K came over yesterday from Boland Custom Home Improvement and fixed our boiler pipe, and one thing that really impressed was how confident he was and how easy he made it look. A sign of a true professional. I only say this because things like this, especially where plumbing is involved, scare me to the point of being paralyzed. It's not that I'm so afraid of it, it's I'm just terrified of screwing it up, because when you blow it with plumbing, it can really come back to haunt you. Something about water that you don't want to mess around with it. That and electricity.
Now I realize K has a lot of experience, but he did it as if it was his second time doing it. In other words, he knew what he needed, what to do and how to do it, and without hesitation pulled it off. I look at the pipes in our basement and it looks completely insane to me. It makes a little sense, but for the most part, you've got pipes coming off of other pipes, which all lead to everywhere and nowhere at the same time. In all fairness, I did figure out where the pipes leading to the mudroom were, and I did figure out how to shut off the baseboard heating zone, so I get some credit. Even still, to actually cut pipes and try to reconnect them is beyond me.
I did watch K do it, however, and have some sense of what he did, so maybe, just maybe, next time I might be able to pull it off myself. All I need is to get some tools.
Ironically, we had the pipes rerouted because we wanted to go away this weekend and worried about the pipes freezing and house being too cold for the cats, but in the end, it is so warm. The weather is hovering around the low 50's, and I think freezing pipes were not an issue, but how were we to know that?
Backtracking a little, our pipes in our mudroom burst because we don't use the heat. We dealt with it by simply shutting down the zone that connects the baseboard heat, since we don't use it. We need it, however, if we go away, because we have to keep the house warm enough when we're not in it, as every New Englander knows. Since the pipe leaked and we shut down the zone, we couldn't do that.
ANYWAY, we've now cut the mudroom out of the heating loop, and can run the heater if we need to, right as Spring has arrived and cold temps could be a thing of the past. We're just glad to have dealt with it.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Yanking My Chainsaw and Searching for Wood
I've been shopping around for chainsaws, and as I stop in the various stores in the area, I get the distinct impression that people are trying to sell me more than I actually need. The story I keep hearing is that I need at least 50cc's and 18 inches or more. While this is true, I am also aware that their impression of cutting wood and mine might not be the same.
Here's my dilemma-I am once again on the search for wood this year, and think that this will be an ongoing gig until I inherit 100 acres of prime hardwood forest to cut and split my own trees. Unfortunately, landowners don't take credit cards, so that's not going to happen any time soon.
As I may have mentioned, my previous source of wood has upped his price to the point where it's may be beyond our reach. Sure, we could afford it, but do we really want to spend that much money on wood? We need heat, no doubt about that, but we have some time. Not a lot, but some, and I figure we can shop around for a few weeks and at least see what's out there. I've been told that wood should be going down because there are a lot of guys who want to sell it, but I've yet to see this. I have seen that prices have dropped slightly from last year, but my goal, in the end, is to find a reliable source that I can turn to each year.
So far, I've yet to find it, but what do you expect from a Flatlander?
In the meantime, I'll keep shopping for my chainsaw. It looks like I'm going to drop about $300-400 easy, but that's what everyone tells me. My good friend Jim said spend at least $500 and get one that will last you a lifetime, but I don't know if I'm ready for that.
I'm looking at Stihl and Husqvarna, and maybe one of the Japanese models, but the Euro models seem to be the ones to get. Everyone I know has Stihl, and I am having a hard time locating someone who sells Huskies (listen to me, so pretentious) nearby. They say to get one from somewhere that will services it, but I don't know why you couldn't buy it somewhere else and have them service it. Then again, I'd like to support local businesses, and as far as that goes, so far, Joe's has my loyalty. I love those guys, but I'll still shop around.
More on my chainsaw odyssey later. For now, I'll investigate my wood options.
Here's my dilemma-I am once again on the search for wood this year, and think that this will be an ongoing gig until I inherit 100 acres of prime hardwood forest to cut and split my own trees. Unfortunately, landowners don't take credit cards, so that's not going to happen any time soon.
As I may have mentioned, my previous source of wood has upped his price to the point where it's may be beyond our reach. Sure, we could afford it, but do we really want to spend that much money on wood? We need heat, no doubt about that, but we have some time. Not a lot, but some, and I figure we can shop around for a few weeks and at least see what's out there. I've been told that wood should be going down because there are a lot of guys who want to sell it, but I've yet to see this. I have seen that prices have dropped slightly from last year, but my goal, in the end, is to find a reliable source that I can turn to each year.
So far, I've yet to find it, but what do you expect from a Flatlander?
