Arachnid Implants?

Sep 052012
 

Living in the Northwoods I have to put up with lots of bugs.

The biggest pests of all being ticks and mosquitoes.  They bite, suck blood (eww) and leave nasty, itchy reminders behind.  I will go to great lengths to keep them off of me and I can generally keep them out of my house.

Another insect that I can’t stand are spiders.  We have them in all shapes and sizes around these parts with the majority being non-toxic.  These pests, however, think that my house is a vacation spot during the warmer parts of the year.

And even though I get the heebie-jeebies from these 8-legged web spinners, I find them quite fascinating when they are in their natural environment (which is not in my house).

For the most part we live in harmony unless they are super creepy like a wolf spider, in which case they get booted out the door.  I try not to squish them because in Ojibwe culture that is considered bad luck, and gawd knows I don’t need to invite bad mojo into my life.

Daddy Long Legs are the most popular variety that I notice in my plants and around my house, and until a few years ago I was unaware that they were amongst the most venomous spider there is.  Fortunately, their fangs aren’t able to pierce human skin so I should rest easy knowing that I’m not going to be a spider buffet.

But then I saw this Granddaddy lounging in my Hasta’s.

What really set this guy apart was that he had a pair of fangs that I could clearly see.

Mutant spider?  Arachnid implants?

Whatever the case, it had better stay the hell out of my house.  Bad mojo or not, that sucker will go splat.

 

Creative Space

Sep 032012
 

It was a busy weekend on the homestead, which really isn’t anything new.

What is new was the delivery of this on Friday:

That collection of wood and cement blocks will form the foundation of my new studio that Rick is building for me, so I can have my own creative space to make my jewelry.

Having to live with the letdown from our town council not allowing us to built on a couple of the lots we bought across the street, we had to decide if there was a suitable area on our original lots.

And in order to do this, we (meaning Rick) had to frame out the areas that looked like possibilities.

Once a suitable site was chosen it was time for him to slap on his pouch and start building.

And the only place to start is with the foundation.

And my carpenter-turned-computer-nerd didn’t waste any time getting the framework set and floor in place.

We are going to try to build the rest of the building with recycled/repurposed materials if possible.  We have some wood, siding and a door, but are still looking for more materials like framing wood, windows, etc.,  that we can acquire through Freecycle, auctions, and perhaps any of you that live close to us and may have some stuff laying around.

Needless to say, this is going to be a work-in-progress for… well, as long as it takes.  I’ll give updates along the way and “shout-out’s” to all the wonderful people that contribute time/materials.

On top of that, Ricing Season started on Saturday.  Since I had other plans for the day, Rick invited our good friend Maynard (Hi Maynard! ) out on the water for the first day of harvest.  They hit 3 bodies of water and came home with a couple sacks of wet rice.  It’s a nice start and I’m hoping that I will have the opportunity to get out and collect this season with him.

And what kind of fun was I having while all of this was going on?  Canning salsa.  Lots and lots of salsa.   About 3 gallons worth that should get the family through until next summer.

At least I’m hoping it will.  I may have to ration it just to be on the safe side.

 

Give a Man a Rope…

Aug 302012
 

What happens when you bring Rick’s family together ?

You get some of the best blog fodder in the world, and this time I captured it on my camera.

Saturday’s main even:  jumping rope.

 First, let’s have the girls show how it’s done.

And then a few simple instructions for the first victim contestant.

Ready… set…

And we have liftoff!

Woah!  Nice jumpin’ there Logan!

Can this guy get some air time or what!

I think he stopped there for 5 minutes to show off.

But then again, it was pure poetry in motion.

Or perhaps a new dance that I’ve never heard of.

The girls were really cheering you on!

And Nichole was laughing so hard I don’t know how she was able to swing the rope.

To show his son how it’s really done, Albert took charge to give us his moves.

Andddd…..

He’s made the first jump!  (I think he even surprised himself.)

Looking good.

Bummer!  Well, you had a heck of a run.  I think I counted at least 5 rounds.

Here, let Alexis show you how it’s done.

Great job girlie, you’re a natural.

Thanks guys for giving me such great material for my blog.  You’re great sports and I love ya both.

Next time we get together maybe I can talk you into hopscotch.

Better start practicing now.

By The Numbers

Aug 282012
 

When we take trips to see family, it always involves a long car ride, and so far traveling out to see Rick’s folks is the winner in terms of time spent in the vehicle.

So I decided to break down the weekend into some meaningful numbers.  After all, I am an accountant and numbers are my life.

This is sad is so many ways.

Alrighty, here we go:

33 = Hours we were away from home.

10 = Hours spent on the road driving.

5 = Times we stopped for bathroom breaks/food/gas.

423 = Miles driven.

3 = Number of card games going on at any given time.  (This would include cribbage because it involves cards.)  (Don’t argue.)

7,592 = Calories consumed by yours truly.  (And I enjoyed every one of them.)

414 = Pictures taken.  Uffda!

6 = Times I had to tell someone to stop talking/chewing gum during a family photo.

8 = Evil looks given by Calie because she was not in the mood to have her picture taken.

4 = Guitars played by nephews and niece in a fantastic concert!

What do these all add up to?  Memories that will last a lifetime.

 

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