Good morning!!!!

[LS Tractor Owner]

Good morning to all! Low of 46, high of 74 today. Rain chances are gone.

RNG, you definitely had a busy day... does not seem like you even slowed down for 14 hours... no wonder you slept well! Glad you were able to get the tractor parts that were needed. Now you need to find the time to install them:confused2:

Eric, take that opportunity to go fishing! That is one of my favorite things to relax. Unfortunately, it has been 3 years since I have been able to take the time. There is nowhere local to drown some worms, all being a couple hours drive away. That is part of the problem....

RS, I would never been able to finish a quart size malt... that would be enough for 3 times!

Today is start fencing day. I was hoping to get 50ft rolls to be able to manage handling them better...but no... only 100ft ones in stock. That is ok, the local hardware store gave me a price over the phone that was $11 cheaper than Lowes or HD. When I purchased them, they charged me another $8 less for each roll... total of $19 less per roll....
I will deal with the bigger rolls for that price!

Before I get to the fencing, (I am really procrastinating this morning), my good neighbor asked if I could drop 4-5 holes in the ground for him to put in some fence posts too... it might get me motivated to start...

Well, one thing or another, I better get moving, I can feel the rust setting in on my joints...

 

[pennwalk]

Started on the removal of the fence at the side of the barn. It's 1-1/4" solid bar welded together, and it's not going quietly into the night. I figured the reciprocating saw would be better than cutting wheels on the grinder, but it turns out not so much. I'm getting about three cuts with a blade before having to replace it, and the third cut is a chore. After getting a corner assembly removed and cut up, and three horizontal bars removed, I threw in the towel for the day. My hands, forearms, and back are still hurting this morning. Trying to decide if a cutting torch or a chop saw would work better. The DeWalt is just beating me up too much, and taking too long.

Matt Cremona on Youtube has a circular saw that will zip through 1/2 inch plate like cutting a 2X4. The first time I saw that video I was speech-less. Every time I hit steel with my skil saw I have to go find a new blade.

Chris

 

[Looking4new]

I just looked out the window...NO grass cutting today. No snow shoveling, yet.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Does your whole seat tilt forward like my ZD1211? My seat is pretty good but ..always open to improvement. Please keep us posted on how it works for you.

Slide rails still attach to seat plate that tilts up. They supply bolts that were threaded same as previous bolts. I used original bolts at front to bolt on seat, but new bolts on back since head on them.

 

[sodamo]

66°F and .14 inches rain. Day is looking a bit more promising than yesterday at this point. I remain hopeful.

Prayers for all
Be safe
Have a great day

 

[sodamo]

A long day... I am wore out, mr. knee is complaining, back is complaining... but... I got the area of split rail done, including the gate! WOOHOO!

Actually went faster than expected, the LS and PHD worked flawlessly. Now the next part... installing welded wire fencing on all of it. 200 ft to be precise.

I cannot believe what came out of my mouth today... wifey asked if I was going to hand staple all the fencing... I said...yes. She then asked if they made a staple gun for fencing. I said ....yes. She asked how much? I said too much, about $350. She said I think that would be worth it .... at first I was stunned.... then the statement came out of my mouth that I never thought I would say.... NO.. THAT IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO BUY A TOOL! I still cannot believe I said that...

I have already bought the 5lbs of fence staples for $7.... I just know I will be eating my words for a while....

A few pics of the work today:

Ted, just had to share that with my wife.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Ron, I was considering one of those portable band saws yesterday on the drive home from work. I pass right by the HF in Fairview Heights every day. Been thinking about getting one of those for awhile anyway. Maybe I'll stop tonight.
[SNIP]
That's a seriously long day of driving, RNG. Glad you got what you went for. Out of curiosity, isn't there a decent Kubota dealer closer than Medford OR, or is there a reason you're driving to that specific dealer?

I finally learned that, at least when it comes to saw blades, you get what you pay for. A good bi-metal blade from Lenox will last far longer on harder materials like alloy and stainless steel than their high speed steel cousins. But you'll probably end up paying twice as much for them. Which reminds me, I need to order a new spool of 1/2" bandsaw blade stock, but I've been having trouble finding it in the Lenox brand.

