I filled in a hole in my back yard
I had seen this hole throughout the summer. It seemed to get bigger and bigger. There was no dirt around it, so I did not think it was an animal.
Now that is contrary to my thoughts about the hole by the hickory tree and the hole under my raised garden.....definitely animal holes.
I was moving sand from my dirt pile. I was putting it in 5 gallon plastic buckets and then driving to Emily's house and dumping it an area that will be stripped of tornado debris filled soil.
Problem is, I only have two buckets and a little plastic tub. I can't lift a lot of weight, so that was an ideal amount. It takes a long time to move sand when you are using two 5 gallon plastic buckets. Take my word for it.
Any way, I have all this sand and all these rocks and I think: Why not fill the hole?
So I take a bucket with 10 baseball sized rocks and wander over to the hole. I drop the first one in and it seems to go a long way before I hear a clunk. So I drop in a second. And a third. After I dropped the 10th one in, I went back for more rocks. I dropped in 15 rocks or so.
I took a half bucket of sand and poured it in. It just went down.
I got another half bucket. Poured it in. Down it went.
I ended up with six half buckets before the hole was full.
Now I am worried.
I assume the clunk I heard was the septic tile.
(Digression and lesson. In the country, we don't often have sewer systems. We have septic fields. The crap leaves the house, goes into a big tank, then eventually leaches out into the septic field....a series of perforated pipes about 12 inches underground. The home juices filter through the tile and percolate downward. If all works right, life is golden. If a field fails, it is a pretty expensive proposition to install a new one.)
I hope the sand doesn't do anything bad to the septic tile. I hope the tile wasn't damaged by the rocks. I hope I don't walk out into a wet backyard one day. I hope I don't regret my filling of the hole.
But then again, having the hole there could have been a problem in itself so maybe I am worried about nothing.
Which is my normal state.
All that loading and lifting has made me one tired puppy tonight.....hopefully I will sleep the night away.
Because tomorrow I need to finish the job of moving the dirt and sand pile.
Two buckets at a time.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sunday, September 13, 2015
I can't believe I ate the whole thing
I went to 30 Men Who Cook last night
If you are not familiar with the event, 30 (or so) chefs (not all men) prepare their best food. Patrons pay to go in and sample, with best entries picked for appetizer, entree, dessert and table decorations.
I have never seen so much bacon in one room. There might be a shortage in local stores this week until they get a chance to stock up.
There were bacon wrapped potato nuggets, bacon wrapped fruit, donuts with maple syrup and bacon, a cheeseburger with bacon, peanut butter ,and jelly.......you get the idea.
I actually liked the PB & J cheeseburger with bacon...hit all my food groups in one bite.
You just get a sampling, but if you have 30 samplings, it is a lot of food.
The proceeds go to a worthy cause...the foundation at Rochelle Township High School. The money is used to but extras, like cameras, computers, books, that the district can not cover in the budget.
I saw lots of people I knew, including Renee, Wendy and their group. I did not talk to them for long, because I was busy eating. Plus, I have a hard time hearing in crowds, so I tend to keep to myself in a large room.
A few years ago Dan, Ross and I were chefs. We did that for two years, making what we felt were prize winning dishes. We didn't win. I had planned to cook with John this year, but somehow never got around to finding out who to contact. You would think they would automatically ask people who have cooked in previous years....but I guess not.
I didn't see the firemen this year either, which was sad because they always have an interesting presentation. No Marv and Steve either.
But it was a good time.
It was announced that next year's event will include a change in venue. Huh. Not sure what that means. I just hope the food is as good, and unusual, as it was this year.
And just in case, I am keeping an eye out for an award winning recipe.
And it won't involve bacon.
If you are not familiar with the event, 30 (or so) chefs (not all men) prepare their best food. Patrons pay to go in and sample, with best entries picked for appetizer, entree, dessert and table decorations.
I have never seen so much bacon in one room. There might be a shortage in local stores this week until they get a chance to stock up.
There were bacon wrapped potato nuggets, bacon wrapped fruit, donuts with maple syrup and bacon, a cheeseburger with bacon, peanut butter ,and jelly.......you get the idea.
I actually liked the PB & J cheeseburger with bacon...hit all my food groups in one bite.
You just get a sampling, but if you have 30 samplings, it is a lot of food.
The proceeds go to a worthy cause...the foundation at Rochelle Township High School. The money is used to but extras, like cameras, computers, books, that the district can not cover in the budget.
