Not to busy of a weekend, but pain sucks.

     This weekend has been ok, got some things done but sharp shooting pains don't feel to good. Prior to our camping trip last weekend, I injured my right wrist and have inflamed it real good. I was having problems holding or picking up many things in my right hand that whole weekend. Went to the doctor this last Monday and saw the ortho doc at our family practice. Seems I have something similar to Carpal Tunnel, but its not the nerve in the center of my wrist, its on the outer edge, the Lunate nerve. Well he said let's try and knock the inflammation down with predisnone, if not we may have to do a cortisone shot. Then he said if all else fails, you may need surgery. Well, the prednisone hasn't done a damn thing to help. Ice has helped with some pain but it just comes right back after my hand and wrist warms back up. First off, doctors and I don't get along to well, so it seems I may be going back tomorrow for the next step. I still have some work that needs to get done with the business and I need to get that done in the case I need surgery on my wrist. If I do get a shot, I hope it works and corrects my pain. If it doesn't, guess I will be back to schedule surgery for sometime in December. I have been asked to bid on some clean up work but I think I will have to pass on it. I have two other local companies that I have talked to and may let them have it.

   Last Thursday, I started having issues with my F-250 starting, it sounded real weak and it was having a hard time cranking. I figured it was the battery but after checking the voltage of the battery and alternator, taking it to a local auto parts place to test the battery and my buddies boat shop to load test the correct way, seems I needed a new starter. One good thing about having real good friends that own businesses is you can get things cheaper, usually wholesale. I went friday with him to one of the parts places he gets some parts for boats, since inboard motors are basically car engines and got hooked up with a re-manufactured starter for just over $100.00, saved at least $35.00

    Saturday morning, JUGM decided she was going to the commissary and she took both boys with her so I could get started changing starters out. I have changed starters before but FORD decided they wanted to add a third bolt on the top of this one, in a spot that is nearly impossible to get to. To add to the difficulty, there was a metal and foam insulating pad over the factory starter solenoid that separated from the foam so the metal kept getting in the way. Well after much constricting my hands, winching in pain, and going through 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and air ratchet's with 1/2 sockets, swivel adapters, and 1/2 swivel sockets the starter made its way out. Installation of course took 1/3 of the time I needed to get it out. Made all the electrical connections and it cranked up like a charm, no issues.

   Today, I brought my open trailer home to do some hub maintenance and preservation work on it. Took a wire brush to some surface rust and repainted most of the trailer. Hubs were fine but I like to pull them apart from time-to-time and just check. I have always learned to take care of your stuff, it lasts longer and keeps costs down. I will be needing this trailer most of the week as I have a large amount of mulch to move and put in its new place which I can see will be slower than normal.

   Senior