Last year the Chrome in the Dome was canceled due to Covid Crap but this year it was on. It was amazing to see people living maskless and enjoying our freedom.

We took a little ride around Springerville before parking her inside the dome.

We decided to take the mile walk to Sonic. Ice Cream you scream we want ice cream. As we sat enjoying our tasty “treats” we noticed the VFW building across the street. There blowing in the cool breeze was a tattered American flag. Mental note!

Love, love, love the kids. And there were lots of kids. In one day we gave away almost 90 shirts.

The Pie-Rat was parked next to the Misfitt. I learned that different parts came from all over. For sure the cab came from Pie Town. Even girls worked on the build

Martin was asked to judge so as he was out picking his favorites, one rat rod he picked was the death rat.

Within the next hour, this where we put two and two together and get four.

In 2017 we were introduced to the rad rat culture in Bonneville. We were building our house so that was our main focus. In 2018 we did a supply run to Show Low. Took the scenic drive to Springerville. As we passed a church we saw all these Rat Rods. Car Show!! Pull over Martin. As we walk up to start looking at the cars the doors open to the church and the people come out crying. Confused we started to head back to the truck. So we stopped a lady and asked what happened. She informed us that Justin Taylor had passed and he was the one who created the Rat Rod community in Springerville. Saddened we headed home but also excited because of seeing all the rods the theme the Pie-Rat was born.

With a little extra time Martin was able to secure the logo and the idea in his head. Now he needed a donor car. Thanks to the Straws!

Back to the car show……

So as Martin discovered that the Death Rat was Justin Taylor’s rod, it touched him deeply. And in talking with the family member he shared his story.

Soon I was approached by Justin’s dad and sisters expressing their feelings of happiness to hear that Justin had touched us. I was then confused cause I was busy with the kids and didn’t know the back story.

Clunk, bang, boom! That’s my brain trying to figure it out. Martin stepped in to finally do the math for me. FOUR.

Before you know it we were invited over for dinner after the show. The whole rat rod community were welcoming. We went from knowing no one to being introduced to so many people.

Just some of the incredible rods

After awards it was burn outs out back at the basketball hoop! What?

The crowd gathered. The cars burned their tires off. The crowd cheered.

Tired and beat we almost didn’t go to the dinner invite. So glad we did. Justin Taylor’s family were kind and generous. On this day we became part of the family. They touched our hearts!!!!

We spent the night at the school parking lot and headed home the next morning.

The elk adventured up to the chicken coop and ate all my newly planted flowers.

The girls missed us. They were showing off their talents.

Two new flags ordered and shipped to the VFW

Till next time……

Joyce

It seems as we get older the time flies by so much faster

A donor I say! Yep. Pinterest is dangerous. Saw this cute fun toy and showed it to Martin. He just cut it up! Welded it up! Then screwed it on the post.

My hard working man always deserves a good meal.

You just never know when come across a lonely pig that needs a good home.

I wanted to make this bath but I needed a tire. We went to the dump and saw this gem along the road. Martin STOP!!! Open door…..run……grab……roll…. toss it in the back of the truck…….go!!! Score!! Next stop hardware store and paint.

With work complete. And our clean bill of health from our natural path doctor it was time for family.

From warm sunny Arizona back home again.

The green house always brings joy. When we come home from a trip it’s fun to see what’s new.

A special treat for the girls is corn on the cob. Hung from chain they bounce it between them like a tether ball on the school yard.

Ok as homesteaders we make mistakes, learn from them and try again.

So we had a composting toilet and built the compost bins. Well it’s on concrete. Wrong

It has a cover…..wrong

So we decided to try this for the chicken poop.

We are bound for our next trip!!! Where do we go now?

Till next time…..Joyce

We left for the car show in snow and came home to sunshine. Look at those legs!!! We arrived home Monday morning and got right to work

Martin got right to it. Cut it out grind it out.

Now for the special touch. Automated chickie door.

The next project was to build the roosts. Martin nailed it.

On this day we had the best spring weather. We couldn’t work fast enough. It felt good not to be confined by coats, gloves and hats.

As it became dark our beautiful day came to a end.

We always check on the girls before we go night night. The house still needs a door before we can set them free.

As we walked back to our house to see the light coming through the bottle wall it was just so special. Can’t wait to have time to do the rest of the bottle wall in the house.

It’s another beautiful day. In no time we had the chickie house door built and hung.

As Martin was busy building the framing for the brooder.

As the day ends Kari was beat. Chickie watching is exhausting.

After our visit with Tim and Nancy they turned us on to an app called recipe keeper. I’ve been downloading my recipes and inputting the old ones. High altitude cooking is different so I’m still learning.

This build has been so much fun. Our Fed Ex driver told Martin to keep me off Pinterest!!!

Martin cut some small plastic pieces on the laser to keep the straw in.

We installed the batten detail on the walls and painted them up. The vision is coming together.

As the chickies learn their new home the first night we found them in a corner hiding (huddling) together. We scooped them up and put them in the house. Second night they were on the ramp right by the door. Third night three made it in and three didn’t. We scoop them up and put them away. Fourth night they all made it in safely…… that was a learning curve. Three more nights they all made it in safely. Then last night there was one Rotten Egg. I didn’t see her hiding in the corner, I left the coop then I hear peep peep peep. I swear she said, “ momma momma momma”. I turned around to see her running toward the coop gate. I scooped her up. Calmed her down a minute then put her inside with her sisters. Always well that ends well.

We ran to the local hardware store to get some pvc. Look what happened. Peep, peep, peep. Yep we took 6 home.

Yep saw this on Pinterest. Not quite enough pieces but close. It works great.

Start of a new day the girls need some cute windows. Martin cut the flowers on the laser, I painted them up and Martin installed them.

With a lot of projects almost complete here was another item on the wish list. Tunnel Toy!!!

First we had to find a stump piece big enough. We had to bale wire it around to keep from breaking.

After the carving was complete we added a dead wood tree and the tunnel toy. Just so cute.

With a few ideas left to do we call it a night.

Till next time…..

Joyce.

Spent the morning planting flowers.

We spent the morning preparing t shirts for the car show the next day.

Martin started the Pie -Rat and prepped her to load into the trailer.

We headed out the next morning. Off to Arizona we go. Until….

Martin installed these tire sensors on the trailer and the moho for safety. Well we crossed the railroad tracks in Holbrook….. boom….alarm…… shit! Martin changed out the tire but as we started to continue on…..alarm…. it’s neighbor tire was leaking too. So with a duck duck go search we found a tire shop a mile away.

Super nice guy had us in and out in no time. Back on the road again.

It was a cold cold evening. It still felt amazing to be free and out without a mask.

Ron helped us by cutting up our trees we sacrificed to build our house. Ron also lended a helping hand while we were building the house. So thankful for friends like this.

The weather Saturday morning was so cold and windy by 11:30 it warmed up so nice. It felt good to feel the sunshine.

It’s not everyday you get to love on a chickie.

With the car show coming to an end we both were so happy. The Pie -Rat is loved by everyone. Young and old.

Next stop baseball day. Just down the freeway Trey had a tournament.

And did you notice that Trey has passed up Mika in height? My babies are growing so fast.

We’ve got babies ready to fly out of the brooder. So till next time….

Joyce.

The new chickies new a place to be happy so off to the woods we go. We decided on a place close to the boys tree house. The trashy trailer was in the way so we had to move it.

We headed to Springerville to rent a trencher to run power and water. This will make the job easier.

Martin is use to putting the keys on the seat at home. Well little Kari decided to get in the drivers seat to pretend she was driving down the road. Either she stepped on the remote button or stepped on the lock button on the door. She wouldn’t confess. All we know the girls were inside and we were locked outside.

Within 30 minutes the locksmith picked our lock with a new special tool. He charged only 20 bucks. It was worth 50 bucks to us. He was so thankful.

Back home Martin began the trenching process.

After returning the trencher……it was time to get busy.

After building the first wall we dropped into place.

The north wall is 12” higher in elevation so we buried it 18”. The mesh bottom will help keep the critters from digging under.

Just after setting in the east wall Mother Nature decided to bless us with a sprinkling of snow. Looks like an afternoon in the house.

By this time we both are getting stronger. Bending, lifting, hammering and cutting. It feels good to get our hands busy again.

Too funny for that memory to come up on a chicken coop building day.

It’s roof day!!! What an exciting day.

One thing I have perfected up here is my bread. Rustic Rosemary Artesian.

The boys came for a quick trip. They are non stop riding or driving their rc cars. Papa of course he had to make a track for them all.

The kids came in and wanted to know if we wanted to go mud bogging. While hell yes!

Since we needed cardboard Papa road back to get some. He was welcomed back with some snow balls!!!

