest law enforcement. I explained that I hadn’t moved here to change the way locals used the area and that was why I don’t fence off the road that people have been using most of their life. I had hoped he would get the idea, but I doubt that he did.
They only use their cabin during the summer and not for extended periods, so when they are gone, they are subject to the ire of people they piss off. I visited with the wife and oldest boy for a while and then excused myself so I could get back to work. They left of their four-wheelers and I tackled a leak under my kitchen sink. I had noticed that the flange, where the drain attaches to the sink, was loose, but didn’t realize how much water it was allowing to drip into the cabinet below. The pressboard was soaked and it was beginning to get moldy and smell. I cleaned and sprayed the area with a bleach and water solution and then tightened the flange to stop the flow.
In the course of cleaning everything out from under the sink, I had to clean and rearrange things to put it back. This led to me cleaning the cabinets and kitchen from top to bottom and before I knew it, it was 6 O’clock. I finally stopped, played with Zack, fed him and Zoey, and then sat down with a drink to relax.
I finished the day with my usual, a shower, some dinner, watching television and then going to bed.
Aside from still having a breeze, the morning is completely clear of any clouds and sunny. It is 76 degrees in the sun at 11 AM, so I am looking for another nice day, allowing me to work outside.
I need to clear the silt and weeds from my creek tributary feeding my pond. My house water pick-up is pulling too much silt into the system and while the filters take it out and the ultra violet light removes all the bacteria, the smell is that of muddy water.
I did two loads of wash while having my morning coffee and before I could start working outdoors, a couple of visitors came and distracted me. It was a “neighbor” and her son. I had met the husband and a younger son last week. They bought the placer mining claim on Dog Creek; about three miles from me near the beaver ponds, and moved in a prebuilt log cabin about two years ago. I had originally looked at that piece of property when I was investigating this area, but decided against it as a county road passes through it. I felt that it was too open and would be exposed to a lot of passersby.
After they bought the property and moved the cabin in, they fenced the entire area off, including the county road, with barbed wire. The county made them remove that part that prevented the roads right of way, but they left the rest up. That caused a lot of bad feelings among the folks that have been using the area to camp in for all their lives, so I wasn’t surprised to find out that all the cabin windows had been shot out and someone broke in and stole all their guns. You don’t make friends by coming in and fencing off commonly used land, even if you now own it.
His defense was that the trucks were causing damage by tearing up the area. I tried to explain to him that any vehicle traveling through during rainy season is going to do that. It probably wasn’t intentional, but there are kids with big trucks that like to “mud bog” and try to get through some bogs without getting stuck just for the fun of it. He then tells me that he has called the sheriff and the Federal marshal on several occasions for people camping near his property and shooting guns. I tried to be polite and not call him an asshole, but it was difficult.
He lives in Helena, so is from the area and should know better than to piss off locals the way he has. He asked me if I have ever had any problems with vandalism, what with my open garage and leaving things out. I told him no, I had met and become acquainted with just about everyone that frequented the area and got to know the cattlemen that grazed here, as well as the National Forest law enforcement. I explained that I hadn’t moved here to change the way locals used the area and that was why I don’t fence off the road that people have been using most of their life. I had hoped he would get the idea, but I doubt that he did.
They only use their cabin during the summer and not for extended periods, so when they are gone, they are subject to the ire of people they piss off. I visited with the wife and oldest boy for a while and then excused myself so I could get back to work. They left of their four-wheelers and I tackled a leak under my kitchen sink. I had noticed that the flange, where the drain attaches to the sink, was loose, but didn’t realize how much water it was allowing to drip into the cabinet below. The pressboard was soaked and it was beginning to get moldy and smell. I cleaned and sprayed the area with a bleach and water solution and then tightened the flange to stop the flow.
In the course of cleaning everything out from under the sink, I had to clean and rearrange things to put it back. This led to me cleaning the cabinets and kitchen from top to bottom and before I knew it, it was 6 O’clock. I finally stopped, played with Zack, fed him and Zoey, and then sat down with a drink to relax.
I finished the day with my usual, a shower, some dinner, watching television and then going to bed.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
This morning looks promising and the bright sunny sky seems to be showing a much different day from yesterday. By 10:00 O’clock, it is 67 degrees in the direct sun, but feeling cooler in the wind that has been blowing at a constant10 mph.
