Merry Christmas!

Just in case that I don't write before the holiday is upon us: Happy Christmas!!

Off

The management where I currently work is stellar. The last time I saw my boss was when she interrupted my conversation in August.

It's no wonder that I'm out of tasks and cannot work. I won't really miss the money. The principle is the problem. That company claims to be offering the best service to the U.S. military using taxpayers' money.

The great part is that I don't have to wake up too early and drive an-hour-and-a-half, to find that I need to change a general note on a drawing. Yes, I'm frequently told to change "x" to "y" on the face of a drawing. Then, they complain when I make the change too quickly!

Brush pile

Yesterday's brush pile took off quite well. I didn't have to use any expired gasoline,--thank you, ethanol--because it just needed a few bits of paper!

After I burned the pile, I presented the dead, eye-poking branches to the coals. (They ignited and stopped being a problem!) Those low, dead branches annoyed me, because I had to warn visitors whilst on my "nature trails". I don't know why I didn't figure out this disposal before now. I guess "the gates are down, but the train's not coming", well until now!

What really matters is that I figured it out. A neighbor walking by said that it looked good. It's amazing how much a little positive reinforcement can improve one's attitude!

Since the brush piles are right near the road, I expected hideous comments like "trees are people, too". However, all the passers have either waved or have made positive comments.

I've one, large brush pile remaining. I figure that I can burn it during my long winter break! It'll be able consume the rest of the eye-injuring, dead branches from nearby hemlocks and some wet brush on the ground.

Site updates

I've added seven movies and a TV movie to the GRS database.

I've added a new quote:

To love reading is to have everything in your reach.
Mary Shelley

Please, enjoy!

"Chipmunks roasting on an open fire..."

Today, I burned my second brush pile. It "took" quicker than the first pile, which I had burned on Tuesday. (Yet another day of no work, so I stayed home and cleared the driveway!)

I saw a field mouse exit today's pile as the heat approached its den. (It took shelter in the stone wall.) It was a perfect day to burn. Clear, blue skies with a crisp zero-degree start. The high peaked near freezing. A rise of thirty degrees is impressive.

I couldn't get the third brush pile to light. After expending a lot of effort, I realized that I could just move the brush to the pile that was happily burning. Yes, I took my "stupid" pill too early!

Counting the days

I am actively counting the working days that remain in this contract. The idiocy and poor management is stunning. Every task seems to be a panicked series of mistakes. I'm stunned that they can stay in business. Of course, they are more than two years behind on deliveries, so they may not make it! Even defense contractors can go out business.

Winter quarters

All is well in my Valley Forge. I even got to see General Washington yesterday! Seriously, John has been kinder than I expected. I think he appreciates having his dishwasher back!

Winter games

I got out of the camper just in time, because earlier this week we had a bit of snow. But arrival of the white powder means that excitment returns to my commute.

Yes, it's back: the how-long-can-I-keep-the-traction-control-light-flashing game. You'd be surprised how much can be felt through even a power-assisted steering wheel and, of course, one's back side. (Also, it's useful when the car actually skids. I know how it'll respond.)

Olympic Games, here I come! Yeah, I know it'll be the Youth Olympics, since I'm a child at heart!

Lot work

Remember the double oak tree felled by the contractors hired by Eversore--that's my nickname for the electric company, Eversource? They took away the brush but left some seriously large discs of oak. John helped me move them with the tractor.

Well, I finished slicing them into sections that I can move without the tractor. It took ten tanks of chainsaw fuel and a new chain! But they're sliced, stacked, and covered. What a job that became! It can snow like there's no tomorrow, and I'll be content now!

I will have to work with a few more "slices" in the spring. These are still attached to one of the felled 100+ year-old oaks. I may attempt to dice it myself, or ask a neighbor who does tree work for a living. He has a 'saw that makes mine look like the cheesy machines wielded by folks in suburbia!

Either way, that's a job for the new year! Not that January is that far away! Maybe I'll wait till February?

Site updates

I've added eight movies and a TV movie to the GRS database. This batch includes a new favorite! I hope you enjoy reading them!

Trip page up

I've uploaded another trip page! Below are the desktop & mobile links:


Please, let me know if there are any problems!

The West Beckons!

I'm champing at the bit to leave for the West. It'll be wonderful to see my brother again. He's now a home-owner, too!

Visiting him is easy: board an airplane and arrive, unharmed, where he lives, in a few hours, despite living more than a thousand miles apart. Remember that passengers are in a tube with wings flying at 400+ mph. Isn't that amazing?

The DHS, or whatever the strip searchers are called these days, is a detail. Realistically they are a knee-slap response to terrorism. They are nothing more than reactionary soldiers. They are there to make people feel OK.

It wasn't that long ago that people died traveling to the West, during a transit that took months. Yes, it was about one hundred and fifty years ago. Please, pause and think about that. It's not ancient history!

Air travel is amazing! Imagine your seat taking you to a location a thousand miles away in hours. You don't have to deal with the physical challenge. You simply pay a--in my opinion--very small price for this passage. Amazing! Enjoy this form of transportation as long as you can! (The TSA isn't scary. They wish they were!)

Bring on the West! Central Arizona is perfect now: 75-80 degree highs with full sun. I'm flirting with wearing only flip-flops.

This type of footwear makes passing "security" easier. The drawback is the fact that I have a short walk from the parking lot to the terminal. (Short is fifteen minutes at my decent pace in my book.) Will my toes freeze before I reach the warmth of the terminal?

If this potential snowstorm shifts towards the ocean, then the two inches of snow that we expect tomorrow night could become much more. Will it melt before my departure? It's a good thing that I'm not married. Imagine the "what if" clauses that would be thrown around? Instead of the "I will" statement.

Site updates

Here are the updates to the GRS database.

"Beautification"

I'm almost finished turning up the soil between the stone wall and the street. It's good exercise, because I'm always jumping off the backhoe and moving stones onto the wall. It's going to look good in the spring when I plant the ground cover!

I've written about the tree-stump planters. Below are some shots of one of them. Also, you can see a couple of the brush/weed piles. To the left of the piles, surrounded by birch logs is the "magic carpet". A close-up of it is below:

Camper

As I clean up my place, weather has been trying to wreck my camper! The wind blew off a quarter of the pitched roof that I installed before leaving for Florida. I've replaced it with a tarp, and now I have plenty of kindling

The bathouse is still standing, despite the strong winds. And no wood piles fell over. That, by itself, is amazing!

Trip

Next Saturday, I'll be moving back to my winter quarters. The following Tuesday I jet out west to visit my brother! I'll be glad to be away for a few days more than a week.

A trip page should be forthcoming. I'll update the GRS database, also. I may have time this work week even...

Job shopping - Generations

I've enjoyed being a temporary employee for the past decade. (I'm a youngster by most accounts, despite being middle-aged.) I left work early on Friday and am taking off Monday. The defense company that enjoys my skills hasn't got it all together.

I know that's nothing new. It's really obvious in the "cottage industry" in New England. I respect, and like, it. (Things can happen quickly here, and many times forecast the future.) I plan for disorganization and enjoy the time off with financial worry.

This particular situation of lack-of-work makes me wonder about my pace of work. In central Florida, I encountered a similar situation. I simply chalked it up to the slower pace of life of the kind and wonderful Southerners, and enjoyed the working vacation that much more!

Back home in the land of the insulting and rushing, I am contemplating the fact that the Baby Boomers are retiring, or are coasting, leaving a void in the workplace. The next large cohort, "the Millennials", hasn't quite taken up the reins, despite the enormous "Gen Z." nipping at their heels.

Why are they waiting? Of course, there's a dramatic difference between the Boomers and Gen Y (AKA "Millennials"). I won't waste time explaining the obvious. Perhaps that is the reason? Could they be "Slacker Y"?

As an individual in the original "slacker generation", I'm stuck between two large populations with distinctly different thoughts, values, and dreams. I know it's my fault for slacking off!

As "an old man", I see that it's becoming a problem. I'm really glad that I am not direct employee in any real company. I can, at any time, brush off a company, leaving its dust behind me.

