ODDS AND ENDS----CATCHING UP

I'VE BEEN BUSY--these past two weeks in an interesting experiment ---will tell you all about it when I catch up with some prior happenings. This is a map from stat counter showing the location of my readers on 5/24/10. Of course I'm pleased to see widespread interest in Western vagabondage--but what struck me was that someone on the lonely island of Annobon, off the coast of Africa checked me out---sure wish I could hear from you sir or madam. I'm equally curious about you.

Saw this--got the story (more efficient way to bale hay--doesn't need a barn--won't spoil in the field) was moved to poetry: BETTER WAY

They're shaping hay a better way

rolling hay bales round,

lengthwise grain sheds off the rain

when left out on the ground.

Little is lost and saved is the cost

of stacking it round the farm;

but mostly heed, THERE'S NOW NO NEED

TO BUILD A HUGE HAY BARN

And I'm well pleased to save the trees

that would have built the barn;

perhaps indeed, we n'ere did need

to cause the woods such harm.

Barns like this one--requiring thousands of trees--the biggest barn in Kansas. (Colby)

An astonishing structure--in perfect condition--now part of a museum and occasionally used for county meetings---I'll show you the upstairs.

Big enough for a grand---anything. Weddings most often I was told.

Instant friends, Jacob and his father--(also Jacob I believe) in front of a real sod house --the first I've seen.

Oh this is ominous---I settled into Goodland, Kansas wal-mart and then it hit. Sirens sounded tornado warnings and hail pelted my vulnerable glass-covered solar panels. That's $1,500 worth of solar power up there. (but it's hardened glass and came through ok) I moved 3 times, trying to get my rig shielded from the fury. Later I met and interviewed a British storm chaser--his group does it for the sheer sport. Said the latest fad is to don a metal shark armor suit with helmet and let the tornado move over you.

Folk art like this can be found almost everywhere---same kind of guy--seized with a vision--like the builders of Coral Castle, Watts Tower, Salvation Mountain etc. This tower in Genoa, Colorado boast a view of 6 states. (I doubt it)

Could you guess from looking at the trees that a 50 mph wind is blowing? I got off the road and hunkered here most of the day. Notice the 4 stabilizers I have lowered to help.

Lucky, I chose to stay put. Just out of town, this hapless trailer---similar to mine was destroyed by the wind.

And a mile further on this scene speaks of the wind's ferocity. I must say--Kansas Weather scares me---I'll move elsewhere.

See that sign---"world's first rodeo" wellll I don't know--Prescott, Az makes the same claim. Anyway, Deer trail, Co was a lovely little town---shrinking however--lots of empty stores.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES ABOUT COPS: Visits by the police are very rare but After a night in a field, I had a visit from this one. More curious than official. I've become an expert at dealing with cops----here's the best technique: Step outside, smiling broadly and say "Hello there!--- boy am I glad to see you---can you tell me.........then ask a harmless question about the area. Then tell him how you're enjoying...........the area. The cop in him will melt and the proud booster of his town and county will emerge. This one was super nice--sat and visited for a spell---told me to make myself at home. If a cop visits me at night, my opening line is: Thank God you're here......I need......(a tire shop--radiator repair etc) What the cop wants to know is if you are harmless---respectable--respectful. What a cop cannot bear is disrespect. Of the three ego states in all of us--parent---adult---child---the best one to open with --in most situations-- really--- is playful child.