Gas prices took a big jump the other day. The amount of the overnight increase was more than a whole gallon of regular cost when I was a kid in northeast Ohio — up 25 cents at most local pumps, a bit more at others. Because gasoline keeps the RV comfortable and (relatively) cool, we can’t manage the expense by driving less. It costs what it costs.
Ordinarily I try to fill all three of our five-gallon cans when I make the trip to Flippin, but this morning I took only two. I calculated that we’d be out by the end of today, and going into Saturday without a cushion didn’t feel right to me. At the typical rate of five gallons a day (less when temperatures moderate), now we’re good through Sunday, possibly into Monday morning.
For the record, I paid $3.279 for 87 octane at Murphy USA (Walmart).
Storms that visited last night had cleared by the time I rolled down The Mountain this morning. Trees and roadside vegetation were heavy from the rain, making the narrow road feel even narrower. Colors were deep, dark and rich.
I know I talk a lot about whitetail sightings while driving to and from our homesite — if you’re keeping score, today it was two fawns, four does and a young buck — but most of those six miles pass through pasture land, and I see a lot more livestock than I do wildlife.
Beef cattle are the most common — Angus (red as well as black), Hereford, Charolais and the odd hybrid. Every now and then I see a horse or two. On the north side of Crooked Creek, sheep and goats graze the hillsides. And I drive past several large turkey barns, which I usually smell before I see.
These are small farms, for the most part, typical of the region. They’re a big part of why I feel so comfortable here.
Deb and I passed in the doorway of the fifth-wheel when I got back. She was headed to Harrison to do some cleaning and general housekeeping before we put our beloved Ernie on the market. That, for the first time, leaves me by myself on The Mountain for a day.
Of course, I’m not truly alone. The dogs are here with me. Neighbors are around.
With cloudy skies today and temps in the upper 80s, the RV’s AC is able to do its job. I’ll refuel the generator early this afternoon, but other than that I mean to take full advantage of this cool, quiet day.
Duty will call again soon enough.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB