April 22, 2021 - Thursday morning

22 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

That's Dr. Katie, out on maternity leave, who came to see me yesterday at the doctor's office while I was having my annual physical. I'd not yet met baby Meridee Joy and of course, in typical Pawpaw fashion, was able to hold and snuggle with her a bit.

We caught up on life before my exam, the first in years with a different health care provider other than Katie. It was also good to see my munchkin friends, Graham and little Meridee Joy. Older brother, Cody, was at school.

As far as my physical went, I was pronounced, "healthy as a horse," and given the initial all clear for next February's start on the AT. In fact, at one point, the PA even looked back at the computer to be sure my age was correct. 

Believe me, every nook, cranny, and orifice was examined and re-examined.

I'm good to go. 

We departed from Iron Mountain for Green Bay where we found treasures from the Orient and beyond. The work bench purchased from Harbor Freight was manufactured in China. Doesn't that count as the Orient? I sorely need the counter area and drawers and with Sargie's help, we measured the last open area in the shop and decided it would fit. 

The kid who brought the large, heavy, box, containing the workbench out of the store looked at me like I was crazy when he saw what we were driving. Once again, Sargie and I had carefully measured the opening and area in the Hyundai and determined the unassembled work bench would fit... and it did.

One troubling thing we noticed yesterday was how empty some of the shelves were in the big box stores. I'm not talking about toilet paper, but staples and simple foods. I've read there's a real problem in the supply lines and we saw the result of that yesterday.

I've said since long before the last election that we're in for some ugly times ahead. I think there are far worse things than the Covid that are capable of destroying the American people. I hope and pray I'm wrong.

We arrived home in good shape late yesterday afternoon. I took a few groceries to Neighbor Sue while Sargie put everything away. It had been a good day.

Our friend, Leeza, serving up Sargie's daily Coke at McDonalds

The carburetor arrived via the UPS man yesterday so I'll be installing that on the backhoe today and keep my fingers crossed. If that doesn't work, I'll be taking the engine off the backhoe and hauling it to the repair shop to let them figure out what's wrong. I'm tired of messing around with it.

The new workbench needs assembling and with that comes a complete rearranging of the shop. 

But first, I'm heading out the door for my morning stroll. You don't think this horse stays healthy by sitting on the couch, eating chips, and watching Ellen, do you?

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...