Will an Intelligent & Mature Adult Please Take Their Place at The Podium?

     I've struggled over the past several days with my frustration regarding recent events and the political and media circus that a carnival fortune teller could have predicted would happen.  For some, this may not necessarily be what you wanted or expected to read on our TC blog.  What I'm about to say may be the opposite of your opinion...I may even lose a few subscribers as a result, but I respect that the decision to leave us is your right and I wish you well!

     I believe we can all agree that what we've witnessed is simply horrible!  The magnitude of the tragedy is surreal and truly difficult to comprehend.  My heart and prayers go out to those that lost a loved one, regardless of their age as a result of this senseless act of violence.  Things in this world are sometimes just overwhelmingly unfair, unexplainable and most often leave us shaking our heads in pure disbelief.  As humans, mature adults, with the ability to rationalize, we strive to find reasons for everything we encounter.  And, in situations such as these, we are quick to point fingers, form opinions and contemplate actions of prevention.  It is what we do...we want the best for ourselves, our family and especially our children.  (For most of us)  We are charged with the role of being a responsible parent and the safety and security of our children is paramount.  When we are faced with a tragedy of this magnitude, we are quick to seek prevention solutions, but first and foremost...we must understand why such evil exists in our world to begin with!  Eliminating the cause is the best act of prevention.  The following is an email newsletter that explains it all better than I could hope to.  I pray that you will spend the time to continue to read this lengthy post to its end.  And after reading it, come to the same conclusion that I have...we must realize that no political puppet, no law or series of laws, no restriction or safety net will save us from our fate if we fail to change the way we relate to one other and with nature.  Our purpose in life must evolve from the constant egotistical reminder of "ME" to a loving, caring and compassionate sense of community and "WE"!  Through this realization, we begin to understand our true purpose and eliminate the despair and depression associated with the emptiness of the illusion of a pointless existence.

How Do We Stop The Violence?

December 16, 2012 at 9:00 am · Filed under Articles

More and more youngsters are succumbing to drugs, depression and horrendous acts of violence. What has brought about the crisis our young generation is facing? Kabbalah explains that it’s their desire that’s in crisis, as they can no longer fulfill it with what we try to give them

As I go to read the news online, the headlines hit me once again. A 20 year old stepped into a school and opened fire, killing 28 people, 20 children, 6 teachers, his own mother earlier and himself. What could lead a young person with a bright future ahead of him to commit such a desperate act? Meanwhile, a dear friend’s niece clings to life in a hospital after swallowing a bottle of pills in a suicide attempt. Depression among teenagers has reached epidemic proportions.

What is happening to our youth? Shouldn't teens be too young to be overwhelmed by feelings of despair and hopelessness? There are many countries in the world where despair would be understandable – countries where unbelievable hardship, poverty, starvation and violence are the daily reality. But this is the United States – many of these kids come from affluent, loving homes where they have every advantage that money can buy. 

At the other end of the spectrum, we see a growing number of people who are stuck in childhood – even into their 20s, 30s and beyond. They might trade in their Hot Wheels toy cars for the real thing and get involved in more expensive “games,” but they are still children who rebel against assuming any type of responsibility in the adult world. We see the impact in areas as diverse as the breakdown of American families, the record number of bankruptcy filings, and the trouble businesses are having hiring responsible, mature workers.

Although it’s hard to admit, both youth and adults are facing a social crisis, and no one seems to quite know why. Talk show hosts have become millionaires by expounding on these problems and interviewing “experts.” Politicians push their proposed social reform programs, and communities pass more and more laws in an effort to control behavior, but these are all knee-jerk reactions to the problem. In order to affect real change, we must find the source of the problem.

The wisdom of Kabbalah explains the roots of today’s increasing social discord, showing a common thread behind all the unpleasant phenomena that we are witnessing.

Identifying the Source

In order to identify the reason behind our youth’s behavior, we first have to examine our very nature and see how it evolves. Kabbalah maintains that the motivating force behind all of our actions is our desire to receive pleasure. In other words, every action that a person takes, no matter how small, is prompted by some desire for some pleasure.

But there’s more: This desire for pleasure continuously evolves within humanity, propelling us to constantly seek new kinds of pleasures. This evolution started with our most basic desires: those we must fulfill to survive, such as desires for food, sex and shelter. In other words, ages ago, having a good meal and a roof over one’s head was the ultimate bliss.

At a later point in humanity’s evolution, new kinds of desires emerged – social desires. These desires emerge due to the fact that people interact within society, and they include desires for wealth, fame and power. We have evolved through these social desires for thousands of years, actualizing every possible combination and aspect of them. From this perspective, film stars, sports idols or politicians are all “manifestations” of the social desires that evolve within humanity.

But today, Kabbalists explain, a new kind of desire is emerging within humanity, one that we can neither fulfill through our bodies nor through other interactions with each other. This desire is still hard for us to define, and we don’t really know how to fulfill it – it is the desire to realize the purpose of our existence.

While there have always been individuals in every generation who wondered, “Why am I here?” now is the first time in history that this question is awakening in masses of people, and demanding to be answered.

The Price of Dissatisfaction

So how does this relate to the crisis our younger generation is facing? Because they are at the peak of the evolution of desires, they inherently sense that money, fame and power will not lead them to true happiness. This doesn’t mean that the kids of today have no desire for anything; on the contrary, they have a huge desire: they just don’t know how to satisfy it.

It’s quite simple: If I really want a puppy for my birthday, I’m not going to be happy if you give me a new set of clothes. Even if the clothes look really nice on me, they simply won’t match the desire I have within me. For our youth, it’s like that with any kind of pleasure. They go from one desire to the next at lightening speed, and continue to find themselves unsatisfied.