In the meantime, I'll keep shopping for my chainsaw. It looks like I'm going to drop about $300-400 easy, but that's what everyone tells me. My good friend Jim said spend at least $500 and get one that will last you a lifetime, but I don't know if I'm ready for that.
I'm looking at Stihl and Husqvarna, and maybe one of the Japanese models, but the Euro models seem to be the ones to get. Everyone I know has Stihl, and I am having a hard time locating someone who sells Huskies (listen to me, so pretentious) nearby. They say to get one from somewhere that will services it, but I don't know why you couldn't buy it somewhere else and have them service it. Then again, I'd like to support local businesses, and as far as that goes, so far, Joe's has my loyalty. I love those guys, but I'll still shop around.
More on my chainsaw odyssey later. For now, I'll investigate my wood options.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Quiet Karate Class
Our sensei has not shown up to our past two classes, but fortunately for us, Grand Master Hammond has. It must be a little awkward for him to come and not have his past student, and our current teacher, just not show up. For Master Hammond, it's a long trek to get there, and it's nice of him to make the effort to show up. And even though I get nervous around him, we've been jiving a lot more and I've found him to a very interesting and warm person, once you get past the fact that he could rip out your liver.
And the classes have been small. The dedicated few, if you will, though my buddy PC was a no show. Even still, it's a good time for me to practice my katas and get them down, not to mention preparing for my next belt. Now karate to me is all about embracing it so that it becomes about embodying the philosophy rather than just showing up each week to test and get a belt. I bring this up because we only meet once a week, and at first glance, this doesn't seem like enough. Truth be told, it isn't, but only if all you do in terms of learning/practice is that once a week gig.
The reality is, we know what we need to know and practice, and it doesn't require being in class to do it. In terms of katas, one step spars, and even sparring moves, these are all things that you can and should practice on your own time. Endurance, flexibility, and strength are also things that have value in daily life, so I guess, given that we don't have much choice anyway, once a week can work if you dedicate yourself in your free time. Even when you're not in class, I've found it valuable to keep it in my mind and envision things when I can. It puts you in the moment.
I'm still working on this, but I'm getting there. Especially with my katas, specifically my bo kata. Master Hammond said he might put me on the spot at R's test, and the minute he said that I could feel my anxiety level skyrocket. What is it about performance anxiety that gets the best of me?
Until then, I'll keep practicing. And thanks for reading.
And the classes have been small. The dedicated few, if you will, though my buddy PC was a no show. Even still, it's a good time for me to practice my katas and get them down, not to mention preparing for my next belt. Now karate to me is all about embracing it so that it becomes about embodying the philosophy rather than just showing up each week to test and get a belt. I bring this up because we only meet once a week, and at first glance, this doesn't seem like enough. Truth be told, it isn't, but only if all you do in terms of learning/practice is that once a week gig.
The reality is, we know what we need to know and practice, and it doesn't require being in class to do it. In terms of katas, one step spars, and even sparring moves, these are all things that you can and should practice on your own time. Endurance, flexibility, and strength are also things that have value in daily life, so I guess, given that we don't have much choice anyway, once a week can work if you dedicate yourself in your free time. Even when you're not in class, I've found it valuable to keep it in my mind and envision things when I can. It puts you in the moment.
I'm still working on this, but I'm getting there. Especially with my katas, specifically my bo kata. Master Hammond said he might put me on the spot at R's test, and the minute he said that I could feel my anxiety level skyrocket. What is it about performance anxiety that gets the best of me?
Until then, I'll keep practicing. And thanks for reading.
Firewood, Chainsaws, and the Bookcase
It seems like every year I've got to think and worry about getting firewood. What a pain, and this year it's no different. As I may have mentioned, our usual firewood source has raised his prices, understandably so, but has now pushed the cost into the realm of inspiring me to be more of real man and cut my own wood. I.e., it may very well be time to get a chainsaw. Mind you, I'm not about to start downing trees myself, not that we had any to spare, but you can save a lot of money, not to mention find more regular sources of wood, if you buy the stuff in log-lengths. Our biggest issue is with transportation. I know a few friends and places that would sell me wood, it's just getting it home that's the problem. If you buy cut and split, you're easily looking at $170/cord, and that's on the lower end.
It always brings me back to the chainsaw dilemma, the time may have come in my real-man training to get one. The question is, which one? I'm leaning towards Husquavarna, don't ask me why. Everyone I know has a Stihl, and I've been told the Japanese make a decent one, though it seems like no self-respecting lumberjack would be caught dead with one. I've been told to cut that amount of wood I'm looking at, I'd need about 50-60cc saw with a 16 inch bar, minimum.
