Keeping track

Much of the Nation is having unsettled atmospheric phenomenon. Here in Washington, May is starting with a few days of summer-like weather. At 4:45 Friday afternoon the local airport recorded 77° F. The forecast for Monday is for 80. Low wind speed and no rain complete the sunny forecast. By the end of next week, the low 70s are expected. Flowers are looking nice and the region’s millions of apple trees are now blooming. WA produces too many. Buy apples!

I bought two tomato plants. Now I have to care for them. Key terms in the text below are indeterminate and determinate.

A determinate tomato plant is a type of tomato that grows to a certain height, produces all its fruit within a short period, and then stops growing. These plants are often bushy and are ideal for gardeners looking for a concentrated harvest, making them suitable for canning or preserving.
The Willamette tomato is a determinate growth variety that matures in about 70 days. It is well-suited for cooler climates, making it a favorite among gardeners in the Pacific Northwest.

Indeterminate tomato plants are vining varieties that continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost kills them. They require support, such as trellises.
Early Girl tomatoes are known for their early ripening, high productivity, and indeterminate growth, meaning they continue to produce fruit until killed by frost.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

I’ve long known there was a fence between the house and the east branch of Naneum Creek. About 1/4 of this 20-acre parcel is on the other side of the creek.
I’ve cleared the brush to the remains of a rock crib but not enough to see the creek or beyond it. That’s a goal. The left image below shows an aerial view. The fence did not follow the property line. It is on the east side of the creek that comes onto the property from the north and takes a southeast bend after getting past the house.

There was another rock crib along the north property line and 120 yards from this one. It too was burned and I have carted the remains away, although the barbed wire is still along that line, attached to other posts. I suspect others but there is too much brush for easy inspection.
I want to find when the fire occurred and how widespread it was.

Having seen these burn scars and having seen fires within a few miles of the house, and knowing of all the fuel on my and adjacent properties – – I think a serious fire is possible but of low probability. Fire response is much better now than when the last fire was, whenever it was.

Morning temps have been below freezing. Blossoms seem not to have been damaged.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

There have been reports of bird deaths from the spinning blades of wind power facilities. East of me, along Old Highway 10 between Ellensburg and Vantage, there are two large sets of towers and one tiny tower.

On Friday, returning from vine pruning at White Heron Cellars, the wind wasn’t blowing and the blades were still. I saw two interesting things. There was a Bald Eagle cruising over the towers on my left. I could watch for only a few seconds even though I was going only about 50 mph. The small home-sized tower had a visitor. Where the red star is on the image (web sourced) a small bird was perched. She was about sparrow or finch sized. When the tower came into view, I realized the point of the upper left blade had an unidentified non-flying object.
As I got nearer, I realized a small bird was perched on the tip. Below is a photo from Google Street View with the homestead with the tower off to the right side. Note, also, the two large towers on the left, at a distance.

I did not see anything but a dark color (brown) on the little bird. With a strong wind those 3 little blades whip around in a blur. Over the past several passages I have not seen them turning while the commercial ones do. It makes me wonder if the small one is broken.
There was a quick sprinkle this morning (Saturday) but by mid-afternoon the day turned nice with some clouds and blue sky. That atmospheric band made it over to central Montana, causing a storm there.

Visitors season has come to Seattle and White Heron’s tasting room at the Market is now opening on Tuesdays. This weekend is Cameron’s rotation, so he won’t return for pruning until Wednesday. My plans are weed control and a trip to the transfer station – the dump.

Other news: On the road to the vineyard just west of Quincy, there is a rest area. This is a 2019 image. Note the red star on the upper left and the leafless branches.

By 2023, half the branches were lifeless. I stopped in 2024 and got seed pots and leaves. The trees are all Honey Locust, and they become host to a beetle that uses the tree as a nursery. The larva tunnel and kill the tree.

An images search for “honey locusts borers” returns many interesting images.
In 2024 I contacted the DOT in
Wenatchee and alerted them to the dying trees. Last year only one tree was still producing leaves and some were shedding bark. Now – April 2025 — none are alive and it is time for them to go.
The closure is all of next week. The Rest Area will change from shady to sunny.
Maybe they won’t plant trees of all one species if they do replant.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

Here on the Naneum Fan, nothing much happens other than the wind either blows or it doesn’t. Today it did. Mostly it was in the mid-20s but the gusts went to 41 mph with many in the high 30s. That’s at the airport that is 5.2 miles southwest of me and 500 feet lower.
We’ve been pruning and I went early for lunch on Friday. Compared to previous years we are short one volunteer. He is staying home with his wife who had a surgical procedure. We have missed a couple of days because of rain. The vines are still dormant even though other plants are waking up. A neighbor to the vineyard has apricot trees and they were pretty pink early this past week. A bright yellow Forsythia is blooming next to the vines.
At home I am on average 3 to 4 degrees cooler and a month later in bloom-time. Some of the early flowering bulbs are showing about 3 inches above ground.
I have been cutting more small trees to make ‘Y’s for staking up grape plants. These to replace the 100 or so that I dropped off last year at the edge of the vineyard. Someone carried those off. The larger part of the tree will be fit for the wood stove in a year. The 2-to-3-inch thickness when cut into 16 inch lengths dry quickly in our low-moisture environment. I have to find small trees with a ‘Y’ for the grape stakes.

While nothing much happens here, Ellensburg seems to be in a crazy zone. The first episode was a woman and husband bringing multiple guns to a church service. She was thinking of shooting people. He had a revolver to take her out if she started. I don’t understand that. Neither did the judge. He locked them both up.
Next, two young teen girls (14ish) were making plans to shoot classmates in their middle school. School officials, friends, and police were able to put enough evidence together that the judge also locked the girls up. How this story unfolds will be interesting, although because of the young age, we may never learn.
Tonight’s paper has a story of a 19 year old killing his wife. There was a no-contact order, but she went to his apartment to retrieve her things. She went alone (mistake!) and ended up dead. The specifics are confusing, but he is now in jail. Drugs were involved.
Being a taxpayer in the county with under 50,000 people, I wonder how many dollars these three cases will cost the fine citizens of Kittitas County, such as me.
The truck reached 50,000 miles this week. I got the idea to treat myself with something expensive, so I filled the F150 up with gasoline. $4.89 per gallon. Ouch!

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

The exciting news this week was the storm that swept across the northern Pacific Ocean and brought snow and rain to Washington. Snoqualmie Pass (70 miles west of here) got 42.5 inches. Ski areas had power outages. Drivers had “spin-outs” and roads were closed. I-90 is the major cross-state highway. Time and money is wasted as the freight trucks sit at the side of the road. Some do get into rest areas or Ellensburg and North Bend; the lucky drivers. Snow was reported in the Puget Sound Lowland, close to sea level. It didn’t stay around long, unlike here at home.

When the snow started the ground was warmish and it melted. Then there was an accumulation of about 11 inches. Next there was several hours of light rain, and another 2 inches of snow.
Friday, I had a luncheon at CWU. The retired geography secretary and I were hosting. I got the truck into 4-wheel drive. A county snowplow truck was coming north. After meeting the truck, another driver and I got into the plowed lane. After about 5 miles the depth was less and the roads were more highly traveled. Saturday, neighbor Allen came and cleaned the snow off the driveway and out to the sheds. After that, I used the truck to make tire-paths to places Allen can’t get to. All is well.
I put sunflower seeds in three places. I use the truck to make paths to those. The little birds are happy.
The birds shell the seeds so there is an abundance of black shells on the ground under the feeders. Deer will eat some of those. I’ve no idea of the nutrient value. The deer will eat the whole seed if they can get to them. Mostly I prevent that. The small squirrels are frequent feeders.
The snow will get wet this coming week. Warmer temperatures and a “chance” of rain until next Saturday. The mountains will get rain and snow, 70% to 90% chance. That ought to make a mess of things.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

The first week was such that we managed four days of pruning. Us old folks have completed about 3 acres and son Dylan has been at it too. He works in the Pinot Noir section while we do all the rest. He has pruned about 4 acres to our 3.5. There is another 10 acres that we will do over the next four weeks. This week a small ground-hugging white flower bloomed. The vines are still dormant. A few early blossoming trees are about to break buds. There is much activity on the farming, orchards, and ranch lands. That’s March in Central Washington State.
Next week is March too. And it doesn’t look great for pruning.
The outlook: Rain likely, possibly mixed with snow.

I started today, Saturday, by cleaning the creosote from the spark arrestor screen at the top of the flue. The first winter of using the wood stove I didn’t realize the consequence of keeping the screen clean. The house filled with smoke and gases. Now I take a wire brush to it about once a month. Mine looks something like this, except after 7 years of use, it is blackened.

