Song of the day…well, there wasn’t one. I’m sick as a dog. Got a stuffed nose, some fever, and have little aches all over the place. I had some discomfort in my nose and the back of my throat yesterday, and the fact that we went out to work in the freezing cold of El Burgo, didn’t help in the end, I think.
But anyway, we left early for it, loaded up everything that had to go to Liane. Meaning the tiles and tools, and, on the way there a big load of sand that we bought at the local construction company. The guy did apologize for this time being a little less than usual, because he has to guess the load, but then we agreed that the next time he’d put in a bit extra, so all’s well.
So we got on site, luckily with grandpa who helped us unload both sand and tiles, prior to us leaving for el Burgo where we had an appointment with a dude who’s in control of a large piece of property, with loads of trees on it that were either dead or in need of trimming. The biatch is that almond wood is pretty tough, so if I hadn’t figured out at some point that you could just rip the trees from the ground when they’re dead, we wouldn’t have managed to reach our quota for the day. One I pulled out was a bit on the big side though, seeing as when it “went” I couldn’t hold it, and landed flat on my butt. Pulled a thigh muscle in the process, darn it. Took me at least half an hour to walk that off. *sigh*
Good I was a little upset too, otherwise I would never have managed, I’m sure. Hah. But anyway, most of the following six hours were spent pushing, pulling over trees, and carrying them all up the steep, steep incline toward the car where we could process them.
Bad news was that by the time we started the processing bit, both the chainsaw’s gave the spirit. *sigh* So, in order to meet the deal we’d made with the dude (giving him a big load, ready for use) we stacked what was already sawed and chopped inside the car, so I could drive him home and unload at his place before dark, and before big brother and grandpa froze to their deaths on that deserted mountain top.
Personally I was frozen halfway through by the time I got back, and since the sunshine was gone by the time I got there I didn’t warm up anymore either. But anyway, we got the wagon full at least, and part of the back of the car, so it wasn’t for nothing. But cold. Gawd it was, really, really cold over there. Sooooo not doing that again. I think grandpa and I went up and down that mountain some odd twenty or thirty times, and boy was it steep in places. I am terribly glad that I didn’t take Knight, because he would have perished from the cold.
We didn’t get home until dark, and by then we were so sick that big brother’s teeth were chattering, and I could barely move anymore. So I went to take a shower, a hot one (as hot as I could stand it while my toes tingled) for as long as the boiler water held out, end then up to thaw out in front of the stove while trying to do some work on the computer. I couldn’t of course. The common cold had set in for real by then and I decided to just give up and go to bed at ten.
Basically slept through the night. A solid ten hours, and I will tell you that they were downright wonderful. I just slept, and slept and slept (woke a lot, but turned over and went right on) and finally got up around nine feeling still sick, but at least not at all sore from the activity. Guess my stamina for such activity has improved at least.
This morning, what with the pounding head, my leaking nose and sleepy state of mind, I didn’t get much writing done, so around noon we headed up to unload the wagon and car (the first got damaged some, by the way. Big brother went right through the wood putting in a trunk). Got a phone call from the hospital that Sally had to return asap, because her cultures came back and because she still has a fever. Caregiver took her, and she (Sally that is) has been admitted in hospital once more because her cultures showed that she had some sort of unknown bacteria that was making her blood respond oddly.
She’ll be staying there for a few days on antibiotics.
Tenant also has the same cold as us, Cousin Ed…the only one exempt at the moment, appears to be grandpa, so I’m hoping that’ll stay that way. Would be a pain in the behind if we all end up useless.
Had to take Knight II to the vet this afternoon. There was some swelling in his foot, so he’s back to the antibiotics, darn it. He did like being at the vet, though. His tail wasn’t down for a change, and he let them fuss with him without trouble. Gawd, sometimes it seems as if that stupid paw is never going to heal.
By the time we got back there was the trailer to fix, you know, from the broken barrier and back that I mentioned earlier. It took some time, and a brisk wind made it rather unpleasant. Then, after the damage was fixed, we still had to shovel it full with sand, get the wheelbarrow strapped on, and prepare that wood for tomorrow’s job at Liane.
I am going to bed early, by the way. This cold is really kicking my butt.
Showing posts with label woodwork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woodwork. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A Samaya sculpture :-)
Song of the day: “Don’t marry her, have me” by the Beautiful South.
A bit of bad news first, I suppose. During the night our Dalmatian Sophie passed away. It was no big surprise, really, seeing as his health had never been good to begin with, and for him it was definitely a relief, but still, it dampens the mood somewhat to lose one of the pack. He looked peaceful and relaxed on his blanket, however, so I would suspect he went fast and without pain. We should all be so lucky.
