Changes Are In The Wind

Yep, there's a change in the air.  Fall, Y’all, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.  It’s an astronomical event.  (Wow, did I just use a $5 word).

To be exact, I’m talkin’ about the Vernal Equinox (Spring), Autumnal Equinox (Autumn or Fall)  and the Solstices (Summer & Winter).  The different Equinoxes & Solstices occur twice a year at just about the same day of the month. 

The oldest meaning of the word Equinox is when daytime and night are of approximately equal duration, meaning, the tilt of Earth’s axis neither inclines away from nor towards the sun

During the Solstice (Summer & Winter) the sun is at it’s highest point (Summer) or lowest point (Winter) in the sky..  The day of the Solstice is either the longest day (light) of the year in Summer or the shortest day (light) of the year in Winter.

The UT Dates and times of Equinoxes and Solstices

2014 – Equinox March 20^th 16:57 hrs,  Solstice June 21^st 10:51 hrs, Equinox Sept.23^rd 02:29 hrs, Solstice Dec. 21^st 23:03 hrs

2015 -  Equinox March 20^th 22:45 hrs,  Solstice June 21^st 16:38 hrs, Equinox Sept.23^rd 08:20 hrs, Solstice Dec. 22^nd04:48 hrs

 Now there’s a lot more technical and scientific meanings to these events but , hey, I’m just an old Gate Guard in S. Texas tryin’ to kill some time while I’m waiting on a truck.  Oops, here comes one.

Later   .   .   .

So, ya wanna be a Texan?

Maybe it's because you're livin' and workin' in Texas.  Maybe it's because you wanna be a "real" cowboy (or cowgirl).  Maybe it's because you want to live in a "whole other country", or maybe it's because you just want to live in a "special" part of America.  Whatever th' case may be, you're gonna have to do some other stuff first.

Here's an article from th Texas Department of Vehicles that pretty much explains it all.

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First of all, you've got 30 days to apply to be a Texan.

Now, If you stand six-foot-five, ride a big white horse, and can wrestle a tornado to the ground, congratulations! — You’ve just been named a member in good standing of the hearty, resourceful, and friendly people the world refers to as Texans, and we’re proud to have you among us.

However, should you fail to meet any of the above qualifications, be not concerned. Simply perform the simple tasks outlined below and, yahoo — you’ll be a Registered Texan, too!  Because, contrary to what you may have heard, becoming a member of the greatest state in the Union is easy! So let’s get started.
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To be a Texan, you first need to have your vehicle inspected.  This is easy. Simply take your car, truck, motorcycle, or heavy-duty trailer to a certified Vehicle Inspection Station. (Many mechanic shops, full-service gas stations, and oil change locations offer state inspections. Your local telephone directory should direct you to one that’s convenient.) When you go, make sure to take along proof of insurance. If your insurance policy was not issued in Texas, you may need to show proof that you carry the minimum amount of coverage.*

*Minimum coverage in Texas is $30,000 bodily injury or death to one person in one accident, 
$60,000 bodily injury or death to 2 or more persons in one accident; and $25,000 injury or 
destruction to other property in one accident.

Now, to be a Texan, you don't have to be able to stand in the middle of one county 
and see over into the next one.

To be a Texan, you need a Texas vehicle registration sticker and Texas license plates.

                                      

This, too, is easy. After getting your vehicle inspection sticker, visit your friendly county tax

assessor-collector (whose office is listed in your local directory). You will need to show proof that you own your vehicle, such as registration or title from your previous home state, as well as proof that you carry the minimum required amount of insurance coverage (see page 2).*
What’s important to remember is that your vehicle registration fee (about $60 a year, but varies by county**) helps to build and maintain our Texas highways, roads, and bridges. And approximately one-third of that is invested in programs in your own county.

* Once you’ve received your vehicle registration sticker, renewing it in subsequent years is easy because many counties allow online renewals at www.texas.gov.

** Newcomers also pay a title application fee, as well as sales tax-related fees required by the State Comptroller’s Office. Sales tax fees on a vehicle could be $90 or the difference between the previous state’s sales tax and the Texas sales tax. 

