This is what determination looks like

The forecast called for subzero temperatures, the winds were blowing strong and the roads were glazed with black ice. As I laced up my boots, I thought to myself, “This is what determination looks like.” Everyone thought I was crazy to do it but I picked up my bestie, Jamie, and we set out to … Continue reading "This is what determination looks like"
Read MoreManderfesting Love

I have made it known among my friends that I would more than welcome their help if they are ever willing and able to give it. So when my friend, Eric, reached out to me last minute to tell me he could make this trip, I was stoked! I scooped him up and we were … Continue reading "Manderfesting Love"
Read MoreUp, Down and Then Back Up Again

I marched into Mander armed with peppermint oil and sage. I dispersed the peppermint oil onto cotton balls and placed them where ever I thought little mousies would like to hang out, chew on things or crawl off to die. Then I lit that sage up. After I’d completely smoked myself out and it smelled … Continue reading "Up, Down and Then Back Up Again"
Read MoreDremel Queen

I started out this trip kinda pooped. I had been working a lot beforehand and really wanted to chill out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. So the first day I mostly putzed. I laid in bed and then I got up and putzed. After that I laid outside on the ground, looked up at … Continue reading "Dremel Queen"
Read MoreStriding and Soaring

Have I hit my stride? Maybe so! This last Mander trip was a lot more successful than the previous ones and I left feeling like I have a better handle on things. Even though there were some not so great things discovered, I’m feeling a little less like a floundering fish out of water. I’m … Continue reading "Striding and Soaring"
Read MoreScrape Scrape Scrape

The last trip I took to work on Mander I mostly scraped. And scraped. And scraped some more. But of course, as I’ve now learned, before you can do the work you are aiming to do, you gotta do other stuff first. So my Dad and I built scaffolding in preparation for all the climbing … Continue reading "Scrape Scrape Scrape"
Read MoreWhat a Guy

I mentioned previously that I managed to score a sweet deal on Mander (that’s the nickname I have now given The Commander). I bought her off of Craigslist from a guy named, Guy. When I called to ask him for more info on Mander it immediately felt like I was talking to family. I trusted … Continue reading "What a Guy"
Read MoreReality? Check!

My Commander is being stored at my Dad’s 2 1/2 hours away, in northern Wisconsin, so I’m making trips up there to work on it. My plan is to go at least once a month for whatever length of time I can spare to hack away at this enormously daunting project. I recently was able … Continue reading "Reality? Check!"
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