The weather is still abysmal. Some serious winds picked up again, making the trees stand at a decided tilt, and rain has been coming down infrequently, but plenty. Everything is soaking wet, stuff is not smelling all that pleasant and I, for one am more than ready for a break in the clouds. Jeez…heck, even the dogs have had it.
Writing. Nothing huge, but steadily schlogging through still. Passed 18,000 words now, with the character solidly in place by now. I am doubted if I should ad another one somewhere round these parts, but haven’t made up my mind yet.
Yesterday we could pick up our chainsaw, of which the repairs cost 20 bucks…which I think is about the standard for something like that. Also left Liane’s to see if it is fixable, too. I’m thinking yes, because big brother looked it over and for as far as we could see the only problem would be the chain not getting any oil.
Since in the bad weather there wasn’t much of anything we could do at home anyway (except for messing around in the carport) we decided to go into the woods to see if there is any firewood that we could get there in the near future. As it turns out, so I’ve heard from the vet assistant, in these parts it is allowed to go into the woods and take fallen trees apart for personal use (or selling). In fact, they love it when people do that, seeing as it decreases the fire hazard on the mountain. Did some serious exploring going along ragged trails leading up the mountain. Got as far as the tree line before a chain closed the road off. Did do some walking there, which was weird in the dense clouds that didn’t allow us to look much farther than a few yards the entire time.
It was beautiful, even, or especially because of the clouds, I’m not sure. Everything with soaking wet, the soil red, gray and black (rocky surfaces breaking through everywhere), covered by newly grown grass and Arum plants. The tree trunks were black with moisture, the branches heavy, and wherever you looked there was water and mist. It was in fact a little eerie, like some horror movie. Hah. It was beautiful, too, though. Mysterious and wonderful, in particular when we walked a bit through the mist, seeing nothing but the path at our feet and the trees that stood by the edge of the abyss of white, the green vibrant against the white.
Knight II as along for the ride (still have to keep an eye on him) and he even went along for a bit of the walk during which we explored a row of fallen trees. He bounded along, going ahead constantly, because let’s face it, compared to him I’m a slowpoke. Then, at some point when were on our way back up to the car, he went ahead, all cheerful and everything, only to stand by the car, all confused that he couldn’t get it. It was just embarrassing. What kind of a dog prefers the car over a walk, for crying out loud?
But anyway, we found plenty of trees that toppled over during the rains, their roots no longer able to stand the pressure, so it looks like we’ll be heading out into the woods one of these days to get us some extra firewood.
Once at home, the rain started up seriously once more, so I spent the remainder of the day working on my woods sculpture…which is something I did today as well. Gawd, it turned out beautifully. The varnish dried perfectly, and the sanded and shaped piece of whitish eucalyptus wood I put inside it, contrasts beautifully. I have a picture of the end result right here:
I love how it looks exactly the way I imagined it beforehand.
Exchanged some messages with “my” pen pal pilot who’s still at war…well, he’s flying out wounded and such, which is rather vital I’m sure. Gawd, the stories he tells. I definitely wouldn’t be suited for a war zone. I can enjoy it in movies, I don’t mind reading about it, but the real thing…well, it’s just too realistic. Luckily, he personally is doing well, and for now that is all that matters.
Let’s see, there were the normal chores and such, along with a cooking session (today Cousin Ed made pumpkin soup) of pasta, a satay sauce, and fresh veggies. Had to go into the yard today to get the last of the pumpkins from the plants. Lost a few to the rats and such, but at least there are some. And also took out all the peppers, which are not going to turn any redder in this weather Managed to get a full crate of both veggies, so that’s not bad.
Knight II had his checkup this morning (I’m getting consistent information now that by Friday his bandage might go off, so he’ll only need to wear the sock for a bit, yay!) and he behaved perfectly.
We lost the side mirror of the Opel, meaning we had to order a new one at the garage. Got to pick that up today, and took Knight along. If for no other reason than the fact that they love him there. They’re all dog lovers, thankfully.
Then last but not least is painting Liane’s beams for the second time. Despite the wet weather, it had to be done, so we hauled the lot of them down the mountain to the car port and painted them the second time around. If a bug gets to climb in there after all, it deserves it for evolving beyond all that poison. Jeez.
Well, that’s it for me. Time for bed.
A bit of bad news first, I suppose. During the night our Dalmatian Sophie passed away. It was no big surprise, really, seeing as his health had never been good to begin with, and for him it was definitely a relief, but still, it dampens the mood somewhat to lose one of the pack. He looked peaceful and relaxed on his blanket, however, so I would suspect he went fast and without pain. We should all be so lucky.
