Seriously! Why do I do that to me!

Seriously why'd I say things happen for a reason (I know I always say that, and I understand now why people want to hit me).

Today felt futile! Thank goodness I bothered my mom before I went out into the world. She always reminds me that someone thinks I'm special.

Please don't translate the following as me complaining, I'm mostly trying to motivate myself into changing how I do things. No use being frustrated.

I got my sites cleaned and started the weed whacking. Then wrote my list of supplies I use (as requested) and went to the meeting. I was the ONLY one who wrote the list (got the feeling I was the only one asked)...so it felt like I was complaining...I WASN'T.

Really all I needed was a working headlight (I'm in trouble for taking things apart to find the problem, don't necessarily blame them and won't do it again), ear plugs, firewood (to sell), and the right color of time cards (in trouble for filling out the color they gave me). I want to be pissed at myself for not anticipating that, cuz I usually know when I'm getting myself into trouble...but didn't see it coming.

Oh well.

Today just sucked. But I did motivate the canyon to try a different radio channel (one we used last year) and YAY we can actually hear each other! Also I spotted the a cow moose on my way home (bigger concern than her male counterparts). So maybe I wasn't a total pain.

Fran called me (bless her) and I remembered that sometimes I'm useful and important. Also this job is something I do because I LIKE it...

I really miss her, and visiting was very AWESOME. I understand now why so many people call her just to talk. Being away has made it more than clear how much I love the Tulip Tree. Things there are rarely simple, but as long as the job gets done no one is miserable. I really hope they miss me as much as I miss them.

I have fun stories of Spazzy's time on the porch to share, but lack the patience to write them down.

Happier thoughts soon I promise!
-m

72 and Sunny

Saturday:

Today I woke up NOT feeling like I'd been hit by a train. That probably seems like a very normal thing for most folk, but for me lately it's pretty incredible. Perhaps it's the weather clearing up, perhaps it's actually getting enough sleep finally (yes, I stayed in my pajamas until after 12 today). I patroled camp when I opened the gate & the WENT BACK TO BED, figuring the issues I saw then would still be there in a few hours. They were, and now they're dealt with. For the last week I've had whining muscles and nerve pain shooting down both my legs. Starting the day at a manageable pain level was AWESOME!

Mike & Lisa have been here the last couple nights (this explains why I haven't been online). We've had all kinds of good food & great conversations. honestly don't know how I went all winter without them.

Speeking of going without people, I've only called Tulip Tree twice this week. Seems like things there are bumping along nicely without me. They might at least have had the grace to fall appart a little?!? Honestly I'm happy things are going smooth for them. Fran's settling into the new shop space, and everybody's getting ready for summer.

Today I managed to snap a few pictures, some wildlife and a pick of the oh so famous WONDER CART. Speeking of which wonder cart has tires that point the same way this year, however it also has a moody headlight. I really hope we can get that fixed soon cuz I HATE driving by flashlight, it's not at all awesome. Anyhow I finally got a bird book so I can guess what some of these pretty kritters are. I am by NO means and expert, and if you have a better name for one of them let me know!

Yahzi in his favorite spot watching the smellavision.


Here's what was on smellavision just then. A male black chin Hummingbird.


I'm pretty sure this is the same little guy but with the sun reflecting off of his neck.


A rather grumpy Lazuli Bunting on a cold afternoon when the feeders weren't full enough to suit him.


A house finch, sorry it's not as in focus as I'd like but he's so pretty I had to share.


A slithery kritter whom I nearly ran over this afternoon, sorry no snake id book, I mostly just try to avoid them.


WONDER CART!


Here's Mike working miracles with his grill. Mmmmmmmmnnnnnn.


The process. Yes that's a portable grill he's working on.


The finished product!


