The seasons, in typical Spring fashion, can't seem to make up their minds, and we're getting the typical temperature fluctuations of hot to cold. At times the change is pretty significant, going from the 40's to the single digits. What you get are the slick, icy conditions that make getting around a challenge, but I'm wondering if it's better this way, because what really makes life hard is the mud. At one point, our road was so bad that we were seriously worried about getting stuck before the cold weather set in. Now that ski season is over, I wouldn't be disappointed if the snow melted quickly and Spring arrived with flourish, because there are so many big projects to take on, and I can't begin them until it gets a little warmer and drier. Then again, there will be plenty of time for that.
Still waiting to hear about our firewood. I can't picture what 8 cords looks like in tree length wood, but yesterday at Cobb Hill, I spoke with Steve (really cool guy) and expert woodsman, and he showed me a pile that was about 12 cords. Based on that, I think the wood we ordered will fit in the designated space. My main concern is for Marty's tree, which when you think about it, is still a strange thing that she put it there. What's she thinking? In the end, we'll do our best, but I can't account for the actions of other people trying their best, meaning the person who will deliver the wood.
BTW, Steve used Stihl chainsaws and brought up the interesting point that a smaller bar actually cuts faster because the chain has a shorter distance to travel, which makes sense.
Looking forward to some warmer weather, but mostly drier weather. Haven't been doing much sugaring, though we see our neighbors out and about and should take the initiative. It's awkward inviting yourself over to someone else's gig, but they are so nice, I know they'd be happy to have us along.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Choosing My Chainsaw
People seem so relaxed about dropping several hundred dollars on equipment, it amazes me. Then again, when it comes to most serious stuff, you have no choice, it's expensive. I've narrowed my chainsaw search to a Stihl, even though my neighbor has a Husqvarna, as does his neighbor. It sort of boiled down to my gut feeling, and I went into it thinking Husqvarna all the way because that's what my buddy Jim has and promoted.
But I'm also a big and loyal fan of Joe's Equipment in W. Leb, and all they don't carry Husqvarna. Just Stihl and Jonsured (and Echo, but barely), and I've grown to trust them. It's still going to cost me a bundle, with chaps and helmet and boots, but I'm leaning to the 270. My friend G has the 280, and that has more power, but the 270 is about $100 less, and that's what they showed me and recommended. Obviously, bigger is better, but I think it's reasonable.
My karate instructor said he uses both Stihl and Husqvarna and says they're both great saws, but he mentioned that Husqvarna made their saws available to big chain stores, and the quality went down, whereas Stihl is adamant about only going through dealers. I kind of like that, though I know Husqvarna's still a great saw.
That's the way it is for this week, but things can change on a dime. Until then, thanks for reading.
But I'm also a big and loyal fan of Joe's Equipment in W. Leb, and all they don't carry Husqvarna. Just Stihl and Jonsured (and Echo, but barely), and I've grown to trust them. It's still going to cost me a bundle, with chaps and helmet and boots, but I'm leaning to the 270. My friend G has the 280, and that has more power, but the 270 is about $100 less, and that's what they showed me and recommended. Obviously, bigger is better, but I think it's reasonable.
My karate instructor said he uses both Stihl and Husqvarna and says they're both great saws, but he mentioned that Husqvarna made their saws available to big chain stores, and the quality went down, whereas Stihl is adamant about only going through dealers. I kind of like that, though I know Husqvarna's still a great saw.
That's the way it is for this week, but things can change on a dime. Until then, thanks for reading.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Firewood Karma and Mud Season
I took my first steps at being an assertive homeowner and community member by reporting a local road that was in disrepair. I even used that word, that sounds a bit pretentious in retrospect, but I didn't want to seem overbearing. It also might have seemed self-serving because the road in question just happens to be the one our house is on, but what are you going to do? Mud season is peaking it's head around the corner, and though we have our share of cold days still, it's been hovering around the high 40's on some days, and the mud is pretty serious.