To be a Texan, you don't need to own an oil well, unless of course you live in Midland where it's mandatory.

To be a Texan, you need to have a Texas Drivers license.

Lastly, you have 90 days from the time you move to our great state to visit your nearest Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and obtain a Texas Driver License. (For locations, visit www.txdps.state.tx.us.) Because you’ll need to take along a few documents that prove who you are (sorry, that prized bowling trophy won’t do), we urge you to visit the aforementioned Web site and click on ID Requirements for Texas driver license/identification certificate. And that’s pretty much it: Vehicle registration sticker and inspection sticker, proof of insurance, Texas license plates, and Texas Driver License. — Now you’re starting to look like a real Texan.*
* For information on voter registration and other services for new Texas residents, visit: www.texas.gov.

To be a Texan, you don't need to own a horse, you do however, need to practice safety at all times

To be a Texan, put Texas in your corner.

One final thing: Texas law requires that you have your registration and inspection stickers and insurance within 30 days of moving to our state. Otherwise, you could be in for an unscheduled meeting with one of our fine law enforcement officials. Of course, we have all the confidence in the world you’ll do what’s right for Texas and your new fellow Texans. Because when you stick up for the Lone Star State, you’re sticking up for all of us. And we’ll be mighty proud to call you a fellow Registered Texan.

Like to learn more? Just go to www.registeredtexan.com or call (512) 465-7611 or 1 (888) DMV-GOTX (368-4689).

NOW, If you're a fellow SKP member, there's a booklet that they put out called, "How to Become a Real Texan."  Lots an lots of information.  Real good readin' and purty interestin' too.

Later  .  .  .  Fellow Texan Wannabees

A Short Geography Lesson

Bein’ a non-native Texan, for some time now Ive’ wondered what th’ names of all th’ different parts of Texas were. I know th’ Piney Woods and Hill Country but th’ rest?  Sooo, while th’ Missus and I were in San Antonio th’ other day, I heard a tour guide on th’ Riverwalk sayin’ somethin’ about th’ 7 different regions of Texas.  Well, my ears and interest both perked up at hearin’ this.  It wasn’t too much longer that I ran across this riverboat guide and she explained to me what th’ regions were called. #1 Panhandle Plains, #2 Big Bend Country, #3 Hill Country, #4 Prairies and Lakes, #5 Pineywoods, #6 Gulf Coast, and #7 South Texas Plains.  So, I googled these different regions and came up with a little info for each of 'em.

 

The 7 Different Regions of the Great State of Texas

The Texas Panhandle Plains Region covers the area of Texas that supposedly looks like a panhandle, that being the rectangle shaped northernmost part of Texas, between New Mexico and Oklahoma. The Panhandle Plains Regions extends east almost to Fort Worth and south to Interstate 20.

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Big Bend Country is also referred to as West Texas.  Some (not all) non-Texans think Texas is all desert, cactus & tumbleweeds etc.  Well, if that’s what you want to see in Texas, Big Bend Country is for you.

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Texas Hill Country starts in the west in Crockett county, to Austin and Travis county in the east, with Mills county the northern fringe of Hill Country with Kinney, Uvalde and Medina counties making the southern end. The capital of Texas, Austin, is the Hill Countrys Big City. Due to its many attractions and scenic beauty, the Texas Hill Country is one of the most popular tourist areas in the southern United States.

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The Prairie & Lakes Region is between the Piney Woods to the east and the Panhandle Plains and Hill Country to the west. Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington are the big cities in the Prairie & Lakes Region.

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The Piney Woods is sometimes referred to as East Texas or Deep East Texas. 

The Piney Woods Region is so named because much of the region is covered by tall pine tree forests. 

The Piney Woods Region is where the Texas Oil Boom began, in towns like Kilgore, Longview and Marshall. 

