Last night there was a power outage and we weren't aware nor affected by it.
My wife and I got home after another long day of work. We had just taken our showers and were in the kitchen and dining room area when there was a knock on the door at about 6:00 p.m.
It was our neighbor, Mickey.
He asked if our electricity was out, because his was.
My wife and I turned toward each other and just smiled.
I gave Mickey the grand tour. He was impressed with our setup.
Living off the grid.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NUMBER CRUNCHING
Just doing the math here on this...
Under the new vehicle standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, which President Obama said would save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the program.
The plan was praised by automakers and environmentalists but means higher price tags for consumers. Officials said they would recoup the money with lower fuel costs.
The new program, the administration said, will add about $600 to the price of producing a vehicle compared to current law. This requires automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today's performance.
The plan could cut deeply into voracious U.S. gasoline demand, dealing another blow to a refining sector hard hit by recession and bracing for more climate legislation.
...2016...How about NOW! Why wait 7 years? The automakers are holding out.
...higher price tags for consumers...$600.00? Really now?
...recoup the money with lower fuel costs...Who are these officials? Okay, gas is around $2.529 per gallon here in the valley. It was $1.879 back on January 5, 2009. Am I missing something here?
...automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today's performance...Okay, now, if cars and trucks become more fuel efficient, that means Americans will be stopping less to refuel during commutes or vacations. Money in the pocket? Not for long.
...refining sector hit hard by recession...Okay, I interpret this meaning that oil companies will argue that they should increase the price of gasoline since Americans will be buying less and to keep from laying off workers. Wait, oh, that's why the gas prices are going up. Ain't nobody refining!
Solving for "x"...problem solved...the moonshiners were onto something: White lightning...aka ethanol.
Under the new vehicle standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, which President Obama said would save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the program.
The plan was praised by automakers and environmentalists but means higher price tags for consumers. Officials said they would recoup the money with lower fuel costs.
The new program, the administration said, will add about $600 to the price of producing a vehicle compared to current law. This requires automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today's performance.
The plan could cut deeply into voracious U.S. gasoline demand, dealing another blow to a refining sector hard hit by recession and bracing for more climate legislation.
...2016...How about NOW! Why wait 7 years? The automakers are holding out.
...higher price tags for consumers...$600.00? Really now?
...recoup the money with lower fuel costs...Who are these officials? Okay, gas is around $2.529 per gallon here in the valley. It was $1.879 back on January 5, 2009. Am I missing something here?
...automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today's performance...Okay, now, if cars and trucks become more fuel efficient, that means Americans will be stopping less to refuel during commutes or vacations. Money in the pocket? Not for long.
...refining sector hit hard by recession...Okay, I interpret this meaning that oil companies will argue that they should increase the price of gasoline since Americans will be buying less and to keep from laying off workers. Wait, oh, that's why the gas prices are going up. Ain't nobody refining!
Solving for "x"...problem solved...the moonshiners were onto something: White lightning...aka ethanol.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
IF APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAYFLOWERS
Then what do mayflowers bring?
HEAT! Yes, HEAT. Right now it is 103° degrees (97° in the shade). Spring had come and gone.
Yesterday, it was time to take off the canvas cover to the swamp cooler. Used the leafblower to blow out the dust and debris before turning it on. Didn't want all of that stuff blowing into the house. Before winter set in and after the final days of warm weather had passed, the cooler was drained, unplugged, and the fanbelt removed.
Well, to my dismay, I couldn't find the drain plug so I had to go to the hardware store. I found two that would work and came back home. Much to my dismay, the damn things didn't fit. So, off I went back to the hardware store.
I ask the guy, "Hey, I have a one-inch drain, it says here '1-inch' but the damn is '1-1/2"' in diameter. I have a plug here that is 3/4 inch and it lists '1-inch.' What's wrong with this picture?"
Anyhow, I got the plug I wanted.
Turned the water on. No leaks.
Got back up on the ladder to hook up the pump. All plugged in. All systems ready to go. I tell my wife, "Flick the switch!"
Voila!
"IT'S ALIVE!!!"