I saw lots of people I knew, including Renee, Wendy and their group. I did not talk to them for long, because I was busy eating. Plus, I have a hard time hearing in crowds, so I tend to keep to myself in a large room.
A few years ago Dan, Ross and I were chefs. We did that for two years, making what we felt were prize winning dishes. We didn't win. I had planned to cook with John this year, but somehow never got around to finding out who to contact. You would think they would automatically ask people who have cooked in previous years....but I guess not.
I didn't see the firemen this year either, which was sad because they always have an interesting presentation. No Marv and Steve either.
But it was a good time.
It was announced that next year's event will include a change in venue. Huh. Not sure what that means. I just hope the food is as good, and unusual, as it was this year.
And just in case, I am keeping an eye out for an award winning recipe.
And it won't involve bacon.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
that makes no sense
I may be measurement impaired
When I ride my bike to the end of Shagbark Lane and back, I go about one mile. The mile actually clicks just before the driveway.
When I drive around the subdivision, I go about 2.2 miles, according to my trusty odometer and its trip meter.
So today, I rode a different way. I went up Skare to Fowler. Then down Fowler to Emily's road, then up Emily's road. It was 1.1 miles to Emily's house.
That doesn't seem right. Riding to the end of my street and back is the same as riding to Emily"s?
Huh.
Then I measured 2.2 miles. I circled her subdivision and then went east on Fowler. I was at Center Road when I hit 2.2 miles.
So, to recap: Riding a loop around my subdivision is about the same as riding from my house to Center Road.
Unbelievable!
Two loops around my subdivision brings me to Kyte Road and Westwood subdivision.
In other words, I rode 4.4 miles on country roads, with traffic flying past at lord knows how many miles an hour, and it was the same as riding around my subdivision on quiet, barely travelled roads two times? Plus I could take a bathroom break if I needed one!
Not that I ever need one when riding.
That was an eye opener!
Next ride out here will be around my subdivision, over to Childer's Acres, back to my subdivision, around it again, then into the house for coffee.
It may not be as scenic, but it is much safer!
The other weird thing. I can leave my house go around the subdivision, ride to Childer's Acres and return.....and it is almost the same as riding the bike path in town.
I guess when you straighten out roads, they are a lot farther than you think.
I don't want to think about other measurements I have been wrong about.
So I will go go bed now.
When I ride my bike to the end of Shagbark Lane and back, I go about one mile. The mile actually clicks just before the driveway.
When I drive around the subdivision, I go about 2.2 miles, according to my trusty odometer and its trip meter.
So today, I rode a different way. I went up Skare to Fowler. Then down Fowler to Emily's road, then up Emily's road. It was 1.1 miles to Emily's house.
That doesn't seem right. Riding to the end of my street and back is the same as riding to Emily"s?
Huh.
Then I measured 2.2 miles. I circled her subdivision and then went east on Fowler. I was at Center Road when I hit 2.2 miles.
So, to recap: Riding a loop around my subdivision is about the same as riding from my house to Center Road.
Unbelievable!
Two loops around my subdivision brings me to Kyte Road and Westwood subdivision.
In other words, I rode 4.4 miles on country roads, with traffic flying past at lord knows how many miles an hour, and it was the same as riding around my subdivision on quiet, barely travelled roads two times? Plus I could take a bathroom break if I needed one!
Not that I ever need one when riding.
That was an eye opener!
Next ride out here will be around my subdivision, over to Childer's Acres, back to my subdivision, around it again, then into the house for coffee.
It may not be as scenic, but it is much safer!
The other weird thing. I can leave my house go around the subdivision, ride to Childer's Acres and return.....and it is almost the same as riding the bike path in town.
I guess when you straighten out roads, they are a lot farther than you think.
I don't want to think about other measurements I have been wrong about.
So I will go go bed now.
Friday, September 11, 2015
that was close
I had a car issue today
I was motoring along on IL 38 near the Presbyterian Church when I felt a bang underneath my car, and then heard the sound of metal scraping.
It scared the bejeebees out of me!
I pulled over onto Calvin Road by the church and got out to look.
There was a metal rod hanging from my car and dragging along the road. I tried to pull it out, but could not.
I have a Honda.......so I called Krahenbuhl's and told them what happened.
Withing minutes Ed and Roger pulled up and inspected the car. Roger used a pliers to pull a metal rod out from the underside of the car!
Evidently I hit the rod and it flipped up and embedded itself in some paneling under the car. Using the pliers, he pulled it right out....something I was afraid to do.
I kept hoping my plus 8 pounds did not break the frame, causing the problem....but the metal was not from my car at all.