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The Gulf Coast Region is a long, narrow slice of Texas along the Gulf of Mexico, with 624 miles of shoreline, running from Sabine Pass in the north,  south to the Rio Grande River. Among the Gulf Coast towns are marsh-surrounded Beaumont, historical Galveston, tropical South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Brownsville. 

The biggest town in the south end of the Gulf Coast Region is Corpus Christi.

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Since the South Texas Plains Region (or Brush Country as some would call it) borders Mexico, it’s no surprise that many of the towns in this region of Texas have an Old Mexico feel to them. Mexican heritage plays a large role in this region of Texas.

The South Texas Plains Region covers San Antonio at its north end to the Mexican border in the south. 

San Antonio is the biggest attraction in the South Texas Plains, with its Riverwalk, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World and, of course, the Alamo. Laredo, on the Mexican border is the other big city in this region.

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Well, there ya have it and now I know.  Interesting! I guess I’ve been in all regions of th’ state of Texas and just didn’t realize it at th’ time.  I really like th’ Pineywoods,  th’ scenery in Hill Country is awesome and th Gulf Coast is great with Padre Island being a favorite.  So where am I at, HA, Catarina, South Texas, out in th’ middle of Brush Country where most of my GG friends are, with some being lucky enough to be in th’ Gulf Coast region.  Oh well, like they say, “Texas, it’s a Whole ‘Other Country.”

Later  .  .  . 

A Colorado Vacation – Another Awesome Adventure

July 6^th, 8:00AM, another “Awesome Adventure” was about to begin.  Th’ whole thing started off with a bang, I couldn’t get th’ RV's awning to retract correctly.  Now, let me preface this statement by saying that th’ awning had been staked out for a little over three months, in th’ same position.  Sooo, what should have been a one person 3 minute job quickly became a two person 1 hour task.  Aggravatin’, that’s what it was.  Anyhow, thoroughly wringin’ wet with sweat and tired already, 10AM, we hit th’ road.  First stop, Canyon Trail RV Resort in New Braunfels, a short 3 hour drive.  We stayed in New Braunfels for a couple days while having some much needed repairs done to th RV. Whle we were there, we shared a meal with Victoria Graham and her husband.  Good folks.

Our route consisted mostly of I-10, US 83, 87 and 289 to Wiley Co.  We stopped overnight in Lubbock to visit our Grand-daughter Kara and her husband, Dustyn.  Ol' JW and Taylor (our Great grand daughter) got a little closer to each other (that's another story in itself).  We spent a few days visiting with our boy Jeff, and his wife Debbie and our Daughter, Gari and her hubby Ronnie..  Rested, a lot.  Visited with Amber and Jared and Kacey and Tyler (Grand kids and great grand babies).  While we were there, we (and I use that term very loosely) decided to see what there was to offer in the way of a new pickup truck in this area.  Anyhow, to make a long story short, we purchased a 2012 Ford F150 Lariat. Very nice truck. And even nicer after I had Jared tint our windows, thanks Jared, they look great.

Ford F150 Lariat

A couple days later, we were off to th’ mountains for our “4 Wheelin’ Family Reunion.”  Now, Jeff thought there were only gonna be around 15 or so at th’ camp but it turned out that there were 26.  And we all had a good time.  We camped at th’ Poncha Loop area (10,200’),  just over Poncha Pass.  Temps were in th’ 70’s daytime and low to mid 40’s at night, perfect (at least for this old fat man).  We 4 wheeled every day we were there and even got in some time at Mt Princeton Hot Springs. 

Now, our 4 wheelin’ adventure deserves some mention because of th’ SNAFU that ensued.  We reserved and made a down payment on a side by side 4 wheeler from Stanwood Motorsports in Westcliffe back on May 31^st or so.  When it came time to pick up said 4 wheeler, they didn’t have one for us.  Now, ole JW was not a happy camper at this point.  We had to drive about an hour away from th’ campsite just to get to Westcliffe.  Not only did they not have a unit for us but they also had no paperwork showing we ever rented a 4 wheeler.  Well, thank goodness I had my mobile banking app on my smartphone because it showed how much and when they took th’ money.  They did give me back my deposit and we headed back to camp.  Disgusted is a very mild term for what ol' JW was.

