Ready for the cold snap...

I think I've decided to keep this desk after all.  I rather like having lots of work room for a change and it doubles as a dining room table at dinner time.  Going to be hunkered down inside for a couple of days so I will also use it as a workbench for some electronics projects.  Hung that round wall clock today.  41 years ago, I "appropriated" it from one of my interior design classrooms at UNC-G and incorporated it into my most recent interior design.  Somehow, I kept it in pristine condition all these years and it still runs perfectly.  All prepped for the cold front.  Added some extra hay on top of the bunny nest.  Not sure if there are any little ones in there yet, but I set up a new surveillance camera to keep an eye on it.  I have plenty of propane for heat - and I got my old gas grill ready to go to keep my tomato plants from freezing.  42,75,28,0,C

some labor day...

Picked a 3 hour chore for the holiday - hoisted a 4x4 beam up the east side today to begin the task of closing off that end.  Rather awkward  safely solo lifting a 24' long piece of steel that weighs 152lbs. 
A cold front moved in last night.  79,89,65,0,B

steam...

Been thinking about modifying my outdoor shower lately. Bathing in the great outdoors certainly has its perks, but there just aint no way to keep the breeze off out there. This mornings hot/steamy shower at the Antelope Lodge was a turning point. I would really like to fully enclose my shower system here so I can get that same steamy effect....of course with some windows that will open for the middle of summer when a hot/steamy shower is no longer that appealing. Another project to add to the list.

Had a great night basking so much closer to the edge of humanity in my motel setting. Got my TV and Pizza Hut fix for the month. Clouds from the latest cold front started clearing in Alpine around noon. First stop after checking out was the Brewster County tax office to pay my property tax bill for last year. $89.57....down almost 50 bucks from 2008 due to my applying for a homestead exemption. Sweeeeeet!

Made the usual shopping rounds and stocked up on all that's good. Problem was that I couldn't find some vital parts for the entrance tower flame throwers so I will have to make an Odessa trip to good ol' Home Depot. Last stop before heading back to the ranch was Bullshirtz - our local screen printing shop. Hung out and chatted with Rick McDowell, the owner. Getting ready for a production run of Field Lab t shirts......(you know you want one).

Not a cloud in the sky but still in the low 30's when I left Alpine. Unfortunately, I beat the sun heading south. Caught up to the cloud cover about 10 miles north of the Field Lab. 33 outside and 45 inside when I got back. My propane heater brought the hut temp up to 65 in about an hour. It sure is nice to spend a night every now and then at the Antelope Lodge - but there's no place like home. 27,35,22,0