Father’s Day was celebrated here on Saturday. My Dad gets up on Saturdays, otherwise bedridden. Saturday’s weather was extremely fortunate. Unlike during my last attempt at a BBQ, it was clear and calm - all day!
I made plans for my Dad and Mom to come over to enjoy a campfire for the day. I planned on cooking over the fire, and just enjoying the day.
On Friday, my eldest son called and asked if I was going to be around for the weekend. He and youngest son came out Saturday and stayed the night.
Was a great day! The two boys, well mostly the eldest, burned up the majority of the pile of fallen wood I’ve been accumulating. We had smokies, campfire pies, and roasted marshmallows.
Mom and Dad left at dusk, while the three of us remained up into the dark of night. Eldest son went to bed first. He had a big day cleaning up the woodpile. A Father’s Day gift.
About 30 minutes passed my son and I going inside, while watching a movie, a thunderstorm hit. Suddenly, lots of wind, rain, and hail! Oh my goodness. With the south wind the hail was smashing into the picture windows and making a huge racket. It was so loud that eldest son was woken up and came up from downstairs to see what was going on.
The hail was around grape sized. My eldest started to open the door to grab a couple of pieces of the icy chunks, when two blasted the door’s window. Nope. That changed his mind. Getting clobbered would hurt.
The storm lasted about 15 minutes. In the light of the next day, the rain gauge showed 1/2 inch of rain fell during that 15 minutes. The daylight also revealed a few trees had blown over. Two right by the house. Sigh. The woodpile is going to get filled up again. lol.
Thankfully, no damages to house or vehicles. And the dogs are well protected in their metal clad doghouse.
My F925 mower developed a leak in the hydrostatic drive. On the Friday before Father’s Day, my grass cutting was cut short as fluid was flowing pass the seal on the swashplate shaft/assemble.
Monday, I picked up a replacement seal and started the process of replacing it. What a pain! That struggle lead into the next day. The major problem, the original seal has a metal backing which is all that is exposed when the C clip and washer is removed. Unlike the replacement which is just rubber. With the metal covering, I could not pry out the old seal. Of course, I am working in a congested space under the seat, and having to contort into uncomfortable positions to gain access and reach it.
I ended up drilling a small hole into the metal surface. Screwed in a wood screw. And with a pry bar attempted to remove the seal. Nope. It did rip the metal apart though. So, with continued prying, one hand holding a small screwdriver into the tare, and the other hand utilizing a pry bar to push the screwdriver out, I managed to slowly rip apart the metal cover. Oh my poor back! What an unergonomic placement of the hydraulic motor/pump. LOL!
Eventually, with over half of the metal removed, I got enough purchase on the actual rubber seal and internal retaining spring, that the seal did pry out. It’s a tight fit! Which then brought about the next problem. How do I get the new seal in? Haha.
Well, it fit easily on to the shaft, and slid up to the pump body. I used a 3/4 inch closed end wrench to fit over the shaft and onto the seal. Then with prying against a metal piece of the PTO engaging switch assemble, I could pry the seal into its recess.
I haven’t got to test the repair as last night there was more rain. An inch and a half fell. The grass is too wet. Oh well, maybe this afternoon. I sure hope the leak is fixed.
Grass, tress, windows, a roof leak, and so on. It’s busy around here!
Two of my Aunts died, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Mom and her remaining sister, as well as myself, will attend the memorials. One of the memorials is 1800 km away, where my aunt (Mom’s SIL) lived in a care home. We are making plans for the road trip. We will also visit with my Mom’s remaining brother (husband of the aunt) and the kids. Haven’t seen them for quite a while.
That uncle is not doing well, and lives in the same care home. He has dementia, and is/thinks he is living back when he was young. Believes he is back on the farm of 50-60 years ago.
Hope you all have a great day!
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
I am happy to read that Father's Day was a good one for you and your family. I am so sorry you had a storm that created such a mess. We were complaining here for weeks about all of the rain and now...it is dry as a bone. We need a good shower or two of rain here. Send it on down...we'll be happy to see it.
I am so sorry about your Aunts. Please drive safely and know that I will be saying a few prayers for them.
Have a great day!
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
working in a congested space under the seat, and having to contort into uncomfortable positions to gain access and reach it.
I ended up drilling a small hole into the metal surface. Screwed in a wood screw. And with a pry bar attempted to remove the seal. Nope. It did rip the metal apart though.
These kind of adventures always bring to mind 25 years ago...when I sent one of my teams to work on a diesel generator in a confined space. They figured the front plate needed removal. Cast iron. Maybe 50lbs and ~15 bolts. It was old and the old seal made it stuck so they got out their pry bars and whatnot. It did eventually come off.
