Posts
The weather this far north keeps reminding us winter is just around the corner. We've had lots of cold, rainy, windy days followed by 65 degree sunny weather that feels like a heat wave. The ferns are turning brown, apples are falling from the trees and we're wishing our wood stove were connected. My son picked up the pipe adapter we need when he brought his daughter home to Marquette on Sunday. We'll pick it up from him tomorrow and install it. It costs us about $30 round trip to drive to Marquette and it didn't seem worth it for a $22 part. NO one here carries them!!!
My older son was hear six hours yesterday laying cement board in the kitchen in prep for the ceramic tile. We have to finish yet more wiring and tape the cement board before he returns next Sunday - his only day off. This week we tear down the kitchen ceiling. Not looking forward to that but parts of it are damaged and it hides the wiring. Have decided to reposition the ceiling fan/light when the ceiling comes down. Once that's done we'll install a drywall ceiling.
Today we move the refrigerator to its new location and start removing the wall where it was in prep for working on the bathroom. If it were warmer out I'd set up an outdoor kitchen. In the meantime, I'm resorting to the crock pot!
Then there's plumbing, wiring, fixtures and another floor to tear up in the bathroom. The work never seems to end. Oh well, what else have we to do besides continuing to prep, haul firewood, process blueberries, winterize the tractor, garden tractor, truck and chainsaws and a zillion other tasks?
Our furnace has run nearly non-stop for a week and the propane is disappearing at an alarming rate. Makes me nervous, partly because Sweetie keeps saying things like, "Last year we used six cords of wood. We'll be fine." I tell him that wood was used in a different location where winters are milder and we were more sheltered from the wind. But he's in one of his stubborn "I know what I'm talking about" moods. Then my Dad called and expressed his concern. "It sure won't hurt to have more," he said and Sweetie seemed to develop a whole new perspective!
I've made what I call our winter shopping/prepping list and thought I'd share it with you. You can refer to it and see if it reminds you of any holes in your preps assuming you live in the frozen north!!!
Winter shopping/prepping:
Case of 10-40 oil, another can of WD40 oil, two jugs antifreeze, bag of ice melt and two furnace filters; two used snowmobile suits, knit face masks and new felt boot liners; six-month supply of cat litter (One bucket in truck for getting unstuck!); more bungie cords & new tow rope; sharpen all the axes and clean/oil all the shovels; switch out summer BOB's for winter ones, move paint/varnish/stain cans inside; caulk exterior of windows, doors, eaves and anything else that looks like it needs it; have friends save newspapers for us; buy new smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors!
This does not include food preps. I bought six more cans of coffee this week on sale and a six cases of diced tomatoes since our garden is a disappointment. Still need more bread flour and yeast but it will be bought in mid September.
The deer have been on the move a bit and their signs are everywhere on our land. We posted our property so a few of the neighbors are not too friendly just now but this is a long narrow strip of land and we're not willing to have bullets zip by our heads. That's the thing about moving into a neighborhood. If you change things or alter another person's customs - on your land - it is not well received. Oh well. When they're paying the taxes and maintaining the land - which was not the case with the previous owners - then they can tell us how things are going to be.
Well, time to get to work. Hope you all have a productive day. Treesong
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Corporate America Screws With Us Again!
We had great plans today which were sidelined at 11:30 a.m. when I took the mail out of the mailbox. A large envelope from our property insurance company for the place we sold downstate caught my attention. Opened it to find a refund of our last six month payment. The policy had been cancelled.
I dreaded giving Sweetie the news as he's already blown a gasket over this company. Our payment was made via a US Postal Money Order in person at the agent's office on the due date. We soon received a cancellation notice. We called about the notice and were told it had been credited and we would soon receive a notice to that affect. ONE MONTH later (August 8th), we received a notice stating our policy was in effect. Today, we received the notice of cancellation and the refund check.
Our agent kept saying he'd return our call because he was "tied up." Sweetie did all the calling which is probably good as I would have shown in person. To Hell with being put off most of the day.
At 4p.m. Sweetie called the agent one more time and yelled at him: "Either you give me an answer now or I'll file a formal complaint against -------." ONCE again, he was told he'd be called back within a few minutes. Nine minutes later the agent said, "Everything's fine. Mail the check back to the corporate office and your account will be credited."
We sat here a couple minutes looking at one another and Sweetie said: "I smell a rat." I walked over to him, asked for the phone and called the corporate office. Gave them our policy number and asked about the account. The clerk said she'd have to check into it and I said, "I'm going to fax you all the documentation of this account for the past year. Someone has screwed up royally and it was NOT us."
And if they think we're going to mail the check back to them...well, they really are screw ups!
The clerk said someone would call back tomorrow!!!! I said, "Good, by then I'll have secured a new policy from another company and talked to our lawyer."
You see, one of the reasons we're upset is the finance company that holds a note on the property downstate, also got a cancellation notice. So guess what was in the second envelope I opened today. Yah, a notice of "payment due in full."
I dreaded giving Sweetie the news as he's already blown a gasket over this company. Our payment was made via a US Postal Money Order in person at the agent's office on the due date. We soon received a cancellation notice. We called about the notice and were told it had been credited and we would soon receive a notice to that affect. ONE MONTH later (August 8th), we received a notice stating our policy was in effect. Today, we received the notice of cancellation and the refund check.
Our agent kept saying he'd return our call because he was "tied up." Sweetie did all the calling which is probably good as I would have shown in person. To Hell with being put off most of the day.
At 4p.m. Sweetie called the agent one more time and yelled at him: "Either you give me an answer now or I'll file a formal complaint against -------." ONCE again, he was told he'd be called back within a few minutes. Nine minutes later the agent said, "Everything's fine. Mail the check back to the corporate office and your account will be credited."
We sat here a couple minutes looking at one another and Sweetie said: "I smell a rat." I walked over to him, asked for the phone and called the corporate office. Gave them our policy number and asked about the account. The clerk said she'd have to check into it and I said, "I'm going to fax you all the documentation of this account for the past year. Someone has screwed up royally and it was NOT us."
And if they think we're going to mail the check back to them...well, they really are screw ups!
The clerk said someone would call back tomorrow!!!! I said, "Good, by then I'll have secured a new policy from another company and talked to our lawyer."
You see, one of the reasons we're upset is the finance company that holds a note on the property downstate, also got a cancellation notice. So guess what was in the second envelope I opened today. Yah, a notice of "payment due in full."
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Chimney's Through the Roof!
Sweetie is one diligent, thorough worker. When he puts his mind to a project it gets done. Might take him awhile because he's got to take frequent breaks and give himself a dose of an inhaler but, by golly, he does the job.
Our estimates for this job were between $1400 and $1570. It cost us $400 and a couple days. The 4/12 metal roof over the original mobile home roof presented a challenge. Sweetie tied a rope to the hitch of his truck and threw the rope over the roof. On the other side of the roof he tied a ladder. He used this ladder to crawl up and down the roof where he had removed one roof panel for access to the mobile home roof. After shoveling the insulation away from the inner roof, he sawed into the mobile home roof and met the spot where he had opened up the kitchen ceiling.
We still need to attach the chimney cap and the flange at the base of the chimney where it meets the roof. Once finished with that, we'll complete the 3x5 foot cement board panels and tile the kitchen and the wall behind the wood stove.
We've partially gutted the bathroom so it's kind of like camping out around here. But, little by little, we'll get the whole job done.
I'll post more pictures later. Sweetie wants the computer.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Scavenging Again
It's late. I'm tired but can't sleep. The coyotes are after something just outside the window above the desk. And I'm hoping staring at the computer awhile will make my eyes heavy.
So...thought I'd enlighten you all about how we scavenge. Like most successes, it's a mixture of working a plan - based on keen observation - and getting lucky.
Today we had to bring the tent we found at the boat ramp up to my son who's going camping. He'll be joined by his girlfriend and her daughter, his sister and her three daughters and his niece. At least he thought that was the plan. Turns out the kids each wanted to invite a friend along. Being the good sport and favorite uncle that he is, he asked to borrow our "new" tent for the overflow of giggly, eager young ladies. Did I mention that my son will be the only male in the bunch?
