| December 2009 Daniel Taylor |
December 1 (Tuesday) 7:30 am
Frost on the pumpkin this morning, and another maintenance expense for Stump Busters. This one may not
hurt as much -- only a couple hundred dollars -- and we couldn't work anyway due to rain. TVA shut us down
yesterday and today, and rain is projected for tomorrow , so we may lose an entire week. That is costly. The
maintenance I mentioned is for the stump grinder, and parts should be in for it sometime today. The
grinder will be back up and running, and perhaps we shall be able to work it the rest of the week.
Right now Stump Busters only has one man we can put in the field on any regular basis, but we have two
pieces of equipment. The problem we face is probably the same that most employers face: finding
someone who is willing to work. One would think that with the economy the way it is we would not have
such a problem. Anyway, Larry and I have decided that the way to go is to follow the advice of our attorney
and form an LLC (Limited Liability Company). The name will be W. T. Stump Busters, LLC. Believe it or not,
but there already is a Stump Busters, LLC in another part of the state.
The dogs are outside frolicking in the frost. I have business this morning at the bank.
Frost on the pumpkin this morning, and another maintenance expense for Stump Busters. This one may not
hurt as much -- only a couple hundred dollars -- and we couldn't work anyway due to rain. TVA shut us down
yesterday and today, and rain is projected for tomorrow , so we may lose an entire week. That is costly. The
maintenance I mentioned is for the stump grinder, and parts should be in for it sometime today. The
grinder will be back up and running, and perhaps we shall be able to work it the rest of the week.
Right now Stump Busters only has one man we can put in the field on any regular basis, but we have two
pieces of equipment. The problem we face is probably the same that most employers face: finding
someone who is willing to work. One would think that with the economy the way it is we would not have
such a problem. Anyway, Larry and I have decided that the way to go is to follow the advice of our attorney
and form an LLC (Limited Liability Company). The name will be W. T. Stump Busters, LLC. Believe it or not,
but there already is a Stump Busters, LLC in another part of the state.
The dogs are outside frolicking in the frost. I have business this morning at the bank.
December 5 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Frost on the pumpkin again this morning. The temps have dipped considerably. Central Mississippi
experienced quite the snow event last night, but here in the North, we are free and clear of precipitation
for now.
Not much news to report. Stump Busters lost an entire week of work due to rain this week, yet we still had
payroll to meet. We have a special arrangement with Kenny that he receives a salary instead of being paid
hourly. That arrangement is unheard of in our line of work, but Kenny is indispensable, and we need to
keep him taken care of.
Cats and dogs are doing fine. I haven't seen any further incidents between Boots and Buster. I see those
two avoiding each other inside, but I do not know what goes on outside when I am gone. Horace Lucky
spends more time running and playing with the others and less time fighting, so for the time being a
general truce reigns around Willow Oak.
December 6 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
No word yet on whether we will be working with TVA tomorrow. We lost one whole week, and we sure could
use some work time. Precipitation is in the forecast, and so far things are not looking good for us. Kenny
did get some work in with the stump grinder yesterday and today.
Temps have dipped into the 20's (F) at night lately, which is a little cool for this time of year. Right now I've
managed to get a hot enough fire in the fireplace that I am not too uncomfortable inside. I much prefer
spring and summer temperatures (who doesn't), but in some ways this is my favorite time of year. I love
curling up with the Willow Oak crew at bedtime in front of a roaring fireplace. It is like camping out every
night around here with the fire going and dogs and cats snoozing and snoring all around me.
Stump Busters will officially become W. T. Stump Busters, LLC, on the first of next year. I shall set up a
separate checking account for the company and be responsible, as I have been, for running the business.
Larry will continue to run the company.
December 8 (Tuesday) 6:45 am
Rain continues to kill us. It appears that we may very well lose another whole week of TVA work. Kenny did
not work yesterday due to rain. Today I shall check in on things and see where we stand so far as work for
the week.
