June 24th – Thurs – 100 Mile House
Terry took the post pounder apart and we took the rod to a welder that Marg has used in the past. The guy (Steve) was very nice, said that he could weld it and we could pick it up at the end of the day.
Dad thought the wheel art work needed a little brightening up so he cut circles out of white heavy plastic bucket lids and Terry helped me pull off each wheel and add a circle in the middle. We weren’t finished when it started to rain. We thought it would pass over quickly so we went into the chicken house but in a few minutes made a dash for the house as it was really pouring.
We puttered around until it was time to pick up the rod. Steve was still working on it but we were on our way shortly after 5. Terry put everything back together while I made dinner and also popped out to help him.
After dinner, Terry & I went back to work on Ralph’s fence. Everything went well but we could have done without some light rain showers. We quit about 8 as Terry’s legs were getting tired from holding the clutch & brake while lining things up and Ralph was getting a little less concerned about getting the posts straight.
June 25th – Fri – 100 Mile House
I made the mistake of putting out another jigsaw puzzle so we worked on that (and I did some cleaning) while we waited for the grass to dry out so we could mow at least the garden area again. Terry had just started to mow when the mower quit. It turned out to be a broken spark plug and of course we could not find one the correct size so Terry made a quick trip to town.
Marg & Pat returned about 4. I helped Pat unload her stuff & groceries from the motor home while Marg wandered around checking things out – OK, I didn’t weed the garden! Rick arrived shortly after with their 2 grandchildren Landon & Ryleigh.
We had planned hamburgers on the BBQ for dinner so we could enjoy the new deck and the weather cooperated.
June 26th – Sat – 100 Mile House
We enjoyed a lazy morning with coffee and more info about Marg & Pat’s trip. After breakfast we all – except Dad – piled onto the 2 ATVs and went to the neighbors so everyone could see the baby goats. Jeanna took one baby out of the pen so the kids could pet it and we were all surprised at the loud cat-like cry that it made.
While we were at the neighbors, Marg noticed that some of her sheep were in a pasture that they were not supposed to have access to. So again we took the ATVs and went looking. Two trees had fallen over an electric fence (not turned on) so the wires were on the ground and allowed the sheep to walk right over them. It didn’t really matter that they were in the other field, so we opened another gate to allow the sheep an easy route back to the barn and will fix the fence tomorrow.
After a wiener roast for lunch, Terry, Rick, Landon & Dad went to mud bog races while the Marg, Pat, Ryleigh & I went to town for a few errands including getting an anode rod for the hot water tank. There has been a really bad rotten egg smell from the tank so we drained it this morning and also figured a new anode rod was called for. Apparently the tank has a 4 foot anode rod but Marg’s ceiling in that part of the basement is only 7 feet so the store clerk checked with a plumber and sold us a shorter rod and said we could cut the old one to get it out.
When we got back, we tried to get the old rod out with no success. We wrapped the nut with a vinegar soaked rag to wait for the guys and decided to fill the tank again as we were having company for dinner and wanted hot water for dishes.
Nichole and Francis joined us for dinner and we had a nice evening.
June 27th – Sun – 100 Mile House
After another lazy morning and breakfast, Terry & Rick got the old anode rod out (it was not as long as expected) and found out that the new rod would not fit. So they put it back together until we can get the correct rod.
Rick & Pat & kids left about 11. We figured we had time before lunch to get the trees off the fence. There was an additional tree that had fallen over the fence but had hung up in another tree so was not even touching the fence. Terry got the tractor and hooked a chain to the tree so he could hold it up while Marg cut it off above the fence. Then he used the tractor to pull the tree away from the supporting tree.
Marg limbs & cuts up any firewood sized tree so we ended up with quite a bit of wood. We took a break for lunch and returned to work some more. Terry felled a large dead tree that we dragged out for firewood. We were all hot & tired so we quit just before 4, freshened up with showers and relaxed with a drink before heading to Ralph & Jeanna’s for dinner. It was nice enough to sit out on the deck for dinner and then we moved indoors for conversation & dessert. Ralph & Jeanna got wire up on the new posts and when we were cutting wood we saw the horses running and kicking with happiness after they were let out in the pasture.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 21st to 23rd - 100 Mile House
June 21st – Mon – 100 Mile House
Terry & I got a late working start this morning as we had to finish the jigsaw puzzle. Dad had the chainsaw sharpened and the windlass taken apart & modified before we got outside. Terry lifted me with the tractor again so I could move the top pulleys for the pontoon boat to avoid having the boat right over your head when winding it up & down. Dad’s modifications to the windlass made it easier to turn so the project is a success.
We raked up the junk from cleaning the gutters and shoveled up the empty seeds below the bird feeders. Marg had mixed up Roundup to spray along the fence lines and today was finally still enough with no threat of showers so we got that job done. Dad was waiting for us when we got back with another little project. A corner of the yard beside the deck is one of Sage’s favorite spots for digging big holes and also serves as a litter box for the cats. Dad figured we needed to build a small retaining wall with some recycled bricks, get some dirt and plant grass which he would cover with wire until the grass was thick enough to discourage the dog & cats. So Terry changed the forks on the tractor to the bucket and we drove into a field to get some dirt – keeping in mind that there is not a lot of excess dirt in this part of the Cariboo. Then we needed more bricks and then more dirt!
We celebrated the new deck and a beautiful first day of summer with a drink at the picnic table.
After dinner, Terry & I took an ATV to the neighbors to talk about helping them drive in some fence posts. Marg had offered but never got together with them. We will go there tomorrow at 6 – they have 90 posts to put in! They (Ralph & Jeanna) have horses, sheep & miniature goats. Two of the goats have triplets which are sooo cute. One baby kept getting up on the mom’s back and just standing up there.
