The RJ Ranch

2009-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

March

In like a lion and out like a lamb... Right? Yea, right. I think someone let the lion out too soon and it ate the lamb.

In the last 24 hours we've had freezing rain, sleet, hail, big puffy snow flakes, and small snow pellets (affectionately called 'grapple' by the local news media). Today the sun managed to poke through the clouds for a few (and I do mean a very 'few') moments.

All of this slush makes for treacherous driving conditions with the slipping and sliding and spinning of tires. That's just to get in or out of our driveway. I'll not discuss the carnage on the roads.

Water in the Union Flat Creek is running like the rapids of the Colorado River. Last week on my way to the mail box in the golf cart I thought I saw some debris floating down the creek. I stopped the cart on the bridge to see. Looking back at me (as if they'd never seen a golf cart before) were six otters. They're much larger creatures than I thought. They were just as curious about the cart as I was about them. Of course I did not have a camera. It would have been an interesting photo. I hope they come again one day.

Today I thought I saw an animal riding the current down the creek and hurried out to see what it was. As it turns out it was not an animal just a very large log bobbing up and down in the rapids.

Our seasonal creek is also running. If you look closely you will see the muddy water rushing up over the top of the large rock in the foreground. The photos are just from today's adventure.

I planted the plants in the greenhouse last week. So far the only brave sole has been one little zucchini plant. The rest are wondering when it will be warm enough to poke their little heads out of the soil. Photos will follow as soon as there is something to show besides dirt.

2009-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

A NIGHT VISITOR

We've had snow and cold with temperatures down into the mid 20's at night. Who would think that anything but warm blooded creatures would be out and about? This little guy was on our patio last night when I took Panda out. Thank goodness that Panda was more interested in the chickens (locked up thankfully) than she was in this little guy.

2009-02-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

WEATHER (or Not)

Just when you think (hoping really) that the weather is getting better it snows again. I wish one particular rodent had slept in that day.

2009-02-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to Me

I received a set of Lincoln Logs for Christmas last year. Well, it wasn't really Lincoln Logs but it might as well have been. Roger got me some really nice oak boards (yep, I said boards) all individually wrapped in cellophane. Along with the boards I received some really nice coat hooks (all in one box).

Now though the oversized Lincoln Logs were nice what I really wanted was a coat rack for in the hall so that we could hang our coats up instead of using the furniture as coat racks. He faithfully promised that he would get the 'kit' put together and I would be very happy with the outcome.

Well, he did and, I am. The small shelf on the top has electrical plugs in it for charging our cell phones. Everything fits very well. It has really come in handy. Thanks Santa ;-)

The Palouse

The weather has been mild here for the last several days and the snow is beginning to melt. I can even go outdoors (though briefly) without getting frost bit. It's actually very pretty.

Even the accidental ice sculpture over the pond has even begun to melt. Maybe the fish will come out of hibernation soon. Please hurry up spring.

2009-01-29T13:29:00.000-08:00

Winter

It blocks the sun and chills the air

It kills the tender leaf

And leaches the color from the landscape.

We have had a freezing fog here for the past two weeks. My sister (being from California) asked if this is the way it was going to be for the rest of the winter.

Up until the fog started we had had record breaking snow falls. Of course I told her, "No, the weatherman is predicting snow again." I don't think that is what she wanted to hear.

2009-01-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

IN A NUTSHELL

We've all survived the holidays and we're well into a new year. Hopefully, everyone had a good year in 2008 and we will all have a better year in 2009. Maybe everyone is sufficiently burnt out on politics (I know I am) and we will have a few months peace before the next batch of political zealots start hammering us with the 2012 elections.

As a recap of last year, we had a late spring: I planted my garden in June just before the final snowfall and lost a few plants. I'm not sure where the summer went but by the time my beefsteak tomatoes were starting to get some size (and still being very green) the first frost took out the entire garden.

We had snow up to our eye balls and then some warmer weather to melt it. Then we had flooding because of the blocked storm drains in some areas or snow melting too quickly. Now, with little snow left (in our area) we are contending with the cold - so much easier to navigate in than the snow. We wake each morning to trees, fences, roofs and everything else frosted like a Christmas display.

With temperatures ranging from 23 (or lower) at night to 37 (maybe) during the day it is frosty but still pretty.

Frozen Faux Harron

Frosting on the trees

The Deer Fence

Frosted Solar Hot Water System

Currently not producing much hot water.

2008-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

NEW ARRIVAL

The newest addition to our family.
Name: Kira Lynn Rash

Born: 8-29-08 @ 8:37 PM

Weight: 8 lbs 3 oz

Length: 20 1/2 in long

As a footnote: Drew (her brother) turned 16 years old on 8/28/08.

Good Luck Mom and Dad

2008-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

'Hay' There...

The farmer finished baling the second alfalfa cutting in the field and we just had to take these photos (for size). The bales weigh anywhere from 1800 - 2000 pounds. We believe it too.

Glendia, Mom and I pose just for size comparison. Oh yes, look closely, Panda is there too.

Mom is doing well. She's walking more (with the walker of course). We try to keep tabs on her so she doesn't wind up on her tush.

Of course, if you want the smaller lighter (100 - 120 pound) bales, we have those too.

2008-08-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Summer

Summer has finally arrived and the garden I planted (in June?) is starting to produce something.

It's August the 9th and given the area in which we live that leaves about six weeks (on the outside and if we're lucky) until the first frost. Do you think any of the fruits and veggies will make it?

Here we have Sunflowers (planted mainly to feed the birds in winter) they appear to be doing well. The next photo is our pumpkins. They're supposed to be Big Boys. I think they're more like little squirts. The third photo is a weird type of tomato sort of oblong like a Roma Tomato. They're slightly larger than the quarter.

Next are the regular tomatoes. They have a long way to go. The cucumber are also very small. The onions are doing great but, of course I can't eat onion.

The Lettuce is doing wonderfully (we gotta eat more salads). The grapes are starting to look like grapes instead of peas and the solitary watermelon (I'm so proud) that no one told us would grow in this area is doing better than anything else.

I have also picked one zucchini. We'll fry it up tomorrow.

The cherry tree had a lot of cherries on it this year. We carefully put bird netting over the tree to keep the birds from getting the cherries. It almost covered the tree completely.

I was outside a few weeks ago and tried one of the cherries. It was just right so I decided to pick the cherries (in the morning). Did you know birds are early risers? And, I don't think they're just looking for worms. The morning of the great cherry harvest arrived and so did the birds. Nearly all of the cherries were gone by the time I got outside to remove the netting and pick the cherries.

I gotta be more clever next year or get a bigger net.

2008-08-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mischief in the Making

Take one small rooster (originally named PFC Arcana; renamed Mickey; about to be renamed Houdini because he keeps escaping from the chicken coop), one small dog just itching for a good chase and one Koi pond and what do you get?

BTW: Chickens don't swim. They may float for a few minutes but they definitely don't swim.

2008-08-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Update on the RJ Ranch

Sorry about the slow postings. We've been busy here. I made a trip to California in July to help my sister drive herself and Mom back to Washington. They have moved in with us so there is plenty of adjusting to do here.

Mom was doing pretty well until she got a sinus infection. After four days in the hospital and plenty of new medications she's doing better again. This is all new for me so I go into panic mode whenever something goes other than as planned. Glendia takes it all in stride. Mom is getting stronger and we all seem to be coping well.

Roger started work at Schweitzer Engineering a couple of weeks ago. It keeps his mind busy and keeps him from thinking up more projects for us to start. He is working hard and comes home tired. He's working the swing shift so he doesn't go into work until 1:30 PM and gets home anywhere from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM depending upon whether or not he does overtime. Our early 5:00 - 5:30 AM wake up call has gone out the window. But, we're adjusting to this change too.

The Koi Pond Saga Continues

While I was in California (arrived on Thursday afternoon and we left on Friday morning) I stopped at the Laguna Koi Ponds to get help with the pond.

This is the pond as it appeared before I picked up a 'few new (and expensive)' supplies. It really is in need of help.

First there was the aerator; cost $260.00 plus extras; an expense we didn't really need. But, the improvement in the health of the fish makes it worth it.

Secondly we found out that the UV filter we have been using for the past two years is totally inadequate so, there we now have a bigger and better UV filter. The water clarity is so much better now so it was another necessary expense.

Thirdly, I found out that we are coping with a bacterial infection. The infection has been exacerbated by the fact that our filtration system on the pond is totally inadequate.

When we first moved here three years ago we only had nine fish. Smokey had scratches on his head. We thought it was from a Heron attack. He's a big fish and was probably too large for the optimistic bird to carry off. Ben (at Laguna) told me that the Smokey’s current condition had little to do with the Heron and that he had a bacterial infection. I am told that all the fish have it but, because Smokey is black, the condition is more obvious on him.

So, now I’m treating the pond with Potassium Permanganate. I’ve read up on it and it is caustic and can cause damage to the fish if used in excess. The compound oxidizes organic matter. In theory the Potassium will ‘eat’ the organic waste (including the bacteria) in the pond and create a healthier environment for the fish. I definitely do not want to get this stuff on my hands.

Since the fish will not stop depositing ‘organic matter’ in the pond it will be necessary to install a better filtration system; cost (who knows?). We’re working on it.

Because the Koi have been prolific these past few years and will continue (in theory) for many years, the pond has become a bit overcrowded. Ben at Laguna told me that the Koi would continue to spawn each year and I would continue to wind up with new babies every year. So, it is necessary to be selective about who stays and who goes. I will need to cull out some of the fish and either sell or give them away.

Our other option is to continually dig a bigger and deeper pond every couple of years. I have opted for the give away (or selling of the fish). At this point parting with some of the Koi will be like parting with one of my children. Side note: don't name your fish.

This is what the Koi pond looks like today. We still have the filtration system to revamp and, I'm still working on 'cleaning it up'. It does look better though.

2008-07-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

It Doesn't Get Any Fresher

(or sweeter)

Strawberries from our garden.

2008-07-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

The New Arrivals

The neighbor down the street (about six or seven miles down the street) was moving this last week. Roger drove by and happened to stop at the residence (I'll not go into why) and the lady asked him if he knew of anyone who wanted some chickens.

As luck may have it, he did. We have now added five more souls to our menagerie of cats, dogs and fish. Meet the newest members of the RJ Ranch.

Colonel Kellogg.............PFC Araucana............and R to L Buffy, Brownie & Blackie

Can you guess what we had for breakfast this morning? No Panda was not invited.

2008-07-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Summer, Fall, Winter

(What? No Spring?)

It appears that Mother Nature has decided to go directly from late winter to early summer. She has missed spring entirely. At least it seems that way. The birds have tried and so have the flowers (even when they received 3" of snow a few weeks ago).

We've been busy outdoors completing projects making repairs and working on the yards again so posting may continue to be slow.

Roger is almost finished installing the solar hot water system on the roof. He has a few more things to tie down (wrap up and connect) on that project.

Roger puts up each of the 36 vacuum tubes that will generate the heat necessary to provide us with hot water.

I hand up the tubes while Panda patrols the yard; our contribution to the cause.

I did manage to get the garden planted and everything is coming up. I just hope there is time for everything to mature before fall sets in. Maybe we'll miss that season too. Thank heaven the watering system I've used for the last two years still works. I hope it lasts a few more.

Summer Squash.................Watermelon.....................Zucchini

Tomatoes & Bell Peppers

I took these photos just after planting and will post some more in a couple more weeks as a comparison to see if everything continues to prosper or becomes overcooked greens with the heat. I'm told that watermelon don't do too well here in Washington but, I can try anyway.

So far the Sun Flowers (strictly for the birds), the radishes, onions and lettuce are coming up from seed. I only planted one row of each. I'll be planting more as summer progresses.

Blueberries.....................Sweet Basel.............Rosemary

The Blueberries and herbs are still in the green house. They appear to do better there. Roger has set up a swamp cooler to help with the heat.

We also have some cherries on one of the trees we planted two years ago. We'll see just how many we're able to get before the birds eat them. Look close, they're still very green.

I've had to replace the cover on the strawberry patch. We should have a lot of them this year. The weight of all that snow sort of did the cover in.

These strawberries are green too.

This is the old cover. We have some remnants left from the deer fence so I've used them to build a cover for the strawberries. We've been able to gather enough strawberries to supplement the blueberries from the greenhouse and blend them together with some yogurt and banana. They make great smoothies...Yum.

I purchased a package of Red Poppies at the Home Show this past year and planted them in the flower bed in the front yard. Does anyone see any red poppies? I don't. I see orange. I see yellow. So, where's the red?

I told you about my Grandmother's Iris' last time. They're healthy and the blooms are beautiful.

But, can anyone tell me where this one came from?

2008-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

IT'S SPRING (Isn't it?)

We started to put up the fence fabric yesterday (6/9/08). We finished setting the posts last Thursday so Monday looked like a good day for installing the fencing fabric. The weather is so unpredictable it's difficult to tell just when is a good time to do... (fill in the blank).

We managed to get a lot of the fabric up even though we were rained on a few times in the process.

The 'fence' extends up the south side and about 4/5 the way across the west side of the property. We're about 30 feet short to completing the back. The fence won't really keep anything in or out (yet) but it's a start. We will need about 12 - 14 more posts to complete the fence (not to mention additional wire and fabric. Once completed it should do a good job of keeping our little dog in and coyotes out. Yes, I should tell you about Panda (our Chinese Crested), the coyote and the giant white apparition...later.

This morning I took a photo of the fence from our back porch. You can see where the fence extends just past the right hand tree. Keep in mind today is June the 10th.

That's snow folks. The rain gave way to snow earlier this morning. And, as of 10:46 it's still snowing. My poor flowers.

The veggies are still cozy in the greenhouse. I may not put them out until July. Did I mention that the weather is unpredictable?

2008-06-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Spring on the Palouse

Wow! It's spring (at last). Look at all the wonderful flowers in bloom.

Horse Chestnut..................Lilac.......................Violets

Columbine

Peony

... And more.

The Golden Chain (after spending 2 years as a potted plant in the rose garden) appears to be doing well.

The grape vines are starting to recover.

As are the strawberries.

The netting will keep the birds out so that we 'actually do get some strawberries.

My favorite though are the Iris (aka 'Flags' for those from the Midwest). The original plants (rhizomes) came from Illinois. The plants belonged to my Grandmother. In 1980 we brought my Grandmother to California to live with my parents. During the moving process I saw where the plants had been mown down to the ground along with the grass. With my Grandmother's permission I dug up some of the rhizomes and brought them back with us to California.

Over the last 28 years since their relocation the plants have lived and prospered at various residences; always planted in the ground and always dug up when we moved again. Sometimes they did very well; sometimes not so well.

Three years ago when we moved to Washington I brought my precious plants with me. There were a couple of blooms last year but this year I think they're going to be exceptionally beautiful.

My Grandmother passed more than 20 years ago so these plants are precious to me. These are for you Grandma.

2008-05-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Dewey Decimal System

We just can't avoid an auction. I guess it's our siren song calling us to our doom. We picked this up at the WSU auction last week. Supposedly it will be used to store small parts that currently reside on various surfaces inside of the barn (and elsewhere).

Yep, it's one of those library card files (decommissioned of course). We had to remove all 256 drawers in order to move the cabinet. When we put them back it wasn't necessary to return the drawers to the same hole they were removed from. The workmanship on the cabinet is really excellent.

The WSU auction had three of these cabinets for sale. We've looked at them several times over the past few months. Until this last week the price never wavered. They went on the auction block this past week and I couldn't resist. I picked up one of the cabinets for little more than 1/10th the asking price. Yippee!

We finally got it moved a couple of days ago. Even with the drawers removed it was still too heavy for me to try to help. Thank goodness Josh was here working in Roger's workshop. He and Roger got it moved while I supervised.

If it helps to get the barn organized it will be well worth the investment.

2008-05-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Farmers Market

We took Panda with us to the Farmer's Market yesterday. She got to show off her new hat and meet some new people. I don't think she was really excited about either.

She was happy to be home though.

Gopher Bar-be-cue

We have been mowing the field in front of the house (east side - across the driveway). Since it has never really been maintained as a 'lawn' before it's not exactly a smooth ride on the lawn mower so we're going to grade it this fall (or next spring) so the ride will not be as bumpy.

We've pretty much gotten all of the rocks out of the way so the blades on the mower are not at risk in that respect. Besides the unevenness of the ground one other problem we have encountered is gophers.

Last year at the Palouse Fair Grounds we saw a demonstration of a device that blows the little critters right out of the hole. It involves the use of a mixture of propane, oxygen and a spark. We watched the tape a couple of times and it seemed like an excellent way to get rid of the varmints. Expensive though.

So, we (Roger really) thought we (he) would make his own gopher blaster and get rid of the critters himself. Patrick being a science teacher was excited about the experiment and came out for the day to help with the explosions.

They set up the equipment and began the task of sending gophers into space. I took the dog in the house.

The makeshift system didn't work as planned. There was no 'explosion'. The system did, however, generate a lot of heat. So much heat in fact that the grass above the burrows ignited. It was interesting to watch the fire travel across the grass. One never knew just which way it would move and many hasty relocation's of the propane tank occurred during the process. I think the guys had fun though.

This morning Roger went out to spray some weeds. The gopher mounds are back. We've learned that the burrows can go as deep as 6 feet. I'm not sure the flames went that far. It looks like we are going to have a serious battle on our hands. Looks like we need a plan B.

2008-05-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

THE PV SYSTEM

This past month Roger has been working on getting the solar panels up and running. The inspector was out a couple of weeks ago to approve the ditches. Once they received his blessing Roger filled them in with the backhoe and set to work on the next step.

He strung wires and put in switches, circuit breakers and junction boxes and then threw the switch (three switches really).

Voila - nothing exploded.

There is a 'wee' bit too much voltage flowing through the panels during the daylight hours so we will eventually be putting up a fence around the installation to avoid creating any crispy critters.

Roger is so proud. One of the meters is running backward.

Unfortunately, while he had the backhoe in his possession he dug another hole (I think it was the idea of a 'new toy'). On his last trip to Spokane he picked up another pole. We will be cementing that one in next week. I appears we will be getting four more solar panels.

I had a chance to use the backhoe. I took down the small mountain of fill dirt that has been bugging me since we moved in. The backhoe is fun to operate. That explains the fifth hole - right?

Tomorrow we'll talk about a trip to the Farmer's Market and bar-be-cued gophers.

2008-05-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Long Time - No Post

I know, it's May. So what has been going on here at the RJ Ranch? Lots of stuff.

I'll try to hit a few of the highlights just for the sake of not boring you to death.

A few weeks ago while Roger and I were working in the office Roger happened to look out of the window and spied what looked like two large white wolfs traversing the hill behind the house. As it turned out they were not wolves but two Great Pyrenees. The female (and smaller of the two) was wearing a collar so I knew they were not feral (let's say I 'hoped' they were not feral).

She did come to me when I called her and I was able to glean a name "Freya" and a phone number from the tags. The male and the larger of the two (I found out later "the puppy") was not wearing a collar.

After the fourth try I managed to get through to the number on the tag. I'm not sure if I was excited or nervous about getting that close to a very large dog.

The neighbor told me she would be there in 10 minutes. About two minutes after I hung up both dogs took off like a bolt of lightning toward the top of the hill. I thought they were gone for sure. Both dogs returned shortly before the owner arrived. Freya and Thor were frothing at the mouth after having run a very long race after a very large coyote about halfway to the state line. Unfortunately the coyote (a loner) liked the game. He sat at the top of the hill taunting the dogs even as the owner was trying to load them into her car.

Thor (the puppy) must have weighed more than 100 pounds. He was supposed to be the friendly one; Freya the more standoffish. Thor had no collar so it's fortunate that Freya chose to come to me when called.

I found out that the Great Pyrenees are very gentle and dedicated dogs. What a relief. I thought I was dog food.

Freya and Me.......................Freya.........................Thor.....

They are beautiful aren't they? And BIG!

2008-04-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's April...

What Are You Waiting For?

We're still waiting for spring.

So are the fish.

In fact everyone is waiting except for the Daffodils.

2008-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

HURRY UP SPRING

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.

2008-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

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...

The Union Flat Creek (aka Union not-so-flat River)

2008-02-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Lunar Eclipse

I took these photos the night of the lunar eclipse using our Canon digital camera. I'm not good at using a tripod (especially with a moving object) so I held the camera in my hands while using other immovable objects for support.

At first I was able to use the post on the front porch as support.

As the moon progressed across the heavens I lost that option and began to use my knees while sitting on cold cement.

The photos below are a couple of the bad ones I didn't delete... Yea, right! They're all bad huh? I just had to include them.

This one shows two stars on either side of the moon.

Notice the 'jiggle'.

The line of light at the bottom is a car passing by on Wawawai while the aperture was open on the camera. All of the exposures were long.

It is my understanding there won't be another lunar eclipse like this for two years. Maybe I'll learn to use the tripod before then.

2008-02-17T20:07:00.001-08:00

The Common Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

I don't necessarily like them (they are prickly) but they are pretty in snow.

I think you may see them on E-Bay next fall. Roger wants to sell them as Christmas decorations. If it works we'll be rich... yea right!

2008-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

A Walk to the Falls

(aka Completing our Cardiovascular Exercise for the Day).

In keeping with the alternative power idea we are monitoring the flow rate on the seasonal stream on the south side between the house and the barn. The small tributary runs west to east. When it meets the creek the water is then carried northward. The snow is really beginning to melt and the run off is amazing at the top of the falls.

Top of the Falls................About Midway Down

We will not be doing anything with the stream this year; just monitoring the flow rate and the length of time the stream actually contains water.

Though the 5 gallon bucket fills within a matter of seconds the amount of water coming out of the pipe Roger installed is nothing compared to what is coming over the falls. It appears that the water seeps into fissures of the basalt as it progresses down toward Union Flat Creek. Comparatively little of it actually makes it to the creek via the eastward flowing stream.

The headwaters of the stream begin at the little dip in the photos above. You can see Roger standing at the top in the photos below (just for size reference). The falls is actually falling behind the snow mass you see in the photos. That's a lot of frozen water up there.

Roger.......................Me...............................Nobody

If we are able to lease the property surrounding the stream we can begin plans to install the necessary equipment to generate power from the seasonal runoff.

Not this year though. This is shaping up to be 'A New Project'.

The snow is really beginning to melt.

2008-02-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

THE ROAD TO FREEDOM

Hurray for neighbors. Gerald Henson our neighbor about a mile to the north came to our rescue yesterday with his backhoe.

Digging us out was not an easy task. After he finished our long drive way he drove across the street to clear the neighbors drive. Try to find someone like that in So. CA people. You would starve to death waiting for help from most neighbors there.

The path was not real wide but wide enough to get the car through. Notice the mailbox... Oops! I think it's buried under the snow. It's that little dot all the way on the left in the second photo. You might be able to make out the top (if you look hard). You think maybe that's why we have received no mail since Monday?

We shot these photos from the car on our way into town. I know this looks pretty desolate but it does have a beauty to it (Plop in a few palms and it's like a white sandy beach in the Caymens only in snow).

Notice the fence posts in the third photo.

And, last but not least, Roger managed to snap this photo of one of the quail families that come down to feast under the bird feeder.

It really has been a good day.

2008-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

A Winter I Wonder What I was Thinking Land

We've just had the worst snow storm in the Palouse in the last 10-15 years. At least that is what we have been told. We've only been here 2 1/2 years and I can guarantee that it is the worst we've experienced so far.

We're snowed in at the moment. Roger's little tractor won't handle the load so we will be waiting until the (overworked) county road crew can get to our little street.

The snow is pretty though.

This was the sunrise the day of the storm.

After the storm began. If you look closely you can see the snow falling.

2008-01-27T20:13:00.001-08:00

A Lazy Sunday Morning

Here is Roger relaxing in his favorite chair. Does he look comfortable or what?

Oh yes, the second photo is the sunlight shining through the stained glass window in the front door. It was really prettier just before I snapped the photo but the light changes so quickly it was difficult to get a clear shot.

Sunday Afternoon...

I guess there is a downside to feeding the birds. Panda was frantically barking at something this afternoon. Normally when we look there are Magpies eating the cat food, a chunk of snow falling from the roof or some phantom spirit moving a dead leaf across the top of the snow. Today, however, I looked out the living room window to find this fellow eating lunch. I'm not sure who his dinner guest was.

I don't think the shot is too bad considering that the photo was taken through the window. And, the subject matter was not that cooperative.

2008-01-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Earlier this winter Roger told me he could hardly wait until it snowed. Now Roger is doing 'his thing' (he's been looking forward to this all winter). He loves to ride the tractor and plow the snow.

This is the third or fourth time this winter that he's had to plow the road and, I think the task is no longer a novelty.

I believe I heard a little bit of a grumble this last time. Or, was that just thunder?

BTW: As a side note. Has anyone ever heard thunder and seen lightning during a snow storm? Well, I did and I couldn't believe it. Wow, I guess there's a first time for everything.

I feed the birds every winter. We have a large variety; mostly Finches, Flickers and Doves and of course Magpies who not only eat the seed but also the cat food. I think they'd eat the dog if they had the chance.

I go through about 50 pounds of bird seed in a 4-5 week period. That's a lot for the bird seed, even with the Magpies. I finally found out why...

See if you can do a head count on the California Quail. I counted twenty three at one point and there were still more rushing across the back yard toward the feeder. It was as if someone suddenly rang the dinner bell.

2008-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

...And Then There Was Light!

Roger finished installing the lights in my studio last week.

And... They work great.

The first two sets are up and running. The second sets (in the future office and exercise area) still need to be hard wired in. The installation was not too difficult. Roger ran a NMT (non metallic tubing) down the space between the ceiling and the roof line to a hole he had drilled inside the skylights. I got to stand by on the ladder and grab the wire as it came down the tube. He then wired everything up and voila we have lights.

I know I make it sound simple. Roger worked very hard at installing the lights. The lights really help.

I got to wash the screens.

2007-12-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

Feeding the Cat

We feed Specter every morning. Panda would like to help him/her eat the food but I think the cat outweighs the dog.

This is the cat in the cat condo we've provided for her. We have a camera mounted outside of her condo so that we may observer her without scaring her away. She is totally feral and we have never touched her. She will (sometimes) talk to me when I feed her but usually hisses when she first notices us. Notice how long it takes for her to respond to my call.

2007-12-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

FLIP

I received a camera for Christmas. This is my first attempt at video making.