I am continuing to prepare myself for the upcoming tax season. The plan is to work for Jackson Hewitt this
season, then see where we stand afterwards. Without intending to be personally critical, the organization
of JH in regards to their tax school is woefully inadequate. I do not have a clear-cut idea what is expected
of me, and no one associated with the company appears to know either. I just plod ahead with my studies. I
have found several errors in the study materials. It seems to me that the powers that be would be
interested in finding out these errors for themselves, but they appear to be unconcerned. an attitude that
does not engender confidence.
Actually, what I really need to do is to involve myself more with the material work of Stump Busters. I am not
too old for such work, and physical labor outdoors is bound to benefit me, health-wise. I have not done any
form of manual or physical labor (apart from workouts with the football teams I coached as a teacher) in
many, many years, but I could really benefit, I think, from so engaging myself. Perhaps the lion's share of my
heart problems are due to my sedentary lifestyle.
Horace Lucky continues to adapt to his new surroundings. He does follow me around incessantly inside the
house, but he does run and play with the other dogs more than he did. The shot I gave him a few weeks
ago seems to have really helped him to stop chewing on himself. I think Fred could benefit from such a
shot. The prednisolone tablets have really helped Lu Lu and her skin condition.
Buster has really settled in and has become a strictly indoor cat. I never thought I would see the day, but
he has really fulfilled all my expectations for him. The poor guy managed to survive outdoors for several
years as a loner. It is good that I can provide a safe haven for him now that he has gotten older.
December 10 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
It appears that we may be getting a break in the weather. TVA won't let us work this week, but Kenny did
some stump grinding today. Boy was it cold! Well, cold for Mississippi.
I made a visit today to my cardiologist, and apparently all is well. I shared with the doctor my fainting
episode of a couple of weeks' back, and he showed no concern. On the contrary, when I explicitly asked
him about my fainting he said that it was probably nothing of which to be concerned. Indeed, I have felt
very well lately, and I would like nothing more than to go on living a few more years.
I received a nice email from a reader who lives in Wisconsin. He and his wife adopted a pup from our
shelter here in Corinth, a few years back (if I am recollecting correctly), and I hear from them once in a
while. He told me about the snow they've had and about the great time his dog, Reuben, had frolicking
therein. I recall that we had one snow day here last year, and the dogs really went wild with joy. I was
pleasantly surprised and hope to see that again a time or two this winter -- but not too much, Stump Busters
needs some good weather this winter in which to work.
Speaking of readers, I appreciate all those who take the time to catch up on events at Willow Oak by
reading my journal. I hear from my friend in Copenhagen, Denmark, Randi, after whose late husband, John,
I dedicated my book. She was excited about President Obama's recent visit to the climate summit there.
Her kitty, Fister, writes me now and then with news from the "old" country.
December 11 (Friday) 7:35 pm
The online edition of the Daily Corinthian has not posted any of my stories in a few weeks, and the reason is
quite simple: they used up all the stories that are on my website, and I have not written anything new in a
while. I have some ideas, though. There are other things that interest me in the way of stories, but so far I
have not accumulated enough material for anything new.
As I have already mentioned the outside temperatures have been cooler than what is normal for our area
for this time of year. We may even receive some frozen precipitation before Christmas -- just what we do
not need. What we do need is some dry weather and a long string of warm sunny days to dry things out.
All animals are doing fine. Buddy and Darkly are fairing well in their cage outside. I check on them
everyday, and they appear to be none the worse for having to live outside in the cold. I have fixed them up
a nice, warm sheltered box, lined with a thick, knitted blanket, and I think they find plenty of warm comfort in
it during cold nights. I make sure that they have plenty of food and clean water.
Buster has decided to crawl into my lap, and he is there as I type. I really did good with that one. He has
become a regular love bug. Boots has been hanging out inside more -- probably due to the cold. I often
have to moderate between Boots and Buster at bedtime: both want their time on my chest. Then there are
Thumper, Lightly, and Cougar, all of who want their time also. And let's not leave out Willy and Bonnie,
Clyde and Lu Lu, Grace, Fred, and Horace Lucky -- all of who insist on being given attention also.
