Reorganizing….

…the kitchen as a whole the shelves individually. Some more boxes and boxes pilling up around here after making so many backroom (unfinished room) discoveries Frieda’s supposed to be packing clothes in them for one of the three tri annual free clothing church bazaars. Some boxes meant for clothing are going to be sacrificed for holding cleaned out kitchen shelves. And from where do all the extra bottled wine come from. I’m not just talking the bottled domestic stuff what gotten-self purchased, given, gifted, presumably saved to celebrate that special occasion find all their ways into the cluttering up the kitchen shelves, high and low, and just around the corner. Add to those foreign alien bottles, all the home made stuff what’s found its way up here from the basement? But, I can’t put them bottled wines in these flimsied cardboard boxes good enough for Her Mostess’s ideas shipping what good clothes I once wore out?
More wine bottles than I know what to do with I’m gonna build what could likely be the first Red Neck wine rack. Having a fair supply of five gallon buckets what had held varied fluids (oils, greases, fuels) I thinks I’ll start by laying a row of four on their sides, one end bucked right up again the stone basement wall, the other end blocked with some three/four concrete blocks (12”, 10”, 8”, 6”) The idea behind the four sizes I’ll stack them the biggest one from the bottom up for the esthetic appearance boldly holding a pyramid pilled set of used oil buckets. A fitting use for them buckets, while they might have been oiled full, seems only fitting as if a body empties and drinks enough of them wines, that body’ll be oiled again. Maybe not quite the same oils but oiled just the same.
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Woooo….hooo…….boooo……or..ooooo…oooo….oooo? Maybe it’s the full moon. Evening last I was awakened by neighbor telling me his dog barked. I can believe it, that! That dumb dog barks at me every time I go out the door! So he continues to tell me he heard a pack of coyotes in my pasture chasing the ladies. So, not knowing one way or the other what truth might have been in his words I dressed and went outside with neighbor. Moon so full and bright and just enough snow it weren’t hard seeing where we were walking. I walked out among the ladies. None of them seemed harried, stressed, nor looked exercised. I covr the ground a best I could with my flash light the best I could see were calmly made foot prints going to the water fountain and back to where I had fed the girls. Only other tracks were those my barn cats made having been out and around as cats do, and an opossum track crossing the hay yard.
I doubt we’d had any coyote visitors. Any howling sounds he might have been carried to us on the crisp night airs; and, there was a full moon out last night. Who’s to err not doubt it weren’t a loony moon working its magic(?) upon those susceptible to it’s effect? BGKC.
Fernan

So So

The house so damned cold this AM. Frieda got up complaining. I told her, “It ain’t my fault. The wood’s just to damned cold to burn.” She bought that, then a moment later laughed.
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It’s rumored Apple has devised special chips pairer for breast implants what play prerecorded music of customer’s choice. Should help women who’re fed up with men looking at their chests and never listening to them.
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While I didn’t make any earth shattering progress around here yesterday. I couldn’t have made any earth trembling advances around here if I can’t even remember anything remotely productive. I still ended the evening with the need (want’s) to write outa couple rants and two more singular topic’s each a couple letters to President Obama.
The worst part of yesterday a front tire on the JD blew out. Whoopee! Only twenty some to thirty years old I don’t understand why it should fail picking up 1600 pound silage bales. In my frozen mind I think John needs two new tires up front.
While I had made a somewhat great stride in my house cleaning Friday my effort fell far short yesterday. Also today for that matter.
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For something entirely different to do today I took Ugly to my race-car building neighbor a couple doors down the road. My timing couldn’t have been better. He had only two cars in his shops, both of them his. Glory be he’d three spaces empty room for my Ugly. With his help we fixed my heater, the electrical feed to it, got my rear brakes to working as they should and replaced my driver’s side windshield wiper.
Now I’ve got to take another box out to ugly interior and pack all the dashboard clutter up-off-and-away. I suspect I may even find an old long lost treasure or two in that time gathered mess.
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What an empty headed imbecile I have been! If I can pack all of Ugly’s dashboard crap in a box????? Me thinks I can do the same thing with Frieda’s kitchen mess. Yup! Sort, save, consolidate, wipe off food packages, wipe out cabinets. I may even eventually locate the kitchen stove in something roughly resembling one? If I can clean and reorganize her kitchen, perhaps I can get in the time to prepare a couple three meals a-week.
Now let me explain. When I cook, I tend to prepare enough food to feed the eighth army. It’s a way of cooking I’d become accustomed doing it my way a long time ago. When I’m alone and hungry every night getting in off the range (so to speak) wanting to eat every night I might not have time for my own cooking. Thus it was the two ot three evenings a week I had the time I used to cook up a tall kettle full. Leftovers galore I might indulge the evening next. After that those left over were packed into 1½/2 pound plastic cartons, cottage cheese or other products had once upon a time, I had carried home and frozen. I often time’s had no less that 3or4 recipes going at a time. When I couldn’t cook it I’d pull a prepackaged meal out of the freezer putting it on a frame in a pan of water making my warming up similar to a double boiler-ing it like. And, so it may be the same again. Simplified bulk meals consisted of recipe Mom’s chili made with hamburger, kidney beans, onions, sliced tomatoes and chili peppered to suit; Mom’s goulash made with hamburger, whole tomatoes, onions, celery, with macaroni noodles and sometimes fresh garlic; Mom‘s stem made with tenderly cut peaces of beef, lots of thick heavy (milk cornstarch) gravy, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and any of a variety of herbs or spices; I also liked making spaghetti using a canned prepared sauce fortifying it with an assortment of herbs and spices(sneakily suggesting its my own); and my own potato soup, plus some onions along with the obvious, the sauce made with milk and cornstarch. Then when I had the time cooking not only for myself I might fry a steak, boiled tators mashed, lots vegetables steamed, bread or even better some baking powder biscuits. Oh and I used to broil filleted salmon and/or trout on an open fire basting with either lemon/butter, vinegar/butter, beer/butter, soda-pop/butter, or whatever else I might have fancied at the tine, plus paprika near the finish for color more than taste.
Until we all sit down to a meal together. BGKC.
Fernan

I could be sicker….

……for real, I’m being down on my knees floor scrubbing, or I’m unknowingly feeling better. Could be Doc’s prescribed medications are doing something for me. My ears have quieted some. I’ve got a whole one piece slug of something or other hanging in my troat way back there. I suspect it sinus drainage. I’ve goofed off very little today. Before I did my afternoon chores I left a wall to wall puddle on the kitchen floor to soak and soften it in here whilst I hayed the ladies outside.
Out of desperation I finally installed the last storm window. Wow, it did a good job cutting down all the fresh air creeping by the back three doors. Then I removed myself from the house to do my chores. Sweetheart steady upon her quest, I should let her in the house, was under foot every direction I turned. Darn cat. I did my best to keep the JD (John Deere) running it’s insisting to stall a number of times. So finicky the cold iron was trying to refuse to run I had to near abandon it to let it warm up in its own sweet time. While the JD blubbered part time, my unable to ever push the choke clear in I carried firewood into the house. And there she was sweetheart under foot some more my every step either in or out of the house. I wish she’d spend as much time down the grade in and under the railroad tie pile of corner fence posts catching and smoking rats.
Half my firewood in the house I went back to the JD. Talk about cold butt stubborn while the JD finally let me use it to feed the ladies it never warmed up for me or anything else for that matter. While the hydraulics hadn’t stopped my using them they remained stubbornly slow all the time I was outside.
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Was talking to somebody just the other day about my hospitalizations. Between Frieda, my Brother, and the Pretty Lass down the road, every time one of them had managed to remove me to the horsepistol, each time I found myself incarcerated for a week with no chance for an early good behavior parole. Cheese-ol‘-Pete, then the fun began. Here comes a nurse wanting my history. Usually in the middle of the night when I’m wanting sleep and having no idea what my questioned answer were to? I’d wake up to all sorts of misconstruesions. I was served weird meals. Hospital food is bad enough as it is, without somebody trying to save ones palette from even the more common delicacies known to man. Then here comes a nurse wanting me to take this and that medication. When I question what they are I’m near told it’s none of my business. “You’re to take your medicine following your doctor’s orders.”
In an entirely new element in and under the Horsepistol’s care, I question, “Who’s my doctor?” The nurse tells me, “We’ve a copy of your case file from your primary care giver.” While I may have been in the horsepistol the nurse missed my targeted question. Obviously, my primary care giver and I wasn’t in the same institution. I had naturally assumed a horsepistol staff physician was watching, prescribing, and ordering my medications. Not a nurse. I too was taking an interest in my care and feeding. So, when I asked what the medications were called, what were they for, excreta, excreta, excreta.
“This pill is a muscle relaxant (MR) ordered three times a day.” the nurse had told me.
“Oh whoa! “The hospital doctor ordered this?” I asked.
“No.” said the nurse, “Your Doctor George ______.“
“Now wait a moment!” I spouted. “Some thing is seriously wrong here. Before I take anymore medications! I need to be consulted. It is my life I’m interested in keeping alive.” They had already denied me my medicine box from home. The had cut me off my iron supplements: and, more seriously they had cut off my eyes sight saving Lutein medication. The hospital pharmacy didn’t stock nor carry this mineral or medication. Obviously if the pharmacy didn’t have it (them) I didn’t need it (them).
Now back to the MR. I explained its use. “Doc writes me one month’s three MR’s per-day prescription. That prescription is to last me a whole year, Taken as needed never more than one 5 milligrams (1 pill) a day for charlie-horses and/or cramps. He never intended for me to take more than one of them a day as needed. By your ignorance you’d have me killing myself, over-dosed relaxing my heart bringing on a death, my death. So, I do believe I may be somewhat qualified as to what drugs I may or may not take!” And that was the end to that. Then what pissed me off, when somebody brought me a pill I knew better than to take, it was thrown into a waste basket and I was charged for it anyway.
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On another Home front return, after haying the ladies, feeding the cats, and two stretches to bring in three days firewood I was more than glad I was back inside. Making me an apple juice drink to take a fist full of rattlers and a few moments time thawing out, I went back to my kitchen floor. Okay I didn’t finish the whole of it. I’ll admit it. I had also picked up, swept up, daringly, silently filled two extra trash bags for next week’s trash pick-up. Plus if for no other reason other than my saving me a sore back on housemaids knees.
Taking back up today’s activities in and near the kitchen for awhile, Tomorrows activities shall have to include I bring home a replenished can of air. Find and stow, in Ugly, some parts for making fix Ugly’s heater if I can slip it in the neighbor’s shop. I know Ugly does look like a modified race car nor truck. We just wont let anyone else in without hypnotizing their thoughts. BGKC.
Fernan