Panda's First Christmas

2007-12-24T14:53:00.000-08:00

Power To The People

Today, we installed the first set of four Kyocera 135-watt solar panels at the RJ Ranch. Later we will install three more sets, for a total of sixteen panels.

This first set will deliver 540 watts of power. After all panels are installed, the system will, on a nice sunny day, generate 2.1 Kilowatts of power, most of which will be sold back to the power company, thereby reducing our electric bill substantially.

We are also investigating the feasibility of adding both wind power and hydro power. Maybe in the near future the RJ Ranch might become a "Power Farmer."

2007-12-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Work in Progress

Roger continues to work on the solar panel installations. The temperature was mostly in the 20 for the past week so I think his stamina is admirable.

He dug the holes with the backhoe but had to clean out some of the ditches by hand. I have no actual photos of him working as I don't like the cold.

It took 12 - 14 bags of cement to fill up the one tube and most of the day to haul it, mix it and pour it. When Roger got in he told me that the other three posts were going to be done by the WSU Rowing Team. I wonder if they know what they're in for?

Since we only have four panels and all four will be put on one post there is no real hurry to get the other posts done until the other solar panels arrive.

When Roger was finished pouring and hooking up some of the pipe he was going to back fill some of the ditches. However, remembering that he used a backhoe to dig the trenches (because of the rocks) we (and I use that term figuratively) are going to use a bulldozer to fill them back in. Roger is such a trooper.

It will be nice when everything is up and running.

2007-12-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

New Clothes

Panda has a new coat. I'm not sure she particularly likes it though.

We introduced her to deep snow today. At first I think she liked it less than the coat.

But, then she saw the birds and she quickly forgot about snow up to her belly.

Of course in this photo she's standing under one of the large fir trees.

And, she didn't even seem to mind the fact that the fur on her stomach was caked with it.

I think or city Foo Foo dog is becoming a Country Bumpkin.

2007-12-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Major Gophers... (aka 'I Dig Solar')

Friday morning bright and early Roger rented an auger from the local equipment supply rental dealer. The auger was intended to facilitate the digging of the holes to accommodate the poles that will support the four solar panels we have had in the barn for about a year now. (No, it's not a NEW project.)

I went out to check on his progress after he had been 'at it' for a couple of hours. There he was diligently digging away (sort of).

Evidently, our little vista on the east side of the barn is mostly land fill. Though there soft places (evidenced by the tree we planted last year) most of the ground is filled with rocks; big rocks.

I watched him for a few minutes and snapped the photos below. At times it seemed that the people in China had a grip on the drilling end of the auger and were trying to pull it out on their side. At other times the machine; the part Roger is holding on to, tipped up in the air. Someone in the Far East must have really wanted to use it.

He's not getting very far.

The holes need to be 4' deep. After an hour this one is less than two.

Evidently this was not going to work. So, Mr. Auger went back on his trailer and back to the equipment rental facility.

Roger returned about 45 minutes later with (what shall we say) a bigger and better mouse trap.

Now, this is more like it.

Roger tells me there was a slight learning curve in using the backhoe. There are a couple of levers that need to be worked independently but in sequence in order to get the machine to do what you want it to do. One lever lowers and raises the arm of the machine. The other lever operates the bucket.

Sometimes after gathering the dirt in the bucket but, before he moved the arm away from the hole he dumped the dirt back into the hole... Oops!

It took him the rest of Friday and a good part of Saturday but, we have some very deep holes and trenches ready to be filled with poles, concrete and dirt.

You need to appreciate the fact that both days were very foggy and the temperature was in the 20's. We're lucky Roger didn't freeze in mid scoop. Last night it got down to 15.

We hope that the ground will not freeze before he is able to get at least one pole set and the hole filled with cement; just to see what it looks like. We will cover the rest over with the remaining metal from the barn and wait for the Spring thaw.

Does anyone need an experienced backhoe operator?

2007-12-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Falling into Winter

It's been a busy time here on the RJ Ranch. We had some of the family over for Thanksgiving. It was a lot of work but it was well worth it. I think there is just too much time between visits.

A great time was had by all and everyone returned home safely.

Here Bryan is helping Lyla with her piano practice. She may not be Mozart yet but she's a star in my book.

After Patrick and Lori went home I had a chance to hold Lyla. She is such a sweet baby.

I left on Friday November 30 headed for California where I picked up the newest member of our family.

This is Panda. She will be a year old on December 27th.

This is me trying to keep up with Panda. What a great workout.

Panda had her first bath on Thursday. I don't think she liked it.

It's been so cold here she shivers each time so goes outdoors so I knitted her a sweater to wear.

I don't think she likes it either.

Neither do I.

While I was in California I had the chance to for a very short visit with my Mother, sister, my children and grand-children.

Lillie Tiffany and Samantha

Lillie & Samantha

Tiff and Lillie

Lillie is the princess and Sam likes to collect bugs. Sam is taking tap dancing lessons and Lillie gets to play along. Hopefully, they will be collecting bugs and tap dancing in Washington soon.

2007-11-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

Photo Op...

For those of you who are interested, below is a photo of my daughter's dog Loki. He's a Chinese Crested. About the size of a Chihuahua, he's totally hairless (almost) and as cute as a bug.

The dog below is Loki's full litter-mate. Her name is Panda. She will be coming to Washington to live with us in a few weeks. Notice any difference in the dogs?

Am I excited or what?

2007-11-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Unbearable...

Hey! How did I get here?

And, how do I get down?

Now way here.

Too far.

Maybe I'd better sit back down.

Nope, this is not right.

Hey, where's the seat belt on this thing.

Thanks.

It's always nice to have the help of a friend.

2007-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Breaking News...

Don't you just hate it when everything on the news channels today is 'Breaking News'?

"Breaking News... Bobbie Brown falls off his bike in front of Mr. Black's house and now Mrs. Brown is going to sue Mr. Black for maintaining an unsafe sidewalk in front of his house.

"In return Mr. Black is suing the Browns for defacement of the sidewalk from the blood stains that Bobbie maliciously splattered across his sidewalk."

Fortunately, that has nothing to do with this blog so, here goes. Yes, I know. I'm in a rare mood but, that's Roger's fault.

Roger has been away, again. He left Thursday to fly to Nellis AFB for the air show. He told me (before he left) that he was going to talk to the man who owned an F-105 (I think it was an F-105) that was being exhibited in the show.

Roger told me when he called that he did have a conversation with gentleman. Unfortunately, I did NOT give Roger my American Express Card and the owner of the aircraft would not take a check for the jet. So Roger will be home later today via Alaska Airlines rather than RJRanch Airlines. Besides the Robinson landing pad is too short for the jet and landing it in the alfalfa field might really upset the farmer.

I, on the other hand, have been working on my painting (among other things) so I thought I'd include a photo of my studio as it looks today. The painting of the grain elevator (on the easel) is not quite done but it's getting close.

Many of the things on the shelf above the sliding door are a collection of items I originally kept from hitting the land fill because I wanted to use them for still life drawing. Some of the items have been contributed by Roger though I don't think he really know he donated them. It hit me yesterday that they might look good up there (instead of in the barn). And, they do (I think). But then, I'm an artist and we all know how quirky artists can be.

2007-11-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Home Again, Home Again Jiggitty Jog...

After being gone for two weeks Roger returned home just stuffed with new ideas. He was supposed to be gone just a week but extenuating circumstances and another class offering (that 'he just couldn't pass up') kept him longer than he intended to stay at school.

He is really excited about what he has learned regarding alternative energy sources. We're both excited about fact that we can use some of the ideas in our own home. Why does the word guinea pig keep popping into my head?

In keeping with saving energy or using 'green' energy we have installed the three 50 gallon drums in the new greenhouse. Each drum is filled with a mixture of water and anti-freeze. The idea is to use the heat collected by the drums during the day to warm the greenhouse at night. The anti-freeze will keep the water in the drums from freezing during the coldest part of the winter.

(Let's see. If the anti-freeze keeps the water from freezing that must mean that the water [by itself] would freeze with the outside temperatures. So, how much heat is generated by ice? Hmmm...I need to think about that.)

We did manage to cut down four of the eight Italian cypress that blocked the east side of the greenhouse (I just hated to do that). With the added sunlight the drums seem to be working. We've had the temperature drop to as low as 18 at night and the plants that remain in the green house are surviving. There's still a lot of winter left yet so we'll see what happens.

Once a company located in the State of Washington begins to manufacture solar panels we will be installing said solar panels in the field on the east side of the barn. By installing equipment manufactured in our home state we will be able to sell the excess energy generated by the panels back to the power company for more than if we were to use equipment purchased elsewhere. It is our understanding that there is a company that will begin manufacturing panels some time early next summer.

We will be doing some preliminary work on the project before that time. And, we will be documenting our progress once the project begins.

Meanwhile the field stands ready and waiting.

Roger would like to make installing energy conservation equipment his business. I think it's a great idea too. But, it's also scary knowing that we will be working on someone else' home. Maybe it's best that we're trying it on our own home first.