Medford was a fortunate accident, Paul. The used equipment dealer there had a 12" trenching bucket for the new backhoe at a very reasonable price, and it turns out that there's no sales tax in Oregon, further sweetening the deal. The first place I found it was in North Carolina, but they wanted $1200 just for shipping! :shocked: So it was an easy leap to think about purchasing the upgrades for the rest of the tractor at the Medford Kubota dealer, too. I've been working with their salesman, who isn't the best at returning calls, but he did offer a small discount on the upgrades. Only time will tell if the right stuff is in the boxes when I go to do the installation, though.:crossfingers:

My local Kubota dealer is in my doghouse, and has never been very supportive. The latest debacle with the old tractor is the straw that broke the camel's back. It's over a month now since I dropped it off for repairs, they waited three weeks to even take it apart far enough to figure out what was broken, and now they are waiting on parts to complete the repair. Unfortunately, the same outfit owns both the closest Kubota dealerships, so there's not much choice. I tried to buy the M62 there, but the salesman insisted on charging full retail, then dropped the ball entirely after he agreed to deliver one here for a try out. It's pretty telling that in the time they've had that old tractor, I've found a replacement, had it shipped here, completed the 100 hour maintenance on it, bought all the accessories and upgrades I wanted for it, and dug a monster ditch with it that would have stopped the old tractor cold.

But wait, there's more! Historically, it's like pulling teeth to get a straight answer out of the local Kubota dealer when I call with a question about the RTV or tractor, and almost every part I've needed they had to special order. It's much easier and quicker for me to just Google here for diagnostic info, and use the parts fiche at Messick's, which maintains a pretty large inventory of the usual maintenance parts. They ship same day if they have the item in stock, they don't charge sales tax, shipping is at actual cost, and stuff gets here in less than a week. When something isn't in stock, the web order form says so when the order is placed, and my experience is that it accurately predicts any additional delay.

Sorry you asked yet?:laughing:

 

[jbrumberg]

A mostly clear and sunny 34ºF for today’s low temperature. It’s been a mix of sun and clouds all day so far. It is presently 45ºF which may become today’s high temperature. The NWS/B-N has issued a Special Weather Statement for elevated fire risk today and tomorrow and a Freeze Warning for tonight-tomorrow AM. I might even see some snow tonight.

We saw our first Ruby Throated Hummingbird yesterday late afternoon. He apparently survived today’s 34ºF. It will be colder tomorrow AM (~28ºF). With the arrival of the Baltimore Orioles I went down to the “Big City” in search of a Baltimore Oriole nectar feeder. I went to 4 different hardware/feed/garden retailers and no one had any.

I got the bird feeders secured just before the bear showed up and it was not leaving despite Brogen’s indoor theatrics.

I am not looking forward to going to the hospital tomorrow AM for my liver ultrasound.

Eric- Good luck fishing.

David- Thanks for sharing Sophie’s sunrise photo.

Ted- Thanks for sharing your sunset pic. Nice looking fence. Good luck with the fencing staples.

RonJH- I am happy to read that you did not have a fly-a-way.

My + thoughts, wishes, and prayers.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Matt Cremona on Youtube has a circular saw that will zip through 1/2 inch plate like cutting a 2X4. The first time I saw that video I was speech-less. Every time I hit steel with my skil saw I have to go find a new blade.

Chris

My Google is weak today, Chris. Was it one of these?

Maybe a local rental shop would have one Paul could rent?

 

[Thomas]

ronjhall
Thomas, maybe you wood supplier has the same problem with cold weather as I do. Going to be shorts weather by weekend.
-------------------------------------
Still a no show todays deliver that young fellow and I goner have chat when the last load drop!!!
Weather station showing snow flakes dancing in the air for tonight 28F,only reach 70F once this year for us.

 

[Thomas]

wngsprd
Bear woke us up at 2am, one old feeder bit the dust. I bring the good ones in at night...leave a few old ones, or ones that are fixed to posts. Bear managed to evade my two game cams, although caught a coon climbing up on the porch.
-----------------------
Time to have Dr. Dolittle chat with Mr./Mrs. Bear.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Took drone for a quick flight this morning. Flight went well until I tried to bring drone back to home. It would not return. Wind at 100' was so strong that I had to land it where it was at. Did not turn camera on. Was just doing a practice run. No damage other than having to walk 1500' out into back field to retrieve drone. Not sure why I did not take golf cart. :confused3:

I bet that was a real "heart in mouth" moment, Ron. I know it's one of my nightmares. Glad you got it back unharmed, despite the long walk.

IIRC, there's a YouTube video by Ian of London on flyaways. I think he recommended switching to sport mode for more power, and descending to get into calmer air. He also said landing where it's at works, too. Did you use the "find my drone" function in the app? Not sure I'd have had the courage to go looking for one in a golf cart. Just my luck I'd have to run over it to find it.:laughing:

 

[riptides]

...

