The Native Iowan

September 2023 has shown itself to be quite a month. A month on steroids even… have gotten soooo muchhh done in the past couple weeks.

And its all good, except, that is, the bone tired weariness that comes from long days, lots of miles, a lot getting completed… well, maybe not completed, 100%… completion is an on going, never ending sorta gig…

I am very glad I have extensive experience surviving off of tank-water. Of course, the Solomons taught well how to live with limited water, how to ration and get things done on limited water, how to wash, launder, clean, scrub, hydrate and maintain life under limited water. Its not that easy. Flushing toilets, showers, doing dishes and laundry all change as one runs short of water.

For over the last 18-20 months water has not been a problem, unless its been too much water… below are picts from 18-20 months ago… as the little stream became a rushing river. As we saw over 3meters of rain in less than 6months…

The cleanup in aisle 3 has taken a long, long time. No where near even started cleaning up all the tangled and twisted and rusted barbwire and steel posts that are strewn about, in the back. I may have about 10% of the mess cleaned up. And that is all out front, around the house and outbuildings, along the 1/2km long drive. The back 100acres are still neglected, waiting, pending.

Its been a big job. It remains a big job.

As I gain in wisdom, knowledge and AGE, I begin to have insights into the entire gig of “getting old”… 1) stay fit and healthy. The more physicality I can put into my projects the more I can accomplish, complete, get done. Noting my strength and stamina is not what it once was. 2) Avoid injuries at all costs! Be smart, work smart, lift and tote smart. Knee braces, ankle supports, a tight belt are all important for keeping upright, mobil, and uninjured. 3) Use what ever tech possible to get a job done. Meaning that lifting. moving, shifting, relocating anything, ANYTHING, is easier and healthier with mechanical assistance. I use a big tractor and a small tractor (each with a bucket) to move most things. I use the 8ton excavator to dig, shift, lift. My back may be sore but its not injured, inflamed.

So, an old fart in a little valley with a couple big machines…. I’m like a kid in a sandbox…

Life is good.

More later