Lightning and Fire update

Just got word that it was our place that lightning struck and caught fire. Many thanks to Bob and crew for getting it out.

When there's Lightning

Got word that there was a fire up our way, perhaps even on our place. YIKES!

"Two trees were struck by lightning and smoldered all night. In the morning when things dried out a bit and it got warmer, it took off. A couple who live miles away on a hill saw smoke, called me and asked me to check it out. They have a great view of the valley and are responsable for spotting quite a number of fires. It was a small fire, but had the potential to take out quite a bit of property. As it was, the fire came to within about 50 feet of the cabin."

Another neighbor said he'd drive up and take a look.

The "Work" part of our trip

Insulated the Loft Floor

Then added The Pine Soffit

Cut in new Window

New Window Added

Insulated and Sheathed. The sheathing will be covered with finish materials - T&G Pine on the lid, Doug Fir Base, Case, Wainscot and Panels.
More insulation - Un-Fun

The interior loft soffit

More Siding

A look into the loft

Exterior View of the New Window

The color scheme

July Visit

We just got back from our July visit - 9 wonderful days. We did get some work done. I'll share a few pictures of my helpers and post more when I get them uploaded.

Nothing beats a good mid-day nap!
Except a Milkshake on a hot day!!!
And then another nap in the dirt!
Labradors and Ducks...
The mother brought the ducklings right up to shore where the dogs were swimming. I'm not sure she understands that she's not in a Disney movie - there are some critters ducks should avoid. An Eagle has been nabbing one of the ducklings every day - it looks like there is less than a week's worth left. I don't think she'll win 'mother of the year' for 2009...

More Mooses

A neighbor up the road a piece spotted a Cow Moose with two calves and got some pictures.

Where's momma?
Oh, there she is.

A Year Ago

Across the Meadow - July 2008

It was a year ago this month we submitted our plans for the building permit. The county was helpful, guiding us through the hoops and taking our money. They approved the permit quickly and it wasn't long after that we started construction.

Thus far the experience has been a good one. Our structure is weather-tight and greatly improves the comfort and usefulness of the property. There is still plenty yet to accomplish and it is our hope that this month we'll make more progress.

July is a good month for wildflowers and berries. It was the month last year that the Cougar showed up and began thinning out the herd - killing at least three Deer on the property. The grass was still mostly green and the weather warm. The local free range cattle should start showing up too - they can be a nuisance but do a good job with the mowing and fertilizing.

June 2009 - visit

Anytime at the Yonderosa is a blessing, even a short visit. We arrived Friday night and we were greeted by a thunderstorm complete with HEAVY rain, and lightning strikes all around us. It delayed our unpacking but the show was quite spectacular from the shelter of the porch.


Moose visit - Repost, see previous entry


The nearby State Land is being logged. The Forester I spoke with said they are almost giving the logs away. Because of mill closures these logs had to be hauled to mill over 3 hours away.


Over Memorial day weekend a visitor left a campfire burning that ignited several spots on the 20 acre parcel NEXT to us! WAY too close for comfort!


The wild strawberries were just starting to get ripe. Pea sized but SWEET!


The Temperatures reached the mid to upper 80's so Kirby found a way to stay cool.


Yarrow prefers napping in the new Shower/Kybo room...


Finally photographic evidence that Bigfoot exists. See him up there on the mountainside right next to the tree?

Happy Labs are wet Labs.

Of Moose and Men

Just got back from the Yonderosa. As usual, too tired to post much now but want to share a few teasers to get you to come back for another visit.


So there we are sitting on the porch, enjoying a glass of wine, talking about how good life is when "Hello there.... we have a Moose." says my lovely wife.

I grab the camera I have at the ready for just such an occasion - I really wish I had Mona level skills for this encounter - and I fire off a shot through the rail hoping to capture a picture of the Moose.

The Moose was good enough to stand there for a while and allow me a few more shots. Had I been less bumbling and more patient he might have ambled right up to the cabin for a proper portrait...


Our neighbors thought he bore a striking resemblance to another moose they knew named Gus and perhaps he was Gus Jr. Whoever he is we're glad "Guswinkle" visited the Yonderosa and posed for a few pictures.