Gotta be done

Fearing encroaching ice dams, our daughter Melissa spent the afternoon clearing her rooftops of snow. Many snowfalls portend danger to vulnerable roofs. She's had damage before. Twice armed. Meanwhile, Stan got light duty, helping his granddaughter sell Girl Scout cookies. Thin mint anyone?

We Finished the Wall!

It took just a week, and Hai got 'er done yesterday, completing the artwork for his sweetie's nail salon No. 2. I'm heading back to Minnesota Wednesday after a fun, productive visit using tools and ladders. Won't be as green there, I'm  told.

Meanwhile, an exotic fireplace and a water feature (earth, water, fire) goes in and before long the salon will open again for business, a one-of-a-kind in a crowded industry.

The earphones? They represent his other job, still troubleshooting the newspapers in Minnesota.

Larry Veeder

Stanley Rolfsrud, Age 9, by Larry Veeder

My cousin, Larry Veeder, died this week. He leaves a legacy of artwork and a fine family to grieve him. An obituary will follow. In the meantime, those who love him and remember him will want to type "Larry Veeder" in the search box above and read and see the mark he left on this simple blog, a good man who left much to be remembered.
I first got to know him when he was home from art school and sketched this portrait of me, age 9, seated on a stool in the Veeder farmhouse kitchen near Keene, North Dakota. His mother, my dear Aunt Agnes, hovered over him, so proud of this prodigy who would make a name for himself and a living for his family in the art world, from Red Wing, Minnesota to Arizona.

Please read about him by finding the small search box on this page.

Accumulation

An unscientific measurement shows we got dumped on here at Hotel California. The new fish tanks gathered water during the recent rains and show a nice collection of clean, soft water from the heavens.

Today's Project

We finished a frame on the artwork for Nail Salon No. 2. We'll paint it white, then fill it with a spectacular display of succulents. Stay tuned. Hai is getting the paint. It's about 30 feet long.

Big rain today

They say it never rains in Southern California. Well, I have a quiet stream nearby that turned Big Time in a day. Just as planned, it is staying in the area reserved for it with parks and natural area. They are collecting it in reservoirs now. Lord knows, they always seem to need it.

Seems it never rains in southern California
Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before
It never rains in California, but girl, don't they warn ya?
It pours, man, it pours

 Albert Hammond

That's my walking path these cranes are watching. Usually there's no water in sight.

When can we start breeding?

When can we start breeding? The Dang Fin Farm reached a turning point today with the installation of the tubs. But there is still a ways to go with an elaborate plumbing system for circulation, warmth and support of an eco-system that will use waste to stimulate hydroponic plant growth, both inside and outside the tanks. It's a long term project. No fish for now. It's a hobby for retired men, you know. It's this or making puppets.

Meet Mr. Herb Gardner

I built this herb garden for the chef at Hotel California this week. Treated 2x4s mainly. Weighs a ton. Should be earthquake proof.
The tubs have grates at their bottoms to allow moisture to pass.
Fill er up!