March 2022 was a month of doing! At home, camp and on the road, we tackled both long required and new to us projects. I’ll sketch out “the biggies” that absorbed much of the ”free time” we had during the short spring days!
Firstly… a hunk of maintenance for camp engines. I like to think of it as housekeeping (with a little piece of mind). Tune ups were due for Honda equipment, including outboard and generator, which meant two trips to New Glasgow. Further, after a couple of years of steady use, the Stihl Chainsaw got delivered to Green Diamond for a freshening / sharpening. When I got this machine back in my hands it showed much improved performance. Always good to protect these investments if one can swing it! Best of all… valuable camp time is used for recreation as opposed to playing “Mr Fix-it” without access to proper tools & parts!
At home, we tackled major work on the lower floor, tearing out saggy ceilings, painting/patching walls, selling old furniture, tracking down replacement options and ciphering trim install. We yanked the old wood stove and were frequent visitors to the County landfill. Lots of work, the bulk (beyond electrical) being completed by Janie and I. Its a work in progress, but we’re optimistic in regards to result!
I also ventured to Port Williams in March… a long overdue connection with friends in the valley. We always take on a project while there, keeps us out of trouble! I packed up my otter tail canoe paddle template/rough cut board! Having all the tools, we rendered the near 2” solid piece of poplar into a “right pretty” paddle! We utilized a plethora of tools… electric, hand, air in the shape of planes, sanders, saws and routers. I think we even surprised ourselves this time around… great paddle that I’m anxious to try this season. Thanks so much to all the folks that provided materials, tools, tips & tricks along the way!
I‘d be remiss not to mention another tug at the heart strings this month, with the passing of Uncle Bernie. Words such as giving, family, tradition, selflessness and loyalty quickly come to mind. Lots of thinking about parents, cousins, sons and daughters to follow. A parting glass… 🥃