Here's Hoping

Whilst in the Big City of Washington, we checked out a few of the museums.

This scene at the Natural History Museum was reminiscent of one we saw in Paris. There, it was Mona Madness. Here, it was a matter of Hope, the Hope Diamond to be precise. The truth is, that neither The Fuzz, nor His Sweetie were impressed with the new setting. But here's a pix for y'all.

Bing Gananda 5

As the boat neared the beach, Samuel scanned the shore. The vegetation was so dense that little light seemed to penetrate. Off to the right, he noticed a small trickle of water running across the sand.
"Mr. Jackson, to starboard, I believe there's water on the beach."
Mr. Jackson, the Bos'n, moved the tiller and the boat swung to starboard toward the beach.
As the sailors pulled the boat up onto the sand, Samuel and the Bos'n walked to the trickle of water. First Tindor took a taste, then Jackson. It was good. But they would have to find a pool, or some place where they could fill their casks.
They stood peering into the jungle. The tiny stream wound back into the shadows. The birds had fallen silent. All that could be heard was the gentle lapping of the waves on the sand. The men stood still. No one wanted to be the first to step into the gloom.
Finally, Tindor pulled the branches aside and stepped forward. Jackson drew his pistol and followed warily. He turned to the others,
"Wait here by the boat."

After a few hundred yards, the ground began to rise steeply toward the mountain. The stream fell over some rocks into a clear pool, and then continued out to the cove.
"This should do nicely," Jackson said as he took a long drink. "We'll have to cut a trail in to it, but that shouldn't be too much trouble."
Tindor was examining the leaves on some of the undergrowth, when there was a sudden rush, and a catlike creature shot away. Jackson jumped and fired his pistol. He hit nothing. They stood there looking at each other.
"What the hell was that," the Bos'n asked, obviously shaken.
"I don't know. I didn't see it."
"It looked like a cat, a big one." He was quiet for a moment, then said, "Funny thing though..."
"What?"
"I was looking straight at it. But I never saw it till it moved."
Tindor stared off in the direction it had taken. By now they could hear the sailors crashing though the vegetation toward them.
"It's alright boys," called the Bos'n. "It was just some critter that startled me."

On board the Mary Anne, Captain Pearce, and the ship's carpenter had been surveying the storm's damage, when they heard the shot in the distance. They watched as several of the sailors on the beach started into the jungle.
Pearce picked up his spyglass. But all he could see was the two sailors who remained with the boat. They had picked up their muskets and were nervously watching the jungle.
He was relieved when the party emerged from the trees. He could see that they were all there. Then he saw the sailors unloading the casks from the boat, and carry them into the jungle.
So far, so good, he thought. Then he and the carpenter turned back to their work.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Bing Gananda 4

3 Water

In the bay, the Brig rode quietly at anchor in the gentle breeze. But the sailors were sullen. They had been at sea for over three months now, and had just weathered a terrible storm. When the island had been spotted, they had hoped for some time ashore. But now the captain had forbidden it.
The island was on none of his charts, and he was wary. His ship had been badly damaged and needed repairs. And they needed fresh water badly. But Captain Pearce had a bad feeling about this place.
They had first spotted it on the horizon at sundown. It was the tall volcanic mountain they saw first. They had stood off all night, afraid to approach the strange shore in the dark. All though the night they could see the glow of the volcano on the mountain. Then with the dawn, they had found this cove. Now he was scanning the beach for any evidence of inhabitants.
The ship was only lightly armed. But she was swift, and her best defense was to flee. Their mission had been primarily to explore, and update the sketchy charts. But there were enemies in these waters. And now the Mary Anne was heavily damaged.
Mr. Tindor came up on deck. He was responsible for the updating of the charts. He was also the one to note any new discoveries they might come across in the Natural Sciences. And he also had some medical experience. But the two did not get along well. Captain Pearce thought Samuel Tindor had too much interest in useless plants and such. Now he would surely be wanting to spend time ashore.
"When will we be going ashore, Captain?"
Pearce didn't answer right away. He considered Samuel a nuisance at times like this. But Tindor was a Gentleman, with a Royal Commission, and connections to the Royal Society.
Pearce realized he would have to send a party ashore eventually. There was no good reason to put it off.
"Mr. Tindor?"
"Sir?"
"Does anything strike you as odd about this place?"
"Well, it's not on the charts. But that doesn't mean much. New islands are discovered all the time."
"Not that." Pearce didn't know how to express what he felt. It was like some kind of ill defined presence. But he did not want to confide in Tindor, and was now sorry he had said anything. He turned to the Bos'n.
"Launch the longboat. Take some men with you and see if you can find some fresh water. Arm the men."
Tindor was surprised at that.
"May I join the party?"
"If you must."
Then the captain went to his cabin, and shut the door.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Another Trip

The Fuzz, His Sweetie, and Young Daughter caught the Train up to Washington DC for a visit with that Academical Son, and a bit of sightseeing. They caught the Amtrak here in NC in the Big City. Then they were off to the Capital of this Great Nation. Here, The Fuzz presents for you, a night shot of this Famous Patriotic Landmark.

