Taking care of home

Since I was outside taking care of some yard work on Sunday, I figured I should probably check the level on the propane tank since the furnace is running, and I found this interesting surprise. Thankfully, the bees were gone and the tank wasn’t empty.

By Allan Olson

For the first time in a couple weeks, we didn’t spend our weekend running all over the state or even just spend it elsewhere. This weekend was all about the home front. Friday night started with cleaning the garage, getting rid of things there was no need to hang on to, loading the trailer with junk to be taken to the dump. The level of assistance varied depending on who was helping me, but all the kids pitched in one way or another. 

I eventually managed to accomplish most of what I wanted in the garage, so next it was time to move into the house. My wife had started on it by enlisting whoever wasn’t working outside; the goal was to accomplish some deep cleaning. We started on the kitchen, washing cupboards, scrubbing surfaces and more. This process also included getting rid of things that we no longer need.

On Saturday morning and afternoon I was at the Walleye Classic Fishing Tournament. In between the start and finish, I emptied my trailer and resumed work on some things in the house. The plan was to get the kitchen and dining area completed, but we didn’t. We worked on it more Saturday evening and a little on Sunday, but it just didn’t work out. More work will be waiting for everyone on the coming weekend, as this week’s schedule is filling up fast.

On Sunday, I did spend a little time working outside; I put away the outdoor furniture, got the garden hose rolled up and put away, and tipped the boat over and put away the motor and gas tank for the season. I really wanted to get out fishing again, but my little boat and the weather both say “no.” That afternoon we headed west to the big city of Bagley to help a friend with some winterization, as they needed the agility of two of my children for their project.

On Sunday night, a couple of the kids finally convinced me to play Speed with them. Thankfully the game does not involve running, because I’m pretty sure I would lose to all of them. It’s a card game that their older brother must have recently learned and then taught them how to play. It is not a new game, but it’s certainly been a few years since I’ve played it. Anyway, after a refresher for the old man, we were off and running. So far I’m ahead in wins v. losses against both Alivia and Marcus, but I’m sure that will change, and I probably won’t be as lucky when Nikolai decides to challenge me.

So aside from the weekend cleaning, both inside and out, we didn’t do really do much of anything, which is a little out of the normal for us. It was, for the most part, fairly relaxing. There’s still stuff in the house to finish, and I have some things I need to finish outside, including putting away the mower and some other items, so hopefully this weekend there will be a chance to get to it again.

Our plans for the weekend will probably be just cleaning around the house and putting away more things in the yard. Since fishing is over for us, I would like to get out in the woods to find some birds, but so far the weather hasn’t cooperated. We also haven’t ventured west to Fargo to see that new little great-nephew of ours. I guess there’s only so much time in a week, and we seem to max it out each week.

Please remember to watch out for the buses that are carrying our most precious cargo. Also, snap a photo or two to preserve a lifetime of memories. Thanks for reading, and have a great week! Feel free to drop me a line at cltimes1@arvig.net or stop by the office for a visit.