But wait! My wife tells me the cooler is still blowing hot air.
WHAT?
I go back outside and up the ladder. The "whatchmahcallits" (cooler pads) are still bone dry. I disconnect the hose from the pump. No water coming out (yes, it is still in the water). Frozen pump.
The pump had been sitting dry over the course of these months. I took the pump out and put it in a plastic coffee can with water and CLR and let it sit overnight.
So, here we are Saturday night. The house is hot, but thankfully there is a good breeze. A warm breeze, but it is a relief.
This morning I plugged in the pump. Nothing. It's purring like a kitten, but it ain't working.
Back to the hardware store. They only had one pump and it was the WRONG kind!
Damnit.
I have to drive into Oakhurst True Value. They had a great selection. But which one?
"Eeny meeny miney moe. Catch a pump by its hose outlet."
Out of the four I picked the third biggest. What the hell, it can't hurt.
Drive back home. I turn on the water to fill up the reservoir. I climb up the ladder to install the pump.
Uh oh.
The hose is just a bit too short, but I feel it can still work. If it works its way loose we will know when nothing but hot air is pumped throughout the house.
I go into the house to turn it on.
IT'S ALIVE!
All systems are go. The cooler pads are getting soaked. I race back inside to feel the fruits of my labor.
Ah.................................................
Cool moist air...
Everybody happy.
HEAT! Yes, HEAT. Right now it is 103° degrees (97° in the shade). Spring had come and gone.
Yesterday, it was time to take off the canvas cover to the swamp cooler. Used the leafblower to blow out the dust and debris before turning it on. Didn't want all of that stuff blowing into the house. Before winter set in and after the final days of warm weather had passed, the cooler was drained, unplugged, and the fanbelt removed.
Well, to my dismay, I couldn't find the drain plug so I had to go to the hardware store. I found two that would work and came back home. Much to my dismay, the damn things didn't fit. So, off I went back to the hardware store.
I ask the guy, "Hey, I have a one-inch drain, it says here '1-inch' but the damn is '1-1/2"' in diameter. I have a plug here that is 3/4 inch and it lists '1-inch.' What's wrong with this picture?"
Anyhow, I got the plug I wanted.
Turned the water on. No leaks.
Got back up on the ladder to hook up the pump. All plugged in. All systems ready to go. I tell my wife, "Flick the switch!"
Voila!
"IT'S ALIVE!!!"
But wait! My wife tells me the cooler is still blowing hot air.
WHAT?
I go back outside and up the ladder. The "whatchmahcallits" (cooler pads) are still bone dry. I disconnect the hose from the pump. No water coming out (yes, it is still in the water). Frozen pump.
The pump had been sitting dry over the course of these months. I took the pump out and put it in a plastic coffee can with water and CLR and let it sit overnight.
So, here we are Saturday night. The house is hot, but thankfully there is a good breeze. A warm breeze, but it is a relief.
This morning I plugged in the pump. Nothing. It's purring like a kitten, but it ain't working.
Back to the hardware store. They only had one pump and it was the WRONG kind!
Damnit.
I have to drive into Oakhurst True Value. They had a great selection. But which one?
"Eeny meeny miney moe. Catch a pump by its hose outlet."
Out of the four I picked the third biggest. What the hell, it can't hurt.
Drive back home. I turn on the water to fill up the reservoir. I climb up the ladder to install the pump.
Uh oh.
The hose is just a bit too short, but I feel it can still work. If it works its way loose we will know when nothing but hot air is pumped throughout the house.
I go into the house to turn it on.
IT'S ALIVE!
All systems are go. The cooler pads are getting soaked. I race back inside to feel the fruits of my labor.
Ah.................................................
Cool moist air...
Everybody happy.
Friday, May 15, 2009
CLOSED
The Fresno Social Security Administration office on Shaw and West is closed to the public today in order to move what is left to the new office.
Now, if you look closely at the black strip at the bottom of the new office picture you will see http://www.socialsecurity.com/.Well, it should be http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ or http://www.ssa.gov/.
Big difference in websites if you click on the links.