The weather is still abysmal. Some serious winds picked up again, making the trees stand at a decided tilt, and rain has been coming down infrequently, but plenty. Everything is soaking wet, stuff is not smelling all that pleasant and I, for one am more than ready for a break in the clouds. Jeez…heck, even the dogs have had it.
Writing. Nothing huge, but steadily schlogging through still. Passed 18,000 words now, with the character solidly in place by now. I am doubted if I should ad another one somewhere round these parts, but haven’t made up my mind yet.
Yesterday we could pick up our chainsaw, of which the repairs cost 20 bucks…which I think is about the standard for something like that. Also left Liane’s to see if it is fixable, too. I’m thinking yes, because big brother looked it over and for as far as we could see the only problem would be the chain not getting any oil.
Since in the bad weather there wasn’t much of anything we could do at home anyway (except for messing around in the carport) we decided to go into the woods to see if there is any firewood that we could get there in the near future. As it turns out, so I’ve heard from the vet assistant, in these parts it is allowed to go into the woods and take fallen trees apart for personal use (or selling). In fact, they love it when people do that, seeing as it decreases the fire hazard on the mountain. Did some serious exploring going along ragged trails leading up the mountain. Got as far as the tree line before a chain closed the road off. Did do some walking there, which was weird in the dense clouds that didn’t allow us to look much farther than a few yards the entire time.
It was beautiful, even, or especially because of the clouds, I’m not sure. Everything with soaking wet, the soil red, gray and black (rocky surfaces breaking through everywhere), covered by newly grown grass and Arum plants. The tree trunks were black with moisture, the branches heavy, and wherever you looked there was water and mist. It was in fact a little eerie, like some horror movie. Hah. It was beautiful, too, though. Mysterious and wonderful, in particular when we walked a bit through the mist, seeing nothing but the path at our feet and the trees that stood by the edge of the abyss of white, the green vibrant against the white.
Knight II as along for the ride (still have to keep an eye on him) and he even went along for a bit of the walk during which we explored a row of fallen trees. He bounded along, going ahead constantly, because let’s face it, compared to him I’m a slowpoke. Then, at some point when were on our way back up to the car, he went ahead, all cheerful and everything, only to stand by the car, all confused that he couldn’t get it. It was just embarrassing. What kind of a dog prefers the car over a walk, for crying out loud?
But anyway, we found plenty of trees that toppled over during the rains, their roots no longer able to stand the pressure, so it looks like we’ll be heading out into the woods one of these days to get us some extra firewood.
Once at home, the rain started up seriously once more, so I spent the remainder of the day working on my woods sculpture…which is something I did today as well. Gawd, it turned out beautifully. The varnish dried perfectly, and the sanded and shaped piece of whitish eucalyptus wood I put inside it, contrasts beautifully. I have a picture of the end result right here:
I love how it looks exactly the way I imagined it beforehand.
Exchanged some messages with “my” pen pal pilot who’s still at war…well, he’s flying out wounded and such, which is rather vital I’m sure. Gawd, the stories he tells. I definitely wouldn’t be suited for a war zone. I can enjoy it in movies, I don’t mind reading about it, but the real thing…well, it’s just too realistic. Luckily, he personally is doing well, and for now that is all that matters.
Let’s see, there were the normal chores and such, along with a cooking session (today Cousin Ed made pumpkin soup) of pasta, a satay sauce, and fresh veggies. Had to go into the yard today to get the last of the pumpkins from the plants. Lost a few to the rats and such, but at least there are some. And also took out all the peppers, which are not going to turn any redder in this weather Managed to get a full crate of both veggies, so that’s not bad.
Knight II had his checkup this morning (I’m getting consistent information now that by Friday his bandage might go off, so he’ll only need to wear the sock for a bit, yay!) and he behaved perfectly.
We lost the side mirror of the Opel, meaning we had to order a new one at the garage. Got to pick that up today, and took Knight along. If for no other reason than the fact that they love him there. They’re all dog lovers, thankfully.
Then last but not least is painting Liane’s beams for the second time. Despite the wet weather, it had to be done, so we hauled the lot of them down the mountain to the car port and painted them the second time around. If a bug gets to climb in there after all, it deserves it for evolving beyond all that poison. Jeez.
Well, that’s it for me. Time for bed.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Some pics, just because
First off on the pics. The Winter wall of the carport. Doesn't it look cute?
Song of the day: “Son of a preacher man” by Aretha Franklin. I started humming it for fun the other day, and it has been popping up in my head ever since. *sigh*
So yeah, it’s been a busy couple of days…well, three of ‘m technically, but since two of them were away from home, we’ll start with those.