The train ride was interesting. Here, they were leaving the station early that morning. But The Fuzz thinks we still have a ways to go to catch up to the Germans in that department.
The Fuzz and company avoided the Capital building itself. With all those congressmen (and women) there, it seemed like nothing but trouble.

Bing Gananda 3

Gala Gania was waiting as Bing and Pandurina entered the Holt.
"You've been to the sea again, haven't you."
Bing said nothing as she dismounted. Panduria moved stealthily back into the jungle to sleep. Gala spoke again.
"You know it's not safe."
"The sea is so great, and the world is so small," Bing Gananda answered.
She had been all around the world. Bing had ridden Pandurina from the Morning Shore, all the way to the Evening's End of the world. They had even climbed though the clouds, to the top of the Smoking Mountain. There they had looked down into the center of the earth, and the fire below.
There were stories. Stories of the distant past, now mostly forgotten. Once the world had been a great place, where one might ride for days, and even years, and never come to the end.
In those times the Lithorians filled the endless forests. One could ride for days between the Holten. Bing Gananda had never understood what had changed. No one did. But the world had lessened and lessened, and the sea had surrounded it. Now a swift Shadocatch, like Pandurina, could easily cross it in a day.
The sea had no end it was said. Bing had ridden to the highest pinnacle of the Smoking Mountain. There, she had watched the sun and the moon rising and sinking into the sea. And from those heights, she had seen the whole world, with the sea surrounding it. It was not such a great place now, if it had ever been so.
But the sea went on forever.

Gala Gania's voice brought her back. from her revhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giferies.
"The sea will swallow us all."
When Bing didn't respond, she added,
"It's already eaten the world. This is all that's left!"
"You worry too much," Bing returned, and slipped into her den to sleep.

The sea had no end, it was said. Perhaps it was true. Bing Gananda thought as she lay on her bed. But who could tell? And what of this thing she had seen on the sea. Where had it come from? And what was it. She wondered if she should tell the High Ones. She knew she should. But it would wait until evening.
She snuggled down into her bed of Shadocatch fur and moss. Bing curled into a ball and slept.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

No Nothin'

Bing Gananda 2

Bing Gananda watched the sun rising from her perch on a low twisted limb. The leaves fluttered in the breeze as she looked out over the bay. She would slip back into the coolness under the trees before the heat of the day. She was not a creature of the day. But she did like to watch the sun rising out of the sea, here at the Morning End of the world. And she liked the openness, the wide spaces over the beaches and the sea. It was so different from the shadowy world at the mountain's feet.
The wind pushed her dark hair across her eyes as she watched the seabirds foraging on the beach below. As she pulled it back she noticed something strange out on the sea. It seemed to be neither in the sea, like the dolphins, nor in the sky, like the seabirds. But it was somehow held between, as if the sea were like the land, and one could walk on it.
The sun was behind it now. As it drew slowly closer, Bing thought it looked a bit like trees, covered with the webs the spiders spun in the night. As she watched, it moved slowly into the cove below her.
Bing Gananda had always been a curious one, but she was also a wary one. She remained hidden and watched. She could see something moving in it, or on it. She wasn't sure which. For now the sun was rising higher, and the light was bright, and glaring off of the water. It was time to go to bed.

Bing spoke a soft, trilling word, and Pandurina came to her. She dropped from her perch and stroked the thick fur of the cat like creature. Then she climbed onto her back, and held tight with her arms and legs as they disappeared into the jungle.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Signs

Oddly enough,
This actually happens
All the time!

Bing Gananda

A new one for y'all

The sea was dead calm as the ship broke into the sunlight . The Lieutenant called the Captain from his cabin as soon as they first sighted the boat. They had been moving through a thick and unusual fog. When they suddenly emerged, the boat was right there, in front of them.
They hove to, and lowered a boat to investigate...

Real to Reel International Film Festival

Well, the 12th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival is history. The Fuzz doesn't know just who the big winners are yet, but his own pick for the top place is, "Conned".



"Conned" - 1 hr. 44 mins. - Professional Feature - By: Arthur Luhn, Boston, MA
The Boston Underworld is teeming with crazy, eccentric characters in 'Conned' where Quentin Tarantino meets Guy Ritchie in an highly visual action-comedy that centers around the year's biggest horse race which appears to be rigged. Everyone is all over themselves to cash in on it, oblivious to the big con that is going to blindside them all.