By the time they are teens, many children are disillusioned and cynical about their parents’ ability to show them how to be happy. They don’t see why they should work hard to achieve the goals that adults set for them. On the other hand, they don’t know what else to strive for. To us, it may look like today’s kids are lazy, but their lack of motivation is really an expression of hopelessness. In extreme cases, their despair is so painful that life itself seems pointless and suicide seems to be the only answer.

To cope, many teenagers adopt a “Life is short; eat dessert first” attitude, spending their time chasing after any pleasure, as long as it is easy to obtain. The result is the “perpetual child,” unable to maintain a family or work relationship once it requires real effort. These kids are also vulnerable to the appeal of drugs, alcohol, and get-rich-quick schemes, since all of these promise intense pleasure for virtually no effort.

Other teens react to their sense of emptiness with anger, lashing out at parents and a society that have been unable to provide them with a meaningful purpose for their lives. Often their very upbringing has been so distorted by the current competitive materialistic society that today we are raising more and more youth with mental illnesses and disorders, who live their lives shifting between depression, fear, anxiety and anger… and sometimes this anger erupts in horrendous violence, such as with the Newtown school shooting.

Answering Their Needs

The younger generation’s inability to understand and fulfill their desires is the very source of their problems. Without guidance from previous generations, teens are groping in the dark as they try to find ways to satisfy this nameless desire within them.

In order to help our children, we must let them know that there is a reason for the emptiness and confusion that they feel. We need to show them where they fit into humanity’s general course of development – and let them see that they represent the final phase in the evolution of desires. And we have to provide them with a way to develop and fulfill their desires.

Kabbalah can help us provide such guidance by giving youth a tangible understanding of the purpose of their existence. And once our children know what their purpose is, they will be motivated to go after it. Apathy, anger, depression and despair will give way to the same passionate energy toward this purpose with which their parents and grandparents pursued the “American dream” – the quest for money, honor and fame.

Our children will be able to go places and achieve states of unbounded happiness, but we must provide them with the tools and guidance for their journey. By so doing, we will save them a lot of misery, allow them to find true happiness, and hasten everyone’s way towards the true purpose of existence.

–by Riggan Shilstone

Think the media and government has the correct bead on the inner thoughts of the parents of those fallen in tragedies such as these?  Read below:

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?

Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's sub-committee.

What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert!

These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers." "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field.

The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. "In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA.

I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent."

"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room.

Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. "I wrote a poem that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:"

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.

Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"

You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual influences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.

What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties.

We do not need more restrictive laws." Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored.

We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God!" "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right!

I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA- I give to you a sincere challenge.

Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Do what the media did not... let the nation hear this man's speech.

Verification of this letter as truth can be found here:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bldarrellscott.htm

The Firepit Steps & A Tour Around TC

I took a trip up to camp this Tuesday night and arrived around 11pm to perfect sleeping weather.  It didn't take long before I was comfortably snoozing in the camper.  Stacking the two bunk end mattresses recycled from the pop-up to trailer project and the foam mattress that is the seat/bed in the banner creates an extremely cozy memory foam arrangement that eliminates nighttime tossing and turning.  Leaving a couple windows open gave just enough cool air flow to make me disappointed that I couldn't sleep here every night!

As a creature of habit, I followed the usual schedule of waking early, returning the camper beds back to seating, driving to the local greasy spoon for breakfast and then returning back to get some work done.

My hopes were to get quite a bit done, but that didn't happen!  In the end, I was able to install steps from the firepit to the camper.  Descending the hill from the usual seating arrangement surrounding the fire ring is now made much easier and safer via notches cut into the hillside.  Step risers were made with brick pavers (we've got plenty) that eventually will settle into the earth and become a permanent part of the place.  On a future trip, I'll likely carve a level trench in the ground for additional bricks to be laid as a path from the wood steps of the shed-mahal to the firepit.  A nice level walkway would be nice and shouldn't be too much of a problem now that the tree stumps and roots have been removed from that area.

When the chainsaw comes back from our local repair pro, it'll be put to use removing the tree that is near the shed-mahal's roll door ramp and the tree blocking the path to our new target area as well.  Then there is the pile of tree branches and scrub that needs to be relocated to the abyss too.  That outing will be a busy day of wood working in one fashion or another.

I'll keep you posted...

Project Lists! What Project Lists?

     There's a certain level of satisfaction that comes with having to really concentrate to create a project list of things left to do at camp.  A big contrast to the days (not that long ago) where the pen would run out of ink before the list would be finished.  Those lists weren't all that bad as they provided an excuse to be on the property with purpose.  Sometimes, fidgety feet are merely looking for a reason to move.  Having a good purpose makes moving productive!

     This past weekend, having been absent for nearly a month, the need to return to the top of the mountain was strong.  Of course, making the trek to just "be there" wasn't enough, so a reason was found to make the trip productive.

     The mail man had recently delivered a second flag to pair up with our Gadsden and this presented a problem.  To solve it, I chose to return to "Plan A" and prepare the materials necessary to construct a flag pole.  Using two lengths of chain link fence rail, I was able to position the top of the pole just about 16' in the air with the bottom of the two flags flying just over 10'6" off the ground.  The base is 36" below ground level and held securely by packed soil.  Just in case we decide to later move it, I opted not to use concrete.  Forgive me for not providing the background for this new flag as I had with the Gadsden Flag.  Armed with a genuine interest of learning the truth, you'll find a way to perform the research on your own.  A sincere warning though, liberals have plastered the internet and many websites with untruths and rhetoric.

     With the new flag pole installed, the need to have a holder on the exterior wall of the Shed Mahal was eliminated.  The "Plan B" pole and holder are now in use at my home holding the new flag's twin.

     After spending a deliberate amount of time concentrating on things that are yet left to complete at camp, I was able to come up with a short list:

• Hardwood floor installation, first floor of the Shed Mahal.
• Brick Stairs leading from the North side of the fire pit patio down to the lower level and toward our Banner Camper.  
• Removal of the wood/scrub pile along path leading to the outdoor shower stall.
• Construction of an outdoor hand/dish washing station.
• Construction of a shooting bench.
• Replacement of the deck's coffee table with pressure treated lumber.

