it is that time of year again.  we made one trip so far this year but a wheel bearing went bad in one wheel in the wagon causing drag (and us to pedal very hard) so next trip we will bring less bags home. (we can't find the right size bearing in illinois including chicago so i have installed special grease and it is like the old fashion farm and freight wagon wheels running on the axle grease applied every time the old dries out.  it is only a couple of miles over to the garden center and not any hills. just a couple of small grades. yes the stoker supplies some of the power but the captain most, since he has lower yet gears, and lower age in his favor. i worked the main 'raised bed' garden this afternoon and applied last years compost, and after a couple of days i will be up to working the second smaller raised bed garden spot though need more compost and soil there.  however it will not be completed but usable, before this season begins. this fall's compost should finish it up for next spring. i am leaning strongly in the direction of a 80cc gas engine hooked into the gearing, for the lead trike, installed for $450, which would help these tired old bones up hill and on longer drives when our power fizzles and we are not yet home. this would keep many mile off the car making it last longer though haven't figured out how many summers of driving the trikes to pay for the up front cost then become cheap transportation.

walt