Creek Update

We have had the trustees working on the creek now for 3 days. They have done an amazing job for just 9 of them. All the pieces of concrete have been moved from the bottom of the creek bed to the sides to reduce the washout. They were able to do it cause it has been dry now for a month or so. It was running 2 days ago but stopped since there was no more rain to feed it.

Peter is slowing trying to figure out what to do about the water situation. The damn idea is still there and in the works. It's just a matter of building it and putting the plans into action. It is going to run on a continuous cycle that peter can use to fill the duck pond and water the grounds with. Saving the museum on the water bill and utilizing the rain when it does grace us with it's presence.

Of course after they have moved all the stuff off to the banks. There has been uncovered glass so guess what I will be doing tomorrow. That's right, cleaning it out. Granted it's better than sitting in an office all day long. I will be getting some fresh air and feel good about helping out the environment. Granted don't think I'm some sort of nature freak but picking up trash is just my little thing to do. Heck if it makes the museum look nicer then why not. That and some times physical labor feels good. It won't be too hard just that it is outside in the heat. Though no booties tomorrow it is just too hot for those and no point since the creek is dry so the old running shoes will work fine.

I was also told today that I am now the proud mother/ guardian of 9 ducklings. have I named them yet? No. probably won't cause nature will take it's course. Not trying to be cruel but that is just how life is. Now to find a way to list that duties as assigned in my CV or resume; wildlife preservation and controlist maybe? LOL

At page 178 of Vol. II. :)

Edition: So this guy came in who owns/ displays/ something to the gun collection here in the Rotunda. He basically just told me I'm not doing my job in so many words. He complained about some kid marking up the display case that the guns and swords are housed in. Saying some Sunday church group or group of kids with a knife are making it up; been happening now for years- same kind of marks; and on and on and on. I was like seriously! I told him I work here and we would hear something going on and nothing has. He can't seem to get it through his brain that some times things just get normal wear and tear- it happens, deal the f with it and move on. If you don't like it being displayed here then take it out. He said that if I ever work on Sundays to keep and eye on it- hello that is my job to keep my eye on the whole place- don't tell me how to do my job and I won't tell you how to do yours; like buy some deodorant. He was basically working on the case and cleaning what was in it the WHOLE TIME I was here. That is basically about almost 8 hours. It shouldn't take you that damn long. You were blocking the restrooms with your shindig and now GET OUT! I can't help but wonder if he only said those things to me cause he thought that I was a volunteer or a student assistant. I work here buddy. This is my job. I do my job. Yeah I know that things cost and damage has been done to that place. What do you want me to do. Come up to someone who has been standing there too long with my water bottle or extra large sharpie and tell them to step back from the case. If you don't like how it is being secured- or to your impression, not being secured- take it out, install security cameras or shut up and go about your business! Rant done.

It finally rained after almost a month!

Well it finally rained after Huntsville really needed. Peter has been coming to the grounds all hours of everyday to water. They still look great!

Dress update: I have the front and back parts of my bodice sewn together just need to attach them, sew together the sleeves and then attach them to the bodice. Then work on the skirt- and then the spare shirt and sash, then a simple dress and shirt to cook in. Helen says I am doing a great job. I think I am to for only working on it a total of 2 work days. The slowest part is pinning it just right and then the hand stitching. I can't even begin to imagine how long it would have taken to make a dress all by hand. Thank God for sewing machines!

There are supposedly ducklings running around. Haven't seen them yet but will look for them tomorrow.

On Tuesday I helped Sandy mark the numbers on the furniture from Fernland. Some of it looks really great. I then learned about the various cataloging systems that the museum has implemented over the years (3 different ones so far). The most recent is called Past Perfect where you use the year the museum acquired the piece and the number it was taken into the collection. It is really a neat program. I think I have the hang of it with what little time I had with it. All self-explanatory once you know what everything means.

Through looking at that stuff I might have added another project to my list. It will be great though to add to my CV. Taking pictures of the things in the vault or collection that we don't have a picture of to put in the Past Perfect DB and in the hard copy file. Could take me ages and I might not finish it all myself but that would look sooo good.

Still no word about what we are going to do with the Library in Access other than it needs work done to it.

In looking at the Past Perfect I got to look around the vault for a little bit. A woven hair necklace made from Margaret's hair, one of Sam's letters to Margaret, the original engraving of Margaret that the copy of is hanging up in her display cabinet, original jubilee cup engraved 'Father' and some other things. You would be amazed by the amount of things in there that have no reference to Sam or Texas that was given to the museum by travelers through or what professors brought back from their travels. I was given permission to look through it anytime I want! I'm so excited. It is weird the things that Museums get but can't use or display or for lack of a better term get rid of.

Hazard pay. Some times I think I should get it. This morning I had to climb on a ladder almost to the top rung and replace a light bulb. Kind of scary, luckily Casey, the new Curator of Collections and Public Relations/Marketing Manger, was there to hold the ladder- I was doing it for her. Then while opening up the door for the A/C tech to fix the A/C, I had to get wasp spray to kill 2 nests that were hidden by the door to get on top of the Rotunda. Which by the way I have been up there and let me tell you. It's soo cool. The highest point off Sam Houston Avenue!

The museum recently got some hens- by got I mean dropped off by some John Doe. She has been named Ginger and is currently sitting on 14 eggs. Chico finally got a lady friend and they got busy. LOL

I am almost done- 30 pages to go- on the Vol. I of the Sam Houston Correspondence letters. It has been an interesting read if you can get past the I miss you will all my heart; once reunited with you I can never bear to be separated from you ever again; and so on and so forth. It is sweet and cute but after pg 300 of it you almost get tired of it. I have just now gotten to Sam Houston Jr birth and the Houston Family about to move to Raven Hill.