sunny new day

Gotta get back into the groove. That is just as soon as get over my pooped feelings. Notice I had written feeling in the plural. Enjoying this slacking I don’t want to rush anything what might wear me out before I’m ready for it. (grin)
While I’m goofing off for a few moments I’ve read turtles just may have memories. Which reminds me………
About taking to animals, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. And have had them respond in return. I like it when they speak back. Maybe not always verbally but perhaps bodily or combining both. The easiest critters to know were for the most part those animals treated as pets (dog, cat). Those a bit more difficult to get along with even if this idea may seem an impossible feat I‘ve enjoyed a goat and numbers of cows even to include the so called dreaded bulls. Admittedly these domestic animals hand fed from birth or near birth they learn to trust their handler.
I’m sorry. I’m in no mood or shape to carry this story any further right now. But I may have a start on an opening paragraph though.
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Three new medications Doc had written for me are tending to put me on my ear. Telling Doc about my tinnitus, trying to have him put his stethoscope to my ear so’s he may hear the same ringing bells as I am, all I got out of him was, “Go answer your phone.” Then he wrote me three new prescriptions: one heavy duty antibiotic, plus two drugs to break up congestion in my head and open up my sinus passages.
Reading up on these drugs I’m warned to venture forth lightly for they affect me with any number of ill effects. To soon to feel any benefit of these drugs the ill effects have set in. I’m anxious, nervous, my shakes have intensified, and three of my old buddies have joined forces to keep me and my queasy stomach company: Ralph, Earl, and Earp. Me thinks I’ll be keeping company with a big dumb open mouthed bucket beside my bed tonight. BGKC.
Fernan

Up Late

Wake a wakey at half past morning. I must have had more of a productive day than I had imagined yesterday. I don’t know where I was when I drifted off into ZZZZZZZ-land. That was a goof-us thing to say. I know exactedly where I had put my body! It’s just that I don’t remember where my mind was when I drifted off into dreamland? Of boy, did I ever dream an impossible dream. Had I learned cheating first I’d never have graduated Medical school anyway. But in my dream I had. Then not wanting to hurt anybody I could help people patients turning my back on people for hanging out with animals. Ha, I just realized animals don’t talk a body’s leg off. Yet I was a carpenter foreman for most my my younger trades career and a charter boat skipper my middle life fun fishing a lazy man’s career when his wife accused him of doing nothing anyway. It wasn’t until just recently later I’ve finally realized a brand new dreams reality. I be damned If I ain’t lived a gloriously worked life. Welp, back to more interesting daily liven life for real. (smiles)
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Hey, we’ve a fresh snow. Not a lot of it. A mere dusting but the weather’s showing promise. I just happen to like snow over mud. (snicker) Everything looks so much fresher and clean.
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Got Frieda to the doctor’s office for her surgery approval. Found healthy enough that hurdle has been cleared. That took all morning. Frieda insisted we eat at home. That saved me a bundle. Then it was on the road again going 11 mile west to the town from where our mail originates. Got right in and that has been taken care of. Now it is my turn to fill out some more papers and put them in the mail for tomorrow’s mail pick up. I swear the paper work consumes more time than the actual treatment (operation). Now we have to make Red Cross appointment for a reserved vampire’s services for a drawn bloody pint should she need it back during her knee surgery. Then its marking the days off the calendar till February 9th her surgery.
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Needed an excuse to go grocery store for a mere couple things and gasoline at the Crossroads. It came alright in the form of a help call upon Handy’s part. He had to have filled another prescription for his mother.
Oh shucks, I forgot I’ve got laundry to do. Then I want to get back to a Louis L’Amour book published a 11 years after his death. I’m wondering are his heirs greedy or what? Anyway, it’s been difficult to put down. And, I’m not speaking to him anymore since he thoughtlessly up and died. BGKC.
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Oh, almost forgot. My trying to get Doc to put his stethoscope to my ears to hear what I heard Instead Doc fixed me up with three new prescriptions to keep the ringing bells in my ears company.
Fernan

chauffeurs

It’s after dark my coming in. It has been a long tiring day. First things first I had to go down to the barn, to do what I had to do, and plug the Leland tractor in for an afternoon’s grind. While I’m doing that our car and driver (and foot-girl) pull into the yard horn honking and yelling carrying-on’s.
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“Sorry ladies,” I thought to myself, “A couple minutes wait isn’t going to hurt ya‘s. Besides, yuo’ve arrived a quarter hour early.”
Getting back up to the house the foot-girl (16th/17th century equivalent to a footman) had Frieda’s wheel chair loaded. There was not but for me to help Her Mostess into the car.
The weather questionable as to what we might see or run into we made decent time into Flint’s Hurley Hospital. Arriving early nobody ahead of us we were taken right in for a mountain of paper work involving questions and answers done via a registered nurse and social worker (patient advocate perhaps) taking turns. These ladies more than pretty enough I could very well let them console me in the waiting room while Frieda‘s in surgery next month, (Feb.9th). (sigh)
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Tomorrow Frieda sees our primary care giver for the official healthy enough okay for her surgery. Plus, an appointment must be made for her donating her own blood at the Red Cross if she should need a transfusion during her operation.
Finished at the Hospital the girls were ready for breakfast stopping at a Gilley’s restaurant on our way home. Frieda seated beside me the two chaffering women seat across from me, my doing just what come naturally, all their purses lined up sitting upon our table I just had to have a picture.

Pulling my camera out of my pocket the girls asked me, “What are you doing….? “What are you taking a picture of….?”
I chirped up, “I just want to get a picture of the three old bags I had lunch with.” and three wimmin got a wee bit touchy? Oweeeee! The devil made me suggest that.
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Sure was good to get home. I brough my barnyard tux in for a warm-up. Remove my shoes to replace them with boots or the mud mucking.
Tom called asked me what I wanted help with. Have to grind, I told him. Then he wanted to know if we could grind him his grain into feed also. Yeah, why not that’ll fill out the afternoon, and it did too.
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Also put my loaded trash out for tomorrow’s trash day pick-up. When I said loaded, I mean loaded. In addition to tubs household and barn trash, there was a couple tubs of silage wrap, all this mixed and matched with cut up tire casings for some purrty top dressing.
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Needless to say it has been a full day bringing in firewood, making my own supper; all to the accompaniment of a splitting headache. I neglected to finish the laundry and left a brand new mouse pad gift out in Ugly’s keeping. Dragging butt and yawning wide enough it’s a wonder I haven’t locked my jaw open. Been a while since even a late supper, I think I want an orange before retiring to the world in ZZZZZZZZZ’s


Sorry, this is the last picture I had taken of the spectacular ceramic village. Oddly enough I finished up right back where I had started with the carousal.
Fernan

Busy day

The damned computer a pain in the arse all of this last week and before. I think I’ve found the problem. Needing a new mouse I spent most the day trying to make this house roomy livable once more. Especially my seeing more and more room needed for an everyday wheel chair rolling around in here.
I thinks it was about 7:30 PM my finally sitting down to my supper.
As for my day, I goofed off some. For the most of it I looked for an elusive new mouse that had originally come with this cussed machine. Looking for that mouse got me into the backroom on this old house having used it for an un-glorified catchall. First problem was getting in the door which entailed my dragging some my old treasures out. While I was dragging I sorted finding all manner of old papers to either shred or burn. Having no shredder, I guess I’ll just have to run all that once pulped wood through the wood stove. while I was sorting I found a very new looking barnyard tuxedo liking Her Mostess has been wanting to go out and buy. That find saved me a whole bunch of silver. Going through a bunch of boxes I kept right on finding more fuel in the form of cardboard boxes. I found dozens and dozens of 5 ¼” floppy discs. I’d like to throw them away sure if I could down load them first. Now ain’t that lucky, I found two carefully wrapped 5 ¼” floppy drives. I found a number of old 24 channel CB’s. I aught to put one in Ugly. There’s an old printer back there that just might work again if it had a couple new ink cartridges. Two spare keyboards. There’s likely another mouse missing. Found scrub buckets, brushes, cleaning fluids, more books, extra blankets, a couple winter coats, and of course five plastic storage cells. And trim boards to finish off the bathroom. Fun fun fun. BGKC
Fernan

AWOL….