There are a lot of people around here that are interested in conservation. And, nearly everyone in Pullman knows that Roger is the guy who built The Electric Car. Though both are great ideas, I think it would be a stretch to equate one to the other. Somehow, watching the workman installing a solar heating system on a roof while reading an instruction book does not inspires much confidence; especially when it's your roof.

Because Roger was gone for so long this last week was spent playing 'catch-up' on our projects. We started out with about 35 items on our list and now have it down to about 10. We hope to have it down to four by next weekend and completely eliminated before Thanksgiving. We just might make it too (if we can stop adding to the list).

We finally finished the south wall of the barn. I insulated the walls and Roger and I put up the metal siding to complete the project and insure that the storage area will not leak again.

Door closed....................door open

Watch the disappearing door.

Roger fixed the large door that was twisted off of the rail by the wind last winter. Notice it's no longer standing askew. He then cut off the bottom part of each door and fixed them so we could close them all the way. I think the repairs will eliminate the leaking there too.

It was such a nice day today that we decided to complete another project on our list. We put an anemometer up on the side of the hill to monitor the wind. We already have one down near the drive way.

There appears to be much more wind on the hill than near the house. We will monitor the wind speed for a few weeks to see if it will be worth the effort to install a wind power generator.

Does he look like he's having fun or what?

I think you can see it spinning.

We plan to set up a small dam so we can measure the amount of water coming down the hill from the seasonal waterfall. The waterfall doesn't run all year but it does run for a few months beginning in December and (except when things are completely frozen) continuing even into May. It will be easier to complete the construction while the stream is dry. I think we're going to try to get it set up this year. If we don't make it there's always next year. We should be able to generate energy from the water if the drop is great enough. If not then maybe we'll have a nice little duck pond.

I'm wondering if energy conservation counts as one project or if there isn't really three our four new projects here.

2007-10-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

OH NOOOOOO!

The neatness gnomes have struck again.

Three cargo nets neatly folded and hung on the wall.

The barn is not even safe from their mischief.

2007-10-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

BREAKFAST ON THE RJ RANCH

This morning a blue heron was hunting in the field in front of the house. Having previously been banished from the Koi pond by some well placed but obviously not lethal buckshot he was standing as still as a statue. I watched him as he hunted for his morning breakfast. I assumed he was searching for frogs.

He spent nearly two and a half hours standing, watching and carefully stepping about the field. I went about preparing for the day, organizing tasks to be accomplished, showered dressed and prepared to eat my breakfast. And, he was still there.

Fortunately for me, I saw him cock his head sideways and intently look at one particular spot in the field; watched him approach it carefully and then stand still again. I grabbed the binoculars just in time to see him grab a small rodent from its burrow. He shook it a few times; dropped it; picked it up again and then swallowed the struggling critter whole.

I wish I had had the camera to record the event.

Specter, watch out…

2007-10-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

SOLAR SCHOOL
(OR MR. 'SHOOT THEM ALL DOWN AND SORT THEM OUT ON THE GROUND'

MS. 'A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE')

We moved to Pullman Washington about 2 1/2 years ago. Anyone who has moved before can understand that often times some boxes are left unopened for a period of time until one decides just where they want to put the stuff. Sometimes the box(es) will sit for weeks; maybe even months before the contents is emptied and/or tossed out.

We've had our share of that in our household. Though most things (over time) have been placed in their permanent locations or tossed there are still a few items that just don't seem to have a place to call home. So, they remain sitting about in the garage, the barn or the house.

Recently, we have made great headway in the items in the barn and even have cleaned up a little in the garage. The house (being mainly my domain) was pretty well put in order shortly after the move. However, there is one room in the house that has remained off limits; The Office.

I am and have been affectionately called a 'neat freak' (a place for everything). Roger, on the other hand, is not (shoot them all down). In this respect, we're rather like oil and water. He doesn't mind a mess and I can't stand it.

Currently my dear sweet husband is away at Solar School (photos below). He is learning a lot about uses, manufacturing and marketing of alternative energy. It is our intention to use some of the technology to improve the efficiency of our home and workshops. He is excited about it and I think it is something that may keep him entertained for quite a long time.

.........Roger's view..............His classroom..........Student Installers..

Right now I have a painting block so I'm not painting except to teach. Since I don't teach every day I have been doing a thorough cleaning of the house (you know stove, refrigerator, cabinets, behind couches, under beds, etc.). I've done what amounts to spring cleaning; only its fall isn't it. Well I either have a great start on next years spring cleaning or I'm terribly late for this year. Either way my house is clean and with all of the cleaning out of the way it is my hope that I will be inspired to work on my Palouse painting again. We shall see.

Below are several boring photographs of our office. When we first moved in Roger put some boxes of 'stuff' on the floor. But, not just boxes; there were cables and cartons; papers and books and a multitude of other items that I cannot name. Last Wednesday was their last day to reside on the floor.

(Roger: They're all perfectly safe and I know where they are if you need them.) There is still more work to be done but it looks sooooo much better. I sort of forgot what the carpeting looked like.

I've been working on other projects too (don't panic) but I'll not go into that now because I don't want Roger to have a heart attack while he is gone. (Roger: FYI: I did not touch the desk...though I wanted to). I think I've done all the damage in the house that I can without help. However, if this does not break my painting block, there is always the garage and the barn to tackle.

Or, maybe I’d better quit here…

2007-10-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

THE PUSH

Roger and I keep chipping away on the unfinished projects. Hopefully we'll have most of them complete before the really cold weather drives us indoors.

Roger finished connecting the electricity to the new greenhouse. He put the light fixture on a double switch so the lights can be turned off and on from either entrance to the greenhouse.

He put in three boxes along each side wall and three across the ceiling. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with the 18 outlets. I suppose I could hook up all of the Christmas lights we got last year but maybe not. The neighbors already think we're weird. On the upside, we won't need to use surge strips.

I bought three of these barrels at auction last month ($5.00 for all three... Yippee). We're going to use them as a source of passive solar heat for the greenhouse. Once four of the cypress blocking the greenhouse are cut back it should work well. It stays surprisingly warm in the greenhouse. The barrels get even warmer on sunny days. I'll be moving some of my hardier plants into the greenhouse this next week. The test will begin once the thermometer really starts to drop.

I finished insulating two of the outer walls in the barn. Even with the ceiling insulation still to be done, it seems to be a bit cozier in the barn or possibly I've been breathing too much fiberglass. The wafer board walls will go up in the next couple of weeks.

Roger put up racks to hold some of the lumber we had cluttering the floor. I put up shelves; with the wrong screws of course. I think the ones I used would have worked (at least they were working). We replaced all of the screws the next day. I do try you know.

We're hoping to get the floor clear enough that we can move the trailer indoors for the winter. We just might make it. At least we can see the floor now.

The Art Studio is one step closer to being finished. It's really working out well for teaching classes (when I have any students). In the interim it costs us very little to maintain.

I used the scroll saw to cut out the edges of the door sills. I had forgotten just how much fun it was to use the scroll saw.

Roger will be attending Solar School next week. We'll then know what we're going to do with the solar panels.

We've done a lot of work on our little piece of paradise this last year. It is exciting to watch it all come together.

2007-10-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Update

I know it's been awhile since my last post but, we folk here on the RJ Ranch have not been idle (just a little slow).

Roger and I are still working on completing some of our 'projects' before it becomes too cold to work outside. There are a few being deferred until next year.

Clean up on the barn was helped along a little by the WSU Rowing team. Our three Rent-a-Rowers made the mess a little more navigable. They also helped us with some of the yard work; dug a trench between the greenhouse and the pump house (for the electrical hook up); did a little heavy lifting and, received a lesson in window washing from Roger.

Roger will probably finish the electrical hook-up to the greenhouse today (or tomorrow). Once we have a little heat to the greenhouse we should be able to maintain some of the plants in the greenhouse throughout the winter (that's our hope anyway). If it gets too cold or too expensive to keep the greenhouse above freezing we will use the alternative method for keeping the plants healthy (an arboretum inside of the house).

I have installed more shelves in the barn so some of the floor space is available for... MORE CLUTTER [I hope not]. Roger built some bins for holding the excess lumber and pipe we have in the barn. The lumber will be used to complete enclosing his work area and some of the pipe will be used to support the solar panels (one of the deferred 'next year' projects). I completed grouting the veneer on the greenhouse (PLEASE don't look too closely).

Last year I planted my garden three times. Only the third planting survived. This year I planted the garden too late because of the greenhouse delivery.

From last years experience I surmised that many of this years plants would be just reaching maturity just about the time the first frost was expected. They were and it did. The growing season here is just too short.

Covered Vines............................... MGH.............................Unprotected Vines

In preparation for next year's planting (because this year is a loss) I am conducting the experiment. Before the first frost hit a few weeks ago I made some 'mini-greenhouses' (MGH) and placed them over the plants the night of the expected frost. The covered plants were unaffected by the frost. The zucchini did exceptionally well. Plants left exposed to the frigid night air were severely damaged (especially the tomatoes). I have removed all but one of the MGH now and am still maintaining one on a few of the tomato vines just as a 'test'. The thermometer has dipped to as low as 27 degrees in the last few weeks but the protected tomatoes (though not doing particularly well) seem to be surviving. All the MGH needs to do is keep the young plants in the spring from being 'bitten'. I think this just might work. I guess I'll need to wait until spring to find out.