And to think this was created by none other than the Social Security Administration AREA DIRECTOR'S public relations department here in downtown Fresno!
Oh, and the "800" number? The Fresno office has its own toll-free number 866-902-7313.
At least the office hours are correct!
Hey, I didn't sign off on the work order!
Oh, well. Hopefully, no one else noticed. Yeah, right!
But it is a nice picture!!!
Another thing. If you click on the map to view a larger version and look at the top of the map you will see "LOCATED BEHIND WAL-MART." Yup, Wal-Mart. I am going to leave it at that.
And one more thing. The new office is located next to a mortuary. Already, the owner is upset about the light that illuminates the American flag at night. He says it "disturbs" his business. DISTURBS HIS BUSINESS? Okay. What type of clientele "visit" mortuaries? I am going to leave it at that, again.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
THE END
The Fresno Social Security Administration office on Shaw and Palm closed its doors for the very last time at 4:00 p.m.
Some have worked here since this office opened up in 1975.
A new location means new spirit. A revitalization.
It was fun here.
It will be fun at the new location...
Again.
Some have worked here since this office opened up in 1975.
A new location means new spirit. A revitalization.
It was fun here.
It will be fun at the new location...
Again.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WHAT TO DO...
with all this empty space in the waning days of your last days of an "old" office?
Simple, have the Assistant District Manager coordinate a Hawaiian-themed beach party, print up some nametag labels with your birth name translated into Hawaiian, leis, bring in a pool volleyball net and throw in some beach balls, bocce balls, limbo music, catered food and refreshments, balloons, and...
Sorry, no sand, because we have to clean this place up before we turn over the keys to the owner and...
Sorry, no water, but someone suggested setting the sprinklers on (jokingly, of course) and...
Sorry, no palm trees either, and...
Hang loose and have fun!
Who says government employees can't have fun once in a while?
Simple, have the Assistant District Manager coordinate a Hawaiian-themed beach party, print up some nametag labels with your birth name translated into Hawaiian, leis, bring in a pool volleyball net and throw in some beach balls, bocce balls, limbo music, catered food and refreshments, balloons, and...
Sorry, no sand, because we have to clean this place up before we turn over the keys to the owner and...
Sorry, no water, but someone suggested setting the sprinklers on (jokingly, of course) and...
Sorry, no palm trees either, and...
Hang loose and have fun!
Who says government employees can't have fun once in a while?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
FIREBREAK
In keeping in compliance of the fire code, I have to clear 100 feet of brush from the house by June 1.
Last year, I had to mow our property THREE times!
Told myself and convince my wife, I ain't gonna do that again this year! Let the stuff grow and then cut it ONCE!
"Good" in some respects where the tall grass is dry.
"Bad" when the tall grass is still green from any runoff.
This rainy season was sort of unexpected. Periods of rain. Periods of dry spells. When the rains returned after the dry spells, it resulted in new growth from the seeds of the old growth.
What I wound up doing was the green stuff "halfway down" to dry out the growth, hopefuly. What I didn't cut, gets whacked next week. I am hoping that the warm weather this week will do the trick for my next "honey do" next weekend.
It's no easy task when you have hilly terrain. One hundred feet doesn't seem much, but when you have to mark it out, you say, "Damn! I gotta cut that much?"
So, put up and shut up. Crank up the Stihl FS-55 RC with the PolyCut thermoplastic blades and let it do its thing. I also fitted the cutting head with some nylon line to give me extra cutting power. Nice!
I had to strap on my ice crampons in order to dig my feet into the slope to get a solid base while operating the weedeater. Even so, the crampons offer little "digging in" since dirt is dirt and ice are different "compositions." Then I got to thinking that I didn't want to destroy the slope, because when the rains return, I am going to have a serious problem with erosion and I don't want that. Don't want the pool winding up at the bottom of the ravine.
I went back to the garage and pulled out my climbing gear. I hooked up some quickdraws, daisy chains, slings, static rope for use with my harness and our metal fence. Now, I am cooking with gas! Clip, "clip," unclip, clip, "clip." I had to use extreme caution not to get near my ropes if you know what I mean.