December 12 (Saturday) 7:35 pm
Buster showed up this morning with his leg chewed up again -- the same leg as before. Undoubtedly he
and Boots got into it during the night, and this makes me very sad. The only way to stop this is to confine
one or the other. I may be close to having to confine Boots. Boots is a regular Tom, and wanders away for
short periods of time. I've also noticed that Boots is beginning to show signs of age: he has difficulty
jumping to the cabinet from time to time, so perhaps it is time that I keep closer tabs on him. I'm sure he will
adapt well to being confined, but since he doesn't have any other cat friend among the group, finding a
spot for him won't be easy.
Today was a clear day, and Kenny finished up at the horse farm and did another job somewhere I believe.
He and I collected some firewood and restocked my supply. I have a hot, roaring fire going right now.
Precipitation has revisited us, and it is looking like we may lose another day or two of TVA work next week.
We desperately need to get some work in. Funds are running low, and we need a break in the weather. We
have missed 14 consecutive work days for TVA.
Dogs are bedded down for the night, and I shall be joining them soon.
December 13 (Sunday) 6:15 pm
The rain held off today, but sky conditions were overcast, and there was no wind, so the ground remained
wet and soggy. Stump Busters will not be working tomorrow. Perhaps Kenny and I shall drive the tractor to
Walnut for some general maintenance.
Sam managed to escape the fence, but he returned shortly. I presume he jumped over. I checked the wire,
and it is hot, so surely he got a jolt. If he did jump the fence it will be the first time that he has done that
since that time several months ago that he and Oscar both jumped the fence and received a shock. I hope I
don't have to start dealing with that again.
Buster appears to be better, but he is still limping around. Cougar has been stalking something in the
kitchen. He sits on the floor and watches the area underneath the cabinets. I surmise that he either hears
something or sees something: a mouse, perhaps?
The fire is roaring, creating that wonderful warm and cozy atmosphere, which I so love this time of year.
The dogs are mostly snoozing behind me. Horace Lucky is in his usual place, and the cats are lounging
here and there, catching their z's also. I shall soon be joining them.
| Clyde |
| Scamp |
| Taz |
December 15 (Tuesday) 8:22 pm
My Friend, Cliff, has come for a visit. I knew Cliff way back when. In the mid 1970's I made an excursion
North, and met and became friends with Cliff when we were both very young. I reacquainted with Cliff
summer before last, and we have stayed in touch. Cliff brought his travel trailer, in which he is staying and
which is parked beside my house at Willow Oak.
Today I introduced Cliff to the crew, and as expected they were all over him. They love to meet new people
-- all except Scamp, of course, who is still mortified of strangers. Grainger, likewise, kept his distance.
Surprisingly, Oscar came around for the visit. Oscar usually finds a hiding place whenever a stranger
makes a visit, but he showed little fear today.
Yesterday evening, as Cliff, Kenny, and I were visiting inside the travel trailer, Cougar made a visit. He
made a thorough inspection of the premises and gave his hearty approval.
Temps are dipping, but the rain has stayed away. I have a nice fire going, and bedtime approaches. Buster
is next to me as I type, demanding some loving, so ..., see ya later!
| Sam |
| Horace Lucky being greeted by the crew on the day he arrived at Willow Oak. Poor Horace; he was all skin and bones. |
| There are those who advised me to leave the dog alone. Uh ..., I don't think so. If you can resist this face, then you need to be left alone. |
December 18 (Friday) 6:15 am
What is this!? Rain! Ugh! Maybe, just maybe Stump Busters will be able to do a job, which we have been
putting off for some several days now -- provided that this morning's rain is only short-lived. Apparently a
storm is skirting our area, but we are catching a few drops. The weather man is predicting the probability of
snow for Christmas Eve. Christmas is next week. So, we are definitely not going to get in a full week this
week (it's already over), nor are we going to see a full week next week (it's Christmas); nor will we see a full
week the following week (it's New Years). Poor house, here we come!
Sam escaped the fence again yesterday evening. Fortunately Cliff caught Sam before he got very far and
restrained him until he could be apprehended by the proper authorities. Now I have that to worry about:
figuring how Sam is escaping the fence and plug the hole.
December 19 (Saturday) 6:10 pm
Fairly cool weather that we are having, with a hint of some frozen precipitation. It just so happens that The
Wizard of Oz is showing on the TV as I write. Of course, I included a chapter in my book on Toto, Dorothy's
little dog. I cry every time I read that chapter. Ha, ha! I cry while reading my own book. What a wuss I am!