I'm nearly ready, having saved a lot of money to build my cabin. Obviously, neither massive group cares what I think. Why would they? "How could a latch-key kid raised by MTV do anything?" Look at the creators of "social media" for the answer. (We don't all fit a stereotype, no more than you do.)

The trouble with my generation is we can't shout our accomplishments from the mountains--unlike the Boomers--and we're not as beligerent as the Millennials. Though, we did establish the foundation for them. Irony is the course of day with Gen X'ers.

For me--because this is a world of "selfies" and egotism, after all!--I'll work whenever I have paying work to do. When I don't, I will leave. That doesn't mean that I'm not exploring other jobs in the meantime. I go where the money is, like any hired gun.

Autumn

I love autmn! Coming off the lazy climax of summer, fall seems so much more important to me. I don't know why! The pretty colors of dying leaves helps. (Perhaps, I'm morbid and love death? I hope not!)

My little Japanese Maple seems to be doing well, because now scarlet has replaced the dull red. It produces a beautiful image, which I'm just not able to capture on film--I know that I'm old-fashioned! Please, take a look at my attempt in VGA:

Woodstove

I've found a way to slow the combustion in the woodstove. It works very well despite being simplistic. The 'stove does a great job. It'll warm the camper from 70 to 90 degrees in about an hour, if I'm not careful!

Work on lot

I've finished turning over half of the area between the road and stone wall. (That's about 500 square feet.) It looks pretty good, and I'm happy with the result.

I was able to get the tractor with the backhoe down there. I leveled a rotting tree stump with the chainsaw to gain access. Despite putting cinder blocks in the bucket to add weight to the front end, I did get the tractor stuck in the muddy depression.

After struggling with it for a few minutes, I used the stabilizer feet to lift the rear wheels of the tractor off the ground, allowing me to put stones under the spinning tire. I know I shouldn't do that, but it was either that or find someone with a larger tractor to pull it out!

I pulled up a lot of crab grass in the new section. I'd hate to bury those weeds whilst turning over the soil! One good thing about weeds is they break up the dirt! Of course, all the crab grass is dead due to the frosts.

I took down three small trees to provide more light for a struggling blueberry bush. One was a maple--too bad--and the other two were hemlocks. The maple will make good firewood in the future! I started a new brush pile for winter of 2020/2021 with the debris.

Speaking of firewood, I rearranged my wood piles. I found that the logs were getting moldy and not drying! The reason was that the rows were too closely spaced. Combine that with the fact that I keep them covered, mold was happy to move in! I removed every other row, and all should be well now.

They didn't fall over in the torrential rain and high winds that we experienced this past week! I can add stacking wood to my meager list of skills

Got water?

That rainstorm dumped three and a half inches of water on us! I wouldn't have minded; but, the camper started leaking at 3 AM.

Yes, at one of our most vulnerable hours, I awoke to a very insistent drip-drip-drip-drip. Fortunately, I had a five gallon bucket just outside. I left it filling the bucket and managed to go back to sleep.

I stayed home from work because it was coming in at an inch every half hour! I needed to empty the bucket. Fortunately, the leak stopped around 8 AM. I was able to dry out the roof using the woodstove.

I figure that the rate was just too much for this 21-year-old camper. I did seal some more seams with Gorilla Tape. That duct tape is worth the high price!

Site updates

I've added eight movies to the GRS database.

Also, there's a new quote:

My mother, she had an abortion... but I survived.
Fratt Aigner in The Rise of Echsenfriedl

Please, enjoy them!

Woodstove

I noticed that the 'stove was smoking out the door. (Yes, everything inside the camper was covered with a fine layer of ash. It's the essence of the backwoods. I dust it on my person quite liberally!) So, today I checked the spark arrestor. That's a fancy word for a screen. Sure enough, it was half clogged with creosote!

Maybe I should use it for soap? The slogan would be "Sure to turn away everyone, even those without noses!" I'll stick with vegetable-based soaps. Writing of soap-making, I haven't made any soap since being back home.

I did make pizza from scratch. Boil down the tomatoes, etc. for sauce and prepare the crust from flour. Despite forgetting to add honey to fuel the yeast, it did rise. Oops! I used the woodstove to help it rise.

Leaves

The leaves are changing, and the colors are riotous! My Japanese maple seems to being doing well, because its leaves are turning into dim flames licking at the branches. Take a look here. For comparison, take a look at it after I planted it in early September at this link. What a pretty little tree!

Work and ARGH!

I took some time off from the job. The two extra days allowed me to get a lot done, and make pizza. Though, it does mean that I can't get my daily "fix" of Alan Maxwell.

I listen to the recorded broadcasts created by this man. He broadcasted on shortwave; however, his station was not licensed with the FCC. I say: great, leave the feds out. I could do without the massive reach of the federal government that has evolved in this nation.

Mr. Maxwell's show is excellent. It reminds me of The Outer Limits. (The original show, not the sensational remake.) In fact, Maxwell uses sound bites from the landmark '60s show. Sound effects is not the limit of his production, because he explores many subjects. Some may find the show difficult to hear. But, I enjoy his farfetched stories.

If you're interested, he posted his recordings on Archive.org at this link.

It was only about 55 years ago that the Beeb (AKA the BBC) wouldn't play many songs produced by radical groups like The Beatles and The Who! So teens tuned into pirate radio stations broadcasting from boats anchored in international waters.

This episode was immortalized in the fantastic film The Boat That Rocked. Long live the pirates! Argh!

Preparing for winter

My spare time reminded me that the warm months are leaving. I'm planning to retire to my winter quarters in a few weeks.

I communicated my intentions to John, and he seems anxious to have me back. Yes, he misses his dishwasher. It's great being needed!

I have been turning over the soil between my stone wall, if you call it that, and the road. With the backhoe, it's pretty simple: dig up about six inches, remove any stones and then rake the dirt to the desired contour.

That dirt is very rich, which is wonderful! I've been digging out the stone wall so it looks better. The trouble has now arisen. I don't dare drive the tractor and heavy backhoe into the next section. I fear that I would never drive it out again. So, I'm digging with a hoe, by hand.

The good news is that the area isn't that large, and I need the exercise! It simply takes more time. I'll again state that diesel-powered hydraulics are awesome!

Winch cable

Speaking of tedious work, I installed the synthetic cable on the ATV winch. Ahem, I wondered if I should have just bought a climbing rope! The "cable" was grey but looked like the tree-climbing ropes that I have.

Removing the steel cable was "good to the last-err-drop"! I had to cut a lot of sections of the cable to remove them. Once I was able to unwind the remaining cable, I found that I had to drill out a rivet, securing the cable to the spindle.

Two broken drill bits later, I was no closer to removing the damaged cable. Eventually, I realized that I could only cut off the cable. That, of course, meant that I couldn't use the hole to secure my new cable!

I simply wound the new cable onto the spool and friction did the rest. Just don't unwind it a lot

Site updates

I've added five movies and two TV program, to the GRS database. Please, enjoy them!

Chill

Welcome to October! It definitely feels like autumn now! Last night, we had a hard frost. I looked out and everything was white. It looked like snow! Dare I say that it was pretty?

The woodstove has been performing well. I can heat up the camper to 85+ before retiring for the night. This high temperature, combined with the residual wood and embers keep the furnace from running for some time.

I must admit that I really appreciate the LPG furnace with its thermostat. There's no concern of freezing pipes during my absence. It makes a good fallback source of heat. I'll be using the same arrangement when I build my log cabin, except both will be larger.

Bobcat

I seem to have forgotten to post an animation of a bobcat walking through my woods this past July. They sure are magnificent cats. A GIF is available here.

"Fire Up the [Stove]!"

Temperatures have been dipping into the low 30s lately. I've even had to scrape my car's windshield to clear the frost! It is late September!

I now have my winter gear in the Mazda. I re-fitted the woodstove in the camper. I've fired it up the other night. Holy sh!t!

I had forgotten how much heat resides in wood. It was so warm and comforting. Heating with wood seems to add humidity, which is something that I welcome.