After an afternoon of total dirty fun it was time for a hose down.

It’s always sad to say goodbye. It was a fun busy weekend. Boys just know that Grammie and Papa love you more than you know.

Till next time….

Joyce

After resting a day from our month long trip it was time to deal with life.

Laundry…….boring.

Gardening…..fun. After a cold winter it was time to clean up the greenhouse.

We grab a red tote. Go to hop in Martin’s truck. Click, click, click. Crap!!! Dead batteries. Martin’s plugs it into a charger and tries his magic.

We use my car…..

With the charger working we were able to get it started the next day. We traveled to a neighbors house for Martin to help with electrical stuff.

As we leave click, click, click. Crap!!! Frank lends a hand with a jump. Now we need a plan. Guess it’s a trip to Springerville.

Well with a break in the weather we headed to Springerville. A stop at CarQuest, batteries installed. Good to go we headed back home. With a stop at WRS for alfalfa we heard chirping. Omg it was love at first sight. I picked 6 out as Martin picked out the other supplies we needed.

Now we need something to put them in. The hardware store had a waterer. Perfect now with alfalfa, babies and a brooder we headed home.

We set up the little babies.

With girls all cozy in their bed it was time to clean up a little. I was vacuuming and then nothing. I tried it in a different plug. Nothing. Martin was up at the shop so I hauled to dead thing to my Mr. Fixit. He tests it and confirms the switch died. So I asked him to wire it hot so I could use it and just unplug it when I needed to turn it off.

We are waiting for our tin to come in cause up here in the woods you need to be working on more than one project. Now we need a coop.

Till next time….

Joyce.

Martin discovered that there was a cave close by. We love caves so of course I was game.

We arrived at the cave tour destination. We had a small wait till the next tour so we took this time to enjoy a bite to eat.

It was a long way down the hill to the water. This brought back that awful trip and fall I took as a kid.

We were so happy to see our tour guide not wearing a mask. This was going to be fun cause we get to be normal not controlled.

Since I took a million pictures. So not to bore you I only shared a few. This cave was so high up into the mountain. It was super wet and not cold at all. Absolutely beautiful.

We left Shasta and headed to Placerville. Someone special to us lives there.

We ubered a ride to meet Kara for dinner. Kara lived with us in Queen Creek for a year while she was going to school. Then she decided to go back to Eureka. It was a great visit. And to enjoy a beer at a restaurant that doesn’t require a mask was so appreciated. Kara gave us a ride back to our moho. We said our goodbyes and see ya soons. I thought I left my mask that I didn’t have to wear in her car until I noticed something.

With no end plan we decided to go to mammoth mountain. Our timing has been perfect with the weather. Behind the storm we were blessed with the most amazing drive.

After settling into Mammoth rv park we checked the cameras at home. Still snowing.

I was craving pizza. We found a place with take out only and it was just a short walk away.

So worth the hike through the snowy streets.

This rv park was like a parking lot with power and water along the sides. For one night we only needed power.

It must be 5:00 somewhere.

The next morning we decided to take a morning walk to get some coffee. Well let’s just say after having Strawbucks for two weeks Starbucks was not worth the money or the effort. We couldn’t sit inside. So we sat here outside in the cold.

As we left Mammoth we headed to Pahrump, NV. Another beautiful drive.

We arrived in Mesquite NV for a visit with Martin’s brother Tim and his wife Nancy. We had such a nice chat and dinner.

So far three weeks into our trip we have not traveled the same freeway twice.

Another spectacular drive.

After almost 4 weeks on the road when we get home we traveled 3,000 miles and only traveled twice on the same road at Holbrook, AZ. We have traveled past the Meteor Crater and never stopped to visit. Today was the day.

Getting closer to home we could feel the excitement and the sadness all at once. Being that it was getting late in the day we elected to stop one last time in Springerville. The roads at home would be muddy. Grocery shop in the morning then hit the road for home.

When we opened the front door you could smell the orange blossoms from the clementine tree.

As we unloaded we tracked through the mud squishing back and forth. Once unloaded it was a rest day. Chilling on the sofa is our favorite family time.

Thank you my husband who drove the whole 3,000 miles. Hope you all enjoyed our trip as much as we did.

Till next time…..

Once.

We hit the road towards Eureka. The drive was just stunning.

Such beauty everywhere.

The historic Benbow Inn. Our KOA was just on the other side of the river.