…some, sort-of. That is while I more or less been faithful to my journal, I have been a bit remiss making comments on the three boards I frequent most.
I swear, I’m just about as busy as if I were in the middle of haying season.
Shop time had me laying under the all Ollie enjoying myself horizontally removing a defunct speedometer drive. And was it ever defunctive. The primary drive shaft was broken into three pieces.
I had also spent some time making trash. That is correctly right. Straightening out my brother’s jumbled up plastic skins off the silage bales is one of my favorite occupations. He’s got to know this is one of my pet-peeves! We’ve talked about it! This behavior fits him right in there among my silver plated asshole’s lists. Assholes are not made. They’re practiced! Why? Because taking the sheets of one bale at a time makes them lighter and easier to handle whipping them out like putting sheets on a bed, then folded once and easily roll up.
To make my afternoon a rare good time success, I brought out three power saws and commenced to cut up some lovely kaput tires for next week’s trash pickup. (Whole tires tend to float on top the trash mountains, cut up they’ll bury. Thus quartered the trash men will pick them up.) To finish out my day I had to cook for myself, Frieda’s leg bothering her. Hmm strange. I remember when either one or both her limbs used to more than bothered the Hell out of me. (dream on this gray old fool) BGKC.
Fernan

Can’t figure it

While Bro’ was off cross country to pick up a couple seals for the Tall Ollie. (He’d finally found two.) I backed up to the wood-hauler loaded down with tin type scrap metals. I mean this load I had thrown on the wood-hauler was of such poor quality. I’ve honestly seen better trash thrown out aside the roads come trash pickup days. I couldn’t believe what they paid me for 1100 pd’s metals inclusive bicycles, tin cans (literally), barbed wire, woven fence, sheet metals (leftovers), nails, bolts and nuts, folded brake lines to fit in trailer, other in-descript junk, plus two gallons hard water (ice blocks). That crap was bought from me $176.00/ton.
When seal parts got back I put some the Tall Ollie back together again. This kept my afternoon busy. Asked to put my hand in the far ends chores I did so with Bro’s part of them. Having let things go around here, I had a small mountain of firewood to bring in. That done I took a hot chocolate break. Before I had finishes I’m called, “You got a non working fountain down here. Fine! Just ducky even! I hadn’t done my chores yet and I was already leaning on my twilight zone. Time to hustle I was off and on the JD doing my chores in what light I had left.
Yup it was dark when I turned right out of the drive needing head lights to keep Ugly between the ditches. I don’t know why somebody couldn’t have informed me this problem hours ago. I don’t do well seeing after dark and here I am on the road. On the seat beside me I’ve got my heavy flashlight and Frieda’s handy dandy hair drier, and my screw drive on the dash. Dark it was, my pulling up in front the barn. I light bulb in my pocket, the screw driver flashlight and hair drier in my hands I trip into the barn over a hay fork handily laying on the floor where one of the kids left so I could run a hole in what had been my waterproof boots. Oh well, should they ever be filled with water, they’ve a drain now to let the water out saving me otherwise standing on my head.
Getting back to the problem water fountain outside the other end the barn my doing one my gymnast impersonation’s ducking through the wee little door in the middle of the big back door. Crossing the pen under total darkness by this time with my flashlight I shine it on the fountain in question. It’s there. It’s bowls have water in them and the water’s also still running . Just the same I better check out the light bulb within the fountain cabinet. Juggling my tools for my screw driver’s use I momentarily turned my flashlight away. A sliver of light came shinning out about the edges of the service door. There was nothing wrong with this fountain, still I’ll recheck it out again come tomorrow morning.
This pretty well covered my day. It was busy enough to keeping me out until about an hour after dark. I’ve had it. I’m done for today. BGKC,
Fernan

Won-da-va

Okay, I wrote about giving stuff away yesterday; hygienic supplies, groceries and clothes; with high hopes I’d moved more boxes of stuff out of our crowded warehouse. Yeah, that’s what this joint is looking like a about to over flow, bust at the seams warehouse in need of a clearance sale or one of them 40 yrd dumpsters moved up to the front door. Why? With all the boxes I had gotten rid of yesterday by the time I had returned back home I had come out even for the day. Now, get this, Fed-X stopped by today dropping off 2 more boxes. I’m about to break out in tears my trying to get rid of accumulated useless inventory. All supposedly worthless stuff until its needed by somebody who really needs it and can’t afford it. I keep winding up with more in the end than I’ve been able to get rid of. I see only one immediate solution. I take up my own beer tending, pour me a tall cold one, and symbolically cry into it. (sniff) Gawd, if there’s anything I dislike is watered down beer.
Shop time we took more of the Tall Oliver’s braking system apart removing the gross gear-case remote left brake actuating shaft out. All the damaged parts Ray taken away, his return sometime later he brought us a very good condition cross case-shaft and a newly bushed right side brake pedal arm assembly. The case seals for this 1850 Ollie still remain unattainable at this writing. If we can’t fine NOS (new old stock) hopefully a china-man (most likely) seems somewhere has the good heart to make us a couple new replacement parts. It’s a true fact, if these USA parts are considered obsolete and no longer domestically manufactured parts. In this light we can not help ourselves but to purchase those parts made by whoever alone continues or takes up making these or other parts available for our use.
+Okay, I trashed some more my stuff: old drawings, papers, sketches, and plenty un-categorical savings to paper what I’d no idea what it was. Trying to make more room in here I feel as though I’ve thrown some of myself away. Oh well, such is progress , or is it? Late enough my mind a muddle. BGKC.
Fernan

Had a productive day

Waking up was easy. Opening my eyes, seeing the clock, I wanted to get up. There were no if‘s, and’s or but’s. I was feeling good and wanted to get on with my farm life as it should productively be.
Glad I had milk I had corn flakes under moo juice for breakfast, a couple coffee’s, and I was on my way. Frieda sent me out with two boxes with hygienic supplies (Frieda’s surplus depends and pads) to drop off at the senior center. Their I picked up three boxes food stuffs. From their I drove cross country going far enough I had become slightly confused as to where I was either at or going to if I kept motoring on. Coming upon the Birch Run road I had gotten to far north. Turning around going three miles south I found the road I was supposed to have been on maybe as much as a sure half hour earlier. Traveling east I soon arrived where I had originally started out to go. Stopping here I gave the mistress of this house those fruits and vegetables goods what she wanted of my swag. She also gave me another box of unneeded hygienic supplies (pads). (I can’t win for losing, Oh well.) Wanting nothing else I hit the road again, next stop the hardship family I’d pass on my way home. The goods sorted I dropped them off two boxes saving one box of my choices before getting there. Finally I was on my way home. Trying to get rid of useful goods we didn’t have need for to those needing them I wound up only one box good and gone to the good. I had saved us some cereal, canned milk, and beans.
As far as I was concerned it was dinner time. I ate and itched to hit the road again even if it were only for two miles. I wanted to enjoy some shop time.
So help me I been trying to make more room in this house, I desperately wanted the three boxes clothes Frieda had said she’d sorted out for the church rummage give away (the clothes are offered free to those who either can’t afford what they need or chosen by those folks having needs). I only found one box. I’ll find the other two to haul away another day. On my way to the shop I drop that one box off to the elevator clerk on my way along.
Had an exciting afternoon. Spent most my time looking for and putting away my tools. Also found myself taking some of the Tall Ollie apart to try and take some sloop out of the right hand steering brake pedal. The brake shaft worn the most, unable to remove brake pedal shaft from Tall Ollie, possible only by removing tire, removing a loaded tire ain’t going to happen. I’m pondering, I may be able to have the brake pedal bored out for a new bushing, the bushing quick mettled to the shaft, I may have a workable solution.
Wood supply hold up well what I carried in yesterday I needed only to feed the ladies.
Another bright spot in my day’s living my farm life to the fullest, mine Frieda found the lost indoor/outdoor thermometer. Tonight it rests all in one small box. Outdoor sensor-transmitter, the receiver flat screen communicator, the antenna, and the screws to fasten the instruments on/in the house.
So, it has been a good day complete with Frieda finally over her cold and myself not needing anymore cough syrup. BGKC.
Fernan

Ho Hum Day

This is what I woke up to this morning. A delightfully scenic horror frost created by a fog rising from the earth in sub freezing temperatures. We only see one or two of these Jack Frost creations a year with Mother Nature supplying the artists materials if we are lucky.

