The sun rose but couldn't be seen. These clouds are just part of a rainfall that has lasted for days. We only got grazed but the southern third of Minnesota has been inundated. The River Warren Valley again shows it's dominance over the region as it catches, and transports to the sea, this huge rainfall.
The political season is way past gearing up and is off and running. As are the deer, for it is autumn and hunting season has started; bow first, then gun. Many of my friends have taken one already, looks like it will be a good deer harvest; unlike down south were this new rainfall has saturated what was expected to be a record grain harvest.
I am preparing for my winter-over as is everyone else with a rational and responsible Minnesota mindset. Coat, hat, gloves, boots that sort of thing. I think I am going out and getting a boot dryer. Very handy in the winter, there is nothing like warm and dry boots in the morning.
I intend to update my membership to the MSOA Minnesota Stable Owners Association, and also the FWLM; Forest Workers League of Minnesota.
I like working at the Tree Service/Horse Stables in Stillwater.
I really want to run the bandsawmill at Lumberjack Days next year, but that has to be pushed. So I will be pushing that.
I have my storage space paid up, my license renewed, the truck runs and is fully insured. Now to tidy up the boats, I still hope to get a couple runs in but the season is soon over for boating.
I also had been hoping to set up a more comfortable living arrangement by winter with a little more space and no weekend chores. That may still happen, I would like to live closer to work.
I want to paint my portable stage before it gets too cold, I could straighten up my storage space at the same time.
That's probably what I'll do this week. Today I may run to Sartell, or Big Lake depending on a few phone calls.
I did the laundry and the dishes, if I go I better do so soon. I need to be back for Sunday morning chores for about 20 horses. I should be done by noon.
If it's nice, maybe I'll paint my stage Sunday afternoon.
Now, time to make some phone calls.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Autumn is Here and Winter Aproaches.
Today was a crisp morning with fog. We were geared up and getting underway by 7 at Haines Tree service in Stillwater.
We had the white Pick-up pulling the stump grinder ahead and going through the list provided by the City of Minneapolis. Following that was the one ton pulling a trailer to receive the grindings, and running along with it, was the Mac [Granite] loader to pick up the grindings and then fill the hole with the dirt carried in the back of the Mac.
It's pretty efficient and once up and running it is not uncommon for us to grind 1000 inches of stumps.
We headed into town and were approaching the first ground stump to clean up (Mike and I were in the Loader), the fog had burned off and it was a perfect blue autumn day.
We went about from site to site, chewing up stumps along the boulevards of Minneapolis like a bunch of rabbits bouncing from carrot to carrot in the garden.
We had a good day and tomorrow looks to be the same.
We had the white Pick-up pulling the stump grinder ahead and going through the list provided by the City of Minneapolis. Following that was the one ton pulling a trailer to receive the grindings, and running along with it, was the Mac [Granite] loader to pick up the grindings and then fill the hole with the dirt carried in the back of the Mac.
It's pretty efficient and once up and running it is not uncommon for us to grind 1000 inches of stumps.
We headed into town and were approaching the first ground stump to clean up (Mike and I were in the Loader), the fog had burned off and it was a perfect blue autumn day.
We went about from site to site, chewing up stumps along the boulevards of Minneapolis like a bunch of rabbits bouncing from carrot to carrot in the garden.
We had a good day and tomorrow looks to be the same.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Long Span of Time
I have had a wonderful Minnesota Summer and have much to say and have been saying it, but not writing it.
I'll try to improve.
FCW
I'll try to improve.
FCW
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Quick... Find Five Billion, You Have Five Days.
The State of Minnesota Legislature has been in session since February 4, 2010.
For many years now the State of Minnesota has been dealing with the realities brought about by a STATE spending curve that has long ago past the "hockey stick" profile, and is now approaching the near vertical.
The State of Minnesota's outgo, has been exceeding its income, for a long time now.
And the future projections are staggering to those willing to look at them.
Yet the spending, and legislating, and mandating, and agency-creating, and taxing ways of the last two generations continues.