It so happens that today was garbage pick up day for most of the route to my son's. The trick is to drive the route either the evening before or very early the day of pick up. So bleary eyed and coffee deprived, we took off at 6:30 a.m. Our first stop was the row of cottages immediately to our north where there is always remodeling or tearing down going on. The first cottage had a twin bed frame and two plastic buckets. In the truck they went. Next, we picked up another white plastic lawn chair, a case of glass canning jars (some with rings) and an inflatable black whale water toy with a pinhole leak (electrical tape repaired it). Our third stop had a 2-gallon plastic gas can missing the cap and a metal tackle box. Finally, within a block of my son's house, some more chicken wire.
Eleven miles and we were quite proud of our finds. At my son's we discovered a fishing net in his garage and more scrap pieces for our wood stove. Last week, when a big northern pike got away from Sweetie, a net would have saved his catch. Today's find is an old smelting net but in a pinch, and being cheapskates, we'll use it - until we come across another fishing net.
Any trip, no matter the distance or destination, is an opportunity to scavenge. Along the way, keep your eyes open for piles of junk, lumber, "leftovers" from yard sales, and people remodeling homes. Many times people will just give things to you to be rid of it. Often, when we've stopped and asked about something, we've been told to "take it all." Good thing we have a pickup truck.
Once home, we sort through things, keep what interests us, pass the rest off to others in need or donate it to the local free store. The twin bed frame we got today went to another friend. The water toy was given to a neighbor's grandchild. If nothing else, collect stuff for a couple months and hold a yard sale!
Another strategy is to be on good terms with wasteful people. I have a sister who fits this category and I always tell her, "anything you don't want, let me know." Or, "I'm looking for ------. If you come across one. Okay?"
Sunday, after delivering the daybed to her, she came downstairs with a few items. Among the treasures was a first edition signed copy of Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. The book was made in to a movie which was filmed in Big Bay, Michigan, near Marquette. I now have three signed copies of his novels! Whenever I get a duplicate, I sell it on Ebay. Cha-ching!
And finally, it pays to know people. Or know people who know people. We stopped at my friend's house today to pick up a flower pot she had picked up from her most recent curbside collection. As I stood there admiring her flowers and yard she said, "You want some raspberry bushes and rhubarb plants?" I could have kissed her feet!
We go out to inspect the raspberry bushes at the back of her village lot and she waves to her neighbor, a doctor's wife. Next thing you know, the doctor's wife is offering us blackberry bushes. She wanted them "cleaned out" of her yard because she's "tired of dealing with them." Fine by me Mrs. Doctor Lady.
I was so pumped when we got home that I sat down to cross things off my "stuff we want" list. (Yes, I have a list!) Sweetie, being the wiser of us two, says, "Why don't you call a few people and pass the word about what you're looking for?"
Believe it or not, I can blab a mile a minute online but seldom pick up the phone and call anyone. After a refreshing drink of water spiked with lemon juice, I called four people. Pleasantries aside, I said, "Oh, by the way, if you ever run across -------------- would you give me a call or email?"
Time will tell. Maybe I'll get that white wicker patio set yet!
So...thought I'd enlighten you all about how we scavenge. Like most successes, it's a mixture of working a plan - based on keen observation - and getting lucky.
Today we had to bring the tent we found at the boat ramp up to my son who's going camping. He'll be joined by his girlfriend and her daughter, his sister and her three daughters and his niece. At least he thought that was the plan. Turns out the kids each wanted to invite a friend along. Being the good sport and favorite uncle that he is, he asked to borrow our "new" tent for the overflow of giggly, eager young ladies. Did I mention that my son will be the only male in the bunch?
It so happens that today was garbage pick up day for most of the route to my son's. The trick is to drive the route either the evening before or very early the day of pick up. So bleary eyed and coffee deprived, we took off at 6:30 a.m. Our first stop was the row of cottages immediately to our north where there is always remodeling or tearing down going on. The first cottage had a twin bed frame and two plastic buckets. In the truck they went. Next, we picked up another white plastic lawn chair, a case of glass canning jars (some with rings) and an inflatable black whale water toy with a pinhole leak (electrical tape repaired it). Our third stop had a 2-gallon plastic gas can missing the cap and a metal tackle box. Finally, within a block of my son's house, some more chicken wire.
Eleven miles and we were quite proud of our finds. At my son's we discovered a fishing net in his garage and more scrap pieces for our wood stove. Last week, when a big northern pike got away from Sweetie, a net would have saved his catch. Today's find is an old smelting net but in a pinch, and being cheapskates, we'll use it - until we come across another fishing net.
Any trip, no matter the distance or destination, is an opportunity to scavenge. Along the way, keep your eyes open for piles of junk, lumber, "leftovers" from yard sales, and people remodeling homes. Many times people will just give things to you to be rid of it. Often, when we've stopped and asked about something, we've been told to "take it all." Good thing we have a pickup truck.
Once home, we sort through things, keep what interests us, pass the rest off to others in need or donate it to the local free store. The twin bed frame we got today went to another friend. The water toy was given to a neighbor's grandchild. If nothing else, collect stuff for a couple months and hold a yard sale!
Another strategy is to be on good terms with wasteful people. I have a sister who fits this category and I always tell her, "anything you don't want, let me know." Or, "I'm looking for ------. If you come across one. Okay?"
Sunday, after delivering the daybed to her, she came downstairs with a few items. Among the treasures was a first edition signed copy of Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. The book was made in to a movie which was filmed in Big Bay, Michigan, near Marquette. I now have three signed copies of his novels! Whenever I get a duplicate, I sell it on Ebay. Cha-ching!
And finally, it pays to know people. Or know people who know people. We stopped at my friend's house today to pick up a flower pot she had picked up from her most recent curbside collection. As I stood there admiring her flowers and yard she said, "You want some raspberry bushes and rhubarb plants?" I could have kissed her feet!
We go out to inspect the raspberry bushes at the back of her village lot and she waves to her neighbor, a doctor's wife. Next thing you know, the doctor's wife is offering us blackberry bushes. She wanted them "cleaned out" of her yard because she's "tired of dealing with them." Fine by me Mrs. Doctor Lady.
I was so pumped when we got home that I sat down to cross things off my "stuff we want" list. (Yes, I have a list!) Sweetie, being the wiser of us two, says, "Why don't you call a few people and pass the word about what you're looking for?"
Believe it or not, I can blab a mile a minute online but seldom pick up the phone and call anyone. After a refreshing drink of water spiked with lemon juice, I called four people. Pleasantries aside, I said, "Oh, by the way, if you ever run across -------------- would you give me a call or email?"
Time will tell. Maybe I'll get that white wicker patio set yet!
Monday, August 17, 2009
My Obsession With The Best Laid Plans
Okay, I admit it. I'm an organizer. A list maker. A compulsive goal setter. A person who always reflects on the day with thoughts about "what was accomplished." If a goal hasn't at least been attempted I somehow feel I've missed the mark.
Yesterday, moving a day bed to my sister's was our sole accomplishment. Other goals and projects went by the wayside. And it's been that way since my last post. For a person so focused, it's been a disappointment. Sweetie takes this more in stride than I do. I joke that he's perfected the art of sitting in place. He's not lazy; just relaxed and comfortable with what he manages to do each day. I'm thankful for that because his health is so precarious. I, on the other hand, still struggle with accepting my limitations. I see what needs to be done - and despite the fact that it always gets done - I still get concerned when plans are waylayed.
Between the two of us, we get a burst of energy and dive into a project. Maybe it goes along for a few days, and maybe not. In our latest effort we've been sidelined by unbearable humidity and high temps which has affected Sweetie's breathing and my arthritis. I dread humidity more than cold because it brings on swelling and pain. Give me a minus 20 degree day and I feel great. Weird, I know.
At the most basic level I am thankful. I know we've accomplished a lot. If this aging body functioned with fewer awkward movements, stumbles, falls and memory slips on any day, it's been a good day. If Sweetie and I are happy, smiled, laughed and had good thoughts of one another, family and friends, it's a good day. Gee, if we've still got a roof over our heads and food in our tummies and know one another, it's a good day!
But, still, I struggle with this overwhelming need to "accomplish."
And then, while I'm spouting off to Sweetie about my struggle with this, he says, "Well, consider this: to most people, we look like we haven't done enough!" Then he gives me a wink and a smile and he's put my whole obsession in perspective!
Why would "most people" think we've accomplished anything? Neither of us trudge off to work dressed in the appropriate attire to participate in the culture that stresses getting along, teamwork, customer service, sales goals, and a few other expectations that are basically bull, in my opinion. We don't live in the big house on the lake with a manicured lawn and the latest model truck or SUV parked in the drive. We don't dine at the best places or have our names listed as contributors to certain local charities. We don't mingle with the local movers and shakers at boring dinners, parties or golf outings. And we certainly don't have the bank account balance!
