Good morning!!!!

[LouNY]

Morning all;
Long day yesterday, picked up one daughter that was coming down to NC and didn't get going till almost 9 AM.
Decent drive down most of the way, a couple of extreme slow downs, an hour plus to get 5 miles one spot.
Construction but not that restrictive so don't know what caused the backup in that. Pulled into Jacksonville about 1AM this morning.
Thanks for the good wishes waved in a few thoughts while driving. Saw some nice corn and hay fields and a few poor ones.
It bothers me to see all the small dairy farms that have gone out. I guess that part of farming has pretty much disappeared,
just don't care for the 3000+ cow dairies and especially the 50,000 cow one.
I'm a bit stuck in my way of thinking I still believe that the individual small farmer and business owner was what made this country great.
Not the big corporations, not big agri business, but smaller independent individuals.
I saw the whole way down what used to be dairys that have transitioned to beef or raising crops for the big ones.
Several locations with varied products and farm to market stands and what looked to me to be angora goats.
Did stay on I-81 till almost out of VA, but daylight was gone before I got into NC.
My pickup ran nice and even got close to what it was advertised for mileage, got almost 27mpg in the first half did drop to 26 mpg on the second half,
that may have been a result of running +5 on the speed limits so a bunch of 75 mph driving, it's a RAM 1500 crewcab with the little eco-diesel in it,
decent riding and driving pickup.
Well of to see the kids and grand kids and see about helping get ready for this weekends gathering.
A good day and well wishes to all.
Lou

 

[daugen]

Rabbits enjoying my fruit, as long as they don't climb trees, I'm ok with them in there...

Found first pumpkin coming up.

painter no showed me, never called, let me sit for an hour, then I had to leave for doc appt.
I called him and he said oh I had another appt, hadn't checked when he made appt. yesterday.
No show, no call. No money from me.

 

[sodamo]

70°F and 1,87 inches rain. Erick a non event except for the rain. Looks like it could be an inside day.

Prayers for all
Be safe
Have a great day

 

[ronjhall]

Hope Sassy is okay.

All 3 dogs plus me are conserving energy.
Sassy will eat anything she finds. I expect more episodes in the future.

 

[PJSprog]

60°F and clear skies this morning, going up to 87° today.

Hadn't driven 500 feet from the driveway this morning when a doe walked out in front of me. I really wish they wouldn't do that. On the bright side, my brakes seem to be in good shape.

I had a similar surprise yesterday, Kyle. Wife said her youngest called and told her he'd gotten into an argument with his boss and got sent home, and now he's worried about paying his rent (apparently not worried enough to not argue with his boss, though). She told him she wasn't giving him any money, but she'd pay him to come over and mow the lawn. So, he did. Of course, I had to go out last night and clean up the barn after him (that hasn't changed). She said she told him if he's not smart enough to not argue with his boss today, he can come back and do the trimming, too. :laughing:

Landscaper who built our new retaining walls and stone walkway/stairs last year is supposed to start draining the lake today. The plan is to fill in the back part by the barn, dredge the middle, put in new rip-rap all the way around, and rip-rap a new spillway to the road ditch to eliminate our bog problem. He was supposed to start this in April, then May, then June, and now this week. I have at this point maybe 10% confidence it will happen. He did show up one day and talk to The Wife about it, thus the 10%. He and his crew did great work on the wall and walkway, but his ability to schedule work is absolutely terrible. I wonder how guys like that manage to stay in business.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

He and his crew did great work on the wall and walkway, but his ability to schedule work is absolutely terrible. I wonder how guys like that manage to stay in business.

I think they stay in business because there are even more that can neither schedule nor do acceptable work, and kids these days are too lazy to go into the trades. Lots of demand, not enough supply.:shocked:

 

[jbrumberg]

Checking In:

I am still grooved out from yesterday's art museum mind expansion. I can find no words to describe the experience other than weird; maybe fascinating weird. There is a fine line between artistic expression and psychosis. I saw other guys in our age group that appeared bewildered and/or bemused by the experience. We did have an excellent Italian dinner last evening.

It could have been a great night for sleeping. The pleasant 51ºF morning low was disturbed by an agitated barking dog. At least I got an early start to run down to the "Big City" to get the Tundra inspected and pick up some "supplies". A sunny 79ºF presently; close to today's high temperature.

