Int’l Falls welcomes the Big Union guys currently refurbishing the Boise plant from stem to stern. For sure, local merchants get a well needed boost, especially the folks who sell booze. These boiler makers not only repair them by day, they drink them by night. “We work hard and we play hard,” slurred Daryl Pettibone (not his real name) as he staggered from his truck totin’ a half gallon of Wild Turkey from the front seat. “I’m back BOYS!” The drunken reverie of Daryl’s Union Brotherhood answered him thunderously down the full length of one of the motels hosting the troop. “Hoo-AHHH, who wants to smoke some down home bud!” Another of the ‘hood yelled and then slammed another double Jack Daniels down his grizzled gullet. “Wait for me!” Chairs fell over, beers spilled and the mad rush was on, as a dozen line backers rushed into one tiny room. Since my house is being remodeled, I have been a motel guest for the last couple of weeks and I’ve observed this nightly re-run since the crew from Moonshine, Michigan landed here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating these guys drive while sober or stash the Maui Wow-eeee down by the river, no sir-EE! I was once a young man who partied hardy off line. I was worse, I worked while loaded and then relaxed doin’ the same. These guys work inside a plant, I drove for a living. I gotta look up to this crew. These guys go to work straight and only drink and drive after work. I was a round the clock drinker and toker back in my hay day. To those who are about to die (before their time), I salute you! Rest In Peace, I was lucky. May the force be with you also! One mistake and the Boise plant will explode come start-up. God save us all . . .