I’ve had a pair of Yellow bellied marmots show up. It is odd that none were around last year. I purchased bag of “Repels-All” granules made from garlic oil, putrescent whole egg solids, and cloves. The claim is that animals don’t like the smell and that it irritates the airways without hurting them. I got the bag out of the shed and sprinkled it where I have seen the marmots. Perhaps they will go visit the neighbors.
This time, and in the past, they have come to the front of the house and are moving golf ball size stones and trying to dig under the wall. There is a 2 ft deep concrete foundation there, but I guess they didn’t get that memo. They have created a mess in a small shed that will take me hours to clean up. The joy of living in the country.

This is the night for jumping forward. Those of mine that still require a personal touch have already jumped. Now it is ice cream time.

Keeping track
on the Naneum Fan
John

This past week has been non-eventful, mostly. I did prune grape vines on Thursday from 1 to 4:00. Friday I went to lunch at CWU. This is part of the Ruth Harrington series. Ruth is somewhat restricted in movement after a fall last year. She is only going to a few of these lunches and, more importantly, she – nor anyone – is recruiting new participants. Six folks came to this one. A retired secretary came and brought her mother. I’m and outlier too. That means only three at this lunch – several were not expected, are still officially CWU employees.
I’ve begun calling this the “aging out” phenomenon. The local Audubon chapter is composed of the group that started it 20+ years ago. Several of those have died or no longer attended because of age/health reasons. I’m not a dues paying member and only go if there is speaker with a topic that interests me.
A significant organization of many years ago – The National Grange – has nearly disappeared. When Nancy and I arrived on the Naneum Fan, there was a functioning Grange about 5 miles away. We were invited for an ice cream & strawberry thing and got to watch someone’s grandson tie a horse halter from a rope. Shortly after, the group quit functioning and the building has not been used for 25 years. Farther away, a retiring couple moved to Cle Elum and resuscitated the Grange at Teanaway. By road, this one is 30 miles away. The woman played an instrument and managed to establish a regular set of play dates and other events. I went once after Nancy died – to a bake sale, then quit. The local paper had an obituary of the man, who died late last year. About 3 years ago, some folks got one of the other Grange buildings cleaned up and began functioning. I talked with a person involved, back then, but didn’t get involved. It, too, is 30 miles away.

Well, with nothing interesting happening, I found this:
Latest news about an amazing bird, a Laysan albatross
(Phoebastria immutabilis)

November 2025: Wisdom has returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge! She is the world’s oldest known wild bird, and still breeding. Wisdom is a Laysan albatross, first banded in 1956 at Midway Atoll by the US Geological Survey giving her the approximate age of 75. Because she laid an egg at that time, it is assumed she had to have been at least 5 years of age. Like other Layson albatross, she returns to the same nesting site each year to reunite with her mate, and if able, lay one egg. Last year, the world’s oldest known wild bird laid an egg for the first time in four years. It is estimated she has laid between 50-60 eggs and successfully fledged as many as 30 chicks in her lifetime. Wisdom has had several mates and her present one has also arrived on the island, so we wait to see if another egg is in the ‘hatching’. It is estimated she has flown over 3 million miles during her time at sea. This is a guess. Some have been tracked flying for weeks or even months without landing.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

There’s not much happening at this time. I put out sunflower seeds that are consumed by small birds, quail, and a couple of small Douglas squirrels. I built a feeder that prevents the large Eurasian Collared Doves from getting to most of the seeds.Seeds that get dropped to the ground are not enough to keep the doves around.
Junkos seem to prefer to feed on the ground, although I do see them on my feeder that is 5 feet above the ground. The quail are a little large for the 2×4″ fencing at the feeder, but some still go through. I’ve another spot where they can feed. Those have to be set up in a way deer can’t get to the seeds.
The squirrel’s natural food is/are the Ponderosa Pine seeds. A squirrel will cut a cone from the tree, come down, pick it up, and go to a favorite spot to tear it apart. The seeds are covered (inside next to a central axis) by a bract or scale. Some cones do not have seeds. The squirrel will begin to rip the bracts off, be disappointed, and drop the offending cone. Then, back up the tree to try again. A fruitful cone will be almost totally dismantled.

