Yesterday Ron the Plumber was here for hours. When the new well was put in they didn't put a sand screen in, so sand is getting into and clogging all of the valves in one of the cabins. He spent forever flushing everything out and cleaning the valves.
Ron is a little guy that does plumbing, but has also done lots of other stuff. He was a loadmaster and a wildlife photographer in previous stages of his life. He's been all around Alaska, so he knows it all. Nice to meet someone that's been everywhere in the state and chose to call this place home. When we were talking he saw my license plate and said "Massachusetts?" then asked if I had driven all the way up. When I told him I had, he said "did you know how far it was going to be?" Too funny. Finding I was from out of town, he also told me if I'm looking for a church, he's got a great one for me. I politely declined. I told him I was raised catholic, but I'm all set with church for a while. I wasn't sure what reaction I'd get to that, but he replied that he was also raised catholic and was happy to be away from those 'oppressive folks.' He became very religious after finding this church, I guess. To each his own.
As much as I like talking to Ron the Plumber, I hope he doesn't have to come back for our sand problem. What a mess.
The well guy is supposed to be coming out one of these days to take a look at what's going wrong here. I can't wait to see how that goes. What are the chances he admits that he screwed up? Ron the Plumber said this is the third place that had wells done by this company that he's had to fix and at one of them they actually had to excavate to fix it.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
The smelly girl in the woods
That's me!
I just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm avoiding taking a shower. We're on well water here and the water smells faintly like metal and sulphur. Not the most pleasant shower experience, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm told it's harmless. I'm still not sure if it's alright to drink it. I'm thinking that's a big N-O.
Okay, have to go take a rotten egg shower now!
I just thought I'd let everyone know that I'm avoiding taking a shower. We're on well water here and the water smells faintly like metal and sulphur. Not the most pleasant shower experience, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm told it's harmless. I'm still not sure if it's alright to drink it. I'm thinking that's a big N-O.
Okay, have to go take a rotten egg shower now!
Wildlife
The frequency of moose sightings has shot through the roof since I've been down on the Kenai. In Anchorage I was seeing them maybe 3 times a week, while down here I'm seeing them multiple times a day. Yesterday alone I had 3 separate sightings. My favorite was a mommy moose with a baby right near the cabins - there's a little clearing about 100 ft before the driveway that they were standing in, just munching on some trees. The babies are just so cute. The moms don't care at all that you're sitting there watching them, but the babies haven't had the same exposure to cars, yet, so they get a little scared.
I don't know if I wrote about this yet, but I drove down this long road in Anchorage that goes into the foot of the mountains because I was just exploring. I saw some great houses down that road - funky looking houses perched on the side of the mountain, overlooking Anchorage/the valley. While up there, I saw a mom and baby moose on the side of the road. As I pulled up the baby started to sort of run away, but, when the mom didn't run away he ran back to her. He was right in the middle of the road standing a few feet from my car just running back and forth trying to figure out what to do. He was really young and was still a little clumsy so he looked really silly trying to change directions quickly. When he moved I drove past and turned around down the road so I could come back and take a picture and there was a guy on a motorcycle coming out of the road I turned around in. He started to go, but when he saw the baby he stopped and backed up because he didn't want to scare it, then he waved me ahead. How nice of him. Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone and it's a piece of crap so I can't get the picture off of it.
So, back to the wildlife sightings here. Last night I was out by the fire pit bringing some boxes out there when I heard something in the forest. I figured it was the little bunny that lives back there or a robin, like it usually is. Then I looked up and saw a big giant moose a few trees away walking toward me. I hit the fire pit stones a few times with a stick and spoke to alert it of my presence before she got too close to me without realizing I was there. She just looked up at me and stared at me for about 20 seconds. Longest 20 seconds of my life. After that she just walked away casually then as she reached the woods she started trotting off. Moose look hysterical when they run. Earlier in the day I saw one running through the backyard and up into the woods - that one was really hauling ass. When I see them run I'm always expecting them to tumble forward at any second because they're so awkward.
I keep finding fur out back. I think it might be bear fur, too. I originally assumed it was moose fur because I see them all the time, but, on closer examination, it's far too black to be from a moose. It's about 3.5 inches long and it's really fine and soft. I think bear fur is pretty coarse, but it could be the matting part. I'll take a picture of it later today. I'm really glad it's light for so long here because I'd probably be a huge wimp about going outside late at night if it did get really dark. It's comforting to be able to see my surroundings when I know there's wildlife around.