To the naked eye all the trees look as though they were created in in precious silver.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I promise I didn’t do anything striking today unless procrastinating counts. Biggest activities, how shall I list them? Straight-out or some tongue in cheek exaggerations. Went down to the barn with some kitchen contributions for the barn cats. I broke into another silage cell, in the middle this time. There has to be a first time for everything. The plasticity wrap on three bales had been compromised. So, I might just as well break in the weakened spot and save what I could one more bale either side the three bales. I disturbed two of them today. That’ll help get me back into the exceptionally good silage. I counted bales today: 90 4’x4’ silage bales and 80 4’x5’ dry bales. Going to have to find some more. Curses.
Frieda’s got to see a Doctor for a good health report before her operation. She drug her feet all day until I had finally lost the whole day for myself. Frieda getting ready always includes a shower. I hang around for that should she need a hand. I don’t want her slipping and falling. O maybe my reader has an idea what I’m up against. She fussed and fumed until it were to late for me to accomplish anything for myself around anywhere. Oh well, I could probably use the extra day’s rest….hey?!
Five days out of milk. Gone without beer only yesterday. It’d become imperative I go shopping. Asking Frieda for a shopping list, her just having come out of the shower, keeping my eyes and my pen upon the paper grocery list, I protected my eyes sight after-shock. While she spoke I itemized her dictated needs: Bread, MILK, butter, BEER, ice-cream, another tall bottle Day Quill, some oranges and apples. Gotta laugh at Della the cat. Some-where’s between the MILK and the BEER she come up to me, my feet, l;ooked up catching my eyes and loudly voiced her demand, “Get me some tuna fish.” Her meow was to the point and very persuasive. Letting her see me write it down, satisfied with herself she walked away. Animals. I’ll tell ya……
As long as I was headed for the Crossroads I called Handy. Needing a few things himself he came aboard. A few things for each of us, yeah sure, we both filled a 20 gallon tub with groceries. Did I mention I picked up a few more things than I had listed.


Here is another picture of many. As to how many figurines there are, I’ve no idea? The owner for that manner has no idea how many she has? Her sons hadn’t brought them all out. What were displayed covered six full sheets of plywood or one and one-half the walls of her living-room.
Well, this is it for another day in my Shorthorn country. BGKC.
Fernan

What a Day

No one but no one could have asked for a prettier day. The thermometer had even climbed a couple degrees above freezing. Why, I didn’t been have my hat’s flaps down all day even for driving the tractor back home.
Tom joined me in play on the frozen over sand box. That’s why I got to drive the tractor. Tom had about froze his bippity off taking it to the shop for the tire fix. While I spent most of my time making fix a bunch of tires, the JD’s the most important. Tom worked more upon Tall Ollie assembling. How it worked we each gave the other a hand when he needed it. The best part of this?
I’ll tell it like it is. Get two amiable friends together prone to giving and taking some ribbing made another whole day a joy to have experienced. Taking Tom home our doing everybody’s chores he stated his anxiousness to come out and play again tomorrow. We’re not careful we may soon have that Tall Ollie out of the shop. Two things still need doing. Set the Ollie back down to earth, and tighten up the front axel assembly. The other, repair and/or rework most the tractor’s wiring.
Getting home I come in a rested a bit. When I was afraid I might have over done myself remaking my throat sore. I took my rattlers. I had a cup of coffee, took a swig some cough syrup, and found myself ready to go again. I did some sweeping and picking up in here. Went out to bring some firewood in and while doing that thought the deck overcrowded, which it diffidently was when a did one Hell of a Fan-Dang-O Dance keeping myself upright with my decidedly last arm load of wood from the outside stack. Seems when the sun’s going down ice and snow become slipperier. Okay, the stove wood still looking short I made more room on the deck bringing in what wood I had left sitting on the deck for in here.
Seat starting to cruise the net, writing this, and listening to Her Mostess heaven forgive me I drifted off into an easy sleep, an hour or more. Out of milk I had a beer with my supper. Darn, it I’ve got to get to the Crossroads sometime tomorrow. This substituting beer for cows milk just plainly isn’t cutting it. We’re almost out of beer. No where near my bed time, I’m still having a time trying to stay it awake. The stove fan has quit a couple times, so I’d better throw another log on the fire. And then its going to be…BGKC.
Fernan


Railroad station in the foreground. Graceland supposedly in the back ground, a very valuable collectable piece. It just looks like a house to me. Like mini skirts, I’d never been a slave to fashion……

1st things 1st

1-14-2010
Going back one day I didn’t write for just plain unadulterated meanness. I had things to do again my better nature but such is the way of a farmers life. I like to wore myself out getting that loaded wagon and tractor I’d stuck day before yesterday unstuck yesterday. Had to air a tractor tire. Just what I need a flat tire to fix. At least that tire ain’t a driver.
Like I had written all I had to do was wait overnight, climb aboard that old 4020 with cold tires just take and put that loaded wagon right where I wanted it. That old 4020 warmed up, in gear, clutch out, that wagon had decided it just weren’t gonna move easy. Well, that was the plan anyway. Plan “A” having gone down settling in the potential snowing slush, plan “B” was called for.
Disconnecting the two pieces I shackled and pined a snatch strap between the two impossible wheeled contrivances and redid the putting tractor in gear, letting the clutch out, and without (Truth, I didn’t know if I could handle another failed plan, be-known?) The slack sharply taken up, that wagon moved, to plan “B.” Halleluiah, I’d been don. The wagon moving I did my best herding that, no longer stubbier wagon, wagon into the somewhat close position as to how I wanted it parked. The only other job aside from the chores for an under the weather man wasn’t done yet. I had to put all my stuff away and park tractor with the afflicted tire down by the barn a bit handier to the compressor which needs its belt tightened. Yeah, right, just what I want to do? Another day, okay. Okay!
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1-15-2010 Same-o’grind
For help today I enlisted Tom’s able assistance. The grind went well today. No foul-ups like last Monday. Smooth moving penguin style walking around out her on an icy driveway from tractor start, through grind and mix, to putting the equipment away and delivering the goods.
It wasn’t even to bad our having to air up the JD tire. Going flat overnight I might better take my chances, back sliding this cussed cold, to take tractor and fix tire.
I finished up the last of the sudex silage this afternoon. I maybe into hauling more in tomorrow? Oh heck. I’m sure of it!
And during all this day’s activities the weather has turned to crap. 40* temps are making a mess of the snow turning it into slush. Whooppee! If it turn back cold soon, I’ll be paddling mud.
No telling which way the weather will be tomorrow Murphy’s sure to catch up with me. Why. For one important reason, it only takes one, I failed to tote in a couple day’s fire wood yesterday and today. And I likely will get myself to soon pooped enough to push my exertion’s luck tomorrow. Oh well, the foyer….err….woodshed is filled to the ceiling for just such emergencies. And opps, there’s a day’s forth firewood laying on the deck. I guess were set enough for a couple day’s relaxing part of my chores.
Lets see, I’ll finish my laundry duties, fix supper, and the rest of the evening will be mine. Right now I’m thinking about an after supper nap.
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The seasons seem a little mixed up. I flattened a mosquito while eating supper. Frieda thinks it might of come out of the firewood.
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Frieda said something today, “I’ve always felt safe with you. You happen to have the meanest look about you.”
I don’t know from where she brought that statement up from? Then I got to wondering just how did she mean that? Then again if it weren’t really a compliment?? BGKC.
Fernan

Feel Good?