Saturday:
It started off early, seeing as we had to travel all the way to Marbella before nine in the morning. Didn’t sleep all that well, so by the time the alarm went off I stumbled out of bed and headed linea recta to the pool for a quick dip that was supposed to wake me up. It didn’t despite it being ridiculously cold. Got dressed, slurped at my coffee and then headed on up, grateful to discover that cousin Ed had managed to prepare me a couple of sandwiches.
Arrived at the market at the appointed time and managed to get the car in close to where we needed to be. The spot we got was surprisingly spacious, and, in hindsight, probably even better than the last one, since this is a corner and kids don’t use it as a detour.
The market organizer lady is a nice one, and made us feel right at home as we set up. Took us about an hour and a half to get it all done properly. The color schemes had to fit, the types of products properly organized to complement each other, and by the time it was done the folks who’d ordered the dog bag arrived. The first thing we saw was Sasha, the adorable Yorkshire terrier that heard me make kissy noises and came barreling down under the table, to leap in my arms. Adorable little thing.
They liked the bag, so…phew…paid the price, and proclaimed that they were likely to come back at some point for a matching bag for Sasha, and maybe one of the dogbeds. They also told us of a very nice market in Soto Grande, which would be perfect for us, if not for the fact that it would be a two hour drive to get there, ergo the price of a single dog bed just to get there. Such a pity.
Chatted a bit and were then left to continue with our day. Luckily there is plenty to see at a place like Funny beach, so in between we had plenty to do. Was a ridiculously slow day, but it didn’t matter, because at a certain point there was this very, very nice German woman who started looking through the dog beds, (very thoughtful like) and said, “I’m going to take this one.” I was pretty happy with that, and was already looking for a bag when she added, “I think this one,” while pointing at another. I nodded, gave a silent sigh, and grabbed that one and then…” definitely this one,” the woman said, at which point it started to get through to me that she was aiming to buy several beds. So there she went, “that one, that one, that one, and that…no, no, this one.” I could only raised my brows as I tapped Cousin Ed on the shoulder and had her help me bag the things and ring ‘m up, so to speak. The woman explained that normally she would try to negotiate a better price when doing such a big purchase, but since she thought the prices fair, she was taking them as they were. Big relief, that, not to mention allowing us to relax for the remainder of the day since we by far surpassed our quota. Hah.
Later we also got an order for yet another bag, with a down payment of half the price, so it was a pretty successful day.
Got another tip for a market, and since we decided that we wanted to try the Sunday Market as well (phoned the “production department” first if it was at all doable in regards to the amount of bags) we agreed that after setting up the next day, I’d take the car (Opel this time, since the Land Rover is mom’s and the sibs’ on Sunday) and check it out. Supposedly there are plenty of buyers over there (Benahavis) including the odd celebrity. Weird idea that. A celebrity on a flea market. Hah.
But anyway, with that agreed upon, we reserved a spot for Sunday and continued on. Not much more sales that day, but lots of interest for my tie dyes, some attention for the snugglies, and on the overall a nice day spent chatting with loads of folks.
Lots of the other sellers didn’t sell at all, and had the organizer a little upset because basically everyone had talked her into adding Saturdays to the flea market that she usually only did once every two weeks on a Sunday.
Some folks just don’t understand that you need patience for markets that are just starting out. Folks need to know that they’re there, before the show up.
Here's the market for ya. All set up with the first bit of sunshine arriving in the morning.
The other side.
In the back there is the pillar that holds all the purses. They get plenty of attention.
And the snuggly with bag and baby blanket that I set up as a center piece on Sunday.
The Chaos because...well, just because. Hah. He noticed the camera the blasted beast.
By the time the end of the market arrived we had a lot less to pack and were on our way home around five thirty. We’d already sorted through the merchandise, and once there we could basically grab out a few bags and transfer it to the trailer for the Opel. Next we loaded the remainder of the baskets and whatnots for Sunday. Didn’t finish with that until twilight fell. Was properly tired at the end. Did manage some writing but decided to crash around one in the morning and did so passionately. Hah.
Sunday:
Didn’t go as smoothly. In fact, a lot went wrong. We forgot some stuff for the tables and if we hadn’t been able to borrow them at Funny Beach we’d have been in a lot of trouble…well, we were, seeing as, for the first time since standing on that market, we didn’t. Sell. A. Single. Thing. Hah.
It seriously cracked me up. I mean, really. There were plenty of folks (like this very celebrity-type dad, organizing a b-day party for his kid with about six moms fluttering around him. Kept us better entertained than a soap opera, I tell ya.) and yet none of them was there to spent more than a buck or two, and eat at the restaurant of the place. Very strange. There was loads of interest, people oohing and aahing, touching, pointing, and…nothing, nada zilch.