We gave that front plate to the crew chief as a farewell gift when he left that assignment. It had a chunk missing where they had missed removing a bolt. They had removed the plate by accidentally cracking off the inch thick cast iron around that bolt thinking it was a stuck seal...
I'm glad your leak got fixed. Not like they fixed that diesel generator.
g
Last edited by grok; 06/20/2408:13 PM.
H:55 XW:50 D20, D18, S14 ILYBINILWY 3/23 DB1 4/23, rescinded 5/23, DB2 6/23 ("I can't do this, I Love HIM") Legal Mediation 1-5 & W leaves 8/23 – 3/24 Settlement 5/24, Court 9/11/24, D 9/16/24
One of my first lessons as a Technician, going back over 30 years now, manufactures hide bolts/screws under stickers, nameplates, and such. I broke an aluminum housing on an electric hoist motor while splitting it apart to fix its leaking seal. I missed a bolt which was under a sticker.
Had another rain storm last night. Quite a wet year so far. Nice to see stuff so green. (job, I’m willing to share the rain. lol.)
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Our celebration was on July 1st. Lots of rain drowned out the fireworks here.
I did visit my son and DIL over the weekend. Their community moved their fireworks to Saturday. Maybe they were looking at the forecast. Anyhow, we did see the last minute online notice Saturday afternoon, so we made plans, went to the beach that night, and took in a pretty good display.
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Back from my eight day adventure with my Mom and Aunt. We drove 6600 km. We visited with relatives for a couple of days at the memorial service and over the weekend. The journey had many stops at various scenic locations, and some long days.
Quite enjoyable.
And also, nice to be back home.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Welcome home DnJ. I'm sorry to hear about TWO of your aunts. Hugs to you and mom. 6600 km is a lot of traveling. Glad you're home safe to enjoy the rest of your summer.
How's the cleanup going from June? Hopefully it's behind you....I'm just catching up and came across mother nature's surprise in your thread.
I know the feeling of being under the weather. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and just relax.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
Well the bug made its way through the family. It is the season of giving. lol.
Christmas Day itself was pretty well sickness-free. Sort of, just me feeling icky. Then over the next couple of days Mom and the kids started to feel the symptoms.
Lots of snow here. My goodness, I had to clean the driveway ten times so far! Christmas night so I could get my Dad and Mom home. Boxing Day for kids to visit Mom/XW. The wind blowing/piling in about a foot of snow.
The last two days the weather turned spring-like. Above zero (freezing/melting) temperatures. So much snow piles have shrunk down. And the melting has formed ice everywhere. It’s rather treacherous walking about right now.
This morning the warming/melting ceased with temperatures returning to -15C. A nice winter time day! The deep snow has thankfully melted down a lot. There were some big ridges that collected drifts. Just ready for the next dump of winter’s “some assemble required snowman making kit”.
As mentioned the kids did all go over and visit Mom/XW. The only report back, she didn’t ask anything. Nothing about the soon to be born twin grandkids. Nothing about how “soon to be Mom” is doing. Nothing about the upcoming wedding of eldest son. Nothing about university. Nothing about jobs, life, etc.
And she of course, shared nothing.
Oh well. Same same.
The kids’ downturn post Mom/XW visit didn’t last too long this year. In fact, it was nonexistent. They just returned, and started partying. Well, the two who were feeling ok. One went home sick and the other had work.
Christmas and Boxing Day were both a blast! As was the Christmas concert and singalong on the 21st.
Next up is cleaning up the house. And looking towards whatever adventures await me in the new year.
All my best!
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Lots of snow here. My goodness, I had to clean the driveway ten times so far!
WOW! I had to clear mine once on the 24th and wasn't thrilled with all other xmas celebration responsibilities. I can't imagine 10 times and through the blistery winds and while not feeling great. I'm sure mom and dad appreciated it.
Originally Posted by DnJ
The only report back, she didn’t ask anything. Nothing about the soon to be born twin grandkids. Nothing about how “soon to be Mom” is doing. Nothing about the upcoming wedding of eldest son. Nothing about university. Nothing about jobs, life, etc.
And she of course, shared nothing.
Oh well. Same same.
Mindboggling. W is missing out on so much. So so much. And, is blind to it. 7 years is a long time to be in the dark and miss important milestones. Their return to partying confirms that you have successfully defined what 'home' is for them.
Hopefully the family is feeling better and able to party tonight.
You are a blessing to me (and many) and I wish you a healthy 2025. Happy New Year, DnJ.
The day of my Dad’s passing (last Tuesday) I phone all four kids and told them the sad news. I told them that Grandma and I were doing ok, that there was no need for us to all get together right now, and we should likely get together on Saturday. I honestly don’t what I was thinking. Just numb I guess.
Anyhow, after my call, the kids all spoke to each other and my second oldest called back telling me that they were all coming out. He gave me their itinerary of when they were arriving. They stayed until Sunday.
