4APRIL2012 at Helena, MT - In one day I will motor away from Helena toward Pierre, SD. As my friend Fred says "Folks, that is not math ... that's arithmetic."

Today is my monthly cookout. I look forward to several friends showing up and possibly helping me finish some Coronas and a grilled wonderful or two. A little help planting onions and potatoes would really underscore their friendship. After even one Corona my ability to plant will be greatly diminished.

Two days back I relocated three fence posts with screen fence. While digging out the posts my left foot popped a vessel ... so my swollen foot is making my life more challenging. Felomina called last night, affording me the opportunity to restate how the shovel is her tool - not mine. Anyway, with my hobble slowing me down, I will huddle with our tax lady today, straighten out a bank statement problem, pack for the trip, have a monthly cookout, wash dishes, take out the garbage, put two more pieces onto the 2011/12 jigsaw puzzle, return the cable TV box and maybe even go up the ladder to attach six more pigeon-dismaying 1 x 4s.

Last night Brittany Griner and Odyssey Sims and teammates sewed up the most perfect college basketball season ever, winning the national championship to complete a 40-0 record. Ahhh - like a long breath of clean spring air - it gets no better than that. As I paddle on for the next two months the memory will be wonderful.