Artic Cat - Wildcat

Now this is where it gets good.  My wife, Wanda, was so upset that there was no way Stanwood Motorsports was gonna ruin our 4 wheelin’ adventure.  She called them back and negotiated a better unit than what we were going to have to begin with and at half price and money for gas.  HA HA HA.   (See picture above) Well, th’ only problem with this was, we couldn’t get th’ unit until th’ next day and we had to drive all th' way back to Westcliffe to get it.  (I thought they should have offered to deliver it.)  Anyhow, it all worked out and we had a great time 4 wheelin’.  Now, it came time to take th’ unit back.  We were told to return th’ unit  on Monday morning at 10am.  No problem, except, when we got there they were closed on Mondays.  (Their website said they were open Monday – Saturday).  Since th’ insurance on th’ unit was provided by, me, I didn’t feel safe leaving th’ unit and maybe having someone steal it.  Several hours passed and we tried to call every number we could find for them but to no avail.  Finally, we went across th’ street to a café and th’ owner said he knew th’ guys at Stanwood and would get ahold of them for us, didn’t happen.  Ole Willie (th’ café owner) said, just leave th’ unit at Stanwood and put a note on it sayin’ “Willie’s got th’ key!”  Good 'nuff for me.  So folks, if you ever feel like you want to rent a 4 wheeler from Stanwood Motorsports in Westcliffe, Co. PH# 719 783-2880 be sure to have something in writing regarding your agreement and double check with them before you drive over to get your rental, (by th' way, we still haven’t got our copy of th’ rental agreement from them.)

After 7 days of boondockin’ (no ATT phone service, no WIFI, no internet, no TV, HA, it was great)  we returned to civilization at Wiley, Co.  About another week or so was spent relaxin’ and restin’ before we headed back to th’ grind of th’ oil patch. 

We did take two days in San Antonio at th’ San Antonio KOA.  We went downtown both days to th’ Riverwalk and th’ Tower of th’ Americas.  Wonderful time in SA.  On Aug 6^th  (exactly 30 days after we left) we arrived back at our gate near Catarina, Tx.  Despite our very few little problems, It was an excellent vacation.  Plan to put a bunch of photos on FB once I cull them out (we took over 1500 pics).  Can’t wait for th' next time Jeff.

Critters

They’re everywhere.  But some places are worse than others.  Now, take Texas for instance (and that’s only 'cause I’m here and so are they).  BIG, small, pretty, ugly, deadly and not so much.  Critters, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.

I’m talkin’ 'bout spiders (all kinds, including th’ Black Widow), tarantulas, scorpions, snakes (all kinds), wasps, bugs (once again, all kinds), fire ants,  jackrabbits, coyotes, Javelinas, Mexican ground squirrels and Roadrunners.  And at nighttime, you see most all of ‘em.  Now, critters in Texas are a whole ‘nother breed of, well, critter.  They’re bigger and badder in most cases.

Black Widow

SW Texas has between 8 and 14 different species of tarantulas (and I still don’t like any of ‘em),  but, they serve a purpose.  They eat bugs and scorpions!  

Tarantula

Of course, tarantulas have enemies also, roadrunners and the fiercesome tarantula hawk (wasp).

Tarantula Hawk

Th' Tarantula Hawk is actually a large wasp which has th' second most painful insect sting in th' world (second only to th' bullet ant).  Th' wasp is usually about 2 inches long with a blue-black body and has rust colored wings.  Th' stinger on this raschal can be as long as 1/3 of an inch (ouch).

Roadrunner

Th’ roadrunner eats  scorpions and bugs as well and also will feast on snakes.  In our area, we have seen th’ Blue Indigo snake and th’ Western Diamondback (Can I get three cheers for th’ roadrunner).  Th’ roadrunners are pretty tame to us humans and will actually eat from your hand. 

Lots and lots of Mexican ground squirrels go scampering across th’ road with their little tails stuck straight up in th’ air.  Funny little critters.

