When we moved here, 20 plus years ago, we were initially attracted to this particular area by the quietude, the low population density, and the fact that the area was off the grid.

We’ve seen a few changes, but nothing earth shaking (one earthquake does not make for an earthshaking event) here. Jim died and new people moved into his place. Idiot Boy moved and new people moved into his place. Mike’s place (down the road) fell into the hands of relatives who moved out the trash and people movers and are building a new place. Yvonne, who lived on the corner of Sybarite and Samovar, deeded her place to family who abandoned their place and left it trashed out this fall. They also left a handful of rabbits who will be fruitful and multiply.

Becky's Train

Jim’s Road, which was once a trail, is now a road and ATVers are using it for trail access.

Dick and Lyska Snyder, who let us use land for a horse arena, are (I think) both dead.

The road has not been paved and power has not come in.

We have made the most property changes. We have three horses, two goats, three chickens, two dogs, several gardens, a small orchard, and a hoophouse.

This morning, we had hoophouse strawberries for breakfast. And later, I went and picked tomatoes from the same.

We went for a ride after breakfast, with Pete riding Tyra and me riding Raudi. It’s mid fall, so the horses are no longer being distracted by grass. The fireweed now has the texture and color of a very old person’s hair. The high bush cranberries are easy to reach when on a horse, so I have been grabbing and eating them as I ride.

I did a second ride on Hrimmi after our first outing.

Tyra has loose poop. I am worried. I hope that she’s okay.

After riding, I came inside and wrote an article for the People’s Paper. I am doing my best to raise the literary bar because they print anything and everything. My writing mentors, if they knew I would do this would roll over in their graves.

I wrote a Part II article, about my change in viewpoint, as this relates to the Alaska State Fair.

Pete put new fiberglass panels on the horse enclosure shelter, so I went and raked up the loose hay and leaves that were down below. I then (using the hand cart) took the debris up to the chicken coop, then after cleaning it, spread the contents of the full muck buckets in the coop area. Then, for a grande finale, I cleaned the outer goat pen.

My lower back felt stiff, but my hip did not seize up. I once again said to myself that if what I did today didn’t cause problems, then I am on the path to recovery. It does seem like a very slow, rock-strewn path. And as always, it is threatening to rain on me.

I concluded the day by writing a second article, about the Leap into Literacy event, for the same publication.

Next: 273. 10/7/24: The Speed of Light