Tuesday July 31

House with Summer Sunset

This morning I waited for Kay's phone call, and finally about 9 a.m. called her. She forgot to call and they weren't coming over this week because Lois and Bud had been in Salt Lake all last week and Jackson all day yesterday – dr. appts., but they want to come next Tuesday, at least Kay, Lois and Melita. So I hurried to get ready to go to town for errands and groceries. I had put a roast in the crock pot to cook all day for an easy dinner. Called and made a reservation for lunch at Rendezvous Pointe. First I had to water the flower pots. Then I took the dogs with me and stopped on the way at Dr. Susie's to take her finished painting back (got it varnished) and get dog medicine – eye medicine for Sparky and worm medicine for them both. Sparky has done well on his diet and lost about 15 pounds, he could loose another 5 or 10 but I'm really happy with how well we've done. We did a fast walk in the grassy area next to the Ren. Pt. and I parked them under a bunch of trees and had about a half a block walk to the Center. Judi and I got to sit together for lunch, then Lois Joined us so that was nice. After lunch I looked at all the pictures Judi has taken of the many people who come to Rendezvous Point while she worked on the book and we got to visit.

Then I used the Center's computers to skim through the emails that have stacked up. There were about 650 unread, and I was able to delete all but about 130. A lot of that I kept is WAOW business which I will need to read through when there is time. You all must have really not written much after the word got out that my email was down, so I was thankful for that. If you sent anything important you want me to respond to please send it again …..And I will need about a week or so to catch up after things get connected again. So I told myself I'd sit there until 3 p.m. and it worked out perfectly that I got through them all by then. Had to get gas, take back the borrowed Ethernet cord to the hughes.net guy in town, went to the Sublette Examiner and got an ad for Art Show in the Barn inserted and paid for the next year's paper subscription, And then I decided I really wanted to have a root beer freeze as a special treat. I have been hungry for one for three years at least. I got the dogs a kiddy cone to share because they had been so good. Joe wanted a clevis?? and for me to return 2 the wrong size he'd bought earlier. I did that and bought 6 bags of top soil compost for the new flower beds. The hardware guy loaded them in the back of the car for me. Next down to the feed store to get them a 50# bag of dog food, and back to Falers for the groceries. Whizzed around the aisles and got just about everything on the list, and left town by 5:30, home by 6:15. Got most of the groceries put away and dinner on the table, roast, gravy, salad and those already prepared mashed potatoes with a fresh little baguette of bread. I'm pooped. I would just like to find a good movie and go to bed early.

It got to about 90 degrees today, sunny in the morning and by afternoon had clouded up and had a few rain showers, mostly around Boulder and none here at home. The breeze cooled things off so it didn't feel too hot. There was strong wind in the night.

House with Summer Asters

Monday July 30 2007

Uncommon White Lupine

This was a resting day for us both, except for the regular happenings, meals and housecleaning. There have been some great nature programs on the HD stations I've watched today. A couple from China were exceptionally interesting and beautiful. I would love to see some of those places, not just on TV. Last night I watched a movie that disturbed me because I had never heard of this, can't remember the name of it, but the story was that Chuck Barris? who created The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and the Gong Show and others was a CIA agent who killed more than 30 people. Is this true? I was pretty incognito in the 70's being isolated in the mountains with no news all the time and sure could have missed knowing that. I kind of pride myself on being well informed so this has befuddled me.

Debbie's Dave came and hauled hay. Joe went out and helped him. Sheral called and asked whether Beverly would like some like-new clothes her sister is getting rid of. So I also called Beverly to find out her size and if she would like them. She is planning to get here to visit on the 11^th now – they will stay for a week. Each time I talked long distance the phone cut us off, three times today in total. The power also fluctuated and also caused the TV to go haywire but I did get it back to "normal". Kay called and she and Lois may come over tomorrow to have the Tuesday painting group here and see the art show in the barn. Kay told me they had a chance to set up the Round Hill Mixed Media painting retreat on the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th. I might be able to go for a day or two but its right when Beverly and Clayton are coming. I really love going to Round Hill with the gals.

Judi called and asked if I would like her haircut appointment on the 22^nd with Kaidy because she will be gone visiting her daughter in Ohio, so I said yes. My hair will be very long by then, but I will see how it goes. I may either start to braid it or get the scissors out. I'm already about 3 weeks beyond when I usually get a haircut. Kaidy is working two or three jobs now, and I've also procrastinated calling her but she will be gone for a while with her high school age son on a long football trip. As long as they win they will keep going on to another city ending up in California.

