Bad news on the truck

Naturally, as soon as he finished the transmission, the carburator (I know that's spelled wrong) went out, and as soon as he finished that one of the choke lever things got stuck in the "open" position -- this truck is 50 yrs old or more I think. He's just about finished which is good because we NEED straw. We've been lucky the past few days that the wind hasn't been too bad but I noticed the animals digging in their bedding and we need several fresh piles. The two bales we had on hand for Fifteen's maternity stall were used in Moo's pen when she refused to come out during the recent ice storm.

We also need wood. Desparately. I kept telling Ed that my supply wouldn't be enough for the winter and he kept telling me that he'd be feeling well enough to cut down the dead trees out back but..... well you know how that went. What I've got and we received is over 2/3 gone and at this point we won't be able to heat through December. Spending $250/300 each month on propane is simply not an option I'll consider. So as soon as he gets the truck working I plan on locating a wood source to go load it, haul it, and stack it myself. A rick of hardwood (hedge, it sparks HORRIBLY and can only be used in stoves) is going for around $50 and that's a good solid month's worth or more. Just crossing my fingers that he gets it running.

We had a wonderful visit with my in-laws last weekend and are looking forward to spending a day of shopping on 12/16. My SIL and I will head out, childless, to the stores while the menfolk watch the kids at their house. We plan to supplement them well with plenty of crockpots full so they can just snack all day. I'll even pack a couple coolers for us because I figure it will be packed at all the stores and restaurants. I haven't done shopping on a Saturday during the holidays in I can't remember when so I'm actually looking forward to it!