John warned me that even a small 'stove will heat my tiny camper to the point--if I'm not careful--that I will have to exit!

What is cool is the fact that I have harvested, all the wood from my own lot. There has been no need for an external source.

Tractor

The tractor is actually alright. The backhoe attachment was causing the rear wheel to be tilted! I'm slowly learning how to-correctly-connect the attachment. (The manufacturer's instructions are terrible.)

It's great news that the tractor is OK. I wasn't looking forward to paying for a broken part. I need it to continue building my future full-time home!

Homestead updates

As would be expected my bat house continues to show the No-vacancy sign... in neon. Spring will be the season of trial.

Also, I forgot to state that I built two "turn-outs" for the trailers and trucks this spring. Furthermore, I disassembled the folding trailer today. I don't need two trailers, especially without a working truck!

I thought that I had mended the truck. A twenty-year-old guy has been interested in driving it. It wasn't running well last weekend. Sigh. I think the problem may stem from a mechanical, not a carburetor, problem. What a pain in the butt! So much for inspiring the youth that old machines are cool.

I kept the parts from the disassembled trailer. They will make good spares for the steel trailer. I'll save the money required for the vehicle tax (AKA registration). Still, it's sad to close a chapter of exploring the California deserts. I used the folding trailer to bring the ATV into the drier parts of southern California.

While on the topic of the ATV, I removed the snowplow winch. The cable snapped a few winters ago. Perhaps, you remember? The cable is shot. Kinked, frayed, and wound around the spindle in a mess.

I just ordered a synthetic replacement. These polyethylene cables are safer and a better choice for the limited use that raising a snowplow demands.

I had thought about having a new loop end crimped onto the existing steel cable. That's when I saw how buggered it is. Time for it to join the steel heap at the town dump!

I'm readying part of the cleared area for new plants. I separated a spot for planting companion vegetation. I will, of course, do it the hard way by starting the companions from seed.

I have seeds for companion plants for the blueberries and Japanese maple, also. They will be planted in the spring. Their low-slung stature should provide ground cover. My aim is less weeding next year, whilst trying to keep my existing plants healthy.

As part of the beautification of my lot, I finished cutting dishes into the other oak stumps. They are drained by slits.

While I was creating these dishes, a few motorists slowed down to a walking pace. (That's slow for my little road-or dragstrip!) They were wondering what the weird guy was doing

Theories should abound until the spring allows my goal to be put on exhibition. Small-town folks need things to talk about. I welcome it!

Site updates

I've added six movies and two TV movies to the GRS database. Thank you, YouTube, for supplementing Netflix!

Tractor

I still haven't broken ground for the exploration for the septic system. Can I claim fatigue as an excuse? Or maybe I just enjoy living in a camper! Spring marks a new year with new hope.

I did mess up the tractor slightly whilst trying to dig out an oak tree stump. Boy, was that a joke! I disguised my ignorance by rebuilding a stone wall. Yeah, that's what I wanted to do all along

During this endeavor, I heard a pop. As it turns out, the pop was from the left rear wheel tread adjustment. On a good tractor, the wheels can be tilted towards the body (camber). The idea is that the camber of the wheels is adjusted to maximize stability when working on a slope.

Right now, the top of this wheel is tilted towards the driver. I should be able to adjust it back to vertical easily. Then, I have a few tasks for the tractor/backhoe.

Stump planters

I took today off. Hell, I accomplish more at home in four hours than I can hope to achieve in eight hours at any job. Of course, I'm not being paid for the time.

Today, I chainsawed a hole--can I use that as a verb?--in an oak tree stump. Why would I do such a thing? Well, the hole with a drain slit will make an excellent planter for flowers next spring.

The 'sawing was not easy, or particularly safe. Needless to say, I took great care. That's why I wear flip-flops and sunglasses. Ciao! OK, seriously, I wear head and ear protection and never "push" the chain. Any time I tire of using the chainsaw means that I need to sharpen the chain, which is something that I do in the field by hand.

I'll post photos of flowers occupying the stump planters in the spring. It's a small part of my "beautification" strategy.

Mazda

In addition to bringing life to eye sores, I mended a rattle on my loyal servant from Hiroshima. I had removed heat shields around the exhaust system in the past. They rattled and reminded me of my first car, a dreadfully awful machine. (But it was mine!)

Another rattle showed up. It took me a bit to trace the rattle to small shields that protected the leading transition from the head pipe to the catalytic converter. Why they even existed, in addition to the floorboard heat shields, baffles me.

These noisemakers are now consigned to the great rust heap. It's great not having to modify my driving style to avoid rattles. The older readers know exactly what I mean. Cars sure have gotten better.

The Mazda continues to return mid-to-high 40s as mileage. I'm very impressed. This car is no spring chicken. It has almost 127,000 miles on the clock! Almost 50 mpg is amazing considering that we've had cold nights.

Frost!

Thursday morning, I had to scrape the windshield before setting out for work. Yes, it was a proper frost that would have refroze if I used the windshield sprayers. Yes, in September!

Summer's accomplishments: plants

The frost didn't kill off my wildflowers, but the clock is ticking. Writing of the wildflowers, the late bloomers (annuals?) are poking up and look great. I guess fertilizing them helped.

Please, allow me to relate what I've done this year. I transformed the hideous mounds of earth into raised beds surrounded by stone. Into these 'beds I planted five blueberry bushes.

Another 'bed was seeded with the previously-mentioned wildflowers. Yet another 'bed was seeded with spearmint. I was warned that mint can become a weed. However, the seeds must have been no good, because I never saw one of these "weedy" plants. I ended up transplanting a previously-planted blueberry bush to this 'bed. It has already displayed many small leaves. (I'll protect it over the winter.)

The then vacant 'bed of the transplanted blueberry bush was filled with a Japanese maple tree. It seems to be doing OK. No leaves have fallen off, but it has not produced any new leaves. Time will tell. It's in a protected spot.

Summer's accomplishments: home

Also, I covered the driveway with more hard pack. I'll admit that I had shifted much of the former material to the perimeter of the drive with my inexperienced operation of my little tractor whilst removing snow.

The new pack looks really good. I was also able to top my neighbor's driveway across the street. I think this seemingly unprecedented generosity is the reason why their children don't wander into my woods. (Donna informed me that her neighbor, opposite me, complained about the children playing in their woods.)

To be honest, I wouldn't mind the children playing in my woods. The trouble is that there are many dangerous things strewn around my land. These are obvious to adults. Though, I never intended them to be so plain to children. Maybe that's why the "rugrats" have been told to avoid my lot?

Also, I graded and filled holes in Donna's driveway. Even if she didn't graciously allow me to park my camper and use her grid connection, I would have done this job. She's a good neighbor, and I am selfish and want good neighbors!

Now, back to the homestead! I bought a soil color book to classify the various soils that I will encounter digging for my septic system. Also, I have a notebook in which I will record all test-pit holes that I dig.

I have marked the required keep-out perimeter from my water well with barrels. The good news is that everytime that I've dug, I've seen well-drained soil.

I have a plan for the largest septic system. It fits within an area that I have cleared of debris. I'm simply dragging my feet. You know that I have nothing else to do! Spring marks another year.

The solar panels are now protected from all but the most ambitious driver. I backed into a bollard with the tractor and was wondering why I couldn't reverse any further. Check: they work!

I experienced an injury during the multi-day job of planting the bollards. Remember when the full concrete mixer fell into one of the holes? Well, the ring finger that took the brunt of the ring-gear has completely recovered. My pride has yet to make a full recovery, though! Being respectful of machines is a good thing.

Summer's accomplishments: comfort

Installing the bat house will bring bats. They will eat a lot of mosquitos. Of course, there is a small threat of rabies. That's why I raised the 'house away from the cabin site. Still, they eat mosquitos!

Well, that's all for comfort. Looking back, I should think more about it. I guess if I had to look-out for a woman, then I would naturally make life more comfortable.

Site updates

I've added six movies and one TV program, to the GRS database. This batch includes a new favorite. Please, enjoy them!