In other words, we're not part of the desperate pack who's focus is image, accumulation, belonging and rank on the ladder.
Have you ever noticed how insecure people are if they believe/perceive their turf is threatened? Have you ever met someone after a long absence and noticed how uncomprehending they are of your life, compared to theirs? Has anyone ever expressed concern or questioned your sanity? Has anyone who's supposedly "made it" questioned how you could be happy or content "with nothing" as one of my high school classmates recently said?
It's a pity isn't it?
So, I guess I'll remind myself of these things the next time I get my panties in a wringer over "what's been accomplished!"
Yesterday, moving a day bed to my sister's was our sole accomplishment. Other goals and projects went by the wayside. And it's been that way since my last post. For a person so focused, it's been a disappointment. Sweetie takes this more in stride than I do. I joke that he's perfected the art of sitting in place. He's not lazy; just relaxed and comfortable with what he manages to do each day. I'm thankful for that because his health is so precarious. I, on the other hand, still struggle with accepting my limitations. I see what needs to be done - and despite the fact that it always gets done - I still get concerned when plans are waylayed.
Between the two of us, we get a burst of energy and dive into a project. Maybe it goes along for a few days, and maybe not. In our latest effort we've been sidelined by unbearable humidity and high temps which has affected Sweetie's breathing and my arthritis. I dread humidity more than cold because it brings on swelling and pain. Give me a minus 20 degree day and I feel great. Weird, I know.
At the most basic level I am thankful. I know we've accomplished a lot. If this aging body functioned with fewer awkward movements, stumbles, falls and memory slips on any day, it's been a good day. If Sweetie and I are happy, smiled, laughed and had good thoughts of one another, family and friends, it's a good day. Gee, if we've still got a roof over our heads and food in our tummies and know one another, it's a good day!
But, still, I struggle with this overwhelming need to "accomplish."
And then, while I'm spouting off to Sweetie about my struggle with this, he says, "Well, consider this: to most people, we look like we haven't done enough!" Then he gives me a wink and a smile and he's put my whole obsession in perspective!
Why would "most people" think we've accomplished anything? Neither of us trudge off to work dressed in the appropriate attire to participate in the culture that stresses getting along, teamwork, customer service, sales goals, and a few other expectations that are basically bull, in my opinion. We don't live in the big house on the lake with a manicured lawn and the latest model truck or SUV parked in the drive. We don't dine at the best places or have our names listed as contributors to certain local charities. We don't mingle with the local movers and shakers at boring dinners, parties or golf outings. And we certainly don't have the bank account balance!
In other words, we're not part of the desperate pack who's focus is image, accumulation, belonging and rank on the ladder.
Have you ever noticed how insecure people are if they believe/perceive their turf is threatened? Have you ever met someone after a long absence and noticed how uncomprehending they are of your life, compared to theirs? Has anyone ever expressed concern or questioned your sanity? Has anyone who's supposedly "made it" questioned how you could be happy or content "with nothing" as one of my high school classmates recently said?
It's a pity isn't it?
So, I guess I'll remind myself of these things the next time I get my panties in a wringer over "what's been accomplished!"
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Good Old Summertime
It got up to 94 degrees here today with humidity of 68%. After two months of the thermometer swinging between 43 degree at night and 70 during the day - ever few days - followed by a constant 55 degrees or rain and 48 degrees, you'd think we'd be dancing on the beach.
Instead,us two melanoma survivors are holed up inside with two ceiling fans and a small air conditioner running. Sweetie did work outside on the boat for awhile and I watered the garden but that was it as far as work. Made a quick trip to my oldest son's to pick up the shower stall he had stored in a locker. We backed the truck up to our back deck and slid it off. Fit perfectly between the railing. One thing the previous owner did was install wide steps on the back deck which is beginning to look like an open air warehouse.I've tried reading a few blogs today and just couldn't seem to concentrate. Other than the world ending, I doubt the news out of Washington or elsewhere is much different than yesterday.
For your reading enjoyment tonight I direct you to www.upwaterfront.com. the home of Dick Huey Real Estate. There you'll discover the rich folks are divesting themselves of beautiful homes and cabins on Lake Superior or inland lakes with lots of acreage. If any of us peons had a several million between us we could buy up one or two or more "estates" and create our own little country. Plenty of firewood, fishing, orchards and garden areas and room for a few hundred of us. Just a thought. LOL
Well, I'm gonna sit back and read a mystery. If I can keep my eyes focused on the page. The humidity and I do not do well. Later, Treesong
Instead,us two melanoma survivors are holed up inside with two ceiling fans and a small air conditioner running. Sweetie did work outside on the boat for awhile and I watered the garden but that was it as far as work. Made a quick trip to my oldest son's to pick up the shower stall he had stored in a locker. We backed the truck up to our back deck and slid it off. Fit perfectly between the railing. One thing the previous owner did was install wide steps on the back deck which is beginning to look like an open air warehouse.I've tried reading a few blogs today and just couldn't seem to concentrate. Other than the world ending, I doubt the news out of Washington or elsewhere is much different than yesterday.
For your reading enjoyment tonight I direct you to www.upwaterfront.com. the home of Dick Huey Real Estate. There you'll discover the rich folks are divesting themselves of beautiful homes and cabins on Lake Superior or inland lakes with lots of acreage. If any of us peons had a several million between us we could buy up one or two or more "estates" and create our own little country. Plenty of firewood, fishing, orchards and garden areas and room for a few hundred of us. Just a thought. LOL
Well, I'm gonna sit back and read a mystery. If I can keep my eyes focused on the page. The humidity and I do not do well. Later, Treesong
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Change of Pace
After my last post - influenced by a neighbor who at first seemed the sweetest guy in the world - I decided to distract my thoughts in the garden. This didn't last too long as Sweetie had other ideas. "Good time to start tearing out the kitchen," he announced soon after I'd stepped out of the shower on Sunday. Thankfully, my Dad, who arrived here Friday afternoon, decided to stay another day so I was saved from Sweetie's new-found energy.
Monday we drove to Marquette to spend more money on building supplies and came home exhausted from the trip. Just our luck that when we decide to start tearing down walls, installing cement board and relocating cabinets that the thermometer says summer really has arrived here!!! It's been in the 80's and humid and we're sick of it already.
Yes, I know 80 degrees would be a reprieve for some of you southerners but us northerners who live next to Lake Superior can die from this heat!!! LOL.
Anyway, before long, we were both working in our underwear and hoping none of the neighbors would stop by.
Strange how you can draw a plan out, measure everything three times and still change your mind during the remodel. Right now we have an electrical outlet hanging from the kitchen ceiling where a closet wall used to be; the wood stove sits in the middle of the floor between the living room and kitchen looking awfully strange; and the vacuums and our coats are without a closet. Out eagerness has been tempered by the humidity' the air conditioner not working; and our mutual thoughts that it would be wise to "let everything sit awhile." Who knows, maybe we'll redesign the whole place before proceeding. If so, it will have to utilize our current supplies only. There is still winter wood to get and auto insurance is coming due.
Out next job is tearing up the old vinyl flooring before we install cement board and porcelain tile. Then we place a cabinet between the stove and frig and frame the kitchen window. In other words, more hard work. I'd say in three to six months we'll have a new kitchen.
And all the while we've said we'd gut the bathroom first! The rooms share a wall so about the time we set cabinets in place we'll have to do some work in the bathroom. The previous owner ran the water line and shut off valve for the washer outside the wall on the kitchen side!!! Wonders never cease.
And then there's the matter of running an eight inch insulated steel chimney through a mobile home roof and the "roof over" above that!!! Any carpenter out there want to vacation in God's Country where you could fish in the evening and help wrangle the chimney during the day???? We'll provide a small bedroom, a six person tent, all your meals, a 22-foot boat and a few mosquitoes. What a deal, huh?
We must be dreading the job as we've been dreaming of winning the lottery. Fat chance as you must first buy a ticket. We're too poor to hire the job done so we'll muddle along on our own. We've both installed an insulated chimney before but never through two roofs. And we're about 20 years older now...
Tonight, I braved the mosquitoes and dashed out to the garden to pick zucchini and green peppers. I must remember to water it early tomorrow morning. Four days of neglect and it's showing.