June 22nd – Tues – 100 Mile House
We helped Dad find the grass seed, sow it and place wire over the dirt. We tied up & trimmed a shrub, watered in the garden & moved flowers from the greenhouse outside.
After lunch, Terry & I took the chainsaw and cut up a tree that had fallen across a fence. The electric fence was not reading as high as we wanted so we rode the whole perimeter to check it. We disconnected pieces and checked until we knew which section was causing the problem but we could not find what was wrong. There is enough current to zap an animal pretty well so we left it. Then we installed a “door” so the chickens could go from one run to another right beside it that has very tall weeds & grass. Dad pulls grass to feed to the chickens each day and figured they should be able to clean up the stuff right beside them. The baby chicks are in the half of the chicken house with access to the grassy run so we can’t just let the chickens have the run of the whole thing – whew!
Terry & I rode to Steve & Leanne’s (friends & neighbors) to get a couple of Marg’s large steel poles & visited with them for a while. Then Dad, Terry & I just sat out on the porch and enjoyed a glass of iced tea while a very brief shower passed over.
Ralph stopped by to say that Jeanna had to go see her Mom who is very ill and asked if we could do the fence posts tomorrow. So we had a pretty light day.
June 23rd – Wed – 100 Mile House
Terry played computer games for a while this morning while I puttered around doing some housecleaning. Then we went to town for groceries & a bag of grain.
We didn’t have a project to work on so I got a big box of wheels that Dad saved when he dismantled barbeques (to use the legs to make shelves) and started on an “art” project. First I had to wash all the wheels and decided to use the back of the chicken house for my “canvas”. Then I nailed the wheels on in a wavy line – pretty simple and probably a little hokey but fun. Francis & Nichole stopped by to visit, bring scraps for the chickens and see what all we have done.
I had to get dinner made so I didn’t finish my art work. After dinner, we took the tractor and pounded in fence posts with Ralph. Dad & I made starter holes with a large metal pole, Terry drove the tractor and Ralph lined things up and operated the post pounder. Things went pretty well until the pounder broke on the 20th post. A threaded metal rod broke off so it is serious. Terry will take it apart tomorrow to see if we can get it fixed.
I spoke to Marg. They were back in the church parking lot in Burns Lake and will be home on Friday afternoon.
Terry & I got a late working start this morning as we had to finish the jigsaw puzzle. Dad had the chainsaw sharpened and the windlass taken apart & modified before we got outside. Terry lifted me with the tractor again so I could move the top pulleys for the pontoon boat to avoid having the boat right over your head when winding it up & down. Dad’s modifications to the windlass made it easier to turn so the project is a success.
We raked up the junk from cleaning the gutters and shoveled up the empty seeds below the bird feeders. Marg had mixed up Roundup to spray along the fence lines and today was finally still enough with no threat of showers so we got that job done. Dad was waiting for us when we got back with another little project. A corner of the yard beside the deck is one of Sage’s favorite spots for digging big holes and also serves as a litter box for the cats. Dad figured we needed to build a small retaining wall with some recycled bricks, get some dirt and plant grass which he would cover with wire until the grass was thick enough to discourage the dog & cats. So Terry changed the forks on the tractor to the bucket and we drove into a field to get some dirt – keeping in mind that there is not a lot of excess dirt in this part of the Cariboo. Then we needed more bricks and then more dirt!
We celebrated the new deck and a beautiful first day of summer with a drink at the picnic table.
After dinner, Terry & I took an ATV to the neighbors to talk about helping them drive in some fence posts. Marg had offered but never got together with them. We will go there tomorrow at 6 – they have 90 posts to put in! They (Ralph & Jeanna) have horses, sheep & miniature goats. Two of the goats have triplets which are sooo cute. One baby kept getting up on the mom’s back and just standing up there.
June 22nd – Tues – 100 Mile House
We helped Dad find the grass seed, sow it and place wire over the dirt. We tied up & trimmed a shrub, watered in the garden & moved flowers from the greenhouse outside.
After lunch, Terry & I took the chainsaw and cut up a tree that had fallen across a fence. The electric fence was not reading as high as we wanted so we rode the whole perimeter to check it. We disconnected pieces and checked until we knew which section was causing the problem but we could not find what was wrong. There is enough current to zap an animal pretty well so we left it. Then we installed a “door” so the chickens could go from one run to another right beside it that has very tall weeds & grass. Dad pulls grass to feed to the chickens each day and figured they should be able to clean up the stuff right beside them. The baby chicks are in the half of the chicken house with access to the grassy run so we can’t just let the chickens have the run of the whole thing – whew!
Terry & I rode to Steve & Leanne’s (friends & neighbors) to get a couple of Marg’s large steel poles & visited with them for a while. Then Dad, Terry & I just sat out on the porch and enjoyed a glass of iced tea while a very brief shower passed over.
Ralph stopped by to say that Jeanna had to go see her Mom who is very ill and asked if we could do the fence posts tomorrow. So we had a pretty light day.
June 23rd – Wed – 100 Mile House
Terry played computer games for a while this morning while I puttered around doing some housecleaning. Then we went to town for groceries & a bag of grain.
We didn’t have a project to work on so I got a big box of wheels that Dad saved when he dismantled barbeques (to use the legs to make shelves) and started on an “art” project. First I had to wash all the wheels and decided to use the back of the chicken house for my “canvas”. Then I nailed the wheels on in a wavy line – pretty simple and probably a little hokey but fun. Francis & Nichole stopped by to visit, bring scraps for the chickens and see what all we have done.
