Settling In, Goldberg Civil Engineering, & Christmas Dinner

      We arrived in Leaky about 10 days before Christmas.  First of all, I forgot the gate keys back in Michigan, but Thank God I made our neighbor a set last summer.  We set up camp, got things inventoried and restocked, and checked out the finished sewer line work.  Barb would have some garden to rebuild as the deer finished their smorgasbord over the summer.  Barb planted the "Hens & Chicks" we brought with us and then added some Hybrid Mexican Metal local cultivars as well.   

      We then called to set up appointments with a plumber to complete the lines and hookup to the cabin bathroom as well as get the new hot water heater hooked up in the cook shack.  We also looked for an estimate to build us a metal shell cover for our RV while here.  Another estimate for a concrete pad on which to set the RV.  We would also buy a new fridge/freezer for the cookshack.  This is just the beginning.  One thing I was not happy about is the septic contractors that did the initial install earlier this summer left the hookups well short at both the cabin and RV hookup.  Oh well, the city saved some $$$ and that entire install cost me nothing.  The plumber we hired will finish up the cabin septic as soon as we pick up a new toilet for the main cabin.  Both estimates are in the final $$$ stage; we're awaiting a quote.  

      For now, I had to build an inclined bridge to span the 40' from RV to the dump line.  This is a VERY LONG dump line for an RV.  The best descent angle for such a long drain is 1/4" per foot.  This equates to 10" from RV to dump.  This is a very important angle for smooth exit flow.  I cut the dump PVC as low as feasible and glued on a new cap.  Then I ran a twine line from RV outlet to the ground entry just to gauge where we stood. Once measured I determined we were pretty darned close on incline.  

New 40' RV Sewer Line run, now just needs level suspended

    Where to go from here? I searched what I had on stock and decided to begin using cinder blocks I had.  I did have to make another trip to town to pick up enough to finish.  I am by no means a craftsman, but this Rube Goldberg effort barely worked.  It's a temporary fix.  The plumbing contractor may be able to remedy this.  Eventually when concrete is poured, and the top shell constructed, our RV pad will be finished.  The final product will become completed within a month.  

Not pretty, but functional

Barb's Mexican Hybrid Succulent Garden    

Christmas lights @ Rotodome Ranch, Leakey, TX 2021

      Dinners along the way included Linguine w/clam sauce, Natchitoches Meat Pies, and Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Salad. 

Sheppard's Pie Twice Baked Potato

 

Natchitoches Meat Pie

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Angel Hair Pasta

     Christmas dinner consists of a baked ham this year, green bean casserole, rolls, and Sweet Tater Oatmeal Pecan Casserole.  I decided to roast the ham this year rather than crockpot, probably because the ham is a bit bigger than I thought.  Of course, it got up to early 90 degrees on Christmas Day, so the RV A/C stayed on for quite a while while the oven was on.  Viva la Tejas! 

Home for the holidays 

Maple Mustard Brown Sugar Ham

Ham, Green Bean Casserole, and Pecan Oatmeal Casserole

      What a wonderful holiday once again in Texas.  We enjoyed several very nice phone calls from kids and grandkids as well as mom (she had snow in Oregon).  Warm temps and good company.  We love our new neighbors as well as the town.  Yes, the deer are back.  I picked up 400 lbs. of Apple Corn and Alfalfa to get started.  They visited the first afternoon.  Besides the trophy our neighbor took, there is one nice Axis buck and another that will be mature probably next year.  The herd is about 30-36 animals.  This is Barb's year.  

NOTE:  ODDLY ENOUGH DURING THE FIRST WEEK THE PRICE OF DIESEL DROPPED $1 A GALLON AT ONE OF THE LOCAL STATIONS TO $2.39.  NO EXPLANATION.  NO WHERE IN ANY NEIGHBORING TOWN IS IT THIS LOW.  I MADE SURE TO GAS THE TRUCK UP EVEN THOUGH WE'RE NOT USING IT MUCH WHILE HERE.  I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL LAST.  

"From our house to yours, may your holiday season be filled with the love and warmth of family and the cheer we all so deserve"

Rich, Barb, Roux, and The Outlaw Josey Wales Hilts

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