Oscar has decided that strawberries though very RED are pretty nummy. His beak is covered in sticky red juice & he's making all kinds of happy noises. Spazzy has decided that the BIG window in the back of the camper (the screen door) is preferable to the little ones all over. She sits there most of the afternoon & surveys what she considers HER territory. She nearly even forgives me for going outside, since I usually bring back interesting smells for her. The wild birds have gone through nearly all the seed I have, and I'm affraid they'll have to wait for payday for me to get down the canyon. I just don't think I'm willing to strap a 40lb box of seed to the seat of my scooter...nope.

I've got rowdy campers in the top of my loop that need checking on, so I'd better head back up there AGAIN. Seriously, this is my job, it's not personal, & I'm not making up the rules! Just give up on trying to 'sneak' stuff on me already!

WOW, some brave soul just pulled in with tubes on top of their car. I am neither that brave, or that foolish. BRRRRRRR!


Sunday:
Didn't get this all finished yesterday so I'm going to tack on a few notes from today. Today was/is GORGEOUS! 80 with a light breeze and no campers to piss me off. It's a poetic coincidence that the sheriff followed my problem campers out of the campground...
Scott hung around to help me get my tents up and that's made a big difference in making Willows seem more like home again. I now have my "village" up and as soon as I get done tweeking things to my liking I'll snap a pic. This afternoon Mom & Glenn brought me a couple more hummer feeders, and Thom & Judy picked up bird seed for me while they were at Costco. I am SET. Smellavision is gonna be awesome.

I've had a good crowd of lookers coming through this afternoon, but no stayers. That's fine with me after last night. I've got plenty of work to keep me busy cleaning this week. Gotta go make a list of all the supplies I go through on a regular basis for the canyon meeting tomorrow.

Remember,
Everything happens for a reason.
<3 -m

Ew.

Woke up with a sore throat and ear ache. Have had a headache for days but thought it was just stress. Scott thinks maybe I was right. I give up! I have stuff to get done, and things to finish. I can NOT be sick. But today i was. I took a good nap and am now being punished for it. It's 1:30 and a convenient time to tie up my phone line, excellent for Spazz to get snuggles, and BAD for me to be awake! I really hope this is just another symptom of my allergies and backs off! The weather's supposed to be great this weekend, so I'm gonna need to kick butt & take names. I want to say "bring it" and smile, but with a flat tire on the golf cart and not feeling my best I'm sorta whimpering. Oh well. That's what I get for bragging on Mike's cooking and admitting that I'd need to log miles on the trike!

Let's all focus on being well this weekend K?
-m

Another rainy day.

This weather's keeping things pretty quiet up here. I wait for breaks in the weather to get a few sites cleaned out then come back in to snuggle kitties and watch the rain. The soundtrack for these days has been a mix of Stan Rogers, Nathan Rogers, and Garnet Rogers. I just love their deep voices and acoustic guitar.

Tomorrow's supposed to be my day off, but I might wait and take part of Thursday instead.

Today I ran into Eden to get a few essential grocery supplies and mail off the bills. While I was there it became apparent that my car has some kind of power steering issue. I had a bit of an adventure getting back up the canyon...really hope that when I check the fluid tomorrow & that'll be the issue. I can't afford any sort of repair bill just now! It's sorta amazing how many small expenses have piled up this week getting here and set up. But I'm here and set now, and shouldn't have that kind of expenses for a while.

My New York gang is here this week. Mike's trying to feed me to death. I've never before seen fried chicken and collard greens come off of a grill! But if anyone can do it he can.
I snapped pictures of everything I ate yesterday (it's that good), and as soon as I locate my camera reader I'll post the pics. I'm definitely gonna have to log some miles on my trike to make up for all this :)



Ooh! Rains stopped! Time to go out and move firewood!
Be well!
-m

I am so TIRED!

Maybe it's because tomorrow's Monday, maybe it's the weather, maybe it's because Scott & I had a fight, who knows. I am EXHAUSTED! I am actually too tired to sleep. I have a campground full of good campers(random riff raff across the river in Upper Meadows but not too bad). Guess I'll sleep what I can and plan to make up for it during the week.

