I was quite short of sleep, and expected to collapse early, but in fact was able to get out to my workshop and do some cleanup and organization there before going to bed. I also tried out the ersatz post drill that I put together last weekend. It drilled very well–the non-electric drill for that size bit I have ever used–but was somewhat inconvenient. I thought of a couple improvements I can easily make.

I woke up at least three times between 6 and 7 AM, but was able to firmly tell myself it was not a work day and I could go back to sleep. After finally getting up around 9 AM and going through the morning routine I went out to the workshop. I made a few cosmetic touch-ups on the stake box I made two weekends ago and then loaded it with the stakes and put it with our other camping gear. It is ready to go for colgaffneyis show in Twig next weekend.

mia_mcdavid and I went out on a series of errands. First stop was the St. Paul Farmers’ market, where I was amused to see certified organic kimchi. I thought about buying a jar (I like kimchi), but decided to pass on it. We had several other stops to make on a rather warm day. Under those circumstances fermenting kimchi in a hot car can make quite a stink-bomb.

We then drove further south to see Tom, our severely autistic son, at the crisis center where he is living until his new group home is ready. He was quite cheery and glad to see us, and we took him out for a walk and then lunch at Chris & Rob’s Chicago Taste Authority in south Minneapolis. This worked out quite well.

After dropping Tom off we went off to the nearby Lowe’s. We looked at a variety of things. I wanted a low-end electric drill to replace one that had finally broken down. I am not a total purist about traditional tools. I thought about a $13 Brand X model, but settled on the cheapest Black & Decker at about $30. I also got a couple bits for drilling through steel, and an extension cord for our electric lawn mower–the old one had taken a nasty scrape, exposing bare wire. I might try to fix it, but mowing the lawn is one of J’s chores now and we want him to feel safe.

More later….if I get a chance.