In spite of any killing frost we may have had in the past few weeks some plants don't seem to know that it's fall yet.

I wonder if they're waiting for the bees?

2007-09-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

While the Cat's Away...

This mouse will play.

Roger is in California getting his flight physical and I'm finally putting the rock veneer on the greenhouse. How does it look?

2007-09-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY

Morning coffee on the beach.

Roger taking the 'Squirt' out for it's maiden voyage. Captain Roger relaxes and waves to the on lookers. I wonder who is piloting the boat?

2007-09-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Priest Lake Trip (Reeder Bay campground Friday September 14th)

We set out in our trailer this morning for a little R&R at Priest Lake. This will be our second trip in the trailer. It's nice to get away from the 'ranch' and all of our 'projects.

We were even able to get the little boat atop the truck so we could take both the boat and the trailer with us.

We got the trailer situated in it's new home (at least for the next four days) and set up the canopy and the generator.

With bottle of wine in hand we walked down to the beach to enjoy the tranquility of the moment with our neighbors Renee and Garth (not Brooks).

This is an interesting site. It looks like the head of one of the statues on Easter Island peeking out of the sand. If you don't look too close that is.

Roger and our neighbors will launch the boat tomorrow. This will be a fun four days.

2007-09-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

MORE FROM THE PALOUSE

The last blossoms of the season. The deer have taken their toll on the flowers.

Roger's EV (aka Sparky) has been completed for about a month now (minus the non essentials) and he's very proud of it. Everyone in Pullman, except one guy at Pullman Hardware (now he knows too) know about the car. I guess it's been quite a hit with the community.

Anyway, someone suggested that Roger put Sparky in the Palouse County Fair. Sounded like fun (to Roger that is). I've already had the experience of sitting for four days watching people walk by and it's lots of fun... NOT. Roger is the more gregarious of this duo so he was able to socialize with others attending the fair.

I think, if we do this again, we will both attend the next fair. I will display (and maybe sell a couple) paintings and Roger can display and talk about his latest and greatest invention. The car will be a year old by then and I don't think it will be the foremost object of his affection then. We'll see...

Roger's EV display at the Palouse County Fairgrounds this last weekend. Imagine four days of fun and sun. I joined him on Sunday.

Roger thought his car looked really cool next to this large combine. We drove the Sparky over to the combine and snapped this photo on Sunday before the fair began. We passed the combine lumbering along the road on our way to the fair last Thursday. This was not an easy thing to do considering it's as wide as the two lane road.

Another photo of the combine. Just so you can get some idea of the size of this piece of equipment please notice the front wheel. Hi y'all...

And I had a thrilling conversation with one of the sheep. The discussion involved why he should not eat my raffia hat.

2007-09-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

Honeysuckle-Roses & Glad

It's getting towards the end of the season but there is still beauty to be found in the gardens...

I've never seen berries on honeysuckle before. I guess it's never too late to learn something new.

The roses are getting tired but those that still bloom are so fragrant. I guess it's the struggle to survive that makes them sweet.

The hummingbirds enjoy the gladiolas. I just with I could catch a photo of one dining on the flowers. They move so quickly.

2007-08-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

CREATIVITY...

Glendia and I cleaning the pieces in the ceramics lab. We poured several large pieces and a few smaller ones. Those that we did not inadvertently break got bisque fired today. Tomorrow we will see how they turned out.

2007-08-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just Hanging Out

This is the first time we have been able to see the male of this species up close and personal like this since we've been here. We've seen plenty of doe and fawns but never a buck. They are beautiful creatures aren't they?

In a few weeks you won't be able to find hide nor hair of them. Hunting season opens soon. As long as they remain on our property they will be in no danger. Much to the chagrin of the hunters our 'little ranch' is well posted with No Hunting signs. Unfortunately, the deer can't read.

A few days ago we saw a moose eating apples from one of the apple trees. Our neighbor told us that this was the first time a moose had been sited in the area for at least six years. They're a protected species. We hoped that the moose would remain for a few days but, he ate his fill of apples and moved on. We didn't have the camera then. This time was not a problem.

The two deer were even comfortable enough to do some playing while they munched on the Horse Chestnut tree. We shot the photos through the picture window in the living room. I think the tree will survive.

2007-08-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Driving Lessons

Roger has his electric car up and running. The car made it's debut by taking family members to Ferdinand's for ice cream. Unfortunately, (and much to our disappointment) Ferdinand's is closed on weekends (go figure) so we settled for Baskin Robbins. Their ice cream is good and the family had a chance to ride in the Electric VW (nicknamed 'Jet' by Roger) so there was no disappointment.

Today we took Drew to a vacant lot where there is a great expanse of concrete slab available and turned the wheels over to him. He was nervous. I was more nervous but he did a great job of driving the electric VW.

Let's see; Does it look like we're having a bad influence on him? I don't imagine he thinks so.

The last two weeks have gone so quickly. I think Drew has enjoyed himself but I also think he will be glad to be home with his friends again.

2007-08-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

A Family Outing

We were working in the barn yesterday. I was trying to organize the storage room where everything was tossed while we we were working on my work shop and Roger was preparing the VW for the ice cream run to Ferdinand's.

Drew came into where I was sorting through boxes and cans and in an excited whisper said, "Grandma quick, come here and look."

Outside the window in Roger's work shop is an 8 foot high concrete wall. Atop the wall was Mr. & Mrs. Quail with their quickly growing chicks.

Dad (Mr. Quail) was in the lead with the chicks in between and Mom bringing up the rear. Both parents perched on top of the wall looking down at the ground. At first the chicks were peering down along with the parents. But, like all children they soon became bored with the scenery and inaction and settled down to nap in the sun.

Dad made a quick jump down to survey the territory. This rousted the chicks from their nap and got them all excited again. Mom never moved. Soon Dad returned to the top of the wall and started the little parade down the wall towards a spot that was closer to the ground. With chicks in between and Mom bringing up the rear they all marched to the first of two step downs in the wall. Dad carefully jumped down the first of the steps.

When the chicks did not follow Dad down Mom moved ahead to show them how it was done. Dad, without missing a beat moved to the second step down with Mom close behind. This left the chicks at the top of the wall staring down at their parents.

Suddenly, without warning all of the chicks spread their little wings and took to the air thus avoiding both steps, gliding past Mom and Dad and landed safely on the ground.

Children never cease to amaze their parents with their acts of daring.

BTW: Roger shot the photos of the birds through the window while standing on a ladder inside the barn.

2007-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY (aka Another Honey-Do-Day)

Roger talked me out of painting my work shop Boring White. So, today we painted the room a lovely shade of Boring Green (much better...NOT).. It took all of about 3 gallons of paint to complete the task of spraying the walls.

When we were finished and everything was cleaned up we stopped for lunch. During our break I told Roger that I would be working in my work shop with the door closed and, please do not open the door until I said it was okay to look.

It didn't take me long to do and Roger is certainly not impressed but, I like it. I know it's silly but it's something I wanted to do. Sort of like being allowed to color outside of the lines.

Anyway, remember that art is subjective. You may not think that the room is beautiful. In fact you might think it's down right ugly. However, it is no longer BORING.

Oh yes, his comment...."We can always repaint it."

My comment, "I don't think so."

2007-08-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

A Short Story

About a month ago while working in my garden I watched a little quail calling his heart out from the roof top of our house. After about 30 minutes of calling and not getting a reply he moved to the roof of the tool shed. From the tool shed he moved to the greenhouse and then back to the house. He sounded so lonely it made my heart ache to listen to his cry.

I could hear other quail calls from farther away in the valley but never in response to his call. He ignored these ‘other’ calls and kept up his vigilance from his perilous pinnacles for several days.

One morning I noticed that he no longer called. I could hear the calls of other quail but not my little Lonely Guy. His call is very different from other quail. I think that's the reason I noticed him in the first place.

My greatest fear was that our feral cat had invited him over for dinner or a light snack. I cannot tell you how delighted I was a day later when I discovered he had not become ‘cat food’ after all. He was foraging in the garden and made a hasty exit when he realized he had been spotted.

About a week ago I spied two adult quail in the garden. One of them was my ‘Lonely Guy’. The two quail naturally took evasive action when they saw me and jumped up on the low brick wall to escape. Unfortunately, the dozen or so babies could not make the jump. They sort of reminded me of small bits of pop corn in the popper each one jumping but not making the transition from terra firma to the top of the wall.

Finally, one by one they discovered that they could run around the wall. And, then they were gone hiding safely in the brush near the dog run.

Today I spied the happy family running across the lawn. Like waves following waves from the ocean onto the shore the covey flowed across the lawn and down the drive towards the barn.

