Texas Spring/Summer Thread

[robbyr]

Ok Lou, we finally got that shower in central Texas on (8-25) at 4 P.M. a total of .04". Please do the math (some kind of math with distance, inches and time) and figure how long you have to dance so we can get a 2" rain. Thank You.

You don't need a dancing Lou, you need to go ahead and buy the hose to reach to Jinman's house.

 

[farmgirl19]

Did anybody get any rain today? beside me.:confused3:. Just asking.. been pole dancing with rain music on,:cool2:, been getting a lot of quarters in my coveralls pockets from the local.. also got a few stickers from the pole.. all I can say is don't rub your hindy to the piney.. I got to get me a metal pole.. Like those pros have.. But back to the flood warnings.. Can't go home if you are going my the mill.:confused2:. Bridge washed out at the bottom of the hill.:laughing:. Lou

This week's work schedule is such that I don't even have time for dancing. Why is it, I am always in barns on triple digit days? I'll still take the heat over the cold, but I am drained when I get home at the end of the day.

Keep dancing, Lou! It isn't too late for you to get another cutting of hay!

Y'all have a good day!

 

[pacerron]

Why is it, I am always in barns on triple digit days?

Did they forget to mention that when you were preparing to switch careers ?

 

[Lou66]

FG I will get a cutting next week,, if it dries out enough to get in the field.. I had 3 and quarter inches yesterday morning when I dump the rain gauge at the barn.. it was raining when I did it,, rained all day I haven't check this morning but I betting I got another inches or more.. looks like the rain moved little west now and going inland.. toward Austin and Lee County.:laughing:. Lou

 

[jinman]

I smell a paving lien coming.

Yeah, that's kinda what you'd expect, but not the case in this instance. I was out talking to the Co. Commissioner and Supervisor this morning since my property has the only sufficient shoulder to park on. That's where they are staging equip. for the job and I'm good with that. The Commish told me that Wise County is improving all their county roads thanks to the proliferation of oil and gas well drilling. The taxes from those is being spread around to road projects all over the county. It's just another benefit of sitting on top of the Barnett Shale. Some counties might build new barns and self-serving projects, but our Commish. seems to be spreading the wealth around. He'll sure get my vote, especially since he was driving an older Chevy Blazer. He seemed really down-to-earth.

They are laying down oil/tar today and the paving should start on Thursday. They promised me no more dust after today. Also, I have an area where water drains off my road and onto my property. The road barrow ditch feeds that spot in two directions. As a result, the ground is eroding away and there's a 15' drop down to the bottom of the gully. Only some scrub oak trees in the area are keeping the erosion from eating out under the road. I pointed that out to the Supervisor and he said he'll get down here with some big rip-rap and fix that cut before it gets any worse. Even without a lotto ticket, I feel like I just hit the lottery jackpot.:dance1:

 

[bindian]

Lou,
I got 7/10ths of an inch yesterday afternoon in a quick downpour. Got another 1/10th of an inch last night for 8/10ths total.

I think you would put out more rain if your dancing was done with a tree and not a "pole". Trees are living creatures and will help you in your rain dancing endeavors. Are you beating a drum while dancing?
hugs, Brandi

 

[Lou66]

Brandi, envision this if you will
Little twilight zone music in the background
You have an old man with coveralls on:dance1:
Bumping and grinning to a fence post:shocked:
When the guys in white show up
A jacket just his size :confused2:
He slips it on and goes for a ride
Now they hear him, down the hall
As he's bouncing off his padded walls:cool2:
Hollering rain, we need rain today
They just smile and go on their way
They don't bother to check on him
They know he writing to TBN again.. :laughing:
Dear friends is it raining outside yet?
I have no windows in here.:confused3::laughing:. Lou

 

[Western]

Jim, your 1000% correct on our commissioners in Wise county!1 I'm in district 4 and our commissioner has been great (if it's the same one as 4 years ago)

They topped our road in the fall of 08 (was gravel) then resurfaced most of the main county roads. Much better traveling now.

They also do a great job with the roadside mowing. Just when you notice the grass getting bad, they come through and dress it up.
Of course our taxes havent gone down really since 09 either, even though I bet property values have shrank.

 

[farmgirl19]

Did they forget to mention that when you were preparing to switch careers ?

There is a LOT they forgot to mention about my career. The heat and work is actually MUCH easier than the emotional toll, some days. Seems I went from the profession with the highest rate of alcoholism to the profession with the highest suicide rate. I have no plans to add to my profession's statistics, but some days, I certainly do understand them. It is pretty easy to get attached to critters one sees regularly. When their "time comes", it is like losing one of your own.

So, the day began well, with overcast skies and tolerable temps, along with a breeze. Late news arrived and that can make the best day sad. I am blessed to get paid to do something that I love, but I have learned over time to really enjoy the good parts, because the bad parts can be really rough.

