Pleep's Favorite Hardware Store Adventure

When Pleep heard Stan and Ed discussing the need to head to the local hardware store, he really perked up.  Pleep's favorite hardware store adventure stories all involve HOC, George, ax handles and pubs.  Growing up the Heidkamp children spent many vacations at the O'Connor log cabin in Abrams, Wisconsin.  Being a very old log cabin, there was always something in need of repair.  Plus the fireplace and wood burning stove required lots of firewood to keep things warm inside.  There were several axes used to chop kindling and split logs.  HOC was less than skilled at this chore which meant it was common to end up with a broken ax handle.  

The best place to get a new ax handle was the hardware store in Oconto Falls.  There was also a nice IGA grocery store there where provisions could be obtained.  The sequence of events would typically run along these lines: After breaking the ax handle, HOC would come into the cabin looking for George.  He always timed his entry while GOC was in the outhouse.  "George, we have to head to town for an ax handle.  Want to join me and can I have the keys?"  Having experienced HOC's driving skills, George would naturally volunteer to be the driver.  Coming out of the outhouse, GOC would see the car start to leave and holler, "Hughie you better be right back. Plus, bring back some eggs."

The trip into town didn't take that long.  First, into the hardware store where the array of ax handles was impressive.  The experts there would select the best one and offer to put it on for HOC.  HOC always thought that was a grand idea; "George, let's head next store to the pub while we wait for them to fix the ax."  Being an agreeable guy, George thought it was a good way to spend the time.  

After several hours, they would find their way back to the hardware store to reclaim the ax.  By that time, HOC was not very steady on his feet but he always remembered to also stop by the IGA to pick up the eggs.  Heading home, HOC would discuss how to explain the lengthy trip to GOC.  "George, I think we better stop at a few more towns to make certain we have the story straight."  

Finally arriving back at the cabin with the newly repaired ax and several dozen broken eggs, HOC would enter the cabin singing, "Please release me, let me go...." He felt this was a sure way to get back in GOC's good graces.  George thought the best course of action was to head to couch and hang out with the troops.

As we got older, we were allowed to join HOC & George on the trips to the hardware store.  On one of these adventures, Terry and HOC stopped at a local establishment on the way back where there was a new litter of golden labs.  HOC thought it would be a good idea for Terry to acquire one.  Terry agreed and ended up taking Domer back home as a present for Sue.