I spent the morning doing my usual research and answering emails while enjoying my coffee and then a light brunch of an egg on a large biscuit with orange juice. As noon approached, I played with Zack and then changed into my work clothes to go outside and take advantage of the nice weather. I had spotted several thistles that were either missed when I sprayed before, or newly emerged. Even though the wind was still blowing, it had calmed down enough that I could treat the weeds. I contact spray, rather than spraying the weed and area, meaning I only put the solution on the weed and not the surrounding area and therefore don’t worry about overspray or having it blown onto myself.
Lugging the 5-gallon sprayer around, I pulled a muscle in my back, even though I only fill the container with 2 ½ gallons at a time. I managed to spray every weed I could find and put the rig away. I noticed that one of my propane bottles was empty, so I switched it out for a full one. While doing that, I took a good look at the wind damage to the door hinges and determined that I will have to remove all of the log exterior to get to hinges, and then replace them on both doors.
Meanwhile, I decided to finish insulating the battery box and put it back together. I had to remove the log siding and front panel to remove and replace the house batteries, and because I wasn’t sure I was completely done moving the batteries around, hadn’t put it back together. I added the blue board insulation and then refastened the panel and siding, re-securing the lid hinges and finally finishing by 7 PM.
It is taking me much longer to do jobs like this, and I am not sure if I am just out of shape, or the new blood pressure medicine has something to do with it. I could barely lift the full 100-pound propane bottle into the shed, whereas last year, I could lift it in without much strain. Maybe it’s just me getting older, but I feel like I have no strength or stamina.
I gave Zack one last play period for the day and then feed him. I needed to shower to get any spray and all of the Deep Woods Off washed from my skin. After the shower, I had a drink and relaxed before having a crab salad for my dinner. Some television and rest filled out the remainder of the evening.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
This morning is cool and overcast, with light rain. Between last night and this morning, I have received another ¼ of an inch. It is cold enough (50 degrees) to have a fire and Zack is happy to stay inside and lay by the fire, while I continue to work on the computer.
This is the wettest summer in several years, but closer to normal before the drought hit, so I guess we should be grateful instead of complaining.
I spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the sunroom, plus working on the computer. I am narrowing down which solar panels I should purchase through my online research. All of them are still more expensive than you would think, after this many years of research and manufacturing, but it is what it is. To think that the solar chips they are currently producing are only about 6% efficient, leaves me thinking that monies to produce and use solar power, to lessen our need for fossil fuels, is either misspent or doesn’t even make it to the producers. The prices have come down since last year, as the demand is up because of the energy rebate offered by the government.
The day continued as it began until about 4:30, when the clouds parted long enough to let some sunshine in. Zack and I played and enjoyed the warmth as a change from the colder morning. By 6 PM, the clouds closed in and it began sprinkling again.
Some dinner for Zack and Zoey made them sleepy and they napped while I showered and then fixed myself dinner, relaxing for the rest of the evening.
This morning is cool and overcast, with light rain. Between last night and this morning, I have received another ¼ of an inch. It is cold enough (50 degrees) to have a fire and Zack is happy to stay inside and lay by the fire, while I continue to work on the computer.
This is the wettest summer in several years, but closer to normal before the drought hit, so I guess we should be grateful instead of complaining.
I spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the sunroom, plus working on the computer. I am narrowing down which solar panels I should purchase through my online research. All of them are still more expensive than you would think, after this many years of research and manufacturing, but it is what it is. To think that the solar chips they are currently producing are only about 6% efficient, leaves me thinking that monies to produce and use solar power, to lessen our need for fossil fuels, is either misspent or doesn’t even make it to the producers. The prices have come down since last year, as the demand is up because of the energy rebate offered by the government.
The day continued as it began until about 4:30, when the clouds parted long enough to let some sunshine in. Zack and I played and enjoyed the warmth as a change from the colder morning. By 6 PM, the clouds closed in and it began sprinkling again.
Some dinner for Zack and Zoey made them sleepy and they napped while I showered and then fixed myself dinner, relaxing for the rest of the evening.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
This morning started off like last night ended . . . in rain, hail, and lots of lightning and thunder. I received more than a ½ an inch in less than an hour. It occurred between 8:30 and 9:20 AM, and other than the noise of the thunder and hail hitting the tin roof, I was awakened by Zack and Zoey jumping in bed with me due to the thunder.
