Saturday, March 29, 2008
HURRY UP SPRING
Roger put up the cross beams to support the solar panels. Until the panels were installed they looked like very sturdy clothes lines.
The WSU Rowing Team helped us out a couple of weeks ago and we now have all but one of the panels installed. We used that one as a display at the Palouse Home and Garden Show.
We were in California last week and I was told by the locals we missed it (Spring that is).
So, what is he looking at?
He's looking at this. I think I'd be discouraged too.
But, the snow melts quickly and the farmers alfalfa field has turned into a wildlife refuge for ducks and geese.
We did manage to finish the expanded porch in the garage before we left and moved out the old water heater and installed a new one. The new hot water heater is larger and will eliminate the need for the second hot water heater currently located inside the house.
Roger put up the cross beams to support the solar panels. Until the panels were installed they looked like very sturdy clothes lines.
Assembled panels on the floor of the barn.
The WSU Rowing Team helped us out a couple of weeks ago and we now have all but one of the panels installed. We used that one as a display at the Palouse Home and Garden Show.
The Rowing Team was also very helpful in pounding in the posts for the deer fencing we need to install. The fencing will not only keep the deer, the coyotes and the bob cats out but will also keep the dog in. Now all we have to worry about is the owls with the 7' wing span and the raptors.
Panda has a lot of hair that makes her look larger than she really is so maybe they won't mistake her for lunch.
Some of the posts could not be pounded. One of the workers managed to remove 'a few' rocks. Now all that is left is to cement the posts in.
All of the rocks came from that two foot deep hole.
By the end of the day I think everyone was pooped.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
What a Difference a Month Makes
February 2, 2008.................................March 2, 2008
Where did all that snow go???
PLANTING POSTS
The WSU Rowing Team (just 2 of them) were out this past weekend helping Roger pour the cement for the supports for the solar panels. The two members of the Rowing Team, David and Loren worked very hard and did an excellent job of mixing and pouring the cement. Roger supervised the work and then we all had pizza.
David is holding the shovel and Loren is holding the wheelbarrow. And, Roger is doing an excellent job of supervision.
The Completed Results
Everyone worked hard and the results are a success as you can see. Next week the solar panels go up.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Signs of Spring
I think that winter may be over (or just about). Yesterday while walking down by Union Creek (at the moment more aptly named Union River - see video) I spied what looked like mold (mushrooms/toadstools) near the base of one of the trees. But, this mold appeared to be moving. Upon closer inspection I found literally thousands of lady bugs in the dead grass.
We went back today to take a photo and most of the ladies had left but there are still quite a few left. Roger took the photos of two remaining 'clumps' huddling together (to keep warm?) under the grass.
Roger finished digging out the trench for the lines from the solar panels to the barn today. He dug the trenches last fall but the deep snow and heavy run off have filled in the holes with a lot of dirt and debris. Cement will be mixed and poured tomorrow so there will be more photos of the work in process.
I have completed two Palouse paintings and have two more in process. You can go to the Paintings link on this site if you want to see them.
I was at the local farm supply store today looking for fence posts so we can fence in the yard for Panda. They didn't have what I wanted but they did have two little Araucana chicks. I was so tempted but they did not come home with me.
For the time being we're anxious to get outside and work on our 'projects'. Give us a few weeks and we'll probably wonder why...
I think that winter may be over (or just about). Yesterday while walking down by Union Creek (at the moment more aptly named Union River - see video) I spied what looked like mold (mushrooms/toadstools) near the base of one of the trees. But, this mold appeared to be moving. Upon closer inspection I found literally thousands of lady bugs in the dead grass.
We went back today to take a photo and most of the ladies had left but there are still quite a few left. Roger took the photos of two remaining 'clumps' huddling together (to keep warm?) under the grass.
Roger finished digging out the trench for the lines from the solar panels to the barn today. He dug the trenches last fall but the deep snow and heavy run off have filled in the holes with a lot of dirt and debris. Cement will be mixed and poured tomorrow so there will be more photos of the work in process.
I have completed two Palouse paintings and have two more in process. You can go to the Paintings link on this site if you want to see them.
I was at the local farm supply store today looking for fence posts so we can fence in the yard for Panda. They didn't have what I wanted but they did have two little Araucana chicks. I was so tempted but they did not come home with me.
For the time being we're anxious to get outside and work on our 'projects'. Give us a few weeks and we'll probably wonder why...
The Union Flat Creek (aka Union not-so-flat River)