Our road gets to be a swamp, and since we're one of the few families in Vermont that doesn't have 4-wheel drive, there have been a few instances when it wasn't for certain that we'd make it through. Fortunately the really bad sections are right in front of our neighbors, and since our neighbors are all true Vermonters (not necessarily natives), they have tractors and trucks, and have in the past bailed us out when we were stuck. Even still, best to avoid those situations.
I was told to call the town center and let them know about the problem, it's the only way they know, so I did. I spoke with the town manager, B, who is kind of like the mayor, and he knew who I was. That was kind of cool for a Flatlander. I've met him on a few occasions, and he's a great guy, but never figured that he actually remembered my name, but such is the way of small town life. You've got to love that. He said he'd put the road on the list and they'd take a look at it. I'm sure they're inundated with complaints, and at some point they'll probably re-surface our road with hard pack. The temp has dropped so it's probably more manageable, but in the next few weeks it'll be a disaster.
In fact, looking around our house, I can't help but think that this mud season is going to be a whopper. Last year we lucked out, Spring was short and dry, just right if you ask me. I'm guessing this year we won't be so lucky, but you never know.
I was talking to my friend, P, about firewood and he's a true Vermonter. Of course I was curious about where he got his, and he told me he buys several cords a year, up to six, at $200 a pop. I was floored, that's expensive for so much wood, and later realized that he might have been yanking my chain in an effort to be coy about his source, much like I've been in the past about mine. So my firewood karma is coming back to haunt me, but I guess I'm getting what I deserve.
Either way, I don't know that's what he was doing for sure, and in the end, if and when I get my chainsaw, it will undoubtedly open up more options.
Until then, thanks for reading.
Our road gets to be a swamp, and since we're one of the few families in Vermont that doesn't have 4-wheel drive, there have been a few instances when it wasn't for certain that we'd make it through. Fortunately the really bad sections are right in front of our neighbors, and since our neighbors are all true Vermonters (not necessarily natives), they have tractors and trucks, and have in the past bailed us out when we were stuck. Even still, best to avoid those situations.
I was told to call the town center and let them know about the problem, it's the only way they know, so I did. I spoke with the town manager, B, who is kind of like the mayor, and he knew who I was. That was kind of cool for a Flatlander. I've met him on a few occasions, and he's a great guy, but never figured that he actually remembered my name, but such is the way of small town life. You've got to love that. He said he'd put the road on the list and they'd take a look at it. I'm sure they're inundated with complaints, and at some point they'll probably re-surface our road with hard pack. The temp has dropped so it's probably more manageable, but in the next few weeks it'll be a disaster.
In fact, looking around our house, I can't help but think that this mud season is going to be a whopper. Last year we lucked out, Spring was short and dry, just right if you ask me. I'm guessing this year we won't be so lucky, but you never know.
I was talking to my friend, P, about firewood and he's a true Vermonter. Of course I was curious about where he got his, and he told me he buys several cords a year, up to six, at $200 a pop. I was floored, that's expensive for so much wood, and later realized that he might have been yanking my chain in an effort to be coy about his source, much like I've been in the past about mine. So my firewood karma is coming back to haunt me, but I guess I'm getting what I deserve.
Either way, I don't know that's what he was doing for sure, and in the end, if and when I get my chainsaw, it will undoubtedly open up more options.
Until then, thanks for reading.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Relinquishing the Key
For whatever reason, I was in possession of the key to open the karate dojo, and felt this huge burden of responsibility to be there not only on time, but early to let everyone in. I usually got to class about ten minutes before it began, because I am dependent on my wife getting home to watch the kids. With the key, it meant that I should get there earlier, though it's not imperative.
Yesterday, R was running a little late, and I knew they were testing a black belt, so I packed the kids into the truck, drove over, let everyone in, and then brought the kids back home. R was there by then, and it was a question of a few minutes, but I felt better having dealt with it.
And, sensei was there, so I gave him back the key, and now I'm absolved of having to be there early to open the door. Big relief, now I can focus on other important matters, like getting dinner ready for R when she gets home. Not easy being a homemaker, especially when you're trying to study karate at the same time.
Thanks for reading.
Yesterday, R was running a little late, and I knew they were testing a black belt, so I packed the kids into the truck, drove over, let everyone in, and then brought the kids back home. R was there by then, and it was a question of a few minutes, but I felt better having dealt with it.
