Skip to main content

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.

Popular posts from this blog

Catching up

  After my recovery period for Covid, I went to Cullman on Monday the 8th and started catching up on the mowing and farm stuff. Pretty much everything needed mowing. The big tractor made short work on the main north fields and David helped me with the field across from the pond.  The grass had grown quite long and with the two week absence, I simply started and mowed all of them. There is always some mowing to do. At least no trees had fallen. There were some indoor projects pending. A couple of shower fixtures had to be replaced. The screen door latch didn't hold and had to be improved. The old JD mower needed a bit of tuning so it would climb better and the mowing deck replaced. And the garden needed to be disked and more corn and okra planted.  David should have had a shot on the groundhog at the old house but forgot to check his ammo. The hammer fell on an empty chamber. I got the conibear traps out and caught one of the groundhogs that lived by the spring. David had ...

Spock

Spock is my favorite character in all fiction. A character who bridged the gap between two worlds and faced disdain from each. Who strove for excellence and exemplified strength, character, intelligence, and control. His nearly emotionless demeanor was a perfect foil for those who would attempt to intimidate or insult him. It was a style I would endeavor to imitate to thwart those attempting to insult, demean, or scare me in my own young life. I bought this little figure to remind me to guard against letting my defenses down and allowing emotional hurt to strike me.

Counting down to Florida Bike Safari...

Darn cold weather! I got up this morning to some cool north breezes. It made me decide to hike rather than bike. Next week I will do the pm rides for the bike club. In the mornings, if there is time, I will get in some climbing out toward Bull Gap. I need to do the climbs more than the long rides. I seem to be stronger on the hills than last year. Maybe it is the 35 lbs I have dropped. That is almost equal to 2 bikes. I also dropped about 7 or 8 from the new bike. Combined that puts me 42 pounds of weight saved which would be a substantial load to pull up the hill. Now I just need to train those leg muscles to pound out the climbs. The only way I see to do that is to just do hills! I need to remember some small but important things when I pack for the trip. I will need to be sure I have a wrench to change the tire with. I need to check the spare to make sure it holds air. I will need to pack the charger just in case. A long extension cord might be nice. Sunscreen and bug repel will be ...