April 11, 2012 Outside Working!

First batch of laundry drying outside this year



JB hauling branches to
the chipper














I hung the wash outside to dry for the first time this year on Monday.  It was already 42 by 11:00 am.  Tuesday was the first morning it was above freezing when we got up - 33.  Both days warmed up to 50 even though there was a light overcast.  Got up to 69 Down There.  Opened up the windows in the house and didn't put in a fire for the night.

We pumped water out from under the house both days, and will probably have to do it daily for a while since the weather is warm now.  It's become part of our routine, so I'm just not mentally fighting it any more.  It only took us a total of 40 minutes from set up to clean up on Tuesday.  We just get in, do it, and get it over with.  But we will definitely get the problem resolved this summer, because I am NOT spending every winter and early spring pumping water!

After pumping on Monday, we took the tracks off of MAX.  Not really difficult, but very time consuming.

Tuesday we thought we would be able to drive JB's Jeep down to get mine and bring it back up, but because the snow was so soft, we only made it to within about 1/2 mile of the main canyon road before we had to turn around and go back home.  The dogs were thrilled to finally get a ride again.  JB will take MAX down on Friday when he goes to town and if the road is better, we will get my Jeep on Saturday.

When we got back we pumped water and then attacked the largest pile of branch wood on the north ridge.  I took my jumbo clippers and started cutting, making two piles.  One for the chipper (which was most of it), and one for the wood shed.  I could really feel the sludge working out of my muscles!  JB hauled four trailer loads to the chipper pile before he had to quit because MAX's chain was slipping.  It's been a busy two days and we have more busy planned for today.  I'm going to make pea soup with that huge ham bone, then continue cutting on the wood piles.  JB will tighten MAX's chain, then haul more wood.  And, of course, we will pump water.

On our Tuesday afternoon walk we heard several turkeys gobbling just over the side of the north ridge.  The dogs must have heard them also, but just didn't seem interested.

We have had the side door open during the day for the past week or so.  The storm door being another window through which to let in the Spring sunlight.  I thought we would have the door open in the winter also for the light, but we don't.  Makes it seem colder inside.  Not as cozy.

For Easter, Nene and Jack not only sent us chocolate, but also a battery operated can opener.  It's the kind that takes off the complete top of the can and leaves no sharp edges.  AND you don't even have to touch it.  Just put it on the can and turn it on.  Does the whole job by itself.  This has got to be the coolest gadget we have in our kitchen!

Thought for the day:  Finish every day and be done with it.  You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in.  Forget them as soon as you can.  Tomorrow is a new day.  You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.  Ralph Waldo Emerson