go devil

We like watching Discovery's Alaska: The Last Frontier.  As we told our neighbors down the mountain from us, it reminds us of the mountain even when we are living five minutes from downtown.  Just a little bit more remote maybe.  I think there are the same numbe of characters though.  We have fun when we are there.

On Alaska:  The Last Frontier, Otto had built a Go Devil.  It is a log sled.  Since we are going to have many trees to move, which will be many times in the form of logs, the boyos decided to build a go devil. 

I think every male in the shop had input.  It so so completely over engineered it is hilarious.

But they all had fun.

And we now have a sled to attach to the tractor to move logs.  Or maybe a four wheeler when we get one.  This is actually not the final version.  Paint got added to protect the metal.  It was hauled in a Subaru up a mountain to its home.

Yes, this is my life.  Like I can dig in the garden with an apron over my work dress, stockings, gloves, and boots and get less on me then when I go eat tacos.  True story from this evening.  So very me.  But the dug garden is much bigger!

refining an old skill

I am slowly feeling better from the food poisoning.  I actually got to do some yoga yesterday.  It was also helpful that Koda Bear was with his Dad because yoga with Koda Bear around is a full contact sport!  I am not exaggerating. 

I woke up this morning to sunshine and decided to start working in the garden for this year.  When we were in Washington state, my Dad showed me a different way to dig up a garden.  Many years ago, when small town railroad stations still existed and there were railmen there, my Dad watched a railman dig up a gravel driveway to become a garden.  Dig a trench with a shovel.  Then, with the same shove, move back an inch or two, take the scoop of dirt out, throw it on top of the dirt from the trench.  Work your way backward.

In an hour, I got more done better then if I had dug the garden my own way or with help.  I need to learn better ways in the garden because it is normally just me no matter what the other words may be.  My Dad strongly suggested to just work an hour at a time.  Then take a rest.  Today, that was exactly what I needed.  I did not think I was even close to overdoing until I came inside to write.  One hour!

That green is a tomato plant that still has tomatoes on it.  It has overwintered so far.  I was surprised it was in such good condition after the cold we have had.  I was a bit more careful around it then it places I had no plants to worry about.  We may have a few tomatoes soon. 

Sometimes all it takes is to ask and to listen.

making my own

So I am still wiped out.  The healing from the food poisoning is taking much longer then I hoped.  My stomach is still not settled but there is not any active sickness.  And I get tired.  Tired minutes after I sleep.  The problem is there is just too much to do.  Always. 

The stress at work is pretty interesting as well.  Even though I do not really feel very stressed dealing with the people who are is enough in itself.  Breath at a time.  Maybe I will take a walk on the beach this weekend.

I had found a natural deodorant that worked very well for me.  The problem is that I have to order it.  Well, that is really not the problem.  The problem is I have to remember to order it.  I looked at a few recipes and the ingredients on the jar and decided to try to make my own.  I think it turned out well.  It works very similar to the natural deodorant I was purchasing.  I actually had most of the ingredients in the house.  Who would have thought!

deodorant

Note:  The clay is not necessary.  If you do not use it, lower the amount of oil used.

3 tablespoons arrowroot flour

3 tablespoons baking soda (aluminum free)

3 tablespoons kaolin type clay (pick I light color.  I did not)

3 tablespoons coconut oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

1/4 teaspoon tea tree essential oil

Melt the coconut oil on the stove.  Put the arrowroot flour, baking soda, and clay in a small bowl.  Mix in the oils.  Transfer to a glass jar.

It only takes a small bit under each arm pit.  Smaller then you think!  Next time, I am going to use a lighter colored clay.  The green is a bit dark but this amount of deodorant may last most of the year.  I did say a small amount.  Too much leaves clumps by the way.

well, i thought it was the last one

I thought this was going to be the last pillowcase I made for a gift.  But, I was wrong.  I feel like Elephant and Piggie when I say that.  I saw my Mother and she asked for another silk one.  A tad bit longer because I somehow got the measurements wrong.  My Dad's response was that two was a good number because then you could change them out.

We got back safely this last weekend but the last place we ate did me in.  Food poisoning put me down.  I made it to work today but I am tired.  My stomach is still not settled but fluids and food stay in.  I am getting better everyday.

Getting back to work is interesting.  The layoffs have started.  So far it has been people that have had problems.  The next will be those who have been waiting for early retirement packages.  We are going to lose some important intellectual capital with the next pass.  I am not looking forward to some of those who are going to chose to leave.  It will be a loss.

Happy New Year!

We had a very low key night last night.  Movies.  Wine.

Today, I went for a walk on a winter beach.  It was drizzly and blowing a bit and extremely quiet.

My main companions were the birds.  They were just fun to watch.

I took this picture to prove that I actually sometimes wear pants.  I think my waterproof pants are actually on the mountain but these worked well.  And they fit much better than I remember.  I was not wearing how many layers of figure skating wear underneath!

I really went down to the beach to breathe the air and watch the waves.  There were waves!  I will not repeat what came out of my mouth when I saw them but it was a good thing I had not brought a board and wet suit.  I would have been in the water and I really do not think I need that right now.  The crud is hanging on and going in the water would probably exasperate the it. 

So I walked.  There was a thermos of tea, a cheese sandwich made with bara brith, clementines, and cookies waiting for me when I got back to my truck.  It was a nice dinner. 

The walk and time on the beach, even with the rain, just made me happy.