Weekend Project: A New Outhouse

We have a recreational property in Central Washington and it's a bit rough, but very very peaceful and wonderful.  When we bought it a decade ago, the previous owners had an outhouse that was one of those Dept of Fish and Wildlife fiberglass models (looks like a fat rocket) which was crudely set up over a hole on some bricks and cement blocks. Over time, the floor started to rot and become a little squishy.  The entire thing sort of rocked on it's base and felt  quite tippy  and, to make matters worse, my husband stored the chainsaw in there which dripped some chain oil and made the floor very slick!  Even more hazardous, the seat was never attached!  So, it was time to replace our "bathroom" facility!  Now, to be honest , we didn't complete this in a weekend!  But I think if you are very organized and remember EVERYTHING you need, you can do it.  In all so far we have spent 3 afternoons working on it.  it is nearly complete, just needs the metal roofing, ventilation and a door!  Then a bit of finish work.  But here are some photos of the work in progress....  

Bottom of old outhouse

Here's the base of the new outhouse framed out with the old rocket shaped one in the background. When we pushed the old one over we were surprised how little effort it took to send it rolling down the hill!  We spent a fair amount of time debating the size of the new one but finally ended up with a 4x4 frame, 8 feet tall.  This eliminated a lot of cutting as it just used standard sizes for lumber.

We will build the door at home and bring it over to attach it.   We found one of the things that slowed us down was just forgetting little items we needed!  We do have electricity on site and used a couple of extension cords to power our tools which was great.  I hope very soon to have a picture of the finished project to show you !  I'm excited to have a great new outhouse!!  Clean, not tippy, and so far, no spiders!!!   

Monday Things, Whidbey Island

Just a few photos from a quick trip over to Whidbey Island we made last week.  Gorgeous Puget Sound day!  It was perfect for walking around Fort Casey~

Chasing Squirrels In Heaven

Last week we had to say goodbye to our best friend and SUPER DOG, Scout.  He gave us his love for over a decade, filled our hearts with joy and gave us enough good dog stories and memories to last a lifetime.  We will always miss him.  Rest in Peace little buddy.  Chase the squirrels in heaven!

our pup in 2002

It has been a very very sad time for us but my dog loving friends have helped ease the pain.  I've heard lots of good stories, also sad stories about their own old dogs.  But overall what stands out about every story regarding a best doggie friend, is the love they bring to our lives.  

I want to share this song with you, because it made me laugh out loud when I first heard it on Sirius Radio, the Loft.  When I found the video version, I laughed even louder!  Please, check it out.....Man and Dog

Funny right?  And the face on that old dog....so sweet.

Saying goodbye to our furry ones is so difficult. But we all feel pretty darn lucky to have had such a good dog.  The best dog, a Super Dog.....

Late Spring Snow

Here's a little proof that if you are patient you can still get in some good days even in a lousy snow year.  Our neighbor took this over the weekend up on Silver Peak .  Pretty good looking snow with decent coverage!

In other mountain news….the same neighbor spotted what he believed to be a wolf on the side of the highway, I 90, on his way down to town Sunday morning.  He contacted fish and wildlife and unfortunately, the wolf was hit a bit later .  Fish and Wildlife confirmed (well, it’s been sent for DNA testing) that it was a female wolf, weighing in at 185 lbs, all black and most likely from a known pack to the Northeast of us.  The wildlife officers on approach thought it was a young bear because of it’s size and dark color.    This spot on the highway is a regular “road kill” area as Elk like to feed on the side of the road there.  Last year a cougar was hit in the same area.  Anyway, I wish I had seen the wolf!  It’s interesting to know that they are around us….Though I’m not sure I’d want to see one while out running or hiking.  Would you?  Have you run into any large wildlife while out in the forests?

Tree Hugger?

Happy Earth Day!

One More Silver Dollar

Well, the folks on Sirius radio keep telling me that it's International Guitar Player month.  So I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you how much I LOVE Gregg Allman and share this absolutely fabulous video that I stumbled across while spending too much time on YouTube.  It's one of those performances that gave me goosebumps.  And Vince Gill?  damn.  of course ZB is no slouch either.  Give it a listen, and tell me, do you have a favorite guitar player? Yes, I know, who can pick just one.

Monday Things, "Happiness Weighed"

My well-thumbed copy of Moby Dick

There's a passage in Moby Dick, my favorite book, work of art, titled The Doubloon.   A gold piece, a doubloon, has been affixed to the mast.  It is from Ecuador, inscribed with various images including what appear to be the signs of the zodiac. Several different ship's men stand before it one by one and relate their thoughts. Flask sees it as nothing more than a piece of gold.  He says, " I see nothing here, but a round thing made of gold, and whoever raises a certain whale, this round thing belongs to him."  He goes on to equate it's worth to how many cigars he can buy with it, 960.  Stubb, the first mate, stands in front of it and says this:

"Look you, doubloon, your zodiac here is the life of man in one round chapter; and now I'll read it off , straight out of the book!  Come, Almanack!  To begin: there's Aries, or the Ram-lecherous dog, he begets us; then Taurus, or the Bull- he bumps us first thing; then Gemini, or the Twins- that is, Virtue and Vice; we try to reach Virtue, when lo! comes Cancer the Crab and drags us back; and here, going from Virtue, Leo, a roaring lion, lies in the path- he gives a few fierce bites, and surly dabs with his paw; we escape, and hail Virgo, the Virgin! that's our first love; we marry and think to be happy for aye, when pop comes Libra, or the Scales- happiness weighed and found wanting; and while we are very sad about that, Lord! how we suddenly jump, as Scorpio, or the Scorpion, stings us in rear; we are curing the wound, when whang come the arrows all round; Sagittarius, or the Archer, is amusing himself. As we pluck out the shafts, stand aside! here's the battering-ram, Capricornus, or the Goat; full tilt, he comes rushing, and headlong we are tossed; when Aquarius, or the Water-bearer, pours out his whole deluge and drowns us; and, to wind up, with Pisces, or the Fishes, we sleep.  There's a sermon now, writ in high heaven, and  the sun goes through it every year, and yet comes out of it all alive and hearty..."

Ahhhh.  That really sums it up, doesn't it?  I'm not sure what stage I am in, but so often it feels like I am dodging that ram, trying to out run the scorpion.  Perhaps it is just a Monday sentiment.  A rainy Monday, books and coffee, emails from a friend: I need to lace up my shoes and go hike up the mountain.  I will weigh happiness as I take in the view. I do not think I will find it wanting.