     The first item is obvious.  The beautiful hardwood maple flooring that was given new life c/o Millwork Design Solutions would look so much better installed over top of the 3/4" OSB that is currently the shed's first floor than taking up space in the loft as it is now.  I'm fairly sure that I've got enough material to cover 3/4 of the first floor.  The last 1/4 will be 1/2" rubber flooring and be positioned just inside the entrance and roll doors.  The only way to be sure is to begin the project and find out.  I've got the pneumatic stapler and all necessary installation tools left from the bamboo flooring installed in my home's front room.  Several boxes of staples and the underlayment and we should be set!

     Item number two, the brick stairs, is a matter of necessity.  We soon discovered that the quickest path between the two areas occupied most of the time had us descending 10-12' down the embankment on the North side of the fire pit.  It is not so bad with appropriate footwear, but "some" of us insist on wearing flip-flops at camp.  The detour down our excavated road to the lower level isn't that much better because of erosion ruts.  We've got a pile of brick pavers just waiting for a purpose.  I've found one!

     The pile of scrub along the fire pit which is filled with tree branches and old stumps formed out of convenience, but now that things are starting to really come together at camp...it just looks unsightly!  A day with a chain saw, pruning shears and a rake will eliminate it.  What can't be burned will find its place in the abyss.

      I believe that the last three items will be built at my home and likely early next year.  It sure doesn't hurt that the temperatures will likely cooperate over the next month or so.  I'm looking forward to being cold and not cooking alive!

     Here's the video recap of my trip to camp.  I hope you enjoy!

Range Time @ Trout Camp

Tuesday evening, I arrived home from work to find my buddy Steve D. waiting for me in the drive.  We loaded his belongings into the back of the Mountaineer and headed down the highway and at just about 11:40pm we pulled into the lower level of TC.  It was extremely comfortable and cold!  Finally, the season had changed to the point that the SUV could be unloaded and the camper opened and prepped for use without being swarmed by bugs and sweating my butt off!  I read the thermometer inside the Banner, a cool 50 degrees! Sweet!

And is most often the case, with Jennifer absent the night sky was wide open and without any light pollution from the moon.  This time, the milky way was positioned East to West and directly overhead.  Steve called it a night early and escaped to the warmth of sleeping bag hoping to drift off before my snoring began.  I stayed up and enjoyed the shooting star display for another 20 minutes and turned in at 1am.  With the windows open in the camp and two layers of sleeping pads beneath two layers of sleeping bags, I fell asleep within minutes.  It was the most restful night sleep that I've enjoyed in a LONG time.  Seriously, I'm pretty sure I woke up in the same position that I fell asleep.  Camp is awesome in the fall.  I can't wait until winter!  

Anyway, Steve and I scrambled up to camp on a mission.  We carried with us a small arsenal of firearms and ammunition.  The goal was to relocate the target backstop to the new location I had prepared a couple weeks prior and then shoot a myriad of firearms until we ran out of ammunition.  

Within an hour, we had the new backstop in place complete with packed clay filler, a pile of lumber and stumps and the green door (old one) in front.  I placed a series of flags from 23' to 60' and we practiced our aim through most of them.  The back stop needs a little more TLC before I'm completely happy with it, but for the most part it is exactly how I envisioned.  I'd like to add some wood wings, angled additions, on either side and then fill the entire backside area with as much silt and clay that I can collect from the lower level drive and drainage ravines.  Those ravines have really filled in with all the loose clay and soil of the driveway due to erosion.  So there's more than enough to get me to my goal.  The more dirt I can pack behind it the safer it will be.  While I really enjoy shooting, safety is first and foremost.

Enjoy the video.  The best part being the very end where I lay down the law to an unruly flying frying pan via 17 rounds of 9mm!

Last minute decision...

This past Sunday afternoon, halfway through my work day, I decided to ask my son Nick if he'd like to take a quick trip to camp with me?  He agreed.  It was a spur of the moment decision.  I hadn't even packed the car or had a list prepared to know what to pack for that matter.  I'm happy to say that in spite of this prime example of lack of preparation on my part, that the car was loaded and we were on our way by 6pm.   The 30 minutes of loading was the quickest I had ever done and I was mildly surprised that I hadn't forgotten anything!

The big decision was where to eat.  I was thinking that we'd head straight past camp and hit the local pizza joint in town, but Nick was more inclined to eat at Applebee's.  He likes the dinner for 2 for $20.  Steak, mozzarella sticks, mixed veggies and fries was on his mind.  I ate the grilled chicken/shrimp combo which was inconsistently served as usual.  This time my meal was cold, last time the potato wedges were hard as rocks and overdone, the time before the shrimp was few and hard to locate...I guess I haven't learned, but I want to eat the meal that is in the menu photo SOOOO bad! One day I might even get it served to me?!

Anyway, we arrived at TC just as the sun set and the dim blue light of the moon was setting everything a glow.  The sky was clear with no clouds to be seen.  Funny, the weatherman predicted thunderstorms throughout the evening?  Setting up camp in the cold is so much more enjoyable than the alternative.  Within 15 minutes we had the bed made, the battery installed, the windows open, the fans running and blowing in the cool night air and the project supplies situated around camp so that my early start the next morning would go smoothly and quicker.  I made a trek over to the shed and while opening the roll door was startled by the noises coming from the ferns and brush just off the lower part of the ramp.  I trained my light in that direction and watched a huge rabbit bounce off into the darkness.  PHEW!  Much better than watching a bear or coyote approaching!

Nick and I fell asleep around midnight and I was up around 7AM to install our new camp flag, the shower's water delivery system, cut the grass and put two jack stands on the underside end of the camper.  This didn't take long and before we knew it everything was packed into the Xb, camper was closed and locked and Nick and I were at breakfast.  We made it home by 2:30PM.  I enjoyed hanging out with my little buddy and having company on this quick trip.  Camp is now ready for this holiday weekend, fun and the festivities!