3:00AM I’m supposedly laying by in the darkness. The TV’s going to drown out my tinnitus only I believe I may be hearing it the other way around. Besides the TV’s sound the stove pipe heat recovery blower decides to kick off and on a couple times before remaining silent. Living in this house over the years Frieda and I have become accustomed to hearing the constant winter murmurings this iron monster in our living room. We’ve to these coming and going sounds from it as though, of the darkest, the coldest nights it behaves like an animal, saying, “feed’s me the fire in my belly.” This ebony critter standing handily steadfast in it purpose or desire to keep the body’s of our souls warm. But be warned, getting to close this black hearted devil can burn a person’s hide. Treated carefully it serves us well winter‘s seasons year after year.
I can remember my great grand parents seasonally carrying their old pot bellied dinning-room stove out onto the back porch every spring, paint it sometime over the summer and bring it back in about the time of the country’s first frost. Them with the first fire in it the French doors to the sun porch, the back door as well as the rare opening of the front door all opened to let the awful stink blow out of the house. Just thinking about it I smell that different smoking fall odor of stove paint. I remember also Grandpa and dad with ropes passed under the stove then wrapped just so almost around their wrists held fast between their thumbs and fore fingers with all their fingers gripping those rope. There was the bending of backs, short baby steps of both men and grandma offering “Careful” encouragement’s over the back door sill and threshold’. I also remember her observations, “It’s tipping.” and “You’ve got to straighten it up!” and then the setting it just right over the imitated wood grained tin stove mate, “This way” or “No, that way” and “Just right.” A couple heat deflecting nickel plated rings were lowered down over the stove’s body. The stove pipe put back up always fitting just right, the wood-box brought in to sit off side behind the stove. Room was always reserved for dog’s mat and dog.
On hearing the demanding stove’s wants, the dialogue of an old movie’s characters, both nearly drowned out by the upped amplification, this time, the constant combined whistling and buzzing in my ears. Trying to drift back off to perhaps remember, sleep and dream an old adventure it was not to be. Rather than toss and turn seeking that solace what will take me from my ears boring musical refrains, I got up, brung me an orange to my keyboard, peeled and ate it, while setting down a vivid old old-memory.
Note: Now how about this? I’ve just returned from my afternoon outings having remembered what it was I wanted to write in my fourth paragraph. That’s not counting this very one.
It was as explained by our family physician, people either didn’t catch colds or got over them very quickly. It is there was a time people needed to go outside daily to re-supply their homes with firewood. That daily trek was the fresh air exercise peoples lungs needed to stay healthy. Then came along coal followed by oil both delivered to peoples homes, their basements holding a tank or bin. Fuels delivered to peoples homes they had no more need to go outside, consequently no good fresh air taken in while they re-breath the households bad air.
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I’m up. and haven’t decide whether I feel better or not. Having to get on the road, regardless how I feel I made up my own oatmeal. Making the instant variety adding raisins. When I brought it out of the nuker, it looked oddly back at me. I guess I hadn’t put enough water in it. Stirring it up it got to looking better but still wondering (??????) I added some maple syrup to it. Didn’t taste to bad in-spite the fact it come out of my cereal bowl resembling lumpy wall paper paste, but it was good. Then I was off to re-supply the shelled corn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
First stop was Sixguys farm. Corn loaded it was on around the block for a weight slip. The elevators scales frozen yesterday they weren’t working today. Whoopee, I’m relegated to estimating the load’s weight. If I should go back to my collected weight slips 3rd, 4th, 5th one’s back and average them I should come up close.
Getting the loaded wagon back home ugly just managed to complete its ramble up and out of the low drive to lose traction. Ugly should have had it made on high ground. Feeding time for the ladies after taking them their hay I hook onto wagon to complete its parking. Egh, The 4020 Jd can’t even get traction.
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I’ve written I purchased a half priced fir tree Christmas gift for Frieda after the Holiday. Well all of a sudden it is beginning to become expensive. She’s talking about repotting it in a bigger pot giving the roots more room to grow. Some two hundred acres spread out up and down this road, the earth frozen, I can’t dig up a shovel full of dirt. So, here it comes, While I was at the elevator today I got us a forty pound bag potting soil. Now get this, it’s frozen, but its sitting not far from the heating stove. Well that frozen bag wasn’t near as hard as to trying fit a 20 or 40 acre field in here. Such is the continued way of loving gestures, there costs just continue to rise, going on forever. Oh whoa is me…
~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now for a few words on my cold suffering. My phlegm was yeller colored the last couple days, clearing some today. I think I’ve managed to hurtle the high point in any infection my carcass has been hosting. I sure hope I’m square with the world in a couple more days. Good news is, Her Mostess is over her cold. So it’s my hiny that’s dragging around here. Soon’s we’re both well its off to see the wizard of Doctor, the man of letters for Frieda’s good health report and my head noises. BGKC.
Fernan



It was a great day. now if I can continue keeping my mouth shut

Rest..er....sleeping

Nothing written for today as I’m convalescing.
However enjoy some more ceramic village pieces:






I hope these pictures have been enjoyed. ‘til tomorrow BGKC.
Fernan

1-11-2010 This weren’t my idea

So, its a day late. Sick, having to do what I had to do, some good eating, naps and sleep. If my written time line makes little sense I wrote this last night falling asleep over my keyboard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I merely a-woke and checking my inventory I spent a lazy day on the couch. I was head achy, cramps, upset belly, intestines tied in knots, cough, runny nose, lose of appetite, I took it easy yesterday, delving into Frieda's cold meds. She better get well quick cause she ain't got as many meds left as she had a couple days ago.
Doing no more than I have to, bringing in firewood, feeding the animals, I'm going to try my continued laying low with even more comfort foods today.
I almost wish I had nailed the neighbors chicken when I had had the chance last summer. I'd have let it run through a pan of water for a tasty chicken broth. Oh well, such are braking mistakes.
As hungry as I was feeling this morning, I'd mentioned I’d like some noodles in that imagined broth for a belly filling substance. I had also planned on staying in all day for the great strides I had made yesterday getting over a nescience sinus cold. Haaaa! That was until I was informed the ground grain was out.
For more openers I read a very attractive neighbor Lady was about to make us, Frieda what’s her name and myself some of her home made chicken soup. What an appreciative thought that was I knew instantly I needent worry about wearing myself out opening Mr. Campbell’s caned soups. It looked like I was going to get delivery.

Gosh, just what I wanted to do on such a close get well knit day laying low. I thought I’d better find me a hand. Three names popping up in my mind I called Handy. He was glad to help. Halleluiah, I had a good somebody to do my grunting while I could simply take care of supplying the sound effects. I dressed, fed kitties, picked up Handy and completed the circuit; elevator, pick up empty wagon, and return home.
Finding I had mistakenly missed plugging the grinding-tractor in, it refused to start. Even the HD battery charger was of no help. Plan “A” shattered it was time to implement plan “B,” as soon I could devise one. Walking up the farmyard driveway what to my admiring eyes did I see, a very attractive young lady carrying a dish into my house. My next and more earnest thought, “Yum.”
Plan “B,” I took Handy and we drove over to the Crossroads for a coffee break whilst the tractor warmed up. Also had a key made for the trip‘s count. Getting back everything had jelled and was done in belated good time. Handy accompanied me to spot the partially filled grind up to the barn, and then helped unload Ugly to finish his part for me.
When all was tidied up and I was came in right on time for a 2:30 PM lunch. I’ll have you know I wasn’t disappointed. The house smelled good. Not that I personally had anything to do with it. I dished myself up a soup bowl full and nuked it. So good it was, the seasoning just right, for us old folks, it been pure sacrilege to have eatened crackers with it. I was looking forward to supper’s leftovers.
Oh my it wasn’t easy keeping my trap shut while outside most the day. Aside from the an unintentional nap, I had the trash to put out and firewood to bring in. Trash went all right. Starting to huff and puff bringing the fire wood in, I quit short the wanted two full measures. I hadn’t coughed but maybe twice while I was out all day. I saved some firewood to bring in tomorrow. Having come as far as I had healing a cold wise, I was not looking for any back sliding.
Supper was lunch leftovers. The grand neighbor lady’s chicken noodle soup. I’ve got to tell ya’s It was no stroll though this soup for any chicken. Once that chicken stepped into the pot it was there to stay. There were lots and lots of big-wide egg noodles keeping that chicken company. Keeping the noodles company there were mushrooms and carrots all a swimming in a fine warm chicken broth. The aroma was a meal in itself it smelled so good. It’s all gone now. Only a memory that’ll slip away. But I enjoyed it as long as it had lasted. Amen. BGKC.
Fernan

This weren’t my idea

I merely a-woke and checking my inventory I spent a lazy day on the couch. I was head achy, cramps, upset belly, intestines tied in knots, cough, runny nose, lose of appetite, I took it easy yesterday, delving into Frieda's cold meds. She better get well quick cause she ain't got as many meds left as she had a couple days ago.
Doing no more than I have to, bringing in firewood, feeding the animals, I'm going to try my continued laying low with even more comfort foods today.
I almost wish I had nailed the neighbors chicken when I had had the chance last summer. I'd have let it run through a pan of water for a tasty chicken broth. Oh well, such are braking mistakes.
As hungry as I was feeling this morning, I'd mentioned I’d like some noodles in an imagined broth for a belly filling substance. I had also planned on staying in all day for the great strides I had made yesterday getting over a nuisance sinus cold. Haaaa! That was until I was informed the ground grain was out.
For more openers I had read a very attractive neighbor Lady was about to make us, Frieda what’s her name and myself, some of her home made chicken soup. What an appreciative thought that was. I knew instantly I needn't worry about wearing myself out opening Mr. Campbell’s caned soups. It looked like I was going to get delivery.

