Prepped for the hottest day of the season so far. Cranked up the PepinoII and chilled the house down to 61.9 this morning. Running the swamp cooler all day, it only made it up to 82.8 inside twelve hours later with a high of 110 outside.
Had a visit this morning from the Mahanays. They tried to come out for a visit just one year and a day ago but my road was too swampy because of rain so I met them at the GrubShack. Glad they finally made it out to the Field Lab for the official tour. Got a mug from them with an award winning photo they shot during last years visit.
Benita just passed the 1,400 fans mark on Facebook today. Haven't seen her granddaughter Penelope for a couple of months but she just happened to come in today with her momma Beatrice. I think they knew this was a special day for gramma. Penelope laid claim to the food bowl right away.
It's been 6 months since I last checked on my battery systems. Only had to add a little water but I think it's time for a cleaning overhaul. 101,110,66,0,B
Morning meet'n'greet with my new filmmaker friend Ian Midgley http://www.youaregodmovie.com/ He is in SW Texas looking for more folks for his film project. Hopefully he will be back to shoot a couple of days here next week. He needs some work footage and I need a spotter - perfect!
Popped the first test pavers out of the forms this morning...a little on the rough side. Have to keep them covered with plastic for about a week to let them cure. Got a break in having to make a decision on how to proceed with the greenhouse floor. I'm now officially permitted to proceed with welding work thanks to our County Commissioner. Will have to track down a spotter to watch for fire while working (as per the permit) - I don't think the webcam or Benita qualify for this role.
Still mulling over the paver dilemma. Decided the first thing to do is try casting a couple to see how it goes. I thought one bag of concrete mix would fill two 17" sq forms 2" deep - came up short. Will cut the forms down to 16" and try that next. The wooden forms are sealed with spray shellac and lubricated with a touch of WD40. The cost of casting them myself is about 1/2 the price of buying pre-made pavers at McCoys, but the same price as Home Depot in Odessa - but getting them from Odessa to here would be cost prohibitive. I reckon it will all work out...it just has to. Still plenty of options to consider.
Yet another new critter scooted by The Field Lab this morning. And no...I won't kill them unless they pose a threat or become a problem. This badger ran off right after I took his picture. 90,101,69,0,B
Got some more pieces prepped for the west doorway. Because of the super dry conditions and recent brush fires, I am going to have to get a permit before I can do any outdoor welding. Plenty of other chores to keep me busy till I can get the OK. 