Why is it that when you plan for a major project (i.e. moving, mowing, etc.) the temperature goes above and beyond 95°? Earlier in the week, the temperatures were in the low to mid 80s. Sucks!
Anyhow, back to the rest of the story...
My hiking gear really came in handy doing this chore. My Camelbak FlashFlo hip pack was great! I was able to sip while I zipped. My wicking long-sleeved shirt blocked out the UV and kept me cool during my breaks. My wide-brimmed hat protected my face and head and kept me cool.
Now, as for the divots I left behind, I found some oak saplings and transplanted them on the slope. I ran some drip irrigation hose from the main line of the rain collection reservoir down to the saplings. My hope is the oaks take root in the exposed areas.
Oh, yeah...
The temperatures are forecasted to reach the 100s this weekend May 16 and 17!
$(weat)h!+
"Honey, what is that buzzing noise at this ungodly morning hour?"
Good thing my neighbors are few and very far between.
Progress is slow, but every swath of the weedeather gets the desired results...it ain't easy. The long brush at the bottom will not need to be trimmed. That is where the steep slope begins. I may strap on my climbing harness and use climbing rope to maneuver my way around. It is the only way.
Last year, I had to mow our property THREE times!
Told myself and convince my wife, I ain't gonna do that again this year! Let the stuff grow and then cut it ONCE!
"Good" in some respects where the tall grass is dry.
"Bad" when the tall grass is still green from any runoff.
This rainy season was sort of unexpected. Periods of rain. Periods of dry spells. When the rains returned after the dry spells, it resulted in new growth from the seeds of the old growth.
What I wound up doing was the green stuff "halfway down" to dry out the growth, hopefuly. What I didn't cut, gets whacked next week. I am hoping that the warm weather this week will do the trick for my next "honey do" next weekend.
It's no easy task when you have hilly terrain. One hundred feet doesn't seem much, but when you have to mark it out, you say, "Damn! I gotta cut that much?"
So, put up and shut up. Crank up the Stihl FS-55 RC with the PolyCut thermoplastic blades and let it do its thing. I also fitted the cutting head with some nylon line to give me extra cutting power. Nice!
I had to strap on my ice crampons in order to dig my feet into the slope to get a solid base while operating the weedeater. Even so, the crampons offer little "digging in" since dirt is dirt and ice are different "compositions." Then I got to thinking that I didn't want to destroy the slope, because when the rains return, I am going to have a serious problem with erosion and I don't want that. Don't want the pool winding up at the bottom of the ravine.
I went back to the garage and pulled out my climbing gear. I hooked up some quickdraws, daisy chains, slings, static rope for use with my harness and our metal fence. Now, I am cooking with gas! Clip, "clip," unclip, clip, "clip." I had to use extreme caution not to get near my ropes if you know what I mean.
Why is it that when you plan for a major project (i.e. moving, mowing, etc.) the temperature goes above and beyond 95°? Earlier in the week, the temperatures were in the low to mid 80s. Sucks!
Anyhow, back to the rest of the story...
My hiking gear really came in handy doing this chore. My Camelbak FlashFlo hip pack was great! I was able to sip while I zipped. My wicking long-sleeved shirt blocked out the UV and kept me cool during my breaks. My wide-brimmed hat protected my face and head and kept me cool.
Now, as for the divots I left behind, I found some oak saplings and transplanted them on the slope. I ran some drip irrigation hose from the main line of the rain collection reservoir down to the saplings. My hope is the oaks take root in the exposed areas.
Oh, yeah...
The temperatures are forecasted to reach the 100s this weekend May 16 and 17!
$(weat)h!+
"Honey, what is that buzzing noise at this ungodly morning hour?"
Good thing my neighbors are few and very far between.
Progress is slow, but every swath of the weedeather gets the desired results...it ain't easy. The long brush at the bottom will not need to be trimmed. That is where the steep slope begins. I may strap on my climbing harness and use climbing rope to maneuver my way around. It is the only way.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
MOVING DAY
Goodbye, Shaw and West...
