What are you doing today?

[Sparky]

Going to mow the jungle this morning. It is so far overdue but the good thing is with it being hot and dry the grass hasn't grown to too epic of proportions.

 

[TollKeeper]

Processing applications, processing shop work orders... Kill me now!

 

[TollKeeper]

Now I am just being pissed off. Last 2 weeks been told we have tomorrow off.. Have plans, wife is at home packing the truck. Just got told we are working tomorrow... WTF!

 

[Sparky]

Grass cut. I melted a little but survived. Might get some more basement steps / network closet work in.

 

[Blckshdw]

Trying to hang on a lil longer to the long weekend, and get past the recent technology issues. Took the VCX Nano to the UPS store for a return, can use that money towards other things. Got my cable stuff straightened out with the new provider. The line from the junction box for the entire block, to my house, was damaged and the tech had to lay a new line. Once that was done, everything came online.

Called the old provider to cancel my service. They tried to "sweeten" the deal to keep me, by knocking $25 off my rate. Umm, well you bastards just raised it $27 so... Then they said they do not pro-rate charges, and that I would be charged the full fee due 8/2 at the end of the next billing cycle, so did I want to keep my stuff until then? Irritated, I said no, and asked if they could at least reduce my package to something like just the basic service, and take out DVR stuff and equipment. They said no, unless i agreed to stay on for another year. F that! So I said send me a box, I'm shipping their stuff back regardless. 20 minutes later I get a confirmation email for my cancellation, but look at the bottom... I hate liars like you wouldn't believe (well maybe you would)



Also figured out the weirdness with my Logitech remote. First instincts were correct, the problem was with the cable(s). I have an older remote, that uses the same type of USB connection, so tried that one, wouldn't connect with any of the cords I had handy. Grabbed an older USB cord with a larger plastic connector and that worked. Couldn't really use that cord with the newer one, due to the recessed connection. The plastic housing gets in the way. Had to do something, so I crammed it in there, and after some cracking and popping noises, it connected, and updated.

Kinda feeling left out on mowing the yard part, but we haven't had rain since the last time I mowed so nothing is growing (again). Which is fine by me, it's too hot out for yard work.

 

[Mooseman]

Took the VCX Nano to the UPS store for a return,

Ah man, I was hoping you'd be the guinea pig on this. Well you were, sorta, having it not working on the puter. Lesson learned that not all clones work.

And, we now have water! No pump in the house is nice and it should outlive us. We still have a big ass hole in the ground until the well driller comes back to decommission the old well. Should be done tomorrow and then the backhoe guy will come back and back fill the hole. Man there was a lot of crap in there.

 

[Sparky]

Just a random bit more for the day. Took a walk, met some more people in town (at a distance) and learned some local history from someone who lived here all her life.

Oh, and my wife made this pretty awesome chocolate bread. Slap some PB on it and.. mmmm. Yeah, this is the whole point of this post. My wife made some yummy bread that I wanted to brag about. Yes, I ate way too much of it already.

 

[mrrsm]

Re: Follow Up to Post # 15,528 on the workings of "The Dyna-Trap"...

EVERYTHING promised in THIS advertisement may be relied upon as TRUE:



This Damned Thing WORKS GREAT! After allowing this whisper-quiet, ghostly purple lighted machine to run for a little over a week... I emptied the contents of the Lower Collection Trap into a 2 Gallon Plastic Zip-Loc Baggie. The array and quantity of different insect species it is capable of catching is really quite amazing. These include Mosquitoes, Moths, Ants, Wasps, Beetles, Gnats and some other-worldly, winged looking creepy crawlies of unknown species as well:

 

[Mektek]

Replaced a radiator in my mother's lumina.
Originally installed at a garage - They wanted $280 to install the new one, but I asked them if I brought in the broken one could they give me the replacement, since it was a lifetime warranty part. Said he didn't know - nobody had ever asked that question.
Called me back later and said "yes". So I went down there to pick up a free radiator
After installation, trans quick connector was dribbling
The trailblazer had a leaky fitting last year so I prepared a spare one with a new o ring just in case the other fitting started to leak. Took that one and installed it on the lumina radiator - perfect fit!
New radiator installed for total cost of $0 - momma is happy

 

[TollKeeper]

Over the weekend..

Spent the weekend up at the cabin. Did a little remodeling, and a bit of modernization. Projector TV, sound bar with sub, relocating furniture, e.t.c.. We think it turned out a bit more spacious, and it's easier to keep our 2 year old entertained with Puppy Pals and Paw Patrol on tap. Also got a beautiful pic of a Columbine flower.

