The swamp cooler

There's nary an excuse for not clicking a pic.

The South Platte River roars out of the mountains in the Spring bringing much-needed water to Chatfield reservoir and the prairies east of Denver.

Despite the 75° air temperature, briefly Dipping a hand into the tumbling waters was a reminder that just a few hours ago this was fresh melted snow and deserved to be called ice water.

We were supposed to take the grandkids to a botanical garden today because they have a turtle pond, and the kids wanted to see the turtles, but my allergies were acting up again, and I didn't feel like going, so I'll try again tomorrow.

I helped my son-in-law work on the swamp cooler on the roof of the house yesterday afternoon. Some folks felt that just because I was sitting in a lawn chair on the ground and my son-in-law was on the roof, were inclined to to think that I wasn't in any way contributing to the repair of the aforementioned swamp cooler, which shows a complete lack of knowledge about the value of a supervisor.

My assistant on the roof would be totally lost without a supervisor on the ground who can see the operation's big picture and everything that's going on concerning the swamp cooler and the house.

My assistant on top of the house is totally focused on a few thingamabobs and doodads that are held together by twisty turny things and has no idea of the importance of an overall view of the job, and how it affects the neighborhood, the United States in general and even global warming. Only through the guidance of the "Big Picture" man on the ground does the laborer on the roof know what doodad to twist, or what thingamabob to turn, and how it affects the current global initiative, which is way beyond his meager pay grade.

Those unfamiliar with swamp coolers only need to know that a swamp cooler is another way of producing cool air to cool off your house in the summer. They work because evaporating air is cool, and they only work when the humidity is low, which it normally is in Colorado. If you tried to use a swamp cooler in Miami, Florida, you would only get more hot, humid air. But in low-humidity places such as Colorado and Arizona, they work great.

A few more thingamabobs and doodads may need minor adjustments this afternoon. There may even be some whatchamacallits to tighten up before the job is complete, but you can rest assured as long as I'm needed... I'll be there. When everyone else has gone home.... I'll be there. When the world has given up on getting the job done.... I'll be there. But if I stop getting paid... I'll be gone.

Theboondork

Colorado kids learn early how to drink from a Camelback, but they don't often remember to drink. So it's best to let an adult carry their water so they can be reminded when to take a drink, and make sure they do.

A quick drink. And then more walking.

The South Platte River coming round the bend. Although this looks like a good place for some kayaking, or river rafting, no watercraft are allowed on this stretch of the river.

Some flowers growing on the bank of the river.

My grandson taking a brief break in the shade.

Taking advantage of all the shade available.