Shower Water Delivery System: It works!

RL Flowmaster Head/Valve Assembly

Bell Foot Pump

Well, I finally figured out the water delivery system for our camp shower.  It involved a patchwork of many different research finds, but in the end...it works and works well!


I'll begin at one end and work my way to the other. (note:  this will be followed up with a detailed video soon)

I found, by digging through a few Australian Outback camping forums, that people spoke quite highly of the RL Flowmaster shower head attachment for the watering sprayers found at most big box stores.  I found that this particular spray head is no longer made and sold on the retail level and available only as a part.  Flowmaster is located in Michigan so the shipping was cheap and fast (so were the parts).  I ordered (2) Flowmaster shower heads and (2) valve/grip handles with thumb control lever.  Total cost was under $20 for everything.  From there I purchased a 20' length of 1/2" X 3/8" clear tubing, a bag of hose clamps and a double ended barbed brass fitting. I sized the clear hose so that it would fit into the compression fittings of the sprayer valve handle.  On the opposite end of the spray wand's fitting, I inserted the brass barbed fitting into the tubing and clamped it tightly with a hose clamp.

Metal Schrader Valve

On the other end of the barbed fitting, I cut the nossel back on the extinguisher and clamped it tightly.  Now we've got the complete line from fire extinguisher to spray nozzle.  To fill the tank, the top of the extinguisher is removed via a large nut and threaded neck.  Once 75% filled, we've got to figure out how to push the water from the tank, through the hose and out the shower head.  Thankfully, the tank that Jim provided had a schrader valve attached to it.  This permits the use of pneumatics to pressurize the tank and motivate the water forward.

Double Ended Brass Barbed Fitting

I found a Bell oversized foot pump on sale at Ollie's for under $10 and connected it to the neck of the extinguisher (AKA:  the water tank).  Once the foot pump reads 30 psi (about 20-30 pumps) the water will flow for about 3.5 minutes.  After this duration of time, the flow becomes slowed where another 20 pumps will deliver enough pressure to evacuate the tank of all remaining water.  Total flow equals about 6 minutes of constant water pressure at 2.5 (approximate) gallons and more than enough time if you are diligent with using the on/off toggle to conserve water during soap ups and rinse offs.   The only hangup in the entire system was the short tube of the foot pump.  It wasn't even long enough to make the connection to the top of the extinguisher while placed on the ground next to it.  Another trip to Lowe's where I purchased a 8' length of reinforced fuel tubing so that the foot pump can be placed inside the corner of the shower stall and the tank can be set outside and refilled if needed without disturbing the occupants.  Now that the guts of the system is finished, I brainstormed and devised a plan to construct a bracket that would hold the shower wand, but still allow someone to remove it and rinse off by hand if needed.  Sure you can purchase these brackets, but they're around $10 and made for specific brands.  I knew I could do it cheaper and have it custom fit to the shower wand handle.  Using a 45 degree angled 1.25" diameter PVC conduit elbow and an angle grinder to slice a notch, it all came together nicely.  I also used a few lengths of PVC pipe cut up and notched to hold the hose to the pressure treated board and keep it tidy.  All that is left is to bring it to camp and put a few screws through the board that'll hold it overhead!

Sorry for the suspense!  I'll try to get some shots of the setup here soon!

Leonid's Meteor Shower Display: Rating A++

     Sunday evening's meteor shower was one of the best displays of shooting stars that I have ever witnessed. Rightfully so as the peak occurred this weekend by Earth carving a path through tons of debris left in the wake of comet Tempel-Tuttle. The extremely vivid streaks of light and glitter were made incredibly clear by the late rising of a waning moon. Very little light pollution made for the darkest of skies.

     Jennifer, Carly and I (and later Nick) prepared our observation area of blankets, sleeping bags and pillows on the deck and enjoyed nature's fireworks display for several hours only to be ushered into our camper by the ever closing wales of the resident pack of coyotes. I have a feeling that soon something permanent will need to be done about these scavenger/predators. They are designated as "shoot on sight" /license and hunting season exempt which pretty much states how low on the totem pole their regarded. I find it amazing how just a couple weeks can turn the temperatures (both day and night) in the direction of comfort. I'll take low 80's/mid 50's versus July's heat any day!

     Beyond the coyotes, other wildlife active in the area that I was able to catch a glimpse of during my early morning walk was deer, turkey, hawks, and osprey. We've got a blue heron and/or crane that visits the property as well on occasion. Reports of our roaming big bear were heard although no first hand accounts were witnessed by our family (thankfully).
   
     The weather on Monday was awesome! The family and took a trip down to Cooksburg and along the Clarion River. I tried to do some fishing, but sadly the spot we chose was also used by the canoe livery. Passing novice canoers where a constant annoyance and hindered any smallmouth success. The new foam sleeping pad was cut down to size and works wonderfully at providing enough room for four of us to sleep beside one another, but it also does a great job and blocking access and egress from the lavatory in the rear of the camper. So, it'll need to be stowed during the day. I found that sleeping in the converted dinette alone is a little nicer for me because I'm close to the fan, close to the door and it gives me some restless rolling room.

     The next time we're up, which may not be to the holiday weekend, I'm going to have to run the mower. I had thought about taking care of it on Monday, but the grass wasn't quite long enough to justify the work. The area has been getting a good dose of periodic rain and the seed that hadn't sprouted before is really starting to fill in the bare spots on the lower level. It won't be long until that area is nice and green. I can't wait until we have a little less bright clay-tan to look at!