I tried to take an updated picture of Horace to show how he has filled out, but the big guy just won't stay
still. Besides, today was an overcast day, and not a good day to take pictures. Fortunately, Buster and
Boots have been avoiding each other lately. The rest of the crew is doing fine.
I am really pleased at the progress of Scamp. Despite having lived nearly all of his life at Willow Oak, and
despite the fact that he has been with me for at least four years, Scamp is and always has been very
nervous and "skiddish," even around me. But I've noticed an improvement. More and more he comes to
me and allows me to pet and scratch him. He even crawls into bed with me for short periods of time. But
when Cliff comes around -- forget it! Oscar, on the other hand, has actually allowed Cliff to pet him. Oscar,
likewise, usually makes himself scarce any time another person makes a visit. But he too has shown some
improvement. Buster makes his exit whenever another person comes around, however.
Nobody worked today. Larry is out of town on family matters, and Kenny took the day off. I drove Cliff to
Sharp's Bottom, one of the rural, swampy areas near Willow Oak.
December 20 (Sunday) 6:40 pm
The word is that the TVA job is shut down until after New Years. Oh, well. We gotta hope we generate
enough tree and stump-grinding business to do us until the end of the year. Looks like we'll get our dump
truck from the TVA job site, and bring it home for some regular maintenance.
Not much news regarding the Willow Oak crew, other than reporting that all are present and accounted for,
and for me that is always good news. All of my cats, except for Buddy and Darkly, are free to go and come at
will. It never ceases to amaze me that these creatures prefer to live here with me. The dogs I cannot allow
to roam freely, since there are so many opportunities for them to find trouble. But the dogs get to run
around a nice fenced-in area of about a half acre. They are all a spoiled bunch, but not totally unworthy.
They provide me with much love and attention, as I provide them with safety and security. It is a good deal
for all concerned.
Kenny has complained that I do not write enough about him. He has requested that I devote an entire entry
just for him. Well, I could tell him that this entry is totally about him -- since he cannot read he wouldn't
know, anyway -- but his wife is bound to tell him differently. Oh well. Kenny is due another reading lesson
soon. I already covered the first three letters of the alphabet. I do not want to go too fast.
Today would have been Susie's 58th birthday. I have been thinking about Susie's dog, Marwen. Susie
loved Pinky, also, and considered Pinky to be her kitty.
| Pinky |
December 21 (Monday) 9:15 pm
The Winter Solstice for 2009 was a bright and sunny day, and Stump Busters was able to start and complete
the job with the apple trees. One of the locals had a couple of dead apples trees in her back yard, and we
were able to successfully cut them down and grind the stumps. Cliff went with us and got in some much
needed exercise outdoors -- as did I. Actually, I had to endure a few back spasms, which slowed me a bit,
but I managed to persevere. Cliff, on the other hand, having not done a lot of physical labor in the past few
years, faired much better. He had to pace himself, but with his help and with Kenny's wife stopping by to
lend a hand, we completed the job in around three hours. I have updated the Stump Busters web page with
pictures we took today while we worked.
Looks like we will be able to do another job tomorrow -- four pine trees not far from where we did the apple
trees. Should be a relatively easy job.
All animals are safe and sound. The dogs stayed kenneled all day, due to the fact that I was on the job, but
they've had a nice run since I arrived home. I needed a hot shower to help loosen my back, and the dogs
have taken it easy with me since my arrival home.
I have been enjoying some nice eggnog. I do not spike it with anything -- I like the taste just as it is.
Eggnog is a seasonal thing, and I love it during Christmas time.
December 22 (Tuesday) 7:45 pm
Kenny did a good job today.
December 23 (Wednesday) 5:00 am
The previous post was dedicated to Kenny. Kenny complained that I wasn't saying enough about him, and
he requested that I write an entire post solely about him, so that was it. I hope that it suffices.
