Good morning!!!!

[Popgadget]

Good Morning.
Its 62 out and going to The low 80’s. Another day with no rain.

Yesterday started with retrieving the trash and recycling toters, then a trip to Costco, of course we forgot to get what sparked the trip in the first place, dishwasher pods. I did get some Pork shoulders that I plan to get into the smoker this evening. Should have about 30 lbs of pulled pork ready on Sunday afternoon.
Overall I’m happy with the switch from BJ’s to Costco. The meat selection is far superior even if everything else was equal, which it isn’t.
I did get the tractor hooked up to the Progressive mower and took it for a tour of the property, making lots of dust. Was nice to be in a cab with a good air filter. Grandson was out boating with his parents, so I had the cab all to myself, listening to reruns Terry Gross interviews of musicians on the radio. Smokey Robinson and Isaac Hayes were both particularly interesting.
By the time I was finished and got the equipment cleaned up and put away, it was time for dinner. Grandson and his father came up to visit after dinner. Not a bad day overall.

Not sure what I’ll get into today, I have to help a friend modify the cover on his pool pump to accept a blower to winterize it, but after that, there is not much of a plan. Might take the biplane out for a ride, but not sure yet.

The hot tub looks good Drew, hopefully it gets nice and warm for you, and provide some relief from the everyday aches and pains.

Funny thing about my diving experience is that I have done very little sport diving in clear or warm water. I did vacation with friends on trips to Grand Cayman and Bonair, but that’s about it. I always wanted to go to the Truk Lagoon, but not sure I have that much ambition to travel anymore. I still have my gear and keep a full 80cu ft tank around, but it’s usually to retrieve a dropped propeller or to repair a swimming pool, more like work than sport.

 

[LouNY]

Interesting drive today.

Went over to WV and did some exploring for land. Just a gorgeous nice day.
We passed what appeared to be a good local restaurant before we got to town. Looked good by the number of cars there.
We pull into town, wife wanted to eat before looking at the lot but I missed seeing a place I had in mind. Has food lion and a TSC. We stopped at DQ for restroom break, and I decided to go back and check out that little restaurant.
We walk in, all tables taken, small place, 5 tables and a few bar stools. Nice inside.
Couple guys and a woman sitting at a table said they were about done, we could join them. 3 of them, 5 chairs at a round table. The lady works there, she got up and went back to kitchen area. We’re sitting there chatting with these 2 guys, they were just as friendly as could be. One first guy retired there from MD about 10 yrs ago, his wife waitresses at the place, they came for lunch and shoot the breeze, the other was his neighbor, who had also lived in MD at one time before moving here while in HS. The first guy said he bought his land, dug well and put in septic, and camped on his land for years before retiring and building a house. They have lots of advice, recommended well drillers, real estate people etc. then another friend of theirs came in and sate with us and chatted some more. The first 2 left when our food came, we chatted with this other guy until some of his buddies came in and he joined them.
Great food. Homemade everything. Everyone we meet as friendly as can be.
We eventually made it to the lot we went to see
Beautiful with minimal restrictions.
This 5.6 acre lot is almost perfectly flat on top.
North view
View attachment 760805
East view
View attachment 760806
SE view
View attachment 760808
S view
View attachment 760809
West view, pear trees on another lot
View attachment 760810

There’s a big old tank, I’m guessing once used as a water tank on this lot, with old building beside it.
View attachment 760811

It is priced for the view, at least double other lots it’s size
What’s weird is the lots developed in 1986, has over 30 lots, this 2nd largest. Most 2-3 acres.
There are only 2 houses, 1 looks like original farm house. There are 5-6 lots currently for sale. Homeowners responsible for road maintenance, most roads in development have no gravel but are cleared nice. Main Road is in good shape.
View attachment 760813
One of the no gravel roads.
View attachment 760814

Decisions decisions. A bit steep in price. Only the 1 lot has the views. Most are down in the woods around this one.

2 miles out of town. Less than 3 miles from food lion, TSC and the county hospital. all roads paved until this development.

Good looking area with nice views.

