Friday, October 9, 2020

Rough Cut = Rough Times

The migration towards the higher country offered bigger rewards than expected. I just sensed that I was in for a treat but what I witnessed was truly magical. Brick Red Scrub Oak, Green & Yellow Aspen Trees Groves, and Mighty Evergreen Trees standing erect amongst the color palette provided by the Centennial Divide. Sign Me Up

I arrived a day earlier because I had the time and needed the mental break from daily chaos. Plus, it was really nice to escape the smoke filled skies. The Valley took a hit again by the California wild fires. What appears to be cloud cover in the above photo is actually a smokey haze lingering about. Sucks


This is what awaited me on my free day. The ever so soft breeze plucked these golden leaves from their perch and into the air they went. Those little guys floated down towards me in a seesaw swaying motion but the sound they produced while airborne was so special. More than just a rustling sound but more of a comforting blanket of reassurance. Right Here, Right Now 


No trail running these days but the casual hike presented a full on blissed out experience. The leaves crunching beneath my feet, The Crystal River cascaded rushing like sounds off the mountain sides, and one hell of a glorious sunset awaited my stumbling old body into the open space of clarity. Let's Problem Solve 


I carried along the trail and pleasantly never crossed paths with another human. Might have crossed paths with a soul or two but no knuckleheads this trip. YES


The shift of crisp clean evening air was a gentle reminder that my noodles are uncooked and my sauce is still in the mason jar. Would love to have continued on but the hunger pains scrum my walking dreams. Thankfully, boiling water doesn't take all that long and my Full Moon tomato sauce only needs a slight moment under the burner. Best Meal Ever 


ROUGH CUT:

A number of you fine folks knew of this style of material and quite a few asked for some photos. I thank you, I heard you, and I present to you my 9 hour day of manual labor. As The Great Comedian Steve Martin Once Said," I get paid for doing this." 


The ends are stain free because of cracks, splits, or future cuts for fitting to size. My pattern of production consisted of staining each side first and then laying them flat for their first coat. After a few hours, flip over, stain the backside. In this arid climate of about 12% humidity, these boards are dry within about four hours. 


Check out how that massive saw blade chews into these boards like butter. A few 14 footers, a majority of them are 12 footers, a number of 8 foot boards, and then 8 4x2's for trim work around the door, corner edges, and windows. And that there my friends, is about $450.oo of rough cut lumber with about the same dollar amount of oil based stain. Yah00000ooooooo 


The photo below, check out the 4th and 5th boards from the left. A shinny steal bandsaw blade rips these boards to the desirable width but leaves pretty cool markings in my opinion. Hints, rough cut lumber and think leather gloves for my sissy paws. But before applying the stain, those boards smell so good. Totally Raw 


Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fur, and Blue Spruce for mixing and matching the board & buckle style. Fingers crossed that these bark stripped beauties will start going up before the first snow fall. Time Will Tell


On a good note, really enjoyed working outside. Is this what I want to do?? Sh*T No. But it is work and my office is surrounded by amazingly color changing Aspen Trees, Blue Jays & Crow calls echoing through the lush forest landscape, a perfectly timed light breeze produced by Mother Nature to cool down my core, and clean fresh air surrounds my muffled thoughts. Not a bad combo when rolling out gallons and gallons of stain. So Thats Cool


ORTHO:

There was an Ortho session this week that went well and worth a mention. A client from way back forwarded my contact info and their friend had a jacked up knee issue. They pitched the idea of a backyard session at their place with a dinner afterwards. Dinner It Is 

I set up my table under their Ash Tree and we got to work. I started with the good leg and released the foot, realigned their Tibia / Fibula relationship, and released their Psoas Muscle. On to the "injured" knee / leg. I was simply checking the Cuboid / Talus relationship and a huge clunk "popped" in their ankle. They obviously felt it and looked down the table at me. No Pain, just a very noticeable clearing of a blockage. 