Whew!!
That sucker could have caused some serious damage! What if it flipped and went the other direction and pierced a car windshield?
I honestly did not see that coming. Or laying there either.
Anyway, a couple of other pictures of no cultural value.
This grasshopper was flying and not using its wings! Or it was on my window, I don't remember.
I just liked the colors.
By the way.....I don't think my I Phone takes very good pictures. I much prefer a real camera.
That's it!
I was motoring along on IL 38 near the Presbyterian Church when I felt a bang underneath my car, and then heard the sound of metal scraping.
It scared the bejeebees out of me!
I pulled over onto Calvin Road by the church and got out to look.
There was a metal rod hanging from my car and dragging along the road. I tried to pull it out, but could not.
I have a Honda.......so I called Krahenbuhl's and told them what happened.
Withing minutes Ed and Roger pulled up and inspected the car. Roger used a pliers to pull a metal rod out from the underside of the car!
Evidently I hit the rod and it flipped up and embedded itself in some paneling under the car. Using the pliers, he pulled it right out....something I was afraid to do.
I kept hoping my plus 8 pounds did not break the frame, causing the problem....but the metal was not from my car at all.
Whew!!
That sucker could have caused some serious damage! What if it flipped and went the other direction and pierced a car windshield?
I honestly did not see that coming. Or laying there either.
Anyway, a couple of other pictures of no cultural value.
By the way.....I don't think my I Phone takes very good pictures. I much prefer a real camera.
That's it!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
what have I done? Again!!
I seem to have volunteered, again
As you may know, I am on the Flagg Township Historical Society Board. I sat on it as the park district rep, when my park board term ended I just stayed on the board.
There are two events coming up: A DAR program Oct. 4 and the first ever fund raising dinner for the museum Oct. 24. I am presenting the programs for both.
Well, sort of. The DAR program is a history of Rochelle. The museum dinner is an entertaining history of Rochelle.
Several years ago VCCT did a history of Rochelle during the Heritage Festival. If I had a copy of that script, it would make life very easy for me.
But that was three computers ago and I can't find it.
Anyway, the October dinner program should be should be about 20 minutes. I think. I hate to do that by myself, so if anyone is interested in helping out, please let me know. They did say it should be entertaining. Think funny.
Yes, that is the weekend of a VCCT show....but I am not in that show. And if you are not in the show, then consider helping me out with a fractured history of Rochelle.
That about sums it up. Except this is going to cut into my spider solitaire time because I do have to do a little preparation.
Next time I am at a meeting, I am going to sit on my hands.
As you may know, I am on the Flagg Township Historical Society Board. I sat on it as the park district rep, when my park board term ended I just stayed on the board.
There are two events coming up: A DAR program Oct. 4 and the first ever fund raising dinner for the museum Oct. 24. I am presenting the programs for both.
Well, sort of. The DAR program is a history of Rochelle. The museum dinner is an entertaining history of Rochelle.
Several years ago VCCT did a history of Rochelle during the Heritage Festival. If I had a copy of that script, it would make life very easy for me.
But that was three computers ago and I can't find it.
Anyway, the October dinner program should be should be about 20 minutes. I think. I hate to do that by myself, so if anyone is interested in helping out, please let me know. They did say it should be entertaining. Think funny.
Yes, that is the weekend of a VCCT show....but I am not in that show. And if you are not in the show, then consider helping me out with a fractured history of Rochelle.
That about sums it up. Except this is going to cut into my spider solitaire time because I do have to do a little preparation.
Next time I am at a meeting, I am going to sit on my hands.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
doctor, doctor gimme the news
I had my quarterly doctor visit today
I used to see Kent and he would ask me, "Hey Terry. What's up?"
I would laugh and say ,"My weight, my blood pressure and my credit card debt."
Then we would laugh.
Well.......
I have gained 8 pounds this year. I am officially obese. (Beth, write your own punchline here. Don't send it to me.)
Not only that, my BP was up considerably.
Of course, the salt, fried foods, white chocolate mochas, Swiss chocolate and second helpings of almost everything are a contributing factor. As are the carbs I eat and my general aversion to exercise and self control.
(Funny, maybe true, story: Friend Steve taught at middle school. One day a girl was sitting in class combing her hair. He tolerated it a few minutes, then said, "Susie...do you have an aversion to class?" She looked at him and said, "I ain't no virgin." I think it's funny, although sad. My mom warned me about girls like that but despite my efforts, I never found them when I was a teen.)
Heart attack and stroke...two top killers of men over 50 and what am I doing? Courting both by my lifestyle choices.
