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SUNDAY, JUNE 18,
2006
Joyce and Ken came by with the mower about 6 p.m. and we stopped to
visit. They had spent the day clearing brush and opened up about
3/4 acre so they have room for their building and some air around the
campsite. They were mighty pleased with themselves as they collected
more than 40 gallons of rainwater from their tarps and got it safely
stored in rubber barrels and totes. Not bad for a little
rainstorm, but it won't last long if we don't get more rain this
week.
The Yorks really
liked what we had done today and encouraged us to order the lumber, as
they are eager to start building the library and learn the method.
They keep calling the place my "mansion" and can't believe how much
space we built for so little money (approximately $26,500 for 1600
sq. ft., materials and labor). It is going to be nice when its
done.
A light supper and
reading. Jon called to say he won $300 at the casino on the way home
and to tell me Mom called. She had a Father's Day vision of
Dad. I will have to call for details when I get back. I've been
feeling so good since I got here. NO sinus trouble or any GERDS
and calm mind and spirits. I really can't wait to be here
permanently. Levi is calm and working hard and getting very tan. He
was really a big help today, fetching and toting and even cut down a
tree with the chain saw. Clear night and they are predicting a return
of hot humid weather. No rain until Wednesday or Thursday. Bed at
11:30 very tired, but happy, healthy and truly blessed.
MONDAY, JUNE
19,2006
Up early, sky clear and already good and warm outside, but not too
humid. Decided to layout and dig the holes for the posts before
I order the lumber, just in case the plans change. Started with the
farthest back corner and of course it was a complete horror. Roots and
rocks and that fine sandy soil so dry it was like trying to shovel
sugar, but hard as a rock. Levi would use the pick and crowbar and
then I would spell him and clear out with the posthole digger. It
took three hours to get down two feet, hot, tiring and back-breaking
work. Levi took a break to move his tent down near the arbor and
out of the construction zone and then started mowing the courtyard and
front lawn. I started a second hole, which was an absolute breeze.
Soft easy ground, no stones or roots. Down two feet in less than
forty minutes. Took my time as it was hot and humid. Being
careful to stay hydrated and making sure Levi does the same.
I forgot to
mention a disturbing incident yesterday. Levi took his walk to
Grace's Store about 4 p.m. to buy cigarettes. As he went past
Adrianna's barn, her Great Pyrenees, Leo, started to bark, as usual.
All of a sudden, four pistol shots went off and Levi ducked and turned
to see someone going back into Denny and Charlotte's cabin. Not sure
who fired the gun or why, but not a good thing at all. I will mention
it to Adrianna.
Dug the third hole
late in the day, not too much work, but really hot and humid so we
quit early. Levi made tacos for supper and we spent the evening
relaxing, reading and looking at the brilliant sky and stars.
TUESDAY, JUNE 20,2006
Another bright clear morning, predicting hot and humid weather all
day. Got an early start and placed the lumber order with T.H. Rogers
($890). They will deliver late today or early Wednesday. Levi
started mowing the back garden but its really slow going. Lots
of oak starts, blackberry brambles and tons of Queen Ann's lace. I
did more clearing in the parking area. By 1 p.m., it was way too
hot and humid, so we took a long lunch break.
About 3:30 p.m.,
Levi and I set the first three posts for the library and squared the
frame for the fourth post and I started digging. Levi went back
to mowing. At 4:30, Ken and Joyce stopped to check on us and were
surprised to see the posts in place. They spent yesterday and
today cutting posts and setting them to make a temporary shed out of
their truck topper. We made plans to meet tomorrow morning as soon as
the lumber arrives and start framing. With luck by late Friday or
Saturday, we should have it done.
Also made plans to
go to town Friday afternoon to shop and do washing. Joyce and
Ken went off to Grovespring and returned later for the mower. Levi
did a great job and the yard looks really good, if a bit shaggy. I
will see if I can talk Ken into mowing once a month so we can keep it
in control. I need to get the mower here from Illinois.
A quick early
supper and Levi and I set the fourth post. The new building will
look great and really make a difference in the house appearance from
the road. The courtyard will be much more contained and private.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE
21,2006
Attack of the pinching monster bugs!!!!!!!! I don't know what these
buggers are called, but they are downright MEAN. They look like the
scarab beetles in the Mummy movies, except that they fly. The wings
fold up and form a hard carapace and six big legs, but the front has
two huge pincers with pointed claws on the end. The bugs land and
fall on their backs and play dead, but if you try to touch them, they
grab hold of your finger and HOLD ON AND HURT, LIKE CAT CLAWS.
One bit me last night and one came out from under the bed and bit
Levi's ankle and wouldn't let go. And they are hard to kill, you got
to stomp and stomp and break them in half before they let go. We are gonna try to catch one intact so we can bring it home to the
Entymology Department and get it identified:
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