I had to get dinner made so I didn’t finish my art work. After dinner, we took the tractor and pounded in fence posts with Ralph. Dad & I made starter holes with a large metal pole, Terry drove the tractor and Ralph lined things up and operated the post pounder. Things went pretty well until the pounder broke on the 20th post. A threaded metal rod broke off so it is serious. Terry will take it apart tomorrow to see if we can get it fixed.
I spoke to Marg. They were back in the church parking lot in Burns Lake and will be home on Friday afternoon.
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 18th to 20th - 100 Mile House
June 18th – Fri – 100 Mile House
We did a few finishing touches on the deck joists before going for another load of deck boards. It is not too far to pick up the wood so we would rather make multiple trips than overload the truck. With our storage box in the truck, 12 foot boards hang out quite far.
We did well putting down the boards but the cordless drill chargers could not keep up with us. But that was OK as we are getting older (!!) and were ready to quit. I went to do a few extra chores including checking the water tubs. As I was walking through the barn yard, I noticed a very fine wire hanging down and realized it was the wire from the electric fencer at the barn. I got Terry to help and he got the tractor so he could use the bucket to get to the top of a tall pole where the wire came loose from an insulator. When he was trying to figure out what the problem was & I was turning off the power, Sage (dog) didn’t listen to Terry and ran right into the live wire. She exited the barn yard much quicker than she entered it!
June 19th – Sat – 100 Mile House
Another lovely day to finish building the deck. I goofed on some calculations so we had to get 3 more boards. Also, the store misjudged the number of screws that we would need. We bought 6 pounds of screws, had some left and were over 2/3 done so we got 2 more pounds of screws and ended up 32 screws short!
After lunch we cleaned up all our tools and lumber scraps – no small job – and I swept the deck so a possible thunder shower would not turn dirt to mud. Then we went to town for the screws and a few other errands. Terry finished the deck while I made apple crisp and then we quit early and worked on the jigsaw puzzle. Dad is working on a windlass to pull the pontoon boat up in the barn rather than using the ATV. He gets the biggest kick out of using scrap junk to make something useful and didn’t even come in for dinner until nearly 6.
I talked to Marg this evening. They were camped right on the ocean on the Queen Charlotte Islands with lovely weather. Only the islands are now known as Haida Gwaii with official renaming ceremonies going on right now.
June 20th – Sun – 100 Mile House
I put a clear preservative on the deck this morning, Terry stained the garden gate & the top of the picnic table and Dad worked on the windlass. Then Terry cleaned the rain gutter which was a terrible job. The house is on a hill so the ladder had to have a block under one leg which of course had to be moved every time he moved the ladder. The slant on the gutter is minimal and Terry was using a hose to flush out the mud after scooping out pine needles. The downspouts would plug up causing the water to back up and Terry would have to move the ladder to clear the downspout and then go back to the middle to flush with water again. One end of the gutter is right by the new deck. Terry said there was no way he would get it wet but luckily I was pessimistic enough to cover the corner with a plastic table cloth and protect it from the water that wasn’t supposed to get there.
After lunch we did some miscellaneous bits & pieces and then helped Dad install the windlass. We decided that we needed another pulley in the system so we made a double pulley out of 2 singles and Terry lifted me up with the tractor to undo the existing rope and then to put up the new configuration. We had to do a little tweaking on the windlass but it ended up working OK. Dad thinks it should not be so hard to turn so is thinking of how he can modify it.
We watched the end of the US Open golf tournament before I made dinner. We were sitting at the table after eating when I heard a sound through the back door which I thought was a bird or a cat. Then Terry jumped up and said there was a deer by the deck and it was attacking Sage who was by now cowering by the door. I called Sage into the house and Terry chased the deer away. In previous years, there have been deer in the yard and we helped Marg put up higher wires on the garden fence. We have seen several deer this year as we drive in & out but haven’t seen any in the yard. When we went to bed, Sage appeared guiltily from down the driveway so I think she was looking for the deer.
We did a few finishing touches on the deck joists before going for another load of deck boards. It is not too far to pick up the wood so we would rather make multiple trips than overload the truck. With our storage box in the truck, 12 foot boards hang out quite far.
We did well putting down the boards but the cordless drill chargers could not keep up with us. But that was OK as we are getting older (!!) and were ready to quit. I went to do a few extra chores including checking the water tubs. As I was walking through the barn yard, I noticed a very fine wire hanging down and realized it was the wire from the electric fencer at the barn. I got Terry to help and he got the tractor so he could use the bucket to get to the top of a tall pole where the wire came loose from an insulator. When he was trying to figure out what the problem was & I was turning off the power, Sage (dog) didn’t listen to Terry and ran right into the live wire. She exited the barn yard much quicker than she entered it!
June 19th – Sat – 100 Mile House
Another lovely day to finish building the deck. I goofed on some calculations so we had to get 3 more boards. Also, the store misjudged the number of screws that we would need. We bought 6 pounds of screws, had some left and were over 2/3 done so we got 2 more pounds of screws and ended up 32 screws short!
After lunch we cleaned up all our tools and lumber scraps – no small job – and I swept the deck so a possible thunder shower would not turn dirt to mud. Then we went to town for the screws and a few other errands. Terry finished the deck while I made apple crisp and then we quit early and worked on the jigsaw puzzle. Dad is working on a windlass to pull the pontoon boat up in the barn rather than using the ATV. He gets the biggest kick out of using scrap junk to make something useful and didn’t even come in for dinner until nearly 6.
I talked to Marg this evening. They were camped right on the ocean on the Queen Charlotte Islands with lovely weather. Only the islands are now known as Haida Gwaii with official renaming ceremonies going on right now.