Like I said, I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course family gets together during times like this.
The kids were awesome! They brought meals and disposable dishes. Grandma and I didn’t have to cook once until Monday after they left. Basically same with dishes. And Saturday, the day of the interment, I just tasked them with looking after getting some snacks and such as we had a few extra family attend.
My sister also travelled out for the week. She stayed with Mom, which was nice as Mom wouldn’t be alone. Once they were up and about, they both came over to my place.
It was a full week. Feeling a lot longer than it actually was.
My Dad a few years ago had a health scare and put pen to paper writing down a bit of his life story and some of his thoughts. As per his wishes, I promised I would read it at his funeral. Which I did.
It wasn’t a formal funeral, just a gathering of family. Dad’s words, his caring and loving of his family was spoken out. It was very lovely.
And of course, he passed on some advice from beyond the grave of it’s ok to be sad, but keep living. Move forward with a smile on your face and spring in your step. Not a dry eye with earshot of his final parting words.
So, my life is getting back, returning to, finding its new normal. The house is getting cleaned and organized after so many people and so much celebrating. Pictures and flowers still on the table. Other items having more cleanup priority. A few more days, and those too will be put away.
The process of cancelling various bills and such has started. Dad’s room at the care home was cleaned out on Thursday. It went really well with all the kids. They all got to see his room and help carry his possessions to the vehicles.
Mom (Grandma) and I have gotten together and started watching a new series. Following Dad’s advice and wish that we move forward. Yes, at times it does feel (seem) a bit weird. Such is grief. Been there, done that.
Ah, acceptance. Emotional understanding. I suspect I will not dwell in depression for too long. My 80 year old Dad had many “come to his dead bed” moments over that past couple of years. Still, knowing and accepting are two different things. I’ll just keep going on and let the future reveal at its pace.
Take care and be well,
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
With the holiday season winding down, many spouses that stirred up will start to settle down and even disappear for a spell. Treat this lull just like their holiday attentiveness, it means little. Do not read too much into these things.
Hopefully your holiday season was pleasant and even joyful. Embrace the lull, accept the gift of time, the peace from the situation. Refocus onto yourself (and your kids) and make your new year for you!
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Many of the spouses will pop back out in the early spring. They tend to disappear when there are holidays and events that they need to be "present" at. They can't handle family affairs because they think that they have been judged and do not want to listen to any advice that other family members may want to offer.
Do not worry, they will be back out in full force very soon. I haven't seen one yet that didn't pop back out of the rabbit hole to stir things up.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
Our loved ones live in our hearts. We are part of them. Hear them in every beat of your heart. In every beat of your children hearts. In every beat of your grandsons hearts. There they are. Forever.
Cheers new Grandpa!!! My best wishes for you and your family!
Amazing news!! I'm beyond excited for you and your family. Not one, but two bundles of joy to love, cherish and spoil. Congratulations, grandpa. And, Happy Easter!
Congratulations on the new additions to the family. I am sure your dad is looking down on all of you and smiling and saying yes...the family lives on. I am so happy for all of you. What a beautiful Easter gift...two grandsons!
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
My eldest son’s wedding was this past weekend. That’s my two oldest boys now. The twin grandsons were awesome and got lots of attention. Some of my son’s and DIL’s friends have kids as well, so baby fever is starting ramp up among the “next” generation of parents. I’m suspecting it won’t be long until another grandkid announcement will be coming.
The wedding service and weekend went well. The weather cooperated granting good sunshine filled photos and a wonderful outdoor service and celebration that lasted well into the nights.
XW and OM both did attend. Their weekend was spent mostly sitting by themselves. Few interactions with guests, few interactions with kids, and no interactions with family. Myself, my mom, my sister (and her family), my aunt and cousin, XW didn’t speak to any of us.
Breaking the ice between XW and I, like I did last wedding, did occur to me. However, there was no need to, nor opportunity well presented. I was quite busy and having an enjoyable time.
The most likely opportune time would have been during the meal as both XW and OM were seated at the parent table. Sitting, across the circular table, was an interesting surprise as the seating arrangements were simply posted. I suppose, really, there was/is no need to be forewarned.
Like our other son’s wedding, XW refused to partake in any speeches. So, like last time, I was asked to go solo, and give a father of the groom speech.
I’ve been to a few weddings and heard many cringe-worthy or otherwise horrible speeches. This weddings: ALL speeches were awesome! Touching, loving, sincere, genuine, with some humour. So glad I was second to speak, as the bar kept getting higher and higher.
I followed the parents of the bride. They had two specific toasts within their speech. The first was to the bride’s now deceased grandfather. Special decanters of his favourite sipping liquor were on every table, and all toasted this wonderful man and the principles his instilled. This really lit a belly fire in folks.
This, and the pre-ceremony drinks, and empty stomaches, made for a most fun crowd.
