Coffee anyone ?

[drstratton]

I don't recall what I've posted, so excuse any duplicate info.

Got into town Sunday afternoon. Went by the home of the deceased SIL, Mary, no one there. Had a nice conversation with a neighbor, Mike, who's lived next door for much of his 71 years. I texted my older SIL, Barbara, she's fine, doesn't need help. She wasn't rude, politely declined my offer to assist.

Monday I drove around the old neighborhoods where Ron and I lived, mostly unrecognizable. Did a little Goodwill shopping, finally headed for the funeral home.

Barbara was all alone there, looked terrible, drawn. She is obviously not handling it well. A couple of Mary's coworkers stopped by, wearing torn jeans, the designer type? I don't think they knew any better, were sincere in their sympathy. Then one cousin showed up with her bratty 11yo son. He procedes to the podium where there's a microphone, and pretends to give a euology. His mom thinks it's cute. I did not, and it was only out of concern for Barbara that I didn't read him and his mother the riot act. Cousin's brother texts, he can't come, he's busy at work. Then cousin leaves, taking her rotten child with her.

One of Barbara's friends comes, and stays. She's a big sweetie. Nice neighbor Mike comes by, as do two men who live next door to Mary. They have adopted her two cats, and apparently are sincerely sad.

That's all. No one else showed, no other cousins, though there are several.

We ladies went out to eat afterwards.

I'm very concerned about Barbara. I offered to stay another day, but she said she was going back to work. She gave away the flowers, said she didn't want them, they reminded her of Mary.

Now she's all alone.

So I'm headed home, staying in Harrisburg, PA this evening. I wish there was more I could do.

Thanks for listening.

So sorry it was such a sad time. Your sil will remember your kindness. Grief affects everyone in different ways.
I haven't read ahead, but I hope you're safely home!

 

[drstratton]

Coffee is ready. I need to do so much around here, but not in August. I’ll get new trailer tire put on my flatbed this afternoon, so maybe I’ll load up the tractor and go mow my son’s place Saturday.
Dang it! I thought today was FRIDAY. Just looked at calendar on my phone. It’s Thursday! @canesisters it ain’t just people on night shift that has no idea what day it is.

Retired people walk around not even caring what day it is.

This is my life! I can't keep track and don't really care to.

 

[drstratton]

High of 70°F today, snow is up on the mountains, but don't consider winter here yet, will be in the mid 90's next week.

Hopefully we won't see snow until November or better yet, I'm good with none at all!

 

[drstratton]

The auction owner says NO cardboard boxes, probably due to escapes. He recommended laundry baskets, the ones you can buy for $1.50 at the dollar store.

The container is sold along with the animals.
View attachment 120427
Except for goats...

So, cardboard boxes are fine for the goats?

 

[Baymule]

Gotta share:


The State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sends a letter to a home/landowner asking for permission to access a creek on his property to document the decline in a certain species of unheard of frogs.

The property owners' response in the second letter is EPIC.

Letter from Washington Dept. Of Fish & Wildlife:

Dear Landowner:
WDFWR Staff will be conducting surveys for foothill yellow-legged frogs & other amphibians over the next few months. As part of this research we would like to survey the creek on your property. I am writing this letter to request your permission to access your property.

Recent research indicates that foothill yellow-legged frogs have declined significantly in recent years and are no longer found at half their historic sites. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated and will help contribute to the conservation of this important species.

Please fill out the attached postage-paid postcard and let us know if you are willing to let us cross your property or not.

If you have any concerns about this project please give us a call. We would love to talk with you about our research.

Sincerely

Steve Niemela

Conservation Strategy Implementation Biologist

****

RESPONSE FROM LANDOWNERS:

Dear Mr. Niemela:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding accessing our property to survey for the yellow-legged frog. We may be able to help you out with this matter.

We have divided our 2.26 acres into 75 equal survey units with a draw tag for each unit. Application fees are only $8.00 per unit after you purchase the "Frog Survey License" ($120.00 resident / $180.00 Non-Resident). You will also need to obtain a "Frog Habitat" parking permit ($10.00 per vehicle).