June 20th – Sun – 100 Mile House
I put a clear preservative on the deck this morning, Terry stained the garden gate & the top of the picnic table and Dad worked on the windlass. Then Terry cleaned the rain gutter which was a terrible job. The house is on a hill so the ladder had to have a block under one leg which of course had to be moved every time he moved the ladder. The slant on the gutter is minimal and Terry was using a hose to flush out the mud after scooping out pine needles. The downspouts would plug up causing the water to back up and Terry would have to move the ladder to clear the downspout and then go back to the middle to flush with water again. One end of the gutter is right by the new deck. Terry said there was no way he would get it wet but luckily I was pessimistic enough to cover the corner with a plastic table cloth and protect it from the water that wasn’t supposed to get there.
After lunch we did some miscellaneous bits & pieces and then helped Dad install the windlass. We decided that we needed another pulley in the system so we made a double pulley out of 2 singles and Terry lifted me up with the tractor to undo the existing rope and then to put up the new configuration. We had to do a little tweaking on the windlass but it ended up working OK. Dad thinks it should not be so hard to turn so is thinking of how he can modify it.
We watched the end of the US Open golf tournament before I made dinner. We were sitting at the table after eating when I heard a sound through the back door which I thought was a bird or a cat. Then Terry jumped up and said there was a deer by the deck and it was attacking Sage who was by now cowering by the door. I called Sage into the house and Terry chased the deer away. In previous years, there have been deer in the yard and we helped Marg put up higher wires on the garden fence. We have seen several deer this year as we drive in & out but haven’t seen any in the yard. When we went to bed, Sage appeared guiltily from down the driveway so I think she was looking for the deer.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 15th to 17th - 100 Mile House
June 15th – Tues – 100 Mile House
Marg & Pat left this morning for a 10 day trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Terry & I were kind of lazy in the morning and then started our next project after lunch. We are tearing out the existing deck on the back of the house and building a new one. It is ground level which makes it somewhat easier. We tried to dismantle it by taking out the screws but they are so old that they just strip out. So we got the chainsaw, cut between joists, pried the boards off with a crowbar and dumped them onto the burn pile. Luckily we started late as we were tired in a few hours and could quit for happy hour!
Dad is making another bedside table using the first one as a pattern. Marg & Pat made it to Burns Lake and stayed in a church parking lot for the night.
June 16th – Wed – 100 Mile House
Terry & I had some errands to run in town and then picked up the boards that we needed for the joists of the new deck. First we had to tear out the old joists. Terry discovered a large sledge hammer and was able to knock the boards apart. Then he cut them in half with a circular saw so we could load them on the tractor to dump for burning. In the afternoon, we did some planning and rebuilt the joists. We were certainly ready to put our tools away at 4.
Marg & Pat are in Terrace with lovely sunny weather. The weather was nice here today with just a brief afternoon rain shower – not even enough to quit work.
June 17th – Thurs – 100 Mile House
We were waiting for the horse dentist (Chris) at 11 this morning so we did not have time to get more boards for the deck before then. We decided to mow & weed eat the lawn while we were waiting. Chris was late so we really got things cleaned up. We were just finishing lunch when Quille came to pick up the boat – Terry had put the motor on earlier. Still no horse dentist so we put up new pulleys & rope to lift Marg’s pontoon boat up in the barn. It was still hard to lift so we added another pulley so the ATV can be used to hoist the boat.
About 2 I saw a phone message from Chris saying he had been delayed (you think!) and could be here by 4. Terry & I went to town to fill gas & diesel cans and then to the lumber yard for more boards. At 4:30, Chris called again and asked if we still wanted him to come today. Not wanting to spend another day waiting, I gave him driving instructions and we figured he was 20 minutes away. Chris did not listen too well to my directions and finally showed up about 5:15. By this time, we were done with all the “underpinnings” of the deck.
The dental procedure was quite a deal. Snow, the donkey, was first and she was OK with filing for the first couple of times. Then she figured out that she did not like Chris approaching her head and dragged me around. Luckily, Terry showed up to help. Chris had to clip off big pieces of Snow’s front teeth. Snow is shedding her winter hair and we were all covered with white hair. Buck, the pony, was next. I told Chris that he would be harder to work on than Snow and Chris said he doubted that as donkeys are smarter and figure out how to avoid the dentist. I was right however. Buck didn’t take too long to rear up to try to get away. Chris tried to assert his dominance with a knee to Buck’s chest but that had only minimal success. I was so glad that Terry was hanging on to Buck’s halter while I held the lead rope. Buck was finally done and only stepped on Terry’s foot once.
It was 6:45 by the time I started cooking dinner so it was very late by the time we ate.
Marg & Pat left this morning for a 10 day trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Terry & I were kind of lazy in the morning and then started our next project after lunch. We are tearing out the existing deck on the back of the house and building a new one. It is ground level which makes it somewhat easier. We tried to dismantle it by taking out the screws but they are so old that they just strip out. So we got the chainsaw, cut between joists, pried the boards off with a crowbar and dumped them onto the burn pile. Luckily we started late as we were tired in a few hours and could quit for happy hour!
Dad is making another bedside table using the first one as a pattern. Marg & Pat made it to Burns Lake and stayed in a church parking lot for the night.
June 16th – Wed – 100 Mile House
Terry & I had some errands to run in town and then picked up the boards that we needed for the joists of the new deck. First we had to tear out the old joists. Terry discovered a large sledge hammer and was able to knock the boards apart. Then he cut them in half with a circular saw so we could load them on the tractor to dump for burning. In the afternoon, we did some planning and rebuilt the joists. We were certainly ready to put our tools away at 4.
Marg & Pat are in Terrace with lovely sunny weather. The weather was nice here today with just a brief afternoon rain shower – not even enough to quit work.