Gosh, just what I wanted to do on such a close get well knit. I thought I’d better find me a hand. Three names popping up in my mind I called Handy. He was glad to help. Halleluiah, I had a good somebody to do my grunting while I could simply take care of supplying the sound effects. I dressed, fed kitties, picked up Handy and completed the circuit; elevator, pick up empty wagon, and return home.
Finding I had mistakenly missed plugging the grinding-tractor in, it refused to start. Even the HD battery charger was of no help. Plan “A” shattered it was time to implement plan “B,” as soon I could devise one. Walking up the farmyard driveway what to my admiring eyes did I see, a very attractive young lady carrying a dish into my house. My next and more earnest thought, “Yum.”
Plan “B,” I took Handy and we drove over to the Crossroads for a coffee brake whilst the tractor warmed up. Also had a key made for the trip. Getting back everything had jelled and was done in belated good time. Handy accompanied me to spot the partially filled grind up to the barn, and then help unload Ugly to finish his part for me.
It was 2:30 PM when all was tidied up and I was coming right on time for lunch. I’ll have you know I wasn’t disappointed. The house smelled good my coming in. Not that I personally had anything to do with it. I dished myself up a bowl full and nuked it. So good it was, the seasoning just right for us old folks, it been pure sacrilege to have eatened crackers with it. I’m looking forward to supper’s leftovers.
Oh my it wasn’t easy keeping my trap shut while outside most the day. Aside from the an unintentional after lunch nap, I had the trash to put out and firewood to bring in. Trash went all right. Starting to huff and puff bringing the fire wood in, I quit short the wanted two full measures. I hadn’t coughed but maybe twice while I was out all day. I saved some firewood to bring in tomorrow. Having come as far as I had healing a cold bugg, I’m not looking for any back sliding.
Supper was lunch leftovers. The grand neighbor lady’s chicken noodle soup. I’ve got to tell ya’s It was no stole though this soup for no chicken. Once that chicken stepped into the pot it was there to stay. There were lots and lots of big-wide egg noodles keeping that chicken cozily covered. Keeping the noodles company there were mushrooms and carrots all a swimming in a fine warm chicken broth. The aroma was a meal in itself it smelled so good. It’s all gone now. Only a memory that’ll slip away. But I enjoyed it as long as it had lasted. Amen. BGKC.
Fernan

Parallel topics

"Very interesting!" to quote Arty Johnson.
Up after sleeping in to six I got up looked at a couple my favorite boards and came up with this.
I stirred up the coals and threw more wood on the fire, if this qualifies for STOKEing?
Thawed some Tom's BACON for some bean soup.
As for COFFEE I've got to get me some.
Myself an admitted weird Yankee, (I like beans in my bean soup.)
I should be helping Tom some (who happened to have renewed his driver's license yesterday) cut, split, and tote some his FIREwood in today.
So, good morning everybody, have a pleasant day wherever/whatever you're doing.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sundown has come and gone. I wound up staying inside all day with the one ten minute exception to give the ladies a hadn’t been wrapped old hay bale.
Uncomfortable within my own body’s misgivings: belly ache, cramps, runny nose, sore throat, I laid low and in addition to my regular medications I sampled some of Frieda’s cold medications. Now past my bed time I’m hungry. I’m going to eat a can of fruit cocktail. Watching for the cherry bits is liking looking forward to getting the prize out of a Cracker Jack box.
Accomplishment of the day I shoved a whole box of insignificant clippings away back into the woodstove I had used for drawing from. I’ve got the computer now. BGKC.
Fernan

Parallel topics

"Very interesting!" to quote Arty Johnson.
Up after sleeping in to six I got up looked at a couple my favorite boards and came up with this.
I stirred up the coals and threw more wood on the fire, if this qualifies for STOKEing?
Thawed some Tom's BACON for some bean soup.
As for COFFEE I've got to get me some.
Myself an admitted weird Yankee, (I like beans in my bean soup.)
I should be helping Tom some (who happened to have renewed his driver's license yesterday) cut, split, and tote some his FIREwood in today.
So, good morning everybody, have a pleasant day wherever/whatever you're doing.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sundown has come and gone. I wound up staying inside all day with the one ten minute exception to give the ladies a hadn’t been wrapped old hay bale.
Uncomfortable within my own body’s misgivings: belly ache, cramps, runny nose, sore throat, I laid low and in addition to my regular medications I sampled some of Frieda’s cold medications. Now past my bed time I’m hungry. I’m going to eat a can of fruit cocktail. Watching for the cherry bits is liking looking forward to getting the prize out of a Cracker Jack box.
Accomplishment of the day I shoved a whole box of insignificant clippings away I had used for drawing from. I’ve got the computer now. BGKC.
Fernan

Pretty day

Clear skies, sunshine, and crispy air made it was a joy to be outside. The Ford starting nicely I cleaned the farm yard’s drive of some the snow. I’d have let it go if it weren’t coming up time to grind another batch of mixed grain. A cleaned drive eliminates some ruts, some of them ruts I just plainly go without.
Sun of a gun getting in an hour after the twilight light faded out and another half hour down dressing, nuking my supper, I’ve finally settled into my favorite chair. It’s lap time for my dinner plate either shoving or shoveling it in. My bones chilled enough I could damn near eat the crockery the vittles are on.
After lunch I fired up the 4020 thinking it good day taking it to Tom’s place so he could unstack some logs what had gotten in his way troubling his attempts to block them up for splitting.
The air almost still starting out on the drive I didn’t think it’d to bad. Was I ever wrong. It took all of the first mile to get the cussed tractor warm enough to have shifted it into high gear. The it was turning north straight into probably no more than a three/four mph what I’d call an arctic breeze.
On arrival my jaw bone a vibrating something fierce Tom sent me up to his apartment for warmth and coffee. That coffee mug sure was a winner in my fingers wrapped around it to cool its contents for sipping. I chatted some with Tom’s wife and enjoyed her pet raccoons coming out to look me over. Not yet a year old they were big enough for a coonskin hat and a good roasting with that hat material removed they were looking fit enough for some tender eating. Yum!
The drive home was near a cake walk as for comfortable weather following my drive was concerned. Drive’s south alternating with east that had earlier been in my face, breezes, was behind me. That was a relief. Pulling into the lower drive I boogied right out to the hay-yard going on to feed the ladies.
Wasn’t to bad a day with all concerned. The Ford started smartly. Had to wait a while for the hydraulics to function. Ugly was a stubborn start, worrying me my might have had to bring out the heavy battery booster, just catching. What really grinds my butt, I had purchased TWO cans (ether) starting fluid, and I can’t find hide nor hair of either one. They were likely my cans what come up missing earlier this last fall. Looks like I’d better find a couple more! Sure’d like to had one today. Was good I had gotten along without it! Was even better I hadn't dangerously used one.
Damn it! There’s got to be something to this sinus problem of mine, but I don’t know what it is. Outside all day there was no drip, drip, drip it off the nose? There was also no hack, hack, hack coming up from the throat? I could sure use an explanation for all this. Only good thing coming off for the whole day, The noise in my ears has subsided some. I don’t blame anyone sleeping to the sound of a TV or radio. Personally I wouldn’t mind listening to National Public Radio if I could find a 24/7 NPR station. BGKC.
Fernan


I like the green house in this picture. Seeing it this evening has me thinking Spring!

WTH

I ain't apologizing for the beautiful four inches snow standing on my deck covering my yard and junk everywhere. But am sorry for a-long with the beautiful snow the inconsiderate damned fool a-hole snowmobilers making genuine asses of themselves with their machines noisily running the roads all night.
Frieda’s complaining of the noise and I’m wondering that same noise woke me up, for a I had no other reason clear cut?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now I’m collecting Patent drugs for a newly found cold of my own. Drat! When I woke last night for no apparent reason I thought from some symptoms but for a running nose and a tickle in my throat. I got into Her Mostess’s cough syrup, I got into our giant sized chewable vitamin “C” tablets, and put another pill of a tinnitus medication (magnesium) under my tongue.
Then turned around turning my Computer on and writing something no doubt profound only to wake up again five hours later to find it all lost somewhere out in cyber space. Arrggghhhh!!!! Why, I had even brought up and added another ceramic village picture to the closing of this supposed writing. Oh well?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Frozen battery thawed and charged, installed little Fort tractor, tractor started right up. Tractor running I stood by liking an eternity waiting for the hydraulics to work. Then when they did they was merely working liking molasses in January.
Now that I have the tractor running I’m missing two things. Somebody to help me remove the posthole digger and then either drive the tractor or truck home?
It’s lunch time. Maybe under a handicap I can either think of something or find another solution.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sure was nice to come inside at quarter of 5:00 PM. Handy and his son home on a snow day gave me a hand taking post hole digger off the Ford. I gassed it and topped off fluids. Then we did chores. Having plugged the Tall Ollie in this morning, Tom missing it I started the Tall Ollie up. Poor Ollie, as cold as it is while Tall’s hydraulics worked they work stiffly. Regardless we may finish up the tractor’s rump end. Everything taken care of at that end Handy drove the Ford home for me. Together we mounted the back blade. So, I’m not totally without snow moving equipment now.
I had said we had gotten four inches snow overnight. I was wrong. Out in it we we’ve gotten just what I had asked for, between six and eight inches. That ground cover makes me a happy camper having that nice white blanket to keep the earth under it warm.
No sinus nor possible cold drip from the nose all the time I’m outdoors. I’m thinking it better keeping my nose outside, to freeze dry, as long as my fingers can take the cold.
Walking and driving remained a bit hazardous negotiating getting around in this snow lying on packed snow and ice underneath. It don’t take much torque under foot nor behind the wheel to loose traction and find yourself either sliding out of control or getting good and stuck.
Son of a gun. In the house only thirty minutes and my nose, my sinuses, were loading up. Time for a vitamin “C” tablet. Gosh I hate those sour vitamin “C” tablets. Yuk! Was time again to grin and bear it.
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Here it is. A repeat of a picture I had thought I was putting up earlier.