I have no idea of the weather there but the narrow gravel road would never survive snow plowing. And the non-graveled roads could turn into bottomless mud pits in a rainy season.
If you have never lived on gravel/dirt roads;
forget about having a clean vehicle,
be ready for stone bruised tire flats,
once the other lots get built up be ready for traffic driving too fast on dirt roads,
rain will make mud everywhere,
drought will make for dust, then slippery slimy mud.
The road I live on only got paved about 3 years ago, and my driveway is a 1/4 mile gravel/dirt road, it takes maintenance and a bit of money to keep in shape. When it rains or snows I can take the truck through a car wash and it will look good till the first trip up the driveway, even in first gear at under 10 mph the fenders and sides will have some mud on them.
But, i intend to live here till they cart my carcass off.

 

[Rich B1]

Good morning! 69 now, rained earlier, enough to wet the sidewalk. High is supposed to get to 82 today.

Have to behave today, we have tickets for a local music event tonight. we are going o supper first then the concert. I know the drummer in the band so that is a plus.

String trimmed the worst of the bank along the road yesterday until my back got tight. At least I didn’t fall this time!

Then worked on the hickory tree on the property line that got broken off in the June storm. The lower part of the tree is still alive, so just needed to clear the top that was broken off. Got it towed away from the property line, went to start cutting, and the small saw failed another coil. Ended up using the pole saw which probably worked better.

3rd coil failure on that saw. This coil lasted 2 1/2 months. Good cutting saw, but I am about to throw it in the trash and get something else. It is frustrating.

Condolences to Randy’s friends and family. RIP Randy.

Everyone stay safe out there

 

[daugen]

Rich, have fun tonight.

well this sure felt good. can't even touch other side, plenty of room, comfortable to just sit in as is, neck conforms to roll top comfortably.
I just went ahhh. Water jets are just glorified bubblers, I leave them off. Though I do run them for a few seconds each time to flush the water through
yes it's like a big kiddie pool but right now my hands and arms don't hurt and it feels wonderful. Have to take a minute to dry off top rim before putting
cover back on, trying to be careful not to trap water, that never ends well.

New endcap at Giant supermarket, all plant based food. I found some nice sausages in there for a reasonable price.

 

[Popgadget]

3rd coil failure on that saw. This coil lasted 2 1/2 months.

Are they OEM coils, or aftermarket?

I have had terrible experience with some aftermarket parts, but others, like the coil pack I put on my wife’s RAV4 seem to to fine.

 

[Rich B1]

OEM Stihl coils each time. I am frustrated with this saw.

My MS290 is 20 years old and has only ever needed maintenance parts and consumables. This MS180 has coil issues. To the point I don’t trust it now.

 

[scaredychicken]

Good Morning - catching up

BEF - that looks amazing, great photos

daugen - good plans, I love the railroad experiences and plan on taking the Rocky Mountaineer (luxury train) trip one day soon. I once rode with the engineer and conductor (blow whistle, increase throttle) between Biggar Sask and Edmonton Alberta, after visiting relatives. I have also been on the CP Holiday Train with the crew, musicians between Sicamous and Salmon Arm, BC. Fun way to do event security in both towns, as part of the Model Railroaders club.

PJSprog - I hadn't realized that I had joined the old guys for morning coffee at A & W. Working from home I have some time that I didn't have a few years ago, but not feeling that old yet, though body and brain disagree. Good Group here of interesting folks

Kyle - 100 % agreement

I need to do a bit of yard work around the cars, driveway, and move some of the chick/ens around. Then my friend from Highschool is coming out for a bit today, always good to catch up.

 

[RoyJackson]

2022-09-02, 1039

Up way late this morning!! Was up for a few hours in the middle of the night

66° right now...high to be in the low 80's

Chores....dump run is about it, I think. I brought work home with me, but it ain't gonna happen today.
Maybe trim the lawn, if it needs it

 

[kenmbz]

morning , goin up to mid 80's and sunny.
Concert later, some clean up now.
Glad we got Drews hot tub in, wife is wondering who he will invite to his new secret basement lair

Mostly - Happy anniversary, and many more happy ones for you and your gal.

David, that screen looks professional, your work always impresses

BEF - nice view, looks like a great area.