     The only real work that I completed was rearranging some of the hooks in the new shower area and installing a couple shelves within the corner. Now we have ample area to stow our shampoo, soaps, razors, etc... And, although it appears I went a little crazy on the hooks, they all seem to get used when changing before and after showering. I'm happy with the setup. The final detail to finish up is the actual delivery of water and I've figured out how I'm planning on accomplishing it. A combination of many of the setups in last week's post will be used and I'll hold off on all the details and just let you see the finished product when I post the video of our next visit up to camp.

     During our return home, we discovered a public pool with diving boards and a huge slide that is open to non-residents for about the same cost as our local aquatic center at home. Come July, this 25 minute drive would be the perfect reprieve from the daytime heat and humidity. Jennifer and I are considering a membership for the family next year. Since we are beginning to spend so much time up there, this is one more piece in the puzzle of enjoyable activities that we can experience together as a family.

     Well, that's all for now!

Camp Shower House Completed & Installed!

Plenty of options for water delivery systems, but which one to choose?  Several commercially available models look like they would fit the bill, but then there is always the DIY versions that work just as well or better.  Here is a few that I'm considering.  I wish the decision was easier!

Duck Works Pump Shower

Then some very creative youtube videos make their way into the search results for camp showers:

The Gadsden Flag, The ACS and TC's Shower House

Floatman-  This post is in dedication of your excellent suggestion that we consider this flag for our camp.

  This post will begin with a historical education of the Gadsden Flag.  The Gadsden flag was adopted as an early symbol of true patriotism and the fight to establish and keep our free and democratic union.  Used by Americans and representative of their G_d given right and desire for life, liberty and justic!  Please note that if you hold CTRL & + the font size will increase and become more legible. (information courtesy of Chris Whitten's research and website)



Origins:  The Gadsden flag, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps

The seal from a 1778 $20 bill from Georgia. The financial backing for these bills was property seized from loyalists. The motto reads "Nemo me impune lacesset," i.e. "No one will provoke me with impunity."
By 1775, the snake symbol wasn't just being printed in newspapers. It was appearing all over the colonies: on uniform buttons, on paper money, and of course, on banners and flags.  The snake symbol morphed quite a bit during its rapid, widespread adoption. It wasn't cut up into pieces anymore. And it was usually shown as an American timber rattlesnake, not a generic serpent.  We don't know for certain where, when, or by whom the familiar coiled rattlesnake was first used with the warning "Don't Tread on Me."  We do know when it first entered the history books.  In the fall of 1775, the British were occupying Boston and the young Continental Army was holed up in Cambridge, woefully short on arms and ammunition. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Washington's troops had been so low on gunpowder that they were ordered "not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
In October, a merchant ship called The Black Prince returned to Philadelphia from a voyage to England. On board were private letters to the Second Continental Congress that informed them that the British government was sending two ships to America loaded with arms and gunpowder for the British troops.
Congress decided that General Washington needed those arms more than the British. A plan was hatched to capture the cargo ships. They authorized the creation of a Continental Navy, starting with four ships. The frigate that carried the information from England, the Black Prince, was one of the four. It was purchased, converted to a man-of-war, and renamed the Alfred.
To accompany the Navy on their first mission, Congress also authorized the mustering of five companies of Marines. The Alfred and its sailors and marines went on to achieve some of the most notable victories of the American Revolution. But that's not the story we're interested in here.
What's particularly interesting for us is that some of the Marines that enlisted that month in Philadelphia were carrying drums painted yellow, emblazoned with a fierce rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike, with thirteen rattles, and sporting the motto "Don't Tread on Me."


An American Guesser


In December 1775, "An American Guesser" anonymously wrote to the Pennsylvania Journal:

"I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, 'Don't tread on me.' As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America."

This anonymous writer, having "nothing to do with public affairs" and "in order to divert an idle hour," speculated on why a snake might be chosen as a symbol for America.
First, it occurred to him that 

"the Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America."

The rattlesnake also has sharp eyes, and 

"may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance." 

Furthermore,

"She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."

Finally,

"I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, 'till I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers. ..."'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living."

Many scholars now agree that this "American Guesser" was Benjamin Franklin.  Franklin is also known for opposing the use of an eagle — "a bird of bad moral character" — as a national symbol.

Christopher Gadsden & Esek Hopkins

Although Benjamin Franklin helped create the American rattlesnake symbol, his name isn't generally attached to the rattlesnake flag. The yellow "don't tread on me" standard is usually called a Gadsden flag, for Colonel Christopher Gadsden, or less commonly, a Hopkins flag, for Commodore Esek Hopkins.These two individuals were mulling about Philadelphia at the same time, making important contributions to American history and the history of the rattlesnake flag.  Christopher Gadsden was an American patriot if ever there was one. He led Sons of Liberty in South Carolina starting in 1765, and was later made a colonel in the Continental Army. In 1775 he was in Philadelphia representing his home state in the Continental Congress. He was also one of three members of the Marine Committee who decided to outfit and man the Alfred and its sister ships.


Commodore Hopkins, portrait by C. Corbutt, 1776.  Gadsden and Congress chose a Rhode Island man, Esek Hopkins, as the commander-in-chief of the Navy. The flag that Hopkins used as his personal standard on the Alfred is the one we would now recognize. It's likely that John Paul Jones, as the first lieutenant on the Alfred, ran it up the gaff.  It's generally accepted that Hopkins' flag was presented to him by Christopher Gadsden, who felt it was especially important for the commodore to have a distinctive personal standard. Gadsden also presented a copy of this flag to his state legislature in Charleston. This is recorded in the South Carolina congressional journals:

"Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of the American navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "Don't Tread on Me!"