Hello, Locust and Palm!Today, the movers come to the "old" Fresno Social Security Office to take the desks and chairs and disassemble the cubicles to take to the "new" office.
There is a lot of "stuff" to move and disassemble.
And to reassemble...
Before...
After...There is still a lot of work to do for "opening day" on May 18, but the movers and assemblers are on target and on time. There was concern that the cubicle colors would not match the carpet. Well, they do. In fact, they complement each other.
Both offices will be closed to the public on Friday, May 15.
Friday, May 08, 2009
THINGS WE LIKE TO SEE
The alarm in the "off" position. We love our weekends. On the weekends we don't hike, we stay in bed. Getting up every weekday morning at 4:00 a.m. and getting home around 5:00 p.m. does take a toll on you. When we retire, clocks will be banished in the house. Our cars will have the time set to another time. We won't know what time it is unless we turn on the computer or the television, or hear it on the radio, or see the time displayed in public. Time will not ru(i)n our lives in retirement.
Twenty-five pound bags of organic brown rice. Got this one at Whole Foods for a little under $28.00. After finishing off the last 20-pound bag of white rice earlier this year (at the insistence of my wife), this is my (our) preferred food of choice. No more purchases of those 2-pound bags for $3.79. We currently use the 2-pound bags for our training hikes. We stuff our packs and off we go! Soon, those 2-pound bags will disappear. Make room for the big guy. We have been searching the web for bulk deals. Yeah, bulk deals my @$$! They nab you for $20+ for shipping! So for now, as long as Whole Foods stocks it, we will keep buying it.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
DUH
At first I wanted to post this as either "It Pays to Advertise?" or "Darwin Award Winner."
I opted for "Duh."
Here's why...
A 20-year-old Mendota man, Israel Ramirez, was locked up once again after being charged with stealing his prisoner t-shirt from a previous stint at the Fresno County Jail.
Ramirez was arrested last week on suspicion of child abuse and possession of marijuana.
After he was released from jail last Thursday, police said he nearly caused a collision with a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy while riding his 20-inch chrome bicycle.
Deputies then noticed that he was wearing a white t-shirt ("market value" approximately $400.00) with "PRISONER" printed in black on the back. Police said the shirt was from the Fresno County Jail and he had concealed it under his Southpole clothing when he was released.
He wanted to take it home because it looked "cool."
The man was then sent back to jail and booked on felony charges of receiving stolen property.
Maybe in this case, it DOESN'T pay to advertise.
"I went to Fresno County Jail and all I got was this t-shirt! Pretty cool, huh?"
"Pretty cool? DUH!" is more like it.
I bet he is wearing that same t-shirt right now. Wait! He can't! It's evidence against him!
Definitely wearing one of the many the Fresno County Jail prisoner t-shirts has to offer.
Probably one embroidered with his name on it!
The following is taken from The Smoking Gun.
I opted for "Duh."
Here's why...
A 20-year-old Mendota man, Israel Ramirez, was locked up once again after being charged with stealing his prisoner t-shirt from a previous stint at the Fresno County Jail.
Ramirez was arrested last week on suspicion of child abuse and possession of marijuana.
After he was released from jail last Thursday, police said he nearly caused a collision with a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy while riding his 20-inch chrome bicycle.
Deputies then noticed that he was wearing a white t-shirt ("market value" approximately $400.00) with "PRISONER" printed in black on the back. Police said the shirt was from the Fresno County Jail and he had concealed it under his Southpole clothing when he was released.
He wanted to take it home because it looked "cool."
The man was then sent back to jail and booked on felony charges of receiving stolen property.
Maybe in this case, it DOESN'T pay to advertise.
"I went to Fresno County Jail and all I got was this t-shirt! Pretty cool, huh?"
"Pretty cool? DUH!" is more like it.
I bet he is wearing that same t-shirt right now. Wait! He can't! It's evidence against him!
Definitely wearing one of the many the Fresno County Jail prisoner t-shirts has to offer.
Probably one embroidered with his name on it!
The following is taken from The Smoking Gun.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
SWINE FLU DEFENSE
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid crowded city conditions.