I wish I had had the better lens on the camera. I think I can count about 14 babies.

2007-08-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Getting Plastered

I've found a whole new meaning to 'playing in the mud'.

I finished applying the texture to the walls last week (three five gallon buckets of it). Roger helped me spray the sealer on the walls so the blue spots (see photo #3 lower R/H corner) don't show through the paint when the walls are complete. The 'Honey Do' list includes help with painting the room this coming weekend. I think I could do it myself but, I really do appreciate his help.
When the painting is complete I can put the room back together again... Hurray! Another item checked off on the list of too many projects to complete this summer. And, if Roger gets his car done (he's really close now) that will be two projects done.
I'm looking forward to that trip to Ferdinand's.

2007-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

'Honey Do' List

The 'Honey Do' list just got a bit shorter. This weekend we finished the walls inside the workshop in the barn. The ceiling is another matter to be dealt with this fall/winter when the weather cools a bit. Until then my mouse and I will work on finishing the walls so I can get the cabinets and work surfaces in place. It will be nice to have a place to work on glass again.

Last weekend we finished putting down the base shoe in the studio. We still have a few 'details' to finish in the studio (touch up painting, installing trim strips on the door sills, lighting, etc.) but, that is also work for when the weather becomes inhospitable again.

Roger continues to work on the VW conversion so his workshop is in limbo at present. He works on his VW five days a week and gives me one full day to help me with stuff that I can't do myself. He really is a good sport about it.

There's a vacuum leak somewhere...

2007-07-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

More Flowers in Our Yard

One hundred pounds of rocks, 60 pounds of sand, 114 bricks and,

the floor is complete in the greenhouse.

2007-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers

In our front flower bed.

Much nicer than bark...

2007-07-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

About Time...

I guess it's 'about time' I created another post. We've been busy here. It seems like most of my time involves maintenance at this point. Roger still suffers from allergies (I think; at least he still takes the medication) and I'm still mowing the lawns, weeding the flower beds (and my garden). Those of you who know the place will understand. Roger does get out and spray the thistle and helps with week whacking but, not without paying the price.

I'm also still working on balancing the water in the Koi pond. I had a handle on it and the pond was beginning to look pretty good. Then, the crop dusters made a pass through (several passes in fact) and now the pond looks like pea soup. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Today I will be working on the pond and then painting. No, not painting walls, painting canvas. I began a painting of a grain elevator some time ago. It's sitting on the easel in my studio. I have not done much on it lately because of all of the outside and Koi pond work.

One of our neighbors stopped over about a week ago to see if our phones were working. We had just experienced a severe electrical storm and their phones were out. We chatted for a bit. When we mentioned the work we had done on the studio they asked to see what we had accomplished. They saw the (unfinished) painting, recognized the grain elevator in the composition and, now want to buy it. So, I guess I'd better get it done.

I'm not sure what price to put on it at this point. Like I said it's not complete. I was planning on displaying the painting at For Art's Sake as a Palouse painting. It might be more valuable there (commissions, ya know). It might also help with getting more art students. Guess I'll cross that bridge (grain elevator) when I get there.

On another note, Roger installed a swamp cooler in the new greenhouse. Now his palm tree is happy. I finished putting the bricks down on the floor for drainage. Once the watering and electrical systems (notice the wires) are installed I will move the plants in. It should be nice when we're done.

Last weekend Roger brought home a new 'toy'. This is me playing with the toy. I didn't do too badly. I missed the target twice out of 12 shots. The first one went wide (lucky there was a hill behind it) and the second one went into the paint can (where I aimed) sitting on the hay bale above the target. Several of the holes in the center are from rounds fired by yours truly. :-) It's a nice gun, light and not a whole lot of kick.

Remember when I spoke (in an earlier post) about our trailer? Before we bought it from the original owners the trailer had experience some damage to one side from flying debris being tossed about in a wind storm. The owners had placed duct tape over several 'tears' in the outer fabric. It was not unsightly but, also was not pretty.

I'm not sure what I've done is any better but, I had fun doing it. It makes our trailer unique. They're reflective and a lot more fanciful, don't you think?

2007-07-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Playing in my workshop

Insulating the walls in my work shop.

This is where (if I really want to) I can get messy and not worry about cleaning it up.

One wall and the ceiling to finish then we paint. Yes, my mouse knows how to paint. We're getting there...

BTW: Happy 4th Everyone

We had ring side seats to the event.

2007-06-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

READY, SET, GROW...

I've finally planted my garden. I'm not sure just what the outcome will be. It is terribly late and there were a lot of casualties in the greenhouse. So far, all of the plants I put in the ground have survived but, it's only been two days. Time will tell.

I finished insulating the walls in my work shop. The room is located on the east side of the barn so the insulation really makes a difference in the temperature of the room. This week end we will be putting up the inside walls. That will allow me to move some of my stuff back into the room and set it up for use.

Scott baled the grass in the field and should be picking up the bales soon. I'll start watering the front part as soon as that's done. Maybe we will get something growing around the trees.

Roger has completed the watering system out to the tree along the creek. Watering them should be a temporary arrangement. As soon as they put down enough roots they should be able to draw some of their water from the creek.

Five of the trees I purchased from the nursery are called Box Elders. I read up on them and they are supposed to be fast growing and short lived. Scott told us he has one in his front yard that is 115 years old. I wonder just what 'short lived' means to the author of the web site.

And of course, Roger is still up to his neck (literally) in the electric Volkswagen. Except for the fact there there are no seats, steering wheel or engine and there are wires hanging out of the dash, I guess you could say it's starting to look good.

2007-06-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Greenhouse

The greenhouse was installed on Saturday. Roger and I both had visions of them plopping the structure down on the foundation we had built and walking away in just a couple of hours. Ignorance is truly bliss. We really had no clue.

The greenhouse was built at a facility called The Glass Hut located in Oregon. I'm sure the drivers were not aware of where we were located when they told us they would depart the factory on Friday morning and deliver it to our location on Friday afternoon. The greenhouse arrived about 7:30 PM on Friday and dropped off by two very tired drivers.

Saturday morning they returned bright and early. They moved the greenhouse off of the trailer.

The movers like the location but, that is not where I want it.

No, it has to be moved.

Up and over the water spigot.

And onto the foundation.

The bracing for the door openings are removed...

And, door frames installed.

A view from the top.

Now to install the panels,

the doors,

and the shelves and windows.

It's beginning to look like a greenhouse.

The logo goes on; the final touch.

A full days work and the greenhouse is finally complete (well their part is).

Our work is just beginning. We get to move plants and pots; sinks and counters and, install electrical and watering systems.

My garden is finally going to get planted... Hurray!

2007-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Arrival

Remember when we took the road trip in our trailer last February/March? We traveled from northern Washington down the coast to Portland Oregon. In Portland we made a down payment on a greenhouse at the Home and Garden Show and scheduled delivery for (around) mid April. Fortunately (for us) they did not have the greenhouse ready. We weren't ready either.

Delivery was pushed out until the first of May; then the last of May; then mid June. Guess what arrived today?

Happy Birthday to me...

Nope, I don't think it's quite ready yet.

2007-06-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Strawberries

I love strawberries. So, when we moved here I was happy to see that the previous owners had planted a strawberry patch. It was surrounded by rail road ties at about ground level. I asked Carol what she did with the strawberries. "Nothing," was her reply. I wondered why but didn't ask. I should have asked.

After we were a bit settled in the new home, I weeded and tended the patch noting the progress of the ripening strawberries. Much to my chagrin each and every time one got even near being ready it mysteriously disappeared. One day it was there the next it was not. Hmmm. I wasn't really surprised. In fact I would have been surprised if they had lasted. We live in a very rural area heavily populated by birds, rabbits, and deer. They eat everything.

I talked Roger into purchasing four more rail road ties and we built up the sides of the patch. I then constructed a cover to keep the birds out and 'voila' we started getting strawberries. Not many but a few. That was last year.

This year I had to build the sides up higher to accommodate the plants and wow, do we have strawberries. They're so sweet and don't come any fresher.

This weekend I begin work on the regular garden. I know, it should have already been planted and the poor little plants are about to revolt due to the crowding in the green house. Liberation is planned for Saturday and I hope they thrive outside of the green house. At least I don't think they'll be pounded to death by hail or killed by an early frost. Crispy critters is not out of the question though. It's starting to get hot.

2007-06-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

A Letter to my Father

Hi Daddy. How are you? I know; things have not changed in recent months have they? Are you resting well? I hope you’re not cold any more. I pray you’re happy where you are. Though it may be peaceful there, I think you still miss us. I know we miss you.

I know I haven’t spoken with you lately. With all of the work we’re doing on the ‘ranch’ it seems like the day just begins and then its night time again. Where does the time go? I know, that’s not a good excuse but, it’s the only one I can come up with right now.

I’m sorry I did not speak with you the last time you were here. I just wasn’t ready for that. I’m ready now but, I don’t think you’ll be back here again. I wish you would; even if it was just one more time. We could talk. You could tell me stories again and I could watch your eyes light up when you talk about the things that happened with friends and family in your life.