In my bear fur research, I came across this awesome article.
I don't know if I wrote about this yet, but I drove down this long road in Anchorage that goes into the foot of the mountains because I was just exploring. I saw some great houses down that road - funky looking houses perched on the side of the mountain, overlooking Anchorage/the valley. While up there, I saw a mom and baby moose on the side of the road. As I pulled up the baby started to sort of run away, but, when the mom didn't run away he ran back to her. He was right in the middle of the road standing a few feet from my car just running back and forth trying to figure out what to do. He was really young and was still a little clumsy so he looked really silly trying to change directions quickly. When he moved I drove past and turned around down the road so I could come back and take a picture and there was a guy on a motorcycle coming out of the road I turned around in. He started to go, but when he saw the baby he stopped and backed up because he didn't want to scare it, then he waved me ahead. How nice of him. Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone and it's a piece of crap so I can't get the picture off of it.
So, back to the wildlife sightings here. Last night I was out by the fire pit bringing some boxes out there when I heard something in the forest. I figured it was the little bunny that lives back there or a robin, like it usually is. Then I looked up and saw a big giant moose a few trees away walking toward me. I hit the fire pit stones a few times with a stick and spoke to alert it of my presence before she got too close to me without realizing I was there. She just looked up at me and stared at me for about 20 seconds. Longest 20 seconds of my life. After that she just walked away casually then as she reached the woods she started trotting off. Moose look hysterical when they run. Earlier in the day I saw one running through the backyard and up into the woods - that one was really hauling ass. When I see them run I'm always expecting them to tumble forward at any second because they're so awkward.
I keep finding fur out back. I think it might be bear fur, too. I originally assumed it was moose fur because I see them all the time, but, on closer examination, it's far too black to be from a moose. It's about 3.5 inches long and it's really fine and soft. I think bear fur is pretty coarse, but it could be the matting part. I'll take a picture of it later today. I'm really glad it's light for so long here because I'd probably be a huge wimp about going outside late at night if it did get really dark. It's comforting to be able to see my surroundings when I know there's wildlife around.
In my bear fur research, I came across this awesome article.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The USPS website is horrible
Today I packaged up my paintings to be sent off to Sweden. I didn't do it in time to make the post office, but they'll go out tomorrow. I stared at them for a while before I packaged them up. Sad to see them go, but happy someone actually wants them, too. I can't wait to see how much it's going to cost to get there.
I asked a woman at the post office what the size limits are before they start charging me an arm and a leg to ship and she just wouldn't give me an answer. She actually told me to package up what I needed to ship and then call the post office to see if the size is OK. Uhh, I sort of want to know what the size limits are BEFORE I go over them, ya know? Whatever, I think I'm within. I looked it up online, but the website is a piece of crap, so who knows. I did the calculate shipping thing they have on there to figure out how much it might cost. I click the international large package option right off the bat, then it asks me all the information so they can calculate. Then it asks me what zip code I'm shipping from and to and it's a REQUIRED field. HELLO! I said INTERNATIONAL in the beginning, not domestic. So I figured I'd just enter the numbers that seemed zip codeish on the address I have - no go, it didn't recognize it. I use the 'lookup zipcode' feature thinking it will have something you can put in there for country codes or something. Nothing. I leave it blank and it still doesn't work. Basically you aren't allowed to calculate international shipping, even if you specifically select that option in the beginning. Websites that are stupid like that piss me off.
I thought about calling until I remembered they have one of those stupid phone systems where you have to speak to a computer. You know, the ones that NEVER understand you and you end up yelling "No." "NO." "I SAID NOOOOOOOOOO, YOU STUPID #*&$@#^$#&." At least that's what happens to me. Pretty much you try really hard to make it understand you, but it never does, so then you have to figure out how to get to a spot in the system where you can use touch tone or speak to an actual person, THEN by the time you get to speak to an actual person, you're fuming so the conversation doesn't usually go well. I feel bad for those people answering the phone.
