Another accident on a bad corner south of town and once again I rolled to the scene. Upon arrival we found a single vehicle on it top, fully involved in flames. We worked quickly to put out the flames and then we checked for victims. A lone occupant, burnt beyond recognition. I caught only a glimpse of his face and turned away quickly.
I walked down the road from the accident, my head in a daze as to what I had just seen. One of the crew members that had been at the bus accident pulled up to me. She asked if she was needed. I told her to go home, she did not want to see this. She did not hesitate to leave and said thank you as she headed for home.
Since I was the only firefighter in full gear I was asked to cut the top off the car once it was up righted. At that point I wished that I were not there at all. Somberly I began the task and when it was time to pull back the top, the assistant chief and myself kept our eyes forward and pulled the top open. Neither of us wanted to look again at what we had seen.
The horror of this accident was one that none of us would soon forget. This was only ten days after the Greyhound versus pedestrian call. I was the only one on our department to go on both. Fortunately there have been no other calls that I have rolled on with such graphic scenes of death.
I pray that those were the worst I will ever see.
Rescue Dog
Monday, April 21, 2008
"Greyhound versus pedestrian..."
At around 1:am the pager went off with a traffic crash for our department. When I heard the words "Greyhound versus pedestrian" I almost didn't go. What would I find upon arrival? No way this call was going to be easy.
I took off in Rescue One to check things out and call back to arriving units with a size up. I was first on scene and the picture was not good. A body in the middle of the road and a Greyhound bus parked a few hundred feet away with the flashers on. This section of highway thankfully has very little traffic at this hour. As I approached the body there seemed to be something missing, his head. My God! It was like a scene from a war zone.
A bit bewildered as to what to do the reassuring voice of my ambulance chief, Frankie,arriving on scene put me at ease. As other personnel arrived to the scene we began to find bits and pieces scattered for some distance down the highway. It was a grizzly scene and most of us felt a bit queasy as it sank in. The bus driver was a wreck as he recanted what he had seen. The first state trooper to arrive was as lost as the rest of us as to what to do. One of his fellow troopers arrived and took command of the scene and the first trooper felt as I did when my senior crew member arrived.
As the troopers took down statements from the bus driver and one passenger, we carefully led the few vehicles that passed that way through the scene. I had not let it bother me much until Frankie asked me to check under the bus to see if there was anything that we needed to remove. You want to check for body parts where?! As My flashlight lit up the underside of the bus I saw impact points....
Suddenly the magnitude of what had happened to this unfortunate soul hit home. I was pleased to report that there was nothing to remove and made my way back to my vehicle. The body had been covered with one of our disposable yellow blankets so that part was easier to deal with. We needed an ID on our victim so Frankie asked one of the EMTs to help her. It wasn't until later that I realized just how that affected him.
After several hours we were able to clear the scene and return to quarters. Most of us went next door to the bakery to get coffee and something to drink. Coy, who had helped Frankie get the victims wallet, sat down at the table in the corner. His face was as white as a sheet. I believe he too had wished he had not gone on this call. The baker asked what had happened. One of the EMTs told him that a pedestrian had been struck by a bus. When the EMT explained the guy had been on his hands and knees in the travel lane, the baker remarked "I guess he wanted to be sure he didn't miss the bus". The EMT broke out in laughter and quickly made her way outside the door to where I was. "God, I feel so embarrassed!" she said. "Don't be", I said. "That is your defense mechanism kicking in. That was not a pretty sight and laugh or not, you are protecting yourself from letting it get to you".
A debriefing meeting was held within a week and each told of what they saw and how it made them feel. Many things that I had blocked out were relived and the incident seemed more gruesome than what I had originally perceived. It seems that my defense mechanism against the horror of that scene worked quite well, enabling me to deal with what needed to be done.
None of the younger crew members including myself had seen anything that graphic before at an accident scene. We hoped that we never would again.
As for me, there was another that would be just as bad, ten days later.
Rescue Dog
I took off in Rescue One to check things out and call back to arriving units with a size up. I was first on scene and the picture was not good. A body in the middle of the road and a Greyhound bus parked a few hundred feet away with the flashers on. This section of highway thankfully has very little traffic at this hour. As I approached the body there seemed to be something missing, his head. My God! It was like a scene from a war zone.
