October 8th: Made it to the cabin around 11 pm last night after stocking on paper goods and other supplies. Got the grocery shopping done and dinner before leaving Odessa. Road was really bad to the cabin, thank goodness one can rent SUVs. It was so quiet here last night, no computer running, no fans, and no ac/heat on . . . we had to take the batteries out of the clocks to get to sleep. Lol
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Took the other way down the mountain to go to town. Had to get the concrete and items so we can work on the pathway tomorrow. Much, Much better! Seems the boulders in that road last time made it necessary for the workers come and fix it.
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Being very lazy today . . . love the fall weather and the screen curtains . . . makes spending time on the porch and napping bed wonderful!
October 9th:
Today was the work day. Got four and half molds filled for the walkway. It is finally on the other side of the gate, so it won't be a mess when the dogs are here and we try to work on it. I moved rocks, seems I'm always doing that. Sanding part of the rocking chair, don't know that I'll get it painted this trip.
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Finally made it to the Nature Center and purchased several guides and/or books on birds, hummingbirds, bugs, wildflowers, cactus and trees found in this area. So this evening we walked around the property, getting leaf samples, taking pictures and picking flowers. Only able to identify two of the five flowers; but all the trees! We have so many different oak trees!
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Okay, I've been searching everywhere to find out about this beautiful bird we have seen around here and saw it twice today. The way the sun hit the wings, it was a beautiful iridescent blue and teal. Could it be a Blue Mockingbird? I really hope I can get a picture to be able to identify it.
October 10th: Busy morning . . . finishing up laundry now that we have a full tank of water. Had just enough wood stain to stain the bathroom side of the second door and the framing. Painted the rocking chair, ran out of paint, just have the bottom side to finish. Changed to flannel sheets since our next trip will be Thanksgiving. Dusting, dishes and cleaning left to do. Packing up and getting ready to head back North. Always hate to leave.
NOVEMBER: THANKSGIVING WEEK
We made it!! Now to put up our feet and relax after the long drive. Don't know if it was the new beds we had for them or if they have finally gotten used to the drive, but the dogs were great. Duke gave Ginger plenty of room and there was no fussing. lol
Duke just has his first taste of a stink bug. Poor boy . . . wouldn't stop after the first time . . . he ended up sitting on me!!!! Don't know what happened to the bug . . . hoping it got smart and left.
November 22nd
Finished 4 more concrete forms for the pathway, walked the property with the dogs and just enjoyed the day. Just finished dinner of pork roast, fresh green beans, fingerling potatoes and crescent rolls. Now relaxing for a bit before I start on my quilt project. Max is looking at the stars and the dogs have joined him.
We are all a little worn out. Dogs are sound asleep, wouldn't even get up and join Max and me on the porch. lol
Nov. 23rd
Dogs had a very good day. Barked at who knows what, laid in the sun, wandered around the property, got two brushings, and lots of rest. Well the day/night just got better for them. Max decided to bring in his telescope because damaging winds are in the forecast. Both dogs went with him, Duke high-tailed it to the corner of the fenced area and gave his warning bark. Then I heard Ginger chiming in. Max said it was a coyote they were barking at, which went running off. Ginger actually had her front paws on the fence post barking. Such good doggies! And thank goodness for a fence!!!!!
24th: Today was a beautifully calm day, so we were able to apply all the wood preservative on the outside of the cabin. Wasn’t too happy when I realized my hair was coated with it. But lots & lots of shampoo finally got it out. I finished the first step of machine sewing on four lap rag-quilts, sewed outside until my fingers got cold. lol
25th: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Feeling blessed beyond words. Missing my family in FL and New Zealand. Thankful for those who will be at my moms and the four of us will be joining them in a few hours.
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Had a wonderful day. Got to visit with my parents and two of my brothers. Skyped with my sister and her two girls had a WONDERFUL meal.
Beautiful West Texas Sunset along the way back to Double Dog from Andrews.
Now it is back to the cabin, curled up in a quilt, dogs curled up sleeping and Max all bundled up watching the night sky. Where did those warm days and cool nights go?????? Oh yes, it is Nov. lol
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While stopping for gas, purchased two Starbucks Doubleshot® Energy+Vanilla Drinks, one for me, one for Max. While it kept me awake the rest of the way to the cabin, I was also awake until 2:20 am. Bad, Bad move on my part. Max. . . . didn't faze him one bit. lol
26th: We met the man who owns the property on the other side of the neighbors who have an easement on our land. It was interesting to hear him talk about how this land was sacred, so much more than rocks and trees. I guess most people who own land out here feel this way. I said from the beginning, this is my spirit place. ;)
He told us we could go on his land anytime, have a picnic, the view were wonderful.
After trimming trees and cleaning up around the cabin, Max and I did go to check it out. And he was right the views were beautiful.
27th
Thankful the sun is shining and the winds are calm for our last full day at Double Dog