A day of rest was the plan. We read, napped and walked the dogs. Then we were off to a nice dinner at the inn.

It was the Inns first night back after being closed for the stupid Covid crap. It was nice to be out for dinner but for us not worth what we paid for it. We have learned that my cooking is so much better.

We arrived to Aunt Natalie and Uncle Dave’s. Next door is Trina and Jeremy, Martin’s cousins. We parked right out front. What a nice visit. Aunt Natalie and Uncle Dave took us for a tour around Eureka.

The next day was pig harvest day. Trina and Jeremy harvested three pigs the day before and there was two left to chop up.

Family arrives to help

Knowing the family was working the famous Miss Clara brought food for the sole.

The next morning was breakfast at Uncle Dave’s and Aunt Natalies.

Family gathering has been a no no for some people. For us we were so thankful that we were welcomed to visit.

We enjoyed ourselves so much. So thankful for our family.

Since checking the cameras at home and collecting information from our neighbors there was no reason to hurry home.

So we hit the road for Mount Shasta as a kid my parents took us camping at Mt. Shasta. I remember running down this trail to the water. My parents said, “Don’t run you will hurt yourself.” Well it was so much fun till I tripped over a root going across the trail and landed on my stomach. I couldn’t say a word for one I knocked the wind out of myself. I couldn’t breathe. Two a just didn’t want to hear those words, “we told you so.” So I sucked up the pain. Didn’t cry and walked carefully down the rest of the way to the water.

We stretched our legs with a walk downtown Weaverville. Stopped into the ice cream shop and saw the tractor. Gave Martin an idea for little stripped down lawn tractors ratted out for the kids to drive in the parades.

We spent the night at the KOA at the base. Our fun begins again tomorrow.

Till next time….

Joyce.

As the New Year begins, there are many changes. First thing finish up with my Dance Stars Studio work.

With the end of a very difficult season and the uncertainty of delivery options, why not take a road trip and deliver the dance costumes ourselves. Load em up.

Martin always drives. Me, this is my time to relax enjoy and appreciate what my husband always does for us. First stop was a visit with Martin’s parents. Always nice to see them.

Second stop. Dance Stars drop off. Costumes safely delivered. Can’t thank Harmony enough for her devotion to my creativity. She has been a client for over 20 years. And with the stupid Covid crap she fought hard and pushed forward to have a somewhat normal competition season for her kids. So with her effort she helped me to survive. So thank you, thank you, thank you Harmony.

Third stop our dear best friends house. We have reservations in the front driveway. Thank you Kevin and Paula for always welcoming us.

Since the solar guru was in town, we headed up to Jennifer and Nathaniel’s. Martin and Kevin worked on their solar and us girls went to groom Jennifer’s horse.

While the guys continued to move panels. Disconnect wires and scratch their heads us girls went shopping. I saw this sign and sent it to my hubby.

Paula and I took the dogs for a nice walk.

The best part of a vacation with no end planned we are able to just go with the flow.

Kevin’s Aunt Bev passed away just before Christmas. Kevin as executor to her estate had the pleasure of cleaning out of her house. So we helped with the sorting of stuff.

As we helped, I couldn’t help the feeling of I don’t want to die!!!! I love life, family and friends too much to leave this beautiful world. But it’s going to happen. Our kids will have the pleasure of going through our endless supply of stuff.

The boys bought a RC glider. The feeling of flying free up high is something they enjoy.

We left the snow and enjoyed a little rain.

What Best Costume!!! The joy you see on the kids faces is the best award ever.

This news just made my day.

My dear friend, Tina, her dog had puppies. Oh my so cute. I so wanted to take one home. Our two dogs make our life complete. Paula and Kate each picked one out. Little Bella went everywhere with us.

Friends. What does that me to you? To us Friends are everything. We laugh together. We cry together. We accept one another as we are.

Yes it is Jimmy. Haven’t seen him since high school. What a nice visit.

This was our last night visiting friends and hanging out in Acampo. What a great two weeks. Still we have no end plan to our trip so decided to head up to Eureka to visit family. After all stupid Covid crap has forced me to retire. I turned 62 on January 31st. Kevin and Paula took me to church. With my husband by my side I gave my heart to god. With no work in the near future I filed for my social security. My First check arrives in March. Martin and I both are getting back what we have paid into for years. And we thank all you young people for supporting us for the rest of our days here on earth.

Till next time…..

Joyce