Postpone any and all travel to Mexico.
Get plenty of sleep.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Be careful with whom who you associate.
and don’t....
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid crowded city conditions.
Postpone any and all travel to Mexico.
Get plenty of sleep.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Be careful with whom who you associate.
and don’t....
Thursday, April 30, 2009
WTFO
On our drive to work, we heard on the radio that one of the local hospitals is having a Dollars for Diapers campaign trying to raise $30,000 for families who cannot afford diapers for their babies.
Can't...afford...diapers?
We couldn't believe what we heard.
Hey, sage advice to all you families who cannot afford diapers, food and clothing:
STOP HAVING BABIES!!!
Can't...afford...diapers?
We couldn't believe what we heard.
Hey, sage advice to all you families who cannot afford diapers, food and clothing:
STOP HAVING BABIES!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Before...
After (halfway there)...Well, maybe not, but it's partially done. All we have to do is fill in the cracks with mortar and cement to keep the sand from being washed away during the seasonal rains. Then there is the pergola and arbor and handrails to complete the project. We want to get this done before the Memorial Day weekend because we got some hiking to do in preparation for our trip to Japan to climb Fuji-san in July!
We have to admit it does look a helluva lot better than the wood! Even the in-laws were impressed.
It was fun doing this project. Thankfully the weather cooperated. We thought on Friday, April 24, we would get hit by the major storm that was moving through the area but it missed us to the north and south and all we got was a few sprinkles.
We still have one 60 pound sack of sand and three garden wall blocks left over! This will carry over to our next paver project when we get rid of the ugly peeler logs and railroad ties and expand the herbal garden (see the sage and terra cotta pot on the left behind me). We calculate we will need between 90 and 100 6-inch blocks to finish. Nothing like a good workout. It is just a matter of bringing up (or deliver) at least two and a half pallets of blocks.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
OPENING SOON
Fresno's new Social Security Administration Office will open soon on West Locust Avenue near the intersection of Herndon and Palm. The current office, located on Shaw and West, will be vacated after over 30 years of use.
The office spaces...The District Manager's office is on the right where the chair is. The Assistant District Manager's office is adjacent to the left. The remaining carpeted area will consist of cubicles for the employees.
The Main Lobby. The armed guard station will be located at the double windows.
The main entrance to the lobby looking back at a different angle.
The "windows" have electronic retractable windows. In case of a power outage, there is a backup power supply ensure all windows are secured.
The office spaces...The District Manager's office is on the right where the chair is. The Assistant District Manager's office is adjacent to the left. The remaining carpeted area will consist of cubicles for the employees.
The Main Lobby. The armed guard station will be located at the double windows.
The main entrance to the lobby looking back at a different angle.
The "windows" have electronic retractable windows. In case of a power outage, there is a backup power supply ensure all windows are secured.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
EARTH DAY 2009
Our new fig tree planted over a month ago is sprouting in our back garden...
Gilroy, CA has got its claim to garlic, now it is going to be our turn.
When I lived in southern California, I made it a commitment to commute by bicycle on this particular day no matter what. It would take me approximately 30 minutes to ride the 5 miles or so to work without breaking out in a sweat.
Now living in northern California, my wife and I commute 30 miles by car one way. We live too far from work to strap on our helmets, get on our bicycles and ride "downhill." Just the thought of going "uphill" at the end of a long day makes us cringe. We'd never make it home on time to get to bed!
Being off the grid, we have contributed in a huge way. Not just for one day, but for everyday. We feel good about that, because we are not alone. We are in good company.
So, do what must be done today. Take the time to smell the flowers.
Better yet, why not plant something?
Happy Earth Day!
Gilroy, CA has got its claim to garlic, now it is going to be our turn.When I lived in southern California, I made it a commitment to commute by bicycle on this particular day no matter what. It would take me approximately 30 minutes to ride the 5 miles or so to work without breaking out in a sweat.
Now living in northern California, my wife and I commute 30 miles by car one way. We live too far from work to strap on our helmets, get on our bicycles and ride "downhill." Just the thought of going "uphill" at the end of a long day makes us cringe. We'd never make it home on time to get to bed!