The Fuzz really liked this one.
It's pretty nice having this Film Festival here in our area. But The Fuzz and His Sweetie are both amazed that more local people don't attend. They've made it an annual event.

Equipment Failure

It seems like there is always something.
One of the aggravations of The Fuzz's line of work is frequent Equipment Failure. These trucks are a bit complicated, so there is a lot that can go wrong. And they get worked pretty hard.
One of the more common problems is busted hydraulic hoses. Here you can see our mechanics hard at work to get The Fuzz back out on the route.
He didn't want to have to work late, because this is the week of the 12th Annual “Real to Reel International Film Festival"!
So don't be alarmed if not much is heard from The Fuzz for the next few days. But he promises, exciting things are coming.

Home In The Woods (At Last)

We did have a good couple of days at the Beach. And we did make it home to the woods OK.
But there was a slight hitch. On the right, you will notice this ridicules little tire. It is just what it looks like. Upon leaving the Island, The Fuzz stopped for fuel. While in the act of topping up the tank, he noticed a very low tire. Hoping for the best, he bought a can of that excellent product, "Fix-A-Flat" (or something like it) in the hope of making it home. All did seem well at first. But then, about halfway home, disaster struck.
Of course everything had to come out of the trunk. Then there were a few anxious moments until His Sweetie figured out where the jack was. The Fuzz didn't know "Jack" about that! But he was able to put the funny little tire on, and we did make it home at last.

To The Beach

Due to the addition of an extra day at the Beach House, The Fuzz and His Sweetie decided it just might make sense to make the long drive. Now there was the possibility of two whole days out there.
The Fuzz enjoys an early walk on the beach. So although they had spent much of the night in route, he managed to crawl out of bed as it was getting light. They say "The early bird gets the worm", but in this case, it appears he got the crab.
The Fuzz had an enjoyable walk, and did make it in time for the Sunrise! But odds are he might be caught napping a bit later today.

Okra

Yes, summertime is here for sure.
And yes, this is Okra!
Whist we were at the old place the other day, The Fuzz checked out the garden.
The Fuzz's Sweetie has been busy over there since spring time. Some kind of critters ate all the green beans, which was bad. But he found a bunch of Okra, which was good.
Well, it looks like we might make it to the Beach after all. Then, when we get back, is the Film Festival.
It's turning out to be a busy Summer!

On The Roof

The Fuzz did mention a bit of roofing going on.

Here's a look at the operation in progress.

One More Mystery Pix

And here's a new one for Y'all!

Busy Times

Well, we've been having a busy time around here.
Monday was of course, the 4th of July! We went into town to celebrate with that Mechanically Minded Daughter and Her Hubby. There were Fireworks of course. And a cookout. And a few drinks it must be admitted.
That was the kick off to the week.
Tuesday was the calm before the storm, at least for The Fuzz.
(Although he did have to "double up" at work, to make up for the Holiday.)
Wednesday began a Two Day Roofing Extravaganza!
The Family gathers for these things from time to time.
The Fuzz, His Sweetie, and Young Daughter slipped into town early that morning in hopes of a good start before the heat hit. Here in North Carolina in July, that can be a factor.
Due to some hard work on the part of the householders, 44 bundles of shingles were waiting for us.
But first the roof must be stripped, and bad wood replaced. This can make for some high anxiety moments with our seemingly daily thunderstorms.
But the Tar Paper was installed without incident, and a good start was made on the shingles that first day.

Kayak Kart 1

When The Fuzz and His Sweetie took his Kayak to the river the other day, they discovered that carrying it any appreciable distance could be a chore.
(They're not as young as they used to be)So The Fuzz slipped into that Infamous Home Improvement Store, and collected this stuff.
He figured he could just glue up a light framework of PVC pipe, slide an axle through, and, Voila! Here are the pieces cut and ready for assembly. At A are the "T" fittings, B are the elbows, and at C the main frame pieces.
It was a simple matter to stick it all together.
And here is another of The Fuzz's Amazing Techno-Tips*. To make sure everything lined up corectly, these short conecting pieces were first assembled without glue, whilst the rest was glued together. It was then an easy matter to go back and glue them permanently once everything else was lined up.
Below you can see the finished frame, without axle and wheels. The plan is, to attatch this to the Kayak with straps. Then The Fuzz hopes that it will be an easy matter to roll the whole thing to our launch (and lunch) point.
We'll give an update when available.*The Fuzz likes to give these Techno-Tips from time to time to make everyone's life, just a bit easier!