It's all Greek to me, though I'm guessing I'm looking at about a $400-500 investment. Ouch. I'll also invest in all the safety equipment, which includes the chaps, helmet, and boots. Real man gear, that's for sure.
On the domestic front, since our little discussion about finishing the bookcase, I've actually finished the bookcase. It was a lot less painful than I'd anticipated, and though it needs a few minor adjustments here and there, it's basically ready to roll. I feel so empowered about the whole thing that I'm inspired to build another one, which hopefully won't take another six months to finish. I will say this-it was nice using the Ecoprocote stain and finish because it being Winter and all, I couldn't open the windows and the stain was very minimal in terms of fumes.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
It always brings me back to the chainsaw dilemma, the time may have come in my real-man training to get one. The question is, which one? I'm leaning towards Husquavarna, don't ask me why. Everyone I know has a Stihl, and I've been told the Japanese make a decent one, though it seems like no self-respecting lumberjack would be caught dead with one. I've been told to cut that amount of wood I'm looking at, I'd need about 50-60cc saw with a 16 inch bar, minimum.
It's all Greek to me, though I'm guessing I'm looking at about a $400-500 investment. Ouch. I'll also invest in all the safety equipment, which includes the chaps, helmet, and boots. Real man gear, that's for sure.
On the domestic front, since our little discussion about finishing the bookcase, I've actually finished the bookcase. It was a lot less painful than I'd anticipated, and though it needs a few minor adjustments here and there, it's basically ready to roll. I feel so empowered about the whole thing that I'm inspired to build another one, which hopefully won't take another six months to finish. I will say this-it was nice using the Ecoprocote stain and finish because it being Winter and all, I couldn't open the windows and the stain was very minimal in terms of fumes.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Things Coming Back to Haunt Us
We had a problem a few months back with our baseboard heating. The mudroom is isolated from the rest of the house and gets really cold, even if it's toasty everywhere else. When we had the sub-zero temps, the pipes in the baseboard heating froze, and then they burst. Water was everywhere, and we resolved the situation by shutting down that zone completely since we don't use the boiler for heating, just hot water.
It was a fine and simple solution until we decided to go away for the weekend and realized we couldn't because we can't leave the heat on. In fact, we can't use the heat at all because the pipe is cracked, so we canceled our plans and realized we had to fix this problem.
Enter Boland Custom Home Improvement. KB came over and checked it out. I asked him if we could just bypass the room entirely, via the basement, and he said of course we could. KB can do anything, he's that kind of guy. He said he'd shoot for Thu or Fri, bring new pipes, reroute the heating system, and voila: we're back in business.
On another home improvement front, I finally started staining the bookshelf I made about five months ago. The problem is that it's pretty big, about eight feet tall, and looking at it makes my stomach hurt. It's also tough doing indoors, with the fumes and all, but I'm using this soy-based stain and finish that I got from the Ace Hardware store in Provincetown. They were the only place in New England that carried this stuff, and I personally like it. It's called Ecoprocote, and it's non-toxic, low in the toxic fumes department, and meets the Green Building requirements.
It's bio-based and sustainable, though I think when you're an experienced professional, you don't go in for new and gimicky things, you want the tried and proven materials. A lot of seasoned professionals will only work with oil based stains, but I'm neither seasoned or professional, and in the interest of keeping our home a reasonably safe place, chose this product.
I've done a few shelves, and they came out nicely, so I have no complaints, other than perhaps the cost, which is a little higher, but everything eco-friendly is.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
It was a fine and simple solution until we decided to go away for the weekend and realized we couldn't because we can't leave the heat on. In fact, we can't use the heat at all because the pipe is cracked, so we canceled our plans and realized we had to fix this problem.
Enter Boland Custom Home Improvement. KB came over and checked it out. I asked him if we could just bypass the room entirely, via the basement, and he said of course we could. KB can do anything, he's that kind of guy. He said he'd shoot for Thu or Fri, bring new pipes, reroute the heating system, and voila: we're back in business.
On another home improvement front, I finally started staining the bookshelf I made about five months ago. The problem is that it's pretty big, about eight feet tall, and looking at it makes my stomach hurt. It's also tough doing indoors, with the fumes and all, but I'm using this soy-based stain and finish that I got from the Ace Hardware store in Provincetown. They were the only place in New England that carried this stuff, and I personally like it. It's called Ecoprocote, and it's non-toxic, low in the toxic fumes department, and meets the Green Building requirements.
It's bio-based and sustainable, though I think when you're an experienced professional, you don't go in for new and gimicky things, you want the tried and proven materials. A lot of seasoned professionals will only work with oil based stains, but I'm neither seasoned or professional, and in the interest of keeping our home a reasonably safe place, chose this product.
