10 July 2001
When you come to the end of a perfect day. I got here last night at about 6 o’clock. Unloaded. Ate a cheese sand. Laid the fire and went to bed.
11 July. I woke up at daybreak and went about my assigned duties. I got water from the resort & washed my face. Got the paint and roller and brush and dived in. I surfaced several hours later, sweaty, painty, and triumphant. The deck was painted (almost) 3 gallons didn’t quite make it. Sorry Rol. Freshly showered and rested (I took a long nap). Dinner is coming up. Wild rice salad from Katarina’s birthday party, grilled chicken breast, rye toast, Pot a fu and milk.
*of special interest to Analee: My wildlife buddy. Today a turkey family crossed the road ahead of me. The babies are getting big but still look like gangly teenagers. A large grey raptor that I did not recognize came barreling across the yard about a foot from the ground. He could have been chasing something. I don’t know, but he pulled up in a Ponderosa close to the gully and sat for a while. When he flew off he made a sound like Kreeeee. Grey with a black tail, white breast, and white under his wings.
I had set the table for my dinner. On the table was bread and butter. I had gone back around to see how the chicken was coming on the charcoal cooker. When I returned that bad boy squirrel who ate the candy and made the mess was scarfing down the butter in huge mouthfuls, He loved it so much I practically had to swat him off the table. He is way tame and very brave.
It was almost dark I could hardly see the page. I just happened to look up. There was a turkey family. Mom & Dad and two teenagers ambling down the road under the swing and down the gully. Cool as you please.
The milky way is dazzling. There is no moon at all but I can almost see by the astounding starlight. I got up several times last night to view the stars, and other reasons best left undisclosed.
Having completed my tasks I moved a few rocks and read “P is for Peril” which was exciting and scary and as usual, I didn’t guess who dunnit. I also have a biography of Hitler. It is a daunting 115 pages. If I get my nerve up I might go for a walk tomorrow if I can round up enough white pebbles. It’s still scary our there.
I walked to the corner of Cedar and Oden that was far enough. I took the wheelbarrow with me and picked up fire wood. The new configuration of the cabin is…austere.
The new rock entry is fabulous! The taper didn’t make it I’m sorry we were on a roll there. I hope it doesn’t hold things up too much.
Note. At least 1 more gallon of paint for the deck and many many for the bunkhouse.
Love Uncle Jim