I spent a lot of my childhood between Long Island and Western MA.
On LI we always had someone with a boat in the family. And most of our seafood came from friends or myself. It was quite a shock when I moved away and had to buy fish/seafood.
In my youth if you wanted mussels, just went for a ride to go pick them.
Neighbor would go crabbing and drop off a few buckets for us.
Flounder etc. was just a shore trip to the south shore.
We could even go east a bit and borrow some clam rakes.

Most of that is gone now, but there are still some steam places on the south shore by the docks.
The boats unload and you can get it on ice or steamed, only 2 choices, and only a few of these places left as mostly bigger wood deck seasonal restaurants there now.

For Diving and wildlife, Galapagos was still my favorite trip:

Turtles and sea lizards and penguins, all kinds of weird birds and fauna.

 

[m7040]

I have now had the groundhog trap set up a few days. Baited with peaches in syrup that they love. Looks like he decided to move elsewhere. May be he recalled what happened to his extended family

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Happy 45 mr & Mrs mostly!!!!!

 

[m7040]

OEM Stihl coils each time. I am frustrated with this saw.

My MS290 is 20 years old and has only ever needed maintenance parts and consumables. This MS180 has coil issues. To the point I don’t trust it now.

Have an older Stihl saw with coil issues. Repaired it but I don't think it runs now. I use a larger 20 inch bar saw but would like to have the older saw for backup in case I get it stuck.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Good looking area with nice views.

I have no idea of the weather there but the narrow gravel road would never survive snow plowing. And the non-graveled roads could turn into bottomless mud pits in a rainy season.
If you have never lived on gravel/dirt roads;
forget about having a clean vehicle,
be ready for stone bruised tire flats,
once the other lots get built up be ready for traffic driving too fast on dirt roads,
rain will make mud everywhere,
drought will make for dust, then slippery slimy mud.
.

I grew up at the end of a mile gravel road that is as wide as this. I’m very aware of driving them. This gravel road has been there many years. The non gravel roads are that way because nobody lives on any of the lots they lead to so no concern about them. I was surprised the road was in great shape. There is a community association just to maintain the roads with a $30 yr fee. I don’t think it’s active.
If I get this lot, my drive would be right at this road intersection to the right. I forgot to take my drone.

The guys at the restaurant said they don’t get the snows they used to.

Picked beans and dug 1 row of potatoes this morning. I’m chilling now.

 

[sodamo]

71°F and no rain

What to do today? So many choices. LOL. Pretty much like any day. Land of opportunity, just choose the priority.

Energy conservation comes to mind, but…

Some garden prep? Can’t kick that can too far as I’d like to get replanted soon.

Told Sophie I wanted to get that concrete work done next week, so maybe I’ll work on the forming.

Did I mention energy conservation?

Imagine Drew has had his inaugural dip in the hot tub. Will be interesting to hear about the energy use maintaining temperature.

TV has been publicizing reducing electricity use on island. Sure make the prospect of EV’s enticing.

Was tempted to address the labor shortage from local standpoint, but any attempt seems to risk touching the political 3rd rail, so I won’t.

Prayers for all
Be safe
Have a great day

 

[m7040]

Have some trees leaning the wrong way and need to take them down. Is looking at using this old pulley as a snatch block tied to another tree and pulling a rope with the tractor. Really like to have a forest winch mounted on the 3 point but have not been able to justify the high cost

 

[sodamo]

Dennis, been 100% off grid since 2005. Learning curve early on, a bit of different lifestyle (think not running high draw power items at night), but there has been much advancement in the systems. The newer LiFePo batteries awesome. Get a properly designed, potentially expandable system and don’t look back.
NOTE: might want to avoid RNG’s installer.

Nice open lot, but might you want some wind breaks?

 

[RoyJackson]

Dump run done a couple hours ago...
Only part of the lawn that needs a trim is the fenced in area...didn't mow it last time because Margeaux was lying on the deck...maybe later today. When I'm mowing the fenced in area, the gate is open and Margeaux does like to run.
Watching an old flick, Night of the Hunter, and sipping on a beer right now

 

[buckeyefarmer]

NOTE: might want to avoid RNG’s installer.

Nice open lot, but might you want some wind breaks?

There’s a big solar installer about an hour from this lot, that’s experienced with off grid installs.
I will get in contact with them. Will avoid RNG’s guy.

