Taking Down Some Trees

 A neighbor had a huge pine tree struck by lightning last Summer. Concerned by its proximity to power lines, he contacted the co-op, and they agreed it was something they needed to address. They arrived this morning to take down the tree. 

The crew knew what they were doing. Using a large rope, and a snatch block, the feller climbed the the adjacent tree (which was within the easement), attached a rope, used a truck to pull the tree from the power cables, and took it down first. The dead tree was next. Both are now down, and we don't have to wonder if we would lose power if the tree fell. 

The tree will be cut into manageable sections, and taken to a burn area. It's a neighbor thing. One neighbor will have his yard spared from rutting from a tractor, and the other neighbor will have a huge fire for an evening barbeque. I call it a win-win.

Old School Engineer

Years ago, while discussing what wind force a structure needed to endure, an old engineer told me a good rule of thumb for construction in the area was 50 psf. I then asked him about round columns. He answered the force is calculated by halving the area, if it was a square column. Otherwise, a column 4 feet in diameter will endure the same force as a square column 2 feet wide. 

It doesn't sound like a lot of pressure, but I looked up a formula for determining wind force, built a small spreadsheet, and loaded some numbers in the formula. I was a little surprised, since a wind speed of a 140 mph is a hair over 50 psf. That's the wind speed of a category 4 hurricane.

After fiddling around with different numbers, it didn't take long to understand a 40 mph wind gust is much more of a force than most people envision. A 4 x 8 sheet of plywood exposed to a 20 mph wind has 32 pounds of force against the sheet. Of course, that doesn't calculate the complexities of the sheet shifting, or change in direction to the wind, but if it is suddenly hit with a 40 mph gust, the force against the sheet is now 165 pounds. That's definitely more than I can handle, and if I was in that situation, I'd have to let it go, and give up the project until the wind dies. 

Locally, two major hurricanes pretty well removed the structures that can't handle hurricane force winds; especially at the local beach. Rebuilding required adhering to codes, and grandfathered structures disappeared. The result was higher insurance rates, the loss of family properties, and a better understanding of why they want people to evacuate from the storms. I've stayed through one, knew after it started I was in for the ride, and regretted staying. There was no fleeing in a wind force that can blow your car off the road. Even reaching the car is a gamble, and if you're hit with flying debris, they'll probably add you to the list of the dead.

A Tale of Two Bridges (Part Two)

 I wrote about this bridge a few weeks ago. Since then, the contractor has removed the approaches, including the fill for the approach headers. This weekend, if the weather didn't shut down the contractor, the interstate will be detoured to the service roads and the spans over the highway removed. It's something I would like to watch, but I have a feeling even trying to get close will be a lesson in futility. 

I have a feeling the contractor will work, regardless of the weather. Demolition of this type will not be hampered by bad soil conditions, and if the contractor planned accordingly, the remainder of the bridge has a hard surfaced place to be stored. It can all be done if it's raining, and considering the scope of the work, backing out is really not an option.

So, how would I perform this job? It's a simple task, and easily performed with the right equipment. The concrete between the girders is broken quickly with large breakers on tracked excavators that work their way back to the approaches. The reinforcement is cut as the machines break the concrete, and the rubble is loaded into dump trucks by front end loaders. After the material is hauled away, large mobile cranes can lift the girders and load them on extendable haul trailers. The girders are then delivered to another crane at the disposal area. The columns, and caps, can be broken with the same large excavators, and the rubble cleaned after they're removed. 

The hardest part of the work is logistics. Traffic control devices need to be at locations long before the work begins, and staged for quick placement. There is only a window from 8:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday. When the okay is given, all side streets are closed, channelizing devices remove traffic from the interstate, and the work begins. Those in traffic on the interstate will face long delays due to the detours. 

The equipment has to be on hand, with spares available at a moments notice. This includes all heavy equipment, cranes, dump trucks, haul trucks, light towers, cutting torches, and electronic traffic control devices. Police presence needs to be on site, and public notices on all available media. Multiple crews will be required, since the work is around the clock until complete. 

I'll post any photos I can find, when they're available. I might even go and take a gander. Time will tell, but this one is something to watch.

A Champion Tree

 I wrote about this tree in the past. I don't remember when, but while looking at some old photos, I was again amazed at the size. 

The tree has its own web page, which is an interesting read.

link: Columbus Live Oak It's in Columbus, Texas, which about an hour west of Houston. Columbus is on the Colorado River, which is the reason for the community. It was at a river crossing, and established in 1823. 

The county courthouse is an amazing structure, and if you continue down old Hwy 90 to the west, you'll see some of Texas few see. If you do go that way, I recommend getting off the highway at Seguin, and finding another route around San Antonio. Traffic in the metro area is as bad as Houston, if not worse. It may theoretically take longer, but if so, it's worth the time to see the rural areas around the city.

