The Castle

Kang And The Chipmonks

~ Guy Hall

I was out on the deck, mindfully enjoying the nature that surrounds my backyard. Squirrels were climbing in the trees deep in the woods to the west. Birds were all about chirping. The occasional hummingbird swooped by to drink nectar from either our hummingbird feeder or the recently bloomed flowers along the fence line.

However, the most enjoyable aspect of the backyard this morning was Kang the Mighty Hunter stalking the two of three chipmunks that visit our yard to raid the bird feeders. Unbeknownst to one of them, it headed towards the feeder right along a path were Kang laid in wait. I don’t think I’ve seen fat old Kang move so fast in my life. He chased the chipmunk around the plant and damn near caught him.

Honestly, Kang appears lively and happier than I’ve ever seen him. Our new place has made his life, and his health, better.

Mowing

~ Guy Hall

Sigh. The problem with having a lawn is it needs moving from time to time. Now, usually, that means weekend work. However, this weekend Tina and I are looking to visit Cooper State Park in Wisconsin and enjoy the trail along to two rivers and the two waterfalls. So, that means mowing this morning, but only after I’ve run to Menards to get two shades cut for the spare bedroom. My cousin Rodney is crashing out at our place as he attends some robotics shindig in East Duluth and the extra room is just way too bright in the AM.

Anyway, I have to finish my final cup of coffee and head out. You all try not to destroy the place while I’m gone.

Blowsery Weekend

~ Guy Hall

It was cold and windy this past weekend, leaving me bereft of any desire to mow the lawn. There is no wind today, so I best get out there and mow down the prairie that has sprung in my front yard.

Productive Sunday

~ Guy Hall

Honestly, I had a great Sunday. Got up early enough to do my morning routine, followed by assembling the cart I bought from Fleet Farm, the lawn mower I bought from Menard’s, and building a compost pen out of fence posts and chicken wire. After that it was mowing up the leaves (We are surrounded by trees!) which required an extensive amounts of emptying the bag on the mower. After that Tina grilled up some pork steaks and we enjoyed an evening meal sitting on the deck and enjoying our hard work.

However, there are still many projects left for us to work on. Off to the side from the garage is a pile of logs, sticks, and boards that is quite the eye sore. It is destined to be dismantled, with much of it going to the compost pen, and others to the fire pit (the one I want to buy once I figure out what’s allowed). In addition to the pile, the rest of the area along side of the garage still needs cleaning up. There are flower beds, a collapsed rock wall, and various plants growing that may or may not be survivors of what appears to have been a few years of neglect.

Now, though, it’s time for me to go out for a run. You all have a great start to your week, Monday not withstanding.

Snow Blower

~ Guy Hall

Finally was able to use my new snow blower. Great improvement over using a shovel. However, I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will be the first and last time I use it this season.

Office is Unpacked!

~ Guy Hall

I rearranged my desk to the opposite wall so I am now facing east and am downhill (the house is far from level) which keeps me from straining my lower back in the effort to keep my chair from rolling backward. Also, books are back in the bookshelf, and my journals are also unpacked in on their bookshelf.

Oh, and Tina has ordered a tapestry for part of the west wall. It’s for meditating. It will fit from window to corner and ceiling to floor.

It’s the smallest room (other than the bathrooms) in the house and it’s twice the size of the old office at the apartment.

Now I have a ton of empty boxes to take out to the garage.

Adjustments

~ Guy Hall

Now that we are moved into our new place it’s the start of the adjustment phase. Resuming usual routines require the incorporation of the physical layout of the house and the location of simple things like light switches, appliances, etc. Plus, there’s still the unpacking that needs to occur. Yet, already there’s a level of comfort in this house that did not exist in the last place we lived. For one thing, we no longer have to walk down a flight and a half of stairs outside to do laundry. We have one flight, all inside. Nor is there a driveway up a hill that was impossible to climb after a heavy snowfall, or after a sloppy thaw.

Another interesting fact is that the cats have quickly settled in. The last time we moved Cinnamon was pissed for days on end, hissing at anyone’s approach, cat or human. She remained hidden behind the couch for at least 24 hours. Here? She was out from behind the couch in less that 12 hours, exploring and smelling. She quickly discovered she could sit on the back of the couch look out the picture window and watch the traffic.

Of the most importance is the coffee station. Though on a temporary table, we have the basics laid out. Now it’s just a matter of finding a more appropriate sized table to use – the old table is too long for the layout of this kitchen.

Finally, the lighting of this house is problematic. We are going to need more lamps. And I have to rehang a lamp in the kitchen. But it is a small problem, not something so horrible as to cause regret. Not when I look out the back door and see my backyard.

Finally!

~ Guy Hall

We are now in our new home! Freddy took it all in stride. However, Kang and Cinnamon are hiding behind the couch. Cable guy has come and gone – we have TV and internet! Now it’s time for me to head to work for 3 hours. Then it’s back home to sleep in my new house!

1.7 Miles

~ Guy Hall

It’s moving day! Well, that is the moving company is coming to take the big stuff – couches, tables, washer/dryer, etc., etc., etc.. We already moved most of the small stuff. Right now I’m just finishing up my coffee as we wait for the moving truck to arrive.