A bit bewildered as to what to do the reassuring voice of my ambulance chief, Frankie,arriving on scene put me at ease. As other personnel arrived to the scene we began to find bits and pieces scattered for some distance down the highway. It was a grizzly scene and most of us felt a bit queasy as it sank in. The bus driver was a wreck as he recanted what he had seen. The first state trooper to arrive was as lost as the rest of us as to what to do. One of his fellow troopers arrived and took command of the scene and the first trooper felt as I did when my senior crew member arrived.
As the troopers took down statements from the bus driver and one passenger, we carefully led the few vehicles that passed that way through the scene. I had not let it bother me much until Frankie asked me to check under the bus to see if there was anything that we needed to remove. You want to check for body parts where?! As My flashlight lit up the underside of the bus I saw impact points....
Suddenly the magnitude of what had happened to this unfortunate soul hit home. I was pleased to report that there was nothing to remove and made my way back to my vehicle. The body had been covered with one of our disposable yellow blankets so that part was easier to deal with. We needed an ID on our victim so Frankie asked one of the EMTs to help her. It wasn't until later that I realized just how that affected him.
After several hours we were able to clear the scene and return to quarters. Most of us went next door to the bakery to get coffee and something to drink. Coy, who had helped Frankie get the victims wallet, sat down at the table in the corner. His face was as white as a sheet. I believe he too had wished he had not gone on this call. The baker asked what had happened. One of the EMTs told him that a pedestrian had been struck by a bus. When the EMT explained the guy had been on his hands and knees in the travel lane, the baker remarked "I guess he wanted to be sure he didn't miss the bus". The EMT broke out in laughter and quickly made her way outside the door to where I was. "God, I feel so embarrassed!" she said. "Don't be", I said. "That is your defense mechanism kicking in. That was not a pretty sight and laugh or not, you are protecting yourself from letting it get to you".
A debriefing meeting was held within a week and each told of what they saw and how it made them feel. Many things that I had blocked out were relived and the incident seemed more gruesome than what I had originally perceived. It seems that my defense mechanism against the horror of that scene worked quite well, enabling me to deal with what needed to be done.
None of the younger crew members including myself had seen anything that graphic before at an accident scene. We hoped that we never would again.
As for me, there was another that would be just as bad, ten days later.
Rescue Dog
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Running on faith.
It has been over a month since my last post. My life is a bit complicated right now and I am running on pure faith as I look to the future. My home is up for sale but I do not wish to have to do so. My mom, who lives next door, is in need of me now more than ever and I made a promise to my dad to take of her. Since my dad passed away in October it has become clear that I must remain here to fulfill that promise.
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have held onto his promises to me. My faith has grown stronger with each trial I face and each time it becomes easier to get through tough times.
I have seen miracles in my own life that are a testament to the fact that He is always there for me. If you who are reading this now also believe in Him, include me and my family in your prayers. I know not what He has in mind for me but it will be better than I expected. He loves to do that to me just to see what I will do!
My cup does run over with His many blessings even though at times things do not appear so. My eyes are opened to new things and understaning daily as I reach out to Him and let His will be done.
Running on faith,
Rescue Dog
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have held onto his promises to me. My faith has grown stronger with each trial I face and each time it becomes easier to get through tough times.
I have seen miracles in my own life that are a testament to the fact that He is always there for me. If you who are reading this now also believe in Him, include me and my family in your prayers. I know not what He has in mind for me but it will be better than I expected. He loves to do that to me just to see what I will do!
My cup does run over with His many blessings even though at times things do not appear so. My eyes are opened to new things and understaning daily as I reach out to Him and let His will be done.
Running on faith,
Rescue Dog
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The logger's life: Part 1
I avoided this industry for thirty years but since I began in April 2007 there is a whole new appreciation for this kind of work. Yes, sometimes the weather is quite foreboding but the Oregon coast range is the perfect nursery for growing trees. Even a rainy day can be a thing of beauty.
As a photographer I have captured many a wondrous scene in one of God's most awesome creations, a forest. Now that I work in that same forest on a daily basis I have captured many more images that are nothing short of stunning. Of course it might also be because this is the happiest I have ever been in my working career.
At the age of ten I began working with wood and have become quite well known for the many things I create in my workshop. Thus working as a logger seems quite natural. The crew finds unique pieces of wood on occasion that I take home to work on. Walking sticks, slabs for woodturning or carving and odd shaped pieces that end up as yard art are amongst the many things I have done since last April.