What About Licenses?

 Of all those pardoned people with licenses, can they keep their licenses? After all, they agreed they are free of crimes of a degree that requires a pardon, and most states remove licenses for some crimes. I wonder how you can even protest having your license removed after being pardoned for a crime? This is uncharted territory, and those that have the power of licensing, also have the power to remove the license if a person is unqualified. I wonder how the bureaucrats will handle the will of those in charge that may have had enough, want to punish those that escaped punishment, and want to do what's right?

I see paybacks on the horizon, and there are many.

ZZ Top, La Grange and Nissan

In Texas, there is a historical address: 1629-2099 Rocky Creek Road, La Grange, TX 78945. Current photos on Google don't show anything but a pasture. A little research finds this was once the location of the famous "Chicken Ranch" ZZ-Top had the song "La Grange" which many probably don't know was about the brothel. That probably includes Nissan, which plays the instrumental in one of their commercials. In a way it's ironic. In another, it's an indication of how time blurs the past, and most people really have no idea about events of decades ago.

I've been to La Grange; even stayed one night, but a severe storm overnight left my car with some hail damage, which placed a damper on the trip. It has a quilt museum and one of my wife's favorite quilt shops in the downtown area. It also has a convenience store called the "Texas One Stop" on Hwy 71 that has some really good baked goods. It's a good location for traffic since it's one of the first places to stop for fuel, or to stretch your feet on the highway that runs from IH-10 to Austin. A visit to the large cemetery next to Colorado Street shows the numerous graves of the unfortunate during a Yellow Fever epidemic in 1867. There are too many graves with that year as the year of death, and the birth dates indicate many were young.

La Grange is close to the Hill Country, but doesn't have the steep hills, or is as dry. Nestled in a bend of the Colorado River, the city, and surrounding area, has some astounding oak trees. That, and the pastures in the outskirts allow some of the best grazing for cattle. Leaving town on 77 allows a twisting drive along one of the most beautiful sections of highway in Texas, but it's just more of the beauty of the city. The county court house is remarkable. The older streets are filled with magnificent live oaks, and there are restaurants for most taste preferences.

While the city is most known for a brothel long gone, it's not what many would envision. To me, it's a comfortable city, rich in history, and I was a little surprised with my first visit. I had no idea of what to expect, but my wife's anticipation of visiting the quilt museum was worth visit. She wasn't disappointed, and neither was I. Since that time, we've been back, and if we're traveling in that area, we will usually make it a point to pass through to stop at a quilt store.

Now That It Is Over

 We were cloudy, with light rain, all morning, which made me wonder how the eclipse would appear in cloudy skies. When the time arrived, the clouds thinned, and between some areas, the partial sun could be seen clearly. When the sun broke through, the light was as dim as a few minutes before sunset. We were close to a full eclipse. The amount of sun appeared as a thin sliver, like a fingernail clipping. 

So, it's now over, it was something to see, and will be a long time before it happens again in my area. I doubt I will be around to see it.

What's Next?

Texas closed a park in Eagle Pass to everyone, except those authorized and the authorized doesn't include Federal agents. Google Earth shows the park, how close it is to the border, and a street view of the entrance shows a SUV and a checkpoint. Otherwise, this park has been a problem for more than the current situation. According to reports, razor wire was cut by Border Patrol agents to allow illegal invaders to enter. 

Now, we'll see how the Feds react to having their toes stepped on. I'm sure the agents are jumping with joy, but their handlers will probably write a check their asses can't cover. 

We'll see.

Structural Nightmare

The Millennium Tower is sinking. At around an inch per year, the problem of sinking is compounded by the uneven process, which makes it 6 inches out of plumb at the top - at this time.

Like any building with foundation problems, leaks are developing, cracks are appearing, and concrete is fracturing. Unlike most buildings, the tower has 58 stories, and is 645 feet in height.

From what I've read, the problems that caused the settling are pilings that used friction for bearing, and dewatering activities for construction around the building.

Lawsuits are piling up, and while they accumulate, I have a feeling the building will become dangerous before the litigation is over.

After looking at some of the pictures of foundation stress cracks, and spalls, I'd be uneasy just walking into the building. Since the majority of the structure is concrete, when the right amount fails, there will be no slow bending; the concrete will shatter, and the reinforcement rod will not be able to support the load. Even if the building doesn't fall, the fracturing concrete can produce shrapnel, which is just as deadly.

I doubt there are case studies with similar problems, and the engineers examining the building probably are probably working with computer models, instrumentation, and guessing. While they can probably arrive at a method to stop the settling, I doubt there's any way to level the building, which leaves those that invested in the building (mostly high dollar residential) with unique problems. Even if they decide to stay, their floors will never be level, and their walls will never be plumb.