A bit of a backstory to this cabin. My Grandparents built this by hand back in the 40's. Its now a family heirloom of sorts. When my grandparents passed, it went to my father. My father passed earlier this year, so as of the moment, I now own 20% of it (4 brothers and my fathers wife (not my mom)). Im hoping to buy out my 2 of brothers since they have no interest in it, and maybe my dads wife? I know 1 of my brothers wont sell, but the other 2? who knows.

 

[Ilikemy3s]

Was at my primary Job / office until my wife called to let me know the home's water heater tank did not want to hold water any longer. Her and my son shut the water off and used the shop vac to suck up the small pond. Now working form home but waiting for a plumber to show up to tell me how much to replace.

 

[Blckshdw]

Took the day off for a little extra R&R. Have been wanting to hit the beach all year, but covid...

Decided to come early, and on a weekday, seems to be the right call. Pretty empty when I got here before 10am, slow but steady trickle of people coming in. Water is warm, in the upper 80s, and that tropical low in the gulf has the water churned up for some waves to play in.

Planning to head home in a little bit for lunch. Then it will be couch potato time for the rest of the day.

 

[Mooseman]

My son's family visited from Wed to Sun and we had a great time. Hadn't seen them since Feb when my mom died. They were supposed to stay longer but my son just got a good job with Badger Daylighting and he was asked to start early so he wound up having to do a bunch of online training prior to starting this morning.

This morning, took down the old soft top gazebo that ripped its cover in preparation for putting up a new hard top gazebo we received last week. Stopped now because it's just too bloody hot in the blazing sun. Might start putting up the new one this evening and tomorrow morning while it's cooler.

Will be heading out to find some 4" U bolts and aluminum square tubing so I can install an aluminum storage box on the rear bumper of the RV.

 

[xavierny25]

So last week my wife's cousin told me he needed some audio video work done on one of his fleet busses a 2014 Volvo 9700. I didn't thank much of it until he had me swing by a look over a supposed plug and play system he got.

Here's a pic of the ones I'll be working on.

After some hard searching on the internet I came across some but very little info when it comes to doing any type of aftermarket audio video on coach busses. Nothing in the realm of diy or schematic. After days I some how found the schematic for the Radio Engineering Inc. System I'll installing. Its literally 1 page of what gets connected and where.

Here are some pics of the current Bosch av system.




And here is the system I'll be putting in.

I have a vacation week I have to take next week and since I'll be going no where do to Corona Ill be neck deep in the 24volt Audio Video world.

Here's some more pics of his fleet.

 

[Blckshdw]

<snip>And here is the system I'll be putting in...<snip>

You gonna sneak some LEDs in there?

Looks like a fun job, hopefully everything goes according to plan.

 

[xavierny25]

You gonna sneak some LEDs in there?

Looks like a fun job, hopefully everything goes according to plan.

Not on the 9700's but there are few party busses that are part of his fleet that need some tlc and will be getting some led action and upgraded stereo equipment. Hopefully we can work out some sort of contract and I'll be his installer. I've seen some shady work while looking at 1 of the party vehicles and he said he's been using that company for yrs but I think its time for a change.

 

[BrianF]

Headed out on the quad yesterday at work, put on some decent miles. Rough life.

Got our Trailblazer back from the tire shop. Fixed the two slow leaks. Now we are off to the big city for my wife's MRI on her ankle. Surprised we got a call out of the blue as all this covid crap knocked things back a few months.

 

[Mooseman]

Doing a few things today. Since the weather has turned from sunny, hot and humid to rainy and humid, I'm gonna try to clean up iron stains in the pool with a citric acid treatment since we won't be swimming for the next couple of days. Also found out that I can remove the iron from the water by stuffing the skimmer with polyfill pillow stuffing. Have to overfill the pool and drop the chlorine and Ph first.

Yesterday, received a wiring kit from CA (took almost a month to get here ) to wire up the Tap Up Tap Down shifter in the Caprice as well as the Sport Shift mode and trunk release with the new switches in my center console. Got it from a very helpful member on the Caprice forum I'm on. If I can find a moment that will stop raining I'll try to do it since I have to go under the dash to access the BCM. This will just make a fun vehicle even funner.

 

[Blckshdw]

Yesterday: Hung out with a couple of the fellas and had a lil pool party and cookout. Threw some wings and steaks on the grill for dinner. I brought some snacks and sweets for desert. One of my buddies does a lot of mechanic work as a side gig, and he's told me about his Autel scanners, (after my failed VXDiag experiment) so I asked him to bring one for me to check out. He has a Maxisys MS906TS, and a MK908P. I borrowed the 906, plugged into the EXT and tinkered around for a bit. Was cool to command the windows, locks, rear wiper and HVAC actuators from the touch screen. Definitely want one of these, if I could afford it. Hung out and watched the fights that night, played with the dogs, had a few drinks and had an all around good time.