".....and the calliope crashed to the ground"
So here we are with five days remaining till the mandated end of this legislative session and very little to show for it.
At least to those with a sober and adult viewpoint to the progress.
And to add insult to injury, the Governor's budget balancing measures of last year (needed because the Legislature, like always, waited till the last minute to not address the spending problem); have been ruled unconstitutional by the MN Supreme Court, and therefore undone.
So now we face at least a five billion dollar deficit to the budget.
Minnesota has a Constitutional Mandate to run on a balanced budget and the opportunities to shuffle bags of money from here to there are about used up.
The party in power has suggested adding another income tax bracket on the top end setting it at about %9.1+.
This would not come anywhere near closing the gap, but it feels good to the party in power.
Minnesota has an income tax, sales tax, property tax, electrical generation tax, Liquor tax, tobacco tax, state Lotteries, gas tax, mining tax, vehicle tax, and many more taxes. Not to mention all the fees for activities.
And the outgo still greatly exceeds this huge income stream.
This is also the start of the election cycle for all State House Members and and it is going to be very interesting and I think one of the hottest election in my lifetime so far.
Many people, agencies, and organizations, dependent on the STATES growth curve will be heard from.
And anyone in their way will...we'll I don't know what, but judging by past actions and tactics, it may be more than interesting as we approach the only poll that matters, the one in November.
But as of today, the STATE of MINNESOTA has five days to find five billion dollars.
For many years now the State of Minnesota has been dealing with the realities brought about by a STATE spending curve that has long ago past the "hockey stick" profile, and is now approaching the near vertical.
The State of Minnesota's outgo, has been exceeding its income, for a long time now.
And the future projections are staggering to those willing to look at them.
Yet the spending, and legislating, and mandating, and agency-creating, and taxing ways of the last two generations continues.
".....and the calliope crashed to the ground"
So here we are with five days remaining till the mandated end of this legislative session and very little to show for it.
At least to those with a sober and adult viewpoint to the progress.
And to add insult to injury, the Governor's budget balancing measures of last year (needed because the Legislature, like always, waited till the last minute to not address the spending problem); have been ruled unconstitutional by the MN Supreme Court, and therefore undone.
So now we face at least a five billion dollar deficit to the budget.
Minnesota has a Constitutional Mandate to run on a balanced budget and the opportunities to shuffle bags of money from here to there are about used up.
The party in power has suggested adding another income tax bracket on the top end setting it at about %9.1+.
This would not come anywhere near closing the gap, but it feels good to the party in power.
Minnesota has an income tax, sales tax, property tax, electrical generation tax, Liquor tax, tobacco tax, state Lotteries, gas tax, mining tax, vehicle tax, and many more taxes. Not to mention all the fees for activities.
And the outgo still greatly exceeds this huge income stream.
This is also the start of the election cycle for all State House Members and and it is going to be very interesting and I think one of the hottest election in my lifetime so far.
Many people, agencies, and organizations, dependent on the STATES growth curve will be heard from.
And anyone in their way will...we'll I don't know what, but judging by past actions and tactics, it may be more than interesting as we approach the only poll that matters, the one in November.
But as of today, the STATE of MINNESOTA has five days to find five billion dollars.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Friday May 07, 2010
It is an early spring in Minnesota. It is electric and magic.
The buds on the trees are bursting the grasses are passing the standing brown stalks of last fall.
The ice is long gone and the geese are setting up shop on shorelines. The songbirds are singing loud and long and flitting about declaring territories.
The fruit trees are in flower and each have a strong fragrant aura all their own.
The bees are out.
But today a cold front is approaching and has been dumping heavy wet snow over half the state.
Since I have been alive I have heard of the old wise folks saying...
"do not plant you're tomatoes yet, nor your flowers unless you are ready to cover them; for it may be pleasant and shirtsleeve warm today, the winter is not quite through with Minnesota yet."
And so it is in early May in Minnesota. Fantastic.
Get the boats ready!!
The buds on the trees are bursting the grasses are passing the standing brown stalks of last fall.
The ice is long gone and the geese are setting up shop on shorelines. The songbirds are singing loud and long and flitting about declaring territories.