All the same, Happy Memorial. I'm done. More tomorrow.
-m

We're off to see the Wizard

The car is LOADED. My faithful slave child (Chris) came over and helped me harness the cats then compact the carpet scraps and get them all into the trunk along with 2 ski tubes, four camp chairs, 3 tarps...then I folded 3 loads of laundry & fitted them next to the new litterbox & bucket of litter, and bucket of cat food in the back seat. Tomorrow first thing I shall leash/cage the ferocious beasts and load them into the front seat.

I am declaring myself QUEEN OF PACKING! And I dedicate this award to my father, who taught me by example (come on y'all anyone who saw him load the truck and boat for Lake Powell know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!).

I fully expect that upon arrival at Willows I will crack the door, and the car will unpack itself like a can of prank peanuts.

Scott has braved the beginning of Memorial Weekend by himself. Fortunately the weather has kept the riffraff down.

I'm hating leaving work, and it's gonna be really strange not to see my friends every day. I keep extracting promises to visit...I really hope some of them actually come see me. They really are my family, and I feel like I'm leaving home.

That sounds odd since I actually am leaving home, but in a way I'm just moving my stuff to a portable part of my home. I'm leaving my couch, my kitchen, my closet, my tulip tree, and moving my whole life into a small studio apartment on wheels. But I'm so excited! I love being a camp manager. No wonder it's a lot of peoples' dream job.

It's beyond late, and the two balls of fur in my lap are both tired and grumpy. I think I'll lead them to bed in hopes of lulling them into submission for morning. Wish me luck!
-m

Another day in paradise.

They keep changing their minds about if my campground is open or not. Last night they absolutely wanted it closed. This afternoon the forest service had a word with them and now they want it open. Good thing I didn't go home this morning. Magpie is open with no host...long story. I guess I'll just be glad I'm here. If they want it open then I'll check things and collect fees. If they want it closed I've got plenty to keep me busy.

I've barely even begun to set up my camp. Today I decided where I wanted to park the camper (pretty much exactly where I was last year, go figure). Hooked up the water and sewer, and thought about where I'm gonna put my pavilion. Haven't completely made up my mind about that one. I think tomorrow I'll erect the frame and stand around staring at it until I can get my mind made up. I need to drag my carpet out of the shed & get that laid out also.

It's been delightfully rainy. Fortunately I've been able to do all of my traveling and errands during the dry moments. That's very lucky since the only vehicle I have to drive is my scooter. I don't mind getting cold or damp, but I'm a bit of a wimp about being soaked to the skin and frozen. Temperatures have been pretty mild, but I'm still not putting my birthday flowers outside yet. Someone told me there's supposed to be snow tomorrow. I hope not.

Today I went to my favorite grocery store Valley Market in Eden. They might not have the biggest variety selection, but they make up for it in awesomeness. Their deli counter serves catfish, crab rangoon, fried frogs legs, and a chicken rice burrito that's to die for. Their bakery is also amazing. I know it's crazy to rave about a grocery store...but I am.

I'm remembering how much I LOVE being up here. Not just because it's pretty, and wild, and there's a fabulous motorcycle ride no matter what direction I turn from my driveway (less so on weekends of course because of all the slow cagers). But because there are so few complications. As long as the bathrooms are clean & I'm keeping an eye on campers, no one gets after me. Well most of the time that's how it works...

I'm going to have time to read, draw, think deep thoughts. I know I could make time for those things at home, but it's somehow much easier up here.

I've had a lot of people come through looking for sites for next week. Scott & the Whitmans should be plenty busy! Hope they survive!

The birds just found the feeder I put out. Yay, wish I had a hummer feeder with me, they're everywhere and keep giving me dirty looks. They'll still be here next week though. I guess I'm a bit impatient to have everything set up so I can just enjoy it all.

Wildlife spottings:
wild turkey
swans (on Pineview)
some sort of strange looking crane (on the way into Eden)
adorable tiny goldfinch who woke me up this morning
gross beak (on feeder)
hummers
robins (just took over the feeder)

I'm off to manufacture dinner out of the odds & ends I picked up at the grocery store. Wish me luck!
-m