Yesterday Stump Busters was on the job again, taking down, cleaning up, and grinding the stumps of four
pine trees. Cliff and I each had our first full day of hard manual labor in years. Well, I've had a couple of
days the last few months, but nothing like yesterday. The only help we had on the job besides Kenny were
T.R., Larry's brother, Cliff and I. Another tree company took the trees down for us. All in all it was a good
day, and we did a good job. Cliff expressed his delight at having to do some manual labor, and both he and
I were surprised at our abilities to hang in there until the job was done. We both had to pace ourselves,
and I can barely move this morning, but after having spent the past several years making a living sitting
down, getting in some hard, sweaty work like we experienced yesterday was "just what the doctor ordered."
| A month ago I bought a wood chipper and a dump truck to be used on our job with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Yesterday we used both pieces of machinery at the job where we cut down the four pine trees. Here they are parked on the road, set up and ready to work. |
| Buster has really calmed down since coming inside. Here the big Orangie sleeps peacefully beside Peachy Pete. |
| Fister is a furry feline who resides in Copenhagen, Denmark, and daily reads my journal. He sent me a nice Christmas card and some very fine teas from the "Old Country." |
| On a recent visit to downtown Corinth, I happened to find myself parked next to Larry Winters. That used to be my yellow truck. Finding a place to park near Larry is hit-or-miss. These Mississippi Hillbillies drive without drivers licenses or insurance and have never learned how to park. |
December 24 (Christmas Eve) 6:00 pm
I asked Larry about the way he parks, and he blamed it on the stripe. Uh, yeah, right! The hillbilly just
cannot park.
Anyway, today was a calm day all around -- no work to be done. I helped Kenny to secure a house closer to
Corinth -- a nice three bedroom deal in the country, just seven miles from town. Kenny was excited, to say
the least.
Cliff is still living in his trailer next to my house, but he stayed inside most of the day -- a cold coming on.
The animals are bedded down, and a fire roars in the fireplace. It is very windy outside, and I am getting a
lot of blowback through the chimney, sending smoke and ashes all over the house. Yuck! I visited with
BKI, Buddy, and Darkly outside. I have posted a video of Buddy here, and there are some other pictures
below.
Nearly time for the fat guy in the red suit!
| BKI licks his chops after having a bit of dinner. |
December 25 (Christmas Day) 8:15 am
We've had a dusting of snow this morning, but the temps aren't cold enough to allow the stuff to stick. That
is a good thing, I suppose, since I shall be leaving soon to visit with Larry and Melinda and their extended
family this morning at Melinda's parents' house.
Kenny called earlier to tell me that he was on his way with his wife and children to show them their new
house. Kenny said it would be the best Christmas gift he has ever given to his family.
Talk about cool! I was studying the statistics on my website this morning and noticed that someone had
linked to one of my stories on another website, about which I had no previous knowledge. It is always a
pleasant surprise to see that, and it does happen occasionally. Check out post #13 on this site. On another
occasion I found this one under "Famous animals that were rescued from shelters."
December 26 (Saturday) 6:15 pm
Today was a beautiful day! Temperatures will get colder this winter before they get warmer, but with a
sufficient supply of firewood, I shall persevere. I have decided that I need to engineer a solution to what
has become the "Buster" problem. Poor Buster: he showed up one day this week with some more obvious
nasty injuries. His eye has been gouged and scratched, and he has a noticeable contusion on his head. I
shall have to figure a way to confine him to the house. I would like to allow him the freedom to move
around the house, but I do not want to restrict the other cats from going outside if they want to. I may have
to go ahead and confine all of the cats -- engineer a way to confine them all while allowing them a way to
escape to an outside enclosure. Boots is showing signs of age, and he would likewise benefit from such an
arrangement. Also, I would like to bring Darkly and Buddy inside, while allowing them to enjoy going
outside.
I have pictures and videos of Christmas with the Winters. Not all have been posted yet, but I shall try to
include a few more.
Christmas is over, and now I am ready for summer. Below is a picture I took while on a trip to the Memphis
zoo last summer with Larry and his family. Some day I would like to have such a setup at Willow Oak. I have
the space and I have the pond. All I need now is a barn and a couple of horses and cows ..., okay, and
maybe a few goats.
