Changing the Leathers on the Windmill

It doesn't seem that long ago that I posted about changing the leathers on the windmill... they last around one to two years depending on use.
It's not a difficult job to do...just takes a bit if muscle and a bit of good luck. :)

Secure a chain high on the windmill tower, then attach a comealong to the chain..

Attach another chain to the comealong and make a couple half hitches around the windmill wooden rod. Use the comealong to pull the well rod out of the ground.

Unscrew each rod as you go and set them to the side out of the way...




the old, worn leathers...



the new leathers....















The new leathers attached to the bottom of the wooden well rod...



ready to drop back into the well...





the wooden rods ready to be attached and lowered back into the well...



use a wire brush to remove any dirt on the threads, brush with a bit of anti-seize, then screw the two rods together.... repeat with the remaining rods.





as you lower the rod back into the well.. make darned sure you have a good grip on it or you'll be fishing it out of the bottom of the well. lol :(


















when all wooden rods are in the well, attach the windmill rod with bolts...




the windmill rod goes up to the windmill head...




if the windmill turns and water comes out, you're good to go... If not, call the windmill repair man and hope for the best. lol :)

Walleye n Tater Cakes

A talented smoking friend named Phesant (who happens to be an excellent angler too) sent a nice batch of walleye filets he had caught in the cool waters of his home state, Wisconsin!
Also included in the package was a home made pepper blend!
Woohoo!!
What a nice surprise! :)

I've not tasted walleye in years so I was anxious to cook a few filets..

not wanting to over power the fish with heavy seasonings, I brushed with butter and sprinkled with a small amount of lemon pepper.... then placed into the Pro with a bit of mild apple wood.

While the filets smoked I made a few potato patties..

I beat one egg...

added two baked potatoes (peeled). Mashed potatoes work fine, I just had the baked ones on hand. Also added minced onion, crumbled crisp bacon, salt, pepper and garlic powder...





rolled golf ball sized pieces, flattened them a bit, dipped in an egg/milk wash and coated with panko bread crumbs...




ready to fry...



I fried in butter until golden and crisp...



Smoked the walleye until it easily flaked...




I made a butter, onion, lemon, sherry, caper sauce to top the filets...

The sour cream topped potato cakes, steamed asparagus and lemon caper topped walleye...



the potato cakes were nice and crispy on the outside and tender in the center...



the walleye was heavenly. :) I think this was the best meal I've had in years!




I've not had the chance to try the pepper blend but am looking forward to it!

Thank you again HWSW. I appreciate your generosity!