I moved up through the lower leg and nearly address the actual knee. Broke up some fascia throughout their quad by working with Langer's Lines and points. Went on to balance their Pelvis, Sacrum, and Ilium. The rest of the session was basic clearing of Chakras and light key Reflex Points. Throughout dinner, they continued to rave about how great they feel. Ortho-Bionimst, Do Nothing Better 
 

LAST DIP:

My last dip of the year in The Crystal River took place as the water has become painfully cold. The beautiful black sandy underwater beach there still remains inviting but that clear mountain water has a bite. I was dripping with sweat from that back breaking elbow grease job, dropped my clothes as if they were on fire, and slinked myself into the shockingly low currents of The Crystal River. 


All in one walking motion, I submerged myself next to that larger slab of marble. Refreshing as all get out, I only lasted a short few seconds. Like 3 seconds tops. My breath vacated my body just as the last hair on my head slipped under the surface. To once again be free from my own salty minerals, legs & feet rinsed of all brush/roller splattered stain, and wide awake from head to toe I quickly trotted myself back towards the bank completely rejuvenated. By the time the UV Rays hit my butt white skin, my knees, ankles, and toes almost ached from the impact of that chill cold water ways. Not Complaining 


And check this out, a mini rock slide had just happened within the month of September. The soil still appears to hold some moisture content and its hasn't rained in like forever. So I was sort of paying attention but just relaxing in the sun when I noticed this bone projecting from the fresh hillside. Hope its an older deer leg or animal bone of some sort but kinda freaked me out. HALLOWEEN Is Just Around The Corner 


GOALS:

  1. Hike The Monument During The Meteor Shower
  2. Road Ride If The Air Quality Is Healthy Enough
  3. Lift With Purpose & Stop Whining About The Smoke 
  4. Hustle Winterizing Projects For $$$
  5. Sleep In Past 4:30am
  6. Edit & Add To My 'Inspiring Blogs That I Enjoy' List 


BONUS:

This blew my mind. So I have been corresponding by blog with The Hummingbird Tribe for awhile now. Very creative folks over there and they upload award winning photos as well. They offer up art projects, sunset photos off their deck overlooking the lake, and various random events from around their neck of the woods as well. 


I followed their simple instructions and this happy little boxed arrived. With pure excitement, ripped into this sucker and smile came across my face from ear to ear. So Thoughtful 


Completely made with love, this is a handmade bar of Goat Milk Lavender infused soap/salve with a little hint of local honey. This bar of happiness will bring life back into my desert dry cracked skin. I tried my best to stage this photo with natural lighting as to showcase the molded stamped goodness. Very Creative 


So ya see, there really are good people in this world still. Never give up because a damn good samaritan just might be lurking around the next corner of hope. What Else Is Possible 

Stay Strong & Think Of Others First,
Cheers 

67 comments:

  1. I am not sure where to start with your most interesting post so I will go to the base and think of your shrunken state in the cold river water.

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    1. Like I Mentioned Before, When You Are Almost Two Miles Closer To Mr Sun, Them Cold Bones Only Throb For A Little While - Always A Pleasure Hearing Your Thoughts My Man - Enjoy The Rest Of The Weekend And Stay Strong

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. It is really nice to hike in woodlands. I do it as often as possible. Those are great pictures that you posted. Hopefully those fires and the haze that comes with them will soon be a thing of the past.

    I am long past outdoor swimming this year myself! Here’s to warmer weather so we can do so next year!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Good On You And Keep Hiking Them Blues Away - For Me, Still Thinking Snow, Colder The Better - Thanx For Checking In Brother Brian - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. Hello,

    Beautiful scenic views, I love the colorful trees. Your hike sounds great, a nice getaway from the smoky skies. I should have gone for therapy after I tore my hamstring in 2016, it still gives me trouble sometimes, moving the wrong way. It would be cool to see the meteor shower. The lavender soap sounds great too. Beautiful photos. Enjoy your day, happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wish I Could Share The Sounds As Well - Tore That Hammie, Yikes - The Other Night, A Streak Across The Sky About Every 10 Minutes - Like Way Cool

      Cheers

      Delete
  4. ...everything looks wonderful in God's country!

