I wanted post number 1,000 to be something special, but I messed up and forgot to check to see where I was in the post count. This, post number 1001, will just be an update on our lives here in the canyon, and sharing some gratitude. I'm immensely grateful for these two hounds. I love them so, they are really good dogs, taking care of me and doing a such good job. I'm grateful for many things in my life: my friends and family, my health, and for all of you, my blogger friends, who have been so wonderful to me this past year.
Yes, the manhunt is over and the fugitive is dead. I have never before been so glad to hear that someone was shot dead, seriously. I surprised myself with that one. Saturday, he went into a Mini Mart in the desert town of Inyokern, some 35 miles from where they focused the search, and far away from here. There, he encountered a very, very cool and fast-thinking store clerk, who after he recognized him, texted his sister to call 911, then proceeded to chat with the man to keep him there until sheriff deputies arrived. He didn't quite succeed in that, but the deputies found the man, Benjamin Peter Ashley, and after he pulled a gun, they shot and killed him. And the longest manhunt in Kern County's history is now over.
Two of the guns he carried belonged to the man he killed. The victim, Dr. David Markiewitz, a retired dentist from our town, will be laid to rest on Sunday. There will be a huge celebration of his life with many, many Tehachapi residents taking part.
It was interesting to read your thoughts about guns. Thank you for your feedback and thoughts. This guy made me feel vulnerable, which made me think about guns. I have never felt afraid or apprehensive here before. I doubt I will get a gun, but I will be thinking about protection in different ways than I did before this manhunt took place.
I have finished reading the first draft of my Living Trust. And I will see the attorney on Friday. I also told my tenants in Los Angeles that I have to sell the house. That went well, and I hope they will want to and will be able to buy it.
Friday, I drove down the mountain and eleven miles on this deserted and beautiful road, maybe through land of the Tejon Indian Tribe, not sure, to the small town of Arvin. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, it was like coming back to Mexico. But I wasn't touristing, I was on my way to the DMV.
Once there, I changed title on my four vehicles. Earlier in the week, I had old Betsy, the 1989 Ford Ranger pickup smogged and repaired at a high price and all is not well yet with her. Ouch! I also paid the registration for the Jeep, due in October. Now it has to be smogged and have the oil pan replaced or repaired. I have to take it in next week, so I won't have to worry about that pan and oil leaks any longer.
In addition to these planned costs, there's either a conspiracy brewing among my appliances, or we are being visited by Murphy. You know which Murphy I mean, the one with the law..... It's as if they all discovered that I now have a few dollars, not to spare, exactly, since they need to last, but still. First the stove, then the microwave, and now the washing machine conk out. All within a month! Glenn checked it out and it is gone, so I had to buy a new washing machine. I got the most basic and next to the cheapest, old fashioned, kind. A fancy one would not do, since it has to live in the shed.
The house, which has looked, not quite this bad, but almost, for years now facing south, will get new siding where needed only. Glenn just bought it today. He will install and then paint the entire house a lovely sage color. He got the paint today as well, so I hope it will be pretty.
The windows are horrible too, and the ones in the dining room broken after Errol once swatted a fly on them. That's how secure they are! Home Depot guys are coming on September 1 to install the new windows. That's what will make the biggest difference in my life here.
When I came back home from the DMV, they were pouring new asphalt on our road here in the canyon. Following these trucks, I had to stop every two minutes, so the guys in the first truck could jump off and fix some uneven spots. Boring, so I took pictures with my phone. I like the colors in it, which is why I'm posting it.
Finally, Microsoft offered a Windows 10 upgrade for free and I accepted, sort of surprising myself a bit since I'm always the last one to get new stuff. I don't use Windows much, but changes have been made to my picture files and some cool new features added at sign in. I think I will like it and will explore it more as the rest of my life quiets down a bit.
Have a Nice Day, Everyone!
Samson & Faith
