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!! SEPP to Boot: Stephen's Experience (BEL)

 
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BRK #139

I hope everyone has enjoyed their Friday. Today was a good day.

Spent the afternoon plowing up at the Lab, gearing up for a series of single-digit degree F days. Although it's undeniably, hazardously cold out there, it's beautiful.

Here's a photo of the landscape today. I tested my "panoramic" feature on my camera for the first time today, and so far, so good. This is my view from the pilot's seat of the tractor on the road through Ant Village.



Should you be interested in a full-size version of this photo, click here to have a look..

Here's a view as I was walking down the driveway to the Classroom this morning.



There's been a cycle of snow, melt, snow, melt, freeze, melt, etc etc happening. This double-tier of tilted icicles along the roof-line of the Classroom/Workshop is a result.



Back inside, we kept things toasty-warm and comfortable in the Workshop. Daniel and SEPPer Julia were working in there this afternoon, and I left them some instructions for while I was away plowing at the Lab. This is a first draft, but I'm thinking of redoing these illustrations and instructions when I have more than 8 minutes to spare, so I can save them as a reference for the future.



Finally: after I plowed the Lab and then thawed-out in the Workshop, I built a storage box on my own for tools in there, all from scrap wood. For now it's unused, but I'm sure that by the time Monday rolls around I'll have an idea of what might be stored in there.



Two final, brief notes:
- I've since ordered a replacement tent pole. It's shipping from Belgium so there's really no telling when it will arrive.
- Thanks to Jeff and Paul for excellent dinner conversation this evening.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading, and make the most of your weekend...!
 
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Thank you Stephen for your post. It was very informative and inspirational...If I were 40 years younger and single, I'd be hopping this first bus out to Missoula. It sounds like the kind of lifestyle I could easily embrace...Best wishes for continued progress.
 
Stephen B. Thomas
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John Duffy wrote:Thank you Stephen for your post. It was very informative and inspirational...If I were 40 years younger and single, I'd be hopping this first bus out to Missoula. It sounds like the kind of lifestyle I could easily embrace...Best wishes for continued progress.


I appreciate that someone's reading these, and letting me know...!

And hey, I started here when I was 45, so don't rule it out. Bring your other half and stay in the Red Cabin as SEPPers for a spell.
 
John Duffy
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(If there was an award for how many times one can swing a Maul without actually splitting the wood, I would be world champion!)
Splitting wood  is challenging! "Practice makes perfect." A couple suggestions you might find useful are...
1. Stand far enough away from the wood so that when you swing the maul/axe you don't over-shoot the wood and break the handle (which feels like a bee sting) and makes you swear.
2. Like batting practice..."keep your eye on the ball"  Look at where you want to hit the bugger and don't blink!
3. Split with the skinnier end up and look for where the knots are...try to split along the knots and don't try to muscle though them. You'll wear yourself out.
4. If you have a piece that is just hateful, it'll still burn in round form...don't be a superhero...It aint worth the pain
 
John Duffy
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I appreciate that someone's reading these, and letting me know...!

Oh yes, Stephen. They are not only read but, greatly appreciated as well. Please keep us all updated with your journey...Keep your tools sharp and fingers outta the way;
 
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