new rack...

Decided it was time to build a steel rack for the house solar panels.  This time of year they get partially shaded.  While we have another 2 months of high sun - reckon it's time to rake it all in.  Cleared a spot just to the right of these photos for the Airstream.  BTW...these are all Harbor Freight panels which were the best deal when on sale 3.5 years ago.  Now the price of solar has dropped to the point where I would no longer suggest buying these - but since I got 'em...will keep them in service.

Just 2 more loads of bentonite coming in the morning.  Took a ride out to the TSB Mine today to check out the source.  Ran into my buddy "dusty dave" working the piles.  104,111,73,0,C

magic dust...

Pulled the forms off the threshold pour.  A bit of funky flaking on top as well as some bunny claw marks, but all was well.

Porter Construction started hauling out sodium bentonite for the dam today.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentonite

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Sunday morning pour...

13.5 bags

2 hours

done by 10AM

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jam test...

Did a morning walk around the estate and found several sotol plants shooting up last ditch starks.  Just like the mesquites in the area, several plants are doing their out or ordinary best to propagate the species during the drought. 

Cut down my first two test forms then tested out the mixer from just me with an easy 1 bag pour for two new pavers.  Worked like a charm.  Lined the bottom of the forms with galvanized flashing for a smoother finish.  This test was with 15 3/4" sq ...still a bit shy of 1 bag for 2 forms. 
Next up:  15 1/2" forms.

I had borrowed a chop saw for JM last year and it ended up pooping out because the brushes were too worn down.  Was able to return said saw today with new brushes I got from http://www.ereplacementparts.com/  You got a power tool out of whack? - go there for parts!  I searched for the model chop saw I was using and found an exploded view of the machine with a listing for just about every part one would need to get it up and running again.  98,110,68,0,B

smart chicken...

Ran errands all morning then went visiting.  Stopped off to see a few folks downtown (east side of 118).  Nice hot day today - perfect for watching other people work.  Checked in on the Mt. McKenna container complex.  Today was the day for them to marry a 20 footer with a 40 footer.  All you need is some chain, a tractor, and brute strength to get them lined up for welding.  Picked up a baby cement mixer from "Just Me" to get me back in the game.  For some reason she hasn't named it yet so I am open to suggestions.

On the way out of Alpine yesterday, I stopped off at Blue Water Natural Foods  http://www.bluewaternf.com/.  Decided I would try some pricey organic chicken...$4.95/lb.  Grilled it up tonight and it was a lot more flavorful than the industrial chicken I have been eating.  http://www.smartchicken.com/    Now that the government is involved in the business of labeling food organic - I can't help but think the big players are gonna sway what that really means.  I read a passage in The Omnivore's Dilemma about "organic" chickens living in similar circumstances to their industrial brothers.  Federal rules say that organic chicken should have "access to the outdoors" - but most of these farms keep the doors shut until the birds are at least 5 weeks old at which point they are set in their ways and there is little chance of them venturing out into the fresh air and sunlight.  The bottom line is: unless you grow it yourself - can you really be sure what is was fed and how it was raised?  103,111,69,0,C

Raspaland

Made a new friend in Alpine today....Victor from Raspaland.  http://www.raspaland.com/  He and his wife Cristina have a fantastic little store just on the south side of the railroad tracks.  If you are coming through Alpine, make sure to check out this little gem at Murphy and 5th St.

The reason I happened to meet Victor is because I saw a flier for an Airstream trailer for sale about 2 weeks ago at the post office in Terlingua.  I emailed him a couple of days ago and it turned out the beast was still available.  Went up to check in out in person and we worked out a deal.  1978 31' Land Yacht Sovereign.  Hope to haul it out to TFL next week.  98,111,72,0,C 

first conenose...

Found my first Conenose Beetle of the season lurking just outside my door.  This particular one will not be a problem for me.  It was a HOT one today but I got the next pour prepped.  A new distraction on the horizon...not human.  100,112,76,0,C