Starting year 3

February marked the beginning of the year of the rat in the Chinese calendar. Actually, it is the year of the Earth Rat (as opposed to the year of the Metal, Wood, Water or Fire Rat).

Around here, March ushered in the year of the Earth Moving Equip-ment. I suppose that would make it the year of the Caterpillar. Other varietals would include the year of John Deere, Case, or New Holland.

For his birthday, the young engineer was endowed with a variety of machinery replicas: a tractor, a skid loader, and a backhoe loader. They have quickly become the favorite pastime around here. Just wait until the sandbox thaws!