Luckily mom and the zips did a lot better and sold double the usual.
You’d think I would be bummed, but I wasn’t. I refuse to let “sales” affect my mood and arrived at home just barely on time to partly unload the car before big brother and I headed out to pick up a donation of food for the dogs. By the time we got home, it was quickly to work on the computer, and then out again for a jog that I really, really needed.
I actually broke my own record and ran more than half a mile at a single piece. I did a happy dance, thank you very much.
Was in bed on time again, because let’s face it, after the run I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open.
Which brings us to today.
Also busy, but more in the normal way. There was laundry, dog food, and then helping tenant since caregiver took Sally to hospital for her first round of chemo. (Took all, day, since they put her on a five hour drip of fluids that are going to wreck everything inside her. Scary stuff if you read about all it does. I don’t think I’d have the guts to do chemo.) Helped her change and then walked her down to the house so she could visit with mom.
What followed was a trip into the yard where I watered plants and then watched the dogs while big brother cut down the big eucalyptus that has been stealing the water for the veggie yard most of the last three years.
Got to saw, got to use the axe, and then went up with the day’s harvest and a trunk to get started on supper.
Here are the pics.
The tree.
Before. So proud, so fierce...and a total thief when it comes to water.
After. So sad.
Down like a tree, eh?
Lotsa firewood, though. Hah.
*sigh* What else...?
Experimented a little with beef again. Marinated it in cherry liquor with soy sauce and fresh thyme, and admittedly it didn’t go bad at all. Didn’t manage to eat more of it than my usual quarter, but since big brother has less trouble eating the stuff, nothing was lost.
Supper done, we had to go out again for another donation, and didn’t come home until after nine at which point I reheated supper and then headed down to do my messages, try for some writing, and do the blog. Managed the last, just barely, but what the hey.
A pretty shot from the rainy days.
The porch for the cabin
And that's it. I gotta get to bed, thank you very much.
Song of the day: “Son of a preacher man” by Aretha Franklin. I started humming it for fun the other day, and it has been popping up in my head ever since. *sigh*
So yeah, it’s been a busy couple of days…well, three of ‘m technically, but since two of them were away from home, we’ll start with those.
Saturday:
It started off early, seeing as we had to travel all the way to Marbella before nine in the morning. Didn’t sleep all that well, so by the time the alarm went off I stumbled out of bed and headed linea recta to the pool for a quick dip that was supposed to wake me up. It didn’t despite it being ridiculously cold. Got dressed, slurped at my coffee and then headed on up, grateful to discover that cousin Ed had managed to prepare me a couple of sandwiches.
Arrived at the market at the appointed time and managed to get the car in close to where we needed to be. The spot we got was surprisingly spacious, and, in hindsight, probably even better than the last one, since this is a corner and kids don’t use it as a detour.
The market organizer lady is a nice one, and made us feel right at home as we set up. Took us about an hour and a half to get it all done properly. The color schemes had to fit, the types of products properly organized to complement each other, and by the time it was done the folks who’d ordered the dog bag arrived. The first thing we saw was Sasha, the adorable Yorkshire terrier that heard me make kissy noises and came barreling down under the table, to leap in my arms. Adorable little thing.
They liked the bag, so…phew…paid the price, and proclaimed that they were likely to come back at some point for a matching bag for Sasha, and maybe one of the dogbeds. They also told us of a very nice market in Soto Grande, which would be perfect for us, if not for the fact that it would be a two hour drive to get there, ergo the price of a single dog bed just to get there. Such a pity.
Chatted a bit and were then left to continue with our day. Luckily there is plenty to see at a place like Funny beach, so in between we had plenty to do. Was a ridiculously slow day, but it didn’t matter, because at a certain point there was this very, very nice German woman who started looking through the dog beds, (very thoughtful like) and said, “I’m going to take this one.” I was pretty happy with that, and was already looking for a bag when she added, “I think this one,” while pointing at another. I nodded, gave a silent sigh, and grabbed that one and then…” definitely this one,” the woman said, at which point it started to get through to me that she was aiming to buy several beds. So there she went, “that one, that one, that one, and that…no, no, this one.” I could only raised my brows as I tapped Cousin Ed on the shoulder and had her help me bag the things and ring ‘m up, so to speak. The woman explained that normally she would try to negotiate a better price when doing such a big purchase, but since she thought the prices fair, she was taking them as they were. Big relief, that, not to mention allowing us to relax for the remainder of the day since we by far surpassed our quota. Hah.
Later we also got an order for yet another bag, with a down payment of half the price, so it was a pretty successful day.