I neglected to make the phone calls for an ad in the paper for the art show and to Sony. I'll do it in the morning along with everything else I didn't do today and before Kay and Lois come….maybe. I made us pizza and salad for dinner.

How Many Chickens?

Sunday July 29 2007

Crane Family

Last night through the studio window I heard the cranes calling quite nearby. So got up from painting to watch them just 20 or 30 yards from the house out in the field. There were a mom, dad and young one. In the photo the young crane is in the back. I wondered if he could fly yet. I'm always amazed how the parents keep the young birds safe from danger until they can fly, a time of several months after they hatch. As I watched Joe let the dogs out and they both ran out into the middle of the field, Raven going the furthest. I knew I could call them back if they started toward the birds, but they totally ignored them as they have been taught to do. I told them through the open window, "Leave big birds alone!" Raven was out there doing her business, and Sparky closer to the yard fence and the birds. Immediately when the dogs appeared the youngster started going at an angle toward the tall grass of the creek, the father stood still then in a few minutes more slowly followed the young one and the mother bird sat down directly between the dogs and the "colt" (that's a young crane's name). The dogs continued to ignore the birds, but you could sure see how the mother "offered" herself to the predators. For a while she lay over like she was injured. The dogs came back to the house, seeming to never notice the birds, though I know they knew they were there – they are good dogs and do the same thing never to chase the antelope. After the mother was sure the dogs weren't going to come back, she looked around for a while then got up and followed her family as I kept watching her so close up with the spotting scope. They are such beautiful and amazing birds. I wished again for a better camera to get the close ups of wildlife. Gotta put that on the list.

This afternoon Judy called from Greeley and we had a good talk. We got each other up to date on all that has been happening since we've been out of touch with me having no email. Judy and I have always talked almost every day. Thanks for calling, Judy, I enjoyed the visit. <P> The ranchers next to us have finished haying and are taking their equipment home, actually to the next fields where they will be working. They seem to have been taking all the bales from in back of us to their home place as they worked because I don't see any stacked.

Young Crane and Mother

Father

Saturday July 28 2007

I'm not quite sure what it is….. Horse drawn plow or ditcher?

Joe said it's a scooter bike. I think that means he doesn't know either.

First thing this morning Marilyn Marsh called me from Iowa farm country and it was so nice to hear from her. Marilyn has always been one of my most faithful email pals. We had a nice chat. She might come out this way for her vacation soon….. or not…..they haven't decided yet. That's the way I like to travel too. If she does I will made an effort to see her for sure. It's a beautiful day. Not a cloud to be seen, but the Weather Channel says it will rain here today, so we will see about that. Got up and around this morning and got most of the "chores" done and washed my hair. Guess I'll sit and paint some more today. Sheral called yesterday and invited us to come to dinner TBA. Then she called this morning and a good friend of theirs passed away so they are going down (Utah) for the funeral and will be back in about a week. So Dick came over and got the kitchen rugs I'm giving them out of the back of my car before they left, so they wouldn't be sitting there for another week.

The crows sure had a convention out in the field this morning. I guess they are hunting for breakfast. The grass has grown so tall you can't even see them until they jump up or fly a little ways.

Dave came to get more of their hay this morning and brought Sandra's two little grandsons along. They are handsome boys, one very friendly, Nate, and the other more reserved. Raven has hardly ever seen little kids and she was scared of Nate who really wanted to pet her. She's so timid with strangers; she just barked at him and stayed out of the way. He said he had caught two horned lizards and enjoyed the week at day camp. They had gone backpacking with Dave last week up to V Lake and saw a young osprey that had plunged into the lake but had trouble getting back out – it did finally make a great effort and get itself out. Dave said it was too hot to catch fish – they weren't biting. They took the little mule Leroy to carry their stuff, and he ran almost back to the trailer before Dave could catch him. I bet that was a long day for Dave, triple distance hiking, before he got Leroy back.

Today I dug and weeded on the flower bed project for a while. As I work, it seems to be evolving into a better plan for the layout of the garden, as if it takes on its own life. In the afternoon while I was out digging we had black thunderclouds and thunder rumbling, but no rain except for a few tiny sprinkles carried on the wind.

The county fair starts this weekend over in Big Piney. Also there is another new fire at Granite Creek that started earlier this week, just a mile from the hot springs. They have evacuated that campground, and are sprinkling the hot spring facility and pool so it doesn't burn. Hopefully the rain we had put it out. When I spray the horses for flies today I will give them worm medicine. That can often be a challenge to accomplish so the $15 each doesn't end up in the dirt. It's also time to worm the dogs. I'll have to pick up their worm med the next time I go to town. I finished Susie's painting and will take it to her when I go. That only took a year (to re-do a 1" square face).