Mexican Ground Squirrel

Th’ Blue Indigo snake and th’ Western Diamondback 

Western Diamondback

Blue Indigo

Blue Indigo feasting on Western Diamondback

Th’ Blue Indigo snake also feasts on th' Western Diamondback.

Javelina

And then there’s th’ coyotes and th’ Javelina’s.  I have seen several coyotes wandering by th’ RV and actually saw a small herd (???) of Javelinas th' other mornin'.  Our company service guy says he has seen a lot of them near our location though.  

Coyote

At night, not only do you have to put up with th’ nocturnal critters   At just about all of the oil field security gates, there'll be several of th’ halogen security lights that will attract hundreds of bugs.  

Weird Grasshopper

Amongst them, are some kind of grasshopper (I guess that’s what it’s called).  Weird looking things, but tarantulas like ‘em.  And they have some sort of stinger tail, don't know if it will actually sting ya or not and really don't want to find out either.

Whitetail Deer

Once in a while we will also see a small herd (up to 6) of Whitetail Deer go wandering by th' RV.  Downright pretty they are.

Did I mention mice and rats?  Yep, got them too, and lots of ‘em.  ‘Course, maybe th’ roadrunners like them too.  That’d be real nice.

So, if you’re gonna gate guard in th’ great state of Texas, prepare to deal with all kinds of critters, and be happy, happy, happy, especially if they stay outside th’ RV.

Later   .   .   .

What's In A Name?

Why is a name so important?  

Names are important to distinguish one person from another. As we can do this by face, it would be hard to address someone or speak of them, without a name.  

It's already confusing enough to have so many Charlies, Janes, Bobs or, even Jims.  When I went to work for Silver Dollar City and was checking out my company costumes etc, the costume folks asked me my name (for my name tag) and I told them Jim. "No, you can't use that name, someone in your department already has that name."  OK, "Wayne" (my middle name),  "No, that one's taken also."  "How about Jimmie?", "Nope." "How about my last name, Wilks"?  "Nope, gotta use first names."  "Alright then, how about James?"  "Sorry, taken."  Fastly becoming frustrated, I asked "Can I use my initials, JW?"  "Sure", so that's how I became know as JW.  Too many people, not enough names.

And so it is with a business.  If all businesses were named (for instance, ABC xxxx) we wouldn't be able to tell them apart.  Name brand recognition is a mainstay of business.  The name is very important.  If you can try to get the name to sound something like what your company offers (e.g. FaceBook, SKYPE, Apple) then you just hit the jackpot.

A company name defines your business and some company names are so recognizable that you immediately know what they are, even before seeing their logo which, by the way also defines them even further.  When you look at these two logos, you immediately know who they are and even what business they are in.

So, way back in 1995, when we were deciding what to call our business and have it incorporated, we came up with some pretty cool names (including, Muddy Creek, 10-1 Enterprise,  & SBRCO), and as a last resort included the name "The Branch."  We applied for our LLC only to be told that all the "cool" names we had thought of were taken, but we could certainly have "The Branch."  so the name stuck.  As a side note, just how did we come up with the name, The Branch??  One of our favorite scriptures is John 15:5,  I am the vine, you are the branches.  The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.  Good words to live by.

Now, fast forward to 2014 (19 years later) and we finally get around to having a logo designed.  I knew what I wanted but trying to convey that idea to the graphics designer was a long process with many many text messages back and forth.  But, he came through with exactly what I wanted.

My second cousin, Ross Redburn of Arnold, Missouri was my goto Graphics guru.  He is a very good graphics guy and can do a logo for whatever you want.  Here's a link to his website:  http://maddrooster.wix.com/maddroosterproductions

Thanks Ross, ya done good my man.

Later  .  .  .

"I Don't Like Spiders and Snakes . . ."

Well I haven't seen any live snakes, yet.  But I'm keepin' my eye out for 'em, especially at night.