I asked a woman at the post office what the size limits are before they start charging me an arm and a leg to ship and she just wouldn't give me an answer. She actually told me to package up what I needed to ship and then call the post office to see if the size is OK. Uhh, I sort of want to know what the size limits are BEFORE I go over them, ya know? Whatever, I think I'm within. I looked it up online, but the website is a piece of crap, so who knows. I did the calculate shipping thing they have on there to figure out how much it might cost. I click the international large package option right off the bat, then it asks me all the information so they can calculate. Then it asks me what zip code I'm shipping from and to and it's a REQUIRED field. HELLO! I said INTERNATIONAL in the beginning, not domestic. So I figured I'd just enter the numbers that seemed zip codeish on the address I have - no go, it didn't recognize it. I use the 'lookup zipcode' feature thinking it will have something you can put in there for country codes or something. Nothing. I leave it blank and it still doesn't work. Basically you aren't allowed to calculate international shipping, even if you specifically select that option in the beginning. Websites that are stupid like that piss me off.
I thought about calling until I remembered they have one of those stupid phone systems where you have to speak to a computer. You know, the ones that NEVER understand you and you end up yelling "No." "NO." "I SAID NOOOOOOOOOO, YOU STUPID #*&$@#^$#&." At least that's what happens to me. Pretty much you try really hard to make it understand you, but it never does, so then you have to figure out how to get to a spot in the system where you can use touch tone or speak to an actual person, THEN by the time you get to speak to an actual person, you're fuming so the conversation doesn't usually go well. I feel bad for those people answering the phone.
King Salmon Cabin
King Salmon is the main cabin here that was the existing structure when Frenchy bought the place. I LOVE this cabin. It's sort of my second home down here when I don't feel like being in Spider Cabin (That's what I like to call my shack because of all of my roommates).
This cabin is a little A-Frame that an old military guy built for himself out here. He really did a great job, too. The cabin itself has a bedroom w/bath, 2 sitting areas, a kitchen, a half bath and then there's a loft area which is treated as a bedroom. It's simple, but it has a lot of character. Just have to see it to know what I mean.
Out back he has a big fire pit, a horseshoe pit and all these little table that are at the right level to put a drink down if you're standing out there. The little tables are just existing stumps with a circular piece of wood screwed to the top to make the tabletop that are painted red, stump and all. It's really a neat little area. It's cool, also, because the vegetation back there is neat looking. The untouched ground beneath the trees grows this thick moss-like stuff that's squishy if you step on it. There is also a bunny that lives out back that I see out there everyday.
Aside from the actual cabin, the guy also built a garage, a fish house (now converted into my Spider Cabin with the help of a small addition) an outhouse and a tool shed. It's really a neat little property. The other two cabins stick out like a sore thumb here. Everything existing is dark green or red and the cabins are HUGE with light-colored vinyl siding. It's too bad they weren't built to fit into the landscape a little bit more, but that costs money! There are some really great log cabins on the way to this place that I just love.
And as for the neighbors. It's hard to describe. It's like I have them, but I don't. The ones across the street are down long driveways and I can't see the houses at all because of the trees. Can't see my next door neighbor, either, because of trees. I probably see cars drive by about 5 times a day and more often than not it's the same car. I'm pretty much at a dead end. There IS a road that extends beyond, but it's all private. Basically, I could walk around naked in the backyard without worrying.
To get here off of the main road I take a side road and go a little over a mile and then it's a little over a half mile of dirt roads from there. The dirt roads are BUMPY. I've started to learn the bumps, though and can get down it pretty quickly now. I was driving down the road the other day wondering if there would be enough room if a car came from the other direction then lo and behold, an ESCALADE comes around the corner. We made it by each other without slowing down much and it was even on a scary part of the road where if you go too close to the side you'd tumble down a slope. Because the road leads to a bunch of dead ends (not ALL dead ends, but if you're going down that way, you're not just passing through) you know that everyone you see on the road is a neighbor (by woods standards) so everyone waves. I was pulling onto the road and a guy was coming up in a big old jelopy of truck that had a fancy paint job. He slowed right down to give me a nod as I pulled in and his little adorable son (or grandson, he seemed too old to have a kid that young, maybe 6 yrs or so?) had climbed over and was practically sitting on his lap to get a look at who was going by. I gave them a smile and a wave, because that's what you do here.
I didn't really think much of the property when I first saw it. There wasn't much to think. Just a couple of brand new cabins that are actually more like houses. After seeing this cabin, I love it. I want my own little cool military man cabin.
