Good morning!!!!

[pennwalk]

And speaking of HF, what brand of cutoff wheels are you using now? In my most recent batch of ten, I've had two explode, leaving nothing but a ring of abrasive under the clamping nut. They're the Bauer brand with the red label. Never had that problem with the green Warrior brand, so I'll exchange them when I go into town this week. The Warriors are on sale as well.

Project Farm on Youtube tested cutoff wheels but I can't remember which came out on top.

Chris

 

[Bird]

Times change, and I've had to change with them. And it seems like they're changing faster all the time. Makes it harder as I get older to remain agile and open to new ideas.

Yep, things do change, and sometimes unexpectedly and not necessarily for the better. When I retired from the police department, my "irrevocable" life time pension included an escalation clause that guaranteed me a raise each year; same amount every year; just about $100 a month raise the first of each year. However, about 3 years ago they ran into some problems and our state legislature changed the rules At least they didn't take anything away from me, but now some appointed local "expects" run things and no more raises.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Yep, things do change, and sometimes unexpectedly and not necessarily for the better. When I retired from the police department, my "irrevocable" life time pension included an escalation clause that guaranteed me a raise each year; same amount every year; just about $100 a month raise the first of each year. However, about 3 years ago they ran into some problems and our state legislature changed the rules At least they didn't take anything away from me, but now some appointed local "expects" run things and no more raises.

That's happening a lot, Bird. An airline mechanic friend of mine got fifty cents on the dollar on his pension plan when United went into bankruptcy. My company was changing not only the pension plan but the medical benefits for retirees, and if I'd have stayed any longer benefits would have been lost. Last week I learned that the pension administrator had changed, but no announcement yet as to the integrity of the benefit. :crossfingers: they don't mess it up, too.

 

[sodamo]

Parents sure can have an influence. I remember standing in the kitchen as a high schooler and my parents remarking that had my Dad stayed in the Army he’d be retiring that day. At the time he was a small electrical contractor. His business was never large enough to hire more than me and my brothers and that was years later.
When I got out of the Army first time after Vietnam I went back to same company where I was employed before. I was only 22 and a college dropout. This company was thought to have a decent retirement plan. As it was the pay was good enough that the unionized groups were always playing catchup. Eventually I learned this company had some rule, something like you didn’t become vested until age 35. Seemed crazy I’d have over 12 years that didn’t count and I wasn’t even close yet. I eventually bit the bullet and went out on my own that was a mix of feast or famine. The 70’s were not kind.
For some reason that kitchen conservation kept replaying in my head. The Army was willing to let me start over. Whereas a new HS graduate could enlist as a PFC, E-3, as a prior service Sgt E-5 Vietnam vet I could restart as a Private E-2. So 1975, after 7 year break I went back in, but with the personal commitment that I was in for the long haul (retirement) and finish college. Ended up not only with my BS which enabled me to get Commissioned, but 2 MS, the last being in Computer Information Systems that the Army paid for half. My thinking was with that monthly check I should always be able to afford a basic roof over my head, enough food to survive, and medical to stay healthy, all things that were at times stressful, especially during the mid 70’s. Guess that check (direct deposit) will always be my base security.

 

[ronjhall]

Toilet and Bidet installed. Had to make trip to Lowe’s for a new toilet mounting ring. Bought SS this time. Grandson did a great job doing most of the labor.

Did one cruise on a ship. 25th anniversary (1988) and cruised Hawaiian Islands. I would do that again. Almost every day a new port for 8 nights. In all we spent 14 nights on the Islands. Would like to do it again. But no anniversary to celebrate.

 

[ronjhall]

Plane crash happened close to my place yesterday.

Plane crashes into Michigan home, 3 killed aboard as house set ablaze with family inside | Fox News

 

[sodamo]

Toilet and Bidet installed. Had to make trip to Lowe’s for a new toilet mounting ring. Bought SS this time. Grandson did a great job doing most of the labor.

Did one cruise on a ship. 25th anniversary (1988) and cruised Hawaiian Islands. I would do that again. Almost every day a new port for 8 nights. In all we spent 14 nights on the Islands. Would like to do it again. But no anniversary to celebrate.

Ron, which bidet did you get and why? I keep looking. Don’t think I could do cold water only.

We have thought about doing the round the islands cruise with our son and family. Be especially nice if we could embark/disembark in Hilo.

 

[RoyJackson]

Some good news was that the igniter on the pellet stove got replaced under warranty (even though the warranty expired 7 weeks prior). Talked to them on the phone on the 28th, had it by the 31st. Great customer service experience. I ordered / paid for an additional one .... just in case.... I haven't gotten that one yet.
During the day, it wasn't too bad lighting the stove manually. The stove will easily 'overheat' the house to about 94 degrees if left running, so couldn't let it run all night. We used a portable heat pump instead.... which would wake us up when it turned on / off. We are glad the pellet stove is back to running on it's programmed night time schedule. :thumbsup:

What brand pellet stove, LS?

 

[Looking4new]

Plane crash happened close to my place yesterday.

Plane crashes into Michigan home, 3 killed aboard as house set ablaze with family inside | Fox News

That sux.
All 5 people in the home got out, but the cat didn't make it.

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, got our shopping done...didn't really need much (dog food, primarily), but wasn't any use in wasting the trip. So, wifey went in, I stayed in the truck.
Flurrying now, but no accumulation predicted (of course, we've been surprised before).
Actually, just woke up (20-30 minutes ago)...boy, I love taking naps in the winter...especially when there's snow on the ground...

Minor update...snowing now..1-3 inches predicted. Ought to be a fun drive in the morning.