GRS update

I found a way to allow users to quickly search for cast whilst viewing an entry in the GRS database. It doesn't look like much; however, it took many hours to figure out!

Now, you can click an actor in the Notable Cast, and the page will navigate to the search results. That way, you can quickly find other reviewed movies by a particular actor or actress.

Try it out with this entry, which offers a number of different search results!

Bat House!

I had been intending to build a bat house from plans available free of charge on the Internet for some time now. I haven't the time, but I do have spare money. So, I bought a four-chamber plastic house from a vendor in Pennsylvania.

I mounted it on one of the four-inch PVC pipes that were going to be the casing for my well. Remember that interesting, failed, project? I painted the pipe satin brown to help it blend into the background. I'm still trying to make the place look better, not worse!

I tried raising the 'house on the 16-foot pole by myself, and then with the tractor. No luck. I gave up and elicited the help of my friend John. We had it up in minutes. Pounding stones into the post-hole-digger hole took about the same time.

It worked out pretty well. I positioned it adjacent to the driveway so it will get plenty of sun, and the bats will have free flight paths. Hopefully, in the spring, bats will take up residence. This size house will hold about 140 bats. That's a lot of bats flying out of it at dusk! Has Carlsbad Caverns come to New Hampshire?

Site update

I've added eight movies to the GRS database.

Enjoy!

Japanese Maple

After I transplanted two blueberry bushes to sunny spots, I didn't know what to plant as a replacement. I found that Japanese Maples do well in dappled light. So I bought one! Take a look:

The GRS

Now that I have tweaked the GRS search feature, I've been curious about my own database. Yes, I'm getting old, and I call it up to remind myself of what I've rated!

OK, maybe I'm not old because I do have nearly three thousand entries! Maybe a countdown is in order? I did look back at my rate of additions and figure it'll take another 20 weeks to reach the "three-grand" mark. Sigh.

Yes, I was disappointed! Oh well. Until then, I'd like to present a couple of charts. No, I'm not becoming a Powerpoint Presentation Idiot ! (No cornflower blue icons for me...)

I just find charts are useful to present the data in one image. My engineering training betrays itself again! I guess if I had gone to school to be a writer--as I would have preferred--then I'd be encouraging you to "hear-hear" or ramble about how my tea kettle is really a symbol of this-that-or-the-other thing!

Come to think of it, I'm really glad that I am a wannabe writer with an engineering degree. I won't talk on and on, to myself, before starving to death in a poorly heated apartment! Because even the most dense "engineers" cxan generate a decent living.

Enough. What you really want to see is the movie and TV program count by decade as recorded in the GRS. And its comparison to the number of films released. A user on quora.com mapped the number of films released over the time period that matters to us. (Just don't try to approach quora.com directly. Use a search engine. I recommend Startpage.com)

Here are the plots:

Expansion

I thought that it was my own idea to become very interested in film around the turn of the century. I didn't realize that I was a lemming! Still, the dramatic number of films released recently drives me to enjoy and rate classic films! Maybe that is enough to explain my preoccupation with older motion pictures?

That said, the DVD arm of Netflix is my primary source of films. When they disappear--in mid-2020?--, I will continue to review films. The trouble will be that the reviews will come from Youtube videos. Perhaps the expansion of our society will stop in 2020? I do judge expansion by the count of released movies. I may be a bit self-centered; however, one cannot ignore the effect of film

Contract

I can still get into the building and log into their computer, so it appears that I'm still employed. The good news is that by the next six-month "milestone", I will have saved enough money to pay for everything, or nearly so.

Hurricane

Please, keep in mind the folks living in Florida over this weekend. This latest hurricane may cause them a lot of hardship, and even kill some of these hospitable folks. Don't fall into the jealousy trap and say "screw them: they have easy winters."

Winter

Speaking of winter, it's cooling off up here. The camper furnace has been running on and off during the nights. I'm really thankful for it. The thermostat makes getting up early easier than my previous heating scheme of "flame" nights.

Of course, I have the luxury of grid electricity now. (Thank you, Donna!) So I don't worry if the furnace runs continuously without a flame. There are benefits of living on-the-grid.

However, as the temperatures drop, my thoughts turn to returning to winter quarters. I'll stick it out here as long as I can. Yes, that may mean dusting off snow from my car. I think you know me by now

Don't rush

Remember not to rush life. Every season, like all incidents, have a reason. Too often we're told that we need to prepare for this, that, and the other thing. And, would you know it, many times these situations never occur.

This ideal fuels my lack of concern in my job. Of course, I don't have anyone who needs me. That, you may claim, produces my independence. That's not true.

Independence comes from ones core. I have worked with several individuals in my situation who haven't my idea of independence. They worry or fear job loss. These are very talented individuals who could find another job without much trouble.

Don't rush life. Anything important will slow down to match your speed. Anything that speeds by isn't important anyways!

OK, off the soap box!

Site updates

I've added five movies and one TV movie to the GRS database.

GRS update

I found a way to allow the search to include results in a sort-of wildcard manner. It's probably best to give a couple of examples of what I'm on about.

Say, you type "meg" and search for a title in the GRS database Now, it will return a recently-added movie entitled "Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus". Previously, this film would not have been returned, because the search term omits the "a" to make it "mega".

This update allows us to search for movies and TV programs by the decade. For instance, type in 198 and select the "Year" radio button, and all the Eighties movies and TV programs in the database will be returned. Try it for your favorite decade!

Photos update

One has to laugh at life! I've added two funny photos to the list:

More photos!

The wildflowers are starting to fade, so I uploaded a larger photo of just them. You may see it here.

I listen to audiobooks during my rather lengthy commute. It's not always enough to keep my brain occupied. For instance, I snapped a photo of the car odometer yesterday morning. The sequence of numbers is unique, if not uncommon today! See it here.

The Mazda 2

The little Mazda continues to excel. It is still returning 46-48 mpg! Last fill-up was nearly 50. I don't drive like a granny either. Excellent!

I spend 17-18 hours in the car every week. I'm still happy with my choice of vehicles. The seat and position are comfortable. Power is plenty. The handling is the best that I have ever driven. Crisper than the MG and less stressful than the MR2. I can place the near-side (passenger) tires within a couple of inches.
I've learned this technique exactly by experimenting with the many and randomly-spaced potholes. Sometimes I feel like I'm steering the Red October through Red Route One. "Those [holes] are laid out precisely. So many... for so many seconds."

Contract job

Next week may be my final one at the current contract. I'm sure I won't hear anything until the final day. Their communication, like most places, is terrible! Still no nameplate or telephone extension!

Septic system

I wouldn't mind being let go. I would focus on the septic system design. I've been reading more about the process. I ordered a book of colored photos of soils. These will allow me to log the soil layer structure. Eventually, I have to report my findings to the state inspector, along with my design.

The real trick will be designing a system around the very large trees. I don't want to fell them, but may have enough space between them. Otherwise, I'll have to see if I can fit the system in a recently--last ten years(?)--cleared area. Then, I'd have far smaller trees to fell and dig up their roots.

It's more complicated than just performing a percolation test, since one needs to ensure that the soil underneath and downhill from the leaching field can drain the effluent.

Tool

Also, I ordered a handheld GPS transceiver. I need to precisely locate points, like the well, for completing the site plan for my cabin construction. But, you may say, my smart phone has an "app" for that. Yes, that's great for you; however, I am one of the few hold-outs with a flip phone. (The '90s weren't all bad!)

Movies/Netflix

Though, the '80s produced better movies, in my opinion. While on the subject of movies, I apologize for the reduction of additions to the GRS database.

You see, the DVD division of Netflix has been closing distribution centers. My research suggests that there are only three left operating. Yes, there were some 50 or more at one point!

The nearest center for me is not located in New England, though it is in Trenton, New Jersey. (As I figure it: a center in DFW and San Jose, California round out the trio.) The shipping times are noticeably longer.

I'll stick it out until they shut down the DVD business. Then, it would be great if another capitalist buys their collection and continues this steady and profitable business. At least, that's what I read. I would confirm that it is profitable, since they've had my continuous subscription since 2002.