Today: Being ultra lazy. No matter how late I go to bed, I can never sleep much past sunrise. So a nap is sure to be in my near future. Doing some research on TV streaming services. After ditching my provider of the last 3 years, the competition, while much cheaper, isn't cutting it. Too many little annoyances to be worth it. So I'll likely go back to the previous provider for internet only, and try "cutting the cord". Have spoke to a few people about the services they've tried, liked, disliked, and kept. There's definitely a lot to choose from. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Mooseman]

Treated the pool for the rust stains, chlorine is at 0 so I really hope this works by tomorrow as I don't want a green pool (didn't have an algeacide).

Also finished up the console in the Caprice but the TUTD shifter still not working. I think I put one wire in the wrong spot in the BCM, looking at it from the back instead of the front. I'll just have to unpin that one and move it to the right one. All in all, happy with the results. Oddly enough, the shifter bezel is lighter/brighter than the rest of the trim. Not complaining since it's still way better than the original cop center console. Trunk and traction control buttons are now working.

 

[Matt]

Back to the zoo for the week.

 

[Mooseman]

Well, just got some bad news this morning. Had a concrete contractor come out to look at repairing our front porch and steps and it's a major undertaking, probably requiring a structural engineer to look at the whole thing. Either everything has to be demolished and redone or patch the existing concrete and cover it up with a deck. It's a mess. Also asked for an estimate for the garage pad. Also received an estimate just for the pad from another contractor and it's $35k . I just don't have the skills, equipment and stamina to do myself and if I want a lift, it has to be done right.

Taking my life in my own hands this morning... going to Costco where social distancing is absolute crap. However we've been pretty successful in controlling infections here and masks are mandatory inside stores. So much so that Ontario is expected to move to stage 3 reopening with bar and restaurant interiors reopening with restrictions. Taking the TB out since it hasn't moved in a week.

 

[BrianF]

After work I got the kids to finish mowing the lawn. I must say, my 11 year old daughter kicks ass on the riding mower!!! She has become very particular and ensures the pattern left looks good. She leaves safe margins for weed eating and seems to operate in a very safe manner still.

I began the big task of doing a fine rototill on the arena. Its 80x160' so it will take some time with my small tiller. The heavy lifting wa already done with a large 3pt tiller on a JD2305. Now I need the smaller tiller to do the final break up of any clumps. Crappy thing is, there are still some rocks hidden and I got dick all done before blowing through 4 clevis pins. Ran out of shit to lodge in there. Tomorrow I will hit the hardware store and see what alternative I can find. I got a lot of work to do and no time for break downs.

 

[Matt]

Last day at the zoo for this time period. Tomorrow, I golf.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Working a couple jobs. This covid shutdown has me busier than ever.

 

[Mooseman]

Yesterday, I was prepping the RV some more. Hooked up the water to check that the valve I replaced was leak free, flush the system of all the antifreeze and tested the hybrid/electric water heater element. Works a treat so that will save on propane and have hot water all the time. Cleaned and protected the awning. Removed the rear camera system to convert it to a wireless system but I can't use the existing camera. Ordered another one from Amazon.

Have another contractor coming to give an estimate for the garage pad and other concrete work. Then gonna start moving the new gazebo parts from the front to the rear where we're going to put it on the deck. We're having some people over on Sunday and they're calling for some rain so this would be a necessity so as to not cancel (doing it outside for the social distance).

Also have to get the tires on the Saab replaced. Have to reactivate its insurance too. Drove it around the block yesterday to clean the rust off the brakes. Also have to do that on my wife's car, which has been parked since March.

Edit: He was a no-show for 11:30 and it's now past 1:00 . Another one crossed-off my list.

 

[BrianF]

Finished work, rolled home and finished doing the finer rototilling of our 80x160 arena. Total time must be that 4 hour mark but I had a solid 3/4 to do today. Yesterday spent most of the time changing clevis pins. Turns out my depth was too much and was exceeding what the 3pt tiller had done. Once that was sorted out, it was smooth sailing. The kids followed along and picked any rocks, metal and other hidden debris. Estimating it used 4 litres of fuel. Once I was done, she got the inaugural oil change, greased her and parked it.

So far the footing is great, my wife and kids had used it prior and all went for a ride.

 

[BrianF]

Just after a light rain. Got to pick up some roundup this weekend to knock down the last of the grass and roots. She will get another till and then drug early next week.