My job is chaser on the landing. Perfect! My many talents are put to their best use in this position. My main job is to unhook the chokers when the yarder brings them in. But there is much time that I spend waiting for the next turn so I have put that time to good use. Organizing and cleaning the tools comes naturally to me. The crew is quite pleased with this and that makes me happy. What more could one ask for?
The firefighter in me is a big plus as well as I have become very safety conscious after thirty years of service. Tiny details that my boss may feel aren't important are part of my daily routine. One thing I have learned throughout my working career is that the guys doing the work usually know how to do the job more efficiently and safely than the boss ever could. My boss is a great guy but just a bit impatient. Yes, time is money but speed kills. Find the happy medium between these two and stick with it.
I found a sign in a small store a few months ago that says it all for a logger: BETTER TO BE CAREFUL A HUNDRED TIMES THAN TO BE KILLED ONCE. Amen to that!
Keep checking each week to read more about the life of a logger.
Rescue Dog.
As a photographer I have captured many a wondrous scene in one of God's most awesome creations, a forest. Now that I work in that same forest on a daily basis I have captured many more images that are nothing short of stunning. Of course it might also be because this is the happiest I have ever been in my working career.
At the age of ten I began working with wood and have become quite well known for the many things I create in my workshop. Thus working as a logger seems quite natural. The crew finds unique pieces of wood on occasion that I take home to work on. Walking sticks, slabs for woodturning or carving and odd shaped pieces that end up as yard art are amongst the many things I have done since last April.
My job is chaser on the landing. Perfect! My many talents are put to their best use in this position. My main job is to unhook the chokers when the yarder brings them in. But there is much time that I spend waiting for the next turn so I have put that time to good use. Organizing and cleaning the tools comes naturally to me. The crew is quite pleased with this and that makes me happy. What more could one ask for?
The firefighter in me is a big plus as well as I have become very safety conscious after thirty years of service. Tiny details that my boss may feel aren't important are part of my daily routine. One thing I have learned throughout my working career is that the guys doing the work usually know how to do the job more efficiently and safely than the boss ever could. My boss is a great guy but just a bit impatient. Yes, time is money but speed kills. Find the happy medium between these two and stick with it.
I found a sign in a small store a few months ago that says it all for a logger: BETTER TO BE CAREFUL A HUNDRED TIMES THAN TO BE KILLED ONCE. Amen to that!
Keep checking each week to read more about the life of a logger.
Rescue Dog.
Logger's lament.
As we drove home today the crew was quiet. I didn't know why until my stepson and I were on our way home. The son in law of the boss had died in a logging accident today. He worked for our company for years and left to work for another. Our lead choker setter was best friends with him and this is the second friend he has lost in less than a year.
Logging is dangerous work but it is also quite rewarding. Every day we get to see the glory of God's tree nursery with trees as far as the eye can see. Rain or shine the Oregon coast range is the most beautiful place that one could ask to be. So as I go to work tomorrow I will say a prayer for those affected by the loss of this logger.
Our company has a five year plus safety record and is the safest in the state of Oregon. This loss is a sobering reminder of what could happen to any of us.
Even though I don't know this logger I feel a loss too. As a firefighter with 30 years experience it is easy for me to relate to how people feel when tragedy strikes. My sincerest hope is that nothing as tragic as this should ever occur to our crew. They are my friends and family.
May God watch over us and keep us safe from the perils of our job.
Rescue Dog.
Logging is dangerous work but it is also quite rewarding. Every day we get to see the glory of God's tree nursery with trees as far as the eye can see. Rain or shine the Oregon coast range is the most beautiful place that one could ask to be. So as I go to work tomorrow I will say a prayer for those affected by the loss of this logger.
Our company has a five year plus safety record and is the safest in the state of Oregon. This loss is a sobering reminder of what could happen to any of us.
Even though I don't know this logger I feel a loss too. As a firefighter with 30 years experience it is easy for me to relate to how people feel when tragedy strikes. My sincerest hope is that nothing as tragic as this should ever occur to our crew. They are my friends and family.
May God watch over us and keep us safe from the perils of our job.
Rescue Dog.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Simple pleasures.
Working in winter weather can take its toll on one's body. Four days of logging in the snow followed by four days of being sick. On the bright side though, this week was absolutely wonderful!
The sun came out to play Friday beginning with a sunrise of spectacular colors. The high clouds that floated by during the day were beautiful. Snow covered hills could be seen to the north and east of our work site. The day passed quickly and the quitting whistle put a smile on all our faces.
