Storm Moving In

One night we watched this cloud move towards us across the bay.

Never materialized as a storm, but there were plenty that did.

– b

Sick 4, Family 0

The cold I (and the girls) had for nearly 6 weeks finally made its way to Jen.

In all that time she showed no signs of getting it, then the day we left for vacation it hit.

Seven full days of sick on vacation.

That sucked.

– b

Islesboro, Maine 2015

Another year another vacation.

We went back to Islesboro for the third year in a row. Stayed in different house than the previous years, but in the same cove as last year.

As usual it was nice to get away and the kids had a blast.

Upon arrival they immediately started exploring the property – hence the backpack.

There was a little gravel path that went all around the house.

And then the large water facing deck they could climb on.

Of course the long driveway where they could ride their bikes.

Through the deer fence gate. “It’s like a castle with a gate dad!”

Then through all the fern lined paths that branched off of the gravel path. So much to see and explore!

And finally some rock climbing down along the shore.

And all that was within the first hour of arrival.

I’ll post more as I sort through things. As always it might be a while.

– b

New Point & Shoot

Only Amazon Prime Day deal we scored was a new point & shoot.

It’s ok, and definitely very pink.

I’ve gotten so used to using my phone, I can’t say I find much advantage to carrying and using another device even if it does take better pictures.

– b

Skid Steer

Here’s a video of Lauren on her second “ride”. I kid you not. She’d only been riding without training wheels for 10 or 15 minutes.

Check out the skid at 20 seconds.

– b

Lauren Rides

Lauren rode her bike sans training wheels today. In fact she rode it like she’s been riding that way all summer. 

I’ll try and get some video up soon. 

– b

Tree Drop

As you may recall the second of two Osage Orange trees decided to hang down low over our driveway and our neighbors pine tree.

This will not do.

It had to come down but in a way that didn’t squash the pine tree or squash me.

So I put some things together.

There were two branches leaning directly over the pine tree. The plan was to cut each of them, so that they fell away from the tree and not on top of it. The red strap put tension on the branch using the tractor in hopes that when I cut it, it would pull toward the tractor and away from the tree.

You might also notice the ladder is strapped to the tree. It’s been my experience when you cut these things limb by limb, the bough you’re leaning against has a tendency to rise as the weight of the branches drops. Not only is the ladder strapped to the tree, but I strap myself as well.

For the limbs on either side of the tree, it was no big deal.

When I dropped the large portion hanging over the driveway, it kind of was a big deal.

First, when the large portion broke free, it took the saw with it. Bang! 15′ feet down the saw hit the driveway and quit.

Now the fun part. The remaining bough I was leaning/strapped against rose significantly. It rose to the point that the ladder was barely touching the ground.

Abigail! Abigail can you get your mother?

No response. She wasn’t around anymore.

Ok great. What do I do?

The ladder was securely fastened to the tree. I was securely fastened to the tree. If I unhooked myself, it was simply a climbing problem. A problem I could easily handle.

About the time I got myself unhooked, Jen came running. She and the girls had been watching from the bedroom window.

She wasn’t freaked, and asked if I was OK and needed help.

I said sure. Hold the ladder, so it doesn’t go too inverted as I come down.

And that was that.

Honestly the scariest part was restarting the saw. As it fired up all I could imagine was it throwing the chain, but it didn’t.

I managed to finish the job without further incident.

Now we’ve got another huge pile in need of chipping again.

The tethering of myself (using an old climbing harness and climbing hardware) and the ladder were obviously smart. Dropping the saw was good too. No point in saving a $150 saw 15′ off the ground and risk cutting yourself up. Though next time, I think I’ll tether the saw independently to the tree somehow. So that if I drop it, it doesn’t hit the ground and swings safely out of the way.

– b

Cheap Skis

Local ski shop had their mid-summer blow out sale last week.

We picked up a 2 sets of their previously rented skis for Jen and myself. No point in us renting each year if we can own our own and for cheap.

Apparently they have a consignment sale in the fall. We’ll pickup some boots and poles and be set for a few years.

I’m really looking forward to winter.

– b

Sick for a Month

Been sick for about a month now.

On my second course of antibiotics. These stronger than the first. Not that the first didn’t work. They did, but now I’ve got more sick.

Pretty sure it’s the petri dish effect happening here. The girls have been sick, they share, then I’m sick and share, and round and round we go.

I’m also on the “behind the counter” Sudafed. That’s fun stuff. No wonder it’s behind the counter.

– b

Not Deck Work

With the weekend coming up, the question is what will I be doing?

Not deck work.

We’ve got another Osage Orange limb drooping across the driveway that will need to come down.

It’s already leaning lower since the rain tonight.

Then there’s some black walnut at the end of the driveway that needs to come down.

And the pool timer.

And back washing the pool.

Assembling new deck furniture…

The list goes on.

We’ll see. I’d really like to get some more deck boards down.

– b