Well, enough for now. I'm going to read Survival Blog, answer a few emails and collapse in bed. Later, Treesong
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Some Days...
Some days are full of sunshine and laughter and fond memories and productive work and peace and love.
Other days are full of people who make rash judgements and stupid statements because their sense of place in their pre-fabricated, well orchestrated facade is threatened.
And imagine, if you can, that it's threatened by little old me walking along the road picking up trash; or asking a trespasser to take the disposable diaper with them; or giving food to the neighbors; or not partaking in the weekly drunk at the campfire; or, God forbid, asking him to slow down on our gravel road when the dust cloud is as thick as fog.
On days like this I'd like to take him, and a few other people, into the woods and knock their heads together. Then I'd strip them of their I-pods, cell phones, car keys, designer shoes, bubble gum, cigarettes, drug paraphernalia and booze bottle and maybe cut their tongues out!
Some days the idiots, whiners, lazy asses, and judgemental jerks just don't deserve the air they breathe. Some days the people who think everyone has to be the same; the gossips, the snobs and the bullies; and people who think I'm the nut need to look in the mirror.
Some days the religious who think every encounter is an opportunity to "witness" and have never truly sacrificed, need to be instantly transported by open boat to the remotest village - without their Bible - which they readily apply to others while ignoring themselves. That old verse about failing to see the speck in an eye because of the plank in theirs comes to mind. These same Bible bangers will donate to an orphanage overseas but not to the people who lost their home to fire - because they're mental health clients.
Some days those who ignore the handicapped man while rushing into the store to buy more China crap need to spend a day in a wheelchair - with one hand tied to the arm and a catheter that needs changing taped to their leg and inserted firmly in place.
Some days the women at their weekly coffee clutch who criticize unwed mothers; gossip about the neighbor's drunken husband; and spend the day running everyone down while doing nothing to make a difference in this world, need to have their homes repossessed; lose their jobs; get served divorce papers; and have their children removed by DHS; and lose their glued on nails, hair dye and credit cards. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you think to spread your vile comments you hypocritical bitches.
None of these pompous, self-serving, narrow minded, cranium deficient homo-sapians could find their way out of a 40 acre field, let alone survive the journey. If there's not a house in sight, a street sign to give them a clue and a strip of pavement to walk on their manufactured world becomes a scary place and their boastful, self-confident persona crumbles.
Show me a person who criticizes quickly, condemns "outsiders" or people who are "different", and thinks they have life figured out and I'll show you a moron who believes in hallow slogans without knowing squat about the circumstances, the history or the consequences of much of anything. They are, however, the kind of people both sides of Washington's World of Bullshit loves - mindless, spineless sheep.
There, I feel a little better.
Other days are full of people who make rash judgements and stupid statements because their sense of place in their pre-fabricated, well orchestrated facade is threatened.
And imagine, if you can, that it's threatened by little old me walking along the road picking up trash; or asking a trespasser to take the disposable diaper with them; or giving food to the neighbors; or not partaking in the weekly drunk at the campfire; or, God forbid, asking him to slow down on our gravel road when the dust cloud is as thick as fog.
On days like this I'd like to take him, and a few other people, into the woods and knock their heads together. Then I'd strip them of their I-pods, cell phones, car keys, designer shoes, bubble gum, cigarettes, drug paraphernalia and booze bottle and maybe cut their tongues out!
Some days the idiots, whiners, lazy asses, and judgemental jerks just don't deserve the air they breathe. Some days the people who think everyone has to be the same; the gossips, the snobs and the bullies; and people who think I'm the nut need to look in the mirror.
Some days the religious who think every encounter is an opportunity to "witness" and have never truly sacrificed, need to be instantly transported by open boat to the remotest village - without their Bible - which they readily apply to others while ignoring themselves. That old verse about failing to see the speck in an eye because of the plank in theirs comes to mind. These same Bible bangers will donate to an orphanage overseas but not to the people who lost their home to fire - because they're mental health clients.
Some days those who ignore the handicapped man while rushing into the store to buy more China crap need to spend a day in a wheelchair - with one hand tied to the arm and a catheter that needs changing taped to their leg and inserted firmly in place.
Some days the women at their weekly coffee clutch who criticize unwed mothers; gossip about the neighbor's drunken husband; and spend the day running everyone down while doing nothing to make a difference in this world, need to have their homes repossessed; lose their jobs; get served divorce papers; and have their children removed by DHS; and lose their glued on nails, hair dye and credit cards. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you think to spread your vile comments you hypocritical bitches.
None of these pompous, self-serving, narrow minded, cranium deficient homo-sapians could find their way out of a 40 acre field, let alone survive the journey. If there's not a house in sight, a street sign to give them a clue and a strip of pavement to walk on their manufactured world becomes a scary place and their boastful, self-confident persona crumbles.
Show me a person who criticizes quickly, condemns "outsiders" or people who are "different", and thinks they have life figured out and I'll show you a moron who believes in hallow slogans without knowing squat about the circumstances, the history or the consequences of much of anything. They are, however, the kind of people both sides of Washington's World of Bullshit loves - mindless, spineless sheep.
There, I feel a little better.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Certainty
There is only one thing certain in this life: death and taxes and both are on the rise. As for security, after a few years of prepping and "trying to prepare" we've realized we've done all we reasonably can. What comes will come and we'll see how well we're able to adapt. Notice, I said adapt. I think that's the real key to survival. Hopefully we'll continue to live with one another here in our little spot of earth. But adapt we have and adapt we will continue to do. I'm not talking adapting to FEMA camps, swine flu vaccines and a few other possibilities. I'm talking adapt to higher prices, strange weather patterns, desperate or despondent people, illness and aging, family dynamics, crop failure, etc.
I still read the blogs and pass on info to Sweetie; I still rotate stock in our preps; we still garden and preserve food. We still stack firewood and reuse, recycle or do without. The doing without seems to occur more often now, mostly intentionally because we've put off some things long enough that we've lost interest in them.
There's an air of desperation or delusion in most people we encounter. Either their heads are still in the sand or they've medicated themselves to the point of not feeling anything. Their lives are a blur; that purple haze one experiences with drugs and alcohol. But their sadness and hopelessness returns the next day and they're angry and/or depressed. And their self imposed funk continues...
The desperate people are first in line at the food pantries; complain about what they're given; spend recklessly and then call every do-gooder agency and church in the area for help; and tell anyone who'll listen that life isn't fair and everyone else gets the advantages. The desperate also steal anything not bolted or chained down and fenced in. They approach people who are pushing their shopping cart to their car and ask them to share. They pick up cans and exchange them for cigarettes or booze and stand on the street corners looking bored. Meanwhile at home their children go hungry; their utilities get shut off; and their vehicles are jacked up with various mechanical ailments. Yet, if offered a cash-paying job doing some manual labor; they feel the distance is too far; the pay is too little; the day is hot; or the work is too much.
And sacrifice, good old fashioned sacrifice of the kind their grandparents most certainly practiced - and maybe their parents did - is a foreign concept. We're as poor as most of these people, if not poorer, and we've sacrificed to have a full pantry, a piece of land, a garden (try weeding while pushing a walker or planting while being attacked by deer flies and hornets), a little stash of cash and firearms and ammo, and a 1972 boat (thought it was '76) that is our ONE luxury - other than the internet which is dial up at $5 for the first six months and $10 thereafter.
I'm as disillusioned by "the common folk" as I am by the Fedgov, the Wall Street crooks, the politicians and the military. I suppose it's because I see what's coming and still feel for those who will struggle or perish when they didn't have to. The pain of our own ignorance and neglect and waste, empty slogans and political propaganda, and flag waving and "take care of me" attitude is unfolding across this land. And despite our blogs and beliefs and prayers and preps it's going to continue to unfold. I think it's destiny, set in motion long ago.
Guess this is kind of a rambling post but it's where my mind is today. So chew on it awhile and go on with your day. Treesong
I still read the blogs and pass on info to Sweetie; I still rotate stock in our preps; we still garden and preserve food. We still stack firewood and reuse, recycle or do without. The doing without seems to occur more often now, mostly intentionally because we've put off some things long enough that we've lost interest in them.
There's an air of desperation or delusion in most people we encounter. Either their heads are still in the sand or they've medicated themselves to the point of not feeling anything. Their lives are a blur; that purple haze one experiences with drugs and alcohol. But their sadness and hopelessness returns the next day and they're angry and/or depressed. And their self imposed funk continues...