This is the first time I have had the energy to write anything. I guess it must be the sunshine and that crazy bunch of guys I work with that has brought out the writer in me. My job as chaser on the landing gives me much time to ponder the things that we sometimes take for granted.
Sometimes the simplest of things can bring the greatest pleasure. Appreciation for all that we are given in this life is a reward in itself. A sunrise or sunset, a view from a mountain top, or perhaps a small object that catches our eye such as a flower or an odd shaped piece of wood or stone. Pleasure is where you find it and it does not have to come with a price tag.
Look around and let your senses find the simple pleasures of life. The smell of coffee in the early morning or bacon cooking on the stove. Step outside and feel the cool morning air and breath in through your nose sampling the air for a pleasent odor. Taste your food when you eat, don't gulp it down just because you "don't have time". Yes you do and saying you don't is just an excuse.
Have a wonderful day and please, take a moment to enjoy the simple things around you. Open your eyes, mind and heart and you will find joy all around you. God bless you and may your prayers be answered.
Rescue Dog
The sun came out to play Friday beginning with a sunrise of spectacular colors. The high clouds that floated by during the day were beautiful. Snow covered hills could be seen to the north and east of our work site. The day passed quickly and the quitting whistle put a smile on all our faces.
This is the first time I have had the energy to write anything. I guess it must be the sunshine and that crazy bunch of guys I work with that has brought out the writer in me. My job as chaser on the landing gives me much time to ponder the things that we sometimes take for granted.
Sometimes the simplest of things can bring the greatest pleasure. Appreciation for all that we are given in this life is a reward in itself. A sunrise or sunset, a view from a mountain top, or perhaps a small object that catches our eye such as a flower or an odd shaped piece of wood or stone. Pleasure is where you find it and it does not have to come with a price tag.
Look around and let your senses find the simple pleasures of life. The smell of coffee in the early morning or bacon cooking on the stove. Step outside and feel the cool morning air and breath in through your nose sampling the air for a pleasent odor. Taste your food when you eat, don't gulp it down just because you "don't have time". Yes you do and saying you don't is just an excuse.
Have a wonderful day and please, take a moment to enjoy the simple things around you. Open your eyes, mind and heart and you will find joy all around you. God bless you and may your prayers be answered.
Rescue Dog
Saturday, February 2, 2008
"Where's Justin?"
January weather makes logging difficult, especially snow. It was 12:30 pm and the snow began to fall. The ground had not thawed out all week so the accumulation was rapid. We had just changed roads to log the next section of the unit and the first two choker setters arrived from a long walk up the steep hill.
After only a few turns Tyler hollered out to me, "Where's Justin?" Good question as he is usually the first one back up the hill after a road change. "It's been an hour already. If he doesn't show up real soon we will have to go on a manhunt for him."
Within fifteen minutes we had stopped all work and the crew set out on a quest to find our missing man. I had heard the descriptions of the hill we were presently on and was quite happy that my job didn't include traversing the rock bluffs and steep slopes. I walked up to the trailhead that the crew had established and listened as they hollered out his name. Soon the dense brush and old growth timber muffled any sound of the crew.
The snow was falling quite heavy by now and we were getting quite concerned that no contact had been made with our missing man. Tyler had just returned to the landing and we discussed what to do next. The boss wasn't thrilled with the idea of having to call in the county search and rescue team but if we couldn't find Justin soon there would be no other choice.
Tyler waved to me to follow him and we made our way down to Larry's pickup and went for a short drive on the road below us. I stood by to monitor the radios as Tyler walked down the road to search a new area. I got a good laugh when I heard Larry remark, "I been doing this for 35 years and haven't lost a choker setter yet! I guess there's always a first time for everything."
Soon amongst the chatter I was listening to on two different radios was the voice of our MIA. Next was the question of where is he geographicly to our position? Tyler and I had just started back to the landing when he heard Justin say that he could see Larry's pickup. We stopped and hollered to him. A voice came back to us and we searched the open hillside to pinpoint his location. Finally I was able to spot him and was a bit confused as to how he ended up there.
Back on board the crummy the crew was full of questions for Justin. Since we had spent almost two hours looking for him the questions were inevitable. Seems that instead of following the established trail, he had gotten quite lost in the old growth timber. He had veered to the right instead of the left as he neared the top of the hill thus missing even the short spur road we were on.
