Special Machines

There are machines for every purpose. I like spotting farm machinery with specialized uses. For instance, this tractor attachment collects cut hay, bundles it into a compact uniform bale, and then launches that bale into the trailer behind it. It's a step up from a lawnmower that catches the cuttings in a bag.

The latest in alien activity

Everyone has heard of crop circles. But lately, a new phenomenon in adolescent alien mischief has surfaced. The Leaf Circle. It's less pronounced and doesn't have the staying power of crop cutting, but the alien of today is less interested in long term fame, preferring the ephemeral, flirting brush with notoriety.

Rocky Mountain Birthday

View from Bald Mountain, Fulton Chain of Lakes

For her big birthday weekend, Mom came to visit the settlement and after a day of roaming the local countryside, we journeyed to the Adirondacks. I learned that the range derived its moniker from the nickname given to the natives by the Iroquois, meaning "bark eaters." I imagine this to be a disparaging remark along the lines of "tree huggers" or "mouth breathers."

While we failed to find Mom's childhood haunt along Great Sacandaga Lake, we took a long loop through the Adirondacks, stopping at Buttermilk Falls for a short hike.

Buttermilk Falls

Later, the lady and I left Mom at the trailhead while we climbed Bald Mountain, an enjoyably rocky ascent, as though walking up the backbone of the mountain. Terrific views at the top are heightened by the vantage point of a fire tower.

View from fire tower on Bald Mountain

While it was a lot of driving, the visit and Adirondack trip were both great fun and we hope to bring Ma back again one day.

Ma and me