February 22, 2020

White Dog suggested that maybe we could find a tiny tool belt that would fit Roman for times when he was "Dad's Fix-It Assistant."

As you might remember, a couple of weeks ago, we had a strange incident where police found a fugitive hiding in our storage shed after a two-hour manhunt. In his attempt to evade capture he had broken the simple door handle lock (which was a deterrent of 20-odd years0 and slipped inside.

In an effort to avoid a repeat, and to provide protection for the tools and miscellany stored, Steve purchased a heavy-duty hasp and highly rated padlock. Installing it was put on this weekend's "to do" list. Unfortunately our handy men forget to share the schedule with Mother Nature who provided a dismal misty grey morning as a setting for the work.

The violated door has eaten at Steve's sense of calm and he could no longer avoid making things right so after White Dog Army breakfasts, he donned his hooded sweatshirt and rain slicker, gathered tools, and headed to the yard.

Of course, Roman followed him out. We heard drilling and the creak of the door swinging shut. But they did not return right away.

Steve added security lights that are solar powered.  Then Roman bounded in the dog door. His coat glistened from the dew-like raindrops and every pup scattered when he vigorously gave a shake.

Steve came in and hung his coat to dry before pronouncing the task complete. "Roman was my dedicated assistant," he said, "stayed out with me the entire time. This new lock won't be so easy to defeat. Whether it is someone in the yard or coyotes, I think we need lights out there as well."