Yup, we had a heckuva freeze overnight.
So cold I couldn't even write anything on my windshield this morning, so I had to use the computer.
And, this is just the beginning, as temps are supposed to dip into the 20s later in the week.
I'm not complaining about the cold weather because as long as the sky says it's gonna be a beauty of a day otherwise, I'll never complain.
Besides not being able to finger print on windshields, the cold weather signals an increase of hay for the horses. They'll stay on pasture for the next few weeks but not without morning and evening hay supplements.
No complaining from horses.
Actually, this morning I can sing more praises than belt out whining.
It's always a good day when the equipment we use for various tasks around the place is back in running order.
Tony of Wizardry came yesterday and got me all fixed up for more leaf gathering.
Rather than supplying a photo of Tony at work on my lawnmower (actually I would need a video because Tony moves so fast and efficiently), I have posted a photo documenting just one little section of Tony's work van.
"How full IZ that van?" you may ask.
Well, here's one determiner: I asked Tony if he wanted a pumpkin and he said yes.
So, I walked over to the pumpkin line-up on the bricks next to the kennel.
That's the same place where I almost killed Tony six years ago when he brought me the new zero-turn mower. Tony was hobbling around in a boot cuz he had broken his leg (the first time).
He showed me the controls on the mower and then told me to give it a try.
Tony made one mistake that day: he didn't get out of the way.
I not only forcefully (well, the lawnmower) moved a couple of decorative bricks from their perch but I also put Tony on the dead run, limp and all.
He managed to dart out of the way before I ran him down.
Anyway, yesterday at that fateful place of yesteryear, I picked out a pumpkin and headed for Tony's van where the side slider indicated no room for pumpkins.
Moving on to the passenger door, I looked inside and said, "Tony, there's no room in here for this pumpkin."
"Just put it on top of the pile," he said.
And, so I did, noticing on a later trip past the van that the pumpkin had toppled from its orginal perch but knowing it could NOT go very far.
Twould be an understatement to say that there's no hint of social distancing inside that van of Tony's, and it's for sure that he won't be picking up any hitch hikers.
Tony proudly told me that it had taken only two weeks to fill his van to the brim with what appears all the tools of his trade and may 100 other lawnmower repairmen.
He moved all of his inventory after hitting a turkey at 65 mph on the I-90 freeway. That turkey came right through Tony's windshield and was kind enough to miss Tony.
Besides the fact that he had nine repair jobs to do in the Spokane area that day and had to drive for a while with chards of glass pelting him, Tony said the turkey's demise was so bad there was no way he could bring it home for dinner.
So, when all was said and done with the new windshield, the turkey cost Tony $1,000.
The inventory stuffed inside Tony's van comes as no surprise to Bill and me. His vans have looked pretty much the same inside for years.
Still, in all the years that we've had Tony fixing our equipment, not once has he failed to find a needed bolt, bearing, washer or blade inside that heap.
Once again, watching this masterful wizard at work, which included finding a 7/8-inch socket yesterday and talking himself through virtually every single move under, around and beneath the lawnmower, was a truly amazing experience.
This morning I can do nothing but smile as I see a gorgeous day ahead and know that my lawnmower, with its new front tires, new bearing, new supply of oil and its leaf chute installed properly should work like a dream.
The world outside our little piece of Heaven may be crazier than ever today, but we can revel in the fact that folks like Tony, through their consistency, skill, brilliance, work ethic and general decency, will always come through for us.
Blessed and appreciated souls, for sure.
Thanks, Tony.
You are truly special.
Happy Tuesday.
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