handsome threshold...

Pulled the forms and back filled - this one came out rather nice.  Someone pulled up this morning with a flat tire and needed a jack.  Had to dig through the trash in the back seat of my truck to find it.  Got inspired to flush out all the trash.  Found 2 year old receipts and my GPS buried in the mess.  Actually used the vacuum once I got all the stuff out. 

Had lunch down south with a Mt. McKennite then did some more bead work this afternoon.  The creosote is blooming again out here and we got a good chance of more rain this weekend.  83,96,63,0,B

fresh pour

Was a 14 bagger this morning.  The JAM (Julianne's Mixer) from Harbor Freight hangs in there like a champ as long as it's only 2 bags at a time.  Finished up the pour just in time to meet Kevin at the mailboxes for my backup inverter delivery from the USPS.  I reckon as long as I don't abuse these too much, I'm good to go "power wise" for at least 4 more years.  Heavy labor done for the day so headed over to Chuck's to help him move a recently acquired pole structure to his property.  The roof rack really comes in handy from time to time.  88,97,62,0,B

staged...

Welded up the uprights and got everything in place for an early morning pour tomorrow.  Chased off a furry critter while working around the grounds.  78,87,58,0,C

A recent rather unsettling development in the Republic of Obama.  http://www.libertyforall.net/?p=6702  Behind closed doors and with the stroke of his evil pen, the nations leader has just made it a felony for anyone using medicinal marijuana to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.  I would venture to guess that more shooting deaths have occured due to booze than weed.  The war on drugs and guns continues. 

long day

For some strange reason, I felt compelled to keep working today.  Nine hours later I had all the parts ready for the east end doorway.  Mounted and welded the header into place, excavated for the footing pour, and prepped the uprights.  77,88,58, .10",B  

poatri vs. suber

Long day in Alpine today.  First stop - the courthouse to check in on the latest case involving our notorious HOA.  This was a hearing for a summery judgement and has been moved to a jury trial set for late November.  The outcome will have serious ramifications on the powers of Poatri to rule the ranch. 

Lunched with my best friend neighbor then went about my shopping detail.  Last stop was a visit to Texas Parks and Wildlife to discuss my dam project with my new friend Jonah.  Perhaps their Landowner Incentive Program will help me create a wildlife habitat here at TFL.

Didn't get home till 3:30 - found Benita waiting patiently for some attention.  Responded to an email from the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service regarding a message I had sent about my endangered Terlingua Creek Cat's Eye plant.   Note to all:  I have yet to sign on the dotted line so there is no need to get your panties in a knot about partnering with the government about my issues here.  It's no secret what I am trying to achieve - several government agencies both domestic and military have already read my entire blog.  I kind of approve of tax dollars and phony printed money being thrown at nature as opposed to war and corporate greed.

Just ordered two more inverters since I'm running on my backup now. http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-11240-1000-Watt-Inverter-Control/dp/B000WGNNUQ  I have one of these pure sine wave inverters that I have had in service for over 2 years with no problems.  When I bought it - it was $275 on sale...these are under $200 now.   and (thanks to a suggestion from a blog comment) I ordered a wild game camera to check up on just who is visiting the swamp. http://www.amazon.com/Moultrie-MFH-DGS-M100-Game-Spy-M-100/dp/B004OZ68KI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317688125&sr=8-1 Might just help my prospects of habitat creation assistance and this one also has a time lapse feature which should come in handy down the road.  78,89,57,0,B

Monarch Sunday

Saw a butterfly this morning - then another, and another, and another...  Lost count after 200.  Quite a few decided to hang out down in the swamp today.  Plenty of water and flowers for them.  79,89,54,0,B(utterflys)

Saturday Work/Play

Five hours this morning getting my east vent in place.  Playtime this afternoon with the fresnel.  A couple of more bead experiments and was able to get video of the quick melting process using two polarizing lenses in front of the G9. This is what 2000 degrees does to black sand.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnq0VDDm9qo
77,89,55,0,B