Morning Surprise

The Fuzz and His Sweetie usually go into town Friday mornings for a Coffee Outing, a sort of a Date. This week they had told a friend they would bring her with them, so she could pick up a motor vehicle that was in the shop.
No problem, right.
Wrong.
They called the friend, and told her they were on the way. But alas, they were not on the way. The Luxury Vehicle was dead in the driveway. The Fuzz made a futile attempt to put some life into it with a jolt from his great little battery charger. But that failed also. All that was left was to leave it plugged up for a few hours.
All was not lost, however. Said friend had at her disposal a gas hoggie SUV which was pressed into service in this matter.
Later, The Fuzz drove his now functional vehicle into the Auto Parts Place for a free battery checkup. The verdict was a bad plate, but puzzlement over the full charge. The Fuzz reckoned the charge due to several hours of charging, and a 12 mile drive into town.
The long and the short of it was, a Brand New Overpriced Battery. Everything seems to be OK as of now. And the day was not a total loss, cause now we have Peaches!

Checking In

Saw this guy in Munich.
The Fuzz just wanted to let y'all know he's still living.

Warning, Graphic Images!

Yes, unfortunately this is exactly what it looks like. In our previous post (the Fuzz seems to be neglecting things here) we introduced 3 new kitties. Well, it seems that things have taken a turn for the worse. Shortly after introducing these little pests to their new home, The Fuzz and His Sweetie decided to have dinner in our wonderful Out Door Dining Area.
After a delightful meal, upon entering the trailer, The Fuzz noticed a peculiar odor. It seems that our fuzzy little friends had been busy. Very busy. There was poo on the bedroom floor. There was poo on the living room floor. But what finally did it, was the poo on The Fuzz's bed.
Needless to say, these kitties have become Outside Kitties!

Kitty Cats

The Kitty population out here had been getting a bit low. So we figured it was time to do something about that. But, we had to wait until The Fuzz and His Sweetie were home from their Big Adventure.
Here are the latest additions to our Exciting Feline Festival!GizmoKoaGarmisch

Irresistible

This was one of those irresistible sites in Munich.

Tiny Transport

Whilst The Fuzz and his Sweetie were out and about in Garmisch, they saw this little thing.

Not exactly a SUV.
But I'll bet it's cheap on gas!

New Mystery Pix

Back to Work

The Fuzz doesn't want folks to get the wrong idea. Life still goes on out here in the woods.
When we got home The Fuzz had to deal with some plumbing issues. And then, there was the grass.

But now things seem to be getting straightened out a bit and he was able to get back to work on this project.Young Daughter is out of school for the summer now.
Summer is here!
Hope to make it to the river today.

Munich

The Fuzz apologizes for all these scattered posts.
On our trip to Munich, we found ourselves in this big plaza in front of the City Hall (or what ever they call it).
It was pretty elaborate.
This monument was there in the square.

The Fuzz and His Sweetie took a lot of pix on this trip. They'll probably be turning up here at Kinda Fuzzy for a while. But let's face it, Folks like us don't get to see this stuff that often living here in the woods.

Here's a look at some of the details.

Walkin' Around

Here's a few pix of a stone bridge The Fuzz and his Sweetie came upon whilst walking near Bedesbach, where we were staying.Here is a view looking up the street from on the bridge.And lastly, a look from the other direction.

Windy

One of the first things The Fuzz noticed in Germany was these wind turbines.

There seemed to be some on every hilltop.
It seems like a good idea. But there are probably drawbacks. Of course they are there, so there is no way to avoid seeing them.
While The Fuzz and His Sweetie were walking around in the hills, they got pretty close. They are not quiet. They sound a bit like an airplane, "whoosh... whoosh... whoosh...etc.
The Fuzz supposes that might bother some folks. That must be why they all were located up on the hills, away from the houses. On the other hand, there's no spent fuel rods.

Home

Just wanted to say that we made it home OK.
There was a slight plumbing incident, but that seems to be OK now.
The Fuzz promises to get more pix up soon.
But here's a quickie of a place most will recognize.

Mona Madness

We made a side trip into Paris. One of the things on the agenda was The Louvre.
And since we were there, like the tourists we were, we wanted a look at this Old Girl.
The Fuzz was a bit less impressed than he had expected. It must have been the build up. All your life you hear about this thing and then, here it is.
But the crowd was quite impressive. It was pretty hard to get close enough for a good look. The Fuzz's Sweetie didn't bother, but that Persistent Fuzz was not to be denied. I think he got off more on the crowd than the actual painting.We did have a good time in Paris. It was quite an experience for The Fuzz and His Sweetie, a bit different from our Home in the Woods.
We hope to be back there soon, God willing. But The Fuzz will continue to get some pix of this exciting trip up here at Kinda Fuzzy, for all to enjoy.