Sorry to be a downer. I guess all of us can lose our smile, once in a while.

I am thrilled for those of you getting rain. Good news is always welcome.

 

[pacerron]

There is a LOT they forgot to mention about my career. It is pretty easy to get attached to critters one sees regularly. When their "time comes", it is like losing one of your own.

My wife gets so attached to all the animals, big and small. Having a horse put down is the ultimate bad time for her.
We have been fortunate that the vets we have used are pretty understanding and give her time and ask if she is ready.
Of course she never is but understands what is best for the animals.
Problem up here, and I imagine most places, is that the vets would rather not make farm calls, as they can make so much more money doing the in-office dog and cat business, and it is much safer for them.
Luckily we still have one about 30 miles away that has a partnership that specializes in farm calls.
Ron

 

[farmgirl19]

Large animal vets here still make house calls. There is one small animal vet, that I know of that still makes those calls. Yes, more money can be made at the clinic, and also, not everyone has the set up to ensure safety with critters, so that becomes a factor, as well. An injured vet, doesn't help anyone. The ones that make those calls, usually make them, because it is their "calling", and they know what it is like to be the one needing someone, and unable to reach them or get that help. Some are still in it for the critters and their owners, even if they *have* to make a living at it. I would imagine, at today's fuel prices, making a house/barn call would make it hard to break even, at times.

 

[farmgirl19]

Beautiful star filled sky, this morning, and the temps are tolerable too! Of course, the 71* won't last, but it is a nice way to begin the day. I find it easier to get out early, and be out as the temps begin to rise, than to try to go out after it is already HOT.

And, on a bright note, some of my seeds that I planted on Saturday, for the fall garden, have sprouted! I'll hand water some, but without some rain, I doubt I'll make much produce. It is always neat to see those little seeds send their leaves above the soil's surface. With some rain, I'll be freezing and canning until Halloween! :thumbsup:

 

[Bird]

I find it easier to get out early, and be out as the temps begin to rise, than to try to go out after it is already HOT.

Yep, I learned that, too. When I was repairing/rebuilding mechanics' air tools in my shop at home, I usually went out and got started around 3 to 4 a.m.

 

[txdon]

The showers hit all over central Texas yesterday some getting over 2". I got .05". How much did you get?

 

[pacerron]

Beautiful star filled sky, this morning, and the temps are tolerable too! Of course, the 71* won't last, but it is a nice way to begin the day. I find it easier to get out early, and be out as the temps begin to rise, than to try to go out after it is already HOT.

And, on a bright note, some of my seeds that I planted on Saturday, for the fall garden, have sprouted! I'll hand water some, but without some rain, I doubt I'll make much produce. It is always neat to see those little seeds send their leaves above the soil's surface. With some rain, I'll be freezing and canning until Halloween! :thumbsup:

Probably reminds you of the nights you spent sleeping under the wing at Oshkosh many years ago. :wink:

It is in the high 80's again here but the morning dew is so heavy pasture mowing has to wait till afternoon and by 18:30 the tractor tires are getting wet again from evening dew.

What kind of seeds do you plant in your fall garden?
Ron

 

[Bird]

The showers hit all over central Texas yesterday some getting over 2". I got .05". How much did you get?

The NWS got brave and forecast a 30% chance yesterday and last night, then later reduced it to a 20% chance, and as usual, not a drop here.

 

[Lou66]

I got another quarter of an inch, Don, in the gauge in the back yard but it's not in an open spot like the one at the barn,, I haven't check that one in the last two days.. But since Friday I have got around five inches.. I will be baling next week if it doesn't rain.:laughing:Lou

 

[farmgirl19]

It is in the high 80's again here but the morning dew is so heavy pasture mowing has to wait till afternoon and by 18:30 the tractor tires are getting wet again from evening dew.

What kind of seeds do you plant in your fall garden?
Ron

I planted squash seeds for fall. I also start Swiss Chard in peat pots on the front porch, and have them ready to set out near Halloween, so I get greens from late winter thru until the temps get really hot next summer. I raise fall tomatoes and peppers too.

I just got home, and went out to look at the garden. It appears all of my seeds that were planted last Saturday are germinating! Now to try to water them enough they will send down some deep roots! I'll water after I tend to the evening livestock chores. After that, It will be shower and COLD beer time!

 

[Bird]

My Fall crop was mostly just radishes and turnips, especially turnips since we like the greens and the turnip.

 

[mikim]

The showers hit all over central Texas yesterday some getting over 2". I got .05". How much did you get?

SQUAT! ...had a nice shower over at the in-laws where I've been working the last 2 days but absolutely nuttin here at the house 10 miles away.