Monday, like Saturday and Sunday, would begin without rain. I knew that wouldn’t last, so I while I showered and got myself in gear for the day, I considered what, if anything, I could do to make use of dry time.
I spotted two bags of combustibles sitting inside the front door and made my decision. Winds were light. Everything around my barrel was thoroughly saturated. One tightly packed burn would take care of it.
If that (pictured) looks irresponsible to you, if you think I should’ve taken time to clear vegetation and give the barrel a wider safety perimeter, please understand that this was as close as I’ll ever come to burning trash underwater. Trust me, there was no risk.
As the fire died down, the day’s first rain started to fall. Perfect.
I was introduced to Ozarkansas in the month of May, and the weather was pretty much like it is this year. Ticks were just as bad then, too.
I fell in love anyway.
There are only so many ways to say “damp and dreary.” As much as I enjoy my wetter wonderland — The Mountain saw three-and-a-half inches over three days — it’s hard to convey that in any interesting sort of way.
I guess I could talk politics instead, but I’m not in the mood. In years past I’ve said my piece about Memorial Day, and I don’t feel like repeating myself.
The cabin, other than insulation, is where I want it to be right now. The camper is 99% cleared out, now only in need of stem-to-stern cleaning. Since I’m intentionally letting volunteer plants go wild for one more growing season, there’s no real “groundskeeping” to do. Processing firewood won’t resume ’til later in the year.
So that leaves the rain, The Mountain, the dogs and me.
It never got out of the 50s yesterday. Honestly, it would’ve been a great day for a fire in the woodstove, but I just cleaned it out and don’t mean to light it again ’til fall. I plugged in two space heaters for the dogs’ sake. My elderly girl Scout was particularly grateful.
I did a load of laundry. I puttered some. For dinner, I had leftover red beans and rice.
Late in the afternoon, I stood outside and listened to the sound of rain on the leaves.
Being here always has felt right. Now — weather or not — it feels absolutely real.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable