Time to Cowboy Up! And Start Digging In!

Been a few months of sweat and effort living in the "real world" again. I'm not wired for a "Town" job... and all that involves.

I've  been Working hard to collect the beans to carve out my bubble in the desert; where a man "Born out of Season", can live in a world he understands.

I am I think, a walking anachronism that frankly gets along poorly with modern ways and values. But, I keep saddling up and riding my circle and doing the best I am able.

Poetically if not in reality, what with Cora still stranded back in Missouri... I miss her terrible.

But, after a few months of gritting my teeth and leaning against the wind I finally got some dirt turned on the place I call Cochise.

Misunderstanding wrapped in silence and seasoned with impatience finally got overcome with stubbornness. 

Maybe my greatest fault is still occasionally useful.

I decided the energy was lacking for me to root out some DIY rawhide septic system myself. I did manage to wrangle a deal to get a "greywater" system pro installed. It will be complimented with a "composter" type "black" system. That will deal with, and minimize the use of precious water on the desert.

This septic is the State and county required key, demanded by the king. It unlocks the door behind which is held the permission to exercise the God given Right to build shelter. Meh... it is what it is. If it gets the man off my back and lets me pretend I'm actually "Free" I'll take it and run.

Because. In my heart. I -Am- Just a man. Free on the Earth.

And now, if I don't fumble and get it slammed in my face again... there is an open door... and an opening to saddle and Crack out!

A Good Start on a Resurrection

    The first sunrise is the morning I started work. The sunrise with the tree is the Texas panhandle the morning after the tornadoes. I'd already been back on the road nearly 3 hours... and my first view of a snowcapped peak told me I was getting closer to the Rockies!

     Been back on the desert 7 days now. Made the 1200 mile run from Missouri in two days. Ran 9 hours from a late start on day one, busting through heavy rain and dodging tornadoes to the east and the leavings of a snow storm to the northwest.

     Followed up with a 15 hour run through Ruidoso the next day, rig humming like a watch.

     Pushed hard so I'd have plenty of time to get settled in. Started work 3 mornings later.

     I do believe they were a little hesitant to hire an old buster. The've had and have some "old" fellas and were concerned that someone of my advanced years might have some issues with the tasks. Soooo....they've mostly had young boys doing the job....(and they lack much "repairing" knowledge)

     Fact is, they've had to follow around behind those youngsters, poking with a sharp stick to keep them moving!  😉

     Felt kinda good when I was told the Boss commented; "It's only 10 in the morning and he's already got everything done it takes the kids All Day to NOT complete!" ..."...and it's soooo nice to not have to follow him around to make sure it all got done!"

     I have to be careful. I think I came close to dislocating my shoulder... patting myself on the back!😆

     Feeling better already (physically) than I have in a long time... after enduring the last 3 years of... yeah... the stuff that shall not be spoken... 😎

     Now, it's just some patience for me while I catch my breath while my "financial condition" gains some strength and depth... at which point my days off from the day job will take on a Fine Sheen.

     My Granddaughter and her Mother are taking care of Cora for a while. Soon as I button up a few 'technicalities' I'll beg enough time to make a fairly fast circle to go get her and bring her Home 🏡 

     The good fortunes that have fell out of the sky on me over the last six months or better, after last winter's (21-22) difficulty, are truly Blessings that continue to stun me. My future looks brighter just now than I can honestly remember. Thanks to the Boss.

    Enough wind for now... Adios.

My neck is sore from... Watching Out For Meteors!

It seems to have started last September soon after my last post.

That big old truck I'd been struggling to rehab continually produced new challenges. Spell that; fresh challenges to my anemic income!

Then, though I wasn't looking, even if the doubts about the truck did invade my thinking here and there, an opportunity for a 2008 Chevy 3/4 popped up. 

Trouble was, as always, Dinero. The price was fair, but I only had half of the tariff left in my pocket. 

That's when the first Shiny good fortune fell out of the sky. Unbidden one close to me offered backing to collect the Chevy.

Now you need to understand; I have a long running history of ignoring opportunities that would be good for me. This time I swallowed that nonsense and accepted the offer. 

BOOM! I had a good and healthy Truck again! "Falling out of the Sky" Good Fortune #1!

Well, I put the old F600 up for sale in its 95% or so state of completion. We originally put a pie in the sky price on it. Figuring it can always be dropped. Which... ten days later we dropped it $1,000.

Well... Cue "Falling out of the sky" again!

A fella messaged "would I be interested in a trade for a trailer with some issues"? 

I replied "I'd sure consider it." Selling the F600 was to gain living quarters... soooo...

... The way I figure it this Trade, would give me significantly more than my original "pie in the Sky" asking price!

The issues were that somebody had pretty much gutted it. Ripped out the stove, refrigerator, dinette, all seating, the propane bottles, the thermostat and most of the vinyl flooring... and left it absolutely filthy inside...

BUT what remained is a 2018 two slide 30' or so Starcraft Camper... with a very clean outside.

Well BOOM! Title for title, I got my house! And all it will take is some elbow grease and not that many dollars to bring her up to speed!

Falling out of the Sky, good fortune #2!

Then, that same day, I heard of a maintenance guy job at a small store 45 miles or so from my Cochise county place.

"What the hell" I thought. "Can't hurt to apply." 

BOOM! I got the friggin' job! My wore out azz is goin' back to work moppin' floors, haulin' trash, fixin' roof leaks yadda yadda yadda...but it's BACK HOME in ARIZONA!! HOOYA!

But wait! It gets better! The job provides a FHU RV site! Including Propane! SCORE!

Basically free rent!

Bottom Line... my living expenses are already paid by my existing income. The full time job income will be free and clear to fund building up that Coshise spot!

Boom! Falling out of the Sky Good Fortune #3!!

But Good Fortune / Good Luck just Don't happen for me...

Which is why I'm now walking around looking up at the sky... expecting to see a meteor come screaming out of the Sky! 😆

Come early March, I'll be Home on the Arizona Desert! 

Which only goes to say; Never Quit. Never give up. Pick yourself up. Grit your teeth. Bow your head. And Ride in to the Wind... 'cause somewhere up ahead are sunny slopes... even for grumpy old bastards such as I!