July 25, 2018

Still making progress.  Power line easements are all done, so waiting to find out an install date.  Hopefully by early next week.

The contractor cut in our road access this morning and got driveway all compacted.  They are screening rock now for the underlayment, so almost done with the "dust bowl".  Hooray!  We look like West Virginia coal miners every time we drive up the road in the Kioti.  He also finished digging the trench for the water and power lines to go up the hill.  Water cistern hole is dug, so just waiting on the water contractor to send us final estimate and schedule a date for water install.  Will activate the pumps and set up temporary water supply as soon as power goes in. 

Called Century Link today and made arrangements (we think) to have phone line to the house site pre-wired.  Spoke to some guy in India (we think) so not sure what is showing up next Monday morning.  We explained several times there is no house currently, and we want the line laid up through the utility trench so it can be buried with everything else.  Can hardly wait to see what happens!

Heading west next Wednesday for a brief visit.  Queets/Clearwater Pioneer Reunion in Clearwater on Saturday and Beck family reunion in Quinault Friday and Saturday.  Grooming appointment for Baxter on thursday and for the two of us on Monday!  Then back home to hopefully start construction on the shop.

These are Mike's new best friends.  They are hysterical - they come running to see what he is doing .  every time he goes down to the field.  Their names are "C", "D" and "E"  (ear tag numbers).  2 are Jerseys and the other is a Guernsey.  Trying not to get too attached, as they are destined for sale.  But we do enjoy having them around. I start thinking maybe it would be fun to have a "pasture pet", but then I slap myself silly and remind myself what a pain in the rear cows are!

The other 4 black beef cows went back to their home range last Sunday, so we just have the 3 babies with us now.  They are like a little bee swarm - they go everywhere together in a little group.  

Getting back into being "country people"again.  Went and picked apricots yesterday, and canned 6 quarts and 4 pints this morning, with about another 6 quarts ripening.  Waiting for peaches to come on next, but missed the cherries, as they came on really early this year.  Can hardly wait for my own kitchen again.  This is what it will look like, except the cabinets will be cherry instead of oak and the appliances are stainless steel.  We will have a wonderful view of the creek and quaking aspen from the windows - so peaceful.  Won't mind doing dishes here at all!

Was HOT yesterday - 101! Thank God for air conditioning, is all I can say.  We are learning to keep "farmer hours" - up early, while it is still relatively cool, as it is much too hot after about 10 AM to be doing much work outside.  Fortunately, it cools down at night to the mid-60's.

Got to run - they are bringing the propane tank this morning to set in place.

Glennis