The desperate people are first in line at the food pantries; complain about what they're given; spend recklessly and then call every do-gooder agency and church in the area for help; and tell anyone who'll listen that life isn't fair and everyone else gets the advantages. The desperate also steal anything not bolted or chained down and fenced in. They approach people who are pushing their shopping cart to their car and ask them to share. They pick up cans and exchange them for cigarettes or booze and stand on the street corners looking bored. Meanwhile at home their children go hungry; their utilities get shut off; and their vehicles are jacked up with various mechanical ailments. Yet, if offered a cash-paying job doing some manual labor; they feel the distance is too far; the pay is too little; the day is hot; or the work is too much.
And sacrifice, good old fashioned sacrifice of the kind their grandparents most certainly practiced - and maybe their parents did - is a foreign concept. We're as poor as most of these people, if not poorer, and we've sacrificed to have a full pantry, a piece of land, a garden (try weeding while pushing a walker or planting while being attacked by deer flies and hornets), a little stash of cash and firearms and ammo, and a 1972 boat (thought it was '76) that is our ONE luxury - other than the internet which is dial up at $5 for the first six months and $10 thereafter.
I'm as disillusioned by "the common folk" as I am by the Fedgov, the Wall Street crooks, the politicians and the military. I suppose it's because I see what's coming and still feel for those who will struggle or perish when they didn't have to. The pain of our own ignorance and neglect and waste, empty slogans and political propaganda, and flag waving and "take care of me" attitude is unfolding across this land. And despite our blogs and beliefs and prayers and preps it's going to continue to unfold. I think it's destiny, set in motion long ago.
Guess this is kind of a rambling post but it's where my mind is today. So chew on it awhile and go on with your day. Treesong
Monday, August 3, 2009
What a Wonderful Day!
The morons in Washington who do their best to coddle the crooks on Wall Street cannot steal my joy - no matter how bad it gets. First off, I'm a Prepper who's done her best with the help of Sweetie to lay in two years supply of food, medicine, toiletries, household items and spare parts, etc. And, unlike a lot of sheeple, we're SATISFIED with most of our life because we live it pretty much on out terms and to Hell with what anyone else thinks.
So today, when I took off for a few hours of R&R by myself, I already knew life was good. But it got a lot better!!!!
Took a quick drive down to the boat ramp near our house to take some pictures. Got so excited about finding a 6-8 person tent laid next to the restroom that I forgot about the pictures. This afternoon, after coming home, hanging it on the line to dry and inspecting it, I can report it has one four inch tear in it along the bottom of a panel - nothing that affects the use of it!!!
I stopped in one of our small towns to do our banking and mail two bills. Went to Family Dollar for cat food and then called my oldest son who moved into his "other house" yesterday. Went over there with the blueberry pie I'd baked for him and he invited me to a late breakfast. Called a friend who I was supposed to have lunch with but she had the hives so scratch that plan.
Meandered through an art gallery and then drove northeast into Keweenaw County. My first stop was the Cliff Cemetery on US 41. Hadn't been there in eight years and wow, what changes. Mainly, thimbleberry bushes and some kind of ground cover hid most of the old gravestones and a lot of trees had fallen. But here's a couple pictures anyway.
Then I drove to Central, another old mining community which the Keweenaw Historical Society has helped restore. Lots of apple tress there and I'll have to remember that this fall. Also went to Lac La Belle and Bete Grites where one of the two most beautiful sand beaches is - the other being Keystone Bay near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and now in private ownership.
I ran out of space on my digital camera and didn't have that do-hicky with me to store photos. Met a few tourists along the way and gave them a few tips about what to avoid, where to eat, etc. then turned southerly and headed for home. Most of my drive home was along Lake Superior and there were lots of thimbleberry and blueberry pickers out along the road. I hadn't brought any containers with me but got out to pick anyway, thinking I'd just grab a few handfuls of thimbleberries for Sweetie to taste and place them on a towel in the truck. Alas, the deer flies were merciless and I didn't have long pants on so I picked about six berries before coming to my senses and driving on.
The lake breeze has made me sleepy so I napped on the sofa awhile then picked another pound of blueberries in our yard. There are so many I could never pick them all!!
A Day Off
Part of staying healthy is exercise; part is eating well, and part is taking TIME OUT!
So this morning I'm taking off by myself while Sweetie stays home working on the boat, etc. I was so excited about today's excursion, I slept like a baby last night and woke up refreshed at 5:15 a.m.
Aside from visiting a few friends, I'll take my annual cemetery tour; walk along a few Lake Superior beaches; visit some old mining communities; and follow a few paths deep into the woods for magnificent hilltop views. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
We have lots of old cemeteries in the area, many with headstones that cannot be read, and plenty of reminders of the copper mining which began here in the mid 1800's - though Native Americans were extracting copper hundreds of years earlier.
Our beaches are still accessible, mostly unpolluted and FREE and one doesn't have to worry about parking, crazy people or theft, for the most part. A fascinating history of people who struggled, survived and prospered is all around me. I like to imagine their lives and whisper thank you's to them as I survey their graves, the ruins of their homes and businesses, the historical markers and the preserved areas.
If you ever have an opportunity to visit what is known as the Keweenaw Peninsula or the Copper Country, I highly recommend it. Because I'm not a tourist, I'll get off the main road and walk among the pines and listen to the gurgling streams and bask in the fresh air and be thankful that God helped bring me back here.
Have a great day everyone, Treesong
So this morning I'm taking off by myself while Sweetie stays home working on the boat, etc. I was so excited about today's excursion, I slept like a baby last night and woke up refreshed at 5:15 a.m.
Aside from visiting a few friends, I'll take my annual cemetery tour; walk along a few Lake Superior beaches; visit some old mining communities; and follow a few paths deep into the woods for magnificent hilltop views. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
We have lots of old cemeteries in the area, many with headstones that cannot be read, and plenty of reminders of the copper mining which began here in the mid 1800's - though Native Americans were extracting copper hundreds of years earlier.
Our beaches are still accessible, mostly unpolluted and FREE and one doesn't have to worry about parking, crazy people or theft, for the most part. A fascinating history of people who struggled, survived and prospered is all around me. I like to imagine their lives and whisper thank you's to them as I survey their graves, the ruins of their homes and businesses, the historical markers and the preserved areas.
If you ever have an opportunity to visit what is known as the Keweenaw Peninsula or the Copper Country, I highly recommend it. Because I'm not a tourist, I'll get off the main road and walk among the pines and listen to the gurgling streams and bask in the fresh air and be thankful that God helped bring me back here.
Have a great day everyone, Treesong
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Jesse Jackson's Newest Staffer
Jesse Jackson's Newest Staff Member
You can't make up stuff better than this!
Isn't politics grand?
HURRAH FOR THE DEMOCRATS!
Jesse Jackson's Newest Staff Member
Mel Reynolds
Jesse Jackson has added former Chicago Democrat
Congressman Mel to Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's payroll.
Reynolds was among the 176 criminals excused
in President Clinton's
last-minute forgiveness spree.
Reynolds received a commutation of his six-and-a-half-year
federal sentence for 15 convictions of wire fraud, bank fraud,
and lies to the Federal Election Commission.
He is more notorious, however, for concurrently serving
five years for sleeping with an underage campaign volunteer.
This is a first in American politics: An ex-congressman who had
sex with a subordinate...won clemency from a president who had
sex with a subordinate...then was hired by a clergyman who had
sex with a subordinate!
His new job?
Ready for this??
***** YOUTH COUNSELOR *****
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?
CONFIRMED BY:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/sexuality/reynolds.asp
You can't make up stuff better than this!
Isn't politics grand?
HURRAH FOR THE DEMOCRATS!
Jesse Jackson's Newest Staff Member
Mel Reynolds
Jesse Jackson has added former Chicago Democrat
Congressman Mel to Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's payroll.
Reynolds was among the 176 criminals excused
in President Clinton's
last-minute forgiveness spree.
Reynolds received a commutation of his six-and-a-half-year
federal sentence for 15 convictions of wire fraud, bank fraud,
and lies to the Federal Election Commission.
He is more notorious, however, for concurrently serving
five years for sleeping with an underage campaign volunteer.
This is a first in American politics: An ex-congressman who had
sex with a subordinate...won clemency from a president who had
sex with a subordinate...then was hired by a clergyman who had
sex with a subordinate!
