there’s always more…

although first the truck had to be relieved of its pile o’ paintings.

Winter trains, without the rains.

After a day of that the next morning

brought geese and the prospect that just maybe the problem with the ’82 is a clogged fuel filter

…which it wasn’t, and incoming weather indefinitely delayed further investigation

but made the dogs all too ferociously happy as we waited

on not one but four deliveries;

Yet another morning brilliant snow,

which burned off by afternoon,

but led to Mud.

Nice light, though, and belated word that UPS had dumped all our stuff eighteen miles away at the Gerlach post office.  Thanks terribly much, F-UPS.

Saturday brought a cacophony of crows [well blackbirds anyway] and – surprise! – 2+” of

Sierra Cement so dense it couldn’t be swept dumped unseen in the night

and heavy enough

to close the Tundra’s hood* and put any projected fuel pump replacement** on hold as

once warmed everything was made muddier than ever. Way muddier.

Cozy inside, though.

*A closed engine compartment in these parts creates an unwanted opportunity for woodrats  happy to enjoy the warmth and underhood safety which makes nest building much less problematic, although may make the functioning of the vehicle moreso.

**The fuel pump seeming the next logical culprit although as of Sunday night that remained to be seen.