The fruit trees are in flower and each have a strong fragrant aura all their own.
The bees are out.
But today a cold front is approaching and has been dumping heavy wet snow over half the state.
Since I have been alive I have heard of the old wise folks saying...
"do not plant you're tomatoes yet, nor your flowers unless you are ready to cover them; for it may be pleasant and shirtsleeve warm today, the winter is not quite through with Minnesota yet."
And so it is in early May in Minnesota. Fantastic.
Get the boats ready!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April and a Half.
It is the middle of April and this is a very busy, stressful and intense month for me.
Tomorrow, April 15th I will be at the Capitol in Saint Paul with several thousand of my friends suggesting that we Americans and Minnesotans are over taxed now, thank you very much.
I hope to see you there.
Prior to the 5pm event I will be working the second day taking down a MONSTER cottonwood tree in Saint Paul.
Busy but doable.
Gotta keep on moving.
Tomorrow, April 15th I will be at the Capitol in Saint Paul with several thousand of my friends suggesting that we Americans and Minnesotans are over taxed now, thank you very much.
I hope to see you there.
Prior to the 5pm event I will be working the second day taking down a MONSTER cottonwood tree in Saint Paul.
Busy but doable.
Gotta keep on moving.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Freedom Day, May 1 at the Minnesota State Capitol
Hello,
May 1; Freedom Day, a day set aside to celebrate Freedom and Individual Liberty.
This will again be celebrated at the Capitol Mall in St. Paul by the liberty loving people of Minnesota, with support from the Freedom Day Foundation.
This will be the 15th commemoration of Freedom Day that the Freedom Day Foundation [FDF] has assisted the people of Minnesota in properly marking.
As in years past, this year’s celebration will again be punctuated with half hourly salutes to Freedom and Individual Liberty from two black powder cannon. One arrives from the New Ulm Battery, and the other from the Princeton irregulars.
We are offering six opportunities to pull the lanyard to fire a salute to Freedom to those 18 years or older for $100.
They are expected to go fast, first come first served. Reserve yours now before they are gone.
All are welcome to this family friendly celebration of these most American values. Pack a lunch, a jacket and the kids and come to the Capitol for an enjoyable day basking in the warmth of Freedom in Minnesota.
Go:
http://freedomday0501.net/
There is also a Freedom Day event page on “Facebook” sponsored by The Freedom Day Foundation.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=219674240678
Any group, organization or individual who would like to help or participate can contact me at ForrestC.Wilkinson@yahoo.com, facebook, or call me directly at 651-434-8664.
I can also be contacted for interview by any media by the same means.
Thank you,
Forrest C. Wilkinson
President of the Freedom Day Foundation [FDF]
May 1; Freedom Day, a day set aside to celebrate Freedom and Individual Liberty.
This will again be celebrated at the Capitol Mall in St. Paul by the liberty loving people of Minnesota, with support from the Freedom Day Foundation.
This will be the 15th commemoration of Freedom Day that the Freedom Day Foundation [FDF] has assisted the people of Minnesota in properly marking.
As in years past, this year’s celebration will again be punctuated with half hourly salutes to Freedom and Individual Liberty from two black powder cannon. One arrives from the New Ulm Battery, and the other from the Princeton irregulars.
We are offering six opportunities to pull the lanyard to fire a salute to Freedom to those 18 years or older for $100.
They are expected to go fast, first come first served. Reserve yours now before they are gone.
All are welcome to this family friendly celebration of these most American values. Pack a lunch, a jacket and the kids and come to the Capitol for an enjoyable day basking in the warmth of Freedom in Minnesota.
Go:
http://freedomday0501.net/
There is also a Freedom Day event page on “Facebook” sponsored by The Freedom Day Foundation.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=219674240678
Any group, organization or individual who would like to help or participate can contact me at ForrestC.Wilkinson@yahoo.com, facebook, or call me directly at 651-434-8664.
I can also be contacted for interview by any media by the same means.
Thank you,
Forrest C. Wilkinson
President of the Freedom Day Foundation [FDF]
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