At this point you're probably wondering why I've posted this information...more on that later!  A few days ago, my home (as it was not addressed to me physically) received a notice from the U.S. Census Bureau that read:

Dear Resident: 

In a few days your household will receive a questionnaire in the mail for a very important national survey, the American Community Survey (ACS).  When it arrives, please fill it out and mail it back promptly.  The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this survey and chose your address, not you personally, as part of a randomly selected sample.
The ACS collects information about various topics like education, housing, and jobs.  Information from this survey is used by federal, state, local and tribal governments to meet the needs of communities across America.  For example, community leaders use this information to decide where schools, highways, hospitals, and other services are needed.  The survey also is used to develop programs to reduce traffic congestion, provide job training, and plan for health care needs for the elderly.
If you have access to the Internet and want to learn more about the ACS, please visit the Census Bureau's Web site:  www.census.gov/acs/ 

Thank you in advance for your help. 

Sincerely, 

Robert M. Groves
Director

You're probably thinking...this can't be all that bad.  It is just a census bureau survey right?!  Wrong!  Three days later, I receive the envelope (actually a packet due to pure bulk) that contains the survey and boldly noted on the outside is "YOUR RESPONSE IS REQUIRED BY LAW"  Now wait a minute, didn't we fill out the "required by law" census form back in 2010 to meet the requirements associated with enumeration and as an obligation of our civic duty?  Enumeration in this case means to be counted for tax purposes and House of Representative delegate and electoral vote districting.  You know, so the government knows how many US Citizens are present and accounted for (because of the associated $$$ in tax revenue) and when it is time for the big election every vote is tallied correctly.  Oh, no! This questionnaire is much more invasive and nefarious than the usual "Are you a US Citizen, over 18, registered voter, etc...)
How's this mode of interrogation hit you?

Name, sex, age, date of birth, and race, citizen status, place of birth...fair enough, not too bad right?

Let's continue:

What kind of building is your residence?
When was it built?
How many acres?
Agricultural sales in the past 12 months?
Is there a business on this property?
How many rooms?
How many are bedrooms?
Do you have hot and cold water, flush toilet, bathtub, shower, sink with faucet, stove, range, refrigerator, and telephone service? (NO, I'M NOT KIDDING HERE!)
How many vehicles are associated with this residence?
What fuel is used to heat this home?
What is the monthly cost of electricity, gas, water, sewer, oil, coal, kerosene, and wood?
Did anyone receive food stamps or a benefit card?
Does the residence have a monthly condo fee and how much?
Is the residence own by you, paid off and/or hold a mortgage?
What is the monthly rent?
Does the monthly rent include meals?
How much do you think it is worth if you chose to sell it today?
What are you annual property taxes?
What is the annual payment for fire, hazard and flood insurance?
If you have a mortgage, how much is the payment?
Does the monthly mortgage payment include taxes?
Does the monthly mortgage payment include insurance payments?
Do you have a second mortgage?
How much is your second mortgage balance?


So far this is about your residence.  Not that personal, although the mortgage questions and some of the others are completely and absurdly intrusive.  Would you tell your friends any of this information?  Why? Maybe because it is none of their business!  You think?!


Let's go on (no, we're not done yet!)...

Do you attend school or college?
What grade level?
What's your highest degree of school completed?
If you have a bachelor's degree, what was your major?
What is your ancestry or ethnic origin?
Do you speak a language other than English at home?
How well do you speak English?
Have you lived in this residence more than a year?
In not, where did you live a year ago and fill in complete address?
Do you have health insurance?
Are you deaf or hard of hearing?
Are you blind or have difficulty seeing?
Because of a physical, mental or emotional condition, does this person have difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
Because of a physical, mental or emotional condition, does this person have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting the doctor or shopping ?
Do you have difficulty walking or climbing stairs?
Do you have difficulty dressing or bathing?
What is your marital status?
Have you been married, widowed or divorced in the past year?
How many times have you been married?
In what year did you last get married?
Have you given birth to children (thank G_d they didn't say a goat) in past 12 months?
Do you have grandchildren under the age of 18 living in your residence?
Are you responsible for caring for the basic needs of your grandchildren living with you?
How long have you been responsible for these grandchildren?
Have you served in the military?
When did you serve?
Do you have a VA service connected disability rating?
What is the rating?
Last week, did you work for pay from a job?
Did you do any pay for work last week (even if it was for an hour)?
Where did you work, list address?
Is this location within a city or town?
How did you get to work last week?
How many people rode to work together last week from this residence?
What time did you leave for work? EXACT TIME 
How many minutes did it take to get to work?
Did you get laid off from work last week?
Were you temporarily absent from your job or business last week?
Have you been given notice that you would be recalled to work in the last six months or given a date?
In the last 4 weeks, have you been actively looking for work?
In the last week, could you have started work if offered a job or returned to work if been recalled?
When did the person last work, even for a few days?
During the past 12 months, did this person work 50 or more weeks?
How many weeks did this person work, even for a few hours, including paid vacation, paid sick leave, and military service?
How many hours did you work a week on average?
Describe your chief job activity?
What kind of industry is this?
What kind of work do you do?
What are you most important duties?
In the past 12 months, list your wages, commissions, bonuses, tips from all jobs $XXX,XXX.XX
List your self employed income $XXX,XXX.XX
List your interest, dividends, non rental, estates and trusts income....
Social security and railroad retirement income...
Supplemental Security income...
Welfare and public assistance income...
Retirement, survivor, disability pension income
What was your total monthly income in the past 12 months?

If you know me well enough, you know that as far as my "residence" is concerned...we won't be answering any of these questions as they represent a blatant disregard for our constitutional rights (specifically the fourth amendment).  I've enclosed the following letter along with the blank intrusion into my private affairs and home, i.e. the "survey":

To Whom It May Concern- 

     Pursuant to Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Constitution, the only information you are empowered to request is the total number of occupants at this address.   My “name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, telephone number, relationship, mortgage balance, income and housing tenure” has absolutely nothing to do with apportioning direct taxes or determining the number of representatives in the House of Representatives. Therefore, neither Congress nor the Census Bureau have the constitutional authority to make that information request a component of the enumeration outlined in Article I, Section 2, Clause 3.  In addition, I cannot be subject to a fine for basing my conduct on the Constitution because this document trumps laws passed by Congress.