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  5. Lovely photos and scenery.
    Last swim, not too cold I expect...in our capital city mid winter there is a big swim in the sea regardless of the temperature...cancelled this past winter due to COVID...
    Take care,.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Have Participated In A Few Polar Plunge Events - Pleased You Enjoyed The Scenery

      Cheers

      Delete
  6. Well your week was chock full of goodies...from the saw mill to the skinny dip. Natural soaps surely will do the trick and the body alignment made me drool wishing I could erase some of the ouch and and pinch from my own aging skeleton and tissue! Hope next week is as good as or better than!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Such Goodies - I Sure Hope This Next Week Is Better Than The Last

      Cheers

      Delete
  7. Is there anything you can not do`😉?
    Respect!
    Nice gift, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such Kind Words And There Is A Lot That I Fail At - Brush My Pants Off And Try Again - Sending Positive Vibes Your Way

      Cheers

      Delete
  8. Dearest Travis,
    Wow, your hike up high was spectacular as you encountered the full fall colors of golden leaves.
    We just spent three days in the Great Smoky Mountains and rode the Nantahala Gorge train. My present post is about that, with my Relive video of the entire stretch. It was fabulous, regardless the absent golden fall colors... Too early here and we had a lush and wet summer so leaves hold on longer.
    Your Ortho sounds wonderful and no wonder you helped them feel well! Wish I could find out what to do about my awfully painful night cramps around ankle and foot, due to the loss of 70% of kidney function... I have to get out of bed and stand on them, walk and relax... trying to go back to sleep till the next pain attack. Not every night gratefully!
    But we enjoy our bike rides and train rides. One more in the Blue Ridge, GA tomorrow...
    Oh, I tried to sprint, from the train to the parking as I'd forgotten my cable for being able to use my Relive App, iPhone connected with battery. My long legs used to make me go fast but now, with mouth mask and this condition I could tell, it is no longer the same...
    Your wood work sounds and looks great. That extreme low humitity is an added bonus for making good proceeds! My Pieter has done the entire walk way in wood through our garden and stained it many times. Not since my Mom was on her death bed and I held the iPad for our final Face Time with her. Pieter wrapped his stained hands around me, thus staining my cashmere sweater. A forever memory of Mom's final moments with us... Did order the very same sweater from Neiman Marcus Last Call Outlet!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How Wonderful To Spend Quality Time In The Great Smoky Mountains - The Ortho Works Wonders And I Would Be More Than Happy To Interview A Few Practitioners For Ya - Nothing Better Than Riding Bikes And Trains And Enjoy That Trip Tomorrow - Stay Strong

      Cheers

      Delete
  9. What a beautiful post!
    Thanks for sharing such lovely spots,
    S

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  10. What can I say, I am one of those persons that emigrated to better doing countries. I confess I didn't do it for money but to have a better health care, better treatments, more autonomy, ecc. Sometimes I miss my native country, I actually lived very close to nature, in a half an hour of walking on foot I was able to reach beautiful woods and spactacular paths, my parents have a farm, they grow their food and raise animals, all green and organic. Now I have to pay and to drive a lot to have all those things but I gained more than 12 years of self suficiency and autonomy, years that allowed me to work, travel, enjoy life and family.
    Great job, you did a really hard work there!
    P.S: I love the smell of fresh cut wood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would Love To Walk The Folk's Farm And Check Out Their Irrigation Practices - Thanx For Noticing The Work And Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. Their irrigation system is quite basic. There is not that much technology there. My parents had to arrange theirself and improvise an irrigation system with hoses connected to fountains and rivers.

      Delete
  11. That's some good-looking lumber. Something so satisfying about manual labor, including the sense of accomplishment when you can see the progress you are making. I don't think my old body could handle that cold water!