And, sensei was there, so I gave him back the key, and now I'm absolved of having to be there early to open the door. Big relief, now I can focus on other important matters, like getting dinner ready for R when she gets home. Not easy being a homemaker, especially when you're trying to study karate at the same time.
Thanks for reading.
Quick House Assessment and Crazy Weather
K came by yesterday while plowing the driveway and gave us a quick assessment to the roof situation, and like most things in life, there was good news and bad news. The bad news is that the roof is clearly leaking and needs to be dealt with at some time. K could see water damage on the ceiling and said it was clear the water was getting in and at some point needed to be dealt with. He also mentioned that the root of the problem was more than likely in some inadequate insulation on that section of the ceiling.
The good news is that since the leaking was due to ice buildup and not a big hole in the roof, it wouldn't require replacing the shingles, at least not in the short term, and could very well be avoidable if I can just keep all that ice off the roof. I.e., I've got to be more diligent about clearing the snow off the roof, and I've got to clear more of it off, on the order of all of it. I was originally told to just remove the snow about foot off the edge to avoid icicle formation, but even when I did that, I could plainly see that the ice simply formed further up the roof, and now I'm suffering for my sins. At least there is a remedy, if not a solution.
There is also a problem with our front porch with leaking. When the roof is doing it's job of keeping water off the deck, we're fine, but once that deck gets wet, it's like a sponge. I don't get it, personally, I don't see how the water gets in, but it does, probably through the grout, and then it flows to the basement. We're getting rot on the floor, you can see it in the basement, which is a complete bummer. The long range goal would be to replace the floor, a huge job, but in the short term, keep that darn water off the deck. I've got to come up with a plan, but for now can just abate the situation by using a tarp. Sure, it looks awful, but beats having rotting floorboards.
Funny how Marty never mentioned these things. It stems from a flawed design on the porch, the thing is angled towards the house so all the water that hits it flows and collects against the front door. It's got nowhere to go but inside.
Yet another project for the Summer.
The weather thew us a curveball, as well. As much as I love snow, I was taken by surprise by how much we got, and it's wet. The ground is still soft, so when K plows it, it comes up mud. The bright note is that the skiing will last a little longer, if I can motivate the kids to want to go. Maybe today...
Until then, thanks for reading.
The good news is that since the leaking was due to ice buildup and not a big hole in the roof, it wouldn't require replacing the shingles, at least not in the short term, and could very well be avoidable if I can just keep all that ice off the roof. I.e., I've got to be more diligent about clearing the snow off the roof, and I've got to clear more of it off, on the order of all of it. I was originally told to just remove the snow about foot off the edge to avoid icicle formation, but even when I did that, I could plainly see that the ice simply formed further up the roof, and now I'm suffering for my sins. At least there is a remedy, if not a solution.
There is also a problem with our front porch with leaking. When the roof is doing it's job of keeping water off the deck, we're fine, but once that deck gets wet, it's like a sponge. I don't get it, personally, I don't see how the water gets in, but it does, probably through the grout, and then it flows to the basement. We're getting rot on the floor, you can see it in the basement, which is a complete bummer. The long range goal would be to replace the floor, a huge job, but in the short term, keep that darn water off the deck. I've got to come up with a plan, but for now can just abate the situation by using a tarp. Sure, it looks awful, but beats having rotting floorboards.
Funny how Marty never mentioned these things. It stems from a flawed design on the porch, the thing is angled towards the house so all the water that hits it flows and collects against the front door. It's got nowhere to go but inside.
Yet another project for the Summer.
The weather thew us a curveball, as well. As much as I love snow, I was taken by surprise by how much we got, and it's wet. The ground is still soft, so when K plows it, it comes up mud. The bright note is that the skiing will last a little longer, if I can motivate the kids to want to go. Maybe today...
Until then, thanks for reading.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Looking Ahead to Home Improvement Projects
leaking
roof
clapboards
bookcases
gables on dormers
painting trim
painting clapboards
Wow, we have a whole slew of home improvement projects, and in a way I'm looking forward to warmer, drier weather so I can get them done, but on the other hand, I'm dreading it, for the simple fact that I don't know what I'm doing. Then again, I've never let that stop me before.
