Sycamore Balls, Riding Mowers and Sciatica

 My sister-in laws told me the riding mower stopped mowing, so, if I could, take a look at the mower. I did, found the deck belt had jumped off the clutch, and quickly put it back on. We both knew why, and any sycamore balls in the yard will have to be raked before mowing in the future. They will find their way into the belt, get caught, and knock the belt off the clutch pulley. A minor problem, and easily taken care of. 

Up to this morning, I was dealing with my occasional sciatica. I've dealt with it off, and on, since my early twenties. I have a pretty good idea of why I developed it. Trying to lift a heavy object while working offshore caused some bad pain, and over the years, something as slight as stepping wrong can set it off. It lasts for a few days, with the first day leaving me wondering if I should just pee the bed, instead of getting up, and the next two days dealing with the soreness. Some rest, and over the counter pain meds, take care of the pain. 

The local foresters are making prescribed underbrush burns until next Friday. With a wind shift from a cold front, the smoke is now drifting/billowing through the area. We'll probably see more of the same tomorrow, and as the wind shifts more to the East, we'll be rid of the smoke. As far as I know, they have everything under control. I've seen this before, and the result is a removal of all the dead growth, and accumulation of pine straw, with leaves, that accumulate on the forest floor. The trees will get some scorched bark, but the flames never are intense enough to light the trees. Squirrels probably are not affected, but I wonder about the critters that can't climb. Deer can easily outrun the flames, but slower critters might not be able to escape. Reptiles are probably safe, since it's too cold for them to be about. 

I've been reading some about the tariffs, military in the Middle East, the Guthrie woman, Epstein file, and all the other things I can only wonder about, since expecting anything but garbage from most of the media is prevalent these day. So, it's time for a cup of coffee, and some time on the porch...if the smoke isn't too heavy.