The annual springtime migration of geese has begun. Tens of thousands flew overhead Friday morning.

April 16, 2016 - Saturday 

32 degrees/clear/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Yesterday was the perfect day for unlimbering all those summer-type muscles and getting down and dirty.

I spent the entire morning changing the fluids in the backhoe and tractor.

I have several gallons of old hydraulic fluid if anyone needs any. I'm wondering if it could be used in lieu of chain saw oil, to lubricate the chain while cutting. 

A gasket that surrounds the pan bolt fell apart when I went to change the oil in the old Ford tractor. Since there are no tractor supply houses locally, I bought some gasket material from our local hardware store and made my own. It worked.

I had a bit of difficulty while moving the wheels from the travel position and replacing them with the stabilizing arms on the backhoe. There was a hole that I didn't see and when I lifted the backhoe to attach an arm, the thing flipped over.

Who says old guys can't move with blazing speed? I killed the engine, then retrieved the Blazer and righted it with a tow strap. Other than my delicate ego, nothing was harmed. 

Page Two:

Sargie and I took a wonderful afternoon drive to town and did some shopping. We swung by our local lake coming home and found that there is still plenty of ice.

Sargie wanted to dive in, but I talked her into waiting another week or two.

The little boy in me dictated that I find the heaviest rock and attempt to heave it onto the ice to see if it would break through. It didn't.

 I'm sure glad I didn't lose my drawers.

All the rock did was bounce across the surface. It will take a few more days of warm weather before we experience ice out.

Arriving home, Sargie and I brought up all the delicate summertime flowers and other plants that have survived over the winter down the basement. We had them growing in totes filled with sand under grow lights.

Though pale, it appears most will make it to bloom for yet another summer.

Sargie's been wanting me to landscape the area along the north side of the drive. There's been quite a berm that was caused by the skid steer used when our drive was paved.

The rest of the afternoon was spent shaping and digging out rocks. I hope to rake it smooth today and after, we'll plant grass seed.

Sargie found this old license plate from 1939 that had been uncovered. 

Our home was built in 1920, so this plate might very well have belonged to the original owners.

Neighbor Mike stopped over to help Sargie supervise. He'd been working up firewood just across the road.

After a quick shower, I began cutting up the 1.29 a pound chicken breasts I'd purchased on Thursday and last night, we had pan fried chicken strips. Sargie worked alongside and made huge salads with all types of garden vegetables.

Sargie has to work today and closes the Vision Center tonight. I'm going to begin my day by hauling the rocks I dug up yesterday, then raking the area alongside the drive. I plan to begin removing the three stumps in the back yard this afternoon. Those could be quite a chore, but I'd like to get them out of the way before mowing season arrives. 

It's time to listen to the news and think deep thoughts.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...