Eric- I am glad that you are out of harm's way.

Drew- Katie is a cutie. Thanks for sharing. A puppy and child growing up together

BEF- It reads like you are finally on the road to recovery. I hope it continues.

RonJH- I am sorry to read about your pack last night. I hope Sassy has recovered. Something was in the 谿ｿir last night. Brogen was up and agitated most of the evening. Agitated enough to take down some driveway stonework while on tether. I suspect that I'll be moving my #300 birdbath this weekend.. At least I have reason to fire up the NH. I have all kinds of rock piles to move around. in 逕ｰreative ways.

Rick- Thanks for sharing your pond cleanup. It amazes me how quickly some aquicides work.

RNG- I burned my last batch of smoked ribs. A first. Chewy pork jerky at best :embarrassed:. I am happy your ribs turned out as good eats.

"... Saw some nice corn and hay fields and a few poor ones.
It bothers me to see all the small dairy farms that have gone out. I guess that part of farming has pretty much disappeared,?
I'm a bit stuck in my way of thinking I still believe that the individual small farmer and business owner was what made this country great.
Not the big corporations, not big agri business, but smaller independent individuals."- Lou That was our experience and feelings our recent trip out of the Adirondacks on down to PA. The number abandoned farms and supporting businesses was disheartening. I really do not know how some of the small operations around here make it.

I do not know how some small businesses make it nowadays due to their own incompetence.

Paul- I am sorry to read about the "children" and self sabotaging behaviors.

A fairly recent photo of a sleeping Brogen. Technically he is not on the sofa as he has all 4 paws on the floor.

My + thoughts, wishes, and prayers.

 

[sodamo]

Kekua doesn’t worry about the paws on floor distinction


Nice slippahs, Jay

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Checking In:

I am still grooved out from yesterday's art museum mind expansion. I can find no words to describe the experience other than weird; maybe fascinating weird. There is a fine line between artistic expression and psychosis. I saw other guys in our age group that appeared bewildered and/or bemused by the experience. We did have an excellent Italian dinner last evening.

It could have been a great night for sleeping. The pleasant 51ºF morning low was disturbed by an agitated barking dog. At least I got an early start to run down to the "Big City" to get the Tundra inspected and pick up some "supplies". A sunny 79ºF presently; close to today's high temperature.

Eric- I am glad that you are out of harm's way.

Drew- Katie is a cutie. Thanks for sharing. A puppy and child growing up together

BEF- It reads like you are finally on the road to recovery. I hope it continues.

RonJH- I am sorry to read about your pack last night. I hope Sassy has recovered. Something was in the 谿ｿir last night. Brogen was up and agitated most of the evening. Agitated enough to take down some driveway stonework while on tether. I suspect that I'll be moving my #300 birdbath this weekend.. At least I have reason to fire up the NH. I have all kinds of rock piles to move around. in 逕ｰreative ways.

Rick- Thanks for sharing your pond cleanup. It amazes me how quickly some aquicides work.

RNG- I burned my last batch of smoked ribs. A first. Chewy pork jerky at best :embarrassed:. I am happy your ribs turned out as good eats.

"... Saw some nice corn and hay fields and a few poor ones.
It bothers me to see all the small dairy farms that have gone out. I guess that part of farming has pretty much disappeared,?
I'm a bit stuck in my way of thinking I still believe that the individual small farmer and business owner was what made this country great.
Not the big corporations, not big agri business, but smaller independent individuals."- Lou That was our experience and feelings our recent trip out of the Adirondacks on down to PA. The number abandoned farms and supporting businesses was disheartening. I really do not know how some of the small operations around here make it.

I do not know how some small businesses make it nowadays due to their own incompetence.

Paul- I am sorry to read about the "children" and self sabotaging behaviors.

A fairly recent photo of a sleeping Brogen. Technically he is not on the sofa as he has all 4 paws on the floor.

My + thoughts, wishes, and prayers.

Haha
Technically, I believe that's Brogen's couch.

 

[jbrumberg]

David- I noticed the toes after I posted. Thanks for the laugh. . Kekua looks comfy. Brogen regularly tests Wifey's limits with the sofa; I do not care. He does not go on the beds. Those are Wifey's toes and flop-flips not mine; I do not own any. The closest I get to bare feet outdoors is my aqua sneakers (excepting last night ) My diabetic feet rarely see the light of day nor dark of night..

