Ridgetop - our place and how we muddle along

[SageHill]

Ah damn - truck broken into. GRRRRRR. So sorry. What is it about people now ?? Need some old time justice.
Yeah - strange feeling walking back into you house and it's no longer your house. We sold our old house, and had to finish a few things with the new folks - walked in and in my mind went woah! Yeah - not my house anymore after 30+ years. Strange feeling.
Hope the rest of your trip back here and then back to your ranch is uneventful, or filled with good events.

 

[Ridgetop]

The Baptism was held on Sunday afternoon. The church was about half full - about 8 babies and even small children being baptized. Afterwards we had a party at the house. It was very small, mainly immediate family. Of course, immediate family between DS2 and DDIL2 families totals 35 people. LOL Only about 25 were present.

Later that evening our neighbor came up and we had a great time reminiscing about our children and the scrapes they got into over the past 37 years. So much laughter and fun.

Monday DH and I loaded some arbor pieces on top of the panels. When we tied it down the metal edges of the corral panels started to cut into the tie down straps. DH cut some artificial turf remnants to put under the straps. Seemed to work well. DH needed to tie the arbor pieces back to front as well to keep them from sliding around. We still have enough room for the large wheeled cage we got for DS1. We think we can also fit the large brush thingy on as well. DS1 wants us to bring that back so he can put it on a pipe and mount it in the pasture for the sheep to scratch their wool off. Not sure if he is putting it on a vertical pipe or will hang it horizontally on a frame. He is still working on the electric pasture fencing. He has the wooden H braces and gate posts installed for the next 2 pens. Still has to run the PVC fence posts and the wire, hang the gates, etc. Then we have to put up shelters in each one. He did do a pallet palace a la Baymule -
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and we are proud to imitate @Baymules cool shelters. LOL I have been saving feed sacks to staple onto the sides for additional protection during the worst of the winter weather.

Speaking of shelters, I found the old trampoline floor folded up in the shed. When we replaced the tampoline several years ago we kept the old one and used it for the rams' shelter. Extremely strong winds blew it over the fence and down the hill a couple of years ago. DD2 climbed down the cliff with a rope and she and DS1 hauled it back up over the fence and into the yard. It lasted another couple years before the legs startd to collapse and we had to dissemble it. We kept the rubber floor and it is in perfect condition (might even have been a replacement) and since it is waterproof it will make a good roof for a "pallet palace" in a round configuration. Sheep yurt? We will have to head down to @Baymule to get some of the free pallets from her guy. Also we can set up some of the horse corral panels and attach the corral covers to them. They are 5' high which is taller than the pallets. Two 24' panels, a 12' panel, and 3 corral covers will made a 12x24 covered shelter. Or maybe 2 covers and some extra corrugated metal panels. Whatever - we will figure it out. A long as the shelters are not more than 12' ide we are good. We do have to attach corrugated metal panels to about 5 frames in Texas. We have 3 complete covers in Texas and are taking the remaining 2 complete panels back this time. That will make nine 8' x12' panels and one 10x10. I think using pallets will work better though since we can raise one side to allow for runoff. DS1 considered using fiberglass or plastic corrugated panels but decided they would not hold up to wind and hail, or would be too hot. We still have to figure out how to lower the temperature under the panels. DS1 is considerig using the compact insulation that looks like styrofoam sheets. We will have to attach it to some sort of frame under the corral covers.

DH picked up the longer tongue for the sheep sorter. And I found the 10' long iron digging bar that DS1 wants us to bring back. Looked everywhere then found it leaning against the house next to one of the sheds and remembered that I had put it there when cleaning up last year. LOL

DH had his echocardiogram and cardiologist appointment today. She wanted him to have a PET heart test. We have to leave on June 14 but I was lucky enough to get an appointment Thursday! There was a cancellation and I grabbed it. The cardiologist said she could do a phone consultation. We have to switch our medical coverage to a PPO which will cost us $$$ and also a co-pay. DH has been going to the VA in Texas for his hearing and skin cancer issues so he will ask for referrals for cardiology, oncology, and pulmonology. I will have to find a GP and oncologist in Texas. We will still be able to go to UCLA if we want to so can make appointments with specialists during any trips out here.

DDIL2 had her OB appointment today and the doctor thought her pain and problems might be gastro-intestinal in nature She is making appointments with specialists. 3 boys, 4 years, 2 1/2 years, and 6 weeks old - possibly spastic colon (IBS) from stress?

More appointments over the next week and a half, and DGS1's high school graduation and party before we head home. DSIL1's mom and aunts will be here - love them and looking forward to getting together for MahJong. DGS1 has to be at college August 14 to check into his dorm and finish signing up for classes, etc.

We leave for home on June 14 with Maysie (almost 8) and Eliabeth (11). Looking forward to showing them some fun stuff on the road and in Texas. Love my family but can't wait to get home to Texas.

 

[farmerjan]

There comes a time where you find that you enjoy them in much smaller groups and doses.... love them to death, but since you have been in TX for a bit, you are finding that you are enjoying "your time" more now...
Glad that things seem to be going well overall...

 

[Baymule]

That pallet shelter looks good! I’m sure if you look around, you will find a source of free pallets. So many businesses get stuff on pallets.

My ewes are staying in the hoop shelter now instead of the pallet shelter. It’s too hot. My suggestion is to put 1/2” plywood decking on the top, then radiant heat barrier, then metal roof. Be sure to raise one side so water will drain off.

 

[SageHill]

Love the pallet palace!! Looks fabulous.
you said >We leave for home on June 14< you have made the switch - home is TEXAS !!!

 

[murphysranch]

^^^ You are so right, SageHill!!!