One thing is certain: I will not switch to the streaming service. I tried it some years back and was disappointed by the lack of selection. Instant viewing is clever; however, one must have available something of interest!

Flowerbeds

I located a few spots for the perc. test today. They need to be 75 feet away from the well to avoid contaminating the latter. I did take some photos of the wildflowers and blueberry bushes. They're all doing well!

Schedule

I've been examining my schedule for building the cabin. The regulations for the septic system are fairly involved. It's a good thing, of course. The drawback is that I will be lucky to get the septic system installed this season.

Percolation

I need a percolation test to determine where, if anywhere, I can place a septic system. My neighbor's house sits on "ledge". Granite bedrock makes an excellent footing, but dismisses all but the most expensive plans for a basement. Fortunately, she did find a soft spot for the leaching field of her septic system.

Since my lot drains well during rainstorms, I should have a couple of choices for placing a septic system. For a perc. test, a state inspector fills a hole with water and measures how long it takes to soak in. This value provides a qualitative value that I, as the septic designer, use to determine the length of the leaching field.

A septic tank holds water long enough for the anerobic bacteria to break down the "waste", before it's released into the field. Clearly, drainage is important to understand when releasing water. For instance, we all understand that solid stone drains no water. Whilst sand is difficult to keep wet, hence it drains very well.

My state has generated tables of percolation rates for the various soils in the state. If one is lucky, a massive sand bar exists where one wants to place the septic system. In that dreamland, the leaching field pipe is the shortest.

Once the state qualifies the soil, and it's adequate for draining the specified amount of water associated with the number of bedrooms that will be built, I can design the septic system.

It looks septic

The tank is defined by the state. For instance, an one bedroom cabin will need a 750 gallon tank, if I recall correctly. The leaching field is where the design can work around natural structures. As far as I can tell, the total length of pipes to drain the effluent--a fancy word for greywater--may be divided, within reason, as many times as necessary to fit the locality.

The design will have to be approved by the state inspector. Once it's confirmed, then I will be able to accept delivery of the septic tank and lay out the perforated pipes that will constitute the leaching field.

Of course, I will also need the correct stone to surround these pipes. That's no problem since I am on good terms with a local quarry. It's a family business so they know me. (I guess having solar panels and initially no street address makes one memorable!)

Once I have placed the pipes according to my state-approved plan, then the inspector will come back and examine my work. I have purchased a transit specifically for this purpose.

(A transit is a telescope on a tripod. You've seen them in the hands of surveyors. They are always looking at numbers on vertical sticks held upright by bored assistants.)

So that's the basic procedure if nothing goes wrong. See why I have to push out my schedule? It's not a bad thing.

Composting's still better

I've learned quite a bit about septic systems. I used to think that they were cesspools with a delay. They really are clever. Unless the large holding tank is overloaded--which is very unlikely if sized correctly--the anaerobic bacteria have ideal conditions to break down the digested "fuel".

Of course, composting "fuel" is the best solution. There's no possibility for polluting the ground. But that does mean that an individual has to get his or her hands near something "yucky". (Cooties live on!)

Cash is king

Since my time will be focused on installing the septic system, there will be no time to plan the cabin. That means I'll have to postpone building the cabin until spring of 2021, at the earliest. (Wow, 2021! Shouldn't we have matter teleportation by now?)

The good news is that I will have more time to save money. Surprise: the system doesn't like those of us who choose to build our own houses. No, it's more profitable to finance those who simply lease-to-own houses. The year's delay will probably eliminate my need to deal with loan shar---I mean, bankers. Mortgages benefit the Federal Reserve Banking System--ahem, the banking cartel.

Work

Now that I'm not under the gun to save X money by next year, I can take some unpaid time off. I already took a couple of days off, and they were wonderful!

I'll admit that I needed an extra day or two off. The long week days had begun to wear me down. I am approaching six months working at that place. That is the typical time when a new Purchase Order (P.O.) is given to the job shop for my labor expense. My feeling is that this P.O. won't be cut.

Obviously, being laid off right now wouldn't be bad. Why, you may ask, do I think that I will be let go? Well, I still have no telephone, no nameplate for the cubicle, and, of course, don't exist in the departmental phone directory. It wouldn't be so bad, except the guy who was hired the same day as me still exists in the phone directory, despite being laid off months ago.

Realistically, I think the place is just that goofy. They never seem to know what's happening until they have to react in panic. I did speak with a direct employee the other day, expressing my "undercover" existance with his company. Maybe I can elicit a panic, and a nameplate will appear one day

Move

John moved my little camper home two Sundays ago. It's a good thing that I have the use of Donna's grid power, because, here, the camper warms up a lot more. I saw 95 degrees the other day. Fortunately, the camper's air conditioning system works fantastically well.

Life is going well here. Not thinking about electricity consumption is something new. Also, we experienced a blackout, which threw me. I thought it was a fault on-site. That shows how much living from one's own micro-grid can change perception!

Plans

With my hopes of building the cabin next spring/summer dashed, I'll continue to beautify my lot. I have a lot of grand ideas. Some may be grandiose, and thus beyond my ability; however, most are reasonable and will be reported here. Stay tuned!

USB drive

Recently, one of my USB drives failed. Have you ever wondered what these little marvels of electrical engineering look like under their plastic clothes? Well, wonder no longer!

Site updates

I've added nine movies, one was made for TV, to the GRS database. This batch includes a new favorite. Please, enjoy them!

A new quote is up:

I have to drink this over.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Bollards

A friend gave me steel tubes that are fitted with yellow plastic covers. He had bought them for a job, but never used them. He kindly thought they would be perfect to protect my solar panels. Thank you, Bill!

I installed them and feel it worked out really quite well despite running into subterranean stone. What do you think of the result?
Digging the holes was accomplished between downpours. I was very thankful for buying the backhoe attachment. Gone are the days of cutting through roots and shifting stones by hand. Life is good!

Concreting the footings was especially exhausting after getting a couple of fingers caught in the rim of the mixer. It fell over, whilst full of concrete, and I attempted to right it and grabbed the wrong part of the mixer.

Fortunately, I was able to free my fingers. I will keep a pry bar within arms-reach from now on. Surprisingly, only one finger suffered. It was swollen for quite some time, but now feeling has returned, save the top section. I know it will recover, because the nail shows healthy circulation and was never damaged.

Needless to say, I learned my lesson. John and I had positioned weights on the wheels when we poured the footings for the panels. (See one here.)

I had forgotten to do so this time. Never again. Scars are good reminders. Physically, I probably won't have any scars. The scars are on my ego, which isn't that big anyways!

In the end, all is well, and the bollards look great to me! My healing seems to be a testament to my good overall health. This health is something of which to be always thankful.

Heat wave!

The header is as dramatic as I will relate this subject! Yes, it's hot here. But, it is summer after all. I don't understand the warnings of doom that are being broadcast. 100-degree days aren't foreign to this part of the nation.

When did such events become so life-threatening? In the past, we viewed them as part of summer. And we stored up the warmth for the six months in the future. A heat wave was a welcomed reminder of life.

As for me, I thoughtfully positioned my camper in the shade of my beautiful trees. Yes, the air temperature is high; however, it has only peaked in the high 80s inside my home. What's wrong with that? No "flame" nights for me

Moving

Speaking of the camper, I hope to move it to my generous neighbor's lot soon. Donna has hook-ups for a trailer, since she and Roddy lived in a trailer whilst building their home.

I'm moving because I need to bring in a state inspector to provide a percolation test for my future septic system. (Yes, I've decided not to fight this mainstay.)

Having a septic system means that I can have a flush toilet, which means that visitors will feel comfortable to stay overnight. Of course, I won't use the toilet, but it would be great to have overnight guests.

So, I'll be moving house soon. That means that I need to relocate the 4D battery and charge controller. These keep the car bubble inflated around my MG, with help from my panels.

Life will change for me. I'll have use of Donna's grid tie. Also, I'll be able to use the black water tank, if I want. Of course, I'll continue to compost. I need my fuel! She's, also, kindly allowed me use of her water and WiFi.