Got another tip for a market, and since we decided that we wanted to try the Sunday Market as well (phoned the “production department” first if it was at all doable in regards to the amount of bags) we agreed that after setting up the next day, I’d take the car (Opel this time, since the Land Rover is mom’s and the sibs’ on Sunday) and check it out. Supposedly there are plenty of buyers over there (Benahavis) including the odd celebrity. Weird idea that. A celebrity on a flea market. Hah.
But anyway, with that agreed upon, we reserved a spot for Sunday and continued on. Not much more sales that day, but lots of interest for my tie dyes, some attention for the snugglies, and on the overall a nice day spent chatting with loads of folks.
Lots of the other sellers didn’t sell at all, and had the organizer a little upset because basically everyone had talked her into adding Saturdays to the flea market that she usually only did once every two weeks on a Sunday.
Some folks just don’t understand that you need patience for markets that are just starting out. Folks need to know that they’re there, before the show up.
Here's the market for ya. All set up with the first bit of sunshine arriving in the morning.
The other side.
In the back there is the pillar that holds all the purses. They get plenty of attention.
And the snuggly with bag and baby blanket that I set up as a center piece on Sunday.
The Chaos because...well, just because. Hah. He noticed the camera the blasted beast.
By the time the end of the market arrived we had a lot less to pack and were on our way home around five thirty. We’d already sorted through the merchandise, and once there we could basically grab out a few bags and transfer it to the trailer for the Opel. Next we loaded the remainder of the baskets and whatnots for Sunday. Didn’t finish with that until twilight fell. Was properly tired at the end. Did manage some writing but decided to crash around one in the morning and did so passionately. Hah.
Sunday:
Didn’t go as smoothly. In fact, a lot went wrong. We forgot some stuff for the tables and if we hadn’t been able to borrow them at Funny Beach we’d have been in a lot of trouble…well, we were, seeing as, for the first time since standing on that market, we didn’t. Sell. A. Single. Thing. Hah.
It seriously cracked me up. I mean, really. There were plenty of folks (like this very celebrity-type dad, organizing a b-day party for his kid with about six moms fluttering around him. Kept us better entertained than a soap opera, I tell ya.) and yet none of them was there to spent more than a buck or two, and eat at the restaurant of the place. Very strange. There was loads of interest, people oohing and aahing, touching, pointing, and…nothing, nada zilch.
Luckily mom and the zips did a lot better and sold double the usual.
You’d think I would be bummed, but I wasn’t. I refuse to let “sales” affect my mood and arrived at home just barely on time to partly unload the car before big brother and I headed out to pick up a donation of food for the dogs. By the time we got home, it was quickly to work on the computer, and then out again for a jog that I really, really needed.
I actually broke my own record and ran more than half a mile at a single piece. I did a happy dance, thank you very much.
Was in bed on time again, because let’s face it, after the run I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open.
Which brings us to today.
Also busy, but more in the normal way. There was laundry, dog food, and then helping tenant since caregiver took Sally to hospital for her first round of chemo. (Took all, day, since they put her on a five hour drip of fluids that are going to wreck everything inside her. Scary stuff if you read about all it does. I don’t think I’d have the guts to do chemo.) Helped her change and then walked her down to the house so she could visit with mom.
What followed was a trip into the yard where I watered plants and then watched the dogs while big brother cut down the big eucalyptus that has been stealing the water for the veggie yard most of the last three years.
Got to saw, got to use the axe, and then went up with the day’s harvest and a trunk to get started on supper.
Here are the pics.
The tree.
Before. So proud, so fierce...and a total thief when it comes to water.
After. So sad.
Down like a tree, eh?
Lotsa firewood, though. Hah.
*sigh* What else...?
Experimented a little with beef again. Marinated it in cherry liquor with soy sauce and fresh thyme, and admittedly it didn’t go bad at all. Didn’t manage to eat more of it than my usual quarter, but since big brother has less trouble eating the stuff, nothing was lost.
Supper done, we had to go out again for another donation, and didn’t come home until after nine at which point I reheated supper and then headed down to do my messages, try for some writing, and do the blog. Managed the last, just barely, but what the hey.
A pretty shot from the rainy days.
The porch for the cabin
And that's it. I gotta get to bed, thank you very much.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I had a dream...
Song of the day: “Where have all the cowboys gone” by Paula Cole. Was reminded of it the other day, and just had to look it up before I iTuned it. Hah.