This cabin is a little A-Frame that an old military guy built for himself out here. He really did a great job, too. The cabin itself has a bedroom w/bath, 2 sitting areas, a kitchen, a half bath and then there's a loft area which is treated as a bedroom. It's simple, but it has a lot of character. Just have to see it to know what I mean.
Out back he has a big fire pit, a horseshoe pit and all these little table that are at the right level to put a drink down if you're standing out there. The little tables are just existing stumps with a circular piece of wood screwed to the top to make the tabletop that are painted red, stump and all. It's really a neat little area. It's cool, also, because the vegetation back there is neat looking. The untouched ground beneath the trees grows this thick moss-like stuff that's squishy if you step on it. There is also a bunny that lives out back that I see out there everyday.
Aside from the actual cabin, the guy also built a garage, a fish house (now converted into my Spider Cabin with the help of a small addition) an outhouse and a tool shed. It's really a neat little property. The other two cabins stick out like a sore thumb here. Everything existing is dark green or red and the cabins are HUGE with light-colored vinyl siding. It's too bad they weren't built to fit into the landscape a little bit more, but that costs money! There are some really great log cabins on the way to this place that I just love.
And as for the neighbors. It's hard to describe. It's like I have them, but I don't. The ones across the street are down long driveways and I can't see the houses at all because of the trees. Can't see my next door neighbor, either, because of trees. I probably see cars drive by about 5 times a day and more often than not it's the same car. I'm pretty much at a dead end. There IS a road that extends beyond, but it's all private. Basically, I could walk around naked in the backyard without worrying.
To get here off of the main road I take a side road and go a little over a mile and then it's a little over a half mile of dirt roads from there. The dirt roads are BUMPY. I've started to learn the bumps, though and can get down it pretty quickly now. I was driving down the road the other day wondering if there would be enough room if a car came from the other direction then lo and behold, an ESCALADE comes around the corner. We made it by each other without slowing down much and it was even on a scary part of the road where if you go too close to the side you'd tumble down a slope. Because the road leads to a bunch of dead ends (not ALL dead ends, but if you're going down that way, you're not just passing through) you know that everyone you see on the road is a neighbor (by woods standards) so everyone waves. I was pulling onto the road and a guy was coming up in a big old jelopy of truck that had a fancy paint job. He slowed right down to give me a nod as I pulled in and his little adorable son (or grandson, he seemed too old to have a kid that young, maybe 6 yrs or so?) had climbed over and was practically sitting on his lap to get a look at who was going by. I gave them a smile and a wave, because that's what you do here.
I didn't really think much of the property when I first saw it. There wasn't much to think. Just a couple of brand new cabins that are actually more like houses. After seeing this cabin, I love it. I want my own little cool military man cabin.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
So Cute
The following is from Erica's (My sister) blog and it's a hysterical conversation between her and Tyler (my nephew). I would just give you a link, but it's from a non-public blog, so I'll just repost it here:
Tyler and I were talking the other day about where people are.
Tyler ~ Where's Mamma Rain?
Me ~ She's at home.
Tyler ~ Where's Bampa?
Me ~ He's at home too.
Tyler ~ Where's Leah.
Me ~ She's at work.
Tyler ~ Daddy's working too.
Me ~ Yes he is.
Tyler ~ Where's Tara?
Me ~ I don't know, where is she?
Tyler ~ In Laska, I can't find her.
It was actually quite funny. Tyler will definitely enjoy seeing Tara when she comes home, even if it isn't for good! He doesn't have a clue what Laska (Alaska) is other than the fact that he knows that's where Tara is.
Tyler and I were talking the other day about where people are.
Tyler ~ Where's Mamma Rain?
Me ~ She's at home.
Tyler ~ Where's Bampa?
Me ~ He's at home too.
Tyler ~ Where's Leah.
Me ~ She's at work.
Tyler ~ Daddy's working too.
Me ~ Yes he is.
Tyler ~ Where's Tara?
Me ~ I don't know, where is she?
Tyler ~ In Laska, I can't find her.
It was actually quite funny. Tyler will definitely enjoy seeing Tara when she comes home, even if it isn't for good! He doesn't have a clue what Laska (Alaska) is other than the fact that he knows that's where Tara is.
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