After hearing his tale the crew figured out what road he had come out on. My question was why didn't he use his talkie-tooter to call us when he realized that he was lost? Logger pride perhaps or sheer stupidity, I guess we will never know for sure but our man was back on board and we were on our way home.
Another day done but with one logger that will not soon live down getting lost.
Rescue Dog
After only a few turns Tyler hollered out to me, "Where's Justin?" Good question as he is usually the first one back up the hill after a road change. "It's been an hour already. If he doesn't show up real soon we will have to go on a manhunt for him."
Within fifteen minutes we had stopped all work and the crew set out on a quest to find our missing man. I had heard the descriptions of the hill we were presently on and was quite happy that my job didn't include traversing the rock bluffs and steep slopes. I walked up to the trailhead that the crew had established and listened as they hollered out his name. Soon the dense brush and old growth timber muffled any sound of the crew.
The snow was falling quite heavy by now and we were getting quite concerned that no contact had been made with our missing man. Tyler had just returned to the landing and we discussed what to do next. The boss wasn't thrilled with the idea of having to call in the county search and rescue team but if we couldn't find Justin soon there would be no other choice.
Tyler waved to me to follow him and we made our way down to Larry's pickup and went for a short drive on the road below us. I stood by to monitor the radios as Tyler walked down the road to search a new area. I got a good laugh when I heard Larry remark, "I been doing this for 35 years and haven't lost a choker setter yet! I guess there's always a first time for everything."
Soon amongst the chatter I was listening to on two different radios was the voice of our MIA. Next was the question of where is he geographicly to our position? Tyler and I had just started back to the landing when he heard Justin say that he could see Larry's pickup. We stopped and hollered to him. A voice came back to us and we searched the open hillside to pinpoint his location. Finally I was able to spot him and was a bit confused as to how he ended up there.
Back on board the crummy the crew was full of questions for Justin. Since we had spent almost two hours looking for him the questions were inevitable. Seems that instead of following the established trail, he had gotten quite lost in the old growth timber. He had veered to the right instead of the left as he neared the top of the hill thus missing even the short spur road we were on.
After hearing his tale the crew figured out what road he had come out on. My question was why didn't he use his talkie-tooter to call us when he realized that he was lost? Logger pride perhaps or sheer stupidity, I guess we will never know for sure but our man was back on board and we were on our way home.
Another day done but with one logger that will not soon live down getting lost.
Rescue Dog
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Home in time for Father's Day.
Last year, the day before Father's Day, our department received a medical call for a subject "not breathing, not conscious".
When we hear these words several questions run through our minds as we scramble to our vehicles.
How long has the patient been down? What is the patent's medical history? Am I prepared to start CPR? These are just a few of many.
I was first to arrive and the friend who had found her was standing outside by his motorcycle. Not a good sign. I proceeded in to find the elderly woman in a chair on her sun porch.
She was gone.
The ambulance and paramedic arrived a couple of minutes later. "She's in there", I replied as I made my way back to my pickup. Neighbors were coming out of their homes to see what was happening. I greeted them and told them the solemn news.
When there is nothing you can do for the patient it is important to remember that the survivors, both friends and family have become your patients now. Just taking a few moments to talk with them can have awesome healing power.
I listened to several people that day and as I was traveling down the highway the next morning their words and the realization of what particular day this was, suddenly a whole new picture was painted of yesterday's lament.
The neighbor said that she was sitting in her favorite room and in her favorite chair.
The paramedic noted that she was reading The Holy Bible, her favorite book.
She had told the friend who found her , "I have travel plans for this weekend.. Don't tell anyone".
A smile came across my face followed by tears of joy for this dear old woman. All the tidbits of conversation from the day before were now quite clear.
She was in her favorite room, in her favorite chair, reading her favorite book and she did indeed have travel plans....to be home in time for Father's Day.
Now if you will excuse me, this big hearted firefighter needs a tissue......
Rescue Dog
When we hear these words several questions run through our minds as we scramble to our vehicles.
How long has the patient been down? What is the patent's medical history? Am I prepared to start CPR? These are just a few of many.
I was first to arrive and the friend who had found her was standing outside by his motorcycle. Not a good sign. I proceeded in to find the elderly woman in a chair on her sun porch.
She was gone.