So, temporarily I'll be back on the grid. "Plug my body back into the Matrix." I won't let you have Morpheus, though. Oh sorry, I got caught up in my thoughts...

It's not too bad because Donna has well water and a septic system. It won't be too bad making these concessions after living off-grid. It would be refreshing to see a smiling face periodically. (Donna is a cheerful soul.)

Blueberries

The blueberry plants are doing well. Some of the fruit has shriveled up. I observe these changes and react with more water. The bushes are in a spot of full sun for almost all the day, so I expected some problems.

Still, the bushes are producing many berries. They are tasty, too! I'll continue to water them frequently, with the hope of future produce, until after they are established. They definitely have enough sun!

Wildflowers

The wildflowers have taken off! They are my most successful seeding. They are even flowering! I'm astonished. Maybe I shouldn't be so flabbergasted because it's easy to grow these flowering weeds. Still, I felt that I should report their progress. Ignore me cheering them on!

Spearmint

Spearmint is widely regarded as weed. Starting from seed, I don't see it. In fact, I am unable to distinguish them from the weeds. And, I know my weeds.

Weeds

Yes, I'm a party animal. I got up early to weed the "solar expanse". Would you know that it is quite a Zen thing to do. (I don't know if that is proper usage.)

Pulling out the weeds from the grasses is peaceful for me. Of course, weeding certain sections of my frontage elicits barking from a dog. This poor beast seems to spend most of its time out-of-doors with no attention.

The owners aren't particularly intelligent or sociable. In fact, I have only spoken with their eldest daughter. She's decent. But what sort of adult chooses a six-grader as a speaker? You're right: the socially inept. I doubt they'll become respectable people, because they promptly look away when I wave. I guess it takes all kinds to make a world...

Site updates

I've added eleven movies and one TV program to the GRS database. I hope you enjoy them!

More flowerbeds

This time, I "adjusted" the top-soil mounds behind the solar panels into beds for blueberry bushes. Blueberries love light, only requiring regular water. I can provide that resource, since I have a well

Below are the new flowerbeds with the five bushes:

Hops?

Also, I planted a hop rhizome. It may not sprout, since it was on clearance! If it doesn't grow, then I'll order a replacement from a reputable source in the autumn. Evidently, these vines grow to near 30 feet! I have two trees equidistant from the budding root, so I can string up a climbing support.

It would be good to use my own hop flowers instead of purchasing the pellets. I do intend to resume brewing beer once I have built my cabin.

Plans for the future

My main goal for this warm season is to generate, and gain approval of, plans for the basement, cabin, septic system, etc. According to state law, I can build my own septic system as long as it is inspected and approved by an official.

Of course, this system won't have much to do. The composting toilet awaits installation in my turtle-back garage . But, I will need a responsible way to dissipate grey water, and figure that fighting for just a leaching field to disperse soapy water instead of the usual black-water septic system is a losing battle.

It's not all bad, because I can fit a flushing toilet to the cabin. That may encourage visitors to stay overnight. Considering my proximity with highways and cities, this is a deciding factor.

Summer life

Finally, it's warmed up enough that I don't need to run a burner overnight. In fact, it's perfect: 80+ during the day and mid 60s at night!

I've resumed my routine from a couple years ago. It really is excellent living under the trees. It's relaxing and cool. All is well.

Yesterday, whilst taking in a film, I heard a deep thudding. I thought that it was the camper rocking. But, when it continued at a regular pace, I looked around for the source. I found it, and took a photo. Take a look here.

He kept looking behind him, which is why I snapped his photo from inside the camper. He worked at the stump of "Oakie" for almost an hour. At this rate, I won't have to cut down this stump! I will, though, have to find another spot for my thermometer, which is hanging from a nail in this high stump!

I built another parking space turn-out. This one covers the remains of a brush pile that has been an eye sore for years. Currently, the spot will get my folding trailer off the driveway. In the future, it would make a good spot for a tool shed. A young classic-car enthusiast has expressed interest in parking a Volvo on my property, and this spot would serve that job well. Time will decide the space's final use.

Just go with it

Speaking of letting things work themselves out, I've found that when I let things just go their course, things work out well. People used to describe it as "rolling with the punches", I believe. I agree, because being pliable creates the best solution.

One must choose one's battles. Fighting for something that simply is insignificant, like a detail, is a waste of effort. However, as individuals in our society become more dependent on controlled environments and a belief in the consistency of life, they will expend energy to maintain what they know. It may seem petty; but, to these individuals, it is very important.

What happened to being adaptable? After all, that is one aspect where we shine over the machines, which are always being promoted as our replacements. Think about it.

Site updates

I've added eleven movies to the GRS database. I hope you enjoy them!

Did You Remember?

The 6th was the 75th anniversary of Normandy landings to purge the Nazis from Europe. I read an account that wasn't previously published. It described the assault up Omaha Beach. Reading it, I almost felt like I was there with those poor young men. Casualties were extremely high, as you know.

RIP: Paul Darrow

No doubt the anniversary of the above assault caused me to overlook the death of one of my favorite actors from Blake's 7. Yes, Paul Darrow who played the cold and calculating Avon, our favorite anti-hero has joined Blake (i.e. Gareth Thomas). You may read a short obit here. You may still hear him, as he is the host of JACK FM in Oxfordshire. Their music is, also, excellent and eclectic.

Summer Quarters

On a much brighter note, life is going well in the camper. Life is good. Life is calm, if a bit cool. I've had many "flames" nights. If I don't have to wake and shower before the sun rises, then I let things be, and the temperature inside the camper only descends to about ten above the outside temperature. The forecast suggests that this heating may continue for all summer. Oh well, but there are worse things!

Parking Area

I completed the parking area for my trucks. It's excellent when something works out better than expected! Take a look:
I used the ubiquitous stone to stop run-off. It doesn't look half-bad, and it matches the stony theme that I have going on

Here's what it looks like with vehicles on it!

Beautification

Is that a word? Well, it is now!

Yes, I have been trying to make my home more appealing. I removed all the weeds and sprouts from tree roots. The latter are quite prevalent. I don't mind, because I live in a forest!

People have warned me about poison ivy. So, I wear gloves when pulling weeds. The gloves lasted quite a while before becoming something the Catholics would worship, considering my aggressive tree-root pulling. That's when I noticed the "leaves of three". Bastards!

Would you know it, I must be part of the 15% of the population who have no reaction to the blasted ivy! That said, it's my duty to rid this nuisance from my land. It likes edges of cleared land, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

I used my backhoe to dig up and move stones to make elevated beds for plants. I constructed two along the driveway using the top soil that I pushed to the perimeter. Now, the beds are protected by stones.
The wide on the left will be my spearmint "spot". The narrow flowerbed shown above on the right isn't quite as narrow as it appears. There will be wildflowers native to the Northeast. Of course, I'm hoping for both take root, since I am starting them from seeds.

I think I saw one of the emerald ash borers whilst creating one of my raised flower beds. I actually said, out loud, what an unusual insect. Then, I realized what it probably was and grabbed a stone to kill it. I was too late. Now, I will capture and destroy any bright green insect that I see. I will do my damnedest to stop them spreading into my neck of the woods. I have quite a few ash trees, as they are one of the hardwoods that hasn't been blown over into the sudden opening that is my driveway and small buildings. (Ash are flexible trees.)

Mushrooms

Whilst on the subject of destruction, I found two large and very handsome, white mushrooms during my weeding. I dug out the bases of this pair and proceeded to classify them. I almost thought about sampling a tiny bit. That's when I took a spore print, and found that the mushrooms were mostly probably fully-grown Destroying Angels.

I did find a much more likely pair of edible 'shrooms; however, I was too nervous to classify them. To the compost--err bucket! I'll stick with being poisoned by the supermarket for now!

Life in the Camper

I've already accomplished several tasks on my schedule for this summer. It really helps living here. The solar panels have done an excellent job of maintaining the charge of the smallish battery.