Across the fence to the SE is a large pasture. They have 2 ponds at the bottom of the hill. I thought maybe they pumped water up to tank, then used gravity flow. Maybe it was 1 farm once and got split, and thats why tank is on the other side? Who knows. Would love to talk with neighbor in the farmhouse.
I did not walk over close to the tank. An old building beside it looks to be falling down. Looked like concrete block walls under the tank.
Will probably put an offer on Monday and take our chances. WV is laid back. No strict building codes. Soil looked good on top of the hill, not clay. Might call health department Monday to ask about wells in the area and perc requirements.
I used to own a mountaintop (and side) lot about 45 minutes south of here in next county south. I had it perced when I bought. Perc was only good for 6 months, so I had a local guy install driveway and septic. And had footers dug for a cabin. I never built, and sold that around 2000 and used money to build my garage.
I had thought about offering on it and another, but after looking, the one is enough.
It will be windy up there. Maybe some wind block to the west, also to hide the house from the main drive. Which comes up around the SW edge to NW side.

The town below at 800ft elevation, 1600 at the lot.
Technically less than 2 miles from edge of town. First road was just paved. Nice road. Go a mile turn right on another paved road. Only go probably 1/8 mile to reach the gravel development road. There’s a bunch of fairly new houses just a little further down this road. Need to talk to well guy also.

My plan if we get it, will be to lay out where I want house, then perc and get drive, well and septic in. Campers are allowed per restrictions. Then we could camp there and use generator for well pump.

There are a couple water bars cut in the drive coming up the hill. Would like to see culverts there.
There’s an old house on the first lot as you turn into the development. It violates the restrictions by having old junk cars sitting around.
No hunting, or discharging of firearms. We scared out a big buck as we walked down along the grass road below this lot. It scared me also when it took off.

Edit: Monday is holiday, change those items to Tuesday.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Good Morning!!!! 95 @ 11:30AM here in Lompoc, CA. Abundant sunshine. High 89F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

Smooth ride down yesterday, pretty much all freeway, and quite toasty until I made it back over the Coast Ranges to US101 in Paso Robles. Lost about 15F in the process, now very nice weather here. The "pass" I used yesterday was quite low and not very steep, so there wasn't much of a chance to look for the fuel starvation problem, and I didn't have one. Still feel like I'm waiting for that shoe to drop.

That bit solar array wouldn't make you any money in sunny California, Paul. PG&E will buy back all my surplus, but only gives me $.04 a kWh for any overage at the annual "true up". If I fall short, I pay them something close to $.40. Last year I owed them $12 or so, from an 8 kW array...

No real plans for the weekend, but glad digging ditches, fishing wire, rocket launches, or working on old vehicles won't be featured. I picked up some salmon fillets and Yashida's teriaki sauce on the way through town yesterday, and we had a delicious meal outside on the porch. French toast this morning, and now we need to hit the grocery store...

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!

 

[m7040]

So continuing the transportation story: I was assigned to a project in the Mohave desert and picked up a big block engine rental car for the assignment. Fortunately it had AC and gobs of power. Running flat out you could watch the gas tank gauge needle move down as we drove.
We took it on trips in the desert on time off to explore. My wife loved the thrill of exploring and the speed on desert trails. It became a game of running straight out at 80 to 100 mph raising a mile high column of dust and then go into a 4 wheel slide and go out the side trail without fail.

On one of these excursions we encountered a stretch of loose sand and my wife said do not try that and of course I was very confident and said trust me it is only a matter of speed and momentum based on my engineering background sounded very good. However the loose sand went on forever and the car went slower and slower and slower and finally stopped sunk into sand to the belly. I said don't worry ( did not know how to get it out) It was 118 degrees and we were 20 miles from anywhere. Now when my wife is irritated at me somehow this incident always comes up even today many years later.

Fortunately we had AC and gas in the car so told the wife here is the plan. You start to circle the car and pick up sticks and rocks etc you can find and bring them up to the car. And I got out the bumper jack and lifted the end of the car and reduced the air pressure in the tires. Then we collected rocks for the next several hours and made ramps for the wheels then moved up a few feet and repeated. Took us 6 hours to go through the sand to solid ground