His new job?
Ready for this??
***** YOUTH COUNSELOR *****
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?
CONFIRMED BY:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/sexuality/reynolds.asp
A Neighbor's Mess
These are pictures of a neighbor's property - two 100x100 foot lots to the south of our acreage. The owner doesn't live on the premises but has used it as a dumping ground for various projects that are never started let alone finished. This past week he's been there a lot either hauling more junk in, sorting through it or moving it around. And once again the neighbors have exasperated themselves trying to "get it through his head" that he needs to clean the eyesore up.
He's been described as eccentric, lazy, dumb-witted, ignorant, a few choice expletives, and just a plain pain in the behind. So I wasn't sure how to handle him as I trudged through our woods, camera in hand, to talk to him. I had a little speech flowing through my mind and the camera to take pictures with a promise to "send them to the township."
The guy's really quite friendly, was nice enough, not confrontational or threatening when I point blank said, "Excuse me, I'm your new neighbor. I'm here to ask you to move your stuff off our land. And, by the way, there's a blight ordinance in this township. Are you aware of that?"
Got the words out quickly so he couldn't interrupt. He listened, then extended his hand and said, "Oh, nice to meet you." After various attempts to keep the conversation on his mess while he asked irrelevant questions, I said, "Come on. I'll show you the survey stakes that mark our boundary." He followed like a puppy.
Boundary stakes are something he takes seriously. Forty five minutes later he had moved all the stray boards, bricks, stone, and junk parts back onto his land. Later that afternoon I was picking blueberries along the road when he pulled up. He thanked me for pointing out the survey stakes (which would be hard to spot amongst all his stuff) and apologized for crossing onto our land.
The neighbors are wondering how I managed to get him to act and I'm plotting how to convince him to clean up the rest of the place.
JWR's Wife
Last night I read today's Survival Blog (www.survivalblog.com) post by Rawles. He turned a portion of the blog over to his wife and I recommend we all read it. Why? Because any woman who is dying and willing to take on a search for her replacement in her family is...well, I'm not sure I have the words to describe what I feel. Check it out yourself. My prayers are with all the Rawles family. No matter where our respective views fall with regard to the economy, survivalism, prepping, war, government, religion, faith, family, etc. I'd say Mr. and Mrs. Rawles are remarkably strong.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Grandma's Example
Woke up this morning thinking of my maternal grandma. She was a feisty, Kentucky born descendant of a marriage between the Allen's and Arnette's. She always described her family as similar to the Hatfields and McCoys so you know they had tempers, would shoot at will and liked their moonshine.
But grandma had other redeeming qualities. She saved everything but the slop bucket. I've always thought we were quite the recyclers but we're wasteful compared to her habits. The liquid from anything - and I mean anything edible - was never thrown out unless it spoiled (which was rare) and was fed to the pigs or ducks. She abhorred plastic containers and zip-lock bags; in fact anything plastic was a sin in her mind. These things were just coming into general use when I was in grade school and she'd lecture me about their wastefulness. She had a set of Jewel Tea dishes that were premiums from buying something in the grocery store and considered them the cream of the crop, so to speak. Break a Jewel Tea dish and your fanny got blistered.
Having lived in the mountains of Kentucky and not experienced electricity until she was in her 20's, as well as living through the Depression, she possessed strong opinions and stringent habits. Anyone who didn't get dirt in their fingernails or break a sweat working outside was worthless, unless they were an invalid. Even then, she would figure out a way for them to contribute something to the family.
Once, when she was moving from one house to another, I helped her load boxes in a truck. One box was so old and tattered and taped over that I grabbed an empty box from my car thinking I'd transfer the contents. She slapped my arm but good and told me that box had been with her for 30 years, it would last another. Always think of that when I look at boxes!
Her counter always had a drippings can; there were stacks of cardboard, tinfoil, bread bags (once she got too old to make bread), cottage cheese containers, and envelopes in her closets. Any mail was sorted for "clean sides" and envelopes were taken apart, flattened beneath a huge Bible and used for notes. A stack of these were the first "coloring book" I ever had at her house.
Egg shells were rinsed and crushed and taken for "bone strength." Dandelions were picked for wine and rose hips for tea. When a lady friend said she was getting rid of an old leather purse grandma recycled it. The sides were cut into strips for laces. She wrapped wire around the strap's metal rings and attached them to a coffee can for a handle. The zipper went into her sewing basket and I don't recall anything being left after that. She wore tennis shoes for years - not the million dollar heavy ones they have now - and as they wore to almost nothing on the tops she cut the soles out and slipped them into old boots for added padding. The threadbare tops and laces went outside for the birds to build nests.
Grandma saw what was coming for this country and always counseled that there'd be the "Worse Depression", unlike anything imaginable. She said people would be so caught up in their obsessions because they worried about being "left out" of the latest "craze" and get smacked down before they knew what hit them. Many would perish because of stubbornness, lack of knowledge and fear.
I cannot recall a single thing she ever feared. Even in her 80's she wouldn't back down to anyone regarding anything. The day my mother took her car away I thought there'd be another Hatfield/McCoy fight. Grandma had been driving to no place in particular by then and dementia was stealing her mind. She'd show up at a stranger's home and tell them to get the Hell out of her house and accuse them of stealing. When she got in her car and chased a man around his own yard, it was time to take the keys.
She travelled by covered wagon from Salyersville, KY to Lakeview,MI had made quiet a impact on three more generations. She also read tea leaves and predicted the deaths of her brothers in a plane crash a few hours before it happened. She read leaves for me once and said I'd spend a few foolish years before I remembered her example (which I did) and then settle in the country and spend most of my days alone or with very few people (which I do).
So today I remember grandma and wish she were here with me now.
But grandma had other redeeming qualities. She saved everything but the slop bucket. I've always thought we were quite the recyclers but we're wasteful compared to her habits. The liquid from anything - and I mean anything edible - was never thrown out unless it spoiled (which was rare) and was fed to the pigs or ducks. She abhorred plastic containers and zip-lock bags; in fact anything plastic was a sin in her mind. These things were just coming into general use when I was in grade school and she'd lecture me about their wastefulness. She had a set of Jewel Tea dishes that were premiums from buying something in the grocery store and considered them the cream of the crop, so to speak. Break a Jewel Tea dish and your fanny got blistered.
Having lived in the mountains of Kentucky and not experienced electricity until she was in her 20's, as well as living through the Depression, she possessed strong opinions and stringent habits. Anyone who didn't get dirt in their fingernails or break a sweat working outside was worthless, unless they were an invalid. Even then, she would figure out a way for them to contribute something to the family.
Once, when she was moving from one house to another, I helped her load boxes in a truck. One box was so old and tattered and taped over that I grabbed an empty box from my car thinking I'd transfer the contents. She slapped my arm but good and told me that box had been with her for 30 years, it would last another. Always think of that when I look at boxes!
Her counter always had a drippings can; there were stacks of cardboard, tinfoil, bread bags (once she got too old to make bread), cottage cheese containers, and envelopes in her closets. Any mail was sorted for "clean sides" and envelopes were taken apart, flattened beneath a huge Bible and used for notes. A stack of these were the first "coloring book" I ever had at her house.
Egg shells were rinsed and crushed and taken for "bone strength." Dandelions were picked for wine and rose hips for tea. When a lady friend said she was getting rid of an old leather purse grandma recycled it. The sides were cut into strips for laces. She wrapped wire around the strap's metal rings and attached them to a coffee can for a handle. The zipper went into her sewing basket and I don't recall anything being left after that. She wore tennis shoes for years - not the million dollar heavy ones they have now - and as they wore to almost nothing on the tops she cut the soles out and slipped them into old boots for added padding. The threadbare tops and laces went outside for the birds to build nests.
Grandma saw what was coming for this country and always counseled that there'd be the "Worse Depression", unlike anything imaginable. She said people would be so caught up in their obsessions because they worried about being "left out" of the latest "craze" and get smacked down before they knew what hit them. Many would perish because of stubbornness, lack of knowledge and fear.
I cannot recall a single thing she ever feared. Even in her 80's she wouldn't back down to anyone regarding anything. The day my mother took her car away I thought there'd be another Hatfield/McCoy fight. Grandma had been driving to no place in particular by then and dementia was stealing her mind. She'd show up at a stranger's home and tell them to get the Hell out of her house and accuse them of stealing. When she got in her car and chased a man around his own yard, it was time to take the keys.