I use a large laptop for evening entertainment by running down its battery. This allows me to enjoy movies, check e-mail (though the Internet modem runs off the camper battery), and update this web site. Come the next morning, I usually hop into the car for the trek to work. Why not use the car to charge the laptop battery? Well, I can now say that it works well. Sometimes I need to keep it plugged in for the return trip, but never the entire three hours of my driving time.

I have the use of a computer in the pre-dark hours without discharging the camper battery. And this daily charging has no effect on the fuel economy of my loyal Mazda. In fact, it has been returning 46-48 mpg!! Not bad for a normal vehicle that is driven very hard, when it's needed. (Damn Mass-hole drivers!)

I've only used the gasoline generator 13 hours since moving back. The majority of those hours represent weekly laundry duty. The power inverter cannot cope with the surge from my portable washing machine.

Even though I claim that the battery is small, it's serving much better now that the solar panels can collect much more energy. I used to run the generator 50 hours a week during the winter and 25 hours a week during the summer! I have been living back home now nearly four weeks.

Site updates

I've added ten movies to the GRS database. This batch includes a new favorite. Please, enjoy them!

A new quote is up:

It may be a little like an Italian supercar. It promises enormous amounts. It looks fantastic. When you actually sit in it and put the carburetor into gear, the wheels fall off.
Oz in Oz and James Big Wine Adventure

Backhoe

The backhoe made short work of a new parking area for the trucks. After I cut down three trees, I used the hydraulic thumb to pick up a large stone. I was impressed! It'll be a good tool for my future plans to beautify the lot. More photos will be forthcoming.

Summer Quarters

I moved back, to the camper this past Saturday. The weekend weather was perfect! I'm getting back into the swing of things here. I run the propane oven or a burner overnight instead of the heater.

They're quieter and don't bring back memories of the furnace breaking down and me waking up freezing! Of course, that won't happen since I waited until Memorial Day... right?! Well, tonight's going to be chilly. It's a going to be a "three flame" night. The burner knob shows flames, and I couldn't miss that opportunity!

The panels were doing a great job running the computer, radio, and everything else. But tonight I'm running the suitcase generator to keep the battery charged. Without running the furnace blower, I probably won't need to run the generator tomorrow. Some sun is in the forecast.

A week of this minor inconvenience, and I'll be back to summer living: windows open powering everything off the sun! That is something to look forward to! Humidity is surprisingly tolerable in the camper. The trees help a lot.

My only concern was been dispelled this morning. I wondered if I would freeze showering at a quarter to 5 in the morning. (Yes, I have rise early to make it into work at a reasonable time.) The showering was no less comfortable than at John's. Waking up that early simply is no fun.

Site updates

I've added fourteen movies and a TV program to the GRS database. Please, enjoy them!

Backhoe

I figured that I'd break-in the backhoe attachment by ripping up one of the oak stumps at the end of my driveway. Its placement causes water to pool on the asphalt "apron" of my driveway. I'd rather have the water run into the ditch adjacent to the road.

The good news is that backhoe worked well! The not-so-good news is that I wasn't able to hack up the stump. I did manage to knock off some of the perimeter. Hmm: time for Plan B!

I used the ripper to excavate the area around the stump. Hopefully, the next rainstorm will wash away the sand on the apron, showing that my idea worked. If not, it's on to Plan C. I won't run out of letters. Trust me! Of course, it may take a bit for me make Plan C: "that's the trouble with plans, they only come a bit at a time."

I excavated the area within the red circle. The drainage ditch is marked by the blue arrow. One may clearly observe the evidence of standing water just in front of the red oval. Sand, dirt, and other debris gathers there.

Compost Heap

Regular visitors will recall that I aim to compost anything that cannot be recycled. I reduced my production of waste to a level that would make the hairiest tree-hugger froth at its mouth like a rabid dog! (I have firearms for such crazies.) Though, I enjoyed what I see as a game that benefits future folks.

Now, since I have no septic system on site, composting extends to my "number twos". As I have reported, my simple composting toilet works well. There is no odor, because I add plenty of peat moss. Wood/paper bits ensures that the carbon-nitrogen balance is maintained for optimal decomposition.

Previously, I collected all the composting-toilet "fuel"--that sounds better than "number twos"--in plastic rubbish bins with holes drilled in the sides. The two bins did a surprisingly good job, but are now full. I'll be moving back into my camper when nature decides to warm up, so I'll need the bins to be empty.

Now, I have to explain that "fuel" is already mostly broken down before it's emitted by us. Really, it doesn't need help from earthworms, unlike traditional compost made from kitchen scraps. The only reason why I segregated it from the rest of the compost and kept it off the ground was to avoid spreading germs. Of course, I haven't been ill in years so it really shouldn't matter. It's a good practice.

Well, it's been almost two years for the fuel to "mature". Boy, I'm full of... euphemisms today! So I needed to erect an on-the-ground compost heap.

My uncle, a long-time and regular visitor--thanks!!--, had given me plans for a clever three-compartment composting structure. I had taken-in his modified two-bin version in-person with admiration. Of course, I mis-placed the plans that he gave me for it. But he said nothing and gave me another copy.

I priced the lumber and, well, I just couldn't justify spending $500 for something that's going to surround my fuel. Especially not now whilst I am saving all my pennies to (hopefully) build a log cabin next summer.

Instead, I cleared an area in the woods of leaves and marked it. I have plenty of fallen wood on my lot, so I have lumber ready to go. When it rots and falls over, then I stand up the next bit of fallen lumber. Yes, I'm cheap. (But I'm not easy!)

Here's the "fuel" & kitchen scrap compost heap! (I may have built-up its presentation a bit! Fire up the banjo...) Yes, that's two pieces of birch and a section of hemlock lording it over some fuel! You may ask why I bothered to mark the compost area. I haven't lost my mind. I need to know where the spot is when the snows return.

Summer Quarters

In the background, you can see my summer quarters. It looks like I won't be able to move back until Memorial Day weekend. Oh well.

Also behind the compost heap is my purple pick-up, which is quite popular with John's daughter and her boyfriend. I've also acquired a teal Mountaineer from Andy. I have future plans for this all-wheel-drive SUV. (It'll make a clever re-bodied vehicle in the future! Yeah, I live in a bit of "free" America!)

Until then...

John has been easier to live with now that he may have girlfriend. Also, his daughter has moved in, since her boyfriend has joined up. She's much like her father John, but still a young woman so she cannot be as abrupt no matter how much she tries! I'll try to make a lady out of her. She would be a testament to women in a dress with manners. We can hope. Whatever became wrong with dresses? I know I'm slow.

Site updates

I've added seven movies to the GRS database. Please, enjoy them!

Backhoe

Done! Finally! What a pain in the butt that assembly was!

I haven't figured out the quick-change device yet. It's shown attaching the bucket to the backhoe boom. Fitting the pump to the PTO was not easy. It's tight so I used an extension. You can also see the ripper.

Here are the photos!

GIF

I sequenced shots from the trail camera of a few deer traveling through my woods. You'll notice that they stop and stare at something. I had just pulled into the driveway with the car.

You may view it here (21.3 MB).

Backhoe

I've assembled the backhoe attachment. Two hours of assembly. Uh huh, right! I still need to grease the nipples. There are lots on that thing! Also, I have a "quick change" for the bucket, because I have a "ripper" that fits in place of the bucket. I need to install the quick-change device. I just ran out of energy after wrestling with the attachment.

I hope to finish it this weekend. It needs a little more time. Photos will be forthcoming.

Mazdas

My Mazda 2 needed an inner tie rod to be replaced. I'm really too busy to undertake that job. It's a good thing because the strut was also bent. I don't know if it was caused by the collision in Gloucester or my "beaching" in Florida.

Whilst the dealership replaced the components, I had a 2018 Mazda 6. I was expecting an older VW or Buick, since the dealership also sells these marques. I wouldn't have been upset, because I just needed wheels.

No, they treated me well and loaned me a well-trimmed 6. That said, I must critique this car. The ride is hard, especially in the back. The cushions in the seats are too thin to compensate for the low-profile tires.