Being off the grid, we have contributed in a huge way. Not just for one day, but for everyday. We feel good about that, because we are not alone. We are in good company.
So, do what must be done today. Take the time to smell the flowers.
Better yet, why not plant something?
Happy Earth Day!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
FIRST CONFIRMED KILL
My wife and stepdaughter went to the garage to rearrange things in preparation for the "gar(b)age sale."
I was in the house when my wife had this "look" on her face. A face of fear.
She went on to tell me that when she opened up the main door to the garage, she saw something fall down in the corner. Jingles the Wonderdog went in to investigate and started barking. My wife went to the scene of the commotion and noticed a rattlesnake slithering around in the corner and then disappeared.
I went down to the greenhouse and grabbed the drain spade and walked over to the garage door area. JayMi was holding Jingles who was squirming and whining in her arms. I told her to put the dog in the enclosed garden area until I found the snake. As soon as she did that and walked away, Jingles started whining and barking more. My wife told JayMi to stay close to Jingles.
I got on my hands and knees hoping to spot the elusive rattler. I moved the air compressor out of the way to get to the other "stuff" that amassed in that corner where the snake was.
My wife said, "Maybe he is under the generator."
I reached down to grab the handle of the generator and pulled it back towards me.
Lo and behold, there it was all coiled up. Hissing and rattling. Approximately 18 inches in length. Western diamondback.
The first poke with the spade resulted in hitting its body. Now, it is really pissed. The next strike with the spade point resulted in decapitation. Body still moving and the head still flicking the tongue.
It was a meaty rattler. "Hey, let's say we gut it, boil it and de-bone it. Sautee some garlic with some extra virgin olive oil in a wok with some Chinese snow peas, bean sprouts, shredded carrots and some organic Asian noodles?"
My recipe suggestion was overturned by a majority of two squeamish faces.
"Throw it in the garbage can!"
"No, it will stink by the time the garbage man comes on Friday. I will throw the body down the hill."
"Throw the head away in the garbage?"
"Yeah, that's okay."
My wife grabs a spade to pick up the severed head. As I made my way towards the hill, I hear this scream.
Turns out the severed head flipped over in the spade and startling my wife and JayMi.
How that snake "fell" is anyone's guess. It had to be warming itself up with the heat reflecting off the garage door and concrete. Upon investigating, at the bottom of the garage door and the jamb, there is this small space large enough for a small animal to make its way into the gargage. Guess it got caught somehow when the garage door was opened. Who knows.
Everyone is safe and Jingles got a reward of bacon treats. Maybe I should have let him eat the snake. Jingles the Rattlesnake Killer! Probably a mongoose in his previous life.
One less rattler in the world. Where there is one, there will be others. It is that time of year again.
We will just have to be extra careful when we are outside.
I was in the house when my wife had this "look" on her face. A face of fear.
She went on to tell me that when she opened up the main door to the garage, she saw something fall down in the corner. Jingles the Wonderdog went in to investigate and started barking. My wife went to the scene of the commotion and noticed a rattlesnake slithering around in the corner and then disappeared.
I went down to the greenhouse and grabbed the drain spade and walked over to the garage door area. JayMi was holding Jingles who was squirming and whining in her arms. I told her to put the dog in the enclosed garden area until I found the snake. As soon as she did that and walked away, Jingles started whining and barking more. My wife told JayMi to stay close to Jingles.
I got on my hands and knees hoping to spot the elusive rattler. I moved the air compressor out of the way to get to the other "stuff" that amassed in that corner where the snake was.
My wife said, "Maybe he is under the generator."
I reached down to grab the handle of the generator and pulled it back towards me.
Lo and behold, there it was all coiled up. Hissing and rattling. Approximately 18 inches in length. Western diamondback.
The first poke with the spade resulted in hitting its body. Now, it is really pissed. The next strike with the spade point resulted in decapitation. Body still moving and the head still flicking the tongue.
