Reversing direction

 

Another work week in Cullman. This time no brush-hogging needed. The hot, dry weather has slowed the growth of the grass. It was my chance to get the bolts out of the brush-hog. I finally got the last nut off. The penetrating fluids finally did their job. But the bolt would not come out. Preston heated them with the acetylene torch and they never budged despite whacking them over and over with a hammer. I returned it to Sonya with apologies. 

The new brake cylinder went on but I'll need to do some more work. The other brake locked up and I had to take the lines loose to get it moving again. I'll attack it next trip.

So my work days consisted mostly in changing oil in the lawn mowers. I sharpened blades on the Old John Deere and lubed the mower deck. I used the blue vacuum device. It worked very well. Despite the report the nuts were left loose on the Old Zero Turn mower, I could not budge them. Not sure they were taken off at all.

We took the tomb stones I bought for the folks up and installed them over their graves. It was something asked of us a long time ago and now they are in place and finished.

Friday was my day to paint the trim on the workshop but Cullman finally got some much needed rain.

The 19th was the Williamson's anniversary. It could have been a sad time but Maw Maw seemed to have a better time of it. While I'm sure she is lonely, perhaps she is coping a little better.

On the home front, I was contacted by Coosa Valley about returning to my old pharmacy job. It was something I had wished for. I've really missed the extra time I had for outdoor activity. My current job is burning me down. So I've tentatively agreed to return. Still haven't heard what my pay rate will be, but I think it will be commensurate. 

August arrives

Back on the farm again. I spent the day on the tractor. I started with the 284 because the 55-66 had a low battery. I tried to put the brake cylinder on it but the hose does not fit that nipple I need to get a reducer so I can get a tight seal. But I got it running and did a small area before the tractor started to misbehave. It exhibited a variety of quirks before shutting off and refusing to restart. After a bit of lunch, I got it started and drove it up to the barn where it decided to quit and not restart. Not sure what's the matter. I took out the big tractor and brush hogged the pasture around the lake. It was pretty much an all day job. Now I can get the area around the old homeplace done. I should have some time left for painting the shed. The trim work remains to be done. A couple of blades to sharpen should seal the deal for this trip. Will need to purchase more diesel fuel this trip. If I have some time, I want to get some things fixed on the fuel carrier.

My plan to get the homeplace took a lot longer than I'd expected. The folks who are cutting those pastures for hay did not cut a big section of field. That put me on the tractor for a lot longer. With the 284 giving some quirky action, I just did it all with the 55-66. But I didn't have time left for doing anything else. It was after I finished and was back at the house I noticed the loud diesel sound had bothered my right ear. I'm absolutely going to have to use protection hereafter.

I had installed the new brake cylinder only to discover a small leak coming from the screw that covered the hole in the bottom. I'll be sending it back for revision.

The really upsetting moment of the weekend was when Bev came downstairs and told me her Mother threatened her with disinheritance if she voted for Joe Biden. Now I've have had a problem with her continual lack of appreciation for the effort made on her behalf. She never seems satisfied with anything that is done. But this recent development seems particularly mean. I'm wondering if this is dementia. Bev's response was to tell her give it to whomever she wants. Bev said it would be a relief for her not to have to dispose of it. It would be a relief. That has me thinking this morning. She is so very right. We would not have to spend a year of our life unable to do what we wanted, we'd be stuck there disposing of all that crap. We will have enough finances to live well. We don't need it. The only thing left to deal with is continuing to do that work for someone who doesn't appreciate it. I'll do my part for Bev's sake. But I think it will be less.