Interstate Commerce Commission v. Brimson, 154 U.S. 447, 479 (May 26, 1894) “Neither branch of the legislative department [House of Representatives or Senate], still less any merely administrative body [such as the Census Bureau], established by congress, possesses, or can be invested with, a general power of making inquiry into the private affairs of the citizen. Kilbourn v. Thompson, 103 U.S. 168, 190.  Stated in Boyd v. U.S., 116 U. S. 616, 630, 6 Sup. Ct. 524, ―and it cannot be too often repeated, ―that the principles that embody the essence of constitutional liberty and security forbid all invasions on the part of government and it’s employees of the sanctity of a man’s home and the privacies of his life.  As said by Mr. Justice Field in Re Pacific Ry. Commission, 32 Fed. 241, 250, ‘of all the rights of the citizen, few are of greater importance or more essential to his peace and happiness than the right of personal security, and that involves, not merely protection of his person from assault, but exemption of his private affairs, books, and papers from inspection and scrutiny of others.  Without the enjoyment of this right, all others would lose half their value.’” 

Note: This United States Supreme Court case has never been overturned. 

Respectfully,
A Citizen of the United States of America

Did anything stand out in the above letter?  Specifically, did you question the wording in the statement:

"In addition, I cannot be subject to a fine for basing my conduct on the Constitution because this document trumps laws passed by Congress.

Yes, the survey comes complete with a threat of fines (up to $5000) and imprisonment.  Although it is my understanding that neither have been enforced on anyone for noncompliance.  I also included the following copy of the fourth amendment for the examiner's review:

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

   After performing some additional internet research, I located a training manual and a report to the General Accounting Office complete with statistical information regarding how wording effects response rate and successful survey return.  In them I found how the harassment will begin and end:

day 1- Postcard or mailer announcing the survey's impending arrival
3 days later - survey arrives
3 days later - a reminder to fill it out
30 days later - second survey copy arrives

Noncompliance:
Repeated phone calls, both automated and by live representatives
Up to a dozen field officer visits to residence
6 months out = registered as "refusal to answer"

So, it looks like we have a rough road ahead.  I will detail this adventure for your amusement at my expense and will pray that I'm one of the few that aren't chosen for further harassment (only an average of 21% are selected for a physical follow-up visit).  You might be thinking, what are my chances that I'll receive this 21 page survey and be forced into a similar situation?  Roughly 2% of the population will receive it annually (that's 6,260,000 people a year) and it occurs randomly.  Although I found it stated somewhere that no person would receive it twice within a 5 year period of time.  This certainly begs the question, "How can it be random if your residence is promised not to receive it twice?"   So the chances are moderate that either you or someone you know (that would be me) will receive it sometime between the legal census that occurs every 10 years!

I guess you can likely figure out how I'm attempting to tie two arrivals into an ironic coincidence?  The day that the Gadsden Flag arrives to my home is the same day that I receive the ACS!  Two fine examples representing the ideals that should be and the ideals that regrettably are...

Enjoy the video as it details work on the shower house (almost complete) before the journey and reassembly at camp (sometime soon).  The follow up video, or part II, will include completion of the shower and erection (yes, I typed erection!) of the flag pole that will support our American pride through display of the flag that you now know all about.  Take care and be safe out there; it is a mad world my friends!

JULY IS HOT!

     The beginning of July was the start of a week of vacation and many of those days were spent enjoying camp.  Just before my time off ended, three families converged and spent several days in a row cooking at camp.  Yes, we cooked food, but the reference was a literal one to the fact that we "cooked" at camp!  With the days being so hot and muggy, naturally we were destined to relocate off the top of our mountain and into the cooler air and waters of the valley below.  Everyone who was brave enough to dip into the spring fed water of the city center's creek was treated to a complete and instant drop in body temperature.  You know that feeling when it is so hot outside that you wish for a cool pool to jump into, but it is almost painful to finally take the plunge?  Once we transitioned past the horrible shock of just how hot we were and how cold the water was, it actually was quite enjoyable!  That initial shock was something else though!  


     The kids and I discovered a new activity beyond catching crayfish, tossing the football, chasing minnows, wrestling, throwing rocks at buoys and marveling at all the dragon flies.  Nick and I noticed a group congregating under a nearby bridge upstream from the beach.  They were having a lot of fun riding the current down a chute carved into the rapids of some fairly shallow water.  Once we got the hang of how to position our bodies and arms so as to not grind over the gravel and bump the rocks, cruising the funneled stream of water and gliding at a rapid pace for a fifty foot stretch was really fun.  The concrete archway of the bridge above also forced the acceleration of what little breeze we had and did an excellent job of keeping us quite cool.   At the end of the "water slide" the depth transitioned to who knows how deep.  I tried a couple times to descend down and test the depth.  The water surface cleared the end of my fingertips on outstretched arms without my toes hitting bottom.  To be honest, I didn't really have the courage to try to really dive deep.  The temperature change and murkiness was too spooky for me!


     Back at camp, as is always the case, we ate like Kings & Queens.  Although it remained quite hot until late into the evening,  I manned the helm of the new BBQ grill.  Which, by the way, cooks extremely well...or was that because we started at nearly 100 degrees without the propane on?!  In any case, we ate and drank to our hearts were filled with content.   The spread that Jennifer packed and prepared will continue to go unmatched for eternity!  Much of the food and left overs stayed fresh because of the use of my neighbor's fridge.  A G_d-send considering the environment!  Floatman provided bags of jello shots which made a half dozen rounds and yet supplies still weren't exhausted.  Some of us partied to the point of passing out, but I don't really remember who the guilty person(s) were at this point!


     Everything about the 3 day camp out was great and flew by too fast.  If we could have been spared from the excessive heat, it would have been perfect!

