Finding the limits and The Big Thaw

Today's big push was to drag as much wood out of the back-lot as possible while the snow was still firm.

I got a huge boost from Kubota, my youngest son. He had a doctor's appointment at lunch and rather than going back to work he came over and helped me! Yeah family!!!

I put in about four hours and Kubota worked for about two. Frankly, the little nipper did as much in two hours as I managed in four.

I had a proud moment when he latched a hold of one of the larger diameter, 16" long pieces and picked it up. "Holy crap! This is heavy."

Kubota works in construction so he is not a shrinking violet. I have to admit that I secretly puffed out my chest. The secret is on how you grip them. If you get a good grip on them, then you can lift them up close to the centerline of your core. If you get a crappy grip then you are bending over and lifting with your back.

Kubota was NOT impressed with my equipment. "Say dad, I have a buddy and we could have this job knocked out in a few hours."

How do you explain to a "kid" that my priorities are different than those on a commercial job-site where having your trade finish their dance-card and then clear the room so the next trade can come in and start work is not the highest priority.

I am also gathering "intelligence" in terms of how little equipment I need and how many hours it will take. I am also studying the limits of my endurance at the age of 66. I can probably work 2 hours a day at this level three-days-out-of-four and not be hammered into a grease spot on the pavement. At my present level of fitness, four hours a day, three-days-out-of-four would be WAY too much.

The big thaw

German Shepherd-cicles.

I saw some raccoon tracks frozen in the slush yesterday. With the big thaw coming I anticipating some VERY hungry predators around the farmstead, I baited up a live-trap with chicken bones scavenged from a SB party, best-by sale, hot-wings package. Thanks to SNH for the tip.