Let's Get Started!

Armed with a dull saw and Susie's enthusiasm we hiked back to the point to get some cedars for our Christmas display in Dubuque.

And yes, to get the best little tree I would have to climb to get the tree.  What goes up must come down. 

It was a very nice day for our walk.

Shaping the tree in the manger

The kick off to the holiday season is the Bellevue christmas parade.

After being in the first parade more then 20 years ago, we decided that we need to be in it next year with the VW and friends.

Here are some lovely friends

And these guys too.

The brewery was hopping and the Krampus scottish ale with cherries was flowing

Let the fun begin.

 

Thank Your Elders.....HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2021🍗

Susie started out our Thanksgiving with Monte Cristo Sandwiches

We hiked back to put out the trail cam.

Then it was time for her signature Thanksgiving cocktail.

Last fall Susie and the girls from the Convivium harvested Elderberries and made Elderberry Cordial.

And just a few weeks ago I pressed several gallons of apple cider.

So Thanks your Elders is the drink.

We took a break to listen to Alice's Restaurant and enjoy the fire.

 Who's a good boy?

The Car Port

This is the first post in this post.  October 17th.

Beau and I actually started harvesting dead cedars back in early October

This18 foot ridge pole was a nice piece of lumber.

There's a lot of climbing up and down the ladders when you take on a project like this by yourself.

Beau and I got a nice load of salvaged lumber from Kyle up in Dubuque.

And Jace set me up with all the nailers for the roof tin.

A project like this takes time when your limited to weekends, after school and nights.

It was a good feeling getting the tin roof on .

And yes, there was a few set backs.  I've been messing with vehicle issues for the last month as well.

Ever sense the Baha engine crapped out on me in SW wisconsin. 

My second trip to Menards to return the materials that I bought. loaded, unloaded, reloaded, returned and unloaded once again. 

but I did get the siding and got it on the sides of the carport.

By night I would relay bricks and do what I could.

The centerstone is layed.... someday a time capsule will be installed too.

but who will know? 

The opening is big enough that the bus can get in too.

The Big window salvaged form the chicken coop got installed yesterday in the South end.

And a small window on the East side.

Todays project is a half door on the West to keep the blowing leaves out.

 

It's Been a Week

Thursday

Friday

Friday Evening

Saturday - Save big money

Sunday progress

 

Fall Back...

We got our pumpkins carved 

and up to Dubuque in one piece

We were a little sad that we only had 5 kids stop by for trick or treat.  

I guess that means extra candy for me.

It's been a beautiful fall for exploring

We hit the Convivium to say good luck with your new life adventure to Natalie, Alfonzo & baby Rosa.  

I try to get some more wood bucked up and up to the  wood pile when I can.

I did take a break last Thursday to check out the Chapel and visit with Mart, Joan and Jace.

This weekends project was across the river, helping Jimmy get his wood stove up and rollin for his garage.  Mart worked the roof  with me there for a helping hand.

While Jimmy, John and Gregger (chimney inspector) worked as the ground crew. 

First fire lit with one of Bo's firestarters

Lit from the top down,  if you haven't given it a try.

Just another setback as I look forward to having a reliable vehicle. 

Once and a while we find a moment to relax

A happy way to end the day.