June 17th – Thurs – 100 Mile House
We were waiting for the horse dentist (Chris) at 11 this morning so we did not have time to get more boards for the deck before then. We decided to mow & weed eat the lawn while we were waiting. Chris was late so we really got things cleaned up. We were just finishing lunch when Quille came to pick up the boat – Terry had put the motor on earlier. Still no horse dentist so we put up new pulleys & rope to lift Marg’s pontoon boat up in the barn. It was still hard to lift so we added another pulley so the ATV can be used to hoist the boat.
About 2 I saw a phone message from Chris saying he had been delayed (you think!) and could be here by 4. Terry & I went to town to fill gas & diesel cans and then to the lumber yard for more boards. At 4:30, Chris called again and asked if we still wanted him to come today. Not wanting to spend another day waiting, I gave him driving instructions and we figured he was 20 minutes away. Chris did not listen too well to my directions and finally showed up about 5:15. By this time, we were done with all the “underpinnings” of the deck.
The dental procedure was quite a deal. Snow, the donkey, was first and she was OK with filing for the first couple of times. Then she figured out that she did not like Chris approaching her head and dragged me around. Luckily, Terry showed up to help. Chris had to clip off big pieces of Snow’s front teeth. Snow is shedding her winter hair and we were all covered with white hair. Buck, the pony, was next. I told Chris that he would be harder to work on than Snow and Chris said he doubted that as donkeys are smarter and figure out how to avoid the dentist. I was right however. Buck didn’t take too long to rear up to try to get away. Chris tried to assert his dominance with a knee to Buck’s chest but that had only minimal success. I was so glad that Terry was hanging on to Buck’s halter while I held the lead rope. Buck was finally done and only stepped on Terry’s foot once.
It was 6:45 by the time I started cooking dinner so it was very late by the time we ate.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 12th to 14th - 100 Mile House
June 12th – Sat – 100 Mile House
I got Dad going on a project in the shop while Marg & Terry worked on batteries & such on Marg’s motor home. It was another sunny day so Marg thought she could spray the weeds & grass under the electric fences but once she got the solution mixed up, the wind came up and stayed all day. Marg & I worked in the garden & cleaned out the sheep hay manger to use for mulch. Terry helped ex-neighbor Joseph move stuff for storage in one of Marg’s barn, dismantled a plywood table and got a fire going so we could have a wiener roast for lunch. Of course a wiener roast involves beer so we took a nice long break to enjoy the sun & the fire.
Terry & I helped Dad with his wood working and before we knew it it was time for happy hour.
June 13th – Sun – 100 Mile House
Marg went fishing with Quille, Dad finished his project and Terry & I took advantage of the lovely, sunny day (except for a couple of quick rain showers) to finish putting plastic paneling on the sides of the greenhouse. For some reason, Terry was willing to take his time and we both quite enjoyed the job. We had everything cleaned up & put away and I had dinner ready when Marg returned at 6:30. They came back early as the battery for the electric motor on the boat went dead. Marg had 4 beautiful trout which she took to Francis & Nichole after dinner.
June 14th – Mon – 100 Mile House
Marg, Terry & I went to Kamloops today. We took Hwy 24 through Little Fort and met Pat & Rick at Surplus Herbies on the northside of Kamloops. Marg & Pat are going on a trip so Pat had all her stuff to transfer into Marg’s truck. Marg’s computer has been running slowly so we had it with us and Rick took it into a shop for service.
We spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon shopping. Marg tends to be a bit of a procrastinator and comparison shopper but the 3 of us convinced her to buy a camera and a good pair of walking shoes amongst many other purchases. We had the back of the truck full.
About 4:30 we hit the casino. I did really badly and lost my money quickly; Terry did a little better but ended up losing as well. Marg hung in a little longer. Pat was down but played another machine as I decided to try my last $5 and she ended up 50 cents ahead!
We stopped in Cache Creek for Chinese food for dinner and arrived home at 9:20. I fed Buck & Snow (horse & donkey), the cats and Sage (dog) as Dad only looks after the chickens. By the time we unloaded everything and got stuff put away, it was bed time.
I got Dad going on a project in the shop while Marg & Terry worked on batteries & such on Marg’s motor home. It was another sunny day so Marg thought she could spray the weeds & grass under the electric fences but once she got the solution mixed up, the wind came up and stayed all day. Marg & I worked in the garden & cleaned out the sheep hay manger to use for mulch. Terry helped ex-neighbor Joseph move stuff for storage in one of Marg’s barn, dismantled a plywood table and got a fire going so we could have a wiener roast for lunch. Of course a wiener roast involves beer so we took a nice long break to enjoy the sun & the fire.
Terry & I helped Dad with his wood working and before we knew it it was time for happy hour.
June 13th – Sun – 100 Mile House
Marg went fishing with Quille, Dad finished his project and Terry & I took advantage of the lovely, sunny day (except for a couple of quick rain showers) to finish putting plastic paneling on the sides of the greenhouse. For some reason, Terry was willing to take his time and we both quite enjoyed the job. We had everything cleaned up & put away and I had dinner ready when Marg returned at 6:30. They came back early as the battery for the electric motor on the boat went dead. Marg had 4 beautiful trout which she took to Francis & Nichole after dinner.
June 14th – Mon – 100 Mile House
Marg, Terry & I went to Kamloops today. We took Hwy 24 through Little Fort and met Pat & Rick at Surplus Herbies on the northside of Kamloops. Marg & Pat are going on a trip so Pat had all her stuff to transfer into Marg’s truck. Marg’s computer has been running slowly so we had it with us and Rick took it into a shop for service.
We spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon shopping. Marg tends to be a bit of a procrastinator and comparison shopper but the 3 of us convinced her to buy a camera and a good pair of walking shoes amongst many other purchases. We had the back of the truck full.
