It was not a good start.

Pulled off the interstate yesterday to pick up the first of many wing barrels.

And no barrel.

Gone. Disappeared. Vanished.

Stolen.

Craaaap.

My wardens kindly set up my barrels, since we were still in the Green State dealing with my Mom's death. But I had warned 'em...

Don't set them too close to the highways.

Nope. She set this one maybe one meter off the interstate exit. Too much a temptation for someone wanting a cute little wood-burner for a cabin, garage or wall tent.

And only used two posts, barely set in the ground, and a minimum of wire. Wiggle the posts a second or two, and the whole thing would come out, ready to throw in your truck.

And someone did.

So, before continuing my barrel collections today, I made a stop at the Sheriff's office. Where he agreed they should take a report, but also thought there wasn't much hope, other than documenting the loss.

But as I described the theft to a deputy (the sheriff gone off checking the VIN for an attractive young woman wearing a top that revealed 45% of her cleavage and 30 % of a black lace bra (I don't blame him, cleavage and black lace beats wing barrels any day)), even providing a picture...

The deputy's face lifted when I mentioned which exit the barrel was at.

"Think I'll have to take a drive out there."

Well, I already feel guilty wasting this much of his time...

Don't think you'll find much other than a couple holes in the ground.

"Well, I might have to swing a little farther north..." he adds.

See, that exit is the access route for several of our local ranchettes. Survivalist places for folks who don't want neighbors. And this deputy just arrested a couple out there last week.

For stealing.

He's actually looking happy at the opportunity to stop by their place again.

And hoping to spot a little red barrel, or a piece of painted plywood sign being used as a patch somewhere.