Tue 20 Jul 2010
It’s been quite a while since I’ve updated the postings… I’ve been pretty snowed under at work and on various projects. I’ve got an event I’ve been a major planner on as well as getting the final details done for joining the Sheriff’s Office… but I’ve also been hard at work thinning the cedars and freeing up the oaks!
I’ve even found time to work on the fountain…
Tue 22 Sep 2009
We’ve had some badly needed rain over the past few weeks… raining again today…
Things are a little greener at last, the sitting tree with refreshed leaves…
The yuccas perked up…
Even the grass and the ‘bonsai’ oaks looked greener…
For some trees the rain came too late…
Tue 28 Jul 2009
The electric gate opener that’d served faithfully for so many years just up and quit. Press the button and nada… oh well time for some diagnostics.
After opening up the controller it appeared that the battery didn’t have a full charge so I checked the solar cell’s output and that was the culprit. I’d read the output fell by about 2% per year so maybe that’s the cause. Anyway time to take things apart and inspect and replace.
First off the solar cell is 30 feet in the air on a mast along with a gate camera and the receiver. So I had to lug a bunch of tools out. The BMW makes an ideal pack mule.
The BMW and tools at the gate, mast down and gate opener off.
The top part of the mast down with the replacement solar cell and gate parts ready to install.
The old cell and the camera housing, too time to clean the lenses a bit too.
Tue 24 Feb 2009
More painting around the ranch. The good weather and the upcoming fiesta here got me in gear and I finished the garage and pump house…
Fri 12 Dec 2008
We got a little dusting of snow this week, just enough to make some things white…
Wed 1 Oct 2008
As a part of my conversion to using rainwater over well water at the ranch I’m looking for ways to use less water as well. I found a company that makes a retrofit valve that converts toilets to the European type of two flush system. Small handle for liquid waste and a second larger handle for solid waste. Very cool… the company is Aquanotion and the web site is www.twoflush.com.
I installed one as a pilot experiment, works great! The other toilets will be converted soon.
Installing the Aquanotion valve…
Better shot of the handle…
Mon 15 Sep 2008
are a recipe for coyotes! They’ve been howling all afternoon. The cats are in hiding and Vale is sticking close to the house. I’ve got the Kar-98k loaded up with blank ammunition… it scares them away easily and no risk to anyone.
However if you’ve never heard a pack of coyotes howling, well it is a really creepy sound for sure!
Fri 12 Sep 2008
With hurricane Ike bearing down on Texas, and maybe even making it all the way to Austin I’m picking up the grounds and securing everything. The chief problems will be the wind with my tin roof and the possibility of tornados. Since I’m down in a little valley I hope that won’t be a problem.
Wed 16 Jul 2008
Working on finishing up the house trim painting… now I’m painting the parts that require the extension ladder and some high wire skills. So I’m going slowly and carefully - and not looking down as I climb!
Also started on the garage too…
Sat 5 Jul 2008
Well the July 4th holiday has given me a bit of time to paint more on the house, when I’m taking a break from reading law books. The front is done and looking good… now have to finish the sides which means climbing high on the ladder!