We all huddled together in the warmth of our covers while the storm passed and by the time I got up, it had passed. I had my coffee and then got ready to go into town for my chiropractor and dentist appointment.
I gave Greg a call to see if he’d like to join me for dinner, but he was out, so I stopped at The Mother Lode and had their soup and sandwich. Another sign of the times, as the bread and tomatoes were sliced so thin that my fingers went through both. I finished and then picked up my mail before heading to my chiropractor appointment.
After my adjustment, I went to Safeway, picked up some groceries, filled two cans and the Jeep with gas, and headed to my dentist appointment. I arrived 15 minutes early and waited until they finished another patient. I had the new crown cemented on and was on my way.
I decided to take the back way home and then decided to try to find my way to my cabin through the back way, which I had never tied before. As I traveled the road, I saw Ron, which I had met at the air show a couple of weeks ago. I stopped and he invited me up for a beer and visit.
After a couple of beers and finding out the road no longer goes through, I back tracked and took Skelly Gulch back and went home by way of the Marysville Road.
Once at home, I unloaded the car and played with Zack before feeding him and Zoey, and then showering before starting a small fire and relaxing with a microwave dinner and some television.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
This morning started off like most mornings, my coffee, read and answer my emails, a couple of You Tube videos, enjoying some sunshine and antics of my chipmunks, when the day turned to night and peals of thunder raced across the mountains.
I love a good summer storm and this was a good one. The rain laden black clouds rolled in from the west and the sky opened up. The gusts of wind slammed doors, knocked things off the tables and hit the cabin in waves. It rolled over my cabin moving east, but there were more clouds following it. It lasted about 3 hours and then began to clear, leaving open blue sky behind it.
While the storm was passing, I boiled some eggs and cut cubes of cheese for a special breakfast treat for Zack. After he cleaned his bowl, I expected him to bug me to play, but the thunder was more than he wanted and he went straight upstairs and jumped into my bed.
I hope that the rain didn’t undo my hard work of spraying those weeds yesterday. I don’t think it rained enough and the spray was dry by now, so it had a chance to do its business. I am glad for the little amount of moisture to help keep things green a little bit longer.
In the late afternoon, I gave Zack a bath, trimming his way too long nails, and bushing his teeth. We played as his reward and it helped dry him. Because of his earlier treat, I just gave him some dry food for his dinner, and he turned his nose up at it. I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes in preparation of fixing my dinner.
The remainder of the evening was taken up with resting and watching some television. After I thought this was finished, a new thunderstorm moved in and pounded the area with rain, wind, and hail, leaving almost a quarter of an inch.
This morning started off like most mornings, my coffee, read and answer my emails, a couple of You Tube videos, enjoying some sunshine and antics of my chipmunks, when the day turned to night and peals of thunder raced across the mountains.
I love a good summer storm and this was a good one. The rain laden black clouds rolled in from the west and the sky opened up. The gusts of wind slammed doors, knocked things off the tables and hit the cabin in waves. It rolled over my cabin moving east, but there were more clouds following it. It lasted about 3 hours and then began to clear, leaving open blue sky behind it.
While the storm was passing, I boiled some eggs and cut cubes of cheese for a special breakfast treat for Zack. After he cleaned his bowl, I expected him to bug me to play, but the thunder was more than he wanted and he went straight upstairs and jumped into my bed.
I hope that the rain didn’t undo my hard work of spraying those weeds yesterday. I don’t think it rained enough and the spray was dry by now, so it had a chance to do its business. I am glad for the little amount of moisture to help keep things green a little bit longer.
In the late afternoon, I gave Zack a bath, trimming his way too long nails, and bushing his teeth. We played as his reward and it helped dry him. Because of his earlier treat, I just gave him some dry food for his dinner, and he turned his nose up at it. I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes in preparation of fixing my dinner.
The remainder of the evening was taken up with resting and watching some television. After I thought this was finished, a new thunderstorm moved in and pounded the area with rain, wind, and hail, leaving almost a quarter of an inch.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
It is clear and sunny this morning, with temperatures in the mid 60s and no wind. Today is the annual Marysville Picnic and we will drive down and see what there is to see.
After my morning coffee and other activities, Zack and I hopped in the Jeep and headed for Marysville just a little past noon. Marysville has been having an annual picnic for a number of years, and I always make an appearance just to see who’s there and what venders and entertainment they have.
