Thursday, December 30, 2010

G12+

It's not that I've intentionally been slacking on writing, it's just that life ended up getting extremely hectic towards the end of the year. So much so that I had little time to think at work (which oddly used to be a great thinking time...being holed up behind a desk with a couple of monitors and a stack of notepads). When I end up transitioning back into 'treading water' stage, writing is one of those things that helps take the edge off.

So here we are, another year down, and a full year in that 'factory job'. Blessings come in disguise and while the work itself demands the brain power of a drunken feline, the OT pay more than made up for it. On a look back, there's quite a bit to be proud of, even if I find myself more restless than ever.

It had to come sooner or later, the great lodge freeze-out. Actually, more of a snow-out. With adequate heat both upstairs and down, the major struggle is getting to the building. Since it was not originally intended for year-round living, there are of course, difficulties. Such as the occasional pipe freeze, or ice build-up on the deck. Not that big of a deal. But a major snow recently stopped us in our tracks. We were fortunate to get out the morning after to put together our plan while the flakes continued to fall with no end in sight. We made two runs out with clothing and perishables before parking the truck and going on foot for any additional visits. And then, surprise of surprises, a day or two passed and the 'neighbor' used his tractor to pack down the 1/2 mile path from the main road. And so there may be hope yet. While I write this it's 40F. A recent trip past the land gave me confidence that should temps return to below freezing, the path-in should be easy to traverse now that much of the high-centered snow has melted. Time will tell.

For the week off, it's been both relaxing and busy. I've gotten quite a bit of reading in. A LOT of organizing in the basement. Installed a coolant heater on Cara's VW. Purchased and shellac'd trim boards for the lodge, and tackled a few other to-do's out there. Tonight- a movie with friends. Tomorrow night- a new years eve bash here in town. Sat and Sun? Perhaps the lodge for a big project. Oye.

In no particular order, noteworthy events of 2010:
June 1st, Cara and I moved into the lodge and said goodbye to the CF apartment. We took in a Wright and Like tour in Racine. I bought a tractor and mowed a lot of open field. An Olds station wagon found its way to the lodge. Ben and I swapped a rear axle in intense Iowa heat and humidity. A drive-in screen went up...and then came back down. Cara and I took in a Madison modernism tour. I made a trip to MN for a grand wash-in. Cam, Ben and I took down Ben's dilapidated garage. One fine morning I got up early and started digging holes and mixing cement. Next thing I knew, I had a steel building. Ben and I worked on Don's Talisman in Rockford, once again in the blustery snow. I decided to visit MN in October for a week and explore the back-country, something I had never done. Fall parties and bonfires were hosted and I finally got that projector for showing movies...inside. Made a few friends. Sold a few things on ebay. Started the 'great basement haul-out' project. AND, broke ground on Cold Storage III, aka, The Research Lab.

Next year should prove very interesting.