You will also need an "Invasive Species" stamp ($15.00 for the first vehicle and $5.00 for each add'l vehicle) You will also want to register at the Check Station to have your vehicle inspected for Non-native plant life prior to entering our property. There is also a Day Use fee, $5.00 per vehicle.

If you are successful in the Draw you will be notified two weeks in advance so you can make necessary plans and purchase your "Creek Habitat" stamp. ($18.00 Resident / $140.00 Non-Resident).

Survey units open between 8 am. And 3 PM. But you cannot commence survey until 9 am. And must cease all survey activity by 1 PM.

Survey Gear can only include a net with a 2" diameter made of 100% organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18 in handle, non-weighted and no deeper than 6' from net frame to bottom of net. Handles can only be made of BPA-free plastics or wooden handles.

After 1 PM. You can use a net with a 3" diameter if you purchase the "Frog Net Endorsement" ($75.00 Resident / $250 Non-Resident).

Any frogs captured that are released will need to be released with an approved release device back into the environment unharmed.

As of June 1, we are offering draw tags for our "Premium Survey" units and application is again only $8.00 per application.

However, all fees can be waived if you can verify "Native Indian Tribal rights and status".

You will also need to provide evidence of successful completion of "Frog Surveys" and your "Comprehensive Course on Frog Identification, Safe Handling Practices, and Self-Defense Strategies for Frog Attacks."

This course is offered on-line through an accredited program for a nominal fee of $750.00.

Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you. Otherwise, we decline your access to our property but appreciate your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Larry & Amanda Anderson.

That is just freakin' AWESOME!

 

[Baymule]

Coffee is ready. Church, then if it's not steaming hot, I'll go mow my son's place.
Went to Livingston early yesterday, visited some friends, went to lunch and had a good time with them. Then I went to the hospital to pay my respects. A good man is on his way out, family and friends have gathered to support his wife, daughters and granddaughter. Granddaughter is the one who wanted me to come, I've known her all her life, her grandparents raised her along with her mom. She and her mom lived with her grandparents. She ran to me, hugged me tightly and sobbed. She is the one with power of attorney, medical and such. Responsibility falls on her. I spent several hours there.

I seem to be a magnet for men at funerals and dying bedsides. A very close family friend was there, helping with the obituary and is helping with the details that one is faced with when a person dies. We chatted, nice guy, right? Ummmm........ When I left, hugs all around, including Close Family Friend. He gave me his card, insisting for me to call him, he wanted my contact information and would love to come visit me...... I know where THIS is going. Do I have STUPID in flashing neon on my forehead? Married man wants my contact information. What a jerk. I'm sure I'll see him at the funeral and I will set him straight. Card went in the trash.

Last funeral I went to, was here in my area and a married guy that I had just been introduced to as a dear family friend, stood next to me with his arms crossed. Close enough that he could touch my arm with his finger and tap my arm. I moved. Again, married guy.

That redneck joke about picking up women at funerals is no joke. it is true!

 

[Weldman]

Starting next week, time to wean the piglets to make sure they all reached at least 28d and snip snip. Going to be easy, just close the adjacent enclosure just enough a piglet can squeeze in and feed them then close the door. They have been eating solid food for awhile.

 

[Weldman]

The great thing about living in Montana is multiple times a year if one waits you can actually take your meat and just hang it up outside to be smoked courtesy of California or Canada you don't need a smokehouse. AQI (air quality index) is pushing 200 today when usual is around 20.

 

[drstratton]

Tea with the girls! Sable SS and Willow CL.

Where's my cup of tea?

 

[Mini Horses]

Wet grass but chores are done. Water tubs clean & refilled. Goat milked & a couple gals in a pot waiting for me to make cheese. DW going, lots of jars, & washer going with lots of kitchen towels. The canning & cooking makes for several dirty ones. Emptied several jars of milk (skimmed some cream) and a pint of canned chicken for chicken salad, BBQ beans for dinner tonight. It's my relax day! Now, I'm enjoying a second cup of coffee

Went on a feed run after work yesterday, to be done with that. Unloaded the feed & when I finally sat down my eyelids dropped shut. Slept hard last night after several days of jobs. I needed the rest and finally relaxed mentally

Retirement sounds good. Think I'll do that for today