Then after I had brought this picture up earlier I laid it back down and immediately went to sleep. That was this morning. Now, getting on to supper time there’s absolutely nothing wrong with my appetite. I’m ready to eat the moment my rattler waiting is over. Then I’m afraid a compulsory hibernating feeling will take over my mind and body before. BGKC.
Fernan

damned noise

This one come onto me evening last 250* from do north off my nose, and again this morning coming 110* and the original 250* of my nose. I’m suffering from a severe case of tinnitus. Believe my words this is the worst and loudest this personal phenomena has ever been with me. So loud there are no escapes with only one exception, sleep. It isn’t a pleasing Spring sound of peepers or crickets. I was hit with this malady this place in time with a medium high pitched whine. I may have it now, the sound I mean. It reminds me of a high speed electric motor with a bearing on the verge of going out. Most annoying!
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Was a nice day for outdoor activities which I stayed with until Brother had to give it up. That’s alright I’ve plenty other things keep me busy: My firewood to bring in, chores, and worst of all sorting through all my old stuff deciding what’s worth keeping and even more so what priceless gems to throw away. There’s all my art works? Do I or do I not want to save them for my kids? Maybe some? Which ones? And then there’s just plainly accumulations of pure junk. Egad’s, the expired batteries I should return to the super market for either recycling or proper disposal. That one could really iritate me. They want to collecta dime for every battery I turn in. It’d really piss me off if they trashed them? I can do that for myself and save a piggy bank full of dimes.
And what’d I do outside today? I was half in and out of the shop with my time. Ford tractor battery hadn’t been fully revived as yet. Maybe tomorrow. Took my pen titrating oil solution out to lube the old snow blower drive chain. The pump refusing to work I opened the cap a turn and dribbled oil as best I could over it. Where I left the 4010 sitting for the winter I need stretch out a power cord for a heavy duty 110 volt tractor battery booster. Looked at need to make a new battery rake (tray) for the Tall Ollie. Primarily a summer tractor one battery aught to be enough.
Gosh it wasn’t until I got home did I realize how pretty a day it had been. I had been outdoors all day with my flaps up. Prettiest part of the day? Watching the snow fall. We may even have an inch or three accumulation. I’ve been so jealous the rest of the nation finally getting there fair share after our taking care of the white stuff so many years after years. (hehe haha hoho) As Red Button’s had said, “Strange things are happening. (haha hoho hehe)
Jeeze, at long last Frieda’s feeling a lot better with a bit of a now and then coughing spell, I’ll accept is keeping her lungs clear. Now while she’s feeling better my nose has started the running heebeegeebees!
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Hope yet another picture of the ceramic village entertains.

With the exception of all I’ve forgetten for today, this is good night. Crap, I think I’ve gotten Frieda’s cold.So, I’v got to lay it down earlier than usual. BGKC.
Fernan

Some Ideas

I can't really complain about our Michigan weather thus far. A couple cold days joined with some bitter winds over the Holidays kept me inside but didn't have anything what critically needed doing outside this time, this year..
Think I’ll to try to make some brackets for mounting a seat replacement on the Tall Ollie.
prepared for any deeper snops.
Besides now that the Holidays are past, I need to reestablish some constructive work hobbits.
I get that Ollie out of the shop. I want to get Ugly inside for a couple days to make fix the defrosters-heater. Then I can move in my snow blower for a new bottom. Hopefully the drive chain may be lubricated back into an unrust-frozen usable condition.
Now that I've said it, lets see if I can do-it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yup, had some great ideas for plans. But then checking out Ford tractor I found literally found the battery frozen dead. Removing it I took it into Ray’s house for a slow thaw. He said he’s put a slow charge into it later. So, it’ll be tomorrow or the next day we’ll find out if the battery’s any good. That was so much for bringing tractor home. Tinkered a bit, did chores both ends of the road and threw more stuff out from about this house. I’m making headway but it is slow. This then had been my day. Difficult to measure any accomplishments. Well maybe not? I hadn’t accomplished anything making a worth difference around here. Oh well, Moma told me there’d be days like this. BGKC
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About these Christmas decorations:
Frieda and I were invited to a neighbor’s home Christmas Eve’s own night before Christmas.
Seeing these my first time I must have stood in the middle of her living room for at least an hour my eyes taking all these ceramic models(?). Then sitting for another hour I repeatedly got back up to look closer at this or that image teasing my eye. I finally couldn’t let them go without taking some of them along with even if only in pictures.
Since I’ve seen my pictures, I’d really like to try and do a better job capturing better each one of them. And a big plus, her family find and put out the remaining missing pieces.

Right now I’m hoping and wishing the elderly lady well and back home soon recovered from her most recent bout with pneumonia.
Fernan

January re-up.

