Exploritoring to Exstormitoring

Yesterday was going to be a day of exploritoring. I was on the search for a giant rocking chair, one that is about 40' tall. I know it is out there, I've seen pictures of it. It resides somewhere around these parts. I didn't find it this weekend but perhaps the next.

On my way back into Biloxi it started exstormitoring from the north across the Back Bay of Biloxi. I parked the truck and took a few pictures while a couple guys continued to fish. I was a bit concerned for them, but they didn't seem too phased. After sitting there for a few minutes I headed home and not more than a few minutes after I got there the tornado sirens sounded. Lighting flashed and my lights flickered. They storm diminished after about 30 minutes and I finished cooking dinner.

New Sidewalk

This past weekend I finally got to pour my new sidewalk. Over a month ago Sarah and I made the forms for each paver and we finally got to put them to use. It took about 4 hours to mix the concrete, pour and screed. Not so bad. After letting the concrete set for 24 hours I was able to take the forms off, put in the edging and fill in with gravel.

I was really hoping to used crushed oyster shells because that is the only truly native aggregate on the Mississippi gulf coast, but crushed oyster shell is hard to come by these days. This is due to the fact that the oyster shells have to go back into the waters for other oysters to attach themselves to grow on. Its kind of an artificial reef/oyster bed situation. They have to do this because all the silts from poor development practices up river(s) are washing into the gulf waters and covering the naturally occuring oyster beds.

Anyway, I went with a mixed aggregate - its called "Alabama Jubilee". How could I not use it with a name like that?

There is still some clean up to be done. I'm looking forward to this fall when I can pull out the over grown shrubs and replant with some of my favorite native species.

To Make Things Flat

A co-worker and myself have found a quick and interesting way to make small metal objects flat. I won't tell what the process is but you can hear it and feel it. It is a lot of fun. We do this when we need a break from writing, researching or drawing. It all started with a Show Biz Pizza token but now is mostly focused on the nails, screws, bolts and wire that I find on my morning and evening walks around East Biloxi. I'm amazed there aren't more flat tires in this city! Upon suggestion from some friends, jewelry might be the next thing for these objects. Who knows?