I've seen four cats, for the ones keeping track with me. Traveler/black father; Rusty orange brother kitten; Smoky grey sister kitten; the grey cat with half a tail which might be a stranger or it might be Tigger sister kitten and something has happened to her tail. I haven't seen Rascal the mother calico cat lately. The unsolved mystery is who is the half tailed cat. I only catch glimpses of any of them. One of the rugs I took out of the shed and threw away a week or so ago looked like it had blood "or something" on it – could not tell what. If it's Tigger, what in the world happened to her?

Big Round Bales in Back

Friday July 27, 2007

Rainbow Reflection

Joe went to town after breakfast to get one of his prescriptions and took the dogs with him. He stayed in for lunch. It's cool and cloudy this morning with a few streaks of sunshine dappling the landscape. It rained more in the night. The hills have their heads in the clouds. Everything looks so much greener in just a few days. The sagebrush and other plants are looking so much better. It's as if every living thing is breathing a sigh of relief having the rain. <P> I rode the ATV out to the mailbox to take some mail that needed to go today, and then rode up to the gate Doc has across the road going up to the elk feedground to see if it was unlocked. He has it locked with about a dozen padlocks, so guess I won't go in although he did give me a key. It looks like they don't want anyone in there. There are other nice places to go, just not so convenient. I saw a nice big buck antelope get up from sleeping in the sagebrush and trot a ways off up the road. He was beautiful. And probably about two dozen sage chickens came out of the clover down by the creek. I got a picture of part of them. They never flew but waddled off into the brush where they hid.

What a day…. First thing this morning Fed Ex called and said they needed directions to our place, and had a package from Hughes, which would be the new receiver. I was so excited that this would be the day that I got the internet problem fixed. The contract driver got here with it about 3 p.m. and the box was soaking wet and crushed and almost torn open. My heart sank, because since its electronics I would not feel good about accepting it in that condition. I rejected the package and called Fed Ex just in case. They said the same thing, to reject it. Then I called hughes.net and sat for 30 minutes to get it straightened out, and they will send me another one. Anyway I think they were foisting another cheaper receiver off on me, so I made sure they are sending me the same one I bought in the first place. I hope it wasn't actually something better and I just didn't know it, but it looked dinky/tinny and even maybe this one was reconditioned or something. It wasn't in a new product box for sure. The packing was crappy and it wasn't even entirely wrapped in plastic, so the water could have gotten in. They said it would be another 3 to 5 business days, and since this is Friday that is plus the weekend. I am so tired of all this. As long as I was in that mode, I called Sony and sat on hold with tech support about the TV. I'd procrastinated with that, and we have had this reconditioned one about 5 days now. So told them we were unhappy with the poor picture etc on this reconditioned set they sent us. It doesn't even begin to compare with the new one. I have to call them back again on Monday, but they recorded what I told them anyway I guess. The whole thing is so discouraging. All this electronic high tech stuff is wonderful, but you really have to know what you are doing with it.

THEN…..Jackie called me and there has been quite a blow up in our WAOW board group, and not unexpected. We talked for 45 minutes or so. It's always good to visit with her. I love Jackie….I love you Jackie!! Sorry for the troubles you have to deal with. I'll be back online and in contact with you one of these days…….Actually it has been wonderful without all that email to deal with. The scary part is that it's all waiting for me there in cyberspace and I'll be overwhelmed for a month trying to deal with everything that is sitting there. <P> Thunder clouds were massive and beautiful this afternoon, but it has stayed dry today. There have been several hummingbirds around the yard lately. They are sure beautiful. It's a lot of fun to watch them, tiny but belligerent, however their language is terribly profane. They have been tapping at the studio window a lot.

When the dogs came home from town they just crashed the rest of the day and slept, so this evening I took them for a run around the fields with the ATV about sunset. They had a great time and we saw half a dozen jack rabbits to chase. She headed off in a beeline that way but I managed to keep Raven out of the black stinking bog. I have to spray her off every few days. There was also a small herd of antelope and lots of birds. The cranes were calling a few fields away and there was a beautiful sunset. Then the clouds parted and there was the almost full moon just risen. The grass in the field is bright green and has grown about 6 or 8 inches since Joe hayed. It sure would be great pasture for a bunch of horses.

You got to stop and smell the flowers.

Thursday July 26, 2007

Rainy Morning - A panorama created from two photos, which I've done before, but this time I sure learned how much I don't know, mainly this time about layers and gradients etc.