21* and snow flurries forecasted.
Giving it no thought I had my coffee, and put away two enormous custard éclairs for breakfast, thinking nothing of their sugar content.
Well rested for'em, willingly prepared to take'em all on this morning, I was on the road.
Feeling exceptionally well I’ve been going through this routine twice a year a countless number years before this day, I was aware what’d happen. After all the expected pinching, poking, hand holding, incriminating pictures taken, then Doc'd come in and likely renew all my prescriptions.
Second best part I had to look forward to, was Ugly's easy start for this morning's adventures? As it worked out Ugly hadn’t disappointed me!
Upon my getting back. The appointment was everything I said it'd be plus a wiggly line drawing on a single sheet of paper drawn for my heart for my easily laid out personage and then kept on my toes for some passing me around in those cubicle's behind Doc's office.
Yup. It was just as I had predicted. When the techs finished having their ways with me Doc confronted me with the news. My sugar was a bit high for all the sugar I had eatened just before my check up and all my medications were simply re-upped.
One more stop before returning home found me asking questions of my drug pusher and getting good sound answers, my bringing home a better patent medication to strengthen Her Mostess’s bones.
~~~~~~~~~~
In an effort to try to bring some resemblance of manageable order with-in these four walls, I have while sorting self-destructing trash from things worthy saving, I’ve come upon a marvelous set of Popular Mechanics encyclopedias printed in the mid 1950‘s. I do believe a fair lady had been asking me of them only a-few days past. Finding them only affirms what I have wanted to build for the last fifteen years, two book cases. I swear, they’ll be built soon. BGKC.
Fernan


I hope these pictures are enjoyed. I’m afraid, my mixing them up I may only put up a couple more.

back at it

I guy may have the damnest good time in the most unusual places. Places unknown for their deeper entertainment quality. My day started with my having unwire a couple lower element water heater disconnections. Into it I gets a call from Handy. He needs ride to pick-up and have filled a prescription for his son. I asked him for a few minutes time and I’d pick him up. Illnesses get my immediate attention in my neighborhood. On down the road I asked him to remind me I having to pick-up some electrical tape on our way back passing the shop, when we’d returning via another direction. In our travels while Handy waited on son’s prescription filling I picked up a few things and more.
I don’t know how many times I looked for Frieda’s wanted grated parmesan cheese? I’ve been unable to find either an economical generic or store brand, my refusing to pay the fancy name brand price. Seeing the store manger coming my way I indicated I wanted a word with him. In all honesty I was going to get my way about the forever missing cheese matter once and for all. “Where’s the store brand grated parmesan cheese?“ I had nicely asked. He answered me with perfect Yankee diction, ”You are standing right beside it!” Right there off my right shoulder, shelves filled with varied sized packages of the grated matter under many differe nt labels. My relating this matter’s outcome with Her Mostess, she says, “You idiot!”
Humph! I had not only gotten hit from the store manager. I had also gotten the other barrel at home from my (loving?) spouse.
Making some points with the Old Lady I had seen and got a half price off after Christmas tree deal on a fir tree. So a few needles will fall. It wouldn’t be a Christmas Tree if it didn’t loose needles.
I finished up my electrical job, for the time being anyway. Came home, carried in three days firewood supply forgetting I had groceries on the back of Ugly truck. When I had remembered them, being cold out I didn’t have to worry about spoilage. The bag of oranges had ought to be well chilled for any late evening snack by time I remembered. That outdoor cold had kept my shopping fresh until I had thought to bring that box full in where it belonged.
What’d come next? Chores both ends the road had to be done; the trash packed, set out; and all my mail carried in. My chair felt of so good this evening, readied for bed and wrapped in my blanky. Life had been good today.
Anybody for a mid week barn dance?

BGKC
Fernan

What time zit?

Crap! I woke up an hour and a half ago. I don't know why? So puzzling a nature call wasn't even involved. The furnace was/is going? I didn't ask this of it? The wood stove needs my attention? Yeah that's go to be it? Time to feed it as per-habit. I did that. Yeah so simple an act out of habit, I raked up the coals and did my fire cribbing thing and sat down. I wanted to lay down but was no longer sleepy. Double crapola! Maybe if I have a snack? Yeah, I open the refrigerator door. What'll I have what ain't fattening for a change. I've grown to sizes larger around the waist. Milk, cheese, ice-cream, I just naturally like dairy products. Triple crappola. I pulled out the bottom drawer and grabbed the next to the last orange. Yeah I like munching an near ice hearted orange. Can't drink the stuff but munching's okay. I sleepily look at the clock. quadrupled crap I been up to long. I'll never wake up at my regular time, rattler taking's time less than an hour away. Yeah, might as well sort, take, and lay it back down.
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Old John's given me a time this morning with the get going. Only thing I didn't have to have was kick'im in the ass. While he's a wakened he's cussed stubborn to go either this way or that and I need'im to pickup and carry his end of the load.
Bless'em ain't herd a thing out of the ladies. If they have said anything its frozen in mid-air and I wont hear it until their words thaw.
~~~~~~
Back in the house I ain’t waiting for no beer o’thirty. While John hadn’t needed a stimulant for the get go this AM, now that we’re back I DO!
Way I see it, its time for a Coffee Royal or two to wrap my aching fingers around while also warming my gullet at the same time. I wonder if they’s such a thing as electric gloves?
~~~~~~~~
Spent some of the afternoon working on out going mail. Boring! Some was Frieda’s Hostile entry forms. Then there was Frieda’s long over do malfunctioning first free senior citizen cell phone return. The Farm bureau dues needed shipment. Plus more such fun to occupy my time. Busy fingers are not near as cold stiff if kept occupied.
Afternoon chores were just as cold as the morning ones. To do them required Ugly’s participation taking me down the road. Ugly started near flawlessly. Then I let it warm up bit over a few moments time so’s it didn’t take a notion to stall just out of the driveway. On Getting back the ladies were gathered quietly about the water fountain, perhaps whispering things they didn‘t want me to hear. Suspicious I tried sneaking up on them, only one of them saw me coming the bunch this side the fountain moved away not quite taking their secret with them. My finding the fountain empty I surmised either one of them had drinkened all the water or it had froze for some ultra earthly reason.
Taking the side access panel out with my Ugly’s dash carried handy dandy screwdriver, I immediately saw the trouble. Unless my eyes deceived I think I left out a very important light bulb and its codependent socket. So it was a quick trip to the shop for socket for my Ugly carried light bulb. Off my barn’s shelf I brought out Frieda’s hair driver and commenced to blow dry the freshest of air under the fountain bowls. It only took a few moments to have the water running again. That’ll teach them for drinking it dry…at least until next time. So good to be home, warmth only an opened and closed door away, I simply forgot to grab an arm full of wood on the way in, Once I was in I wasn’t going back outside. BGKC.
Fernan

The carousal in this picture is an actually working Merry-Go-Round with a couple music selections.

I’m up

4:00 AM and I’m awake. The stove needs tending. But I lay here listening to the varied sounds around me, the house. The nature call I thought I felt I might not have been the first. Frieda’s moving around sounds as if she’s already relieving one of Nature’s necessities. I don’t want to move until I’m sure the way’s clear for my visiting the facilities.
Unable to hold off any longer I listen all the harder and I hear still more sounds, but this is it, I gotta go. Only first, oh yeah, Frieda’s gone back to bed and is talking to the cat. And its when ya got to go, lfore and aft the stove’s internal hearth. On either side the coals I laid a fitting chunk of wood also fore’n’aft. Over these pieces I added (cribbed) four more assorted pieces over/across the first two, and closed the door.
Laying back down the house seems even quieter. Everyone else supposedly asleep there are/were more sounds I hadn’t heard like we’ve a thunder storm ragging over head outdoors. My curiosity getting the better of me, I’m already awake I get up; and, turning try the front door light on I looking out the front door, only all the lexon panes are frosted, mean frosted, over. I can’t see anything and I wasn’t going to open that door for curiosity’s sake and a cold blast of winter air. A look outside will have to wait until dawn. Laid down a couple moments later here come the fat assed cat (Della). Interestingly enough the cat come to us already named Della, which just so happens to ve the same as Frieda’s only surviving and younger sister. Continued laying quietly straining to listen for more sounds; only, I there were any, they were just drowned out by the stoves stack fan coming on to circulate the stove’s generated hat about the house.
Any more performances that might have been heard in the dark drowned out for sure there was no sense staying awake; only, sleep wasn’t coming easily. What the heck, I got up and wrote these ridiculous dark of the night impressions with my keyboard on my computer. I’ve noticed two things. One of them I’ve about worn the word “only” out in my even more ridiculous mid-night worded ramblings, and secondly, I finally find myself sleepy and wanting to lay back down. Good’en Night. ZZZZZZZZZZ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having laid back down, I’ve the TV on to drown out all the ga-jillians of crickets having taken over my hearing. The only thing on the tellee at this hour was a T&A flick with a decent sound track. It was better’en listening than all the emotional and/or horrorific bloody offerings to suffer. And then while laying there It come to mind I was to look at Frieda’s breathing apparatus a couple days ago. Well, all wasn’t lost I managed to fix her sewing machine. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
(an addendum) Those Z’s cam over my listening to Donkey arguing with Shrek as they were about to rescue pretty Princess Fiona.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Officially waking up late, I had slept hard. I mean I must have put everything into it. I woke so late it been long gone past breakfast. Had I been on the once upon a time time-clock working world. Even from here it were a catch-up time for a spell even for laziness. (sigh)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So cold here this morning when I went out to the chores, I was alright here. However, when I wanted Ugly to wake up and take me down the road, the mechanical beast denied me its cooperation. I turned over well for three tries and that was that. Bringing out the heavy charger on Ugly’s innards I carried firewood into the house. I took time enough to bring two/three days supply. Trying Ugly agin it was a no go. Rather than contaminate the crankcase oil with gasoline washing down the cylinder walls I call Ray it pick me up the van had started and we did his chores together including loading the Polaris ranger high with firewood. Back home I swapped in a smaller battery charger for the big one on Ugly. The idea keep the battery warn for more starting power tomorrow. Another help the weather’s supposed to warm some tomorrow. Right now it is just so long as Ugly starts Tuesday next for my bi-annual checkup and Frieda’s cold if it isn’t better by then.
Frieda sounding worse all the time starting to talk with a tart’s sounding huskier voice. Gosh I had to do something before she got well enough to start anything I couldn’t finish. I called one of Frieda’s girl friends. I got one of her son’s and he sent his brother over to run me into the Crossroads.
Sheesh! I wish when we get sick we could mean or say what it actually is we may want or need. Frieda had told me she wanted “Day Quill” for her throat and “Vicks” for her nose. Picking up bread and milk, seeing the pharmacist I asked him about Frieda’s nose swabbing medication choice. It was just as bad as I had thought it have been, he recommended Neosporin cream on a swab run up her nose. Already having some of that on his recommendation that need was taken care of. As for the Day Quill my checking the cough medication stock shelves the product was offered in three price ranges: Night Quill‘s, The retailer’s brand, and finally an off brand name the least expensive of all three. This product I loaded up on with two giant economy sizes. Reading the label free booze content, Frieda wont need a designated driver for taking this stuff any time soon. Her fun meal? Chicken noodle soup and crackers.
What good did I accomplish if any today? I slowed down one of the basement drafts coming up stairs. I witnessed the furnace working on its own. Good idea. I must remember to adjust thermostat accordingly for continued kicking’s the dungeon’s firey
dragon.

Anything worthwhile accomplished today? If dressing, undressing and redressing without mommy’s help for the cold accounts for anything I did alright today. BGKC.
Fernan

12-31-o9 Last Yrs Mistake

It was a quiet evening to say the least. Frieda and I sharing our company in near total silence became to much. While I played with the new cable box and remote Frieda read her book. The TV a near total bore even with hundreds of channels to choose I finally settled into one of them wilderness offerings. Inspired, I interrupted her reading, and asked, “Do you remember some of our camping trips, hikes, camp fires, smoked vittles, my way of getting into my sleeping bag.”
Looking at me, I had finally gotten her attention, and she asked me, “How was that, Dear?”
Knowing better, I told her, “I woke you up first.”
I got one dirty look, she silently threw her TV comforter to one side, got up and went to bed. So much for cheerful companionship. Herr Clink went to bed without me. Falling off to sleep alone I don’t remember bringing in the new year. While I should have known better, the devil made me say it.
Thankfully all was forgiven before sun up, my warming rolls and fixing coffee.
After all it is a New Year…..
Be exstreamly Good, Kind, and Careful.
Fernan