Not Paying Attention

I check my blog, but time restraints prevent much posting Many will still take a peak, which leads to the reason for this post:

Over a quarter of a million visitors perused this site. I know some by name, but not many, and have the feeling many visits are by aliens, or internet spiders. Still it's a tremendous number, and I'm grateful for the visits.

Thanks to all that visit, whether human, or not.

Woodpeckers

In the early Spring, a pair of Downy Woodpeckers homesteaded a hole in the pecan tree. I watched them fight off Starlings and hoped they'd win. Eventually, the tree budded, and then filled with leaves, which left the woodpeckers unseen. Trying to see if they were there was fruitless.

On Sunday, while in the yard, I heard a bird sound that was familiar, but I couldn't remember what type it was. After a few minutes, I realized it was the fussing of the Downy Woodpeckers' and they were intent on making an intruder leave.

Eventually, a few doves flew away, and I caught a glimpse of one of the small woodpeckers. They were still homesteading, and I was content they'd stayed.

The mated pair of Red Belly Woodpeckers are a different story. They have no fear of any other bird, and will chase them away from the feed I place, when they call from the trees. They chase off any intruder, and will spend long minutes eating the oranges placed in a cage on a tree.

My father loved to watch birds. I never realized why, until the last few years. Birds are remarkably intelligent, take care of their family, and woodpeckers have become my favorite. I hope a few Red Headed Woodpeckers will eventually come, like those I watched when I was young. They'll add to the families of woodpeckers I love to watch.

Thoughts for Today

I think I'm losing my compassion. Maybe it will return in full force, but considering the dregs of society I encounter daily, the apocalypse is becoming more than necessary. 

The Presidential race is now become a dance of ass-clowns and the fawning media. Considering the huge amount of money being spent to lie about just about everything, all national problems can be solved with the tar and feathering of at least a half dozen Congress-critters every month. Televise this necessary event, and use the money received to pay for the removal of the salaries of bureaucrats to pay the national debt. 

The Super Bowl happened again - and again - I was completely uninterested. I'll become more interested, when people pay a few thousand dollars to watch me work. 

I see dogs on the highway almost daily. Their neglecting masters allowed them to wander into traffic, and a log truck turned their loyal pet into strawberry jelly. I think the wrong critter was run over. 

Gas is cheap, but the huge oil field industry is closed down. If this happened to government workers, the media would not only be keeping it in the news hourly, the demand by politicians would require at least one dozen politicians to be tarred and feathered monthly....maybe daily. Daily sounds better to me.  

Now, on a happier note: I like the bloggers, and people that visit my blog. Why? Because they are smart. I like smart people. They make me realize how dumb I can be. 

Blue Jay Morning

Summer lost its hold over that last week. We had some hot days, but mornings were cooler, and a front on Friday brought more dry, cool air, so this morning is in the low sixties, and the promise of more deep blue skies; maybe filled with mare's tails, like yesterday.

I walked outside to feel the morning. The front had lost its punch, so the wind backing to the east is filling with moisture, and the crispness is waning. Still, it was a pleasant relief from the summer mornings, with temperatures pushing eighty degrees, and a humidity near 100 percent.

The blue jays were fussing in the distance; their sharp caws a warning to their own, and any other species that knows they do so to alert, or move a predator to other prey. I looked, and listened, as they moved my way.

The focus of their attention caught my eye, as it landed at the top of large white oak. The sunlight had not quite reached the top of the trees, so its plumage was dull in the increasing light.

It was a hawk; large, but not huge, so it took a few moments to determine the species. The plumage was familiar, but the solid tail didn't look the right color. Before the sun could find its perch, it flew away, as the blue jays landed on adjoining branches; calling for support and fussing.

I think it was it was a red tailed hawk; maybe a juvenile, or the light didn't accentuate the color of its tail. It was hard to tell in the dim light, but the solid tail, and plumage pattern was the same as a red tailed hawk.

I knew it was around, since I'd seen it in the evening, as it flew over the top of the trees. The blue jays always announced its presence, but its quick passage never allowed a closer look.

I'd found traces of its hunts. Strange clumps of dove feathers would be in the yard, but unlike that of a cat, there was no blood, or pieces of the dove, Finding its prey in flight, or perched in the top of a tree, the feathers were lost as the talons grasped the prey, and the quick acceleration removed clusters of feathers.

With the retreat of their enemy, the blue jays stopped their raucous complaint, and settled back into their morning routine. The rest of the birds did the same, and only the sounds of an awakening morning were left.

I stood for a moment longer, and went on my own hunt for a cup of coffee; my thoughts on the rich taste, and the start of a beautiful day. I think I'll sit on the back porch, and wait for the sun to rise above the trees.

Slowing Down the Thoughts

I know I haven't been writing much. I go through phases where nothing sounds right, or picking out the words seems too tedious.