I've done a few shelves, and they came out nicely, so I have no complaints, other than perhaps the cost, which is a little higher, but everything eco-friendly is.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Clarification
I'd like to clarify my saying that I took a bullet for GL. What I really meant was that in helping him out, my life was inconvenienced, nothing more. No big deal, and truth be told, Gary has always been there for us, so it was a no brainer to help him. I'd do it in a heartbeat.
But it really clarifies the difficulties in having only one car. Our Mazda Protege is a great car, it's served us well and we hope that it will serve us for a lot longer. I'm old school in that I believe cars should be driven into the ground before you replace them, and that's why we got our Protege. We're on the verge of 100K miles, and no major problems. It handles the snow well, also, but that could simply be our Nokian Hakkas. Great tire.
Even still, it'd be nice to have another car, even if it's a junker to just get us to the rec center. R thinks buying junk is a waste of time, but meanwhile you're sitting there without transportation. What is the lesser of two evils?
Thanks for reading.
But it really clarifies the difficulties in having only one car. Our Mazda Protege is a great car, it's served us well and we hope that it will serve us for a lot longer. I'm old school in that I believe cars should be driven into the ground before you replace them, and that's why we got our Protege. We're on the verge of 100K miles, and no major problems. It handles the snow well, also, but that could simply be our Nokian Hakkas. Great tire.
Even still, it'd be nice to have another car, even if it's a junker to just get us to the rec center. R thinks buying junk is a waste of time, but meanwhile you're sitting there without transportation. What is the lesser of two evils?
Thanks for reading.
Grounded and Back in the Firewood Hunt
A question was posed to me by my wife that really forced me to take a step back and take a good look at my life-how could I justify going skiing as much as I do while there are so many projects that lay around the house unfinished?
My answer?
I can't... so I won't. Total bummer. We were planning on going skiing this Sunday, had it all planned out, and were ready to hit the slopes right after breakfast when my wife posed the fateful question. Part of her complaint was that it meant that she would be at home all by herself because after a hard week at work, she not only didn't feel like rushing out the door with all of our ski equipment, but that she wanted us to spend time together, as a family. Now how could I argue with that.
The ski season winds down to an end, and we missed out on a prime skiing weekend, but such is life. It's more important in the end to spend quality time together, and though skiing can be a family gig, it's not exactly warm fuzzy time playing games and being together. So we can take a break. Besides, I get a sense the kids were wanting a break, anyway. Boo-hoo!
Then again, it is snowing, so maybe it's a sign.
I am also being punished for my complacency and selfishness in the firewood department. I got a great deal last year on firewood, kind of fell in my lap, actually, and I, like the people I was disdainful of, guarded our secret source like gold. I figured this year would be easy, I'd just give a call, get our six cords, and be on our way, but it was not to be.
I put in an order for six cords, and our man got back to us, but the price had gone up considerably. So much so that I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Not six cords, at least. I was bummed, once again, and figured I was getting what I deserved for being so clandestine about it all. Just goes to show you, you can't go through life without dealing with it like a real man.
Now I'm once again in the firewood hunt, and life is no longer so simple. I do have some leads, however, and this could very well be the year that I get my chainsaw, because I may very well need it.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
My answer?
I can't... so I won't. Total bummer. We were planning on going skiing this Sunday, had it all planned out, and were ready to hit the slopes right after breakfast when my wife posed the fateful question. Part of her complaint was that it meant that she would be at home all by herself because after a hard week at work, she not only didn't feel like rushing out the door with all of our ski equipment, but that she wanted us to spend time together, as a family. Now how could I argue with that.
The ski season winds down to an end, and we missed out on a prime skiing weekend, but such is life. It's more important in the end to spend quality time together, and though skiing can be a family gig, it's not exactly warm fuzzy time playing games and being together. So we can take a break. Besides, I get a sense the kids were wanting a break, anyway. Boo-hoo!
Then again, it is snowing, so maybe it's a sign.
I am also being punished for my complacency and selfishness in the firewood department. I got a great deal last year on firewood, kind of fell in my lap, actually, and I, like the people I was disdainful of, guarded our secret source like gold. I figured this year would be easy, I'd just give a call, get our six cords, and be on our way, but it was not to be.
I put in an order for six cords, and our man got back to us, but the price had gone up considerably. So much so that I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Not six cords, at least. I was bummed, once again, and figured I was getting what I deserved for being so clandestine about it all. Just goes to show you, you can't go through life without dealing with it like a real man.
Now I'm once again in the firewood hunt, and life is no longer so simple. I do have some leads, however, and this could very well be the year that I get my chainsaw, because I may very well need it.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
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