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    1. Well, Remember This, The Sun Warms You Up Rather Quickly When Your Over A Mile And A Half Closer To The Sun

      Thanx For Checking In Parts & Pix
      Cheers

      Delete
  12. At the end of the day, you must feel a bit of satisfaction from the work you've done. A dip in the cold water, refreshing no doubt but gives me the shivers. Glad you could help the person with the knee/leg problem, bet they were happy too. Beautiful scenery up there with nature, great photos to see and share. Thanks for another fine post, take care and stay safe, Padre.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. " A Job Well Done Gives Me Satisfaction." ~Joyful Sound The String Cheese Incident

      Thanx For Checking In Mr Bill
      Cheers

      Delete
  13. What amazing views. The nature there is truly breath-taking. Stunning forests and mountain views. Great work with the wood, it must be satisfying working in such a beautiful natural area.
    The water has gotten a bit cold for my liking as well. I don't think I'll be doing any swimming.

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    Replies
    1. So Breath Taking - Very Satisfying But Not At The Time - Only Afterwords

      Cheers

      Delete
  14. Around here in North Idaho Ponderosa pine is known as yellow pine. Don't know if you have cottonwood tree or not. But one time I saw tables and such made with it, and it was quite beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Yellow Pine For Sure - We Have Loads Of Cottonwood Trees But We Cut Nothing Fresh - All This Lumber Was Beatle Kill - Recycling 101 - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. A walk in nature can work up quite an appetite. Everything tastes better outdoors.

    The setting helps with the work by the sound of it.

    The outdoors bathes your life in beauty Padre.

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    Replies
    1. You Are So Right, Everything Taste Better Out In The Wild - The Boy Dog Taught Me That Many Moons Ago

      Cheers

      Delete
  16. Very beautiful forest and mountains 😍!!!

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  17. It is autumn and with it came the golden tones of the leaves of the trees and certainly the drop in the temperature of the river water. But after a lot of work I believe it must have been a very refreshing dive.
    Beautiful photos.
    What a nice, helpful and creative gift you received.
    Have a nice Sunday and a great week
    Take care and a big hug

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These Trees Create Such A Beautiful Back Drop To Our Everyday Lives - So Glad You Saw These - And Yes, Very Thoughtful Gift - Will Take Care And Thank You So Much For The Virtual Hugs - Means A Lot

      Cheers

      Delete
  18. So many superb autumn images for us to enjoy today Padre 🍁 So glad you got a bit of ortho work into your schedule. You must be keeping pretty fit with all the manual work you are doing, there's always a positive in most situations and yes I truly believe there are more good people in the world than bad, they're out there 😉 Happy new week 💜

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Working In The Ortho Did Wonders For My Soul - Its What I Want To Do - We Must Believe That Good People Stand Out And More To Come - Looking Forward To The Week Ahead - Even Though I Was Dished Out Some Really Sad News - Take Care Perth

      Cheers

      Delete
  19. Buenos árboles hay en esa zona.

    La industría maderera, debe ser una gran fuente de recursos, en esa zona.

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    Replies
    1. Isso tudo é madeira de matar beatle - reciclagem no seu melhor - eu aprovo que você esteja checando

      Cheers

      Delete
  20. Good morning, autumn is my favorite time of year, with the crisp air, bluer skies and colorful leaves. So I really enjoyed your post very much-got me a little sentimental when I lived near the mountains a long time ago-I always felt that they got into our souls and never leave-the mountains gave me the feeling of the strength. I don't think I could brave that cold weather-but our ancestors did that. I am so happy you love the soap-this is my best soap to date. Happy Monday and new week

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    1. oops that should say cold water brrr

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    2. When Your Core Temp Is Running That Warm, Not As Brave As You Might Think - Very Rejuvenating I Tell Ya And The UV Rays Were More Than Ideal So Say The Least - Also, I Cant Thank You Enough - Not Only Was That An Impressive Amount But I So Dig The Stamp/Mold As Well - Your Generosity Speaks Volume Of Your Character - I Thank You From The Bottom Of My Heart - Big Hugs

      Delete
  21. There are good people in this world. Amazingly, whenever I encounter them, it feels like a gift. We need the badness to go away. It's pretty ugly out there right now.