The ambulance and paramedic arrived a couple of minutes later. "She's in there", I replied as I made my way back to my pickup. Neighbors were coming out of their homes to see what was happening. I greeted them and told them the solemn news.
When there is nothing you can do for the patient it is important to remember that the survivors, both friends and family have become your patients now. Just taking a few moments to talk with them can have awesome healing power.
I listened to several people that day and as I was traveling down the highway the next morning their words and the realization of what particular day this was, suddenly a whole new picture was painted of yesterday's lament.
The neighbor said that she was sitting in her favorite room and in her favorite chair.
The paramedic noted that she was reading The Holy Bible, her favorite book.
She had told the friend who found her , "I have travel plans for this weekend.. Don't tell anyone".
A smile came across my face followed by tears of joy for this dear old woman. All the tidbits of conversation from the day before were now quite clear.
She was in her favorite room, in her favorite chair, reading her favorite book and she did indeed have travel plans....to be home in time for Father's Day.
Now if you will excuse me, this big hearted firefighter needs a tissue......
Rescue Dog
Saturday, January 12, 2008
A note to my readers.
As you may have noticed, there is a bit of a gap in my posts. This due to the fact now I share this computer with three other people in my home. The fact that I seem to have have a case of writers block has not helped either. Maybe its this nasty weather we been having too.
Hopefully the sun will come out this weekend and give all of us in our home a recharge. I have lived here on the Oregon coast all my life so the rain is usually no big deal. However some winters can get you down a bit and cabin fever sets in.
God bless all who read my blog. I will have have more very cool stories for you soon.
Rescue Dog
Hopefully the sun will come out this weekend and give all of us in our home a recharge. I have lived here on the Oregon coast all my life so the rain is usually no big deal. However some winters can get you down a bit and cabin fever sets in.
God bless all who read my blog. I will have have more very cool stories for you soon.
Rescue Dog
Well ***!
There is nothing more annoying than telemarketers calling with offers that you would never want in the first place. I answered my phone this morning to someone from VISA offering me a $50 gas card and some package of garbage that I would never use. I hung up on him after listening to a bunch of rhetoric and the fact that a $2 charge for shipping and handling would be charged to my card. When I heard the last four digits of the card number I quickly checked my cards and realized that they were charging to a card I no longer have.
The phone rang almost immediately after I hung up and the guy asked me why I did so. DUH! The fact that I hung up before this nonsense could proceed further should be an indication to you that I don't want what you are offering! I had already canceled that card and got a new one because of **** like this!
I went online recently to register on the "do not call list" but this apparently does not work. The telemarketers still find me and try to sell their wares like snake oil salesmen of old. Then there are the e-mail sales pitches.....
Those that provide an unsubscribe option are okay as they usually stick to the anti spam policy. However there are some that if you could reach them, the overwhelming desire to shove that filthy **** down their throat..... I think you get the picture as I am sure many of you have received such at some time.
Well ****! The phone just rang again, another telemarketer from some national law firm. These people must think I have tons of money to waste on useless ****! I think it is time to go to my shop where there is no telephone, computer or TV. Only a small radio for music and a nice warm fireplace to sit next to as I plan out the next small project for my home. Ah, sanctuary.
Rescue Dog
The phone rang almost immediately after I hung up and the guy asked me why I did so. DUH! The fact that I hung up before this nonsense could proceed further should be an indication to you that I don't want what you are offering! I had already canceled that card and got a new one because of **** like this!
I went online recently to register on the "do not call list" but this apparently does not work. The telemarketers still find me and try to sell their wares like snake oil salesmen of old. Then there are the e-mail sales pitches.....
Those that provide an unsubscribe option are okay as they usually stick to the anti spam policy. However there are some that if you could reach them, the overwhelming desire to shove that filthy **** down their throat..... I think you get the picture as I am sure many of you have received such at some time.
Well ****! The phone just rang again, another telemarketer from some national law firm. These people must think I have tons of money to waste on useless ****! I think it is time to go to my shop where there is no telephone, computer or TV. Only a small radio for music and a nice warm fireplace to sit next to as I plan out the next small project for my home. Ah, sanctuary.
Rescue Dog
Friday, January 4, 2008
Flash,KABOOM!
Winter is definitely here. Rain, rain and more rain along with the southwest winds. Happy new year? A wet one for sure and driving becomes a bit more hazardous. A trip to the store can become an adventure. I'm glad that it is only a one mile trip for me.
