April 7, 2002 - Sunday - Day 163
8:00pm- I worked on Hank's house again today, I guess all that Bible Thumping doesn't count when there's work to be done. Me and Hank went to Blue Ridge Lake to pick up my jacket and clean up my camp. Can't leave a mess! Rule-of-thumb in the woods is "Leave no trace" and I try to live by those words of wisdom. We passed by a Food Lion and I related my story about how I fed Skillet along the way, Hank being Hank, had to go behind there to see for himself. His eyes lit up like neon when he seen the stuff in the dumpster. He was like a kid in a candy store. Hank don like to buy food, he never has. Grow it, kill it, or steal it, just doesn't matter as long as he doesn't pay for it.
I am in my tree-house now writing by candle-light and I find it quite humorous that Hank is worried about a bear getting me. I have had 3 encounters with bears and I have been the victor everytime. Nice to be worried about, though. I've known Hank since 4th grade and I don't think he'll ever change. Every day that I have run into him since 1970, he has asked about my sister, I am wondering now, did I miss something? Great to be alive!
April 6, 2002 - Saturday - Day 162
I worked for Hank today and I was felling good about it. I don't think there is anything I wouldn't do for him. So, if I can help him out, that's GREAT! I have to walk from my tree-house, about a half mile from his house to eat dinner. I have always thought Cynthia's cooking was top of the line, so the walk was well worth it. I don't think I'll ever get use to praying before I eat, though. The Riding's clan is a firm believer in this ritual. I don't md bowing my head for a good meal, though! Its worth it.
April 5, 2002- Saturday- Day 162
Hank came early and picked me up and said he wanted me to hard-coat his house for him.That is not a problem for me, as I would do just about anything for him. So, we headed to Blairsville to pick up material and headed back to get to work. It was a little rough on my poor old legs getting back on stilts after my little 2,000 walk. Tough old birds like me are a glutton for punishment. It makes me feel alive. I'll have to get back to the lake and pick up my tent and stuff after work. There is a lot of woods on Hank's mountain, with a ice cold stream to jump in, any time I feel frisky.
After I retrieved my belongings , Hank took me in the back way of his property and I didn't believe what I seen. He built a 3 story tree-house up on the side of the mountain. He told me to stay here and to keep an eye out for bears. Really cool tree-house. No water and no electric, but when was the last time I had any of those luxuries?