About 4:30 we hit the casino. I did really badly and lost my money quickly; Terry did a little better but ended up losing as well. Marg hung in a little longer. Pat was down but played another machine as I decided to try my last $5 and she ended up 50 cents ahead!
We stopped in Cache Creek for Chinese food for dinner and arrived home at 9:20. I fed Buck & Snow (horse & donkey), the cats and Sage (dog) as Dad only looks after the chickens. By the time we unloaded everything and got stuff put away, it was bed time.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 9th to 11th - 100 Mile House
June 9th – Wed – 100 Mile House
Aunt Jessie & Ed made it out of the slightly muddy yard just after 10. There were rain showers all day so we all lazed around. We finally finished “the jigsaw puzzle from hell”, played many computer games, read books, did crosswords and caught up on email.
I have not whined about being sick lately but I still have my nasty cold. I do feel that I am getting slightly better.
Marg, Pat & I were going to play golf this evening but it was just too cold and rain was still threatening. So we took a break from cooking and ordered pizza.
June 10th – Thurs – 100 Mile House
Each time I heard it raining last night I thought about Rick having to pull his 5th wheel out this morning. Marg had to answer phones at the Women’s Center for a couple of hours and the rest of us hung around playing computer games and reading.
At a break in the rain, Rick hooked up and got to the gravel drive without spinning in the mud. Rick & Pat left at 11:45 for an appointment for a slide adjustment at the RV dealer in 100 Mile.
After lunch, Marg went to a nursery for some tomato plants while we watched the rain – very exciting! I normally don’t play computer games but I kind of got hooked on Peggles. We threw away the ugly jigsaw puzzle that we finally finished and started another one.
June 11th – Fri – 100 Mile House
The sun finally came out today but we still didn’t get much done. Marg & I tried to unclog a rain gutter with only moderate success. I was a whole lot nervous about Marg walking on a metal roof that got wet from water collected in the gutter. My cold seemed to regress a bit so I wasn’t feeling up to doing much.
I joined Marg later in the afternoon to run some errands – recycling, feed store, nurseries, hardware store, pharmacy and car wash. Marg worked in the garden while I made dinner and then it was puzzles, TV & computer games for the evening.
Aunt Jessie & Ed made it out of the slightly muddy yard just after 10. There were rain showers all day so we all lazed around. We finally finished “the jigsaw puzzle from hell”, played many computer games, read books, did crosswords and caught up on email.
I have not whined about being sick lately but I still have my nasty cold. I do feel that I am getting slightly better.
Marg, Pat & I were going to play golf this evening but it was just too cold and rain was still threatening. So we took a break from cooking and ordered pizza.
June 10th – Thurs – 100 Mile House
Each time I heard it raining last night I thought about Rick having to pull his 5th wheel out this morning. Marg had to answer phones at the Women’s Center for a couple of hours and the rest of us hung around playing computer games and reading.
At a break in the rain, Rick hooked up and got to the gravel drive without spinning in the mud. Rick & Pat left at 11:45 for an appointment for a slide adjustment at the RV dealer in 100 Mile.
After lunch, Marg went to a nursery for some tomato plants while we watched the rain – very exciting! I normally don’t play computer games but I kind of got hooked on Peggles. We threw away the ugly jigsaw puzzle that we finally finished and started another one.
June 11th – Fri – 100 Mile House
The sun finally came out today but we still didn’t get much done. Marg & I tried to unclog a rain gutter with only moderate success. I was a whole lot nervous about Marg walking on a metal roof that got wet from water collected in the gutter. My cold seemed to regress a bit so I wasn’t feeling up to doing much.
I joined Marg later in the afternoon to run some errands – recycling, feed store, nurseries, hardware store, pharmacy and car wash. Marg worked in the garden while I made dinner and then it was puzzles, TV & computer games for the evening.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
June 6th to 8th - 100 Mile House
June 6th – Sun – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!
Aunt Jessie & Ed arrived in their 5th wheel and got set up just in front of the house. Cousin Pat & Rick arrived later in the afternoon and parked their 5th wheel in front of our rig by the corrals. The day started out clear & sunny but quickly turned to rain so we knew the birthday gathering would be inside.
Marg & I managed to mow & weed-eat the lawn in and in front of the garden area during a non-rain period.
Brother Doug, his wife Judy and their dog Lou arrived about 5. Rounding out the party group were Janet & Bill, Al & Cecile and Toni & Micheal. I didn’t get too wet cooking hamburgers on the grill. We had a great group of people with non-stop talking, eating & drinking.
June 7th – Mon – 100 Mile House
Bob left after Judy made breakfast for “the family”. We all (Doug & Judy, Marg, Dad, Rick & Pat, Aunt Jessie & Ed and us – and 3 dogs) went in 2 pickups to Mahood & Canim Falls. The weather cleared up for our walk to the falls and a stop at Mahood Lake. Marg decided we should take a different route home. We were on a less traveled road that was slick in spots and ended up turning around and retracing our route for a few miles as Marg was not sure how bad the road would get. The drive back took about 2 ½ hours and we were all happy to stretch our legs when we got back.
Friends Lynden & Charlie from Logan Lake were here and set up by the hay barn when we returned. They are on their way to Alaska and stopped for a visit. Francis & Nichole also joined us for dinner. We all had a great time.
June 8th – Tues – 100 Mile House
Doug & Judy left at 6 and Lynden & Charlie got away about 8. Pat & Rick went to town for breakfast & errands this morning. Marg & Ed hooked up the boat and went fishing. Aunt Jessie mixed up a batch of bread and then joined Terry & me for a trip to town. Terry wanted to wash at least a few layers of dirt off the truck and Aunt Jessie needed a few groceries.