As we approached the meadow area, about a mile from the cabin, we happened across a cow moose with her baby, which couldn’t have been more than a few days old. We stared at each other as Zack made a fuss about not being able to get out and investigate. I reached for my camera, only to discover that I had forgotten it on the kitchen island. Another missed opportunity at a nature photo.
This is the second year that they posted “No Dogs” at the Marysville Picnic, as they had a problem with so many local and strange dogs being turned lose to chase and play, along with stealing hot dogs and hamburgers from small children. I found a parking space in the shade and Zack napped while I visited and had a cheeseburger for lunch. The money they make from the concession stand and auction (one pie sold for $165.00) goes to help restore and maintain some of the public buildings and the museum.
After visiting with several acquaintances, I decided that there wasn’t much else there for me, plus I didn’t want to leave Zack in the car as it was hot, even in the shade. I missed seeing Dan, the fire chief, and his family, who just returned from a trip to Flagstaff and Grand Canyon. He had emailed me while I was in that area, asking how far they would have to travel south for his son, Levi to see a saguaros cactus, as he had learned about them in school and really wanted to see one. I had given him directions to Black Canyon City, which is the furthest north they seem to grow, and he emailed me today to let me know their trip was a great success and they even found a park in Black Canyon City with a trail that takes you in and around the cactus.
Mary wasn’t to be found either, but I know that she is busy taking care of her grandchildren while Guy drives Jill to Chicago. I was going to stop by their home on my way back to the cabin, but decided not to as I had things at the cabin that I needed to attend to.
We got back home by 3:30, and I changed into work clothes and went out to spray more noxious weeds, which took the rest of the day. For those that don’t know, I am contracted by the BLM to spray along the road all of the way to the Divide, and all the equipment and materials are furnished by them. I am paid $45.00 a week, but haven’t seen a cent of it from last season yet. Such is our government. I finally quit at 6 PM, showered to get any overspray off myself, fed Zack and then sat down to cool off and relax before having some dinner and watching television until bedtime.
It is clear and sunny this morning, with temperatures in the mid 60s and no wind. Today is the annual Marysville Picnic and we will drive down and see what there is to see.
After my morning coffee and other activities, Zack and I hopped in the Jeep and headed for Marysville just a little past noon. Marysville has been having an annual picnic for a number of years, and I always make an appearance just to see who’s there and what venders and entertainment they have.
As we approached the meadow area, about a mile from the cabin, we happened across a cow moose with her baby, which couldn’t have been more than a few days old. We stared at each other as Zack made a fuss about not being able to get out and investigate. I reached for my camera, only to discover that I had forgotten it on the kitchen island. Another missed opportunity at a nature photo.
This is the second year that they posted “No Dogs” at the Marysville Picnic, as they had a problem with so many local and strange dogs being turned lose to chase and play, along with stealing hot dogs and hamburgers from small children. I found a parking space in the shade and Zack napped while I visited and had a cheeseburger for lunch. The money they make from the concession stand and auction (one pie sold for $165.00) goes to help restore and maintain some of the public buildings and the museum.
After visiting with several acquaintances, I decided that there wasn’t much else there for me, plus I didn’t want to leave Zack in the car as it was hot, even in the shade. I missed seeing Dan, the fire chief, and his family, who just returned from a trip to Flagstaff and Grand Canyon. He had emailed me while I was in that area, asking how far they would have to travel south for his son, Levi to see a saguaros cactus, as he had learned about them in school and really wanted to see one. I had given him directions to Black Canyon City, which is the furthest north they seem to grow, and he emailed me today to let me know their trip was a great success and they even found a park in Black Canyon City with a trail that takes you in and around the cactus.
Mary wasn’t to be found either, but I know that she is busy taking care of her grandchildren while Guy drives Jill to Chicago. I was going to stop by their home on my way back to the cabin, but decided not to as I had things at the cabin that I needed to attend to.
We got back home by 3:30, and I changed into work clothes and went out to spray more noxious weeds, which took the rest of the day. For those that don’t know, I am contracted by the BLM to spray along the road all of the way to the Divide, and all the equipment and materials are furnished by them. I am paid $45.00 a week, but haven’t seen a cent of it from last season yet. Such is our government. I finally quit at 6 PM, showered to get any overspray off myself, fed Zack and then sat down to cool off and relax before having some dinner and watching television until bedtime.
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