So…I had a dream…no, no, no, not that one. I had a dream about a small item, which I just had to see if I could make it today. Let me explain first, because otherwise this item won’t make any sense to you (no, I don’t have pictures, my phone is at the repair shop and the temporary replacement I have really won’t do it any justice). You see, Grandpa hates wrist watches. He says that he’ll snag them on things, forget them, lose them, and that he just doesn’t like them. So we bought him a pocket watch a couple of years ago, which had him ecstatic…for a while at least. Then the stupid thing gave the spirit and he tried to have it fixed forever and ever, until the clock guy finally said that it wasn’t worth repairing. It really disappointed him, but he didn’t want us to buy him a new one.
We didn’t, instead I took an old watch (found it in a drawer somewhere) without a wrist band, took a piece of woods from storage and started working. I worked in two sessions of several hours, and these two shell shaped wooden disks, made two matching holes on either side, a ridge around one, an indentation in the other, and then tore through my room searching for an old Seiko box. Found it, and yes, memory served me right, it had two tiny hinges in it. Cut one out, drilled holes in it, looked for tiny screws and used a wee chisel to create a small indent for the mechanism (one of those that stays open, or shut, whichever position you decide on) and put it together. More sanding, engraving his initial on the lid (secretly of course, grandpa wasn’t supposed to know) and then mixing a bit of color into a clear varnish so I could treat the wood.
It is drying at the moment, but if all went well, I should be able to give it to him tomorrow. Yay. Hope he likes it, and I’ll let you know in the next blog.
Okay, back to business as usual. Let’s get up to date on the daily toils. Yesterday:
Well, there was no workout, which was a good thing since later in the day I got plenty of that after all. Hah. Did the morning chores, as usual, walked the boarder dogs, had breakfast and then headed down into the yard to add a few more of the reed fences. Only two or three more to go, thankfully. Also watered the young seedlings, the raised seedbed and then, after chatting with tenant a little, it was up to the wall and the terraced on top of it. For the remainder of the day I added layers of rock along the length of the wall.
Got several feet up to the ultimate height at last. Beautiful, in case you’re wondering, and with some seriously big rocks in it that will make for an interesting view that’s a fact. Hah. But it’s looking good. I think we’ll need to do another masonry day soon, but by then it will be high enough for us to start digging behind my cabin again so we can fill it up straight to the house.
While I was putting in rocks, I got a phone call of the computer doctor to let me know that we could come and pick up big brother’s Mac, at last. They had reinstalled everything and since big brother has been waiting with bated breath, we unloaded the car of the latest rock load, changed into something semi-clean and headed for town.
Well, I am happy to report that the Mac is once again fully functional, yay, and that big brother was gone most of the day while he was working on getting everything just-so in his electronic sweetheart. (He’s insufferable when he needs to spend a full day inside trying to sort the dratted computer out, mind you.) Hah. But no matter, he busted his knee yesterday (almost had to catch him at the grocery store because his knee refused to support him for crying out loud) so the inside-day, sitting with his computer, reading and installing, was actually good for his knee at least.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. We picked up the computer, did a few groceries that should tide us over until next week at least, (grocery shopping day is nigh, darn it) and went past a variety of stores in search of a spray can with a color that matches the Opel. Turns out that the store that probably would have it was already closed for the day, so we headed back home where big brother spent the majority of the evening messing with his computer.
I, on the other hand, was a good girl and dutifully worked on the book. Worked for several hours on writing the last piece of the prologue; a gloomy pursuit scene. Two people fleeing for a third and then…well, I can’t betray the story, of course, but it was awesome. The scene flowed and I was done and about five minutes later swore viciously. I’d done it wrong. Seriously, I hate it when that happens. During previous conversations we had already decided on a certain sequence in the scene. Regretfully inspiration didn’t agree, and made me forget the plan. Now I’ll have to do an effing rewrite again.
Ah well, no matter. Time is on my side still.
Okay, good news. My interview with C.S. Marks was returned last night with all questions answered, nice and proper. I, of course, got to read them already, and had a blast, so y’all are in for a treat. Either the next blog, or the one thereafter will be a nice change of pace and let you read about another crazy author. Hah. I’ll keep you informed, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out when I post it.
Today, besides working on grandpa’s “new” pocket watch, cousin Ed, grandpa and I worked up by the storage, sorting through stuff. There were several piles, one garbage, one with keepers, and one with doubters. Also found a big pile of roof tiles, which we sorted through and stacked on a pallet out of the way.
Still a long way to go, but we’re getting there. We’ll get the mess neat yet. It sure would be nice if we no longer look like land fill up there. Hah.