Just as I was about to leave the store there was a flash, followed in a second by some very loud thunder. A gentleman who was standing just outside the door remarked that it was very close as it had set off car alarms. I dashed for my truck knowing that in a moment it would be raining severely.
As I pulled out onto the highway it began to pour. Then the hail began to fall. Harder, bigger and soon the road looked like a sea of marbles, bouncing back up into the air as they struck until the road seemed to disappear. I slowed to twenty miles per hour, searching for the fog line or edge markers. Only a quarter of a mile left til my driveway, street lights now guiding my way. As I turned up my driveway it sounded like marbles bouncing off the side of my pickup, the ground rapidly turning white.
Now into my parking space, I get a firm hold on the groceries and make a mad dash for the door. Safe! As I look back out at the deck and rock wall, the size of the hail seems to increase. A large stone lands within inches of the door and I grab it to check the size. Wow! No wonder I was having trouble seeing the road on the way home. The size of a marble easily and a lot of them.
Thankfully those traveling through my little town have managed to keep their vehicles on the highway in this nasty weather. I am always ready to respond to any emergency but am always grateful when I can stay inside, my cat in my lap and just listen to the storm.
Rescue Dog
Just as I was about to leave the store there was a flash, followed in a second by some very loud thunder. A gentleman who was standing just outside the door remarked that it was very close as it had set off car alarms. I dashed for my truck knowing that in a moment it would be raining severely.
As I pulled out onto the highway it began to pour. Then the hail began to fall. Harder, bigger and soon the road looked like a sea of marbles, bouncing back up into the air as they struck until the road seemed to disappear. I slowed to twenty miles per hour, searching for the fog line or edge markers. Only a quarter of a mile left til my driveway, street lights now guiding my way. As I turned up my driveway it sounded like marbles bouncing off the side of my pickup, the ground rapidly turning white.
Now into my parking space, I get a firm hold on the groceries and make a mad dash for the door. Safe! As I look back out at the deck and rock wall, the size of the hail seems to increase. A large stone lands within inches of the door and I grab it to check the size. Wow! No wonder I was having trouble seeing the road on the way home. The size of a marble easily and a lot of them.
Thankfully those traveling through my little town have managed to keep their vehicles on the highway in this nasty weather. I am always ready to respond to any emergency but am always grateful when I can stay inside, my cat in my lap and just listen to the storm.
Rescue Dog
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Rainy day handyman
Well it has only taken more than a year to put up the new shelves in the pantry but it was worth the wait. Now maybe I can find the floor again. Next is the laundry room so the top of the dryer will not be such a catch-all. Yeah, right! One can dream though...
Home projects seem to take forever most of the time. My rock walls are nearly completed but too many other things have had priority, such as playing games on the computer. Oh come on, you know what I mean. How many hours have you spent in front of the computer or TV?
Once in a while those projects we all put off become urgent, as in you are tired of looking at the materials to get-r-done and you get annoyed with yourself for being so **** lazy. Last night my shop was a beehive of activity as I prepared the shelving material and hardware. When I woke up to rain, the tools came out and at least one job is done.
The kitchen looks like a mess afterwards but now my wife can put things in the pantry in a more orderly fashion. As for me, I have to go to the store. If I kill enough time doing so she might have the kitchen back together before I return. No I aint bein' onry, just gettin' that lazy woman off her duff!
Its a good thing my wife loves me as much as she does. Of course I have a brand new shop with a wood stove to retreat to if she has had enough of me. The rainy day handyman rides again.
Rescue Dog
Home projects seem to take forever most of the time. My rock walls are nearly completed but too many other things have had priority, such as playing games on the computer. Oh come on, you know what I mean. How many hours have you spent in front of the computer or TV?
Once in a while those projects we all put off become urgent, as in you are tired of looking at the materials to get-r-done and you get annoyed with yourself for being so **** lazy. Last night my shop was a beehive of activity as I prepared the shelving material and hardware. When I woke up to rain, the tools came out and at least one job is done.
The kitchen looks like a mess afterwards but now my wife can put things in the pantry in a more orderly fashion. As for me, I have to go to the store. If I kill enough time doing so she might have the kitchen back together before I return. No I aint bein' onry, just gettin' that lazy woman off her duff!
Its a good thing my wife loves me as much as she does. Of course I have a brand new shop with a wood stove to retreat to if she has had enough of me. The rainy day handyman rides again.
Rescue Dog
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