December 27 (Sunday) 7:15 pm
Nothing much happened today -- nothing special, anyway. Today was a cool, mostly clear day, and I
managed to cut some firewood. My good pal, Smoky, is perched on my desk by my side, and his presence
put me in the mood to post to my journal. Smoky is the lone survivor of a litter of four kittens born to my
very first cat, Sheba. Sadly, Sheba and three of her progeny are no longer with me. I have such pleasant
memories of the brood. They were born at my mother's house while I was living there. I had just begun
working for Otis and School Business Systems, and had built an office on the side of my mother's house
where I worked and lived. The kittens grew up under my feet, running and playing, and it was there that I
learned how pleasant owning a cat can be. I would take walks in the woods and around the pond, and the
entire group of four would follow me around like puppies. I never used the "kitty, kitty, kitty" ditty that most
folks use when communicating to their cats and kittens. No, I just shouted, "Come on!" And they would
follow. At dinner time I would yell out the door, "Come on!" And the kittens would come running!
Well, Socks, Shadow, Curiosity, and their mother, Sheba, are no longer with me; but Smoky is still with me,
and a more loving and loyal kitty I have not seen. And the funny thing is that Smoky was the last of the
brood to warm up to me. I can still see the little tyke crawling up my pant leg while I sat at work, and once
he reached the top and caught sight of me, scurrying away in apparent fear of the big mean monster!
One night, late at night and after I had gone to bed, I heard the dogs cutting a row. I knew what was up -- I
had heard the signs of a group of dogs packing around a victim, and I raced outside to find that poor Smoky
was in their grasp. I managed to rescue the poor kitty before too much damage had been done, and given a
few days, Smoky recovered his dignity and self-respect, and today he is as good as ever, having suffered
no ill effects of his ordeal.
Woops! Buster has just jumped onto the desk, and now he is demanding my attention!
I am watching The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews. I am a cigar-smoking, foul-mouthed, woman-chasing,
silly old man, but if you do not find pleasure in a movie like The Sound of Music, then you have a heart made
of pure stone.
I took this video today of one of my favorite buddies, Cougar.
| Smoky, the beautiful, gray, long-haired tabby. |
December 29 (Tuesday) 7:45 pm
Today was a bit cooler -- cooler than normal for this time of year for this part of the country, but we had no
precipitation. Precipitation is expected for Thursday and Friday -- maybe of the frozen kind. Christmas is
past, and New Years beckons. For the record I do not subscribe to notions of gloom and doom. I refer to
the gloomy prediction of December 21, 2012. By now, there is hardly anyone in the Western Hemisphere
who has not been made cognizant of the Mayan calendar, and the Nostradamus effect. What is my view?
Well, I feel toward December 21, 2012, the same as I felt toward Y2k: absolutely nothing is going to happen!
There are only three reasons why one would subscribe to gloom and doom and conspiracy theories and all
of that:
1. Ignorance: those who propagate such garbage prey upon the ignorant to disseminate their message.
2. Idiocy: these people can be disregarded.
3. Ulterior motives: there are certainly those who benefit financially by preaching gloom and doom. I say:
Poppycock! Balderdash! Baloney!
This morning as I drove to town to perform a few errands I thought about my dear sweet, Lola Belle. I found
myself longing to hold her and to love her, to pet her and to kiss her. I miss my Lola Belle. How hard I fell
for her, and how I do miss that sweet creature! My heart aches to hold her and press my face to hers. Lola
Belle was without a doubt the prettiest dog I ever saw!
Unfortunately I was consigned to spending most of the day with Kenny. His is a mug that I do not long to
kiss. I would sooner kiss the South end of a donkey than to kiss that ugly mug, as one can easily see.
Kenny and I made a trip to Walnut to retrieve the tractor. We had delivered out tractor to be serviced and
receive some repair work -- problems with the hydraulics. Upon our return Kenny found that one of the
hydraulic lines on the stump grinder had blown a hole, and was squirting hydraulic fluid. That one cost us
nearly 70 bucks.
| Kenny's is definitely one mug that does not beg to be kissed. |
December 30 (Wednesday) 3:25 pm
I finally got smart and realized that I had a few pictures of Susie. So, I went looking and found these. I have
some negatives and shall have to see if there are some more pictures of Susie on those.