     Fast forward to the following weekend, this past weekend, and we're packed and ready to spend Sunday, Monday and part of Tuesday as a family this time at camp.  Sunday evening was spent star gazing and what a treat we were blessed to behold.  Jen and I witnessed many shooting stars, some were surprising long and bright streaks across the midnight sky.  Tired from the drive and setting up camp, I was content on relaxing by the fire.  That is until the flashes in the sky and rumblings across the next ridge over began.  In the distance we began to hear the faint sound of wind rustling leaves, however...it was actually the sound of rain pouring down upon the forest vegetation.  We scrambled to store the folding chairs into the shed to keep them dry.  We had made it into the camper just in time because as we closed the door behind us, it rained something fierce.  The droplets fell so hard that you couldn't make them out anymore, it just sound like water pouring across camp and it was LOUD!  When we awoke the next day, there was a little puddling here and there, but for the most part with the property being so dry to begin with...the flood was sucked up and gone!  


     Monday was a beautiful day, again spent at the local beach and at night, when it was cooler, at camp.  I busied myself with a new project and readied the area closest to the downhill side of the shed for the eventual construction of trout camp's shower house / restroom facility.   The video I've included will show you the how, what and where.  Keep in mind, because I didn't make mention, that the elevated base of the shower will be quite a bit larger than the square piece of OSB that is included in the footage I shot.    Monday night, Jen turned in at 12:30AM and I headed over to my neighbor's campfire.  Let's just say, we burned a lot of wood, emptied a case of beer between the four of us and my head didn't hit the pillow in our camper until 4AM!  This made getting up and retrieving a water sample on a new spring by 9AM almost impossible.  I guess we'll find out next time whether the water is good enough to drink or not!?  Tuesday turned out to be unbearably hot by 11am and it was scheduled to get even hotter by mid day.  Instead of sticking around, we headed into town to grab a bite to eat and then zoomed home so that we could hit our city pool in the evening.  


     Overall, we had a great time.  The family is beginning to realize what jobs work for who and thus the burden of setting up and breaking down camp has been greatly reduced.  We've got it reduced to a little over and hour and I'm sure as time goes by it'll only get quicker.  


     I'm hoping the next couple posts will detail the construction of the shower house.  I'm also hoping to get in some footage of some excursions to scenic areas in the area.  It is tough though because I never want to hold the camera and film when I could be enjoying the moment and be involved with the activity happening on the other side of the lens...

Almost Turn-Key Camping Now!

My, my how TC is evolving!  Looking back to just two years ago really shows the impact of the changes that have occurred.  I'm finally nearing the end of the major construction phase.  With the medium to small things that I've improved within the camper and around the property, I'm really beginning to feel the reality of having a nice place to drive to, open up and relax.  It feels really good to be able to prep it for camping within an hour and if I so desire (infrequent, I'll admit) sit back and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.  Granted, it isn't so "quiet" all the time with the crows, owls, Nick running around screaming, occasional shot gun blasts in the distance, etc, but it is so much better than the city noises of the concrete jungle that is currently home for us.

Enjoy the video!

Dj

Two days @ camp...

The drop down list of chores completed:

• Installed / tested the super bright LED lighting in the camper
• Copied the camper keys (a set for Floatman)
• Camper awning mocked up and ready to be permanently installed
• Nailed T1-11 to stud framing 
• Installed (2) windows into the 1st floor of the "Shed Mahal"
• Caulked seams and gaps in the exterior of the shed
• Third coat of paint applied to the exterior of the shed
• Installed inside locking slide latch on roll door
• Shop vac'ed entire shed
• Purchased PA's "sportsman" CC permit
• Delivered a water sample of a newly found spring for quality testing

I did a little math after filming and figured I would share the results.

The super bright LEDs in "warm white" that I purchased from Super Bright LED consume only 15mAh. Running (4) of these would virtually allow 27 days of light on a standard car battery.  With the group 29M Marine/RV deep cycle battery that I've purchased the reserve power is about 4 times that of a 40AH car battery! Eventually, I'll get around to wiring several of these in the loft, first floor and maybe even one to the exterior above the roll door of the Shed Mahal.  To truly appreciate how little energy these use, the 4 fixtures of fluorescent lights consume a total of 5 amps!  Hogs in comparison!  

I'm heading back out this weekend to do a few more things:

• Expand the firepit brick patio area
• Smooth the pathway to the ramp entrance of the shed
• Remove the stump tripping hazard near the steps of the shed
• Install 12v cigarette outlets
• Staple screen to inside of the new shed window
• Weed wack
• Delivery BBQ grill

Enjoy the video!

The Banner Camper is @ Trout Camp!

A huge thanks to my cousin Dave for his mechanical aptitude, patience and generosity in dealing with the pitfalls of what should have been an easy haul of the Banner Camper.  The 3 hour drive ended up being 8.5.  Sitting around the fire, sipping a brewsky and admiring stars at camp was nothing but wishful thinking...next time Dave!

The camper is now safe, sound and level sitting exactly where we had prepared so many months ago.  5 out of the 7 days of my vacation were spent at Trout Camp.  In the span of time, Jim and I caught fish, Carly and I took a hike, the neighbors and I shared some laughs and beers around several camp's fires, the family and I watched a movie, blah blah blah...it was a great vacation spent with friends and family.

The movie above is likely the worst of all that I've posted thus far.   I apologize a head of time that I threw it together and rendered it quickly!  I'm sure there are bits and pieces that you'll enjoy though!

So, what's on the docket for the next outing.  There are a few things (work related) that need to be done and that are on my mind.

• 1.  Nail the T1-11 to the studs
• 2.  Caulk and repaint the shed
• 3.  Awning for the camper
• 4.  Level the entrance path for the lawn mower to the ramp of the shed
• 5.  Lay down a brick patio near the camper
• 6.  Extend/Enlarge the fire pit brick patio

Yes, I'm afraid...there's a few chores that I've created and need to be done, but aren't there always?!