Good morning!!!!

[LS Tractor Owner]

Good morning to all! Low of 62, calm and party cloudy sky. It happened again, dark storms and heavy rain all around, but not one drop here. I think there is a hole in the atmosphere above my house...all the moisture just gets sucked right out. Now they say "less chance of storms" and "drying out"... Drying out from what? At least it is cooler, expected high of 80.

Yesterday was very productive. We got the dogs groomed up, then finished cleaning the dirt out of the Jeep and got it all pretty on the inside again. Finally got the fence gate built, much heavier than I thought it would be. Didn't want to make it a two piece split gate, but may have to...I'll see once I install the big one (8'). Won't be using it often, so should be ok.

Today's agenda is to install the gate, clean the wifey's car (same shape as the Jeep after the dust storm), then piddle around in the shop organizing stuff. We'll see.

Drew, always nice to have a good steak dinner...we had picked up a couple of ribeyes the night before, same thing...could only eat half even though they turned out fantastic. Had the second half again last night...just as good! Our garden is wilting away, we water and water...not sure if too much, or it's just evaporating quickly. Everything has mulch, no weeds present (even they aren't growing). Only thing doing well are the tomatoes and marigolds. Oh well....

Jay, glad to hear that you are now living in comfort. Those new systems are amazing. Enjoy!

Clay, I may be too late posting this but... This year we did not want to use the central air ssystem to cool the whole house (3500sq ft) when we primarily stay / live in one end (about a 6-700 sq ft area). We were at Costco about a month ago and saw a portable heat pump unit. It is thermostat controlled, and can be wifi controlled. It has worked fantastic for cooling just the smaller area we occupy. Haven't gotten the new electric bill, but I'm sure it will still be cheaper than cooling the whole house.

Everyone have a great day, prayers for everyone sent.

 

[jbrumberg]

Ted-

Thanks.

Was your dust storm a haboob?

I can not believe your ongoing drought condition. "Wet" systems either dry up or track north and south of your area.

I hope that you get rain soon.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I would like your opinions.... Single neighbor lady asked me for estimates for installing about 160' of three rail fence w/ 4' high welded wire fencing stapled on, includes one 4' gate. Second project is removing a falling down rotten deck (about 4x8') at her front door and then pouring a 12x16' concrete patio.

I have done a lot of work for her in the past, and she 'prefers' my work. She has been using some local handyman services, which charges her a lot (ripping her off IMHO). I ussually charge her the exact cost of materials and just enough to cover my costs (gas, saw blades, special tools etc..). She had to make "monthly payments" for past projects (which I didn't mind, and she always paid). Now she has more available funds and wants to fix up her house (which is seriously going into disrepair over the last 5 years).

My dilemma/ problem is this: since being injured (knee), a lot of my projects / maintenance have fallen behind. I'm now about 4 months behind schedule starting my 'cottage build' (new house). This new cottage is the pivotal project that is the start of 'our new life' (slow movement towards retirement). So......

If I take on her projects, I will just delay our projects more. But... I could really use the funds she would be paying for the jobs to apply to our build (I'm paying cash as we go for the new house). Part of my willingness to do her projects is that she has no family, no help other than what she pays for, and is always getting ripped off by unscrupulous people. I feel really bad to say 'no'.

Wifey is getting very impatient and overwhelmed with the ever increasing long list that WE have. She says we don't need the money, my argument is to get it while you can. A couple thousand bucks can buy a bunch of materials/supplies.

What would you do?

By the way, I will probably going back to work full time in a couple of weeks, so my time will be even more limited.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Jay, it wasn't a full 'haboob' officially, but a strong downburst from a storm 50 miles away. Lasted about 20 minutes. Visibility was about 1/4 mile. Gusts were as high as 60 mph

 

[jbrumberg]

Ted-- Thanks for the Haboob response.

You have a really difficult "balance of 'needs' and 'wants'" to juggle. You are probably better off maintaining your current balance by splitting job tasks between your neighbor lady and you and your wife and "The Plan." I'd "load" the "To Do List" in favor of wifey.

Good luck.

 

[CWB Wyo]

LS

That is the kind I was thinking about getting so I can move it from room to room. We'll start looking tomorrow on our way down to SLC. They had one at a little Shopko store in town last week.

Thanks
CWB.

 

[daugen]

What's your recipe for "baked okra"? I grew up eating fried okra, a little stewed okra, though most of my family didn't like it stewed, and okra was my first money crop as a farm kid; picked it every other day and sold it to the local grocery stores. I still like it fried AND I like pickled okra.

Bird, I'm clueless, no recipe, just winging it. Going to spray each piece with canola oil, dip in some breading, and then bake for half an hour at 350 and test.
Keep testing every ten minutes thereafter. When done, on goes sauce which is cooking very slowly and making the downstairs smell nice

 

[Bird]

Bird, I'm clueless, no recipe, just winging it. Going to spray each piece with canola oil, dip in some breading, and then bake for half an hour at 350 and test.
Keep testing every ten minutes thereafter. When done, on goes sauce which is cooking very slowly and making the downstairs smell nice

Sounds interesting; wish I was there to help you eat it.

 

[sodamo]

72°F and .36 inches rain.

Gonna attempt slow cooking some beef short ribs today.

Prayers for all

Be safe
Have a great day

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Happy wife, happy life, Ted. Were I you, especially in light of your knee, I'd thank the neighbor for her trust in you, but pass on her offer of work. Perhaps you know someone reliable that won't take advantage of her, and you could pass along that name. Or offer to look in on any workers she ends up with, and even review quotes with her. Reading your analysis tells me that you've more negatives than positives to spreading yourself thin enough to help her out with doing the actual work. Something tells me if you end up taking on her jobs, too, the temptation to overload that knee will be too great and you'll be delaying not only your own projects, but your knee's recovery as well.

:2cents: