Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, here we are. Chapter 2 of the Story of Lori.

In the first part, I talked about my early years, my career, a little about my gold prospecting, and my rockhounding. I discussed my transition while living in the very Red State of South Dakota.

Now that I have moved to Colorado, it is appropriate that Chapter 2 begins here. In about ten days, I will celebrate my 68th birthday as I begin the next chapter of my chronological life. In South Dakota, there is very limited gender-affirming healthcare available. So, here in Colorado, I will begin the next chapter of my transition, too.

I have called Colorado my home for a very long time. I grew up in the California desert, but after my parents divorced, my dad moved here. After bouncing around the country with my mother, I eventually moved back in with my dad. I went to high school in Arvada for a few minutes, then we moved to Loveland. I still have a lot of family members in northern Colorado.

I want to thank all of my readers for your input, advice, and support through all of Chapter 1. I look forward to sharing with all of you this new beginning of Chapter 2.

Hugs!

Onward Sister! 💕😀👍

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 24, 2025, 09:53:36 PMSo, here we are. Chapter 2 of the Story of Lori.

In the first part, I talked about my early years, my career, a little about my gold prospecting, and my rockhounding. I discussed my transition while living in the very Red State of South Dakota.

Now that I have moved to Colorado, it is appropriate that Chapter 2 begins here. In about ten days, I will celebrate my 68th birthday as I begin the next chapter of my chronological life. In South Dakota, there is very limited gender-affirming healthcare available. So, here in Colorado, I will begin the next chapter of my transition, too.

I have called Colorado my home for a very long time. I grew up in the California desert, but after my parents divorced, my dad moved here. After bouncing around the country with my mother, I eventually moved back in with my dad. I went to high school in Arvada for a few minutes, then we moved to Loveland. I still have a lot of family members in northern Colorado.

I want to thank all of my readers for your input, advice, and support through all of Chapter 1. I look forward to sharing with all of you this new beginning of Chapter 2.

Hugs!

Your high school schedule had a short day, many kids would have liked that too.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on August 25, 2025, 03:06:31 AMYour high school schedule had a short day, many kids would have liked that too.

Chrissy

I moved there halfway through my sophomore year, so I was only there for one semester. Then I did my junior year in Loveland. I had enough credits to graduate early, so I ran off with some friends to Florida. I did one semester of my senior year in Florida and got into an argument (several actually) with the Assistant Principal about early graduation. He wasn't going to allow it, so I just quit going. A few months later, I got my GED. I was told that there are college students who would be happy to have my scores. I had been talking to a recruiter about joining the Army and decided to sign up after my 18th birthday.

Looking forward to Chapter Two!!!

I left off in the last chapter with some pics of my workroom. I did get a chance to finish rebuilding the Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) rock tumbler. The problem (this time  ;D ) was when the drive and idler shafts were rotating in a plastic bushing, dust and abrasive collected, and began wearing down the shaft. So I replaced the plastic bushings with roller bearings.

(https://i.imgur.com/l3MP0es.jpeg)

The small groove is where the snap ring attaches to keep the shaft from sliding out while it is spinning.

Then I noticed that on the drive shaft, the worn part is nowhere near the snap ring groove. The groove just wasn't deep enough in the first place. Yet another design flaw.

(https://i.imgur.com/TCOVyXb.jpeg)

In the back, you can see the gray plastic bearing mounts that were rubbing on the spinning barrels. I took a Dremel cutting wheel and lopped off part of the plastic mount. The next step was to drill a hole in the shaft at the groove and replace the snap ring with a cotter pin.

(https://i.imgur.com/dc9G6fK.jpeg)

On the left is the idler shaft with a cotter pin, and on the right is the snap ring that is next to be replaced.

(https://i.imgur.com/cxC79rC.jpeg)

I got it reassembled, lubed the bearings, and fired it up. MUAHAHAHAHA! It's ALIVE!

(https://i.imgur.com/IjTOLuW.jpeg)

The next big project before I load up the tumblers is to sort out about 40 lbs of rocks that are in various stages of polishing.

(https://i.imgur.com/TZbsXMG.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1dquykG.jpeg)

The goal is turn turn those into these:

(https://i.imgur.com/htSzj44.jpeg)

One last pic. I promised Danielle I would post a pic of my bedroom dresser when I got it put together. I finally finished it about 11:30 last night.

(https://i.imgur.com/CNXxLGl.jpeg)

@Northern Star Girl

You know, if people would stop asking you to store stuff at your place, you'd have a lot more room for rocks!

The dresser looks really nice.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on August 25, 2025, 07:05:26 PMYou know, if people would stop asking you to store stuff at your place, you'd have a lot more room for rocks!

The dresser looks really nice.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Thanks, Jess!

It's not "storage", it's "collateral".  :laugh:

That dresser looks great, Lori. Good work.

This is what dresser heaven must look like! 💕🤗💕

I like that dresser ,now I have dresser envy! Nice repair on the tumbler, sort of thing I would do.

Nice work Lori!

Chrissy

The pendants are beautiful, Lori! And that is one classic dresser. I look forward to following Chapter 2 of your journey.

Thank you all for the wonderful comments.

Today, I have a rug that needs to be unpacked and laid down. It takes a few days for it to "fluff up" after being vacuum-sealed in plastic. I bought an 8' x 10' rug for my living room and decided to get two. These laminate floors stay cold, so the rugs will be a good thing. However, I forgot to measure the bedroom, so I'm now unsure if that rug will fit. I might need to lay it out and, where it is too big, tuck it under furniture. I don't want it under the makeup vanity in case of spills, so this might take some finagling to make it work.  ;D

It has been raining since late last night, so today will be a good day to stay indoors, put stuff away in the dresser, and maybe sort some rocks so I can get the tumblers rolling again.

I have been going through my Documents folder and printing out those that I will need for my upcoming DMV appointments. I came across some notebooks that I had written while researching various stories of lost treasure.

Many of these stories are published in books and on websites, but it is clear that the authors are merely repeating what they heard. They did not spend any time researching to verify any of the facts.

Well, I did. And I have located the areas where I believe these lost treasures may be found. In some cases, I have been out searching, but the areas are so large, it will take a long time to cover all of them.

I am considering posting my notes over in the Hobbies Forum, and maybe including some helpful information about metal detectors, for anyone who might be interested. I know we have some armchair sleuths here on the forum, so who knows?
 :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on August 26, 2025, 09:54:01 AMI am considering posting my notes over in the Hobbies Forum, and maybe including some helpful information about metal detectors, for anyone who might be interested. I know we have some armchair sleuths here on the forum, so who knows?
 :)

Do it!

The only thing I know about metal detectors is when someone finds a dead body on a beach in the UK lol.

Chapter 2... we've done the character development and the world building. This is where we get the first pivotal moment in the life of the main character... to let the reader see how the protagonist deals with adversity and change. Got high hopes for you, Lori! ;) <3

One of @Susan_Rose's babies that I am plant-sitting while they get moved is a Desert Rose. It had a blossom bud when it got here, but we weren't certain if it would open before the time for it to go to its forever home.

When I got up this morning, it was just starting to open up. I picked up @Jessica_Rose at her new place and drove her to the airport in Colorado Springs. When I got back, I had a beautiful surprise!

(https://i.imgur.com/cQBnuGE.jpeg)

It is so beautiful! and PINK!  :)

This will look so nice in their new home.

Wow! That is spectacular!

So amazing!  Welcome to your new home!!!

Gorgeous!!! 🌺🤗🌺

I am taking advantage of the cooler weather. We have been having mornings around 55F and highs in the afternoons around 85F. So this morning, I'll spray the cracks in my driveway and walkway to put down the weeds and keep them down until next year.

Tomorrow I have a DMV appointment to get my new Colorado driver's license. Once I have that, I can register my Jeep and get my new plates ordered. Then, in the evening, I have been invited by the Rocky Mountain Region Rosicrucians to participate in a Zoom seminar for our Order.

On Wednesday, the 3rd, the repairman is coming to repair my new furniture. In the evening, I will treat myself to a birthday dinner at Village Inn. I enjoy "breakfast for dinner," and it's been a while.

Thursday, I may take a trip out to Pueblo Lake State Park and do some rockhounding. There is anecdotal evidence that Citrine, Amethyst, and geodes can be found in the area. Since it is a State Park, it may have been picked over pretty well, but I won't know until I check it out.

An exciting week planned, now I need to don my PPE and get after those pesky weeds.  ;D

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:

Enjoy your cooler weather...  I sent it down to you from where I live.
Did your get the light SNOW that I also sent your way? ???

You have outlined a very BUSY week for yourself....

Today, MONDAY, repairing your driveway,

TUESDAY ...Going to the DMV and getting your Colorado Drivers LICENSE and new Colorado plate for your Jeep.
          Your zoom with the Rocky Mountain Region Rosicrucians

WEDNESDAY... Monitoring the furniture repair person at your home fixing the
            damaged new furniture.

On Wednesday evening, September 3rd... your BIRTHDAY "breakfast for dinner" celebration at Village Inn.
                                                      (https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzzTYMljVBvrDBZ0Ed1X4ntHgWr_engVpwRA&s)   
          (will this be a "solo" event or will you be with friends that you know?)
          NOTE:  I will be very certain that you will get my appropriate and coveted FORUM Birthday Greetings
                      later tomorrow afternoon... be looking for it.  :icon_birthday:


THURSDAY ... Rockhounding at Pueblo Lake State Park

FRIDAY... getting into your PPE to protect yourself while dealing with those "pesky weeds."


I will be eagerly looking for your updates as you have time to share and post.

MANY HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Thanks, Danielle!

The weeding is now done. PPE is washed, and clothes are in the washer. I wanted to get it done before it gets warm, and in case a surprise rain shower comes in.

That also opens up Friday, in case Thursday's trip to the lake gets postponed.  :)

Quote from: Sephirah on August 30, 2025, 04:42:44 PM

QuoteI am considering posting my notes over in the Hobbies Forum, and maybe including some helpful information about metal detectors, for anyone who might be interested. I know we have some armchair sleuths here on the forum, so who knows?
 :)

Do it!

I am in the process of compiling my notes into text. Many of them are copies of pages from various sources in image format. I have scribbled notes all over with illustrative messages like "LIE" or "What?". I am starting with a lost treasure story to kick things off.

Work In Progress.  :)

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 01, 2025, 05:27:09 PMDo it!
 
I am in the process of compiling my notes into text. Many of them are copies of pages from various sources in image format. I have scribbled notes all over with illustrative messages like "LIE" or "What?". I am starting with a lost treasure story to kick things off.

Work In Progress.  :)

Umm, yeah. I run three hard drives on my PC. It turns out that my notes were spread across three folders (Documents, Maps, and Photos), and that's not counting the books stored on my phone.

I started getting everything moved into one handy folder and realized that I could write a book about this one lost treasure. That would be too big for a post on a forum, so it will wait. I have notes on three or four others that I suspect may be connected.

Maybe this winter, when I am hibernating indoors with nothing to do, I'll get it written. I can then have it available for download on my website for any members who want a copy. I don't do sign-ups, subscriptions, or even track visitors. There are no ads either. The only stats I get are how many visitors, but no IPs or any other info about who they are (because I don't care). If you are interested, fine. If not, that's fine too.

Instead, I'll start with some basic information about how metal detectors work, which ones I use, and how I use them for coin shooting, relic hunting (treasure!), and gold prospecting. It could end up being another prospecting article to add to my other prospecting articles on my site. But you will get to see it first, my lovely little guinea pigs.  ;D

Dear Lori Dee

Your special day is arriving TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 3rd .

I hope that you are staying healthy and safe... and that you are
getting settled in your new home and getting all of your "move in" chores accomplished.

I am wishing YOU a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY
                                        :icon_flower:  :icon_flower:    :icon_birthday:    :icon_birthday:    :icon_flower:  :icon_flower:
                 
                            (https://www.susans.org/Themes/default/images/cake.png)                (https://www.susans.org/Themes/default/images/cake.png)                (https://www.susans.org/Themes/default/images/cake.png)                (https://www.susans.org/Themes/default/images/cake.png)

Have a wonderful day of Birthday Celebrations on your "special day" today.

HUGS, and my best wishes,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator

Note: Before you eat the chocolate cake
          be certain to enjoy your BIRTHDAY Breakfast Dinner at the Village Inn
                                                      (https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzzTYMljVBvrDBZ0Ed1X4ntHgWr_engVpwRA&s)

Chocolate Cake, Lori Dee, especially for you since I have a feeling that is your favorite.

                                (https://i.imgur.com/97U3FVyl.jpg)

Chocolate is! Thank you!  :)

Breakfast for Dinner comes first thought.

Wonderful! Happy Birthday Eve, Lori!

Happy Birthday young lady!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Thank you and thank you!

Happy Birthday Lori! 🎂🎁🎈



~ Lilis 🌷

Happy Birthday my dear, fry up and choccy cake mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Thank you, Lilis and Davina. You are very much appreciated.

Happy birthday, Lori. I hope you'll do something special to celebrate it. Know that you are loved.

Thanks, Pema!

Thanks, Emma!

Thanks to all of you for the birthday wishes.

The repairman arrived and replaced the recline mechanism in my new loveseat and sofa. Just as he was leaving, I started getting phone calls from family and friends with birthday wishes and a chance to catch up a bit.

I went to dinner and had an excellent ham & cheese omelette, three strips of bacon, perfectly toasted white bread, and a glass of orange juice. I had just finished eating, and there on the wall was a huge picture of a warm fudge brownie with a scoop of ice cream. I couldn't resist.  :)

So now I'm back at home feeling fat and lazy.

The plan was to go out to Pueblo Lake State Park and do some rockhounding tomorrow. The forecast calls for sunny and 93, so no. Friday is much better at 77 and cloudy.

Since I got my temporary driver's license yesterday, tomorrow I will head over to the county revenue office and get my Jeep registered and new license plates. I can chill out in the AC, then go to the lake on Friday.

@Northern Star Girl mentioned in your blog that early snow indicates a long winter. I was chatting with my uncle today, and he agrees. He does small engine repairs out of his garage, and an early Colorado winter means good business for him, repairing snow blowers and snowmobiles. In summer, his business is lawnmowers and dirt bikes. He also said that not only is it expected to be an early and long winter, but also a brutal one. < sigh > I left the Midwest and moved to the desert (not far from New Mexico) to avoid the brutal winters.

It is almost time for me to crash and burn, but before I go to bed, I need to see if the Powerball drawing gave me a birthday present.

(https://i.imgur.com/jQxNPqB.jpeg)

:)

I got sidetracked last night and forgot to check my lottery tickets. There was a million-dollar winner in Colorado. But it wasn't me.

Out of ten tickets, I did not match a single number.
Not. Even. One.  :(

Time to get ready and go to the County Office to see about getting new plates for the Jeep.

Mission Accomplished!

I went to the County Recorder's Office (Vehicle Registration) and registered my Jeep. They transferred the vehicle title from South Dakota to Colorado, issued a new vehicle registration, and gave me a temporary tag until my plates arrive in the mail. Colorado offers a State Parks Annual Pass for $29 if you get it during registration or renewal. The woman helping me had to go out to the Jeep and verify the VIN since it is an out-of-state transfer.

Total costs:

Disabled Woman Veteran Plates - FREE
Vehicle Registration - Included (FREE)
Vehicle Tax - Included (Free)
Annual State Parks Pass - Included (FREE)
Title Transfer - $7.63
Convenience Fee (Debit Card Penalty) - $1
VIN Verification Fee - $25

Total cost: $33.63

Compare that to South Dakota, where it costs me $73 a year to buy a sticker to put on the license plates that I bought many years ago.

Colorado knows how to take care of disabled veterans.
  :eusa_clap:  :eusa_dance:  :icon_biggrin:

I planned to spend the day exploring Pueblo Lake State Park today. I made it out there, but it rained off and on the whole time. Of course, the rain stopped when I got home.  >:(

Technically, Pueblo Lake is not a lake, but a reservoir. They built a huge dam across the river and flooded the valley. The valley is bordered by cliffs, so it works well.

This is a small cove and a popular fishing area. This isn't the main part of the lake. In the distance (top-right) is the dam.
(https://i.imgur.com/pMjsOF6.jpeg)

Another view of the cove.
(https://i.imgur.com/i4uNuog.jpeg)

While in the parking area, I heard some noise coming from across the road. It was three prairie dogs barking at me. I don't speak prairie dog, but I think they wanted their picture taken before the rain started again. They are so cute!
(https://i.imgur.com/IMarDSh.jpeg)

There were quite a few Prickly Pear Cacti in the area, all of them bearing fruit, called "apples". All of this cactus is edible. I have tried them and they aren't bad. Just have to remove a LOT of thorns. The leaves don't have much flavor, but are full of moisture if you are stranded in the desert. The apples are tasty and eaten by deer and coyotes. I knew a woman in California who used the apples to make a very tasty jam.
(https://i.imgur.com/wPNHqp8.jpeg)

The rain started coming down pretty hard, so I stopped at the Visitors Center to use the facilities before heading home. They had a small gift shop with the usual t-shirts, hats, and coffee mugs. They had quite a selection of field guidebooks on everything from hiking and survival to astronomy and botany. I picked up a couple of interesting reference books.

(https://i.imgur.com/UzDHKLw.jpeg)      (https://i.imgur.com/MbQSUHi.jpeg)

Now, I am back home sharing my day with you.  ;D

A very belated happy birthday, Lori.

I should have known you were a Virgo.

Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical... someone who likes books, nature, the outdoors... dislikes asking for help... yep, sounds about right! ;D

https://www.zodiacsign.com/zodiac-signs/virgo/

<3

Quote from: Sephirah on September 05, 2025, 06:06:40 PMA very belated happy birthday, Lori.

I should have known you were a Virgo.

Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical... someone who likes books, nature, the outdoors... dislikes asking for help... yep, sounds about right! ;D

https://www.zodiacsign.com/zodiac-signs/virgo/

<3

Thanks, Lauren!

That is a pretty close summation of me.  :laugh:

It says compatibility is Pisces and Capricorn. Every book I read said it was Taurus. My first wife was born on May 10th. My second wife was born on May 9th. When wife #3 and I were dating, I asked her if she was born in May, because that's a deal breaker. She was born mid-July, so I let her stick around for a few years before I kicked her to the curb.  :laugh:

It was shortly after that when I figured out what was going on with me: Asexual, introvert, transgender... yeah, no wonder it couldn't work out.

To all my exes, "It wasn't you, it was me ... except for the crap you pulled, that's on you."  ;D

Well I am Aries, when I lose it stay away! Head down and butt my way through life.

I'm a Libra. Not sure that matches.  I'm supposed to be indecisive but I am the complete opposite of that.

Lori I hope you had a great birthday and I love this quote!

Quote from: Emma1017 on September 06, 2025, 08:15:19 AMI'm a Libra. Not sure that matches.  I'm supposed to be indecisive but I am the complete opposite of that.

Lori I hope you had a great birthday and I love this quote!

"To all my exes, "It wasn't you, it was me ... except for the crap you pulled, that's on you."

To be fair, Emma, I think you need your scales to be in balance. You do what's best for everyone but you. To not make a decision is to let other people make those decisions and go along with it. As long as, on balance, it's something you can live with. You are very much a Libra. You need harmony, and that is the most important thing.

QuoteIntelligent, kind, and always willing to put others before themselves, Libras value harmony in all forms. Ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, Libra adores a life that looks good. As the master of compromise and diplomacy, Libra is adept at seeing all points of view, and excels at crafting compromises and effecting mediation between others.

Totally you. :)

Lauren, much more flattering than true but I do love the association with Venus.  That woman knew how to dress!

Lori, I am so glad your birthday was a success.  Maybe the prairie dogs (that are so cute) were singing Happy Birthday to you!

Eye of the beholder. Message to all of you :P We are all wired to see the worst. Trust someone who has no vested interest in it to tell you that you are gorgeous. And then don't believe them. :P

Omg prairie dogs...

this never fails to crack me up...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNfQda8ceGs

https://everythingbackyard.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/polished-pebbles-1576521_960_720.jpg

I saw some pretty rocks for sale at a gift shop.  Polished.  You picked what you wanted, put them in a small bag for $3.99 or a larger bag for $6.99.  They were are different shapes and colors and lines, but all were smooth and polished.  Some were speckled.

Some nice jewelry could have been made from some of them.  The picture above is from the Internet and is just an example of some of the same sizes and types of rocks.  Sometimes the rocks are very pretty in the shops.

I have seen similar displays of rocks for sale.  I wonder how much time and money it costs to make maybe a dozen of these rocks ready for sale that you might be able to cram into a small bag.

Quote from: Emma1017 on September 06, 2025, 04:06:39 PMMaybe the prairie dogs (that are so cute) were singing Happy Birthday to you!

I hadn't considered that! Thanks!

Quote from: Sephirah on September 06, 2025, 04:14:25 PMEye of the beholder. Message to all of you :P We are all wired to see the worst. Trust someone who has no vested interest in it to tell you that you are gorgeous. And then don't believe them. :P

Omg prairie dogs...

this never fails to crack me up...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNfQda8ceGs

OMG that is hilarious!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 06, 2025, 06:33:08 PMI have seen similar displays of rocks for sale.  I wonder how much time and money it costs to make maybe a dozen of these rocks ready for sale that you might be able to cram into a small bag.

The rocks need to be quite a bit larger because polishing them rounds the edges and wears down the surface. They need to be sorted by hardness, too. Hard rocks, like the quartz varieties (chalcedony, jasper, agates, citrine, rose quartz, and amethyst), take longer to shape. Softer stones like Sodalite or Sunstone can skip the shaping stage and move straight into the smoothing stage.

I run all of the rocks through five stages, each lasting about one week. The first stage can take from one week to a couple of months for hard stones. I now use a more aggressive grit for the first stage to knock that down to a week or three.

I run each stage simultaneously, so all my machines are running at the same time. Then I move the rocks to the next stage, empty the final polish stage, and refill the first. I haven't calculated the cost of grit and polish, but it is not expensive. Even with the added cost of jewelry wire, the cost is less than $3 per piece. A small bag like that would be a good way to get rid of the rejects that are not very nice for jewelry due to flaws.

@Sephirah

At first, I thought your video was this one:  :laugh:

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 06, 2025, 07:43:20 PMThe rocks need to be quite a bit larger because polishing them rounds the edges and wears down the surface. They need to be sorted by hardness, too. Hard rocks, like the quartz varieties (chalcedony, jasper, agates, citrine, rose quartz, and amethyst), take longer to shape. Softer stones like Sodalite or Sunstone can skip the shaping stage and move straight into the smoothing stage.

I run all of the rocks through five stages, each lasting about one week. The first stage can take from one week to a couple of months for hard stones. I now use a more aggressive grit for the first stage to know that down to a week or three.

I run each stage simultaneously, so all my machines are running at the same time. Then I move the rocks to the next stage, empty the final polish stage, and refill the first. I haven't calculated the cost of grit and polish, but it is not expensive. Even with the added cost of jewelry wire, the cost is less than $3 per piece. A small bag like that would be a good way to get rid of the rejects that are not very nice for jewelry due to flaws.

The rocks I saw seemed flawless but I am not a jeweler.  I should have bought some.  A pink one caught my eye as beautiful. 

Chrissy

Have a wonderful week Lori!

I rode in a Rubicon style Wrangler.  Cool.


Chrissy

I have been busy doing lots of work.  Hope to get another day off besides yesterday but some things just have a true time deadline. 

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 08, 2025, 11:22:11 AMHave a wonderful week Lori!

I rode in a Rubicon style Wrangler.  Cool.


Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy. You too!

I have been eyeing the Rubicon Wrangler as possibly my next vehicle. My Patriot has now clicked over 101,000 miles, which is not unusual. However, I really want a 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance for my prospecting adventures.

I am still wrestling (wrangling?) ;D  with whether or not I am ready for the increased cost. My Patriot is paid off, so a new vehicle would mean car payments and an increase in insurance rates. I can afford it with no problem; I just have other things I am budgeting for that have priority right now.

So I will hang on to the Patriot for now. But if a great deal comes along, I'll be ready to jump on it. The end-of-year sales will be kicking off soon, and maybe the tariff fiasco will encourage American auto dealerships to cut prices. I am in no hurry.

Jeeps are just so much fun to drive. And they get me places where I want to go.

I have been on the phone with our local Furniture Row store. The repairman came out and replaced the recliner mechanisms in both the sofa and the loveseat. When I asked about the broken drawer, he said the store never called him, so he didn't have the replacement.

It has now been a few weeks, and no one has called me to deliver or even tell me the status of the replacement drawer. The gal who answered the phone was pleasant, except for calling me "sir" in every sentence. She said the manager was able to push through the order for the replacement drawer, but it has not arrived yet.

It only took two weeks to get the whole set ordered and delivered, so my patience is wearing thin. After she "sir"ed me one more time while assuring me that someone would call when it comes in, I decided to take advantage of her perception. I told her that if no one calls me in one week to tell me what is going on, I will be standing in the manager's office to get some answers.

"Yes, sir. Have a great day!"

ARRRRRGGHHH!  :eusa_wall:  >:(

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 06, 2025, 07:58:27 PM@Sephirah

At first, I thought your video was this one:  :laugh:

Omg! That is awesome. ;D

Here's the one I first saw the prairie dog one in. Try not to laugh, lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aAtFrWft2k

Quote from: Sephirah on September 11, 2025, 05:26:51 PMOmg! That is awesome. ;D

Here's the one I first saw the prairie dog one in. Try not to laugh, lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aAtFrWft2k

I have tears rolling down my face. OMG that is too funny.

A smile is a precious thing. <3

It must be Monday.

I started a load of laundry. Loaded up the dishwasher... why isn't this thing running? What's wrong with the washing machine?

I received a text message from the Property Manager. There has been a water main break, and they had to shut off the water to the entire property.

Yup. It's Monday.

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 15, 2025, 03:17:59 PMIt must be Monday.

I started a load of laundry. Loaded up the dishwasher... why isn't this thing running? What's wrong with the washing machine?

I received a text message from the Property Manager. There has been a water main break, and they had to shut off the water to the entire property.

Yup. It's Monday.

It's hard to think of a bright side when the water is cut unexpectedly.  But I can think of one thing - at least you weren't in the shower with a head full of shampoo when the water went out 😁

Quote from: Liz K on September 15, 2025, 03:35:57 PMIt's hard to think of a bright side when the water is cut unexpectedly.  But I can think of one thing - at least you weren't in the shower with a head full of shampoo when the water went out 😁

Well, as much as I hate doing laundry...

"Oh darn, there's no water. I guess I'll have to do anything else!" 😂

But now, the water is back on and the laundry is done. Yay!

I did two loads myself today.  And it was too windy to hang clothes on the clothesline.  Gale force winds with 60+ mph gusts until Thursday.  Had to hang them inside.  At least I won't lose anything.

Quote from: Liz K on September 15, 2025, 05:52:50 PMI did two loads myself today.  And it was too windy to hang clothes on the clothesline.  Gale force winds with 60+ mph gusts until Thursday.  Had to hang them inside.  At least I won't lose anything.

I had to check your country code to see if you lived in Wyoming. 60+ mph wind there is their daily "breeze".

The Wyoming license plates show a picture of a cowboy on a horse. People think the horse is bucking. Not true. The wind is blowing them over!

https://www.dot.state.wy.us/files/live/sites/wydot/files/shared/Motor%20Vehicle%20Services/2025%20Plate%20images/2025-4-DIGIT-TRK.jpg

I washed three loads today.  Lights, darks, and my bras. 
I hang dry the bras but I do wash them in the clothes washer.

I had plenty of water!


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 15, 2025, 09:36:02 PMI washed three loads today.  Lights, darks, and my bras. 
I hang dry the bras but I do wash them in the clothes washer.

I had plenty of water!


Chrissy

You were more ambitious than I, but you just returned from your business trip, so that is understandable.

I learned as a kid to air-dry bras because the heat from the dryer is bad for the elastic. My mom told me that. Which made me wonder why her bras were different from my "tighty whitey" underwear. Boys' underwear had these wide elastic bands around the waist, but women's underwear had just thin elastic bands. So shouldn't I be air-drying the tighty whities?

She just gave me the "Mom look," so I left the room. 😀

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 15, 2025, 09:57:42 PMYou were more ambitious than I, but you just returned from your business trip, so that is understandable.

I learned as a kid to air-dry bras because the heat from the dryer is bad for the elastic. My mom told me that. Which made me wonder why her bras were different from my "tighty whitey" underwear. Boys' underwear had these wide elastic bands around the waist, but women's underwear had just thin elastic bands. So shouldn't I be air-drying the tighty whities?

She just gave me the "Mom look," so I left the room. 😀

Well those tight whites likely cost a lot less each than any of our bras.  So while they might last a little longer air drying them, the bras will for sure and will prolong their lives.

On a few clothes hangers I can seem to hook on a lot of bras to dry.

During the pandemic I saw pictures of people who made "face masks" out of bras.

I laughed and said those must have been old or wrong sized bras as using good bras you can wear to make face masks would be quite expensive.


Chrissy

I have a drying rack that folds up. I used it while camping and at times when I was between housing. I put two coat hooks on the side of my camper, and the drying rack would hang from them. It was handy to hang towels or wet clothes from.

I still have it, and it will hold about ten bras. I usually do laundry often enough that I don't need the rack. Any doorknob will work. 😂

I did 2 loads after the weekend away, my new machine doesn't have a wash/dry program like the old one so had to do a dry after the second load. 2 1/2 hrs!!!!! still most of it was okay to put away after, I would have put it on the clothes dryer but ran out of room. There is a clothes line in communal garden but as Liz said it was blowing a gale and I have no pegs!

I have heard of events being postponed due to rain.
It appears that today the rain has been postponed due to a lack of interest.
I'll be making a scouting run out to a popular rockhounding site... if I don't get rained out.

With all of the budget cuts and layoffs at the National Weather Service, who knows anymore?

I found it totally amazing that Taylor Swift had concerts in the pouring rain.
3-1/2 hour concert at Foxboro or Gillette stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

She did at least six rain shows in the Eras tour.  That is a lot of money made by not refunding sold out shows!

It was hard for me to do 15 minutes of gardening to plant a rose in the rain after a day of golfing.
The clothes immediately went into the wash as I took a warm shower!

The weather doesn't prevent me from prospecting in most cases. I have been out in the rain, snow, and even blizzards. I am more careful in new areas because I don't know how reliable the Forest Service roads are. We have had quite a bit of flash flooding in the past few months, and I don't want to get stranded.

I don't do much rock hounding in the winter because the rocks get frozen into the ground. Gold panning is different. If the river is flowing and I have enough water running through my sluice, it's all good. I dig the gravel from the river bottom instead of the shore.

I made it "out west" and did a little bit of hiking in the San Isabel National Forest. I'll have to check to see what the elevation is there, because it was quite a bit cooler than down in Canon City.

I have some pics I will upload in a bit.

Instead of following the hiking trail, I hiked along a dirt bike trail. The hiking trail is used by a lot of people walking on it, so anything of interest has been picked up long ago. People who use the dirt bike trail are not walking slowly, and not looking at the ground. As dirt bikes climb hills, the rear tires knock dirt loose, which then gets washed downhill into gullies and small "traps". This trail showed these traps full of black sand. So I scooped up enough to fill a one-gallon zip-loc freezer bag to bring home and test.

It will be a slow process. First, I will screen everything down to #50 mesh. That is where the mesh has 50 holes per inch, so each hole in the mesh is 1/50th of an inch (approx.) After checking the screen, I will carefully remove the black sand with a low-powered magnet. If you use a strong magnet, it will pull the sand up in clumps, which could trap gold. So slow and steady. Then the final step will be to pan off any light dust and look for visible gold. If none, then I dry it and look at it under the stereoscope at 40x magnification.

I will be surprised to find any gold in there. But there is a possibility that some micro gold is mixed in with the black sand.

OK, enough yammering... pics coming.

Did you think I forgot? 🤪

This is in the San Isabel National Forest, south of Canon City, on Oak Creek Road, looking east-ish. Blue skies. Fresh air. 74 degrees. What could be better than that?

(https://i.imgur.com/AwdjNhA.jpeg)

Google Earth tells me the elevation was 6,942 feet above sea level.

(https://i.imgur.com/vWRMn03.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VAHMbk0.jpeg)

It started to rain, so I headed back down. I got back to Pueblo and decided to have my favorite meal.

Breakfast for Lunch at the Village Inn.

(https://i.imgur.com/3emLtnc.jpeg)

I'll post an update when I know how my sample turned out. I don't have much hope of finding anything in it. I am considering running it through the Gold Cube instead of panning it.

Mike Pung, the inventor of the Gold Cube, told me that he designed it specifically to deal with black sand. He would frequently prospect the shores of Lake Michigan, which is notorious for black sand, and he tried to figure out ways to beat it. After many years and many prototypes, he came up with the Gold Cube design.

Black sand is the bane of every gold prospector because it is iron and heavy. It sticks to the bottom of the gold pan, making it difficult to separate the sand from the gold. I have developed a technique with my panning that does a good job, but the Gold Cube does it while I have a sandwich. 😁

I will have to make a run to the home improvement store to get the tubs I need to set up a recirculating system. I used it in my garage, and when it was brutally cold out, I set it up in my bathtub.

In my garage, I had a kiddie pool, and inside that a mixing tub (concrete or compost), and inside that a plastic washtub.

(https://i.imgur.com/mPsIjnC.jpeg)

The water is pumped from the kiddie pool up through the Gold Cube. The sand and light stuff gets flushed out the bottom into the washtub. The heaviest material will settle there. The water overflows into the mixing tub, carrying lighter sediments with it. Since the water moves more slowly here, those sediments will settle here. That tub overflows into the kiddie pool. The water gets muddy colored due to dissolved solids, but it is still efficient.

(https://i.imgur.com/lo4dVhd.jpeg)

Now, where did I put that sandwich? 😁

@Lori Dee

Dear Lori:
I really like the pictures that you shared and posted....
      ...you live in a beautiful area of the  country for sure.

.... and because it is now approaching dinner time here and I skipped
lunch because of a very busy schedule today, I also
really like the picture of your Breakfast for Lunch at the Village Inn.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Hi Everyone

Laundry washing or another colloquial term "washer women", is just another task that I don't mind doing.  So in my case it is two separate loads.  Whites and colours are separated.  So the question you must be asking is, what about my bras?

The majority of mine are white and cotton, with no wire and placed in a bra bag.  So they will go in with the whites.  Any special bras for those special occasions are hand washed as they are only worn for a couple of hours.

After buying new bras I will wash them separately to ensure that no colour will run.  If they have any color like beige, they will be washed separately.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

I received a text message from my furniture repairman. He said that he received a text message from the manager at the Furniture Row store that my repair parts are in, and he offered to bring them out and install them.

All I am waiting for is the drawer to the loveseat that was broken during shipping. I told him that I will take the broken drawer to the store and exchange it today.

I am rather disappointed with this store's Customer Service. They have never called me for any reason. It has always been me calling them to find out the status of the repairs on my new furniture. Yes, they have a contractor that is handling the repairs, but would it kill them to pick up the phone?

Secondhand text messages are not customer service. The repairman has been wonderful and takes good care of his customers, but he is not a store employee. He owns his own furniture repair service and does contract work for many stores all over Colorado. He gets it. He understands the value of communication with customers.

I have some furniture that I was considering buying, but I won't be buying from that store. Honestly, I have had better luck buying off Amazon. I just don't want them shipping a large dresser mirror. I can pick one up at the home improvement stores like Lowe's (which is a couple of blocks from my place and offers a Veteran discount). I just haven't decided what I want exactly.

I have started screening the dirt sample from yesterday's outing. After a closer look at it, I decided to screen it through a #8, #12, and #20 mesh screens. They stack on top of a five-gallon bucket, so it all happens with one pour.

The #8 mesh removed the larger rocks, leaves, grass, and sticks. There are a few larger stones that I will examine under the scope. The stuff that fell through the #8 into the #12 mesh screen does not appear to contain anything of interest. I will set that aside to be run through the Gold Cube or panned later.

The dirt that fell through the #12 mesh into the #20 mesh screen contains a lot of the black sand, mica, and other sparklies (quartz), so it will need a closer examination later. Everything that fell through the #20 mesh screen is at the bottom of the bucket, so I haven't looked at it yet.

I have been busy playing with dirt.

I was pondering if I needed to classify (screen) the sample through the #50 and #100 mesh screens. Normally, for a sample, I do because that tells me what size gold is in that area, if any.

It turns out that a great deal of this material is #50 mesh size. By classifying it further, anything smaller will drop through into the #100 mesh, and anything smaller than #100 will fall through into the bucket. That helps make each classification size smaller and easier to work with.

To give you a visual, the minus #100 stuff in the bucket will be finer than flour and closer to vacuum cleaner dust. So very tiny. I don't classify beyond #100 because I can't see it. #200 mesh is nearly invisible to the naked eye.

So, I gave in and grabbed my #50 and #100 mesh screens. I ensure they are clean to prevent cross-contamination of the sample. I noticed something stuck in the #50 screen. I had to put on my reading glasses, but yes, it is gold!

I found South Dakota gold in Colorado. 😀

(https://i.imgur.com/Hg41v8z.jpeg)

It was stuck in the #50 screen and somehow stayed there through all the packing, moving, and unpacking.

No complaints here. Gold is gold.

Lori,


Where would you sell the gold or do you just keep it?


Chrissy

You can sell it at Pawn shops. It is best to shop around to get the best price.

In Rapid City, Presidential Pawn is a favorite of local prospectors. They have many large nuggets on display that miners have brought in. That is where I sold mine.

I wish I hadn't sold it, but I needed the money to pay for my move to CO. Since then, the price has gone up $1,500 per ounce. I got a good deal, but it would be much more valuable today. The gold that I dug back in 2015 has tripled in value.

I guess I will just have to go dig up more. 😁

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
TWO of my "most" favorite soloists are John Denver and  Karen Carpenter ... 
...I frequently play a lot of their music.

    I was thinking of you when I recently listened to this John Denver song.
     
    Please forgive the pronouns used in the song... I can't change the title of the
    song or the Lyrics....  but this is the song that makes me think of you and
    your recent relocation.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Aup7mSSN0

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on September 19, 2025, 04:26:05 PMI was thinking of you when I recently listened to this John Denver song.
     
    Please forgive the pronouns used in the song... I can't change the title of the
    song or the Lyrics....  but this is the song that makes me think of you and
    your recent relocation.

Yes, she would! 😁

I remember some great times here when I was in high school. A few years later, the Army gave me a chance to come back and be stationed at Fort Carson (Colorado Springs). It is a strange feeling. You know you are home, but everything is so different.

I remember sitting on top of my tank looking at the mountains and thinking, "Why am I sitting here? I should be up there!"

That was in 1980. Although I have visited family here many times, this is the first time I have lived here since then. And it is the same feeling. I know I am home, but everything is different.

Welcome home.



Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 19, 2025, 09:12:07 PMWelcome home.



Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy!

Lori,


Do you find silver the same way you find gold?


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 19, 2025, 09:15:30 PMLori,


Do you find silver the same way you find gold?


Chrissy

Sort of. They often travel together. In hard rock, the easiest way to find a vein is with a metal detector. In stream gravels, it is more difficult. Gold is 19.3 times heavier than water. Very few metals are heavier than gold. Silver is only 10.5 times heavier than water. Since gold panning and sluicing use gravity to separate the gold from the sand, it is much easier to find gold because it sticks to the bottom of the pan or in the riffles of the sluice.

Lead is 11.35 times heavier than water, so a little heavier than silver. I do find lead in my gold pan and in my sluice box, but so far no silver. I don't know if it was too light and got washed out, or if there just wasn't any there to begin with.

Of the metals that are heavier than gold: tungsten, platinum, and iridium, I have found platinum. It was two tiny nuggets, smaller than the diameter of a #2 pencil lead. One was just barely big enough to test to verify it was platinum. I kept going back to that same spot, but never found any more. 😢

You rock Lori.


Chrissy

On Monday, I met my new therapist. She is awesome. Her son is transmasculine, so she understands our struggle for gender-affirming care.

Yesterday, Tuesday, I had an appointment with the Endocrinology Clinic at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Center in Aurora. It is a very nice campus; very modern, with other medical centers next door, such as the University of Colorado Children's Hospital. The VA Staff were friendly, but I am not impressed with the care so far.

My appointment was for 11:00 am, and I arrived early enough to wander around and find where I needed to go because the place is HUGE. I checked in at 10:50, and within minutes was called back by the nurse to get my vitals. Then I was returned to the waiting room to wait for my provider.

I waited, and waited, and waited. At 11:40, I spoke with the receptionist to ensure they had not forgotten me. He assured me that the doctors were running late due to many morning appointments where the patients arrived late due to the pouring rain.

At 11:45 am, my provider called me in. He said that he could not access my medical records yet, so he wanted to review my current meds and medical history. When we finished, he excused himself to consult with his attending physician (the woman I was scheduled to see in the first place). After a bit, both of them returned, and she announced that my progesterone dosage was too high.

Excuse me?

You don't know me. You don't know the number of experts that I have consulted over the years, the published studies I have read, or even the reason my doctors in South Dakota prescribed that dose. And you want to arbitrarily change that? Um, no. You have not even looked at my records, nor have you ordered any lab tests to support that decision. No. No. No.

I tried to educate this woman by explaining what I know, how I know it, and how she can verify it for her own knowledge. She said that "high" progesterone levels are "believed" to cause breast cancer. I told her that I am aware of those outdated studies, and they do not apply to me. I told her to go to Wikipedia and search for "pharmacokinetics of progesterone," go to the footnotes, and read the study that explains the reason progesterone should be given three times a day and not once per day. She dismissed that and said she would consult with her superior, who is up on all the latest studies, and get back to me. Then she ordered lab tests to actually see where my hormone levels are currently.

I told her to think logically about this. If "high progesterone" causes cancer, then that would mean that women would be getting cancer every time they get pregnant, because progesterone and estrogen levels soar very high during pregnancy. She said that pregnant women do get breast cancer often and they believe the cause is high progesterone levels.

What she is referring to is PABC (Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer), which is the most common cancer in pregnant women.

However, the risk factor is 1 out of 3,000 pregnancies, and is considered "rare". There is no conclusive proof that it is caused by high progesterone levels yet, but there are ongoing studies that may suggest it.

The problem is that there is great difficulty isolating a single cause from all of the various other things that could be the cause: high estrogen levels, increased IGF-1, Human Growth Hormone, medical history of breast cancers, obesity, and other risk factors.

So, what is she calling "high" progesterone levels?

Progesterone levels rise rapidly after conception, reaching 11-44 ng/mL.
In the second trimester, levels continue to increase, reaching 17-146 ng/mL.
In the third trimester, levels reach their peak, ranging from 49-300 ng/mL.

Since I am not pregnant, let's assume that a "high" progesterone level for me would be at the upper end of the first trimester range: 11-44 ng/mL. For safety's sake, let's say that anything over 40 would be considered "high". If my ovaries were producing that much progesterone, I would agree that this is something we need to check.

Oh, wait.

I don't have ovaries, so they are obviously not dumping huge amounts of progesterone into my bloodstream. I am not taking any synthetic progestins (like are found in birth control pills). I am taking bioidentical progesterone pills. That means that what I am taking is chemically identical to what is produced by human ovaries.

Now we get to the question of her concern that my "dose is too high". We have established what we will assume is "too high," so now the question is, how many pills do I need to take to reach those levels in my blood?

The thing about oral medications is that they first get processed through the liver, which is known as "first pass". The medication is mostly removed from the system before it gets into the bloodstream, which means that higher doses are necessary to achieve higher levels.

So, how much progesterone is eliminated during the first pass?

"... a study using LC–MS found that the bioavailability of oral progesterone was only 2.4% relative to vaginal progesterone gel...The very low bioavailability of oral progesterone is due to the fact that it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes massive metabolism, resulting in almost complete inactivation during the first pass through the liver."

The article also has a chart that shows the various routes, their effects on serum levels, and duration:

Capsule    200 mg    4.3 – 11.7ng/mL    2 – 2.5 hours

In order to maintain the 11.7ng/mL level, you would need to take 200mg six times a day for 24-hour coverage because the duration is only 2 - 2.5 hours.

In order to hit our "high dose" level of over 40ng/mL, we would need to take 800mg (4 x 200mg dose), and take that much six times per day.

I take 100mg three times per day. She thinks that is too high, and I think that is too low. I would need to take 8 capsules six times per day to reach a risky level. And once I reach that level and stay there for months, my risk is almost 1 out of 3,000 (rare).

The problem is further compounded because I can't write my own prescriptions, so I have to go through healthcare providers who do not even understand basic human reproduction biology. It also appears they are not interested in reading something as commonplace as a Wikipedia article that quotes established studies and provides links to them as references. 🤡

So now, I am waiting for them to get my lab results and consult their "experts". I expected this, so I made arrangements to keep my gynecologist as a provider, and she can renew my prescriptions through TeleHealth appointments. We will see if I need to play that ace.

Tomorrow, I get to meet my new Primary Care physician. I have heard she is a wonderful person, and my new therapist's mother is one of her patients. Can't get a better review than that. I am looking forward to meeting a helpful and sane person. 😀

I met my new Primary Care Physician today. She. Is. Awesome.

Completely opposite of what I experienced at The Regional VA on Tuesday.

In the post above, I explained that experience. Basically, their attitude was, "I am the expert. You are the patient. You don't know anything."

My new Primary told me up front that she is new to the VA and she knows very little about transgender medicine. So we talked, and talked. My one-hour appointment stretched to two hours. She said that she had a patient who was stealth and became very offended when asked about her last Pap exam. She accused the doctor of trying to say she wasn't a Real Woman™. Well, dumbass, if you are not being open and honest with your doctor, expect to be asked those kinds of questions. Maybe instead of being offended, say you don't have a uterus. Not all women do. Jeez.

So my new Primary is setting me up with a local endocrinologist in the community (non-VA), an optometrist (non-VA), a dermatologist, and an audiologist here at the Pueblo VA. Doesn't look like I need to go to Denver anymore. Suits me just fine.

Next up will be to find a dentist. I have time. I won't be due for cleaning and an exam for several months.

Today was a good day, so tomorrow I'll get back to panning some gold. Oh, yeah, my doctor is also curious about gold prospecting, so I gave her the URL to my website. Susan's members can just click the globe icon under my avatar picture.

Hi Lori!

I hoped life would be better after yesterday's experience for you.  I see that it indeed is better.

Yay!


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 25, 2025, 09:55:42 PMI hoped life would be better after yesterday's experience for you.  I see that it indeed is better.

Yay!

Thank you, Chrissy! Your wish for me came true. 🥰

My lab results from last Tuesday are in. Cholesterol levels are perfect.

Testosterone = <12. Since I have stopped the Eligard (leuprolide) injections (my last one was a 90-day back on March 2025, it appears that my estradiol levels are keeping testosterone suppressed. This indicates that I may be able to stop taking Casodex (bicalutamide) as well, as it is unnecessary.

Estradiol = 290. This puts me in the "Ovulation" range, which is exactly where I should be. The concern here is that I was at that range seven days after my last injection. That indicates that immediately after injection, my levels would be much higher. There is no inherent danger in that, but it is a waste of medicine if I can achieve the desired levels at a lower dose.

My Primary has ordered new labs to be done on Monday, and that will be three days post-injection, so I will be curious to see how high my estradiol levels are at that point. She will also be looking at other non-hormonal stuff, like PSA, thyroid, liver and kidney function, A1C, and blood cell counts.

I warned her that since COVID (I never had it), my white blood cell counts have been a very little bit high. Not enough to indicate an infection, but higher than in other people. I tell people that I have a very robust immune system with the latest detection technology and military-grade weapons systems. It is just on high alert because I go to Walmart occasionally, and some people are just nasty.

My previous healthcare team was concerned that this could indicate certain types of cancers. All of my blood tests for the past six years were reviewed by a team of hematologists and oncologists at the Regional Hospital's Cancer Care clinic, and they report that there is no indication of cancer.

So, I reiterate my explanation: "I have a very robust immune system with the latest detection technology and military-grade weapons systems. It is just on high alert." I am actually considering adding two Apache Attack Helicopters, just in case. With the rise in outbreaks of Measles, West Nile, and other viruses, one can't be too careful. 😁

So your immune system is basically the CIWS Phalanx. Got it.

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/4-24-2014/j7_V4b.gif)

Quote from: Sephirah on September 27, 2025, 04:38:47 PMSo your immune system is basically the CIWS Phalanx. Got it.

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/4-24-2014/j7_V4b.gif)

Yes!

It might not be as high-tech as I implied. Maybe more like the Monty Python Black Knight.

This is highly heretical, but I am like the 1% of Brits who never got into Monty Python.

That video reminded me of this... ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIV4poUZAQo

If your medical team says there is nothing wrong, they are most likely correct.

I am glad that you seem to been doing well. 

How is the new city working out for your everyday living? 


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on September 27, 2025, 08:23:29 PMHow is the new city working out for your everyday living? 

Thanks, Chrissy!

It is working out very well. The people here are very accepting and supportive. I was able to attend my first-ever Pride celebration. I was amazed to see hundreds of happy people singing, dancing, shopping, talking, and having a great time. There were no protests and no police presence.

My next-door neighbor and I have become friends. He is bi and very supportive of the transgender community.

I have only been misgendered twice since I arrived, and both times it was by crackhead panhandlers. One corrected himself when he actually looked at me. The other one was too busy swatting imaginary flies to look at me directly.

I think the only downside is that I am too far east. It took me almost two hours to get into the mountains for prospecting. It is not a great distance, just slower speed limits. The places I want to prospect are even further west, so I may have to save that for weekend camping trips to make the drive worthwhile.

I had to run some errands this afternoon.

I had an appointment at the local VA to draw blood, because the vampires were thirsty. Well, they SAID that it was for an upcoming appointment with a local endocrinology clinic. OK, 😉 whatever works.

Then, since I was in the area, I stopped and picked up a few groceries. The checkout clerk was very flirty, but seemed like a nice guy. I thought he was that way with all the women customers, but not so with the woman who was behind me. Add one point to the daily gender-affirmation log.

I was going to stop and get gas, but the gas stations on the north end of the city wanted $2.99 - $3.17 per gallon. The Jeep was thirsty, so I headed back to the south of town, just a few blocks from my place, and filled up for $2.79 a gallon.

I saw on the news that Trump is now imposing a 100% tariff (effective 1 October) on all movies not made in the USA, as well as name-brand pharmaceuticals and furniture.

Fortunately, I get my drugs for free through the VA, and I just ordered my last piece of furniture (for now) on Amazon. It will be here on Wednesday. It is a PINK tall office chair. Some call it a drafting chair because in a strong wind... no, that's not right... because it is counter-height, so it fits a drafting table or a standing desk. I am hoping it will work for my workbenches.

The store didn't have much selection of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but their gizzards were on sale. I picked up a couple of packages and some deviled egg potato salad for dinner.

Just another day in the life of Lori Dee. 😀

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
I enjoyed reading your latest update, "Just another day in the life of Lori Dee."

Regarding blood draws....  when I was down in Anchorage a couple weeks ago for my comprehensive
medical appointment...  the vampires took 5 Viles of blood and then during my visit with my doctor,
some early results came through and my doctor ordered 2 more Viles. 
My left arm looked like hamburger for several days.

When it arrives please be certain to post a picture of you PINK tall drafting chair. 
I love sitting in tall chairs in places that I can use them.
At doctor waiting rooms I always head for the tall chairs.
I find them more comfortable and easier getting out of the chair.

YES indeed, as you also like, I love getting my own daily gender-affirmation log updated frequently...
... it feels real nice!!!

you stated:
The store didn't have much selection of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but their gizzards were on sale.
I picked up a couple of packages and some deviled egg potato salad for dinner.
So tell me, what did you have for dinner the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or the gizzards.??? 
                       NOTE:  I will take the chicken thighs please.

Please keep your updates and updates coming!!!
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 29, 2025, 05:09:03 PMI had to run some errands this afternoon.

I had an appointment at the local VA to draw blood, because the vampires were thirsty. Well, they SAID that it was for an upcoming appointment with a local endocrinology clinic. OK, 😉 whatever works.

Then, since I was in the area, I stopped and picked up a few groceries. The checkout clerk was very flirty, but seemed like a nice guy. I thought he was that way with all the women customers, but not so with the woman who was behind me. Add one point to the daily gender-affirmation log.

I was going to stop and get gas, but the gas stations on the north end of the city wanted $2.99 - $3.17 per gallon. The Jeep was thirsty, so I headed back to the south of town, just a few blocks from my place, and filled up for $2.79 a gallon.

I saw on the news that Trump is now imposing a 100% tariff (effective 1 October) on all movies not made in the USA, as well as name-brand pharmaceuticals and furniture.

Fortunately, I get my drugs for free through the VA, and I just ordered my last piece of furniture (for now) on Amazon. It will be here on Wednesday. It is a PINK tall office chair. Some call it a drafting chair because in a strong wind... no, that's not right... because it is counter-height, so it fits a drafting table or a standing desk. I am hoping it will work for my workbenches.

The store didn't have much selection of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but their gizzards were on sale. I picked up a couple of packages and some deviled egg potato salad for dinner.

Just another day in the life of Lori Dee. 😀

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on September 29, 2025, 07:27:23 PMSo tell me, what did you have for dinner the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or the gizzards.???   I will take the chicken thighs please.

Sorry, maybe next time. There were no thighs. So I pigged out on fried gizzards and potato salad. 😁

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on September 29, 2025, 07:27:23 PMthe vampires took 5 Viles of blood and then during my visit with my doctor,
some early results came through and my doctor ordered 2 more Viles. 
My left arm looked like hamburger for several days.

We have some pretty good vampires at the VA (Vampires Anonymous?).

I try to schedule labs for my Primary and Endo at the same time to get them done all at once. Today was 12 vials. I joke with them and tell them to bring a bucket, and we can open a vein.

My last labs were conducted back in May, so this is an opportunity to bring my new doctors up to speed on where everything stands. Blood cell counts, sugar, A1C, immune system functions, kidney, liver, thyroid, PSA, and hormones.

Did you get your results back yet?

It seems that my PINK tall chair has been delayed. Delivery is now showing as Oct 2 - 7th. I also noticed that they have adjusted the prices. When I ordered the chair, all colors were the same price. Now, if you order any other color except pink, they are $30 cheaper. Is this discrimination, or price gouging?

This is the chair:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ6DPZY5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

There is a video showing the functions. I don't know why the person in the video is wearing that goofy mask, but ok. The video also raises another question:

Since the chair is tall (bar height) and it is on wheels like an office chair, how does he rock it back and forth as shown in the video without the base moving? Why doesn't he tip over backward? If I do that, I can guarantee I will end up on my back.

I guess I'll find out later this week.
😮🙃🤕

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on September 29, 2025, 07:36:11 PMSorry, maybe next time. There were no thighs. So I pigged out on fried gizzards and potato salad. 😁

Give me the skin any time (cooked of course)!  😁

Hugs
Sarah B
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on September 30, 2025, 07:34:30 PMHi Lori

Give me the skin any time (cooked of course)!  😁

Hugs
Sarah B
@Lori Dee

I like the skin too if it is fried crispy. Usually, I bake the thighs, so no skin and no bones.

Now I am craving some KFC crispy chicken skin!

Air fryer crispy chicken skin, salt pepper and paprika.

Football season and buffalo wings!!!  Throw in sliced carrots, ranch dressing...and a really cute pink bar stool.

Lori, I love the chair you chose, and Danielle, I agree bar height is perfect.  I love dangling my legs!

Quote from: davina61 on October 01, 2025, 03:28:30 AMAir fryer crispy chicken skin, salt pepper and paprika.

I need to get an air fryer. I keep thinking about it, then forget, then remember.
I'm adding it to the shopping list right now before I forget again!

Hi Lori

I will soon be buying a "the Smart Oven™ Air Fryer from Breville a good household brand name.  It does everything except wash the dishes!!

(https://assets.breville.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1300,format=auto/BOV860/BOV860BSS4JAN1_PDP.png?pdp)

It does not come in PINK!!  Thank the heavens for that!!
🤣😂

Hugs
Sarah B
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on October 01, 2025, 08:34:40 PMIt does not come in PINK!! 

WHAT?!! Sacrilege! Heresy! 😄

Yesterday, while my internet was out due to a "network upgrade" in my area, I decided to head west and do some prospecting. I intended to visit Texas Creek and the Cache Creek gold panning areas.

These are public lands set aside by the Bureau of Land Management specifically for gold panning. I have been wanting to get out there and scout the sites. These are popular areas that attract visitors from all over the U.S. That is both good and bad.

Good: They are popular because gold is still being found there.
BAD: They are popular, so often busy with a lot of people, some even camping there.
Good: Many of these people are amateur miners, so they make big mistakes and lose gold, thus leaving it behind for me to collect.
Bad: I prefer that people not know my exact location where I am mining, for safety reasons, and because I don't want to share.

Google Maps told me that the trip to Cache Creek is a three-hour drive. I didn't feel like doing that yesterday. I may rent a motel room for a weekend and scout the area to make the round-trip drive worth it.

So, instead, yesterday I went in search of agates. North of Canon City is the Garden Park Fossil Area. It is a National Landmark where dinosaur fossils were discovered back in the 1800s. As a protected area, prospecting and collecting are strictly prohibited. My goal is to see if the geology is the same as another dinosaur place that I know well, the South Dakota Badlands.

The geology of these areas is mostly limestone and tuff (a volcanic ash), and in these types of areas, agates, dinosaur bones, and other fossils are commonly found. The goal is not to collect in protected areas, but to identify areas nearby with similar geology. In South Dakota, I travelled through the Jewel Cave National Monument to Teepee Canyon to the west. Teepee Canyon is public land and open to rockhounding, whereas National Parks and Monuments are not.

There is a Dispersed Camping area up the hill, so I went up there to survey the landscape. The area I was most interested in is inaccessible in my Jeep. I need four-wheel drive and high ground clearance, so I will be back.

Lots of blue sky and sunshine.

My apologies to our UK friends. I am looking for another image host solution so you can see the photos too.

(https://i.imgur.com/6I7YMhT.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VGHcaft.jpeg%5D)

(https://i.imgur.com/zElHDfQ.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/va2Fp7d.jpeg)

Is this a dinosaur fossil? No. Something got eaten (a deer). This is also a sign to remind us that there are mountain lions in this area.

(https://i.imgur.com/d45zO4T.jpeg)

I like this picture the best. This is Four-Mile Creek. Notice the cliff above it, how the limestone and tuff are in layers.

(https://i.imgur.com/8jl0FJ7.jpeg%5D)

This is Marsh Quarry, where Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus were first found in the late 1800s by local fossil hero Marshall Felch. In the 1950s, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History excavated "Happy the Haplocanthosaur" from the Cleveland Quarry nearby. Happy is still on display there today. Fascinating fact: No one has ever found a Haplocanthosaur skull!

(https://i.imgur.com/hX3uHqy.jpeg)

My next outing will be in a week or so, perhaps. My next-door neighbor has some land that needs some metal detecting. He has used his detector and claims he gets readings of silver coins, but has been unable to find them. We are making plans to tag-team the property with dueling detectors.

Wait. Is that banjo music I hear? 😬

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:

I am so happy that you got your internet back...  partially, if not fully yet.

Great pictures that you posted from your trip to Texas Creek and the Cache Creek gold panning areas.
Now I am looking for your picture of the full pan of gold and/or the BIG Gold nuggets that you found.

Keep sharing and posting as you continue to explore and get acquainted with the area.

When I did my time at the Air Force Academy, I lived in Colorado Springs and had the opportunity to
explore the state and surrounding states in my time off. 
I know that you will find that Colorado has a lot of variety in scenery, climate, and fun things
that you can get involved in all around the state and surrounding states.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

I now have a Flickr Pro account for sharing images without ads.

Now I am figuring out the BBC code sharing and other stuff.

Using the BBC code share from Flickr doesn't work, but now, suddenly, I can attach a photo directly from my computer without using the Flickr URL. I never could before. So now, I can link from a Flickr album or directly attach an image.

Magic!

Test image: (This is Spring Creek, Oct 7, 2017) I had been digging gold out of this creek all summer. It was cold this morning, and as the sun came over the mountains, I saw this.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54828456500_0cddf11b22_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rx1aVw)1007170932_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/2rx1aVw) by Lori Dee (https://www.flickr.com/photos/203623445@N04/), on Flickr

I heard that if you tie a thick blanket across a creek and let water rush through it, that this captures gold.  Maybe it is very thick fabric or some other material but whatever it is a way to set a trap for floating or rushing gold flecks that you can come back to harvest later.

Would you try this Lori?  Could this work? 


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 02, 2025, 09:54:01 PMWould you try this Lori?  Could this work? 

It is not likely to work. Gold is very heavy, so it gets pushed along the bottom of the river. To give you an idea of how heavy it is, it is 19.4 times heavier than water. A one-gallon jug of milk weighs about eight pounds. Fill that same jug full of gold, and it will weigh 160 pounds.

I have seen prospectors build wooden sluice boxes in the bottom of a creek in the Fall when water levels run low. It is basically a wooden chute anchored to the bottom with iron rods. The chute has wooden bars that run across the width of the chute to form riffles. They leave it there over the winter. When the Spring runoff raises the water level, gold, sand, and gravel get pushed downstream, right through their sluice box. Later in the summer, when the currents calm down, they retrieve the sluice and clean out the gold.

It is an interesting idea that I had considered as a way to sample many locations at once. I could ignore any site that had no gold and focus on the ones that do. The problem is that building and anchoring the box is laborious, and if on public land, anyone could take it.

Also, such a sluice box design is very inefficient. The old-time miners used sluices and rocker boxes like that. It works well to catch the big nuggets but misses the fine gold. The old-timers worked the areas very well, so most of the big stuff has already been taken, and all that is left is the small stuff.

I spent years studying sluice box designs until I understood them well enough to build my own. It has never let me down, and I can even go to an area where someone else has used a sluice and collect all the stuff that their sluice missed. For anyone interested, I wrote an article about sluice box design and have it posted on my website (Lori-Dee.com)

Lori, I love your photos and sharing your prospecting experience.  That all looks amazing, and finding gold, totally cool.

I get jealous when I see the mountains and the stunning landscapes. 

Another exciting day in the life of Lori Dee.

I was here online this morning when my internet dropped out. A few minutes later, I received a text message that my pink chair had been delivered.

I looked outside, and there was a large box on my porch and an Xfinity work truck next door. I checked the Xfinity Mobile App, and it said my internet was out due to "unexpected necessary repairs".

My neighbor looked confused when I told him to stop messing with my internet. 😁

I unpacked the chair parts and prepared for assembly. Inside the package with the instructions was a pair of white gloves so my filthy hands would not dirty the fabric during assembly. How thoughtful!

Except:


IMG_0141.JPG

Fortunately, I had washed my hands twice this month, so I didn't need the gloves.

The chair turned out to be the perfect height for my jewelry-making workbench. The wheels roll, but the center of gravity is perfect to prevent tipping. The back tilt feature has a strong spring, so leaning back does not result in tipping over. The color is closer to a peach than a pink, but the chair is very comfy!

IMG_0142.jpg

Now, I am waiting for the property maintenance people to come fix my plumbing. Wait. Not my plumbing, the plumbing for the property. The drains have been running slowly lately. Not enough to back up and overflow, but enough that stuff takes over an hour to drain. The maintenance man said that since my unit sat over the winter, there was a chance that "stuff" had become packed in the main sewer line.

Every three units have drain lines tied together, so it may not even be my unit. I submitted a Maintenance request yesterday, and they said they would get back to me in 24 hours... which ended an hour ago.😐�

Hi Lori

You said:

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 03, 2025, 02:55:27 PMThe color is closer to a peach than a pink, but the chair is very comfy!

My eyes, my poor eyes, they will never be the same again.  I'm girly but not that girly!

😝

Oh no I just became blind!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Quote from: Sarah B on October 03, 2025, 04:10:59 PMHi Lori

You said:

My eyes, my poor eyes, they will never be the same again.  I'm girly but not that girly!

😝

Oh no I just became blind!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Sadly, I can't see the color when I am sitting in it. 😪

Those gloves should have been delivered to "Miss Snow White, C/O Dopey." What's with the finger length?

Hi Lori

I would suggest you look up "roller blade wheels for office chairs", you will find them a lot better than the standard ones that are on office chairs.


And No they are not pink, although you get led light ones!


Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Hi Lauren

Quote from: Sephirah on October 03, 2025, 04:15:26 PMThose gloves should have been delivered to "Miss Snow White, C/O Dopey." What's with the finger length?

The longer the finger length the better one can demonstrate "giving them the flip"

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Sephirah

Lol, that is a clear example of "One size fits Peter Dinklage". :P

Quote from: Sarah B on October 03, 2025, 04:27:56 PMI would suggest you look up "roller blade wheels for office chairs", you will find them a lot better than the standard ones that are on office chairs.

I saw those! Thought about it, but I don't want the chair skating around my workroom. 😀

Put caterpillar tracks on it, Lori. You know you want to. :P

Quote from: Sephirah on October 03, 2025, 04:47:57 PMPut caterpillar tracks on it, Lori. You know you want to. :P

It took a few minutes to modify, but I got it.

There you go! That is rather awesome, haha. If your office ever moves to a jungle... you're set.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 03, 2025, 05:02:41 PMThere you go! That is rather awesome, haha. If your office ever moves to a jungle... you're set.

I need to attach a backhoe so I can dig with it, too.

Looks like something I would build!!!!

Quote from: davina61 on October 04, 2025, 03:12:05 AMLooks like something I would build!!!!

😄

Is Robbie the Robot still around, or did he find a new home?

Have a lovely weekend Lori!


I have been helping a friend paint this morning.  Showered now after just getting back from lunch. 


Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy!

You too. You deserve a lovely weekend.

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 03, 2025, 04:41:53 PMI saw those! Thought about it, but I don't want the chair skating around my workroom. 😀

I just brought a new set for my office chair.  I used to have another office chair with those wheels and when I moved two years ago I accidently threw out that office chair with those wheels on, the office chair was dying.

If you have those wheels on your office chair just one feather touch push and you will be flying out the window or through the wall!!

Seriously they are unreal.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Hi Lori

Dear Lori

As per our conversation, I'm pleased to inform you that following model is in stock.  Let us know when and where you want it delivered:
Yours Sincerely
Hawk Chair Industries

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 04, 2025, 03:28:47 PMThanks, Chrissy!

You too. You deserve a lovely weekend.

Thank you Lori.

Chrissy

Quote from: Sarah B on October 04, 2025, 07:35:02 PMHi Lori

Dear Lori

As per our conversation, I'm pleased to inform you that following model is in stock.  Let us know when and where you want it delivered:

(https://videos.openai.com/vg-assets/assets%2Ftask_01k6rw5ezcfyvtqbr3wqczvnn7%2F1759624037_img_1.webp?st=2025-10-04T23%3A20%3A05Z&se=2025-10-11T00%3A20%3A05Z&sks=b&skt=2025-10-04T23%3A20%3A05Z&ske=2025-10-11T00%3A20%3A05Z&sktid=a48cca56-e6da-484e-a814-9c849652bcb3&skoid=2905dc6d-d44b-4668-b712-e8787ddb94c0&skv=2019-02-02&sv=2018-11-09&sr=b&sp=r&spr=https%2Chttp&sig=of4W%2FCOc3nXffL9f9jyCnuqLrKmpgq4zfZP6xf8s%2FLM%3D&az=oaivgprodscus)

Yours Sincerely
Hawk Chair Industries

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Delivery? I can't wait that long. I need it NOW. I'm going to go pick it up!

😄

Hi Lori

Dear Lori

I admire your euphemism, however the earliest that you can pick up your personalized Hawk Chair is the 25th of December 2025.  We apologize for any inconvenience that this will cause you.  We will keep it safe for you in the mean time.

The address that you need is:

Santa Claus
42 Cnr of Elf and Reindeer Road
North Pole, 4242

Yours Sincerely
Hawk Chair Industries

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on October 03, 2025, 04:10:59 PMYou said:

My eyes, my poor eyes, they will never be the same again.  I'm girly but not that girly!

I've been wearing florescent pink golf pants, the girliest color in my wardrobe.
I also have a sleeveless top and skirt in the exact same color!

Marion

Quote from: Sarah B on October 04, 2025, 09:46:51 PMThe address that you need is:

Santa Claus
42 Cnr of Elf and Reindeer Road
North Pole, 4242

Brrr.

Wait. I think that is just up the road from Danielle's place. 😄

Hi Lori

You said:

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 04, 2025, 10:02:00 PMWait. I think that is just up the road from Danielle's place.

I'm sure Danielle will not mind you dropping in while you drive your Hawk Chair back home.  I'm also sure she will put you and the "chair" to good use by clearing her driveway which has a lot of snow piled upon it.
 
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Hi Marion

You said:

Quote from: Maid Marion on October 04, 2025, 09:53:43 PMI've been wearing florescent pink golf pants, the girliest color in my wardrobe.
I also have a sleeveless top and skirt in the exact same color!

Now my brain has been assaulted, now the imagery of that description will never go away.  The pain, Oh the pain!!

😄

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Maid Marion

Quote from: Sarah B on October 04, 2025, 10:10:51 PMHi Lori

You said:

I'm sure Danielle will not mind you dropping in while you drive your Hawk Chair back home.  I'm also sure she will put you and the "chair" to good use by clearing her driveway which has a lot of snow piled up on it.
 
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Anything to help a friend.

But it will take a while to drive it across Canada to get to Southern Colorado!
Fortunately, I have my passport and heavy winter gear.

I might need a long extension cord to charge the battery.

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 04, 2025, 10:18:05 PMI might need a long extension cord to charge the battery.

You should have got the petrol or diesel version.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on October 04, 2025, 10:23:39 PMHi Lori

You should have got the petrol or diesel version.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

I could only afford the pedal version. The battery is for the lights.

Now that has brought a smile to my face this morning !!

Quote from: Maid Marion on October 04, 2025, 09:53:43 PMI've been wearing florescent pink golf pants, the girliest color in my wardrobe.
I also have a sleeveless top and skirt in the exact same color!

Marion

Marion,



That sounds nice.


Chrissy

Tomorrow may be a major shopping day.

The local dealership has the Jeep that I want, but their dealer financing interest rate is outrageous.

I have contacted my bank (USAA) to see what they can offer. The benefits are that they offer a discount for automatic payments. That isn't an issue since my checking account and auto insurance are through them with autopay.

Since my FICO score is at 756 (it took me a while to get it there), I should be getting a decent offer.

We will see.

Meanwhile, the property manager still hasn't fixed my plumbing. Grrrrr.

Still waiting to hear back from agents about my low water pressure, was "fun" tonight having a shower dodging the water as it went from burning hot to freezing cold as the pressure went up and down.

Quote from: davina61 on October 06, 2025, 02:51:33 PMStill waiting to hear back from agents about my low water pressure, was "fun" tonight having a shower dodging the water as it went from burning hot to freezing cold as the pressure went up and down.

I like your name for it: Lucky Dip Shower.

Come one, come all, test your luck with the Lucky Dip Shower! 😄

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 06, 2025, 02:27:34 PMTomorrow may be a major shopping day.

The local dealership has the Jeep that I want, but their dealer financing interest rate is outrageous.

I have contacted my bank (USAA) to see what they can offer. The benefits are that they offer a discount for automatic payments. That isn't an issue since my checking account and auto insurance are through them with autopay.

Since my FICO score is at 756 (it took me a while to get it there), I should be getting a decent offer.

We will see.

Meanwhile, the property manager still hasn't fixed my plumbing. Grrrrr.

You may wish to check out a credit union's loan rate.  Also, maybe join the navy federal credit union, open to all who have served I believe. 

Well, I planned to do some shopping today.

I got an email that a plumber would be out today. Within minutes, I got a knock on my door, and they were here to fix the issue.

To demonstrate the issue, I had to run water in both showers, and soon the plumber was able to see it for himself. Now, my drains are backed up again, which means I won't be able to shower until they get it fixed. Fortunately, I took my shower this month. 😁

While running the water, the plumber commented on how rusty my water is. Yep, been that way since I moved in. I don't drink it, so it is an annoyance more than anything. Maybe they can fix that, too?

My best friend went to see her mom in the nursing home yesterday. She and her sister had to drive a couple of hours to get there. She just sent me a text that her mom passed away at 3:00 a.m. this morning. She and her sister were able to spend some time with her before she passed. We will talk later.

I think my shopping is going to be postponed.

Drains are now flowing freely. Yay!

The tap water is still rusty. I spoke with our maintenance man, and he said the main water line from the city source is a galvanized pipe. That causes rust in the system. Plus, any time they do maintenance on the water lines, it stirs up the rust, too. The only remedy is to run the faucets for hours to flush out the rust.

The plumber told me the same thing. Since water is included in my rent, and there is no water meter on my lot, I have been running the faucets wide open for hours. I hate being wasteful like that, but I don't have any options.

I also received an email from my bank, USAA. They have approved my auto loan up to almost double what I asked for. Depending on which monthly payment option I select, I can have my interest rate from 4.75% - 6.47% depending on the term of the loan.

I am doing a Happy Dance. 😀🤸🏼

Momma is getting a new Jeep. And, I don't have to pick from anything in inventory. I can order exactly what I want... except that pink is not an available color option. 😭

Get the car of your dreams Lori!


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 07, 2025, 10:17:37 PMGet the car of your dreams Lori!


Chrissy

I would, but they don't offer pink. But I discovered that for late 2025, they brought back the '41 color. It is Olive Drab as a salute to the 1941 Willys Jeeps from World War 2.

I already know that I will be adding aftermarket equipment to it. Things like a cargo rack, zombie lights, and maybe a winch. I just have to make sure my checkbook can keep up with my imagination. 😁

  @Lori Dee

Dear Lori:

You can always get a custom PINK paint job after you buy the vehicle..... 

HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on October 07, 2025, 10:38:40 PM  @Lori Dee

Dear Lori:

You can always get a custom PINK paint job after you buy the vehicle..... 

HUGS, Danielle

I have thought of that too.

A friend of a friend has a silver car with pink butterflies all down the sides. She said that it is a decal that her husband and son put on the car one Saturday. That would be a cheaper way to do it. But I expect the sides to get scraped by rocks, tree branches, sagebrush, and cactus. I'm not sure how durable a vinyl decal will be under those circumstances.

I am also preparing for worst-case scenarios. As a survivalist, the '41 color will hide in the forest a lot easier. I may repaint it in five years or so, if the country survives.

You can get a wrap, cheaper than paint.

Signed, sealed, and waiting for delivery.

I fully expected to drop off my order at the Jeep dealership, have some questions answered, and wait for a call to confirm that my new Jeep is in. Well, that didn't happen.

I was told that it takes two to three months for them to build the Jeep in Toledo and get it shipped to Colorado. (It's that Denver traffic that jams up everything! 😄 ).

After a quick search, my salesman found 9 Jeeps in Colorado that match my specifications. One of them was a perfect match. They called the dealership to see if it was still available. It wasn't. Call after call, and they were all sold but one. The only difference between what I asked for and this one is that it has the 33" tires instead of the 35". Everything else was a match. And it was a couple of thousand dollars cheaper.

While the dealership checked out my Patriot to discern a trade-in value, the salesman was doing paperwork, and I was on my phone finalizing the loan paperwork from my bank.

They undervalued my Jeep due to all the hail damage, which surprised me.

How can you own a Jeep that does NOT have hail damage, rock chips, and scratches? That stuff comes as "standard equipment" unless you are a "wannabe Jeeper". I see them driving around in their 4x4 trucks with pristine paint jobs and not a speck of dust. Really? Why have it if you don't USE it?

The salespeople knew it was undervalued, so they did some checking and found that I qualify for about $3,500 in discounts. That put it smack into my price range.

They said it should be in by Friday!

I need to start hauling all my mining gear and crap out of the Patriot. That could take all day. WORTH IT! 😀

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 08, 2025, 05:33:31 PMHow can you own a Jeep that does NOT have hail damage, rock chips, and scratches? That stuff comes as "standard equipment" unless you are a "wannabe Jeeper". I see them driving around in their 4x4 trucks with pristine paint jobs and not a speck of dust.

Really? Why have it if you don't USE it?

I'm guilty of that when I owned a Cherokee, 😁

QuoteThey said it should be in by Friday!

Nice, congrats 🎉


~ Lilis 🌷🦇

Quote from: Lilis on October 08, 2025, 07:39:44 PMI'm guilty of that when I owned a Cherokee, 😁

Some Jeeps are made for the highway, like my Patriot, Compass, Wagoneer, and Cherokee. They are great for that purpose.

But a stereotypical off-road 4x4 (especially with big tires and a lift kit) should have some sign that it has been... I dunno... off-road?

Just throw some dirt on it for appearances. 🤪

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 08, 2025, 07:51:13 PMSome Jeeps are made for the highway, like my Patriot, Compass, Wagoneer, and Cherokee. They are great for that purpose.

But a stereotypical off-road 4x4 (especially with big tires and a lift kit) should have some sign that it has been... I dunno... off-road?

Just throw some dirt on it for appearances. 🤪

I love this! Hehehehe 💋

Around here there are a lot of Range Rovers, you meet one on a single track road and they wont give way or move over in case they get their tyres muddy!!!! My Skoda Yeti is a workhorse ,skip runs, car parts what ever gets thrown in and it gets washed once a year whether it needs it or not!!

Congratulations Lori! I hope your new chariot arrives as promised. I know it won't take long for you to break it in properly.

Love always -- Jess

I have already ordered some "personalization" flair. 😁
Things like decals and window stickers.

The onboard AI computer systems are way more advanced than what I am used to, so that will take some learning. I downloaded the Owner's Manual, and the first 100 pages are just explaining the 3,000 warning symbols and how to unlock the doors.

One of the indicators is a "Traffic Sign Recognition Error". What?
This thing can "recognize" traffic signs? Isn't that the driver's job?

Yeah. I have some learning to do... like how to disable annoying "features".
😄

Watch out for the lane tracking system/deviation that can be fooled and most folks think as dangerous ,also if it has proximity braking that can smash the brakes on if it thinks you are going to run into something. TBH most of the newer "driver aides" have to be turned off so you have control.

Quote from: davina61 on October 09, 2025, 09:22:40 AMWatch out for the lane tracking system/deviation that can be fooled and most folks think as dangerous ,also if it has proximity braking that can smash the brakes on if it thinks you are going to run into something. TBH most of the newer "driver aides" have to be turned off so you have control.

Thanks, Davina. I read that it has a "forward Collision Avoidance" but I am still investigating if it brakes, slows down, disengages the cruise control, or just sets off a bunch of alarms.

I'm a control freak. Although I don't mind if a system warns me of something, the final decision on what action to take is mine alone. I do not want a machine acting on my behalf when I am ultimately responsible for any decisions and actions taken.

Which is one of my pet peeves with Windows. It continously does things that I specifically told it not to do.

This is how the machines will take over the world. Many people will allow them to act without any supervision, and those of us who oppose it will be driven insane, constantly turning off and disabling "features" that get turned back on "for our own protection". 🤪

@Lori Dee

Dear Lori:

When you are ready....
.... all of your readers and followers including
 myself want to see some pictures of your new "ride."

HUGS, Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on October 10, 2025, 12:46:30 PM@Lori Dee

Dear Lori:

When you are ready....
.... all of your readers and followers including
 myself want to see some pictures of your new "ride."

HUGS, Danielle

I had to make a shopping run down to Lowe's to get some bigger pots. The Eastern Annex of @Susan_Rose's Botannical Gardens is expanding.

Jessica and Susan have left me with some plant scraps (branches that broke off during moving), and I have had them in water. They have sprouted roots, so I needed to get them potted.

We are playing what we call Cactus Roulette. Susan has many different varieties of Christmas Cactus that bloom in different colors. We have no idea which plant the scraps came from, and won't know until they actually bloom. I have three potted now in the same pot. I am hoping all three are from different plants so they display a variety of colors when they bloom (hopefully blooming at the same time).

I took a few pics of the new ride while I was out. On Monday, I have quite a few accessories arriving, so I will post pics when those are installed. So far, I am really enjoying driving it. It is more different from the Patriot than I expected, so there is stuff I am adjusting to.

Such as, the power window switches are not on the doors. They are on the dashboard. That is because the doors are removable. So if I remove the front doors only, I can still raise and lower the back windows.

More to follow on all that with more detailed pics. 😁

You will enjoy lots of time in your new vehicle.  I am glad it all worked out.

Chrissy

Congratulations on the new wheels, Lori!!!  Looking forward to the photos.

Today was an interesting day.

FedEx was to deliver my cargo rack today, so I decided to stay home and work on stuff here. Jessica gave me some modular shelf units they didn't need (they are remodeling their walk-in closet). I planned to get those assembled and put in place, then I would have someplace to put books and things to get them off the floor.

Then I would get back to processing the black sand sample that I have been working on (off and on) for almost a month.

I got a call from my salesman at the Jeep dealership. He was just checking to see how I liked the vehicle and if I had any questions. Nope, all is good. I told him about the stowage systems I ordered and agreed to show him once I have them installed and gear stowed.

Then he asked if I was interested in a set of rock rails. Umm, YES! I was surprised that this Jeep did not come with any installed. If you look at the photos above, the rock rail mounts under the body between the front and back wheels. It is like a running board, but beefed up to protect the body while rolling over boulders. He said a customer donated them, and his manager wants them out of the garage. He will give them to me if I am interested.

I think I pulled into their parking lot before he could hang up the phone. 😄

It took both of us to carry each one to my Jeep one at a time. We laid it out and checked to make sure the bolt pattern matched. The problem is that he lost the bolts. We loaded them in the back of the Jeep, and I gave him $20 to buy lunch.

The Mopar Wholesale Parts Warehouse website lists these at over $1,000 for a set.
https://www.moparwholesaleparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-jeep-reg-performance-parts-rock-rails-82215165ac

Granted, these are used and are missing the mounting bolts. The cheapest I saw them online was for $279. Even if the bolts cost me $200 (for six bolts), I am still way ahead.

Then FedEx tells me they have my cargo rack.
Umm, yeah, so give it to me!
Nope.
Now it is scheduled for delivery on Thursday.
Why? Why not bring it now? I'm home. Come on over.

Then Amazon tells me they delivered a small package to my front porch, and showed a picture of someone else's front porch. Really? You couldn't see the big number 2 on the front of the building? You can't count from Lot 1 to Lot 2? They are in numerical order.

Jeez, Louise.

Sounds as if you got a nice gift.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 13, 2025, 05:31:25 PMSounds as if you got a nice gift.

I think so. 😀

Result!!

I ran over to the home improvement store this morning to get the bolts and washers I need to mount the rock rails. I forgot that it took me and the salesman to move them one at a time. H.E.A.V.Y.

Fortunately, my neighbor was up and willing to help out. We each grabbed an end and then hung it on the frame. I rolled underneath and put in some bolts to keep it from falling out, then we went and did the other side. He had errands to run, so I just started bolting it down. 12 fixed studs (6 per side) align with holes in the pinch-weld (M6 flat and lock washers), then 6 M8-1.25 x 30mm bolts (3 per side) that bolt it to the undercarriage.

After getting the 12 alignment nuts tight so everything got pulled into place, I began tightening the large undercarriage bolts. And my flat washers are too small! The tab that bolts underneath is slotted, and the slot is exactly the same width as my flat washers, so they just got pushed into the slot. So I'll have to make another run to get larger flat washers.

By this time, the sun is baking me. My phone says it is 53, but it feels like 83. Must be Daylight Temperature-Saving Time or something. I was inside, taking a break, when I heard a knock on the door. My cargo rack, which was scheduled for delivery yesterday and rescheduled for Thursday, was at the base of my steps. No rest for the wicked. I tried to lift the box and... nope. I opened the box and brought all the parts inside.

Now I can work on it out of the sun, but now I have more "stuff" covering my floors. I still haven't moved the shelves that Jessica gave me, nor any of my Jeep stuff that will be stowed in the Jeep when I get the racks mounted. The bucket of black sand is still waiting to be processed, and my plants probably need water.

Sometime today, I should probably eat something too. 😄

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 08, 2025, 07:51:13 PMJust throw some dirt Mud on it for appearances

Fixed that for you.

Hugs
Sarah B

Quote from: Sarah B on October 14, 2025, 05:13:59 PMHi Lori

Fixed that for you.

Hugs
Sarah B

Thank you!  😄

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 14, 2025, 03:21:06 PMI ran over to the home improvement store this morning to get the bolts and washers I need to mount the rock rails. I forgot that it took me and the salesman to move them one at a time. H.E.A.V.Y.

Fortunately, my neighbor was up and willing to help out. We each grabbed an end and then hung it on the frame. I rolled underneath and put in some bolts to keep it from falling out, then we went and did the other side. He had errands to run, so I just started bolting it down. 12 fixed studs (6 per side) align with holes in the pinch-weld (M6 flat and lock washers), then 6 M8-1.25 x 30mm bolts (3 per side) that bolt it to the undercarriage.

After getting the 12 alignment nuts tight so everything got pulled into place, I began tightening the large undercarriage bolts. And my flat washers are too small! The tab that bolts underneath is slotted, and the slot is exactly the same width as my flat washers, so they just got pushed into the slot. So I'll have to make another run to get larger flat washers.

By this time, the sun is baking me. My phone says it is 53, but it feels like 83. Must be Daylight Temperature-Saving Time or something. I was inside, taking a break, when I heard a knock on the door. My cargo rack, which was scheduled for delivery yesterday and rescheduled for Thursday, was at the base of my steps. No rest for the wicked. I tried to lift the box and... nope. I opened the box and brought all the parts inside.

Now I can work on it out of the sun, but now I have more "stuff" covering my floors. I still haven't moved the shelves that Jessica gave me, nor any of my Jeep stuff that will be stowed in the Jeep when I get the racks mounted. The bucket of black sand is still waiting to be processed, and my plants probably need water.

Sometime today, I should probably eat something too. 😄

Are these fasteners of the required stress specs?  Some cheapo bolts cannot carry the load.
But perhaps you do not need tank strength!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 14, 2025, 07:40:39 PMAre these fasteners of the required stress specs?  Some cheapo bolts cannot carry the load.
But perhaps you do not need tank strength!

Yes, I got the specs from the dealership parts department. They could order them for me at $8.42 per bolt. I looked online and could get them for $4.42 per bolt. The home improvement guy helped me find what I needed. The specs only call for 20 ft/lbs of torque, so they will work. As @davina61 can tell you, 20 ft./lbs of torque equals two clicks of your elbow while tightening.

😄

Sometimes you want low hardness bolts that will bend rather than break under the stress.

Sometimes it is a mistake to replace a cheap bolt with an expensive bolt that is harder and more brittle.  A brittle bolt is more likely to break.

Quote from: Maid Marion on October 14, 2025, 08:35:01 PMSometimes you want low hardness bolts that will bend rather than break under the stress.

Sometimes it is a mistake to replace a cheap bolt with an expensive bolt that is harder and more brittle.  A brittle bolt is more likely to break.

Thanks, MM. That makes sense. The specs called for stainless steel, but I think that was to prevent them from rusting since they are on the bottom of the vehicle.

The issue with stainless steel is galling when both the nuts and bolts are both stainless.
You won't be able to get them apart!  They become cold welded together!
Best solution is to use different materials for the nuts and bolts.  Or use an anti-seize compound,.

Quote from: Maid Marion on October 14, 2025, 08:42:14 PMThe issue with stainless steel is galling when both the nuts and bolts are both stainless.
You won't be able to get them apart!  They become cold welded together!
Best solution is to use different materials for the nuts and bolts.  Or use an anti-seize compound,.

In this case, it is just the bolts. They screw up into the undercarriage. The alignment studs are black, so I don't know what metal they are, but they have washers and nuts to hold them from wobbling side to side.

Lori,


I knew you would need just the bolts because clearly you are not nuts.

With off-road driving, you certainly want the bolts to be strong enough and tight to handle all the bounces.  Perhaps on pothole ridden public streets too!


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 14, 2025, 09:02:15 PMLori,


I knew you would need just the bolts because clearly you are not nuts.

With off-road driving, you certainly want the bolts to be strong enough and tight to handle all the bounces.  Perhaps on pothole ridden public streets too!


Chrissy

These are "performance" rock rails. They serve as a small step to climb up into the Jeep, much like a running board would. They protect the area below the doors from rocks, gravel, and potholes, as you said.

Being performance rails, they are very heavy-duty for when four-wheeling over boulders. As the front wheel goes over the boulder, the Jeep could come down on it between the doors. This rail spreads the weight of the vehicle out along its length so no damage is done.

The rail can hold the entire weight of the vehicle if needed, like if there were boulders on each side and the front wheels rolled over them, leaving you in a high-centered situation. This allows the Jeep to slide over rocks, preventing getting stuck.

Sometimes, rock rails are called rock sliders for this reason.

I used stainless fasteners on the Countryman but in low stress areas like wing (fender) and other stuff. Allen heads as well just to "bling" it up a bit. Stainless has a different strength rating to normal bolts, 8.8 is used on most metric but it goes up to 10.5 for suspension stuff (I think thats right of the top of my head) for normal hex head bolts.

Today I had no deliveries coming, so I spent the day processing the black sand sample.

I screened everything through all of my screens, so everything was the same size.
The Golden Rule: When everything is the same size, gold rules.

That just means that gold will be the heaviest mineral in that sample. Otherwise, you could have a bigger rock that is the same weight as a small piece of gold in the sample. To make it easier to separate, classify everything to the same size, then pan each size separately.

I panned out the 1/8", 1/12", and 1/20" with no signs of gold.

The material that was caught in the next screen below, which is #50 mesh, or 1/50" in size, is like fine beach sand. That sample had no gold.

Most of the material was caught in the #100 mesh screen, so the particle size is 1/100th", which is what we call Fly Poop.

Not all black sand is magnetic, but a large portion of it is. This is magnetite, which is a crystallized form of iron oxide (rust). For any chemistry nerds out there, the chemical formula is Fe₂+Fe₃+2 O₄ and is one of the main sources of iron ore. Sometimes, pieces of magnetite become naturally magnetized within rock or soil. Natural magnets are called lodestone.

Another component of black sand is Hematite. It, too, is an iron ore called ferric oxide with the chemical formula Fe₂O₃. Even though it is iron, it is not magnetic, but it is an electrical conductor like iron.  The crystal structure is also different from magnetite.

This sample had so much magnetite in it, it was almost 50% of the sample. I tried to do it the easy way and just sluice it, but the magnetite just clogged up the riffles. So I dried it out and used magnetic separation.

In the left tub is the magnetics I pulled out of the material, and the right tub is what was left.

IMG_0166.jpg

By removing 50% of the junk, running the rest through a sluice was much easier. However, there was no gold in it. So I put the black sand under the stereoscope and looked at it at 20x and 40x. Lots of magnetite crystals, but no gold. I tried to take a picture through the scope, but my camera mount isn't cooperating.

The final step is to process everything that fell through the #100 mesh screen, which is smaller than 1/100" and resembles vacuum cleaner dust. Because it is dusty, I will have to process it wet. Fine gold of this size can float if it is dry.

The trick is to add a couple of drops of Jet-Dry or soap. These contain surfactants that break down the surface tension of the water, basically making water "wetter". It allows water molecules to get into places that they normally cannot. If you dump it in a fish tank, the tank seals will leak, and the fish will drown because their gills cannot work properly.

The problem with soap is sudsing. Air bubbles defeat the purpose of preventing gold from floating. If you don't have Jet-Dry but have a front-loading wash machine, you can use a drop or two of the HE laundry detergent. It has low sudsing action.

So my next step will be to wash the dirt in water with Jet-Dry so the light dust will wash away and leave the heavy stuff on the bottom. Then dry it out, use a magnet to separate, and then pan out what is left. There may be tiny gold dust particles in it, but usually, if that is the case, there would be some small sign of slightly larger gold in one of the upper screens. So I am not hopeful.

The only solution is to go get some good dirt to play with!
That will be happening soon.

Lori, that is so cool.  The only thing close to gold panning near me is using a beach sand rake to find anything lost by the beachgoers.  Your way is way more productive.

Quote from: Emma1017 on October 18, 2025, 07:28:27 AMLori, that is so cool.  The only thing close to gold panning near me is using a beach sand rake to find anything lost by the beachgoers.  Your way is way more productive.

Many prospectors pan the black sand from the beaches along the Great Lakes. Mike Pung, the inventor of the Gold Cube, designed it for this purpose. He was in Michigan, and the black sand is plentiful due to all of the old shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. The Gold Cube is designed to separate gold from the black sand. It works, but not as well as I had hoped, on massive amounts of black sand. The best way is to use a magnet to get it out of your way, then run the rest through the Gold Cube.

Who knew sand laundry was so fascinating? :)

The extent of my knowledge is knowing that Hematite is derived from the ancient Greek meaning "blood-red stone", and is in part due to the ancient Greek word for "blood". As in Haemoglobin. Both corruptions of the original spelling, Haima.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 18, 2025, 05:37:12 PMWho knew sand laundry was so fascinating? :)

The extent of my knowledge is knowing that Hematite is derived from the ancient Greek meaning "blood-red stone", and is in part due to the ancient Greek word for "blood". As in Haemoglobin. Both corruptions of the original spelling, Haima.

Yes, it is sometimes spelled haematite. It is red in color until it comes in contact with oxygen, which oxidizes it, and it turns black.

I spent most of today with one eye on the TV screen watching the protests and one on my driveway awaiting more deliveries.

I got the cage mounted inside the back side windows, but it was too dark for pics. This is how the ad shows them. The rack slides in between the roll cage and the window, then is bolted into place using the same bolts already on the Jeep.

IMG_0169.jpgIMG_0170.jpg

I will use this space to hang my rock hammer, rock pick, jumper cables, tow strap, etc. That gets it off the floor of the cargo area and keeps them handy for when they are needed. In the right picture, I thought the red thing was a fire extinguisher. But that is a cup holder, one on each side near the back seats. I think the red thing is a thermos of coffee.

Tomorrow, I will head out early. I plan to make a trip to Cache Creek to do some scouting. It is a popular gold mining area, so I am hoping tonight's freeze warning will keep the amateurs at home.

I won't bring my sluice or pan this trip. I will be looking at the geology of the area and looking for places that the others might have missed. I will bring my Garrett AT Gold Pro metal detector in case I find someplace that looks promising. I can scan a lot more ground with it versus digging a bunch of sample holes.

If I find an area with multiple target hits, that will be the place to dig deeper on another trip. For now, I am just scouting.

With any luck, I'll have more pics of Lori Dee in the Wild showing off some yellow shiny metal.

😀

I have the coolest image of you as the female version of Pierce Brosnan in "Dante's Peak."

"The engine's got a snorkel!"

That is wild haha.

Lori,


Have you ever made white gold for your jewelry?


Chrissy

Quote from: Sephirah on October 19, 2025, 05:56:20 PMI have the coolest image of you as the female version of Pierce Brosnan in "Dante's Peak."

"The engine's got a snorkel!"

That is wild haha.

They have those available as an option, but I declined.
https://www.google.com/search?q=jeep+wrangler+snorkel&udm=2&ictx=0&dpr=3.38

From swimming tanks across shallow ponds, I learned some things. The tank's engine compartment keeps the water out. A Jeep's engine compartment does not. So, yes, your air intake won't suck water into your engine. But the external moving parts on the engine, including the electrical starter and alternator, will be affected by being submerged. Think about dropping a toaster in a bathtub. Not a good thing.

The purpose of the snorkel is not so you can swim through lakes, but to keep the intake clear of water splashing up when one is playing in very wet mud, as Jeeps and trucks are prone to do. The way that the air intake is configured on a Jeep, I don't see the snorkel as necessary, but more cosmetic. I prefer Zombie Spikes!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on October 19, 2025, 08:37:08 PMLori,


Have you ever made white gold for your jewelry?


Chrissy

That takes more skill than I have.

White gold is not pure gold; it is an alloy. It is typically made with 75% yellow gold and 25% silver to give it a silvery appearance. For rings, which need the metal to be durable, a jeweler may use palladium or nickel instead of silver, because both gold and silver are very soft metals.

Older Landrovers are set up for up to 3ft of wading from the factory, they have breather pipes from the gearbox that are all the way up to the top of the bulkhead. Only thing is you have to fit a plug in the bell housing drain to stop water getting into the clutch!

Some pictures from yesterday's trip out to Cache Creek:

As the map shows, the mining area is about a mile long. I tried walking as much of it as I could to check out the geology. I found a couple of areas of interest, as no one had been digging there. The metal detector picked up on a couple of "hot rocks". Typically, a "hot rock" is loaded with iron, so will set off the detector. I switched the detector out of "All Metal" mode and confirmed that there is metal inside the rocks, and it is not iron.

I checked the rocks under the scope and there are no visible signs of gold on the outside. Next, I will crack them open and look again. I may need to crush them and pan the gravel. I have had it before that when I crushed it, there was no detectable gold. I talked to a geologist at the South Dakota School of Mines and he said that if there is a cluster of gold crystals inside the rock, the cluster may be large enough to be detectable. But then when you crush it, you have a bunch of near-microscopic crystals that cannot be detected.

So we will see what happens. I also detected in a camp area and found 17 cents in pocket change by the fire ring. It's not enough to cover my fuel cost, but I enjoy finding free money. 😁

The bird is a Steller's Jay, cousin of the Blue Jay. @Jessica_Rose helped me identify it.

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori;
Thank you for your update and the wonderful photos...

   .....Where is your picture of the GOLD that you discovered? ???

Hugs, Danielle

I'm still scouting areas.

I doubt I will find any this year. I spend my winters doing research so I know where to go in the Spring. Hopefully, I will have a lot to show next summer.

For now, it is just landscape and wildlife pics. 😀

To me, "For now, it is just landscape and wildlife pics." is also "gold"...Although I would love to read about the gold nuggets that you found as well!😁

Quote from: Emma1017 on October 23, 2025, 04:08:50 PMI would love to read about the gold nuggets that you found as well!😁

On my personal website, Lori-Dee.com (or click the globe icon under my profile pic), I have articles I have written about how to find gold, as well as my "Gold Gallery" photo album.

I will be rewriting the prospecting articles this winter. I want to organize them better and write them a bit more clearly.

Enjoy!

P.S. - I love the new profile pic! You look so happy and relaxed. I love it.

I love your website!  It is casually informative, as if you're just sharing with a friend.

Perfect...but then, hey, you are sharing with friends.😁

The window armor for my Jeep that was due tomorrow arrived today. Yay!

It was also trash day, so our maintenance man was riding around in his gold cart putting trash cans away for the residents. He is a great guy. Served in the Coast Guard during Vietnam, then retired from the Sheriff's Department. He does both maintenance and security in our community.

He saw me finishing up the installation of the window rack and came over to take a look.

IMG_0211.jpg

He asked why I needed that over the windows, while he was looking at the sticker on the back window.

IMG_0211a.jpg

I told him that is so the zombies can't break the window when they attack.

He pointed to the back doors and asked, "What about those windows?"

I said, "Jim, those are not windows. Those are machinegun ports for my door gunners."

I thought the man was going to have a stroke; he was laughing so hard.

😁

I like the missile launcher hidden in the roof rack!!!!

Quote from: davina61 on October 30, 2025, 04:11:39 AMI like the missile launcher hidden in the roof rack!!!!

I'll have to post pics of the inside when I get it sorted. I have a cigarette lighter plugged into the 12VDC outlet on the dash. It is red and says "Fire Missiles." 😄

On the roof rack is my steel-handled shovel. It sits down low in the rack for aerodynamics.

The racks on the inside of the back windows had to be temporarily removed. The cargo shelf I installed uses the same mounting bolts. But the shelf and rack are from two different companies, so they don't mate properly at the mounting points. The inner window racks just need larger slots cut into the rack so the shelf base can fit into it and be bolted down. I started cutting the first one yesterday, and my old hacksaw needs a new blade. The racks are powder-coated, hardened steel, so it took an hour to cut one hole. I gotta get new blades.

Or an angle grinder.

Quote from: davina61 on October 30, 2025, 02:41:18 PMOr an angle grinder.

I don't do much metal work, so I can't justify getting one to sit and collect dust. I miss my Sawsall. I might pick one of those up. It is a reciprocating saw, so I can get an assortment of blades for tree trimming and firewood cutting to pesky hardened steel window racks. 😁

I've been using a Sawzall to chop up the stumps of some bushes.  I bought it twenty years ago and bought a replacement 18V rechargeable battery on Amazon. Runs for about 15 minutes under a heavy load before I need to recharge it.

They now sell the tool and battery/chargers separately.  The new Sawzalls now have 20V batteries, the same as the leaf blower and grass trimmer I bought a decade ago.

They are great machines. Mine was a Milwaukee brand. The carpenters used them on wood and to cut out drywall for doors and windows. On the electrical side, we used them to cut conduit to length or for demolition work. Fun times.

I will be using my Lidl Parkside brand saw on Sunday to chop the roof pillars on the Herferod. Must remember to charge both batteries up Sat!!

I had a VA appointment this morning, and overslept. I was sort of rushed, but got there on time. While sitting in the waiting room, a veteran in a wheelchair came over and said he liked my pink hat and sweater and that I looked nice. I thanked him and thought to myself that maybe I wasn't as rushed as I thought.

When I got called back, the audiology technician checked my hearing aids and downloaded the program to her computer, so they have a record here on file. I told her that I hadn't been wearing them because the battery in the left one doesn't hold a charge. VA hearing aids have a three-year warranty, and batteries can be replaced yearly. My warranty is up in March.

She is sending my hearing aids in to replace the batteries, then I will come back in February for another hearing test. Then, based on that recent test, she can order new hearing aids for me. I told her that if the batteries are good and the software updated, I may not need new ones. These things run about $5k, so if we save the VA some money, maybe we save someone's job.

Sadly, the budget supplying hearing aids cannot be used for salaries.

As I was leaving, a veteran was asking about the Veteran ID cards. The woman said that the new ones are being issued with an expiration date, but the old ones are still valid. I asked her why they needed an expiration date, since our military service records are for life. She didn't know for certain, but believes it is to have an updated photo every ten years.

I haven't talked to my neighbor yet this morning, but we were planning to go out to his property tomorrow. He went to the County Administration Building yesterday to pay his taxes and find out what he will need for building permits. He drives an electric car that sits low to the ground. I suggested we take my Jeep this time so we can drive to the far side of the property.

So maybe more pictures coming, and hopefully we will get very lucky and find a stash of Spanish silver coins. As my brother the prophet once said, "You never know until you find out."

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
I liked reading your good news regarding the comment from the veteran in the
wheel chair and complimented you on your appearance with your PINK hat and sweater. 
It is always a nice day when your receive unexpected affirmation.

Smart move, offering to use your high clearance jeep instead of the low clearance Electric Car to drive around the property.  Wait till it snows, he will have more problems.  Electric cars and battery life are not good in cold climates and the low clearance will hang him up in snow over a foot or so on un-plowed roads.
You may be his "ride" during those times.

Thanks for sharing your good report.

Hugs, Danielle

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on October 31, 2025, 02:05:25 PMElectric cars and battery life are not good in cold climates and the low clearance will hang him up in snow over a foot or so on un-plowed roads.
You may be his "ride" during those times.

He is a bit of an environmentalist. His yard is planted with things that support local wildlife, and I respect that. But he and I both belonged to the electricians' union (IBEW), so I never pass up an opportunity to razz him about his car. I remind him that as an electrician, he used to work at the COAL-FIRED electric generation plant that supplies the electricity for his electric car.

It's not totally true. The coal-fired plant has been taken offline for repairs and is scheduled to be decommissioned next year. Our electricity comes from a gas-powered backup system. But I still enjoy giving him crap about it.

😄

Quote from: davina61 on October 31, 2025, 04:01:26 AMI will be using my Lidl Parkside brand saw on Sunday to chop the roof pillars on the Herferod. Must remember to charge both batteries up Sat!!

Is that the one with Arnie in the advertising?

I never thought of you as needing hearing aids, Lori. You listen probably more than anyone I've ever known.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 09:16:33 PMI never thought of you as needing hearing aids, Lori. You listen probably more than anyone I've ever known.

What? Huh? 😄

I have them, but I normally don't wear them. They are perfect when I need them, but most of the time I don't need to hear the dog barking across the road, or the motorcycles on the highway, or my refrigerator running. We live in a very noisy society. No wonder I feel most at peace out in Nature, away from noisy humans.

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 31, 2025, 10:05:46 PMWhat? Huh? 😄

I have them, but I normally don't wear them. They are perfect when I need them, but most of the time I don't need to hear the dog barking across the road, or the motorcycles on the highway, or my refrigerator running. We live in a very noisy society. No wonder I feel most at peace out in Nature, away from noisy humans.

Probably all the monstrous tank shells firing like a foot away from you. :P When you fire those immense shells... they aren't quiet. I was lucky. I only slept on top of a torpedo tube (not even kidding... all new ratings on a sub got that "honour" because there were limited bunks). Never got to fire one outside of an exercise. Then it was like a muffled "Ka-thunk!". Firing a shell as big as a Labrador... in basically an echo chamber... must have been like a coal miner next to a pneumatic drill. I can understand why you like the quiet.

Quote from: Sephirah on October 31, 2025, 10:14:02 PMProbably all the monstrous tank shells firing like a foot away from you. :P When you fire those immense shells... they aren't quiet. I was lucky.

Exactly right. The ammunition we fired was 105mm shells. Not to mention my .50 caliber machine gun, and the tank's 7.62mm machine gun. But inside the tank, we wore helmets with headphones connected to an intercom. That way, my crew can hear my fire commands, instructions to the driver, etc. It deadens the sound somewhat, but the crew microphones just blast it back into our headphones.

I had one incident where I was outside the tank, right in front of it, when a gunner fired. On a stationary range, if the weapons are clear, you fly a green flag. People get on and off from the front of the tank so the driver can alert the crew that someone is boarding. If the weapons are loaded, you fly a red flag, and the tank is mounted from the rear.

I was going to be evaluating the battalion commander's tank crew (not my crew). The commander said he needed the radio frequencies from the tower. So I went and got them. On the way back to the tank, I saw a green flag. I went to the front, and just as I was pulling myself up, the main gun went off. It knocked me back on the ground and knocked me out for a few seconds. I got up, went to the back of the tank, and mounted. I grabbed the colonel by the shoulder and told him he was flying a green flag, and I was going to the medics. The medics said I had a mild concussion and kept me under observation for about four hours.

About a year later, I got into shooting in military tournaments. I'll have to find my medals and post some pics. I fired everything from .45 and 9mm pistols to rifles and machine guns. It was a lot of fun.

So when the VA said they were evaluating if my disability claim for hearing loss and tinnitus, they ruled that there was no question that it is service-connected. However, instead of paying compensation, they give me free hearing aids as treatment. These are not some cheap over-the-counter hearing aids either. Starkey Evolv AI runs thousands of dollars per pair. So I am not complaining.

I am sure that as I get older, I will be even more grateful to have them. So I will know when to go outside and yell, "Get off my lawn!"

😄

That is wild when you think that the Tiger tank, the most feared weapon of WW2, only had an 88mm main gun.

Damn, girl, you were literally in a place being hit with a bunch of gongs, over and over. I still maintain that you hear better than most folks though. The important stuff. <3

Please do post pics of your accolades, if you can find them. That's kind of awesome. As is your service record. I am always awed by people here. The things you've done. It humbles me. Thank you for your service seems inadequate. Thank you for being you. <3

Yes it is the one Arnie holds in the ad.