After lunch, Rick & Terry used the tractor to get a large block of concrete to use as a step for the oil shed. Then they fashioned a sturdy grab bar beside the shed door. We lit a fire in the fire pit behind the house and enjoyed some rare sunshine for a few hours.
Marg & Ed got back at 7, just after the rest of us finished eating dinner. They caught some very nice fish.
We had a quiet evening of TV & computer games.
Aunt Jessie & Ed arrived in their 5th wheel and got set up just in front of the house. Cousin Pat & Rick arrived later in the afternoon and parked their 5th wheel in front of our rig by the corrals. The day started out clear & sunny but quickly turned to rain so we knew the birthday gathering would be inside.
Marg & I managed to mow & weed-eat the lawn in and in front of the garden area during a non-rain period.
Brother Doug, his wife Judy and their dog Lou arrived about 5. Rounding out the party group were Janet & Bill, Al & Cecile and Toni & Micheal. I didn’t get too wet cooking hamburgers on the grill. We had a great group of people with non-stop talking, eating & drinking.
June 7th – Mon – 100 Mile House
Bob left after Judy made breakfast for “the family”. We all (Doug & Judy, Marg, Dad, Rick & Pat, Aunt Jessie & Ed and us – and 3 dogs) went in 2 pickups to Mahood & Canim Falls. The weather cleared up for our walk to the falls and a stop at Mahood Lake. Marg decided we should take a different route home. We were on a less traveled road that was slick in spots and ended up turning around and retracing our route for a few miles as Marg was not sure how bad the road would get. The drive back took about 2 ½ hours and we were all happy to stretch our legs when we got back.
Friends Lynden & Charlie from Logan Lake were here and set up by the hay barn when we returned. They are on their way to Alaska and stopped for a visit. Francis & Nichole also joined us for dinner. We all had a great time.
June 8th – Tues – 100 Mile House
Doug & Judy left at 6 and Lynden & Charlie got away about 8. Pat & Rick went to town for breakfast & errands this morning. Marg & Ed hooked up the boat and went fishing. Aunt Jessie mixed up a batch of bread and then joined Terry & me for a trip to town. Terry wanted to wash at least a few layers of dirt off the truck and Aunt Jessie needed a few groceries.
After lunch, Rick & Terry used the tractor to get a large block of concrete to use as a step for the oil shed. Then they fashioned a sturdy grab bar beside the shed door. We lit a fire in the fire pit behind the house and enjoyed some rare sunshine for a few hours.
Marg & Ed got back at 7, just after the rest of us finished eating dinner. They caught some very nice fish.
We had a quiet evening of TV & computer games.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
June 2nd to 5th - 100 Mile House
June 2nd – Wed – 100 Mile House
We took apart a section of the corral in order to replace a broken post. It was raining again by the time we finished. After lunch, Marg & Terry went to replace a broken post in a fence and found another one broken near the first one. Just as they started to pound in the 2nd post, the post pounder broke. The pounder is a heavy chunk of machinery that runs on the hydraulics on the tractor. The shaft separated from the “pounder” and we don’t know exactly what it will take to fix it yet.
While Marg & Terry were dealing with the posts, I mixed up another old but unopened can of white paint and strained it through panty hose to make usable paint for the greenhouse. I had one end painted that I could reach from the ground and moved to the other end where I got one board painted before the rain started again. So I cleaned everything up and quit.
June 3rd – Thurs – 100 Mile House
We spent the morning housecleaning as it was too wet to paint the greenhouse. Terry was getting bored so after lunch I suggested a trip to the casino in Williams Lake. Marg wanted to join us so we ran a couple of errands in town first and stopped by the Lac La Hache garbage dump on the way to make us feel like we were getting something constructive done.
We each contributed some money and got home about 6:30 in time to make dinner.
June 4th – Fri – 100 Mile House
Each time we thought we could get some painting done, we got another rain shower. Marg went to a horse auction at Williams Lake with her friend Jane who is looking for a horse. Terry & I gave up waiting for the rain to stop and went to town to buy some parts to swag a light over the dining table. Of course, it was not as easy as it seemed but Terry finally got it done.
June 5th – Sat – 100 Mile House
Marg & I put the sheep in the corral and counted them before putting them out in the largest pasture. After lunch, it looked like the rain was going to stop long enough for us to paint the greenhouse so we all grabbed a brush. Brother Bob arrived in time to move & hold ladders for Marg & I and we finally finished about 4. We did get one very brief rain shower while we were painting.
Marg & I made a grocery & booze run while the guys helped ex-neighbor Joseph get a dune buggy to run. Joseph arrived with a bottle of wine so they had a good time.
I made butter tarts, Marg did the chores and we ended up having a late dinner by the time all the “kids” had a ride on the dune buggy.
We took apart a section of the corral in order to replace a broken post. It was raining again by the time we finished. After lunch, Marg & Terry went to replace a broken post in a fence and found another one broken near the first one. Just as they started to pound in the 2nd post, the post pounder broke. The pounder is a heavy chunk of machinery that runs on the hydraulics on the tractor. The shaft separated from the “pounder” and we don’t know exactly what it will take to fix it yet.
While Marg & Terry were dealing with the posts, I mixed up another old but unopened can of white paint and strained it through panty hose to make usable paint for the greenhouse. I had one end painted that I could reach from the ground and moved to the other end where I got one board painted before the rain started again. So I cleaned everything up and quit.
June 3rd – Thurs – 100 Mile House
We spent the morning housecleaning as it was too wet to paint the greenhouse. Terry was getting bored so after lunch I suggested a trip to the casino in Williams Lake. Marg wanted to join us so we ran a couple of errands in town first and stopped by the Lac La Hache garbage dump on the way to make us feel like we were getting something constructive done.
We each contributed some money and got home about 6:30 in time to make dinner.