I am not looking forward to going to the hospital tomorrow AM for my liver ultrasound.
...

Prayers for you Jay.

 

[riptides]

Took drone for a quick flight this morning. Flight went well until I tried to bring drone back to home. It would not return. Wind at 100' was so strong that I had to land it where it was at. Did not turn camera on. Was just doing a practice run. No damage other than having to walk 1500' out into back field to retrieve drone. Not sure why I did not take golf cart. :confused3:

Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. Something like that applies to drones.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

I am not looking forward to going to the hospital tomorrow AM for my liver ultrasound.

At least it's not a biopsy. I understand they're somewhat uncomfortable, similar to what I felt, well, prolly best not to tell that story.:yuck:

But I share you concern about venturing into a germ filled hospital environment. Are you going to wear your N100 respirator, boonie hat, and space man goggles?:laughing:

 

[jbrumberg]

Mike- Thanks.

RNG- I've had liver ultrasounds before. They are no big deal. But you are right about the germs. I had the pre-procedure intake today. I told the nurse about my N100 respirator outfit and she had a good laugh. I will wear my cloth facemask entering the hospital and the staff there will provide me with a replacement if necessary. During my initial treatment when I got sick I was on chemo and organ rejection meds. The organ rejection med melted my liver in a sense. W/i 3 hours of the blood work I got about a dozen calls from the specialists and their NP's treating me to stop the med immediately. I have auto-immune hepatitis so my liver kicks out some weird enzymes consistent with a damaged liver, but at not cirrhosis related. My drinking days are numbered. Tonight tomorrow may be my last. BTDT before.

I will be wearing my StarWarsｮ outfit for the grocery store afterwards.

 

[ronjhall]

Mike- Thanks.

RNG- I've had liver ultrasounds before. They are no big deal. But you are right about the germs. I had the pre-procedure intake today. I told the nurse about my N100 respirator outfit and she had a good laugh. I will wear my cloth facemask entering the hospital and the staff there will provide me with a replacement if necessary. During my initial treatment when I got sick I was on chemo and organ rejection meds. The organ rejection med melted my liver in a sense. W/i 3 hours of the blood work I got about a dozen calls from the specialists and their NP's treating me to stop the med immediately. I have auto-immune hepatitis so my liver kicks out some weird enzymes consistent with a damaged liver, but at not cirrhosis related. My drinking days are numbered. Tonight tomorrow may be my last. BTDT before.

I will be wearing my StarWarsï½ outfit for the grocery store afterwards.

Best wishes for a good report after ultrasound.

 

[ronjhall]

RNG, grass where drone landed was not tall. At top of a hill. Easy find. I am still using guards. Which adds to wind resistance.

The 6 baby squirrels are slowly disappearing. Hawk got another one this morning.


Jay, around here we put oranges or grape jelly out for Orioles.

 

[PJSprog]

Sorry you asked yet?:laughing:

No, not at all. That was a great answer. I have a similar mistrust of my local LS dealer, and went elsewhere, so I completely understand.

My Google is weak today, Chris. Was it one of these?

Maybe a local rental shop would have one Paul could rent?

We talked about that, too. My youngest stepson said they have one with a metal blade where he works, and thought they would likely let him borrow it for a weekend. If not, then I might look into renting one. There's a place not too far from us called Grand Rental Station that has them. We rented a hydraulic post hole auger from them when we built the deck.

 

[toppop52]

It’s been a cool blustery day, high around 60, we punted on the El Camino today, got a lot done yesterday afternoon.
Ellen has a small procedure tomorrow that will take the middle of the day. I guess we will get back to the truck on Thursday.
Put together a small Amish wagon and filled it with flowers from nearby produce place. Put gas in the Ram for the first time in three weeks, and with the MPG of that rig you know I didn’t go much.
JB and Drew, I hope you both get the best news and outcome possible.
We have stuffed peppers in the oven so dinner should be yummy. We will take our after supper walk if the wind doesn’t blow us away. Calmer and warmer weather is on the way.
Ron, glad the drone didn’t get away.
After talking to drone club that flies at the airport in designated areas and times, it seems I can fly at my property with an approved flight plan, then I need a key code from FAA so the drone my son wants to let use will operate here. It will take off in the front yard and travel away from the airport, but in back 50 yards from the house it will just show a prohibited airspace warning on the iPad.
Have a good day all, God Bless.