It was pretty frustrating to have to shift into neutral on Monday afternoon when the telephones and DSL went capoot for a couple hours. I called the telephone company to lodge a report/complaint. They seemed pretty sure it was ME and had me go around unplugging my phones and checking in the house. Then the recommendation ramped up to going outside to check the box on the house. I finally figured out that I would have to use my handy dandy screw driver to get the cover off of the box outside. Cover off, I was definitely not going to think INSIDE this box! There was supposed to be a jack that I could plug a phone into. I called them back and said what does this jack look like? I can't see anything but stuff that looks like "KEEP YOUR BIG FINGERS OFF!" The lady was very understanding about... 05/23/2007

I need roots -- literally. Richard plans to build his dream home, but we know that will be delayed by the Straw Bale Project. But, I cannot continue to live as a temporary person. I have pets buried on these three acres and about 30 little trees that we've 'rescued' and potted. It is time to get a life!Fortunately, this week, the tree thing has been a team project. Richard has tried valiantly to get a sassafras thicket going, but only one has survived. And we put some native cedar juveniles into holes abandoned by other evergreens between us and the highway. Monday night, he took the tractor and dug 15 major holes (do not walk the dog over there after dark). Seven of them are the proud new location of redbuds, hawthornes, sassafras and maple babies. Their 'cribs' were immediately filled... 05/23/2007

I spotted this little box turtle in the grass the other morning, but thank goodness Duke didn't. The turtles look like rocks to him, then they walk away. They are snooty till he catches them, then they hiss at him, creating offense. The turtles and armadillos are migrating in their mobile homes this time of year and the highway traffic is really hard on them. Harder on them than Duke. I don't welcome armadillos to the yard, but tolerate the turtles. They get a few nibbles out of the garden, but I'm sure eat enough bugs -- the ox is worthy of his hire. The early morning sun was warm, but not hot. The turtle was snoozing because I had time to take Duke to the house, put out his fresh water, grab the camera and get back to the turtle for several pictures before he opened his eyes and close... 05/17/2007

This week, a black bear visited a home along Rock Road about a mile south of Mansfield.  The home owner estimated the bear to weigh around 100 to 125 pounds. The residents of the home got a picture which was published on the front page of the Mansfield Mirror this week.  The bear was sited again by Mr. Butcher while he was turkey hunting.  According to the comments in the Mansfield Mirror, the conservation agent warns against feeding the bear and helping it become a nuisance.There is a lot of brush and timber covered country in the Ozarks that lend themselves to being habitat to interesting wildlife such as turkeys and black bear.I am ready to help you with your real estate needs in the Mansfield area or in nearby areas. We are natives of the area and familiar with the lay of the land. ... 04/27/2007

An early rule I read about for monitor viewing was "Every 20 minutes, Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds". This is supposed to ease the strain on your eyes from staring at the intriguing and interesting monitor.I have acquired some helpers outside my office window. If you call me, sometimes you can hear them. At a sunflower feeder, a thistle seed feeder and a syrup feeder intended for orioles, but claimed by hummers, all among the apple blossoms and lilacs, I have feathered friends to be the Something to Look at. Cardinals, Blue Jays, Goldfinches, House finchs, mockingbird, hummingbirds, towhee, indigo buntings, gold crown sparrows, redwing blackbirds, titmouse, and grackles all show off. A quarter turn of the chair opens the view for some of the feeders. I have to stretch or... 04/25/2007