Time off & hooky

It finally snowed enough yesterday to crosscountry ski, but the temperature was above 30 degrees, perfect
for making snowballs and having it stick to skis. Oh well, there are 3 bowls to put a finish on and 3 or 10
more to make for Christmas presents so off to the workshop to play. This morning it was 19 degrees,and
those bowls were still not all finished. A hardly working man can only take so much. It was time to take
time off and/or play hooky, call it what you want I am revolting (my significant other says no matter how
you take that it is correct). Ten minutes later I am out the back door and putting the rock skis on, a few
seconds later I am out the back gate and heading for creek. Ten minutes along the creek and there is
a nice buck moving out of the brush and running up the side of the creek, we both know hunting season
closed last week, but you have to make it look good for the doe that joins him about 200 yards further.
About a mile further along the hilghland cattle move over to the fence to check me out and then remember
me from last year and go back to feeding. Under the bridge, being careful to ski along the bank so the
ice does not break through, and over to the development that never developed, but makes a great ski
area and after about 1 and half hours, it is back to check the bird feeder and suet and eat lunch. The
grouse are still feeding along the creek, but the ducks and geese have finally went south and after all
the play in the snow I am ready to go play in the shop again. Sometimes you just have to take a break.

-- As ever, Gus-the 74 yr young apprentice carpenter