As I was checkin' in a truck last night, I saw this tarantula beside our RV. Suffice it to say, it's no longer amongst th' living. 'Bout didn't get th' second picture as he was runnin' off into th' darkness right before he met his demise.   

Live Tarantula

Dead Tarantula

I don't like spiders, little ones or big ones and especially big ones like these.  He was almost as big as my hand.  Course, we're in Texas, so "everything's" bigger, they say.


Rest easy folks, the world can sleep better now, or at least I can.

* * * UPDATE  6/21/14 * * *

I captured another tarantula this mornin', but it got away.  Then my missus saw one later this morning and got a picture of it (probably th same one).  I posted this on FaceBook and was informed by Janis, "Tarantulas eat Scorpions", and Larry said, "They are good with honey, just spit out the bristles." HA, Larry, that ain't never gonna happen.  Well, th' scorpion thing kinda puts another spin on this.  I still don't like spiders, but I also don't like scorpions.  Soo, I guess th tarantulas will win out, this time.  BUT, if one happens to jump out and scare me, he's toast.

Later   .   .   .

Here It Is June Already . . .

Th' temperature has been in th' triple digits for about 3 weeks now and for about a week or so it was 102, everyday.  Summer starts Saturday June 21 at 6:51 A.M. EDT, HA, I can hardly wait.  Had just a little rain th' other day and about 5 drops yesterday.  BUT, I guess that's how it's supposed to be down here in SW Texas.  Th' cactus and th' Mesquite seem to be flourishing pretty good.   I put out a big pan of water (across th' road from us) and th' roadrunners and rabbits seem to really enjoy that.

102 Everyday for 'Bout a Week

El Coyote

Th' Roadrunners, rabbits and all th' birds are still puttin' on a show for us daily.  Now we're even seein' a couple of eagles.  And, th' other day, I saw this critter walk by, rather nonchalantly, right in front of our RV.  I've seen them now about 3 times but th' other 2 times it was at night.  Hope they're not scouting us out and planning an attack or something.  I do th' night shift here and it's pretty dark (especially when ya get away from th' security lights).  Th' pad flare puts off a little light, but it's 'bout a 1/4 mi. from us so it don't help a whole lot. I tend to do some wandering' around out there at night so probably need to keep a watchful eye out for 'em.

Our traffic has dropped off drastically since they cut th' pipeline in.  I suppose in a 24 hr period we have probably 'bout 4 or 5 pickups and maybe 8 or so water and oil trucks.  Some nights, they stop coming in round 10:30 or so (and that makes for a looong night).  Once in a while, I'll have trucks in up until 'bout 2 and everything is out by 3:30.  Early trucks start 'bout 7 to 7:45AM.

25 more days and we're off for a Colorado 4-Wheelin' Family Reunion up around Poncha Springs.  Our boy, Jeff (who lives in Wiley, Co), does this trip every year, but this is th' first year we've been able to go.  Can hardly wait.  Already have our side by side Ranger ATV reserved.  We'll be gone from th' oil fields for about a month but will still be posting on here and FaceBook.  Gate Guard tells us that we'll be able to come right back to th' same gate.  That's good, th' traffic is pretty light and we like that.

Later   .   .   .

So Ya Want a Job, Gate Guarding in The Oil Patch

Here are some links that I've found on th internet that are connected with th gate guarding business in th' oil patch.  I have not checked them all for accuracy, they are what they are, "info."  We just happen to work for Gate Guard Services and really like them.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