I was surprised that the almost-two-ton vehicle was able to return almost 40 mpg! Admittedly, I have a history of finding more "mpg" and power from a car. I'm not being self-centered. A few people have commented on my style of driving.

One thing that I really needed was a radio. That 6 had no CD. Bummer: I hoped to enjoy some Eisbrecher! It does still receive FM, and even AM! (Ahem, isn't CD technology newer than either FM or AM!?) Instead, it offers USB ports to attach one's smart telephone. I haven't one, but my cheap MP3 player fit well!

Curiously when the MP3 player is charging through the USB port, it masks weak FM stations. Yes, the usual driver will never encounter this problem because they live in the city. But, in the real world, there are a few of us who live in the sticks!

I did enjoy the radar-controlled cruise control. Gone are the days when one turned on the cruise control and then pushed a button labeled "ACCEL" to increase speed and hope that one homes in on the quickest speed that don't raise red flags with the police.

Nowadays, one may choose a speed incremented by a single mph! Yes, it's still understandably dim when it comes to hills. The really cool thing is that on the highway, it not only does a good job regulating velocity, but it will slow down to maintain a desired distance regardless of speed.

The Future?

Of course, I had to try out this technology. Call me a fool! I let it do its thing even after I left the highway. Yes, it brought the car to a complete stop, although in a somewhat abrupt manner. I'll admit that I wasn't carefree as I let the computer stop the car!

After that accomplishment, I was stunned when it started moving again when the car in front of me started moving. It did a good job maintaining the proper gap at low speed, speeds far below the set point. The only snag that I learned to accept is that the sensors couldn't recognize red lights or stop signs. It needs a car in front of it to perform. Still, I can see "driver-less" technology in the future.

Yes, it won't be able to run around without one of us watching it. No surprise! Cars powered by these technologies could allow us to text or do other meaningless tasks, because we need to be ready to react quickly to "a situation". (Hell, a driver-less vehicle killed one of the characters in my stories!)

I have my car back now. It's mostly fixed. I believe a road wheel may be bent because there's a vibration at speeds greater than 65 mph. Or maybe it's simply an out-of-balance tire? Either way, I'll address that nuisance later. It's good to have my car back!

The Grand Tour

Jeremy gave the audience quite a scare last Friday. The presenters aren't growing younger, so I really thought they were calling it quits! Nope, they're changing the format, which probably means fewer episodes.

Summer Quarters

The temperatures have been stubbornly low. I may be stuck at John's until the middle or end of May. Sigh. On a positive note, most of the ice is gone on my lot!

Site updates

I've added eight movies to the GRS database , which includes a new favorite.

And another quote is up:

Listen, if you can't trust your drug dealer, who can you trust?
from Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave

Backhoe!

Monday, I received a backhoe attachment for my Kubota tractor. It may be a bit big for the tractor, but it's the smallest one offered by Woodmaxx.

I screwed up the timing, because the town had just "posted" all the town roads with a six-ton limit. Oops! The truck driver seemed more concerned with the smallish bridge on my road. I directed him to a larger one. Still, I should have waited a month for the ground to firm up after all the snow melted.

Getting the attachment off the crate and away from the road was a trick. The instructions figured you wouldn't be working with a tractor partially in the roadway with limited daylight. And the instructions don't have a "quick connect" to move the attachment. Instead, they assume that one has a pleasant summer day to work on it! Maybe this was a good test of my practical skills? Life is full of small challenges!

I was planning to properly attach the backhoe today, but rain showers moved in. There's always next week! I'll upload photos once I have it all set.

Summer Quarters

Soon I plan to move into my camper. I'm waiting for the overnight temperatures to rise above freezing and for all the ice to melt from the driveway & walkways. I may be in as early as next weekend. I've cleaned almost all of the interior. I just need to pump in water to wash some steel utensils that were visited by a field mouse. (The wooden ones will go into the burn pile.)

I have sealed the trailer. There have been no mice inside it since I returned from Florida. This is good news for me. I can sleep through the night without being awaken by Mickey Mouse scurrying. I am a "light" sleeper!

I'm developing a way of life to minimize generator usage. I think I have a good plan not to curtail my evening activities whilst using only the camper battery, which is charged by the solar panels. (Remember that they now have a lot more access to the sun, which is wonderful!) Though, my plan requires using that very big generator in which I spend three hours every work day.

Yes, the Mazda makes an excellent trickle charger for replenishing batteries in a laptop computer and a mobile telephone. The former is the main consumer of electricity in my life. I can't fit a television in the camper, so the computer performs that task, also. I'm looking forward to living on my own land! Also, the commute is five minutes shorter from home. That may not sound like much, but it adds up every week

Site updates

I've added ten movies to the GRS database.

Please, enjoy them!

Site updates

I've uploaded my latest trip page. If you find an error, please contact me!

Site updates

I'm almost done with the first cut at the trip page. Forgive my slow progress because I have quite a long commute now. Not that it's bad having a well-paying job!

Site updates

I've added eleven movies to the GRS database.

Back!

I'm back from my cross-country vacation. It was perfect! A trip page shall be forthcoming.

It's wonderful being back. Yes, I'm back shoveling snow. Didn't you know that I like that exercise? Though, I will admit that I was a bit sore after clearing the driveway where I rent a winter room and "tractoring" my place's driveway.

Job

I've accepted a one-year contract at a place where I used to work. I was blown away by the number of people who remembered me when I interviewed with them. Really, the interview was a chance to speak about the old days. I'm excited to go back to work for them, too!

Computer

I had been slowly purchasing components for a new desktop computer, as they went on sale. Since I have a job, I bought the rest of them. I'll be building a new computer. Fun stuff!

My current desktop computer is fourteen years old. It's gone through several optical drives and a few hard drives. The sound card quit and a power supply died after a few months. I think I'm on the original graphics accelerator card.

My desire to replace it is not because it's wearing out. It struggles with some of the flashy web pages and cannot run Skype or Youtube videos well any more.

The new computer is going to a big step up in performance. I'm continuing my philosophy: use quality parts with a gaming motherboard. Also, I took special care to find energy efficient components, since it will spend most of its life off-grid. For instance, I bought a top-of-the-line power supply. It's 80 Plus Platinum Certified.

Site updates

I've added five movies and updated existing entries in the GRS database.

I've added a new quote, too:

Nature can't evolve a species that hasn't a will to survive. Individuals might be bred to sacrifice themselves, but the race as a whole can never decide to cease to exist.
Orson Scott Card in Ender's Game

Got Sun?

As promised, I'm including shots of the cleared area around the solar arrays. Please, ignore the brush piles. I wanted to burn them; however, the small, drier pile didn't completely burn. I will have to wait till next winter to be rid of the rest of them.

Yes, I could use a lot of gasoline and make the brush burn. But I can wait. I'd rather let nature take its course rather than force the matter. The townsfolk don't seem to mind. Many wave when I'm outside working. A neighbor, a ways down the street, commented that he wanted to install panels on his roof. I'm a positive example--well, in my mind

Here's what the area looks like today:
For comparison, here are similar shots from late October: The best "before" photos that I have of the area around the panels focus on the paved driveway apron. One may see many of the trees that I removed in the below photos, if one can piece it together. How are your spatial skills? The most dramatic difference is to the west of the driveway, which is shown in the right photo below:

Road trip!

I've decided to take a road trip to visit my brother out west. Normally, I take an airplane because I am limited by time. This time around I have fewer time restrictions. I can arrive on my own time. The open road beckons!

There's something about surface travel that revives individualism. At least, that is what I have found. Meeting new people, seeing fresh sites, and enjoying solitude have always made me happier.

Also, along the way, I will have the opportuntity to visit a frequent Billsuniverse.com visitor, his very kind and hospitable wife, and their hardworking, car-loving son!

In the "boring" middle of the country there should be plenty of roadside attractions to enjoy. I feel that a trip page may be forthcoming! My regeneration should be complete after this fun trip. If not, then I can always construct a small "zero room".

Site updates

I've uploaded two sequels and one remake to the GRS database. Please, enjoy them!

I added a funny photo, too: