NICE BUGGY

NOT MUCH HAPPENING..........

still recovering from the auction.  Last tractor was picked up on Saturday, headed for Virginia.
Weather turned cooler, actually thought about a fire in the wood stove this morning.  Good thing my sweep came last week and cleaned both chimneys.
Coco had to go to the vet last Tuesday, got another 'hot spot' on her tail and I didn't see it until Saturday, after the vet was closed.  I cleared up two others previously, but this one got away from me and she wouldn't let me near it.  Fact is, it took both the vet and me to hold her so it could be shaved.  Looks a lot better now.  That powder does wonders if you can get it on.
Still waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Things just don't feel right, lately.  It's like you're waiting for a bad storm to hit.  You see the dark sky, maybe hear the thunder. You know it's coming, so, you wait.  I'm not the only one that says this.  My friend Bob and I were talking about the same thing.  And, he said he and another friend were discussing the same thing.  Bizzarre.

Later..............

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER..............

Deb C.  As always, I am humbled by your desire to be a follower.  Welcome and thank you.

Sale went well considering the economy.  Dad got better prices for his tractors in 2001 and 2005.  But, gas wasn't 3.69 a gal. either.  Disposable income has dried up for most people.  After his 5 tractors were sold, he was talking with a fella about buying a JD40.  Whatever keeps him happy.  At 94, he deserves to get what he wants.  Sorry, didn't take very many pics.  Too busy, if people couldn't find dad, they found me, with questions.  But, with a lot of help, from neighbors and his John Deere cronies, we pulled it off.  The last sale will be after he is gone and I'm NOT looking forward to that.

Looks like Isaac will be a contender, be nice if it dumped some rain on the parched areas.  We are suppose to get rain the next couple of days and I need to mow.  Been neglecting the meadow house lately because of going over to dad's.  Did get the sweeper run today.  Had dust devils as big as the cats.  Pulled the weeds out front.  Having toilet problems and need to buy a snake tomorrow.  I have one but it is way too big to use on the john.  Been thinking about just flushing down a stick of dynamite.  But, decided against it.  Was also thinking about building an outhouse over the septic tank lid but figured the smell would get me.  It'll work out.

Later................

UPDATE........
Plumber showed up, snaked the sucker, put a new ball on it, $25.  Done.  We talked about an updated toilet.  They have them now that have a compressed air tank and uses less water.  As low as this house is, I am always concerned about the septic system.  So, using less water is a win for me.  Anybody out there in the blog-o-sphere know anything about them?

TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE ARE NOW DEAD.....

in this part of the county.  It's usually VERY quiet around here.  The most that happens might be a domestic dispute or someone calls the police about a drunken party that is getting too loud.  But the last two weeks, we've had two shootings and at least 3 break-ins close to both Dad and me.  The first one........daughter came home to find her 62 year old father shot dead in the hallway.  OK, you think home invasion.  The next night at 2 in the morning, a guy is in this house and the lady recognizes him, scares him off, calls the cops.  This is about two blocks from the first incident, but, the police says the incidents are not related.  Horse-hockey.  The fellow is now trapped in a corn field and shoots himself.  Sounds kinda harsh way to end it just for just a robbery charge.  Then, down the road from Dad, same block, two guys take out an A/C, crawl in the window, steal money, go out the front door.  The couple is in bed, with the dog, but the bedroom door is closed.  Go figure.  Two nights ago, three boys are camping, mother is concerned because of what's been happening, GIVES THESE BOYS A PISTOL, but takes the clip out.  However...........there is one bullet in the chamber.  Kids are 'playing' with the gun, goes off, 16 year old is now dead.  Now we're seeing more troopers in the area, and, getting phone calls selling alarm systems.  I told them last year, I got an alarm system, 3 dogs and a loaded 38.

Bob has been bringing down his stuff all week and different people have been stopping in to lookee-see.  Everyone is asking if the '57 Buick is being sold.  NO!  But I need to wash it today, even tho it'll be in the barn, people still snoop. 

Dad is still not feeling well, and, I'm hoping that once this sale is over, he will be back to his old self.  All critters are doing OK, I'm really tired and not sleeping well.  But that will pass. 

Later.................

WENT OVER TO DAD'S............

today.  He wanted to move this nasty piece of steel, probably a 4x8, that was propped against the back of the barn.  Put it on a skid and set it out front for the sale.  So, he got his JD with the loader, pulled up to it, (a little too far, put a dent in the barn siding) and I was just going to let it flop over.  But.........NNNOOOO, he gets off and grabs the other side, we flop and he falls, ever so graceful, on his butt and back.  Now, remember, he fell last Wednesday also.  I shut the tractor off and asked him if he was OK (other than pissed off).  He was, but, it took him 20 minutes to 'butt-walk' himself to the tractor in order to pull himself up.  The only way I could help was grab his belt, 'cause his ribs still hurt from the last fall.  This sale cannot get here fast enuf.  I also told him, he'd better not even get out of bed NEXT Wednesday.  Looks like tomorrow will be the last sunny day this week.  Better mow.  Already told dad I'd be late getting over.

Not much else happening.  Don't know what to think of the coming election.  I DO know who I'm NOT gonna vote for.  But haven't done much research on Romney's VP choice yet.  I do think we are headed quickly down the drain; been circling it since 2008.  If he's gets back in, might as well hit the lever and flush it all, eh?

Later...............

GOT THE 'STUFF'......

down to the uncles on Thursday.  Spent about an hour with them and then a couple showed up to visit, so I left.  Glad that's done and had one more pic to give to another cousin, so, called her that evening and she said, "I'd love to have it."  So, since I was on a roll, I took it over then and there.  Found out some more family tales and had a nice visit with Dot.  Now I have one more group of pics to give away and I'm done.

Been having storms almost every day.  Last night there were at least 3 that went thru and woke up this morning to 2 more.  Lotsa rain.  House fire over by the river, dispatch called out a lot of equipment.  Maybe lightening strike?  Don't know the details yet, but know the family.

Be glad when this sale is history.  Dad's nerves are really bad, 'cause there is so much to do and he's unable to do it.  Plus, no one can help him 'cause no one can do it to please him.  Also, he fell in the yard on Wednesday, taking the bucket of grass clippings over to the corn field to dump.  I almost said, "Couldn't that wait for me to take care of?"  But, again, I probably wouldn't have done it to suit him.  It's gets old.  He won't go to the doctor, but, complains to me every day about how bad he feels.  I am like mom in that respect.  Feel bad.....go see a doctor.  Talking to me about it ain't gonna fix the problem.  Speaking of dear old dad, need to get over there........

Later...............

STUFF, STUFF, STUFF.................

I was priviledged to care for my best friend, until she passed away.  Her mom had died the year before, and I had her stuff at my house, along with my friend's stuff.  It was a LOT of stuff.  Been donating, giving to friends and just throwing out for over three years.  Saturday I hit the downstairs bedroom.  Found more stuff.  Lottsa family pics and such.  I need to get this 'stuff' down to her uncles in Maryland.  Family stuff should stay in the family.  Especially pictures.

Farmer is hauling pig-poop today from the neighbors.  It's liquid....brings tears to your eyes.  Now, I'm no prude; born and raised on a farm, love the smell of a barn, especially a milk house, cow manure, silage, etc, etc, but, THIS stuff is wicked!  Hope he's spreading it on the upper field far my house.

We've been blessed with lotsa storms of late, some short, intense, downpours.  All is appreciated, for sure.  Sunny today, but not as humid.  Still think I'll turn the A/C back on for the dogs.  Poor Coco is suffering with alergies and hot spots and the A/C seems to keep her more comfortable.

Gotta an email from a former co-worker informing me another co-worker passed at 55.  Nice lady, a wonderful person, self-taught artist.  I was always gonna get her to do a pic of this house when I got it to where I wanted it.  Too late, eh?

I love this house, this setting, this area.  I tell people that 'once Dad is gone, maybe I'll sell out and buy a motor home'.  But, I know in my heart of hearts, I couldn't leave this house.  It's so quiet here, and, I'm among like-minded people.  This area is still country and as long as that doesn't change, I'll stay around.  Besides, I could travel with the 3 dogs, but 5 cats?  I don't think so!  Gotta go, fix breakfast or is it brunch?

Later................

KIND OF A DREAB DAY.............

after that intense thunder storm last night.  Don't know what a dreab day is?   As many of you know, I live in Amish country.  A friend turned me on the "Die Botschaft", which is a weekly newspaper serving the old order Amish communites nationwide.  It's actually letters written by 'scribes', telling the happenings of the week.  They only get to submit a page, but it's a window into their lifestyle.  Anyhow, a dreab day, as close as I can figure out, is the combination of dreary and drab.    Kinda a cool word, dontcha think?To continue on with this Amish theme....I stopped at the little store in the neighboring village to get some milk.  As I was checking out, an Amishman came up and laid down two bunches of bananas, one bunch was green, the other one was a bright yellow.  I said to the check out girls,  "You know, politicians are like bananas, they start out green, turn yellow, and, before you know it, they're rotten."  Everyone laughed and the Amish guy said, very quietly, "For once, we agree."  I look at him and he was grinning. 

Later.............

HAD SEVERAL STORMS......

the past few days.  Soaking, badly needed, rain.  Probably over 2 inches.  But, any rain is a blessing, since things are so dry.  Not much else going on.  Sorta in a blue funk, again.  It'll pass.  Things just don't feel right.  Don't know why.  Kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Maybe I need to stop at the gun shop.  It's been a while.......

Later..............

THERE WERE 14.........

at breakfast this morning.  Had a great time, as usual.  Not talking politics seems to be the answer.  On the way home, Lois called me to say they were going to supper tonight at the other restaurant.  Hey, I'm helping the local economy!!!!  Anyhow, then she tells me she fell at the appliances store and broke her foot, screwed up her knee (not the replacement one) messed up her elbow and on and on.  Girl's gonna need a keeper sooner than later.  She fell last year and broke her little finger.  Gotta go, hang out wash,

Later..................

WELL, GUESS I'D BETTER MOW........

it's not too hot out, slight breeze blowing.  Since I must go to the dentist tomorrow at 10:30, then do some errands for dad while I'm in town, the day will be shot.  Calling for storms, Thursday and Friday.  We need the rain, for sure.  I broke down and turned on the A/C, for the dogs, of course.  Last month, the electric bill was $40 higher, but, it was worth it.

Went to supper last night with Artie, Ross, his grandson, Michael, and, Lois.  They were all at the restaurant on Sunday night, but didn't call me, used to, whatever.  So, I went up to pay my bill and saw a lady that was a good friend of Joyce, my best friend that passed away in 2007.  I sat down and talked with her, she will be 87 in December.  Sweet woman.  I enjoy older people.  We had a great conversation for about 45 minutes, and, after saying good bye to her, I paid my bill and went back to the table and everyone had left.  Oh, well.

Later.............

UPDATE:  Got the yard mowed, put the mower in the barn, fixed lunch....thunder, lightening, whoa.  Quick, put windows up on vehicles, get in flag, get in house, get shower.  Then, it was over, just a quick as it came.  Damn, coulda kept it up all day.  Went to dad's and helped him put a gasket on the Farmall H.  The brother from next door came over to borrow a rake and shovel.  He had to burn the mattress, box spring and bed linen from his brother's bed, and, he needed to clean up the ashes and metal.  Seems the guy was dead for 10-12 hours before he was found, so, it was quite a mess.  The other neighbors were telling dad this morning and kinda chuckling about him burning everything, but, I guess they are too stupid to realize what a body will do when it dies.  He had no choice.  Trash truck certainly wouldn't have taken it.  After the autopsy is done, he's not even going to claim the body.  There is no money for burial, and this way the state will cremate him and dispose of the ashes.  So sad.

Later, again.

THE SCANNER SPEWED OUT THE ADDRESS....

of dad's road.  My ears perked up.  It was next door at the school house apartments.  Cardiac Arrest.  Mmmmmmmm, both apartments have young tenants, could it be the wrong address and actually be dad's place?  Called, no answer, quickly got dressed, grabbed Archie, headed over.  The ambulance was at the school house.  The two brothers that I'd mentioned in an earlier posts...........the oldest one found the younger one dead in bed this morning.  He was already blue, so, must've passed in the night.  The other neighbors are saying it was a drug od.  The cops were there, so I guess that's how it is being treated.  Such a shame, to die so young, of your own foolish habits.

Later...............

