Hi - Ho, Hi - Ho, It's Off to Work I GO...

This has been a period of projects and accomplishments... It started last weekend with putting a new belt on my father's riding lawnmower - and this was no small feat as it had to be moved by hand out of the storage shed, stood on end to get to the belt, and then get the old belt off and new one on. Tight clearances, no manuals, searching for the right tools, hot weather, time constraints, and lots of fatherly advice as to how the job should be done did not help. But the belt did get on - only to find that there was then a problem with the fuel line which is small enough that Dad is able to fix this problem himself.

I also spent some time finishing a couple of wood projects for Kevin. The first completion was the stable for his future Nativity scene, which I know he will want and cherish someday. After all, he is getting the most perfectly-constructed stable. I was able to practice and learn on the first one that I did in the early 80's for the family Christmas scene, and the second one that I did for Julie & Reggie just a few years ago. Decided to go ahead and finish it now while woodworking is still fun and I am capable (self-annointed).

The second project was a very unique wooden plaque holder that I finished for Kevin's photo, brass plate, and horsehoe from the Dec 31, 2004 hike to Grayson Highlands - a favorite hike for me on New Year's Eve. The hike was appropriately labeled the "Super Pony's Hike" after the three hikers (Kevin, Evan, and Ben) -who signed in the AT log as Super Ponies, and for the mis-shapened super pony horseshoe that was found on the trail.

Also spent some time planting this week - first growth project was Kevin's assortment of almost-living philodendrons that he and I have been nuturing along. Found some new ones with roots and planted them in his container with the other plants so it is beginning to look full. Probably one more to go with this project and it will be done. I also spent a lot (some would say, too much) time raking, fertilizing, and planting grass seed this past week since it is that perfect time for re-working the lawn. Back yard was so bare that it was mostly clay so I put some of the grass blankets on those spots to see what they do. Now, I am hoping for the perfect rain storm for the perfect watering for the soon-to-be-perfect lawn.

Last project for Kevin for this week was cleaning and getting Julie's old bike up to speed for his possible (better!) use at UNC now that he does not have his car over there. Although this may change if he can find a "reasonable" parking spot. Reasonable for him is more based on the fee than the location. So I envision him pedaling to his classes, to the grocery store, to NCSU, up and down Franklin Street, and maybe even to his parking spot. I cannot help but see images of Mary Poppins traveling through the air...

Last major and probably most fun project for the week was working on the "Circus Ticket Counter" for Davis's next birthday party. Talk about advance planning - we are 6 months ahead on this one! Julie saw a photo in a publication that she liked, modified the dimensions, and requested that the master carpenter build something that looked similar. Wood was purchased on Friday and the semi-complete item delived on Saturday. Fast turn around time. I am really looking forward to see lots of ticket holders next March...