 

[xavierny25]

Worked on the Volvo 9700 audio video upgrade over a few days.

Out with the old!




In with the new av system.





This was a really trivial task to under take as some components of the system are 12v and others are 24v. I learned a lot while disconnecting the old bosch system and tracing the wiring to be able to do the complete install of the REI system. Turned out great and I didn't break anything or run into any difficult issues that I thought I may come across. I have 3 more of these busses to do and several smaller people haulers & party busses that will need some much needed attention.

 

[BrianF]

The family and I rolled into Lloydminster today for some shopping. Picked up some bags of wood shavings for horse bedding at the upcoming show. Picked up another gallon chemical sprayer for roundup, found some shear pins for the tiller and some for the snow blower.

We took the kids to their first escape room. It was on the tough side but we all had fun.

 

[Mooseman]

Past 3 days, been putting together a 12x14 hard top gazebo, and finished just in time for our son's 22nd birthday yesterday. A few of his closest friends came over and, right on cue, it started raining but that was OK, we now have a gazebo!

Today is travel day with the RV, heading out until Sunday to visit with my aunt. This is our first time out of our area since Feb. Have to pick up a tool set to carry with me "just in case" and also have to drain some tranny fluid from the Saab as it's overfilled from when it had the line leak. Other than that, pack up and go. it will be good to get out of here for a while.

 

[m.mcmillen]

Fixed the sunroof in the trailblazer I sold to a friend. What fun! (not)

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Worked both jobs. Been awful busy lately and trying to stay on the interwebz some. More people and less electronic.

 

[m.mcmillen]

Put some new tires on the skid steer. Parts person at the dealer told me I should take it to the tire shop and not try it myself (I've done tons of tires). Challenge accepted. Did all four in about an hour.

 

[Mooseman]

Just got back from camping in "La Belle Province". Trip itself went very well and had a good visit with my aunt. Coming back though didn't go so well. We stopped at our favourite smoked meat joint when I saw this:


This was after the hell awful Montreal highways which are as smooth as continuous speed bumps.
I knew the interior floor had a botched repair job done by the PO but didn't expect this. And once I got home, upon further inspection, I saw evidence that the PO continued on his botching job as I found some green deck screws in the area. We were gonna take it out again in a couple of weeks to visit our son but now, I dunno if I can fix this. I used some duct tape to hold it together on the rest of the drive home.

I just bought it last year and I'm just bummed and pissed that I got sold such a lemon but also that my naïvité played a role in it. I just don't have the time or energy to spend on it. I like it. It was a great starter trailer but the hybrid's tent ends are a chore. I am thinking of selling it as a fixer upper and getting a newer better one more suited to us. Eyeing a 2016 at a local dealer that would be perfect and the price seems right. I'll just have to look at it real closely.

 

[TollKeeper]

A little bit of a rant here...

So back on the July 4th weekend, I went up to my cabin, and updated it a bit. Projector screen, sound bar, and ditched the TV, VCR, and the Video tapes. Donated them. I thought they were my fathers. Turns out they werent. They were my brothers X-Wives mothers, who my father had given permission to use the cabin as she needed, until we got that stopped some 5 years ago. Now the -X- wants her stuff back. Its gone, its been donated. She doesnt believe me because of a picture I took just after install while they were still in the cabin. It all got removed and donated the next day. Shes calling BS on me. Told her to F*&^ off, and loose my number. My humble opinion, she had no business going up there to begin with.

 

[BrianF]

Well, dont leave your shit laying around with zero explanation as to who's it is or why it's there!! I had a laugh, I love when stupid people get a dose of karma.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Working and working. Getting old

 

[TollKeeper]

Well, dont leave your shit laying around with zero explanation as to who's it is or why it's there!! I had a laugh, I love when stupid people get a dose of karma.

Last night... Went back to the cabin, with a locksmith in tow, to make sure the locks are in fact re-keyed. They were not. This locksmith company is one of those bait and switch companies. First quote was 110, second quote was 385, third quote was 185, 4th quote was 150, 5th quote was 185, and the final charge.... 335. Locksmith didnt have the one way security screws - screwdriver. Didnt have those keys for a rekey. Took him over 3.5 hours to rekey the 4 tumblers in the 2 locks. Going to have to have a talk with the locksmith company about the charge, but I doubt I will see any of that money back.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I used to take care of many foreclosed properties and would completely change out locks for way less than that and in a fraction of the time. I would be irate.

Today is another day of working two jobs with the addition of being sole caretaker for our 4 kids. Talk about busy busy.