QUIET SUNDAY............

at least that's what I tell the dogs.  Only one open carriage and one buggy went past the house this morning.  That was before I got out of bed, then, while walking Archie in the back yard, a young man went by on a scooter.  My house is in the bottom of a valley, sorta a small bowl, with slight hills all around.  The biggest hill is towards the village.  These kids hunker down on their scooters at the top of that hill and by the time they pass my house, they are FLYING!  And, he was.  He was pass the house, almost to the bridge by the time the dogs noticed him.  Archie and Coco just barked, but, Daisy went running past me like a race horse.  Funny.  Anyhow, this will be a Quiet Sunday with few Amish going by.  I'll be able to watch the British Open in peace.

Had a nice lunch by the river yesterday with Sue and Sarah.  Got on line yesterday and outta 14 reviews, 9 were very bad.  I told the girls, they agreed we would see for ourselves.  When we got there, I mentioned to the hostess about the reviews and she told me they have a new chef.  OK.  Well, we got a LOT of attention from 3 different waitresses, the hostess was at our table, the manager stopped by and then the chef came over.  I guess they were concerned?  I didn't mention the reviews to get all of this attention, but, we assured them that the food was excellent, the wait staff was attentive and, of course, the view of the river was excellent.  Last night, I got on the web site and put in my own review saying how great the place was.  Hope it helps.  Gotta go, fix breakfast, or lunch, whatever.

Later.............

COUSINS..............

This has been a week for cousins.  Monday, had supper with Jack and wife, Wednesday, got several emails from Terry in NJ and today, Faye came to my house and we met for the first time!  Her dad and mine were buddies as teenagers.  They are 21 months apart, and, outta 24 grandchildren, dad was the oldest and Billie was next.  We had a great time, she came about 9 and left at 3.  Gave me some cool family stuff, and I gave her a pic of her parents wedding and one of her great-great grandfather, with two grand children, all holding musical instruments.  She plays piano and organ and always wondered where the talent came from.  I told her the story of Grandpappy Sam loved playing in the band SO much that he lost the farm.  He'd rather play music than milk cows.

Got a spotty shower last night and again this after.  Getting black over towards the river and I hear some thunder.  Dad said that they are calling for soaking rains the next couple of days.  I sure hope so, corn is beggin' for rain. 

Going for breakfast tomorrow, then into town to pick up chicken b-b-q to support the fire company.  Need to stop at the amish grocery store for coffee and Archie's cereal.  It's a lot cheaper there.  Having lunch with Sue and Sarah on Saturday.  Sarah's birthday is the week after mine, so we'll celebrate both at the same time.  I sure hope it rains.

Later...............

THE BOYS CAME THRU.....

yes, they did.  Dad's neighbor showed up with his chain saw.  Then came his buddy, Bill, not long after that, here comes the third one on his HUGE tractor.  Took care of that tree limb in short order.  Dad called me this morning to tell me all about it.  He never suspected I talked to the guy.  Except, now he fussing about getting it split up so it can dry out for winter.  It's shumac, which is not the best wood to burn, makes good ashes, some people won't burn it saying it's poison.  I told him, "This ain't wood-splitting weather."  He agreed, but he'll keep on fussing about it until we get it split.  He tried to pay them, but they wouldn't accept anything.  He also showed them the hole in his screen door, and they said he should call the police, but, he's gonna let it slide for now.  The guys suspect the two brothers next door that live in the old school house apartment.  They call them bums 'cause both have bad backs, can't work and are trying to get disability.  My father believes that how we treat the weakest among us is how we will be judged.  I told him he's gotta do whatever he feels is right.

Then later in the day, my nephew and brother-in-law showed up.  They're coming back from a car show and stopped in to see dad on the way home to Baltimore.  Then another young man showed up on his restored Farmall to show dad.  It was a busy Saturday for him.

Had a nice rain last night, but probably only 1/2" in the gauge.  The Amish, in the next town over, lost a barn to lightning.  Neighbors managed to save the equipment and the two puppies that were in a shed that was burning.  They'll have another barn raised before the end of the month.  That's one thing you can say about the Amish, they pull together and help each other, and, sometimes, us 'English' also.

S'pose to be 91 today, so, guess I'll turn the A/C back on. Gonna be worse tomorrow, around 97, with storms. Then cool off. Already feels muggy and humid.

Oh........67 years ago, today, at 5:30am, Mountain Time, the first atomic test bomb was dropped in New Mexico.  One hour and fifteen minutes later, Eastern Time, I was born.  Fallout.

Later..............