Today ...

[JohnH]

JohnL what was the cost of the dura rubber?

I’d like to finish out a 20x8.5 (or 20x10, if I get ambitious) space for a loft / “tiny house” in the back of a barn/shop. I was originally planning to either do a raised floor or just put big rugs down and tile in the bathroom. A raised floor has a lot of issues associated with it.

[JohnL]

JohnL what was the cost of the dura rubber?

I’d like to finish out a 20x8.5 (or 20x10, if I get ambitious) space for a loft / “tiny house” in the back of a barn/shop. I was originally planning to either do a raised floor or just put big rugs down and tile in the bathroom. A raised floor has a lot of issues associated with it.

I hired a local guy who does it professionally. That added to the cost but I hadn’t done a project like that before. The DuraRubber alone came to over $700. We have a whole house basement that’s 48x30 and I told him to do the whole thing plus run it up the concrete wall about 10”. There’s a black base coat and the separate color coat if you want it goes on top. With labor, muriatic acid treatment, fabric tape to cover the cracks it was $1482. I’m told I got a deal by my buddy who lives in CA but everything is expensive in CA. I know I couldn’t have done it cheaper because I’d have messed it up.

[JohnH]

That’s a dollar a square foot. That’s a great deal for flooring!

[JohnL]

That’s a dollar a square foot. That’s a great deal for flooring!

I hadn’t thought of it like that but you’re right!

[JohnL]

The last of our overnight holiday guests went home this morning. Aunt Tilly and Uncle George were the oldest and the new grandbaby was the youngest. Aunt Tilly and Uncle George got our bedroom while the 3 other bedrooms were separated into the all girls all boys setup. I slept in our basement with 3 of our sons. All told we had 12 overnighters and on Christmas Eve a few of the neighbors came over for chili and smoked ham. Everyone brought a side dish to help out and we did some hymn singing. One of our sons played the guitar and helped us through it. I only play the spoons. We're tired but it was a good time.

[Robert]

few of the neighbors came over for chili and smoked ham.

If I would have known, I may have made the trip!!

[Szdfan]

We’ve had an outbreak of “Christmas flu.” I was sick with something right before the holiday, but don’t show any symptoms yet of this next onslaught. How is everyone else?

[JohnL]

few of the neighbors came over for chili and smoked ham.

If I would have known, I may have made the trip!!

You would be welcome. Just bring extra tortilla chips. I'll warn you though our chili has no beans and plenty of "heat".

We’ve had an outbreak of “Christmas flu.” I was sick with something right before the holiday, but don’t show any symptoms yet of this next onslaught. How is everyone else?

Prayers for y'all to get well. I noticed that the less I eat in restaurants the less I get sick. Christmas shopping usually means plenty of fast food and that's usually how I get sick.

[temporal1]

2016:

Making lunch and my wife calls from the living room to look out the window. 2 bald eagles circling and diving at the river? Again. Splashes but they didn't touch the water...? Again... Oh, I see a duck! One eagle would come in and attack while the duck would dive under water to safety as the second eagle timed the duck coming up to try his turn at grabbing the duck. Again they circle and dive taking turns of who tries first with the second trailing behind to time the duck coming up. Again. And again. And then the eagles fly off to rest in the tree on the other side of the river.

The children almost enjoyed that as much as me.

You must have an interesting place to live.

2023:

Just saw a large adult bald eagle fly by my window, white tail+head feathers gleaming in the morning sunlight.
An uncommon sight here.

He appeared distressed, but i saw no other activity in the sky or on the ground.
i wonder what he was up to this morning.

2024:
Just saw the now-resident eagle spiral lazily outside my window, it’s not sunny, still, his white feathers are evident.
He perched on usual light pole he chooses, to survey the area. He’s at ease here now.

He would be missed if he didn’t appear.

When i was very young i didn’t know if i’d ever see an eagle in the wild. It seemed unlikely.
My granddaughter in WA sees them frequently. She’s an enthusiastic nature lover. All creatures great+small.

[temporal1]

.. He perched on usual light pole he chooses, ..

sigh. the electric light pole.
not the prettiest or most romantic spot for a grand bird to perch, but, it serves him.
it’s strong enough to hold him! it gives him 360 views. potential prey around. he’s pretty safe there. i presume his nest isn’t far.

i wish it were more dignified for him. i’m glad it’s so easily in my view. i’m glad he’s there.
life on the flat prairie. for him and me.



i’ve wondered if a nesting platform would be possible.