My trip to the neighbor's property has been postponed.
He will be attending a weekly anti-Trump protest (being held downtown every Saturday). He is also keeping an eye on the weather. It is cooling off now with temps down to freezing at night. Weather forecasters say that we will remain above normal temperatures for another week, and the drought continues.

That frees up my day to take care of some other things. I need to do some shopping, and all Halloween candy will be on sale.

Chocolate's reign over Halloween is under threat from inflation, tariffs and high cocoa prices
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/31/chocolate-prices-halloween-tariffs-inflation-candy.html

We cannot allow chocolate to become an endangered species food. I must go rescue some. I might need to set up a sanctuary compound for rescued chocolate. I will accept donations of any rescued items.

😄

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
I keep more chocolate on hand in my pantry than most of the local stores.

Mainly milk chocolate.... 
    Hershey Bars,  Hershey Kisses,  Kit Kats,  Snickers,  Almond Joy, etc.

HUGS, Danielle

Lori, I applaud your commitment to the preservation of chocolate and risking your life in the task!  You inspire me.  I am off to the stores to do what I can for the cause!

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 01, 2025, 10:56:38 AMMy trip to the neighbor's property has been postponed.
He will be attending a weekly anti-Trump protest (being held downtown every Saturday). He is also keeping an eye on the weather. It is cooling off now with temps down to freezing at night. Weather forecasters say that we will remain above normal temperatures for another week, and the drought continues.

The weekly protest, which is every Saturday at City Hall, got moved to the entrance to the State Fairgrounds, about six blocks from my place. My neighbor said there were lots of Haters driving by.

He is now ready to go back out to his property tomorrow to do some metal detecting. Not as cold tonight, 50°F and a high tomorrow near 80. That sounds like good weather to me, so that is the plan. We plan to thoroughly search the creekbed for caves in the limestone. The caves I saw on the property elsewhere were barely big enough for a rabbit to hide in. I am hoping that the Spring runoff typically creates bigger caves that may have been used to hide Spanish treasure. The detectors should help us even if the cave has collapsed or is hidden behind rocks. I'll know more when we get in there and start checking things.

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:

I am wishing good luck on your Metal Detecting and
I am eagerly looking forward to your report.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Metal detecting for gold must be a lot more fun in the US than in Europe, particularly after two world wars...do they even mine for gold in Europe?

Best of luck, and I know you are having fun!

Ignore the Haters, too.

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 02, 2025, 07:34:11 AMdo they even mine for gold in Europe?

I didn't know the answer, so I Googled it.

"Europe's main gold mining areas include Finland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Spain, and Turkey, with Turkey being the largest producer on the continent. The largest single gold mine in Europe is the Kittilä mine in Finland. Other significant mines include the Chelopech and Ada Tepe mines in Bulgaria and various mines in Turkey like Copler Altin Madeni."

I think it has to do with geology, in that volcanic activity pushes mountains upward, thus exposing gold deposits. This is why California (Sierra Nevada mountains) and Colorado (Rocky Mountains) seem to have larger gold deposits than Kansas or Iowa (No mountains).

Metal detecting is popular in Europe, and many valuable stashes of ancient coins and relics have been found. Known battlefields can be dangerous due to unexploded ordnance. In the U.S., these areas are restricted from any digging for safety and historical reasons.

That is why I only excavate Roman ruins in England, no land mines or unexploded ordinance...also great beer and fish and chips!  I only dive on Roman ruins in Europe or commercial wrecks else where.  It's a lot safer.

Blowing up would ruin my day!😵�💫

Well, today was a bust. The weather was sunny and hot. We made it out to the property and drove to the far side of the acreage. We grabbed our metal detectors and hiked down into the dry creek bed. According to my watch, we walked 1.7 miles, swinging a metal detector, climbing up rock faces to check caves in the limestone, then back down into the creek bed. It was a long day, and not a single coin was found, not even a modern penny. But we did find some shotgun shell casings, .38 and .22 casings, lots of beer cans, barbed wire, and glass shards. The adjoining property has a lot of antique farming equipment lying around, from a tractor, threshing machine, plow, and a couple I didn't recognize, but I'm not a farmer; my parents were.

In addition to over a mile and a half of creek bed, we also walked the other half of the property (20 acres of the 40-acre lot). In the creek, I found four green stones that appear to be Amazonite, which is native to this area. But I need to clean them up and do some tests to confirm. If confirmed, they will go into the rock tumblers for polishing.

Next stop will probably be the Garden Park Fossil Beds at Canon City. I can't prospect out there because it is a protected landmark. But I can collect rocks from the general area, outside the protected zone boundaries.

In South Dakota, I would travel west almost to the Wyoming border. After passing through the Jewel Cave National Landmark, I know of a small Forest Service road that leads back into Teepee Canyon, where agates were mined up until the 1890s. Now that it is Public Land, rockhounds from all over go there in search of the beautiful Teepee Canyon Agates (https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=1543fb6b43c5b04c&udm=2&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeioyp3OhN11EY0n5qfq-zENyQuF3_WaPI4Qgb6AZzy-egvBz1rDQLRmZgtdjBnW7yWMVx6YxXIo4Lps75YIWpwK0o7IQXp1IgviZbVEp5bLwVhncLfZ3T_Ujc1dB6uabLDplNg8P4vZYRFd1Z-L9qVdpiltgdJcUA0TJuIRYtPlRCabUyA&q=teepee+canyon+agate&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiU-b7JldqQAxUFIkQIHT1mG9UQtKgLegQIDRAB&biw=1272&bih=612&dpr=3).

Jewel Cave (https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&sca_esv=1543fb6b43c5b04c&udm=2&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeuyr9ljWioGWIw0oasFed3pr8ju_NDAJdUQN3YRqQvc8pcRz7zpt2BXCPiS_lSoANe2lrkxLlDvjDD2GtQM43itYe54N4ebv_o2jHTmT3BsSHF_Z4FEsdBPBxrydW9ZxAifJ3kfFjOQNWHuAmvmPaNwDx18MikDnRALG4gUKFLkLlCs0sA&q=jewel+cave&ved=2ahUKEwif1ObOltqQAxUgD0QIHftZMOgQtKgLegQIDRAB&biw=1272&bih=612&dpr=3) is world-famous for its crystal formations. It is currently the fifth-longest cave in the world and the second-longest cave in the United States, with 220.33 miles of mapped passageways as of July 2025. With all those crystal formations, you can understand why I would want to rockhound there... or very close to there. If you ever visit South Dakota, put Jewel Cave on your to-do list.

I am hoping to find a similar geological situation here. So I am scouting locations where I cannot dig, and paying attention to the rock formations. I then compare what I see on the ground with what the geology maps tell me. From there, I can locate places on Public Land where prospecting and rockhounding are permitted.

As I used to say, "If it ain't snowin' I'm a goin'."

Such grand adventures, Lori! And the photos were awesome. Is the weathered piece of 'equipment' an old beaver slide? Looking forward to your next outing.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on November 05, 2025, 09:32:31 AMSuch grand adventures, Lori! And the photos were awesome. Is the weathered piece of 'equipment' an old beaver slide? Looking forward to your next outing.

LOL. I have no idea what it is.

I thought it might be a hay baler, but I've never seen one before. It is like an old wooden wagon with gears on the axle that operate some "grabby thing" on the back. Since it is on the neighbor's land, we did not go look at it. It may not even be complete, for all I know.

Ahh, that will be a muck spreader then!!

Quote from: davina61 on November 05, 2025, 01:59:55 PMAhh, that will be a muck spreader then!!

Is that really a thing? In my experience, muck spreads on its own.

😆

I thought muck spreaders were politicians????

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 05, 2025, 04:10:43 PMI thought muck spreaders were politicians????

INDEED! 😆

How are you liking your Jeep?


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 06, 2025, 05:55:39 PMHow are you liking your Jeep?


Chrissy

I love it, thanks!

I got the cargo shelf installed in the back. I had to take the inner window racks out. The racks and shelf are made by different companies, but use the same OEM mounting bolt. They are not designed to allow the other to be mounted at the same time. So I pulled the racks out, and I am cutting parts of the rack out so the shelf base can mesh with it, and they can bolt together as I intended.

I have them rough-cut now. I need to deburr them and grind the edges smooth, then give them a blast of Rustoleum paint before I can mount them.

I may take the Jeep up to the Fossil Beds this weekend, just because it's fun and I haven't had it in four-wheel drive yet. The Fossil Beds have some pretty rough trails, so I may go check them out.

I had to make a quick shopping run this morning. My Jeep got ducked!
https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=246523.msg2318007#msg2318007

I have cleaned up the four rocks that I brought back from my neighbor's property. One was granite, and the other three appear to be gabbro with olivine intrusions. Gemstone quality olivine is called Peridot. Since these are tiny crystals within the gabbro rock, I'll toss them into the rock tumbler and see how they look after polishing.

This find is significant from a prospecting viewpoint. The old-time gold prospectors felt that "greenstone" (olivine) was a sign that gold was nearby. "Greenstone" is not an actual stone, but refers to a variety of green stones. Olivine is primarily iron and magnesium. The higher the iron content, the darker the green. Lower iron content can cause the color to be more yellowish-green.

Since I found these stones in a creek bed, I want to hike upstream to see if I can locate the source. If I can find a nice outcrop of these rocks, I'll dig, dig, dig!

😁

Lori, you will laugh at me.  I finally bought a roof rack for my creampuff Jeep Wrangler. Beach sand is nothing like the terrain that you drive in.😁

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 08, 2025, 08:20:05 AMLori, you will laugh at me.  I finally bought a roof rack for my creampuff Jeep Wrangler. Beach sand is nothing like the terrain that you drive in.😁

Nice!

They come in very handy. I have a steel-handled shovel that I keep in mine year-round. I mostly use the rack after setting up camp, not while traveling. I can move gear to the roof and make room inside.

When I use it on the move, I have a 40'x20' tarp folded up, a spare gas can, a folding drying rack, and a camping chair that fits up top perfectly. Invest in some ratchet straps. You can get a set cheaply at most home improvement stores.

Next, you'll want some window armor and decorative stickers, and you'll get ducked before you know it.

😀

More Adventures of Lori Dee in the Wild.

I went back out to Garden Park Fossil Area north of Canon City. This time, I had four-wheel drive, so I did extensive exploring. I tried getting to the cliff in the distance, but the trails don't go that way, and cliffs are a real barrier, even to four-wheel drive.

I did find a huge piece of petrified wood, but it was too big to lift. I continued climbing and could see that the San Juan Mountains to the south had snow on them. I tried to get a pic, but my Jeep photobombed it. I hiked up to the summit and could see almost the entire valley below. What a view on such a beautiful day!

What I learned from this excursion is that the geology here is not what I am looking for. So, I will either need to go further northwest toward Cache Creek or go southwest into the San Juans and do some scouting there.

It is cool this weekend, but nothing like the Arctic Blast the Midwest and eastern states are in for. So if it ain't snowing, I'm going.

 If you find a rock that is like a two to five pounds (or as big as your fist, (or whatever that weighs for a heavy feeling rock) and looks like it is speckled with tiny pieces of gold, is it likely gold or not in that rock?

 Would such a rock just be best left on your desk as a conversation piece or could it be processed by someone with your gold experiences to get the gold out?  And would that mean first smashing the rock into itsy bitsy pieces?


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 08, 2025, 05:54:14 PMIf you find a rock that is like a two to five pounds (or as big as your fist, (or whatever that weighs for a heavy feeling rock) and looks like it is speckled with tiny pieces of gold, is it likely gold or not in that rock?

 Would such a rock just be best left on your desk as a conversation piece or could it be processed by someone with your gold experiences to get the gold out?  And would that mean first smashing the rock into itsy bitsy pieces?


Chrissy

If it feels heavier than other rocks of the same size, it could be gold ore. I would look at the gold specks under my stereoscope to see if they are gold or iron pyrite. If it is gold and the specks form veins or are clearly visible, it could be worth more as a specimen piece, so I would leave it as is (or sell it as is).

If the gold is not clearly visible, it might be worth more to extract the gold from it. There are a number of ways to do it, but they all involve crushing it into sand or gravel.

Once crushed, you can just pan it with a gold pan and use gravity separation to move the gold away from the rest of the dirt.

You can also use mercury. Mercury will dissolve gold and form an amalgam. One ounce of mercury will dissolve one ounce of gold. Once the gold is dissolved (a fairly slow process), you filter it through a cheesecloth or an old t-shirt. What is caught in the cloth can be disposed of. The mercury that was squeezed through the cloth contains the gold. The next step is dangerous, so it can only be done outdoors or under a ventilation hood. Pour the mixture into a pan and heat it. The mercury will evaporate, but the fumes are deadly. Once all of the mercury has evaporated, what is left in the pan is 99.999% pure gold.

Another method involves what we all "Aqua Regia", which means "royal water". It is 3 parts of hydrochloric acid and one part nitric or sulfuric acid. It is highly corrosive and will dissolve noble metals like gold or platinum. Again, the fumes are extremely dangerous; this can only be done outdoors or under a ventilation hood. Once the gold is dissolved, the liquid is decanted into a clean container. Anything left in the old container can be discarded. I forgot what the catalyst is, but another chemical is added to the clean container's liquid, and that causes the gold to precipitate out of the liquid. When all of the gold has dropped out, the liquid can be poured off or evaporated, leaving behind a chocolate brown sludge in the bottom. That sludge is 99.999% pure gold. If heated up to the melting point, it will return to its shiny yellow metallic look.

I have not used Aqua Regia, but I have used mercury a few times. The problem is that the cost of chemicals is high. You rarely recover enough gold to cover the expense. I learned about the chemical methods while doing security alarm work at a precious metals recycling plant. They process a LOT of metals and had two small swimming pools full of acid that they would use by dipping old computer circuit boards and stuff into to soak. With a big operation like that, they could afford the cost of chemicals.

The safest and easiest way is to use a gold pan.

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 08, 2025, 10:23:10 PMIf it feels heavier than other rocks of the same size, it could be gold ore. I would look at the gold specks under my stereoscope to see if they are gold or iron pyrite. If it is gold and the specks form veins or are clearly visible, it could be worth more as a specimen piece, so I would leave it as is (or sell it as is).

If the gold is not clearly visible, it might be worth more to extract the gold from it. There are a number of ways to do it, but they all involve crushing it into sand or gravel.

Once crushed, you can just pan it with a gold pan and use gravity separation to move the gold away from the rest of the dirt.

You can also use mercury. Mercury will dissolve gold and form an amalgam. One ounce of mercury will dissolve one ounce of gold. Once the gold is dissolved (a fairly slow process), you filter it through a cheesecloth or an old t-shirt. What is caught in the cloth can be disposed of. The mercury that was squeezed through the cloth contains the gold. The next step is dangerous, so it can only be done outdoors or under a ventilation hood. Pour the mixture into a pan and heat it. The mercury will evaporate, but the fumes are deadly. Once all of the mercury has evaporated, what is left in the pan is 99.999% pure gold.

Another method involves what we all "Aqua Regia", which means "royal water". It is 3 parts of hydrochloric acid and one part nitric or sulfuric acid. It is highly corrosive and will dissolve noble metals like gold or platinum. Again, the fumes are extremely dangerous; this can only be done outdoors or under a ventilation hood. Once the gold is dissolved, the liquid is decanted into a clean container. Anything left in the old container can be discarded. I forgot what the catalyst is, but another chemical is added to the clean container's liquid, and that causes the gold to precipitate out of the liquid. When all of the gold has dropped out, the liquid can be poured off or evaporated, leaving behind a chocolate brown sludge in the bottom. That sludge is 99.999% pure gold. If heated up to the melting point, it will return to its shiny yellow metallic look.

I have not used Aqua Regia, but I have used mercury a few times. The problem is that the cost of chemicals is high. You rarely recover enough gold to cover the expense. I learned about the chemical methods while doing security alarm work at a precious metals recycling plant. They process a LOT of metals and had two small swimming pools full of acid that they would use by dipping old computer circuit boards and stuff into to soak. With a big operation like that, they could afford the cost of chemicals.

The safest and easiest way is to use a gold pan.

That is most interesting.  Thank you for responding.  I have found no such rock but I was wondering if working with rocks that may contain gold was typically for the big gold mining companies or if the gold prospectors had any reasonable processes to get at the gold in the rock.

I wonder if rocks found near a closed gold mine area might have a good chance of containing gold.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 09, 2025, 09:34:09 PMThat is most interesting.  Thank you for responding.  I have found no such rock but I was wondering if working with rocks that may contain gold was typically for the big gold mining companies or if the gold prospectors had any reasonable processes to get at the gold in the rock.

I wonder if rocks found near a closed gold mine area might have a good chance of containing gold.

Chrissy

The big mining companies either mine placer gold, like I do, or hard rock. Placer gold is gold that has eroded out of the mountain rock and washed downhill from erosion. Over time, the gold collects in creeks and stream beds. The hardest work is digging it up and running it through a sluice box. The big companies use excavators and heavy earth-moving equipment to scoop up the gold. Their sluice boxes are HUGE, so they can process dirt by the ton every day. If you have seen the TV show Gold Rush, this will sound familiar.

For hard rock miners, it is different. These miners go after the source still in the rock. It could be veins or gold or rich gold ore. The rock is chiseled out of the mountain and hauled out of the mine for processing. The first stage is separating the rocks with gold in them from the junk rock that got blasted out with it, called "tailings". The ore is loaded into ore carts and hauled to the next phase, while the tailings are just dumped in a pile, often at the edge of a hill.

In the old days, mining techniques were not very sophisticated. When separating the rocks, they just did a quick visual inspection. They threw away a lot of gold. As you mentioned, checking a tailings pile can be quite productive. Just because you don't see any gold on the outside doesn't mean there isn't gold on the inside. This is where a metal detector can come in handy. There are two major hazards to doing this. 1) Bullets. Just because a mine looks abandoned does not mean it is not still claimed. Claim-jumping is considered felony criminal trespassing. 2) Many old mines used dangerous chemicals to extract the gold. Not only mercury, but arsenic and cyanide. When a mine is truly abandoned and such chemicals exist, the Bureau of Land Management steps in to clean it up. It is a very long waiting list, and it could be decades before it is made safe.