It was wonderful to wake up to coolness and rain falling this morning. I just lay for a while listening to the sound of water dripping off the roof into puddles. Haven't heard that for a while. Joe was lucky to get all his hay up with hardly any rain on it, and when there was a sprinkle it dried up fast. His hay looks real good. I bet Sandra and Debbie are upset their stack got wet though. And I know what Joe thinks of letting it sit there getting soaked after all his work to make nice hay. It would have been a good idea for them to have put a tarp on it when they were here the other day.

Yesterday in order to download the photos of the rain, I decided to install my old Fuji Finepix Camera software so I could use its USB cord. I have gotten real tired of the computer not recognizing the memory card when I insert it to download the photos, so tried the USB cord and that worked fine. It went right into the Adobe Elements, just as they did before, so it's just the same as I've been editing them all along. Next time I take the computer to town for repair I'll have him look at why so often I can't stick the card in the slot and have "it" read the photos from there. It's been messing around like that for too long and shouldn't be happening.

This afternoon we had another heavy rain for a while, then more moderate showers this evening. I am so thankful for this rain.

Wet Hayfields, the ranchers won't work today.

Wednesday July 25 2007

It's a nice morning, some clouds again, and a little cooler thank goodness. I got the kitchen mopped again early before it got hot and a couple of loads of laundry done. The cats are sure lying low lately. I haven't seen them for a while. Smoky came to me in the shed for some canned cat food a few days ago, She was dirty but o.k.

It's been four weeks today since I've been unable to publish the blog or get my email. Perhaps the new satellite receiver will come today. (No…It didn't.) <P> Today I worked some more on my new aspen painting and am happy with the way its going. I'll photograph this stage tomorrow.

Do you think it was because I washed the windows??

Wow …..Look what happened today!!! This afternoon it rained and it lasted at least three or four hours sometimes pouring down and other times showering softly. Lots of thunder and lightning. In the beginning it didn't seem it would last long as the clouds were high and light with a lot of thunderheads. It didn't sock us in until gradually the clouds sat down in the valley covering the hills. The power stayed on except for several flickers. It was wonderful to have this precious moisture. It made puddles, my measure of whether it's a good rain, but didn't take long to be swallowed into the thirsty earth. This could not mean the drought might be over, I doubt it. Hopefully we can wish it might be cooler from now on. Funny I had a fleeting thought this morning that the ranchers working in our neighboring fields shouldn't mow today, but dismissed it as wrong – why should that even enter my mind. But they probably all have mowed a bunch of hay that isn't going to be worth much.

This morning have read last Wednesday's weekly paper the Sublette Examiner (which came in the mail Friday and I went out and got yesterday), and it's full of stories about the fires, especially the one that came so near Pinedale. That is the same one that caused our power outage. It sounds very scary, and most if not all the people living up the hill along the Fremont Lake road were evacuated for at least overnight including the ones in the homes and the campgrounds. There are also three resorts up there. There is only the one road in and out of that area. If not for the excellent work of all the fire and sheriff personnel and volunteers, homes likely would have burned and they even said it could have come down into Pinedale proper. It was much worse than I heard. The fire they named the Pole Fire burned about 1500 acres and moved very quickly in the strong wind. It fortunately rained about an inch that night, probably the first rain like that all year. We got the blustery edges of it. There was another fire on the Upper Green at the same time, and those firefighters and helicopters and slurry bombers left the Salt Lick Fire and came over to the Pole Fire. No structures were lost.

For you guys who were interested in the skeletons, another story in the paper was titled "Skeletal Remains Update submitted by Forensic Anthropologist Russell Nelson", and has info about those Native American skeletons. I don't know if you can call it up on pinedaleonline or not. There is a two page article with lots of interesting info and it has a designated number 48SU6440 with the Smithsonian, I don't know if that can be looked up or not. ? They are dating them to Archaic or Late Prehistoric and the burial is important to their information about the early people who were very sparse in the Wyoming area. He is getting DNA tests to see how/if they are related, and sent bone samples to a dating lab which can date them within 50 years. Dr. Nelson is going to Mongolia for 2 months where he's studying early State formation and military horse use by the nomadic peoples (he names Attila and Genghis Khan). It does sound fascinating and he will write another article about the burials after he comes back. I would have loved to do that kind of work.

When it started to rain (as good an excuse as any) I got really hungry for cookies or brownies or something. We never have anything like that around any more. So I baked some chocolate chip cookies and we had them with a glass of milk. Yummy. Made tacos for dinner but I think the cookies had spoiled both our appetites.