10/13-17/25 I went up to Camp Serendipity for 5 days: Monday through Friday.

I arrived at 12:30, brought my gear up in two trips, hoisting the flag in between. Then I moved in, had my lunch and a nap, and when I got up, I headed outside for a walk. I had just passed the 1-Mile post so I could see down to the curve in front of John's place. There I saw a black bear standing on the side of the road.

I stopped, got out my cell-phone and proceeded to take zoomed-in pictures and videos of the bear. He didn't seem too interested in leaving right away and he evidently didn't see me. I took a few pictures of him walking back and forth across the road until finally both of us lost interest and I turned around and decided that my walk had ended. I went back to the cabin and took a shower.

On Tuesday morning, the temperature was 23 degrees, and my hoses were frozen solid. Masonry work was definitely done for the season, and I figured that the yellow jackets would let me retrieve the last two stones that I had rolled over their nest.

After spending an hour working at the piano, I went outside and pruned brush on the cliff in front of the cabin. Then I went in for lunch and a nap. When I got up, I went for a walk to the grave. I had my bear spray with me, but I didn't see any signs of a bear on this trip.

Just as I got back, Robert called to touch bases. I asked him if the burn ban was still on and whether or not it was OK to use a chainsaw. He said that tomorrow (the 15th) was the official projected date but that he didn't know if the ban was really going to be lifted. He said he'd let me know if he found out.

On Wednesday morning, the temperature outside was 18 degrees and things were frozen solid. After practicing the piano, I did some more pruning of the brush on the front cliff. Then I retrieved the two remaining stones and brought them over to the wash station. I couldn't wash them, though, because they were coated in ice, and the hose was frozen solid. I decided to wait until spring to wash them, and I stored them on the ground.

Then I picked up all the tools from the scaffold and the work site, including the washstand and the wheelbarrow, so that nothing would be covered if it snowed.

Next, I went into the woods and checked on the trees. All the ones I checked (I skipped John and Larry) seemed to be doing well, including Ellen. Most of Ellen's little green twigs were still green and they had even grown some. I think that if the tree can survive the winter, it will make it.

After lunch and a nap, I walked to the grave. I briefly said "Hi" to Byron and Barb as they slowed down. They were taking a trailer-load to the dump.

When I got back, I winterized the irrigation hoses and then filled and staged 7 water jugs.

On Thursday morning, I watered Tiger and then Dave called. We had a great conversation and then I had my breakfast. Then I practiced the piano before going out to do some more pruning.

I tried starting the chainsaw, but as happens too often, I was unable to get it to kick even once. I was very frustrated and disappointed and put the saw away not sure what to do.

After lunch and a nap, I walked to the grave. When I got back, I vacuumed the first floor.

On Friday morning, I read the chainsaw owner's manual about how to start the machine and then brought the saw into the utility room to warm it up thinking that might help. Then I carried the water jugs and loaded them into the truck.

After breakfast and practicing the piano, I took the warmed-up saw outside and tried again to start it. The results were no better. It wouldn't kick even once much less start and run. I took the saw down to the truck and loaded it to bring it home. I decided to get some help from the chainsaw store. I was obviously doing something wrong.

Finally, I packed up my gear, had my lunch, and left for home at 12:15. I enjoyed the week and got some work done, but I really need to be able to use that saw so I hope I can get it working. We'll see.