Kyle- I agree with you; Wifey does not. Actually I am surprised he pulled that off.

I mowed my walking paths in the lower field this PM, and the NH fired up in typical NH Boomer fashion and the rock debris field has been temporarily moved. I really do not want to move that birdbath.

 

[def38]

Rabbits enjoying my fruit, as long as they don't climb trees, I'm ok with them in there...

Found first pumpkin coming up.

painter no showed me, never called, let me sit for an hour, then I had to leave for doc appt.
I called him and he said oh I had another appt, hadn't checked when he made appt. yesterday.
No show, no call. No money from me.

What fruit varieties do you have? How old are they? I have pears, peaches, plums and crabapples. My cherry trees did not make it. I'm going to try again with the cherries.

 

[hawkeye08]

I have not received any texts or calls, so expect my daughter that was in the accident is doing okay on her first day back after her May 22 accident. Her vision returned mostly, still some intermittent issues. Her headaches are constant, but as we discussed, it is new normal for her, they are waiting for approval on some injections in her neck area. The test injections with Lida-cane(sp?) went well, so she is excited about that. She had relieve until the injections wore off in a few hours, but it tells them that is where the nerves are for sure. Her car has been delayed a couple of times, but she got it back yesterday (only a few minor? issues they need to look at).. (update, wife got text, daughter's head and neck are hurting but they gave her some lite duty so she is toughing it out).

It seems strange today, wife and I home alone all day, first time really since accident. It is quiet and we are enjoying it (I work from home).

We thought we had another water/well problem last night, but it turned out that several of the lawn sprinklers were leaking enough that we had too many running at once. The ones the wife purchased to replace the old ones use more water, which really didn't change anything (other than sprinkler going where we want it instead of leaking) so the pump couldn't hold pressure. I think we have it figured out again now and glad to not have to dig up the pipe near the well again..

Daughter that is building has basically finished the daylight basement walls, flooring on top of that and the exterior walls on main floor. They are working on the structural top cap on that now and they will be ready for trusses. The truss company has visited site and can place the trusses up on the top (which is normal I know, but the private, not very wide, crooked, with drop off on one side and wall on other at places driveway makes it a challenge). They have a buffer of time before trusses arrive so will be sure to be ready. They will also work on getting septic system in if they have a break on the building. Their goal is to be closed in on the house, septic connected, pump in well before weather stops things in the fall.

Prayers for those in need, stay safe.

 

[txdon]

Don, my Ford buddy says your 2008 F150 should be worth more than 3K, if the mileage is reasonable and it is clean. It has the older Triton engine (if its the V8). . . . He said put it for sale yourself and ask $5500 or $6000

It's a 6 clyinder with 70K miles, extended cab SE (4 door, Last ones made with small space behind front seat). I agree with your Ford buddy. Just took off seat covers when I moved to town so interior is clean.


Kyle BURN BAN for your county went into effect this afternoon.

 

[lostcreekranch]

From our friends at Texas A&M;

Herbicide Application During Dry Hot Months

Herbicide Applications During Dry, Hot Months | Forage Fax

Invasive brush can decrease forage productivity for livestock or decrease brush diversity valuable for wildlife habitat. Most ranchers find themselves constantly considering options for brush management, weighing not only the cost and effectiveness, but also when they can find the time to complete the treatments. As temperatures continue to climb across the state and the chances of rainfall seem to be weakening, it’s important to consider the effect this will have on any herbicide applications.

Treating weeds or brush with a leaf spray application when temperatures are as high as they have been lately will usually result in poor control for several reasons. Plants likely have slowed down their growth and will not move the herbicide down to the roots to control the plant as readily during this time. Additionally, insect damage during this time of year also decreases the amount of leaf available to take in the herbicide. Finally, hot temperatures make leaves waxier; a trait used by plants to retain moisture, but will decrease the herbicides’ ability to get into the leaf. The next leaf spray season will be this fall (October) when it is recommended to treat plants such as huisache, Macartney rose, and Chinese tallowtree.

If you find yourself willing to brave the heat, what herbicide applications could you do during these hot months? Stem spray applications and cut-stump treatments may be done most any time during the year. Stem sprays involve spraying each stem of a brush plant, all the way around, about 12-18” high. This treatment is best on trees with three or less stems because more stems increases the opportunity to miss one of those buds underneath the ground and allow the plant to regrow! The mix for the stem spray method is simple: 25% triclopyr (such as Remedy Ultra) and 75% diesel. This should be applied in a straight stream directed right onto the stem. Plants must be left alone for one full year before removing the ‘skeleton’ or burning the pasture.