• Gate Guard Services, http://www.GateGuardServices.com,  361-949-6992
• Pro Gate - Darold 830-776-8666
• J & G Security, http://www.oilgates.com,  Justin- 512-825-7567 or 361-236-4555
• Time Keepers 210-460-9892 or 956-821-5815
• LOMA, http://www.LomaRental.com,  817-247-3080
• Oil Field  Support Services - Dole  361-815-7050 
• M R Ranch Services  956-346-1994
• Chapa 361-449-6294
• Alcatraz Gate Guard Services 817=209-8602
• Guard 1 Services, LLC, http://www.Guard1Services.com, 713-337-4300 or 800-994-2133
• SiteWatch USA, http://www.SWGateGuards.com, 903-561-7202
• Overwatch, - Lance Rose  830-589-3002
• Primo Gate Guard Services (PrimoGateGuards.com) Brent Williams, (bwilliams@primogateguards.com) 361-563-9272
• Riata Oilfield Security,LLC. mccollum@riataoilfieldsecurity.com  Cheryl McCollum, 936-645-5662
• Regulators Gate Guards, www.regulatorstx.com,  361-945-4546
• Trinity 979-241-1675 or 979-266-9163
• KC Services 956-791-0064 or 956-236-5255
• Chapa PO BOX 1586  George West, Tx 78022 361-449-6294
• Capital Well Services, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Capital-Well-Service-LLC/191961507650158  capitalwellservice@gmail.com  830-569-7115 or 214-213-4910
• D & G Enterprise  817-291-2737
• S&S Gate Services 840-450-2184
• Trinity - Ben 979-241-1675
• Spartan Gate Guard  817-903-3772 (whitney@spartangateguards.com) or 678-241-8247 (steven@spartangateguards.com) 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Most, if not all, require that you have a background check, be fingerprinted and take a Texas Department of Public Safety PSB Level Two Test.  You can study for it here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/psb/testing/leveltwo_review.htm

Later  .  .  .  and good luck job huntin'

Rainy Days

This ol' brush country down here in SW Texas sure needs th rain. Dry dry country, I tell ya.  Course, if ya live down here ya know what I'm talkin' about.  On Friday the 23rd, we got a gully washer.  Now, my rain gauge only shows 1.41 inches but sure seems like more than that.  When you're checkin' vehicles in and out, "in th' rain", it ain't no fun.  Sides that, your boots get all muddy and your paperwork (or iPad for some of you luckier folks) gets all wet.

Our patio mat is still wet (and muddy) 3 days later and probably will be for a while.  Th' road in front of our rig is in pretty decent shape for all th' rain we had, thought it would be worse.  I went in to th' "One Stop" for some supplies and th 4 mile dirt road was a total mess from all th' big rigs goin' in and out.  Giant puddles of standing water everywhere and in a few places th' road was just barely there account of all th' standing water.

Yesterday, th' 25th, we had light showers (actually more like sprinkling rain) that just helped reinforce th' rain a couple days before.  AND, then again today. th' 26th, it's sprinkling and threatening rain, again.  Yesterday, there were tornado warnings out for Del Rio, 'bout an hour west of us.   Thankful it did not come this way.

Now I know this part of th' country needs rain, and a lot more than what we got.  But, personally, I don't want anymore rain where I'm at.  And that's all I've got to say about that.

Later  .  .  .

Well, "Rats" . . .

Out here in th’ brush country, we’ve had some problems with mice.  But with th’ help of TomCat brand mouse poison, we’ve pretty much got that under control.  To help control it, I keep putting th’ poison bait outside th’ RV.  But, I’ve noticed lately that th’ whole poison log has been disappearing pretty quick.  I went out th’other night to check one of th’ traps only to find it out in th' brush.  As I went out to get it, I saw, in my headlight a rather large mouse, but it wasn’t a mouse at all. 

It was a rat and a pretty good size one at that.  Soo, Tuesday I went to Tru Value in Carrizo Springs and bought some more TomCat bait and some Rat traps ($2.99 ea). You know how big a rat trap is??  Well, it's about 3 to 4 times the size of a regular Victor mouse trap and about twice as thick, with a spring that almost defies setting it.  When I got back to th’ RV I set all 4 of ‘em (5 o’clock pm).  At 8 pm I went out to check ‘em and they were all gone (4 x $2.99) !  I did find one of th’ traps out in th’ edge of th’ brush and retrieved it.  Must be some pretty good size rats. Wednesday, when it’s light, I’m gonna drill a hole in th’ trap and tie it down and see what happens.  If that don't work, well, I wonder if they sell coyote and bear traps at Tru Value.

Later . . .