Am a bit tired, and I really should work on that prologue still, so I’m going to call this a blog and see ya ‘round the next time, I’m sure. *snort*
So…I had a dream…no, no, no, not that one. I had a dream about a small item, which I just had to see if I could make it today. Let me explain first, because otherwise this item won’t make any sense to you (no, I don’t have pictures, my phone is at the repair shop and the temporary replacement I have really won’t do it any justice). You see, Grandpa hates wrist watches. He says that he’ll snag them on things, forget them, lose them, and that he just doesn’t like them. So we bought him a pocket watch a couple of years ago, which had him ecstatic…for a while at least. Then the stupid thing gave the spirit and he tried to have it fixed forever and ever, until the clock guy finally said that it wasn’t worth repairing. It really disappointed him, but he didn’t want us to buy him a new one.
We didn’t, instead I took an old watch (found it in a drawer somewhere) without a wrist band, took a piece of woods from storage and started working. I worked in two sessions of several hours, and these two shell shaped wooden disks, made two matching holes on either side, a ridge around one, an indentation in the other, and then tore through my room searching for an old Seiko box. Found it, and yes, memory served me right, it had two tiny hinges in it. Cut one out, drilled holes in it, looked for tiny screws and used a wee chisel to create a small indent for the mechanism (one of those that stays open, or shut, whichever position you decide on) and put it together. More sanding, engraving his initial on the lid (secretly of course, grandpa wasn’t supposed to know) and then mixing a bit of color into a clear varnish so I could treat the wood.
It is drying at the moment, but if all went well, I should be able to give it to him tomorrow. Yay. Hope he likes it, and I’ll let you know in the next blog.
Okay, back to business as usual. Let’s get up to date on the daily toils. Yesterday:
Well, there was no workout, which was a good thing since later in the day I got plenty of that after all. Hah. Did the morning chores, as usual, walked the boarder dogs, had breakfast and then headed down into the yard to add a few more of the reed fences. Only two or three more to go, thankfully. Also watered the young seedlings, the raised seedbed and then, after chatting with tenant a little, it was up to the wall and the terraced on top of it. For the remainder of the day I added layers of rock along the length of the wall.
Got several feet up to the ultimate height at last. Beautiful, in case you’re wondering, and with some seriously big rocks in it that will make for an interesting view that’s a fact. Hah. But it’s looking good. I think we’ll need to do another masonry day soon, but by then it will be high enough for us to start digging behind my cabin again so we can fill it up straight to the house.
While I was putting in rocks, I got a phone call of the computer doctor to let me know that we could come and pick up big brother’s Mac, at last. They had reinstalled everything and since big brother has been waiting with bated breath, we unloaded the car of the latest rock load, changed into something semi-clean and headed for town.
Well, I am happy to report that the Mac is once again fully functional, yay, and that big brother was gone most of the day while he was working on getting everything just-so in his electronic sweetheart. (He’s insufferable when he needs to spend a full day inside trying to sort the dratted computer out, mind you.) Hah. But no matter, he busted his knee yesterday (almost had to catch him at the grocery store because his knee refused to support him for crying out loud) so the inside-day, sitting with his computer, reading and installing, was actually good for his knee at least.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. We picked up the computer, did a few groceries that should tide us over until next week at least, (grocery shopping day is nigh, darn it) and went past a variety of stores in search of a spray can with a color that matches the Opel. Turns out that the store that probably would have it was already closed for the day, so we headed back home where big brother spent the majority of the evening messing with his computer.
I, on the other hand, was a good girl and dutifully worked on the book. Worked for several hours on writing the last piece of the prologue; a gloomy pursuit scene. Two people fleeing for a third and then…well, I can’t betray the story, of course, but it was awesome. The scene flowed and I was done and about five minutes later swore viciously. I’d done it wrong. Seriously, I hate it when that happens. During previous conversations we had already decided on a certain sequence in the scene. Regretfully inspiration didn’t agree, and made me forget the plan. Now I’ll have to do an effing rewrite again.
Ah well, no matter. Time is on my side still.
Okay, good news. My interview with C.S. Marks was returned last night with all questions answered, nice and proper. I, of course, got to read them already, and had a blast, so y’all are in for a treat. Either the next blog, or the one thereafter will be a nice change of pace and let you read about another crazy author. Hah. I’ll keep you informed, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out when I post it.
Today, besides working on grandpa’s “new” pocket watch, cousin Ed, grandpa and I worked up by the storage, sorting through stuff. There were several piles, one garbage, one with keepers, and one with doubters. Also found a big pile of roof tiles, which we sorted through and stacked on a pallet out of the way.
Still a long way to go, but we’re getting there. We’ll get the mess neat yet. It sure would be nice if we no longer look like land fill up there. Hah.
Am a bit tired, and I really should work on that prologue still, so I’m going to call this a blog and see ya ‘round the next time, I’m sure. *snort*
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