I often hear you speaking though I cannot make out the words. I see you face smiling at me. I see the happiness in your eyes as you show me your newest creation from the slip casting class. You’ve made so much and you’re so proud of the pieces. I cherish each one in my possession each and every time I use them, hold them, or clean them. The rooster still occupies the place of honor on the hearth beside the fireplace. The frog has not made it out to the Koi pond yet. I may continue to keep him on the floor beside the bed. I think he likes it there.

I pray that I will never forget to keep the water level up in the fountain. It runs all of the time. It’s the one you wanted me to have. Each time I fill it I remember how proud you were with how the little cherub came out.

You so love to create things. I guess that’s where I get it from. I know Mom was going crazy with all of the art work in the house. I don’t think she would really mind now. She might even welcome it.

You know when you left we all thought Mom was going to follow right behind you. Thank you for helping convince her to stay a bit longer. She’s doing okay but she does miss you terribly. They say the first year is the hardest. And, this past nine months has been hard on all of us.

I know there is no place to send a card and there is no phone number I can call. Still, I wanted you to know how proud I am of you and happy that you were part of my life. I made a promise to you the last time I saw you. I will endeavor to keep that promise. You know the promise.

Most importantly I wanted to tell you, Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Until I see you again remember that I love you.

Glenn Ellis July 26, 1919 - August 3, 2006

2007-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

A Great Night at Beasley Auditorium

Yesterday morning Roger was reading the local paper and came across an article stating the the Lippizaner Stallions were going to be performing at the Beasley Auditorium on the WSU campus. I bought tickets and what a thrill. We were in the third row from the arena. What wonderful animals.

I knew that the foals were born brown or black but I didn't know that they were occasionally born white. The white foals are considered a rarity and are used as carriage horses for royalty.

I also thought that all of the foals turned pure white as they matured. I found out that occasionally a horse does not turn 'pure' white but retains some remnants of its former color. One example is a 15 year old stallion (performing in the show) that was a dapple gray. Their name for his color is flea tick gray but I think I like my name better.

The maneuvers the horses do in the arena (and they are called maneuvers, not tricks) the horses do naturally. Their training involves getting them to do the maneuver on command. Also, only the stallions are used in the arena as the mares have a different center of gravity and cannot perform many of the moves. It was truly an interesting educational experience.

2007-06-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Rose Gardens and VW's...

I finished (as much as I could at this point) the revamping of the rose garden. I still have three blocks to cut but that will be done this weekend. I will live with it this way for awhile and decide if I want to do more.

Roger is continuing work on his VW.

While steam cleaning the engine compartment he discovered a 'new game' he could play. I think it has something in common with Old Faithful. He's having way too much fun at this...

2007-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

AND...THE JOURNEY BEGIN

Roger performed 'open heart' surgery on the Cabriolet today.

We're still not certain the 'patient' will survive but, the prognosis is good. He wants to complete the project before the Lintel Festival in August. He just may make it.

I began work on my project today (the rose garden).

This is how it looked before I started. I was hoping I could finish today but...

I didn't do too bad. I will finish tomorrow (maybe). Meanwhile, we're both going to take advantage of the hot tub tonight... (Ouch!).

2007-06-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

BACK TO WORK

Vacation is over and it's back to 'projects'. Roger completed one wall of his work shop and moved his tool box into the room. Looks great, doesn't it?

He also began work on converting his VW to electric. I think it will keep him busy for awhile.

2007-06-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Five years and counting…

Roger and I celebrated our 5th anniversary the last week of May by returning to the place of our honeymoon.

We left home on Saturday morning (about 5:00 AM) and arrived at the condo in Kauai at 6:00 PM that evening. We got settled in and after two pieces of chicken and a bottle of wine we were ready for some sleep but… We forced ourselves to stay up until 8:30 so we would not be awake before daylight.

Now I know it does not seem like much time to be awake until you realize that 8:30 PM in Kauai is really 11:30 PM in Washington. It really was a long day.

Needless to say, Sunday was our day of rest; really, rest. It wasn’t until towards the end of the day that we finally ventured out and that was because we were hungry. On our return to the condo we stopped in to see one of the units they had for sale in the same complex we were staying. Nice, cozy (about the size of our condo in Laguna Woods), beautifully furnished and asking $1.5M. Wow!

Monday: This morning we had scheduled a bus tour of the island. The tour began at 9:00 AM and ended at 6:00 PM. We now have an idea of places we want to revisit and places we have no desire to return to. Kauai is a beautiful island. I’m sure it would have been more beautiful had I not forgotten my relief band (motion sickness watch). Carol, our bus driver, was very informative and took us on a few roads that were not exactly on the tour route (not particularly wide and not particularly well maintained).

The Kauai 'Grand Canyon'.

Sugar Mill and yours truly.

The view from the top of one very bumpy road.

A tree in bloom.

Entertainment on the return from the Fern Grotto.

Tuesday: Today we walked up to the golf course for brunch. This little bird was insistent about dining with us.

He's a Red Headed Cardinal.

After brunch we continued our walk to see another open house. This one was really a ‘house’. Two stories, cherry wood floors, open design with beautiful views of the golf course and ocean. The asking price was $1.8M. I don’t think we’re moving to Kauai any time soon; unless (of course) my philanthropic uncle decides to fork over a large chunk of money. Oh yes, I don’t have an uncle do I?

On the return trip we saw a couple of people on the golf course with what appeared to be a small animal. There are signs posted all along the walk that people were not allowed to walk on the golf course. I know, curiosity killed the cat and we were curious as to what was going on. So, onto the golf course we went.

What we saw was two ladies trying to touch a chick (baby bird). This ‘chick’ was about the size of a very large chicken or a medium size turkey. The bird was also not afraid of people (it’s a golf course, remember). There were signs posted around the ‘chick’ stating, “The chick has not been abandoned.” Even with all of the posted signs the ladies were getting too close. I pointed out the signs to the ladies and they backed off. BTW: the ‘chick’ was/is an Albatross (aka Gooney bird).

We snapped this photo and continued back to the condo. We did ‘check on him/her’ each day but from a safe distance. There was no telling when Mom and Dad would return. Evidently they do often enough to warrant an Albatross Crossing sign.

Wednesday: I was sitting on the lanai this morning looking out at the ocean and enjoying the fresh air and quiet beauty of the landscape. I could see something in the water but couldn’t quite make out what it was. I picked up the binoculars form the table and looked out to see a pod of dolphins chasing fish through the water. Both the fish and the dolphins were jumping out of the water. What a sight. I just wish I had thought of the camera.

Wednesday afternoon we took an aerial tour of the island. We sat in front with the pilot. Roger has such connections, or maybe it’s because I was the only one who suffers from motion sickness. It was a great trip and we had a good time. I’ve found out also that the relief band has its limits. It doesn’t seem to help when there are sudden drops and many bumps.

Waterfalls...

Calderas,

and the Ne Pali coast line...

Thursday: There are many feral chickens on the island and we are awakened each morning to the sound of the roosters crowing. This morning I heard one of the roosters raising a such a ruckus I got up to see what he was upset about. It seems that a trio of endangered Hawaiian Wild Geese (called Né Né) were invading the rooster's territory. His squawking didn't seem to bother the geese. In fact one of the geese challenged the rooster. Evidently embarrassed, the rooster began chasing off the smaller birds. (I think the hens must have been watching).

We drove to the end of the road to Kaá Beach to explore the cave and beach. We also hiked up the trail (about a 45 minute climb) to catch the view of the Nepali Coast. I can definitely say that we got our cardio-vascular exercise that morning. A young man at the bottom of the trail was selling water (and soft drinks) for $4.00 a can. Sounded expensive to me but he told us he was making more money selling soft drinks than he was making working a 9-5 job as a computer technician. It’s a tough climb and there are a lot of thirsty people who make the climb on a whim like we did. No, I didn’t pay $4.00; I had my water with me.

My hero (in the cave) Footprints

Look it's easy... And steep.

But we made it.

The other side of the Ne Pali Coast and the beach from which we hiked.

We made it back down safely.

We had reservations at the Princeville Hotel for dinner. I think I could get used to this.

Photo by the fountain

Friday: This is our last day here at the condo and tomorrow will be a long day for us. We passed the morning just talking, napping and watching the surfers and sail boats. This afternoon we walked down the steep hill to the beach to do some snorkeling.

Saturday: Until next time; we packed our stuff, loaded up the rental car and headed out towards the airport. It’s 10:00 AM and our plane does not leave until 6:00 PM so we stopped along the way to visit a street fair, the light house and bird sanctuary.

Roger resting... A pretty tree at the street fair... Bird sanctuary...

We finally arrived home about noon on Sunday. We had an eight-hour wait between leaving our condo and our flight from Kauai to Oahu; a 2 ½ hour layover for our departure from Oahu to Seattle and a five hour layover in Seattle for our flight to Pullman. Gosh it’s nice to be home.