She travelled by covered wagon from Salyersville, KY to Lakeview,MI had made quiet a impact on three more generations. She also read tea leaves and predicted the deaths of her brothers in a plane crash a few hours before it happened. She read leaves for me once and said I'd spend a few foolish years before I remembered her example (which I did) and then settle in the country and spend most of my days alone or with very few people (which I do).
So today I remember grandma and wish she were here with me now.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Progress on the Suzy-Q & Community Bonding
Today Sweetie got the 165hp Mercruiser running and removed a small section of flooring that had warped in front of the cuddy cabin doors. He discovered we need a new exhaust boot so we'll add that to the shopping list tomorrow.
My Dad is spending the night and was impressed by Sweetie's boat knowledge and persistence and stood by taking pictures. We have to find a ladder for the boat as at 80 years old my Dad cannot climb into it the way we do, Still, we're hoping to have it in the water in a few days.
This got us to thinking about its use fullness as a "second home", another escape route, and fishing. I admit to not being a big fish eater but I do like smoked fish so that has been added to the project list.
Speaking of projects, our road is gravel and dusty to the point of not being able to breathe in the front yard when there's a lot of traffic. We're out in the boonies but a religious group has a camp a couple miles down the road and at least once a month I swear EVERY one of them shows up at the place. They're so oblivious to the dust they create they zoom by even when there are people walking on the road or picking blueberries along the roadside. On the 21st they had yet another big gathering and about 200 cars dusted up the road. Instead of slowing down to create less dust, they all turned their headlights on - which did no good. Twice we saw cars nearly read end the car in front of them. Crazy people!
So, after lots of grumbling about 16 of us landowners got together, chipped in a minimum of $50 and got a huge section of road chlorided. The road commission began work yesterday by grading the road, followed early this morning by the water trucks and the chloride truck. What a difference!! We're going to solicit funds from other neighbors and establish a fund to make this a yearly event. It's ludicrous that the road commission doesn't just chloride the road every summer instead of sending a grader out here once a week - then 2-3 days later its a washboard again!
We're trying to find some free fencing to extend what we have and enclose about six acres behind the house to raise a couple feeder pigs. Would be a great way to rid out selves of the ferns, and expose any hidden trash. A neighbor whose land boarders our said he did this two years ago and claims his property has looked better. They're just now eating the last of the pork. So, maybe this project will get off the ground this year and maybe not.
In other news - totally unrelated - my Dad told me that the ex's new wife of 13 months is leaving him. Surprise, surprise, surprise. They were cut from the same cloth and richly deserved one another. But, as usual, the ex is covering the bases, if you get my drift. Not that I need a reminder, but the news sure left me feeling great about where I am and who I'm with!!!
Well, I picked two more quarts of blueberries from our driveway area and I'm bushed. So have a great tomorrow and I'll touch base in a couple days. Treesong
My Dad is spending the night and was impressed by Sweetie's boat knowledge and persistence and stood by taking pictures. We have to find a ladder for the boat as at 80 years old my Dad cannot climb into it the way we do, Still, we're hoping to have it in the water in a few days.
This got us to thinking about its use fullness as a "second home", another escape route, and fishing. I admit to not being a big fish eater but I do like smoked fish so that has been added to the project list.
Speaking of projects, our road is gravel and dusty to the point of not being able to breathe in the front yard when there's a lot of traffic. We're out in the boonies but a religious group has a camp a couple miles down the road and at least once a month I swear EVERY one of them shows up at the place. They're so oblivious to the dust they create they zoom by even when there are people walking on the road or picking blueberries along the roadside. On the 21st they had yet another big gathering and about 200 cars dusted up the road. Instead of slowing down to create less dust, they all turned their headlights on - which did no good. Twice we saw cars nearly read end the car in front of them. Crazy people!
So, after lots of grumbling about 16 of us landowners got together, chipped in a minimum of $50 and got a huge section of road chlorided. The road commission began work yesterday by grading the road, followed early this morning by the water trucks and the chloride truck. What a difference!! We're going to solicit funds from other neighbors and establish a fund to make this a yearly event. It's ludicrous that the road commission doesn't just chloride the road every summer instead of sending a grader out here once a week - then 2-3 days later its a washboard again!
We're trying to find some free fencing to extend what we have and enclose about six acres behind the house to raise a couple feeder pigs. Would be a great way to rid out selves of the ferns, and expose any hidden trash. A neighbor whose land boarders our said he did this two years ago and claims his property has looked better. They're just now eating the last of the pork. So, maybe this project will get off the ground this year and maybe not.
In other news - totally unrelated - my Dad told me that the ex's new wife of 13 months is leaving him. Surprise, surprise, surprise. They were cut from the same cloth and richly deserved one another. But, as usual, the ex is covering the bases, if you get my drift. Not that I need a reminder, but the news sure left me feeling great about where I am and who I'm with!!!
Well, I picked two more quarts of blueberries from our driveway area and I'm bushed. So have a great tomorrow and I'll touch base in a couple days. Treesong
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Suzy-Q
Here's some pictures of our "new" boat - the Suzy-Q. Hauling it home, we had a flat tire after about six miles - in front of a boat/marina place. Stopped there to inquire about another prop as this one's a little bent. Got it for $50. Sweetie decided to drive real slow and try to make it the rest of the way home as we had no spare. Ever the determined stubborn ol' seafarer. We stopped three times to check the tire temps and made it home in an hour - 30 miles all together.
A couple neighbors stopped by to see the boat and I mentioned that the title - which my son had not bothered to change - listed an address on the other side of the lake. So the boat has come home so grace these waters once again.
All the wood trim pieces are accounted for. In fact, only two have come loose, so after a good sanding and varnish she'll be good as new. We've located someone to make the canvas top and recover the cuddy cushions. Sweetie just came in and said the bilge pump works, so that's progress.
He was up early this morning and had the truck loaded with everything he'd need for picking up the boat. I've never seen the man around a boat of his own. He's smiling more than when he's found another tractor, backhoe or dump truck!
So onward we go. Tomorrow I'll have a few things to say about our little community. We surely have been placed exactly where we should be. Have a great day and keep prepping. Treesong
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I Cannot Believe Our Good Fortune!
I think my family members and I need to communicate better. Here we are scouring Craigslist, the bulletin boards and newspapers and stopping at various "boat for sale" signs - and what do we discover last night? My youngest son has a 1976 22-foot Carver with cuddy cab, frig, sink, motor, tandem axle trailer, etc. sitting in a field at my sister's!!!!
We spotted the ad in the newspaper and I told Sweetie, "Gosh, that phone number sounds familiar." Well no wonder! It was youngest son's cell phone.
Because I'm his mamma, we got it all for $700.
So tomorrow we haul the boat home. It's been unprotected from the elements and will need some wood refinished. The motor ran the last time it was in the water. It's has a 165hp, straight six cylinder Mercruiser. The canvas is missing but the man my son bought it from does boat canvas work.
So here's hoping we can get it in the water after an engine and electrical check and enjoy it a few times yet this year. Then Sweetie will restore it this winter in the pole barn. I have no doubt he's up to the task as he's owned a 42 foot shrimp boat and a 45 foot Pembrook Sports Fisherman with a flying bridge, full galley, bathroom, and room for 6-8 people.
I'll post pictures tomorrow or the next day. Have a great day. We're going down to the lake to dream of our boat sitting there. And, we have to figure out where on our shared beach we're going to dock it. Later, Treesong
We spotted the ad in the newspaper and I told Sweetie, "Gosh, that phone number sounds familiar." Well no wonder! It was youngest son's cell phone.
Because I'm his mamma, we got it all for $700.
So tomorrow we haul the boat home. It's been unprotected from the elements and will need some wood refinished. The motor ran the last time it was in the water. It's has a 165hp, straight six cylinder Mercruiser. The canvas is missing but the man my son bought it from does boat canvas work.
So here's hoping we can get it in the water after an engine and electrical check and enjoy it a few times yet this year. Then Sweetie will restore it this winter in the pole barn. I have no doubt he's up to the task as he's owned a 42 foot shrimp boat and a 45 foot Pembrook Sports Fisherman with a flying bridge, full galley, bathroom, and room for 6-8 people.
