AT (my contractor) just pointed out some wild life tracks next to the grey container near the neighbors fence.
Note the neighbor’s Rottweiler.
I took a closeup picture of the kitten tracks next to a tape measure. Note that he (or she) was obviously not bothered by the neighbors dog.
Somehow I don’t think my kitty has 4″ paws, I’ll measure them when I get home. It was obviously left after the rain and snow last night ended; sometime after 2:00am.
I don’t feel nearly as paranoid concealed-carrying as I did before. I don’t think a smallish cougar is much of an attack threat, but I feel better carrying one of John Browning’s (PBUH) creations.
Yesterday’s moonrise, shortly before sunset. Known as a Hunter’s Moon. Full moon is Wednesday at 8:58am.
Moonrise Monday 10/18/2021
On Tuesday morning, the rain started about 8:00am and turned to snow about noon. Snow was coming down heavily so I bailed about 4:00pm and stopped by Walmart to pick up groceries. It’s now still snowing and we’ve gotten 3-4 inches, heading towards 8-10 inches by 0200 when the snow stops.
So far the trailer is tight and warm (although I’m probably going through a fair amount of propane).
Cue the WayBack Machine. Nana’s parents, known to us as Bumpa & Bumma, lived in Durand, Michigan. Bumpa worked in the railyards in town and had a huge (to a 7 year old me) garden and at least one cherry tree. I have a vivid memory of him nailing a robin with a BB gun (was eating his cherries).
The Version 1.0 of the orchard has been installed. I initially ordered six apple trees and two pear trees. I didn’t notice but one of the pear trees (a Bartlett) won’t be available until next spring.
First three apple trees planted. For those keeping score they are a Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smiths
After another run to Menard’s for more supplies we have the following: a Cox’s Orange Pippin Antique, a Pink Lady, a Buckeye Gala (in honor of Lindsay), and an Anjou pear.
All 7 trees in their wire cages. The pear is on the left.
In addition to the planting kits (block of coconut fibre, fertilizer, spiral wrap of plastic to protect the stems, and weed control mat), I added 6′ wire fencing around the trees to keep the deer & antelope from cropping the tops (as well as playing amongst them).
In other news, more preps for Winter weather.
Heater on top of propane tank – mostly for use in the containers.
On the left is a small heater that runs off refillable 1 lb bottle. I will use that under the skirt if necessary to thaw frozen pipes. The green thing will black legs is used to refill the small bottle off a propane tank.
Note the “glorius” is misspelled – an artifact of the transition that I don’t think is worth fixing (I also got downgraded from “grand”). I will continue all further posting at that site.
It is Monday 10/11 and this evening we expect the first snowfall of the season. Current predictions are for 6-8 inches of snowfall overnight with temperatures dropping into the high twenties.
To prepare for the weather change we moved the trailer into position between the containers. I was under the impression that the trailer was about 26-28 feet in length; it turns out that it is about 36 feet long when compared to the 40′ containers
Backing the trailer in.Wide angle view – note the length
This is before we extended the slide out sides. This is with the rear bumper within 6 inches of the rear wall. It will be a couple of weeks before we get the metal in to cover the back wall.
With the 3 extensions extended it’s a little tight on the left side, but there is still room to squeeze by.
Can even squeeze the car in.Note the protective skirting.
Note the protective skirting around the base of the trailer. This is part of the “four seasons package” that should make the trailer livable during the winter. Also note the Starlink antenna’s temporary home. After we get some more of the work done I plan to move back behind the shop.
Preps for installing apple grove behind the trailer Also I’ve ordered the first 8 apple trees and a pear tree that should be delivered this week. I’ve planned on putting the first batch of trees behind the trailer to both screen the neighbors house from my proposed homesite and to provide some shelter from the prevailing winds. This is the preparation holes in the sandy soil.
The Following Morning:
View out my front window – 5″ of snow.
Herd of Antelope
A group of 8 antelope grazing on the ridge, neighbor’s house in the background.
