"I didn't think I was that close"

Operating large things is not easy, especially when vision is limited and the 'thing' is going in reverse.
Unfortunately I learned from my own mistakes. And thankfully no one got hurt and the damage was not too bad. I was backing one tractor trailer in beside another one and got too close. A bracket on the one slid along and sliced the trailer tarp on the other. Damage? 1 Really big hole in the tarp and my pride.

So this is what I spent the last two days doing. Replacing the old with the new.

Surveying the damage of the old tarp after it is off the trailer.

After removing the old tarp, I cut the good piece off to save for future use.

The new tarp came in a gunny sack all nicely rolled up and clean.

Unrolling the new tarp.

On each side of the tarp is a pipe that slides into sleeves at each edge. I made double sure the tarp was oriented correctly as I really didn't want to do it twice.I then rolled it up and lifted it onto the top of the trailer.
I spread it out across the trailer, making sure it was the right size and fit well. I also made sure to support this side so it didn't slide off onto the ground.

The stationary side is held in place by these brackets. The clamps pinch tight enough to hold the pipe, but have a gap for the tarp to fit through.

The clamps also double as stops to keep the tarp from falling off the edge when it is rolled to the open position (The tarp is not installed in this picture)

The roll side has the tarp screwed to the pipe using these washers and screws. Screwing the tarp to the pipe prevents the pipe from slipping in the tarp sleeve when rolling it up.

Installing the hand crank onto the roll pipe. The hand crank reaches to the ground and allows the operator to unroll/roll the tarp without climbing up onto the trailer.

And finally the finished product,
Road ready once again.

And this is what was on my mind,
distracting me from backing the truck (which caused the initial damage).

The 'New' Daily Grind

So I am a little tired, here's why.

My life , on a good day looks like this:

5:30 Alarm goes off
6:00 crawl out of bed
7-7:10 leave for school (I leave early so if traffic is bad I am still on time)
8-9:20 Western Civ
9:30-Chapel (I sometimes study cause I don't have to go as I am 'off campus')
10:35-11:55 New Testament survey
12:00-After talking to Sarah for a minute or two I head to the farm, eat lunch, change and then work
4:30ISH-leave and go home
5:30-It only takes 20 to get home but till I empty my stuff and get a shower and relax for a minute or two before supper.
6:30-Done with supper, Start Studying
10:30-Almost have everything read, but I am tired. I did take 2 or 3 breaks to relax for a few minutes, so it wasn't ALL schoolwork.
10:30 Post on this site
10:33 (estimated) change and other ablutions (look it up)
10:34 fall asleep

Honoring an American Hero

Recently Sarah and I attended her Grandfather's funeral. While a funeral is never a 'pleasant' or 'fun' event, I will say I count it an honor to have celebrated the life of Harold Holt with his family and friends.

Born in 1926, Grandpa was a member of a generation that some have dubbed "The Greatest Generation." Like many young men of his day he enlisted and participated in WWII . Not only did he give of his time, but a combat injury to his arm stayed with him the rest of his life. When he returned from Europe he attended college and earned an Ag degree from Penn State.

Agriculture was one of Grandpas passions and he dedicated his entire career to it. He first worked on a dairy farm and then in feed sales and finally as an extension agent for over 25 years. Grandpa was also extremely involved in his community. In addition to serving faithfully in his church he also filled his time with 4H, FFA and the local American Legion.

Even though I did not know Grandpa very well I have heard many stories about him and his dedication to his faith and his love for life. I also admire him for his patriotism and dedication to his country, not only by risking his life abroad, but also giving his life promoting agriculture here in Pennsylvania. After all, agriculture is the backbone of this country's economic prosperity.

I am grateful for Grandpa and others like him who worked hard to make this country what it is. You have certainly earned the title "The Greatest Generation."