    What are you doing with that rough cut wood? I feel like I missed something.

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    Replies
    1. You're Absolutely Right, There Are Damn Good People Out There In The World - Would Love To Educate Soon To Be Parents, Like All Soon To Be Parents - You My Friend Are Right On Par And Haven't Missed A Beat - Will Hang The Lumber This Spring As Siding On A House - Will Continue Posting Progress Photos - Until Then, Winterizing Jobs Here On The Valley Floor Await Me - Oh Joy

      Go Team Human
      Cheers

      Delete
  22. Your description of the falling leaves is magical and you are on song talking about your work and surroundings. Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fantastic There Magic - Perfect Soundtrack For Sure

      Cheers

      Delete
  23. The soap is awesome! Yes, there ARE good people in the world. More good than not, I'd say. Unfortunately the questionable people sometimes seem to dominate. :)

    You live in such beautiful country. Olga would be beside herself to run around free on those trails!

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    1. Refreshing For Sure And There Are So Amazingly Wonderful Humans Out There - Olga Girl Would Be Visually Over Stimulated And Her Little Wet Nose Would Be On Double Time As Critters Are Around Every Little Shrub - Nothing Little Meandering On Trails With A Happy Dog - Be Well Brother Man

      Cheers

      Delete
  24. The lumber is beautiful!
    It's sad that there will be no more dips to take until the weather heats back up. Saw a yahoo trying to take a swim in the freezing Lake Michigan last weekend for an Instagram pic. The things "influencers" do these days.
    The soap sounds amazing. I bet it smells fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It Is Beautiful - The Old Polar Bear Plunge Isn't In My Wheel House These Days - The Soap Is So Lovely And Smells Delightful - Thanx For Popping Back In And Have A Wonderful Weekend

      Cheers

      Delete
  25. As always, beautiful photos! I don't like autumn, but it is extremely photogenic :)

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    Replies
    1. Agreed - Thanx For Checking In - Nice To Hear From Ya Again

      Cheers

      Delete
  26. What a lovely package to brighten up your day. And the nature is always so beautiful there.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Parcel Made My Month And Was Very Thoughtful - Most Of The Leaves Up High Have Fallen Back Down To Mother Earth - Now Our Valley Is In Full Swing Of Colors - Its Flipping Gorgeous

      Cheers

      Delete
  27. Different Fall colors for you then here. More of a golden glow. From the photos not many reds as here in New England. And very brave to take a dip in the stream. Brrrr. 🥶Take care.

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    1. Saw the news about the CO fires.😱 Bostonians don't know geography beyond the city borders. Sure hope you're ok.

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  28. So glad to hear that you got out for some camping. Food tastes so good whilst camping, better than in the house :) What sweet friends who sent that soap. I'm glad that they made you smile.

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  29. All of us who knows Colorado back country knows how pristine & beautiful it is!! Your photos captured that perfectly. I've been following the Cameron peak fire...sad.

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  30. Hello,
    What a wonderful area with a wonderful nature.
    Let's hope that not all trees from this beautiful area will be cut down. Nice pictures!!

    Greetings, Marco

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  31. Reminds me of last night's episode of "This Old House" in which a ca. 150-year old cypress was dredged up from the bottom of one of Louisiana's rivers and used to make a dining room table. I don't even want to think about how much that cost! Okay, maybe I would. But I betcha it cost a whole lot more than my dining room sectional. :-)

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  32. I can almost smell that rough cut timber. For your next task maybe you could make a men's fragrance from the off cuts? The girls would go wild for that - everything is possible. Liked your pics today - the light through the forest.

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  33. Brother Phil, super love the soap and great thoughts for sharing that embossed detailing on it! Those autumn views are just amazing Padre. I feel so lucky that I have a friend like you who shows is Colorado through the seasons!

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  34. That home made goat milk and lavender soap sounds wonderful!

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