In the second stage, the gold ore is crushed in rock crushers to get it down to a manageable size, then sent to a stamping mill to be crushed into sand. Stamping mills were often steam-powered, then later, electric motor-driven. It involved huge pistons that move up, then drop onto the ore to pulverize it as a conveyor belt feeds more ore into the machine.

After that, the sand is processed by a sluice box, or more likely, with chemicals. Sluiced material needs to be smelted down to remove impurities, and then is formed into bars. The chemical process results in pure gold that can be melted into bars for transport.

Images:
1. The stamp mill at the Mining Museum in Lead, SD
2. My dream closet (German Bank, courtesy of Getty Images)

One wonders if "dental gold", for fillings, etc. is used much and if it is worth much.
It likely is not pure gold.  If it is, could be costly stuff!

I found some rocks in a shallow river years ago.  Brought them home and smashed them open to find crystals, just as someone said I might. Geodes I think are what they are called.  Quite plain on the outside.

I am glad you like your Jeep and I hope all your custom mods work out well.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 09, 2025, 10:21:32 PMOne wonders if "dental gold", for fillings, etc. is used much and if it is worth much.
It likely is not pure gold.  If it is, could be costly stuff!

I have a gold crown on one of my molars. They are not pure gold. Gold is too soft, so it is alloyed with another metal to make it stronger.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on November 09, 2025, 10:25:42 PMI found some rocks in a shallow river years ago.  Brought them home and smashed them open to find crystals, just as someone said I might. Geodes I think are what they are called.  Quite plain on the outside.

Not all geodes are hollow, and not all have crystals. But they are so cool to find. Some have water in them. I have never found a hollow one yet. The one I have, I cut it in half, and the center is filled with quartz, not crystals, but filled with quartz rock. When I shine a light on the rock, the quartz lights up, but the outer shell stays dark. I found it at Teepee Canyon in SD. The outer shell is red jasper with a milky quartz center.

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 09, 2025, 10:37:16 PMNot all geodes are hollow, and not all have crystals. But they are so cool to find. Some have water in them. I have never found a hollow one yet. The one I have, I cut it in half, and the center is filled with quartz, not crystals, but filled with quartz rock. When I shine a light on the rock, the quartz lights up, but the outer shell stays dark. I found it at Teepee Canyon in SD. The outer shell is red jasper with a milky quartz center.

I find it interesting that, at least for the countertop trade, that "quartz" is an engineered material made from crushed quartz crystals and resin, and that "quartzite" is stone that was formed by nature from sandstone under heat and pressure.  Meaning that quartz countertops are "not natural slabs of stone" and quartzite countertops are actual slabs of stone.

AS I said before I watch Ozzy gold hunters on TV so have seen all the ways of finding gold from surface detecting to tailings, hard rock and digging down to old river beds. What ever its hard work but when you find a nugget very rewarding.

Quote from: davina61 on November 10, 2025, 03:23:07 AMWhat ever its hard work but when you find a nugget very rewarding.

My biggest nugget find was in 2021, measuring just a hair over 1/4-inch and weighing a third of a gram. I would love to find more of those! At today's prices, it would be worth about $130.

It was the fist sized lump they found on the one show!!

I got a notice in the mail today. The title work for my new Jeep is now done!

Tomorrow, I'll head over to the courthouse to get my license plates transferred from the old Jeep to the new Jeep.

Friday, I am hoping to venture back out to Curio Hill (Specimen Ridge) to see the agate mine there. That area is well-known for blue-banded agates, and I would love to find some. I have seen and polished a lot of agates, but never with any blue in them. Curio Hill has been extensively mined for over 100 years due to the high-quality agates. I suspect that it will be pretty well picked over, so I will have to explore neighboring ridges as well. There is no direct route to get to it. You must park in a small turnout on a county road, then hike around private property bounded with barbed wire. There is a trail, but it is still a mile or more hike.

With any luck, I'll have some cool pics to share and pretty stones to polish this winter.

Such a wonderful discussion of gold mining! In my young and foolish days, I recovered the mercury from the amalgam using a condenser. I've heard stories of oldtimers baking the amalgam in a potato. Thanks Lori, Davina, and Chrissy for taking me down Memory Lane since much of my prospecting was done with my father.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on November 13, 2025, 11:09:05 AMI've heard stories of oldtimers baking the amalgam in a potato.

That made it easy to recover the gold. The mercury evaporates, leaving pure gold in the potato. Scrape the potato out of the skin and drop it in a gold pan. The potato will wash away easily, while the gold will drop to the bottom of the pan.

Doing it this way saves you from needing to clean your frying pan before breakfast in the morning. Hopefully, they remembered which potato was dinner and which one had the mercury in it. 🫨

The last time I got close to a lot of gold was a high school trip to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It provides storage for central banks, governments, and official international organizations on behalf of the Federal Reserve System.  https://www.newyorkfed.org/aboutthefed/goldvault.html

Reminds me of the gold vault scene in DIE HARD 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR7Rieq4iPQ

Knock at the door this afternoon.

"Package for you. Sign here, please."

"Is it for Lori?"

"Yes. Sign here, please."

"Is it a subpoena from the DOJ?"

"I don't know. I'm just the UPS driver."

"Well, the uniform is pretty convincing."

I signed it, even though I don't think I am expecting anything.

It was from Pueblo VA Audiology. My hearing aids have been returned!

The factory replaced the batteries, updated the software, and did a thorough functionality test. Then they sent them to our Audiology Clinic, where my Tech rechecked everything, then downloaded my programming into the newly refurbished hearing aids, and shipped them to me.

What is interesting to me is that I don't use most of the new AI-controlled features. I find them very annoying. So I have dumbed down the hearing aids so they do what I want, not what their AI wants. I don't need AI voices whispering political slogans in my ears or telling me I have a call when I can hear my phone ringing. Seriously. Just stop it.

So the result is something like taking a high-end computer, running the fastest CPU and memory, a top-of-the-line graphics card, and a 5 TB SSD drive, with an ultra-nitro-cooled water pump...  and running Windows 5 on it. Or maybe Windows 7. It all went downhill from there.

😆

Hi Lori

You said:

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 18, 2025, 04:05:27 PMSo the result is something like taking a high-end computer, running the fastest CPU and memory, a top-of-the-line graphics card, and a 5 TB SSD drive, with an ultra-nitro-cooled water pump...  and running Windows 5 on it. Or maybe Windows 7. It all went downhill from there.

No, that's not quite correct!  At worst the circuits are roughly less than 1/4" and cost more than a brand new computer worth thousands of dollars.

😁

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on November 18, 2025, 04:49:54 PMHi Lori

You said:

No, that's not quite correct!  At worst the circuits are roughly less than 1/4" and cost more than a brand new computer worth thousands of dollars.

😁

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

That is very true. These things go for $4,385 per pair. For that price, I could buy a Falcon Northwest FragBox. < drool >
https://www.falcon-nw.com/desktops/fragbox

🙂

Hi Lori

Okay I'm definitely Drooling 😋😛🤤

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

Quote from: Sarah B on November 18, 2025, 10:04:44 PMHi Lori

Okay I'm definitely Drooling 😋😛🤤

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee

I want one SO bad. I used their configuration tool and picked all of the latest and greatest components. The final build was over $5,000. I will get one someday, but right now my money is earmarked for more important things. I seriously thought about dumping it onto my credit card, but I just got it paid down from all the Jeep accessories I bought. So it will have to wait... for now. Now, if Trump comes through with his promised "tariff rebate", my credit score and I will need to have a discussion.

😁

I just ordered a custom fuel tank for the Heferod, good job I will be receiving a £200 fuel allowance from the government!!!

Lori, the Falcon Northwest FragBox??? Double drool next to you!

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 22, 2025, 09:15:25 AMLori, the Falcon Northwest FragBox??? Double drool next to you!

I have no idea what I would use it for, but I want one. I doubt the hardware would become outdated for at least ten years. By then, the AI robots will be building themselves, so we will be screwed anyway.

😆

...and it looks sooo cool!

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 22, 2025, 12:30:36 PM...and it looks sooo cool!

And it is the size of a shoebox. WHAT?

My current machine is like a small aquarium, complete with tempered glass sides and LED lights everywhere. I could fit two, maybe three Fragboxes in this case.

Lori, it is so easy to get my geek on!!!

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 22, 2025, 02:43:44 PMLori, it is so easy to get my geek on!!!

Same here.
My current rig is no Fragbox, but it is better than a sharp stick in my eye. 😆

CPU | AMD 9700X CPU with Levelplay SE360-ST AIO Liquid cooler with 3 ARGB fans
GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
MMR | Memory Team Group DDR5 6000 MHz RGB 16GB CL38-46-46
NVM | Gen4 ADATA Legend 860 2TB
Motherboard | ASUS B650EM MAX GAMING WIFI-GSI CEC D5
CASE | Montech KING 95 PRO White w/ALPHA 750W, 6 white fans(3 ARGB, 3 non-RGB

I had to wait for the LEDs to cycle around to a bright enough color to light up the inside of the case.

Ok, I'm geek jumping in.  😝

Built in April of this year.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K - Core i9 14th Gen, CORSAIR iCUE Link H100i LCD Liquid CPU Cooler - 240mm AIO
GPU: GIGABYTE Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7
MEM: CORSAIR Vengeance RGB 64GB (2 x 32GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 7000 (PC5 56000)
M.2: SAMSUNG SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280
M.2: (Free Gift Item) Team Group T-FORCE G50 M.2 2280 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 with NVMe
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI II LGA 1700 DDR5 6x SATA 6G PCI-E x16 slot 5x M.2 2.5Gbps LAN Wi-Fi 7
Case: CORSAIR 4000D RS ARGB Frame Modular Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – High Airflow, 3X Pre-Installed RS ARGB Fans (replaced fans for full color)

Quote from: Rochelle on November 22, 2025, 07:10:37 PMOk, I'm geek jumping in.  😝

Built in April of this year.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K - Core i9 14th Gen, CORSAIR iCUE Link H100i LCD Liquid CPU Cooler - 240mm AIO
GPU: GIGABYTE Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7
MEM: CORSAIR Vengeance RGB 64GB (2 x 32GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 7000 (PC5 56000)
M.2: SAMSUNG SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280
M.2: (Free Gift Item) Team Group T-FORCE G50 M.2 2280 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 with NVMe
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI II LGA 1700 DDR5 6x SATA 6G PCI-E x16 slot 5x M.2 2.5Gbps LAN Wi-Fi 7
Case: CORSAIR 4000D RS ARGB Frame Modular Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – High Airflow, 3X Pre-Installed RS ARGB Fans (replaced fans for full color)

Nice rig, Rochelle!

I do like the MSI builds and was looking at them at first. I really wanted to get away from Intel. I was having a lot of issues keeping their software out. I would disable or uninstall components, and Intel would load the drivers right back in without permission and without going through Windows Update. My Dell was an i7, and it was a good machine for many years, but when it died, I was kind of happy to see it go. I have all the disassembled parts on the floor next to my new rig as a warning to it not to cross me. 😆

I wanted to go with AMD Ryzen for a change, and this setup is right off the shelf. I'm not sure what upgrades I will want to do, since the goal is still the Fragbox. So rather than throw money at this, I may just buy the Fragbox and be done.

But that won't happen right away. My focus right now is on finally getting the services done that were not available to me in South Dakota. I've finally started electrolysis, and figuring out budgets and finances for surgery. A lot needs to happen between now and then, but I am trying to stay laser-focused.

Over my head but I did fit a gaming board to the very first tower we had . I keep getting notifications from my security program that I need to run a clearance as my VPN is exposed and my data is being sold. Strange that I have to pay to get this done ( cynical or what!!)

Quote from: davina61 on November 23, 2025, 03:27:04 AMI keep getting notifications from my security program that I need to run a clearance as my VPN is exposed and my data is being sold. Strange that I have to pay to get this done ( cynical or what!!)

Are you getting those notifications now?

What security program are you using?

That is really suspicious, especially if you are not using a VPN. It sounds like ransomware. If so, you will need a good security program to remove it, but there are free versions available that can get it done.

I have retired from computer building until I retire.  I have been playing with a 3D printer I bought on ebay.  I haven't used it for anything useful, but fun to play with.

Avast on line security is the one that I have blocked as I have Norton. Microsoft security say no problems.

Quote from: davina61 on November 23, 2025, 12:55:24 PMAvast on line security is the one that I have blocked as I have Norton. Microsoft security say no problems.

I have always had problems with Norton. Avast is good. But Windows Defender is almost all that most people need. For business use, something more robust might be justified, but for just home use, Defender does a good job. If it says you are okay, then you are okay.

Busy week this week, so I will just be popping in and out when I can.

Yesterday, I had an electrolysis appointment, and a cancellation happened, so I will go back tomorrow afternoon. I am lucky that I am retired, so when she has a cancellation, she allows me to fill the slot for her.

This afternoon, I have a therapy appointment. Then Thursday, I will be hanging out with friends for Thanksgiving.

Who says the holidays are stressful? Busy is a good kind of stress.

No regrets, no excuses, make it happen.

😁


@Northern Star Girl
@Sarah B

My therapist asked how my electrolysis sessions were going.

I told her that they were going well. The electrologist is more than good at her job; she is a wonderful human being.

But I still have to wonder...

What kind of person enjoys stabbing people in the face with electrified needles over and over for hours every day? What does that say about her?

The therapist said, "Well, you volunteered for it. And you are going back tomorrow. What does that say about you?"

😆😮🤡

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 25, 2025, 06:10:22 PMThe therapist said, "Well, you volunteered for it. And you are going back tomorrow. What does that say about you?"
😆😮🤡

Touché!  😄😂🤣

Hugs
Sarah B

Hi Lori

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 25, 2025, 06:10:22 PMThe therapist said, "Well, you volunteered for it. And you are going back tomorrow. What does that say about you?"
😆😮🤡

Masochist!  😄😂🤣

Hugs
Sarah B

Hi Lori

Okay one more for the road!

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 25, 2025, 06:10:22 PMThe therapist said, "Well, you volunteered for it. And you are going back tomorrow. What does that say about you?"
😆😮🤡

I fear a five o'clock shadow more than pain  😄😂🤣

Hugs
Sarah B

And Sarah...I really hate shaving!!!

Quote from: Emma1017 on Yesterday at 07:45:54 AMAnd Sarah...I really hate shaving!!!

THIS!

Quote from: Lori Dee on Yesterday at 08:16:52 AM

Quote from: Emma1017 on Yesterday at 07:45:54 AMAnd Sarah...I really hate shaving!!!

THIS!

Same for me. Absolutely no question.

The VA Endocrinology Saga continues...

Back in October, I had a "new patient" appointment with the Regional VA Endocrinology department in Aurora, CO. I wrote about that previously.

I met with my Primary doctor here in Pueblo. I explained to her that I did not trust them because they wanted to change my prescriptions without reviewing my medical history or even ordering lab work. I also explained that driving for two hours one-way for a one-hour appointment (and they were 45 minutes late), plus another two-hour drive home, was not something I could do. With my lower spine problems and fused vertebrae in my neck, it is too painful.

She submitted a referral for me to be seen here in Pueblo. The consult was sent to the Care In The Community Coordinator, where it sat for weeks. I finally received a call from the Regional Endo clinic in Aurora. They cancelled the consult and set me up to do a TeleHealth appointment with them by phone... in March 2026. GRRRRRR.

I spoke with my therapist about this, and she pointed out that veterans can refuse TeleHealth appointments in favor of a face-to-face appointment.  Yay! So my Primary doctor resubmitted the referral to Care In The Community. Meanwhile, the Regional Endo Clinic changed the status of my hormone prescriptions from "Active" to "Pending".

Fortunately, before I left South Dakota, I had my gynecologist renew all of my prescriptions. They shipped them out right away, which gave me a small stockpile. But it also gave me two more refills. So when I saw that some of my meds were showing as "Pending", I found the older prescriptions with the refills available and placed the order.
😁

At the end of October, I received two letters from the VA confirming that my referral to a local Endocrinologist had been submitted. Another couple of weeks went by, and no appointment. Then I got a call from the CITC Coordinator telling me the nearest clinic they could send me to is UC Health in Colorado Springs. She said they have no one in Pueblo, so I agreed.

Another week goes by, and I get a message from the CITC Coordinator that they need to know when my appointment is scheduled. I told them that no one has contacted me, and they said someone will soon. So I wait. On Sunday, I got a message from CITC telling me that I need to call UC Health and schedule an appointment within 48 hours. ??? Not on Sunday, they are closed.

Today, I went online to get the phone number for UC Health Endocrinology. Guess what? They have a clinic in Pueblo, within walking distance of the Pueblo VA Clinic. What the ???
I called that clinic first. They said the referral was sent to Colorado Springs, so they can't help me. The referral would need to go directly to them.

So I called UC Health in Colorado Springs. Yes, they received the referral and denied it. All "gender-affirming care" is done at their clinic in Aurora! Well, the VA will not refer me to a clinic in Aurora since they have their own clinic in Aurora, which is where I am trying to get away from.

So I sent a message to the CITC Coordinator informing them that my referral was denied, and apparently no place in Southern Colorado that can see me.

So while our favorite electrologist was stabbing me in the face with electrified needles, a plan began to come together. When I got home, I called the Women's Health Clinic in Rapid City, SD, and left a message for my gynecologist. I said that, as an existing patient, I would like to continue my care with her via TeleHealth. Then I left a message for my Primary doctor that, since there is no endocrinology clinic available to me in the area, and the only way to be seen without driving to Aurora is via TeleHealth, I have a preferred provider that I would like to resume care with.

Everyone at the Women's Health Clinic, except my gynecologist, her nurse, and scheduler, assumes that I am there being treated for menopause due to my age. I was reminded of this during my mammogram appointment here last week. So, technically, I am not receiving "gender-affirming care" through them as that would offend the VA's sensibilities. I just don't understand why they can't do it the same way here. We will see.

Now, everyone is out of the office for the holiday, so I doubt I will receive any replies from anyone until next week. But a plan is in motion.

I like cunning plans, more cunning than a cunning thing on cunning awareness day!!!! (Blackadder copyright)