I’m planning for vine-pruning-time by making lunches and suppers so that I can quickly feed myself. Early, when cold, we prune in the afternoons, so it is 4:30 when I get home. When the temperature is more comfortable in the morning, I get home about 1:30. At the start, I want something to eat in the truck when I leave at noon. Later, I can heat a supper in the microwave that will be ready sooner than if I have to start from scratch. I’ve got a veggie-chicken casserole to cut and freeze today.

Thursday, I went to a presentation about small mammal investigations along the I-90 corridor. We learned about shrews. These studies are part of the nature and road folks working to lessen the impact of a major road corridor through the habitats of many animals. A second Critter Crossing and more under-the-road passages are being constructed 38 miles northwest of Ellensburg.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

Across Naneum Road-neighbors arranged for two contractors to visit the old homestead to get estimates for removal of the ceilings treated with textured (popcorn) paint containing asbestos. Such coverings were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. They have a distinctive look, easy application, sound dampening, and conceal imperfections. What’s not to like?

Asbestos used in buildings causes health issues if breathed during remodeling, damage, or fire. During the 1940s – 1950s period, the mineral was used in house siding, pipe insulation, and floor coverings.
With Dale and Cathy helping out relatives 100 miles away, I met the two technicians on different days. I had the first come over to my place, take two scrapings, and send them for analysis. After a cost of $232.85, I have an official report that my ceilings are asbestos free.
I do have “sparkles” or glitter and have no idea what that shiny stuff is.

Tuesday evening, I went to a CWU geography-sponsored presentation about management of the LT Murray Wildlife Area. I’ve ridden a horse or hiked over a lot of the land and helped plant sagebrush (plugs) on a burned area.

Wednesday, I took cat Tzar to the vet at Quincy for a 3-year rabies vaccination. Essentially, WA State animals, except for bats, do not have rabies and the State intends to keep it that way. In 2024, 255 bats from 13 counties (there are 39) were tested with 15 positives. In my county, Kittitas, none were collected. The veterinary office confirmed this lack, although that county, Grant, did have a few tested. My appointment was at 10:40 and expected to be short, so I took the makings of sandwiches and went to the winery folks for lunch and a glass of sparkly wine.

I went to COSTCO of Friday and met Suzy and Bob for lunch. I always have the $1.50 hot dog and Coke. I only needed a ¼ tank of gas, so I didn’t save much, but I did fill up. I had the idea that I would go next week with an emptier tank, but they wanted to shop on Friday. Oh well. And I forgot to take my cash-rewards check (good through the end of the year). Next time!

After a relatively warm January, February is being relatively cool. Some weather models predict heavy snow later this week. Emphasis on the “expected”. A ski resort 50 miles west of here got 2″ yesterday and 3″ by 1:30 pm today. If two to three inches per day comes the ski season will be a success and the valley irrigators will be happy in July and August.

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John

Draw a line from North Dakota down to Atlanta, then over to the Ocean and up to Newfoundland. Folks in that area of the USA and adjacent Canada will remember the winter of 2025-2026. 1914 and 1950 were similar.
The chart here shows the below normal temperatures. The green area shows the temperature commonly experienced at the airport (KCLE). As 2025 ended the readings were in the blue, and then it warmed (the pastel-salmon color). It dropped into the cold zone by mid-month. Tuesday of this coming week might get up to 40°F, but that will be temporary. The rest of the month will be slightly better than now, but not much.

Here on the Naneum Fan there has been almost no snow and temperatures varying only a little in the 30 to 40 range. Still, I think March will be welcomed by everyone.

The most exciting local news was when a big rig on I-90 went off the road into a pond. There were two tanks being towed with about 75,000 pounds of Palm Oil. The newspaper report didn’t answer the obvious questions.

My Ford truck got a routine service. By the end of this week I’ll have 50,000 miles. I bought it used and only add about 9,000 miles per year. I need to check on the purchase date reading.

On Friday, I had about 10 unknown phone calls. Mostly there is a town name and sometimes not. On two, after my phone message there was background noise and voices. They did not address me, it was more like a room of people in the background.
Today, Sunday, I was searching on the web and went to a site that started warning me of viruses on my machine. There were flashing warnings popped up saying click here for a scan and removal. One said I had 7 viruses and another said 3. I had to get into “Settings” and the security listings to delete the offenders. This has happened before. Norton is the usual name being (falsely) used. Today there was also a Windows one. Anyway, they keep coming so no work can be done.
I’d like to be able to send a signal back to those sites that would destroy their computer. 🙂

Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John