Trip-1,Trip-2

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Last week my brother, Pat and I made a trip down into Arizona. Since Pat was doing all the driving it left me to my own devices to pass the time. Usually it would consist of bantering between us, but I really wanted something more out of this trip than that.



I spent a few years in Arizona as a young man, and I can say I have covered a vast majority of this state several times.




As we covered the ground and went through different places on our route I would explain little things I could remember as they popped into my mind. It surprised even me how much I had forgotten about those years.

So many experiences good and not so good, just part of living.

Like now, the new construction of the bridge over Hoover Dam this gave me pause to consider the First Trip I can remember. My brother and I were going to live in Idaho. I was 6 years old and I remember seeing Hoover Dam at that time, this was one of my earliest recollections. Call that Trip-1.

I believe this trip will be one that will be impossible to forget, but I may never drive over the dam again, we never know. I'll call this Trip-2.

Sometimes it's good to let someone else drive for you. Gives you time to remember the best of life.

Well Easter gave me a 3-second hug when I finally got home, then about a 10-minute chewing out for not being there. I didn't get mad at him though. I just fed him something then went to start the fire, see you there soon ---------Mikey

LMA-Spring is Near

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Finished cutting up the last of the X-mas tree. Going to have to stack it up soon. As you can see Brian the "wood cutter" is doing his thing. Along with the chunks he is cutting, which are the best pieces for cooking and smoking, we have a few large bags of wood ribbon for fire starter.




I really don't want to leave this stuff too close to the fire in case the wind blows a spark over there. Besides the LMA G-dorm wants fresh bedding too.




As you can see in the back ground our victory garden has been prepared. We have enough ribbon to shade the edges providing water retention and weed suppression. Intensive planting will do the rest.

To me Spring is the best time of year, perhaps that's why I named my partner Easter. In a matter of weeks the preps of late winter will help these life cycles start their seasons anew. As always time marches on.




I used to try and help him, until he explained that he didn't want to worry about where his saw blade was, as long as nobody is near him he has less chance for an accident. That's good with me, I'll help later!





One thing about me, the fascination with wood grain, infinite variations, distinct and unique, visually I get lost in the most beautiful textures. I believe this one should be spared the fire.

Well it looks like it's about my turn to help, want to have the bedding cleaned up and spread around before it gets too late.

Planning on a nice fire tonight, thinking of you all------Mikey

Keep Going

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. Monday was threatening rain, so I went out to Two Hawks Ranch in the morning, needed to buy some hay. Didn't have much of a plan when I left the LMA. One stop at the Post Office first then to the store for sandwich makings and coffee, never want to go out in the desert without something to fall back on.









Clark Mt. to the south, I work about seven miles from here if you travel over the left side of the photo. Not recommended for daily commute. From the looks of things they may have been right about rain today, also a cold wind.









To the west we have a closer view of Kingston Mt. I ride Easter towards this, way too far for a one day ride unless your horse is in great shape. "That's right Mikey the horse needs to be in shape."

. I thought this was supposed to be cowboy country.

. Just to make sure,I wasn't mistaken took another look on Tuesday. Had to get away for awhile anyhow. Sometimes it's better to roam around some while you are thinking of things.

That or a nice fire---------------Mikey

Cabin Fever this week!

It's not very often I get photo ops. like this. My BlackBerry is not quite up to the task of landscape shots, but we go with what we have right now. Saturday night while coming over Columbia pass after work, this view should be shared.

I know there is enough imagination out there to enhance this mentally.

Here's a shot from my front porch of Kingston Mt. It is part of California's wilderness area. Normally appearing black, that's why I thought this photo was a rare chance. I took more "but" no need to drag on about it.

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We had plenty of wind; rain; snow; sunshine; dust devils; you name it. At least two days of drizzle made the ground moist without very much standing water, the front yard is getting some green fuzz, might be grass!

Better get a fire started while I can------------Mikey.

Dogs Life Continued

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I hope someone remembers the early (Pre. 21st century Mikey) photos circulated with Easter and I napping in the front pasture together. It's hard to take that shot by myself. The last time I remember taking a nap on Easter was Thanksgiving day 2007. Poor Old Boy sure lives a dogs life doesn't he I just love it out here when everybody is following the LMA mantra. So ashamed of myself having a thought of disturbing him. Must be a residual from my younger days, I thought life was supposed to be exciting 24-7. Thankfully I,m over that now.

Speaking of relaxing, here's something that I want to share with you, here's how Easter relaxes when he is vertical. The vernacular term for this is "Slip Shot". For some reason it also reminded me of a relaxing technique I learned from Kathleen, when we were still in High School, crossing your little toes, love it.

He has done this all the time I've owned him, some people question the condition of the foot when observed, guaranteed sound on this one.

Well maybe to much relaxing is called something else, Ah Hem, I believe there are a few more of those sticker grass things over by what's left of my Apple Tree.

Enjoy and relax, Life is too short------------Mikey.

Febuary has come

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I'm just letting everyone know that I didn't forget about you this week, plenty of things going on at the ranch though. We're expecting some more rain in the next couple of day's, so I took the opportunity on Sunday to prepare for spring. Sand sticker grass ( I don't know the real name of the strain) is a good place to start, took the spud fork to all I saw. Rolling the roots up turned out to be a good workout. I'm still trying to get that darn tractor going, guess I'll have to farm that job out. I also transplanted some more MUMS, they sure did good this year.

Monday was warm and beautiful spent the middle of the day giving Easter some Q-Time. Really wasn't as ambitious as yesterday, sticker grass is tough, yet the only thing I have sprayed on the ranch is water. Anyway there always seems to be enough good stuff to take to Foodshare.


Tuesday, Ted and Santino made the journey out. Larry and I took them out to the shooting area where Larry gave us some of his insight into how he trained people in the Special Forces to handle weapons, shoot, clean, and respect. We had a big ole time out there for about four hours.
Of coarse that sort of thing works up a big appetite, the kind needing 16 oz T-Bones cooked over wood fire and smoked to perfection. Naturally genuine Idaho Bakers is a must, not often experienced by Desert folk.

Of course as the boy's rode of into the sunset all too soon, because of free tickets to the Rebel game we decided to finish our evening in the customary LMA fashion, Oh I'm sorry Brian we just finished, had to eat early, but there is a Bacon wrapped ground beef patty and some German Sausages waiting for you that would do fine on the fire you know. Also plenty of hot potatoes. Good thing we got plenty of wood!

Photos are a problem today, sorry---------------Mikey.