I'll post pictures tomorrow or the next day. Have a great day. We're going down to the lake to dream of our boat sitting there. And, we have to figure out where on our shared beach we're going to dock it. Later, Treesong
Monday, July 20, 2009
Scored Again From Other's Waste
This dumpster diving and noticing other people's trash is getting to be predictable!
Once again, we drove by the garage door place and once again we found some useful items - sitting next to 20 yard dumpster. A 50 foot roll of chicken wire, a door and a box of assorted screws, bolts and washers. By golly, we'll find a use for them.
Then we visit my youngest sister and she's tossing out things faster than a water chute. Cans of vegetables she "doesn't like" and new pieces of foam someone gave her (why I can't imagine because she neither sews or recycles anything!), and a few used bricks leftover from her neighbor's flower bed project - again, the neighbor may have been trying to encourage her to make a flower bed. But, as usual, I get the cast offs and will put them all to good use.
The real score was at my oldest son's place. He's moving out of one house and into the other one a few miles away that he's been rehabbing for nearly a year. We thought we were there to haul a load of "junk and scraps" to the landfill. By the time we finished sorting through the mess half will stay in our garage. Maple and pine scraps for the wood stove; another entry door and a window without the screen torn out; a box of food that someone gave him and he's too damn lazy to "mess with" and a garbage bag full of returnable cans and bottles - ALL ours thanks to a little sorting and loading. Then, about eight bags of household garbage from his house will go in our garbage pickup tomorrow. Garbage pickup is included in our taxes here and there's no bag limit, nor speacial bags to buy. So why pay to haul it to the landfill? After removing what we're keeping and mixing his garbage in with our TWO bags tomorrow, I estimate the actual landfill bill will be about $5!!!
While at my sister's I went across the street to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Sweetie stayed at sis's and drank coffee with my Dad. Anyway, a $10 investment got me a new pillow (still in the package), a picture frame with non-glare glass, a dishpan, a set of blue patterned chair pads for the kitchen, a Griswold #6 fry pan (sorry Staying Alive!), and a pair of brown blue jeans.
Yesterday I picked another quart of blueberries and then we went for a short drive to see the progress on the "rich folks" end of our road. Lots there are $60,000-$110,000 and three new homes have been built. We walked around one of the lots that's still for sale and got a view of the lake from the south end. Beautiful sand beach and mammoth pines and HUGE blueberries. So, I may just take another drive tonight and pick to my heart's content. Sure would fill a quart container faster. We'll see. May just sit on the deck and do nothing the rest of the day. Sometimes that's what a soul needs.
We're headed back to town tomorrow for an appointment and more scrounging. We both noticed a few things today and if they're around tomorrow we're going to knock on doors and start asking. One of our neighbors did that last week and came home with a aluminum fishing boat and trailer. Like us, he had noticed it sitting in a guy's backyard with weeds growing around it. After three weeks of driving by and not seeing it moved he stopped. For the price of a new registration he has a boat. Darn, wish we had stopped because we kept commenting about the same boat! Oh well, just goes to show you the early bird does get the worm - or whatever you're in search of!
Once again, we drove by the garage door place and once again we found some useful items - sitting next to 20 yard dumpster. A 50 foot roll of chicken wire, a door and a box of assorted screws, bolts and washers. By golly, we'll find a use for them.
Then we visit my youngest sister and she's tossing out things faster than a water chute. Cans of vegetables she "doesn't like" and new pieces of foam someone gave her (why I can't imagine because she neither sews or recycles anything!), and a few used bricks leftover from her neighbor's flower bed project - again, the neighbor may have been trying to encourage her to make a flower bed. But, as usual, I get the cast offs and will put them all to good use.
The real score was at my oldest son's place. He's moving out of one house and into the other one a few miles away that he's been rehabbing for nearly a year. We thought we were there to haul a load of "junk and scraps" to the landfill. By the time we finished sorting through the mess half will stay in our garage. Maple and pine scraps for the wood stove; another entry door and a window without the screen torn out; a box of food that someone gave him and he's too damn lazy to "mess with" and a garbage bag full of returnable cans and bottles - ALL ours thanks to a little sorting and loading. Then, about eight bags of household garbage from his house will go in our garbage pickup tomorrow. Garbage pickup is included in our taxes here and there's no bag limit, nor speacial bags to buy. So why pay to haul it to the landfill? After removing what we're keeping and mixing his garbage in with our TWO bags tomorrow, I estimate the actual landfill bill will be about $5!!!
While at my sister's I went across the street to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Sweetie stayed at sis's and drank coffee with my Dad. Anyway, a $10 investment got me a new pillow (still in the package), a picture frame with non-glare glass, a dishpan, a set of blue patterned chair pads for the kitchen, a Griswold #6 fry pan (sorry Staying Alive!), and a pair of brown blue jeans.
Yesterday I picked another quart of blueberries and then we went for a short drive to see the progress on the "rich folks" end of our road. Lots there are $60,000-$110,000 and three new homes have been built. We walked around one of the lots that's still for sale and got a view of the lake from the south end. Beautiful sand beach and mammoth pines and HUGE blueberries. So, I may just take another drive tonight and pick to my heart's content. Sure would fill a quart container faster. We'll see. May just sit on the deck and do nothing the rest of the day. Sometimes that's what a soul needs.
We're headed back to town tomorrow for an appointment and more scrounging. We both noticed a few things today and if they're around tomorrow we're going to knock on doors and start asking. One of our neighbors did that last week and came home with a aluminum fishing boat and trailer. Like us, he had noticed it sitting in a guy's backyard with weeds growing around it. After three weeks of driving by and not seeing it moved he stopped. For the price of a new registration he has a boat. Darn, wish we had stopped because we kept commenting about the same boat! Oh well, just goes to show you the early bird does get the worm - or whatever you're in search of!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blueberries and Bears
Thank you all for your condolences regarding Sweetie's brother. We've been in a funk for a few days; realizing he's not going to be calling anymore...
The older one gets it seems the more precious relationships are and the more common it is to lose them.
My father came out Thursday and spent the night and this morning a neighbor came by with his girlfriend and stayed for breakfast. It was great to have a couple people around when we're missing contact with another.
The blueberries are ripening here so I've been out picking. Thus far I have about a quart as they're wild, not domesticated berries. They cover most of our acreage here so there's no excuse not to find any. I was reminded Thursday that I'm not the only one on the hunt. A 300# bear came out of the acreage to the north of us and sauntered east along our drive, crossed the road and went into the bush. Someone was pulling into a drive north of us and saw it, as did I, though I was about 500 feet south of our drive returning from my evening walk.
Last night I was out picking berries again and ventured onto the land north of us only to discover lots of bear signs. I turned around and began picking while headed for home and then heard a rustling in the trees behind me. A quick turn of my head and I knew for sure it was a bear so I continued south while it pawed around the blueberry bushes along the treeline.
The bear's presence is probably why our cats and the dog stick near the decks on the east and west sides of the house. I told our morning breakfast guests about the bear and he said two had been spotted across the lake this week. It's a reminder that we share this land with an animal just as intent on survival as us.
Well, I'm tired again today but determined to accomplish something so I'll talk to you all another time. Keep prepping and know that you're doing your part to take care of you and yours, Treesong
The older one gets it seems the more precious relationships are and the more common it is to lose them.
My father came out Thursday and spent the night and this morning a neighbor came by with his girlfriend and stayed for breakfast. It was great to have a couple people around when we're missing contact with another.
The blueberries are ripening here so I've been out picking. Thus far I have about a quart as they're wild, not domesticated berries. They cover most of our acreage here so there's no excuse not to find any. I was reminded Thursday that I'm not the only one on the hunt. A 300# bear came out of the acreage to the north of us and sauntered east along our drive, crossed the road and went into the bush. Someone was pulling into a drive north of us and saw it, as did I, though I was about 500 feet south of our drive returning from my evening walk.
Last night I was out picking berries again and ventured onto the land north of us only to discover lots of bear signs. I turned around and began picking while headed for home and then heard a rustling in the trees behind me. A quick turn of my head and I knew for sure it was a bear so I continued south while it pawed around the blueberry bushes along the treeline.
The bear's presence is probably why our cats and the dog stick near the decks on the east and west sides of the house. I told our morning breakfast guests about the bear and he said two had been spotted across the lake this week. It's a reminder that we share this land with an animal just as intent on survival as us.
Well, I'm tired again today but determined to accomplish something so I'll talk to you all another time. Keep prepping and know that you're doing your part to take care of you and yours, Treesong
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)