I think I need to take my body seriously.
I had salad tonight, and for a night snack I had an apple.
I know there is no magic pill, or mantra I can chant.
I also know, I have to do something.
I used to see Kent and he would ask me, "Hey Terry. What's up?"
I would laugh and say ,"My weight, my blood pressure and my credit card debt."
Then we would laugh.
Well.......
I have gained 8 pounds this year. I am officially obese. (Beth, write your own punchline here. Don't send it to me.)
Not only that, my BP was up considerably.
Of course, the salt, fried foods, white chocolate mochas, Swiss chocolate and second helpings of almost everything are a contributing factor. As are the carbs I eat and my general aversion to exercise and self control.
(Funny, maybe true, story: Friend Steve taught at middle school. One day a girl was sitting in class combing her hair. He tolerated it a few minutes, then said, "Susie...do you have an aversion to class?" She looked at him and said, "I ain't no virgin." I think it's funny, although sad. My mom warned me about girls like that but despite my efforts, I never found them when I was a teen.)
Heart attack and stroke...two top killers of men over 50 and what am I doing? Courting both by my lifestyle choices.
I think I need to take my body seriously.
I had salad tonight, and for a night snack I had an apple.
I know there is no magic pill, or mantra I can chant.
I also know, I have to do something.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
what am I doing up here?
I don't like ladders
Doesn't matter how high, I don't like ladders. A small step stool is ok, but not ladders.
I was remembering that last week when I was climbing up into the attic with an electrician friend. That's how we found out one of my attic fans was dead.
So I e-mailed the builder, who said it was covered by a 5 year guarantee. All I needed to do was get the serial number.
So I got my step ladder out, opened it up and pushed the scuttle entry out of the way. Then I got my extension ladder and raised it so I could get into the attic without standing on the top rung of the regular ladder.
Now, I don't see as well as I used to.
I am in the attic with a flash light and hand magnifying lens and nothing to hold onto with. I always fear I will fall through the ceiling, like they do in comedies or like the time my father put his foot through the ceiling when I was a kid.
Yes, it is funny, but a pain in the neck to repair.
I yelled the serial numbers down to Jackie, who dutifully wrote them down. But I don't know if they are correct. Was that a B or an 8? 5 or C? Time will tell.
I got down, put away the extension ladder, moved the step ladder, put the scuttle opening back in place and put away the ladder.
I took the information to ABC building supplies and Dave says to me, "The serial number is great and I need that. But I also need the date the motor was made."
So I go back home and repeat the process of climbing into the attic.
This marks the third time in a week I have been in the attic. Thank heavens there are no spiders or creepy things there. (Besides me)
Then I figured, I have the step ladder out, might as well move the fly strip I hung in the garage that smacks everybody in the face. Well, not Jackie because she it to short....it just brushes the top of her head. Now it is catching flies, not people.
All I have to do is wait for the replacement fan.
I just hope I don't have to go into the attic again.
Doesn't matter how high, I don't like ladders. A small step stool is ok, but not ladders.
I was remembering that last week when I was climbing up into the attic with an electrician friend. That's how we found out one of my attic fans was dead.
So I e-mailed the builder, who said it was covered by a 5 year guarantee. All I needed to do was get the serial number.
So I got my step ladder out, opened it up and pushed the scuttle entry out of the way. Then I got my extension ladder and raised it so I could get into the attic without standing on the top rung of the regular ladder.
Now, I don't see as well as I used to.
I am in the attic with a flash light and hand magnifying lens and nothing to hold onto with. I always fear I will fall through the ceiling, like they do in comedies or like the time my father put his foot through the ceiling when I was a kid.
Yes, it is funny, but a pain in the neck to repair.
I yelled the serial numbers down to Jackie, who dutifully wrote them down. But I don't know if they are correct. Was that a B or an 8? 5 or C? Time will tell.
I got down, put away the extension ladder, moved the step ladder, put the scuttle opening back in place and put away the ladder.
I took the information to ABC building supplies and Dave says to me, "The serial number is great and I need that. But I also need the date the motor was made."
So I go back home and repeat the process of climbing into the attic.
This marks the third time in a week I have been in the attic. Thank heavens there are no spiders or creepy things there. (Besides me)
Then I figured, I have the step ladder out, might as well move the fly strip I hung in the garage that smacks everybody in the face. Well, not Jackie because she it to short....it just brushes the top of her head. Now it is catching flies, not people.
All I have to do is wait for the replacement fan.
I just hope I don't have to go into the attic again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)