At first, I started to ignore the urge to write this morning, but something caught my eye, and it was too remarkable to ignore.

I was sitting on the back porch, watching as the first rays of the sun peeked through the trees. The air was clear, the temperature a little to warm to call brisk, and it was completely still.

The hummingbird feeder appeared as a brilliant globe of energy trapped between two red disks. As I watched, a female hummingbird came to feed; obviously a straggler, since she refused to perch on the edges.

Her wings were a dim blur, and the sunlight made it appear as if she was surrounded by field of light. As she fed, her tiny tongue darted into the feeder multiple times per second; tiny electrical discharges as she fed on pure energy.

She fed for a half dozen seconds, backed away, returned for another taste, and was gone; a small streak disappearing into the morning sky.

I had no camera, so the event was only etched into my memory; the words a poor attempt to document a sight too unique to allow to slip through the cracks of my thoughts.

Quiet Moments of Contentment

I've been spending time in the backyard, mostly sitting quietly and watching the birds come to eat what I placed in various places around the yard.

I buy a large bag of wild bird seed from a local feed store,so I have plenty to scatter in the grass or place in a small feeder. The small feeder allows the smaller birds less competition from the doves and grackles, that can't perch on the edge.

During the last few months, I've watched a variety of birds. Most notable were the indigo buntings, a pair of rose breasted grosbeaks, night herons that hunted crayfish after heavy rains, and my favorite: red-belly woodpeckers.

A little over a month ago, I threw some old bread in the yard. As I sat, the usual blue jays, and crackles, came to take a piece of bread. The crackles would soak it in the bird bath before eating, or carry it to their fledglings. The blue-jays would dive, snatch a piece in a split second, and fly away.

A new bird arrived, made a threatening advance toward a crackle moving toward its prize, grabbed the piece of bread, and flew away. It was a woodpecker, but I had no idea what type.

After a little research, I found it was male red-bellied woodpecker. I wanted it to return, so I started placing bread in the evening. I was rewarded with its visit, and it would always grab one piece of bread and fly away.

Over the last two weeks, the woodpecker would return more than once. It never stopped to perch and eat, so I determined it was either shy, or feeding a mate, with fledglings.

Yesterday, I noticed the woodpecker fly to a pecan tree, and stuff the bread in a hollow depression on the top of a limb. I'd read it was common for woodpeckers to store food, so it didn't surprise me, but I was curious about the new behavior, until this morning.

Right before the sun rose, I placed some bread in the yard, and sat to watch the morning. A few blue jays came for some bread and soon the woodpecker landed, grabbed a piece, and flew to the spot on the tree where it was storing bread. It soon flew away, but I heard the call of a woodpecker within a few minutes. Glancing up, I saw a female woodpecker at the spot in the tree. I was thrilled, since I'd only seen the male, but was soon rewarded with another sight.

Two fledglings landed near the mother, that placed pieces of bread in the their mouths. After they ate what was there, she moved along the limbs, with the babies in tow, and pecked for bugs. She was teaching and feeding her young.

So, now I have a family of woodpeckers to watch. They give me peace at a time when there seems to be too much turmoil in the world. I consider it a blessing and treasure the moments.

Bicyclist Breaks His Leg

The following photo is of an important political person that broke their leg while riding a bicycle. If you look closely, you can see his helmet right before it short circuited, and caused the wreck that broke his leg.

I'm thinking his handlers should reconsider the size of their control module, and lower the voltage. Such errors in design can lead to strange thinking and bizarre behavior.

Pandemonium

Pandemonium is my best description of what this feckless administration created. Laws were broken; an attempt was made to make a deserter a hero; illegal aliens were invited to come unrestricted, but will soon find they're not welcome; supposed qualified administration heads are exposed as partisan hacks; and the cheerleaders in the media are finding their revenues are falling like a rock from an airplane.

If so much money wasn't being wasted, it would be a little fun to watch it all unravel. I like a good circus, and this one is a humdinger.

My Logical Solution

Ferguson is a mess, but the simple solution involves only skunks, and a video camera:Turn a few hundred skunks loose in the crowd, and film the reaction on pay for view.

The money from the pay for view should be used to help the honest business folks in Ferguson, and to pay for the cleanup costs the city will accrue.

As far as the protesters, I think an enterprising person could set up a roadside tomato juice stand and make enough money to fund their children's college education.

George Bernard Shaw Said It Best

George Bernard Shaw once said: "Youth is wasted on the young." I don't agree with all he believed, but he hit the nail on the head with that quote.

I Think I've Now Seen Everything

I like thick slice bacon from a local market. It's not only very good, the price is good, also.

Anyway, I was cooking some, and I realized after turning a slice, part of it was a mobius strip....no I'm not pulling your leg. That's what I saw, and I'm sticking with the story.