A Well Oiled Machine

So today we had a few minor backhoe issues to problem solve.  As we were digging out more tree stumps, one of the "teeth" on the claw fell off.  Apparently this is common over time.  After searching and searching for it, the construction version of I Spy,  we finally decided that it would be best to just go load up on backhoe teeth.  Therefore, today I was officially introduced to the world of John Deere.  Hello change of perspective!  Of course, I had to document this significant moment (see photo below).  

We made a day of it and stopped at a little pizzeria for lunch on the way back to Hearthstone.  Then Roger changed the teeth on the backhoe as I expertly assisted (i.e. stood there and handed him the new "tooth").  Then he resumed pulling out the stumps.  Seriously, there is an infinite amount of vines and roots under the dirt.  I envision years of clipping them as they will inevitably try to resurface. Have I mentioned that my all time favorite tools are clippers?  Additionally, I learned how to sort and stack rocks to rebuild the house.  I can now identify a corner-stone and how NOT to pinch my fingers.  

The stump on the right is a cedar tree that was rotted out and home to a nest of carpenter ants (ew!)

The new teeth work!!!

Just as we were on a roll, it was time to re-grease the backhoe.  This led to issue #2 tonight.  I had no idea that you had to actually grease machinery like that (remember, I'm new at all of this)!  In Brey-language, you need to grease the joints of the backhoe so that dirt doesn't get into the fittings and make a screeching/grinding sound.  This is an extremely messy job because there is already tons of grease from the last 5 hour period to muck out as well.  I think we went through an entire roll of paper towels.  Then you re-inject more grease into it.  Obviously, this was the first time I had the privilege of being a part of this obviously routine maintenance.  Tonight, it took additional time because one of holes was clogged with dirt and grunge and wouldn't take the grease.  After much maneuvering, diesel fuel (breaks up the dirt), and a Brey power-nap (problem solving is exhausting) they got it going again.  Let me just say that the phrase, "a well oiled machine," has taken on an entirely new meaning!