My speech, as many people found me afterwards and told me, I knocked out of the park.
My son, gave me no direction or request of what he wanted. Just keep it under 5 minutes. So…
I started right out of the gate thanking and toasting everyone for being here and celebrating with the happy couple. A big cheers.
Once the noise settled, I thanked and toasted to the bride’s parents for hosting the event and their hospitality. Another huge cheers echoed within the tent.
I then spoke about my son, his life, how proud I am. Followed by a cheers.
Then onto DIL. How beautiful she looked and how beautiful she is. How I hope she felt as welcomed as she always made me feel. Then the official welcome to the family. Cheers!
I then went into a bit of how I likely was suppose to pass on some wisdom from the older generation of marriage and love and such. With everyone now feeling good, all sitting on the edge of their seats:
Marriage is more than a spiritual communion; it’s also remembering to take out the trash.
Big laughter. Big cheers!
Then, spoke to the newlyweds, had everyone raise a glass, and those that still could - stand, and toasted the happy couple. CHEERS!
OMG! The noise. lol.
The only louder crowd screaming was during the cake cutting. My son, well the whole family, loves Lord of the Rings. The wedding had a LOTR theme, with the cake being a replica of Minas Tirith.
My son has five swords. When he unsheathed a full-size Glamdring and held it above his head, the tent erupted. Then both son and wife holding the near five foot blade cut the cake. What a great time!
Dancing and partying went until 2:30 am. What a fun night.
By chance, as I was coming back from the dance floor, I did see XW and OM making their exit at 10:30 pm.
The next morning was a pancake breakfast at 9:00 am. Both Dad’s, me and host, were up at 6:30 am getting things squared away and ready for the hungry folks.
Around noon, the breakfast over, tear down well underway, and my labour now not so much needed, I gather the twenty chairs I brought, and Mom and I returned home.
Think, today, I’m caught up on my sleep.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
It’s a chilly fall day here. I awoke to an overnight of -1C. There is a wee layer of frost and ice upon everything. I’m playing catch-up in my fall work of getting ready for winters cold embrace as I was on holiday with my D23. We drove three days to an amusement park and rode rollercoasters for four days, and then returned. Well, not just roller coasters, all the rides. Oh my, some of those spinner/scrambler rides do throw one around.
The day of our departure was an early start.; 7:00am depart time as lots of travel to do. That morning it had dropped to -5C over night. That mid October drop in temperature was a bit unexpected, as was rushing around in the dark getting the dog water bowl plugged in. Turned out that coldness set in for a few days and my dog sitter had to find a pail to haul water as the set out garden hose froze up.
I returned to just above freezing temperatures. And rain! Actually, D23 and I were in rain the last two days of rides and the entire trip home.
The amusement park locale’s weather was much milder than home. Mid teen temperatures. Still, kind of chilly with the constant rain. Interestingly, and fortunately, none of the rides were shut down due to the rain. And we had a blast! Who knew being rain soaked while flying at highway speeds with water droplets hitting your face like and sand blasting pellets, is so much fun. lol! Oh my, we rode so many rides, so many times.
Returning home I found a few trees had fallen due to storms. My roadway had trenches dug into it from the rainfall-rivers that stream downhill. And apparently I had mistakenly left the upstairs hall light on. Haha.
I bombed around with my tractor and road maintainer/box scraper fixing up the gravel road for the upcoming snow. Removed the box scraper and attached the snowblower. Installed my roadway marker reflectors so I can find the road when those blankets of white bury the landscape.
And yesterday, more rain, and more gouges dug out of my prepared roadway. Sheesh. This will be rake and shovel work now. Oh well.
My last few needed tasks are to drain the vehicles’ windshield fluid of water and fill with anti-freeze; drain the garden hoses; drain the outside water lines and store them away; clean up and put away all the summer tools; and get out the shovels and ice chisels/scrapers.
The 2800km trip was a wonderful ride through autumn’s colors. Toronto’s weather and season has long lasting tress of red and orange. Slowly, on road homeward the pallet dropped the reds, then oranges, and moved to brown. At home most of the leaves are gone. Trees are bare.
The grass however is green, lush, and still growing! I suppose there is some kind of testament to life surviving harsh conditions and all that; but I ain’t mowing any more this year! Hee.
Well, I best get to it. Today’s last few chores will have me prepared for the cold.
Take care everyone,
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip with D23. Family time is so precious. Some of life's greatest treasures. It warms my heart to hear your update. And, that the rain didn't discourage either of you from those thrilling rides.
As for those outdoor chores, it seems they are never done. I remember you talking about the S word; I guess it's been a year already. I better get ready.
I still have one more mow this week. I spent a couple hours blowing the red, orange and yellow off my green today. The sun was shining so I didn't mind it so much.
