Tales from Pentoga

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Turkeys grazing outside the garden this morning

September 30, 2014

36 degrees/cloudy/breezy

Pentoga Road

How we went from Fourth of July weather to that more fit for Thanksgiving in two days is amazing. One thing is certain, I won't be wearing shorts today.

With the wind and rain, many of the leaves have dropped. Our drive is completely covered in some places.

Two hours were spent Monday morning grading papers. As of last night, I'm caught up and will make up the weekly test today.

I turned my attentions to the wood stove. Surface rust had collected where the kettle sits and the entire stove was looking faded and old.

I've sanded and rubbed the stove with PB rust remover, the same product I use to loosen rusted nuts or bolts. It will take off rust; also any paint.

It took several hours since I also sanded and cleaned the heavy kettle; the one that boils 24/7 in the winter months to keep moisture in the air. When the temperatures dip below zero, I'll fill it three, four, sometimes five times a day.

A grinding stone attached to the Dremel was the only thing that would remove the worst of the lime and iron deposits on the kettle. I even scraped some with a chisel to remove the first layer.

Finishing the stove and kettle, my attentions were turned towards the basement where I moved several cases of empty canning jars to the storage shed. They were put in front and will be used during maple syrup season.

Pickles, beans, and maple syrup, the most important food groups (along with bacon and butter...) I canned 35 quarts of bread and butter pickles alone this summer.

I'll continue working in the basement this morning after I arrive home from my five-mile hike. I've not been walking at all since strolling fifty miles last month as I've been feeling sorry for myself and pouting since I'm unable to do the Appalachian Trail. It's time to put Plan B into effect (whatever that is) and get the legs going, elevate the heart rate, and pump some fresh blood through these veins of mine. You can't keep a good hiker down!