An alternative treatment is the cut-stump method. While this method requires more labor upfront, it is essential 100% effective if done correctly! The tree should be removed as low and flat as possible without any dirt or saw dust left on the remaining cut surface. This could be done with a shear, chainsaw, loppers, or a brush cutter (weedeater with a brush cutter attachment). A mixture of 15% triclopyr (such as Remedy Ultra) and 85% diesel will be applied onto the entire cut surface and any remaining stem. This treatment can be done any time of year, so keep in mind that December may provide more favorable weather for those doing the cutting!

When spraying with high temperatures, time your applications for early in the morning when temperatures are not as high. Never spray when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Some herbicides (such as Remedy Ultra) are especially susceptible to volatilization, so care should be taken to protect desirable plants from accidental movement of the herbicide. Be sure to drink lots of water and take frequent breaks. No huisache tree is worth risking your health!



Megan K. Clayton, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Extension Range Specialist

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Megan.Clayton@ag.tamu.edu

 

[mostly_gas]

Good evening all. 77F for the start, partly cloudy, calm wind. Wind was 0-10mph sky was mostly cloudy to overcast, and high temp was 94F and HI 103. Bike ride to start the morning, then put down 6 sacks of sand, after lunch then nap the wash car, looked like it had been in a barn for months :ashamed:
Drew, good luck with your transition, enjoyed all your reports from the last one.
Eric, those videos were impressive, I remember working on sand bag wall in Old Monroe, Missouri. Watching the jon boat working the other side was higher than my head :shocked: Hope they get the dams repaired.
Prayers for all, especially Randy and Buckeye.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Treating weeds or brush with a leaf spray application when temperatures are as high as they have been lately will usually result in poor control for several reasons.

Thanks for posting that, Rick. Lots to think about in that article.

Maybe it's different here on the left coast, but somewhere I read to wait to spray out poison oak and other woody brush until it's hot and the plant systems are stressed for water. That's supposed to increase the uptake of woody herbicides like triclopyr, improving the kill ratio.

Maybe the difference is that glyphosate is absorbed through the leaves, and triclopyr gets in through the stems?

Also, that's the first I've heard of using Diesel fuel as the vehicle for the herbicide. How compatible is that with the sprayer components? It's certainly more expensive at $4.00/gallon out here.

 

[Eric Salop]

Good morning all. A few light clouds this morning and expected to stay dry until later this evening. It looks like ideal weather to do a little spraying, but then again my knapsack can be a bit of a rain magnet.

Hawkeye, good to hear that both daughters are making progress.

PJ, I had to look up what "rip-rap" means. I had guessed overlapping metal piling - or maybe you were starting a new music genre. Now I have learned it is the term for protecting a shoreline with stones.

Very effective kill on that sedge Rick. It made me smile to see that is something you need to get rid of, while I have being doing almost the opposite. Over the years I have dug up, divided and transplanted rushes around the edge of our ponds to help stop wave erosion of the bank and offer a few hiding places for wildfowl from Mr Fox. You know the saying, "One man's weed is another man's rip-rap ". :laughing:

 

[Eric Salop]

A couple of days ago I sent an email about that bearing pin issue to the loader manufacturer's UK operation. Yesterday a phone call came to say they had removed a pin from an identical loader and checked it had the same hole spacing. Now the issue has been passed over to the R&D department in France. He apologised that it may be a while before he can give me an update as they are starting the summer holidays.

 

[daugen]

Sticky 73 going up to mid 80's today, with showers likely.
going to work on equipment today

Hawkeye, hope your daughter feels better every day.
def, orchard has a variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums, crabapples (super pollinators) and cherries. Sweet cherries were just planted.
Have actually eaten one of own apples, pears (picked too early to avoid squirrels) a few golf ball sized peaches and similar sized Bruce plums.
4th year, first time apples and pears really kicked in.
Have no solution for squirrels taking all my fruit

 

[Bird]

83 degrees this morning, going for a high of 92 with a 50% chance of rain today and tonight. I turned the sprinklers on this morning to try to encourage it to rain.