It was a meaty rattler. "Hey, let's say we gut it, boil it and de-bone it. Sautee some garlic with some extra virgin olive oil in a wok with some Chinese snow peas, bean sprouts, shredded carrots and some organic Asian noodles?"
My recipe suggestion was overturned by a majority of two squeamish faces.
"Throw it in the garbage can!"
"No, it will stink by the time the garbage man comes on Friday. I will throw the body down the hill."
"Throw the head away in the garbage?"
"Yeah, that's okay."
My wife grabs a spade to pick up the severed head. As I made my way towards the hill, I hear this scream.
Turns out the severed head flipped over in the spade and startling my wife and JayMi.
How that snake "fell" is anyone's guess. It had to be warming itself up with the heat reflecting off the garage door and concrete. Upon investigating, at the bottom of the garage door and the jamb, there is this small space large enough for a small animal to make its way into the gargage. Guess it got caught somehow when the garage door was opened. Who knows.
Everyone is safe and Jingles got a reward of bacon treats. Maybe I should have let him eat the snake. Jingles the Rattlesnake Killer! Probably a mongoose in his previous life.
One less rattler in the world. Where there is one, there will be others. It is that time of year again.
We will just have to be extra careful when we are outside.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
STEP ONE TWO, STEP ONE TWO
Ah, the joys of home ownership...
We decided it was time to replace the rotting rickety wooden treads on the back steps leadint to the garage with retaining wall brick to give it that eco-friendly look. It was a safety hazard and we thought it was best to renovate with our own know-how. When you have elderly people around, the main concern is safety. And in between the treads, there is space big enough for a rattler to hide. All it takes is just one person walking down and they get bitten in the ankle.
The demolition was the easy part. The rotting wood made for easy work with the crowbar and pick axe. Some treads just split and fell apart with relative ease. Two treads held together. Those can be recycled for another project. The other rotten strips can be salvaged as well. The splintered pieces got tossed into the burn pile.
I had to break out the reciprocating saw to cut through some screws and some bolts. Other than that, pretty easy.
Then there was the hard part...thirty bricks weighing at least 50 pounds a piece and moving 12 60-pound sacks of sand. Set, move, adjust, set, level, move, tweak, sweat, cuss, re-set, measure, scoop, scrape, sweat, brush, cuss some more, water break, coffee break, more set, adjust...
We left the stringers in place so that we can add a handrailing.
The muscles are sore. My right shoulder and wrist hurt. My back is fine.
The pain wanes with every brick down and set in place. One brick down. One brick closer.
We will finish the project by erecting an arbor and a pergola.
At the bottom right of the picture, we will have our serenity garden with waterfall and small pond. The bottom left is still yet to be decided.
At the end of the day, looking good and still standing.
We decided it was time to replace the rotting rickety wooden treads on the back steps leadint to the garage with retaining wall brick to give it that eco-friendly look. It was a safety hazard and we thought it was best to renovate with our own know-how. When you have elderly people around, the main concern is safety. And in between the treads, there is space big enough for a rattler to hide. All it takes is just one person walking down and they get bitten in the ankle.The demolition was the easy part. The rotting wood made for easy work with the crowbar and pick axe. Some treads just split and fell apart with relative ease. Two treads held together. Those can be recycled for another project. The other rotten strips can be salvaged as well. The splintered pieces got tossed into the burn pile.
I had to break out the reciprocating saw to cut through some screws and some bolts. Other than that, pretty easy.
Then there was the hard part...thirty bricks weighing at least 50 pounds a piece and moving 12 60-pound sacks of sand. Set, move, adjust, set, level, move, tweak, sweat, cuss, re-set, measure, scoop, scrape, sweat, brush, cuss some more, water break, coffee break, more set, adjust...
We left the stringers in place so that we can add a handrailing.
The muscles are sore. My right shoulder and wrist hurt. My back is fine.
The pain wanes with every brick down and set in place. One brick down. One brick closer.We will finish the project by erecting an arbor and a pergola.
At the bottom right of the picture, we will have our serenity garden with waterfall and small pond. The bottom left is still yet to be decided.
At the end of the day, looking good and still standing.
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