June 4th – Fri – 100 Mile House
Each time we thought we could get some painting done, we got another rain shower. Marg went to a horse auction at Williams Lake with her friend Jane who is looking for a horse. Terry & I gave up waiting for the rain to stop and went to town to buy some parts to swag a light over the dining table. Of course, it was not as easy as it seemed but Terry finally got it done.
June 5th – Sat – 100 Mile House
Marg & I put the sheep in the corral and counted them before putting them out in the largest pasture. After lunch, it looked like the rain was going to stop long enough for us to paint the greenhouse so we all grabbed a brush. Brother Bob arrived in time to move & hold ladders for Marg & I and we finally finished about 4. We did get one very brief rain shower while we were painting.
Marg & I made a grocery & booze run while the guys helped ex-neighbor Joseph get a dune buggy to run. Joseph arrived with a bottle of wine so they had a good time.
I made butter tarts, Marg did the chores and we ended up having a late dinner by the time all the “kids” had a ride on the dune buggy.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
May 29th to June 1st - 100 Mile House
May 29th – Sat – 100 Mile House
Terry went to town for some wood for shelves in our 5th wheel while Marg & I did some cleaning. Dad finished the guest bedroom night stand and since we are expecting guests soon we had to get things cleaned up. While Terry worked on the shelves, Marg and I worked in the garden & greenhouse. Toni, her son Micheal and her sister Barb stopped by for a nice visit in the afternoon. Terry repaired the fence around the garden that was damaged by deer in the winter.
As you can probably tell, Terry is feeling better now.
May 30th – Sun – 100 Mile House
We went to town for a few items and didn’t do too well as more stores are closed on Sunday than Marg remembered.
After lunch we mixed up an old but unopened can of stain and painted more of the brown/red wood on the greenhouse. Of course, not enough stain to finish the job.
May 31st – Mon – 100 Mile House
We made a trip for a couple of pieces of wiggly wood and spent way too much time trying to get stain to match our existing color which is, of course, discontinued. We also bought cough syrup & cold medicine so hopefully I can get a decent night’s sleep. We picked up hamburgers for lunch on the way home.
Mary & Terry installed & painted the wiggly board and then all of us installed the fiberglass panels on the front of the greenhouse. Looks pretty good.
June 1st – Tues – 100 Mile House
More rain last night – still a good thing in this dry country. Marg had a couple of appointments this morning so Terry & I started putting the new stain on the greenhouse. Oops, not even close on the color. So we took the can of stain and a stick that we had used to stir the old color and went back to the hardware store. The guy scanned the color on the stick (yesterday he scanned the same color on a piece of the label from the can) and got a different color formula. He said he could make the correction and did so. It still looked pretty orange but it was all we could do. Terry started putting in on over the bad color from this morning (still wet). Dad was watching out the window and said Terry didn’t look too happy with the color. I went out and painted a couple of boards that hadn’t been done with the orangey paint and we quit for lunch.
After lunch, Marg wasn’t back yet to help us make a decision on the stain and it was raining again so I rested while Terry worked on a couple of projects in the 5th wheel.
Dad made a new house number sign and I helped him put it up just as another rain shower hit. As the new stain dried, it changed to a color close to the old stain but we were all lazy by this time so it didn’t get done.
Marg made a check of the perimeter fence and saw a couple of places where an animal was trying to dig under the electric fence. The bad news is the dig marks were on the inside. Hope we don’t have a coyote problem again.
Terry went to town for some wood for shelves in our 5th wheel while Marg & I did some cleaning. Dad finished the guest bedroom night stand and since we are expecting guests soon we had to get things cleaned up. While Terry worked on the shelves, Marg and I worked in the garden & greenhouse. Toni, her son Micheal and her sister Barb stopped by for a nice visit in the afternoon. Terry repaired the fence around the garden that was damaged by deer in the winter.
As you can probably tell, Terry is feeling better now.
May 30th – Sun – 100 Mile House
We went to town for a few items and didn’t do too well as more stores are closed on Sunday than Marg remembered.
After lunch we mixed up an old but unopened can of stain and painted more of the brown/red wood on the greenhouse. Of course, not enough stain to finish the job.
May 31st – Mon – 100 Mile House
We made a trip for a couple of pieces of wiggly wood and spent way too much time trying to get stain to match our existing color which is, of course, discontinued. We also bought cough syrup & cold medicine so hopefully I can get a decent night’s sleep. We picked up hamburgers for lunch on the way home.
Mary & Terry installed & painted the wiggly board and then all of us installed the fiberglass panels on the front of the greenhouse. Looks pretty good.
June 1st – Tues – 100 Mile House
More rain last night – still a good thing in this dry country. Marg had a couple of appointments this morning so Terry & I started putting the new stain on the greenhouse. Oops, not even close on the color. So we took the can of stain and a stick that we had used to stir the old color and went back to the hardware store. The guy scanned the color on the stick (yesterday he scanned the same color on a piece of the label from the can) and got a different color formula. He said he could make the correction and did so. It still looked pretty orange but it was all we could do. Terry started putting in on over the bad color from this morning (still wet). Dad was watching out the window and said Terry didn’t look too happy with the color. I went out and painted a couple of boards that hadn’t been done with the orangey paint and we quit for lunch.
After lunch, Marg wasn’t back yet to help us make a decision on the stain and it was raining again so I rested while Terry worked on a couple of projects in the 5th wheel.
Dad made a new house number sign and I helped him put it up just as another rain shower hit. As the new stain dried, it changed to a color close to the old stain but we were all lazy by this time so it didn’t get done.
Marg made a check of the perimeter fence and saw a couple of places where an animal was trying to dig under the electric fence. The bad news is the dig marks were on the inside. Hope we don’t have a coyote problem again.
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