We have a leaky roof situation, something you dread as a homeowner. As much as you need water to live, for a house it can be your worst enemy. We're seeing a little water damage on the ceiling and assume the ice damns that built up over Winter have done their dirty work. A job like that will call for a call to Boland Custom Home Improvement, or BCHI, at least for a look.
I was checking out the gables on the shed dormers (I love when I talk the talk) and the side boards need replacing, as do all the clapboards along the bottom of the backside (the south side) of the house. So what I'll need to do once the weather dries out is rip out the clapboards, check the plywood to see if it's rotted (a high probability-total bummer), and then apply preservative and Vycor-I love that stuff. Hopefully, and this is a huge hopefully, I won't have to replace the plywood, because that's a bear of a job.
This Spring/Summer I'll also have to paint the South facing sides of the house, and all the trim along the roof and the windows. On top of all that, I'm going to attempt to cut and split 8 cords of wood, prep the garden, build assorted shelves, mow the lawn, be a good father to my kids and a loving husband to my wife, and finish a barn.
Piece of cake. Until the next time, thanks for reading.
roof
clapboards
bookcases
gables on dormers
painting trim
painting clapboards
Wow, we have a whole slew of home improvement projects, and in a way I'm looking forward to warmer, drier weather so I can get them done, but on the other hand, I'm dreading it, for the simple fact that I don't know what I'm doing. Then again, I've never let that stop me before.
We have a leaky roof situation, something you dread as a homeowner. As much as you need water to live, for a house it can be your worst enemy. We're seeing a little water damage on the ceiling and assume the ice damns that built up over Winter have done their dirty work. A job like that will call for a call to Boland Custom Home Improvement, or BCHI, at least for a look.
I was checking out the gables on the shed dormers (I love when I talk the talk) and the side boards need replacing, as do all the clapboards along the bottom of the backside (the south side) of the house. So what I'll need to do once the weather dries out is rip out the clapboards, check the plywood to see if it's rotted (a high probability-total bummer), and then apply preservative and Vycor-I love that stuff. Hopefully, and this is a huge hopefully, I won't have to replace the plywood, because that's a bear of a job.
This Spring/Summer I'll also have to paint the South facing sides of the house, and all the trim along the roof and the windows. On top of all that, I'm going to attempt to cut and split 8 cords of wood, prep the garden, build assorted shelves, mow the lawn, be a good father to my kids and a loving husband to my wife, and finish a barn.
Piece of cake. Until the next time, thanks for reading.
Wood Options and Be Careful What You Wish For
I've been searching furiously for wood, and though I know I have some time, it's important to bear in mind that Spring is here and Summer will arrive before you know it, and you really need those hot summer days to dry the wood. That is, until I get my act together and have two years worth sitting around the property, I need to burn semi-dry, semi-green wood. I know, however, that one day the wood will be dry and crisp.
The problem I seem to run into is where to get the wood, the biggest problem by far being how to transport the stuff, you need a serious truck, and not the kind you can ask a friend to let you borrow. After all was said and done, I did find someone who would deliver tree length logs, but only if I buy 8 cords. I have no problem with that, except for the minor inconvenience that I don't have a chainsaw, but I can't let that stop me, can I?
So I told him that I was interested, and didn't hear back for a few days, so I started getting nervous that I waited too long and hadn't made the list. That's how my neurotic, Flatlander mind works. I didn't want to hound him and piss him off, but I also didn't want him to forget about me. Well, by the time had I worked myself into a frenzy, the guy called, and indeed I had made the list. We talked, he was very cool, and he said he'd deliver the wood in a couple of weeks.
What? Now I've never done this, and had to take a moment to consider if I was ready to buy 8 cords of wood, and where the heck I was going to put it. I can't use the old space because we are still planning on finishing the barn, and that's where the septic system is going to be-more on the barn later.
I finally decided the wildflower patch would work, because it's far enough away to not ruin our front yard, there's a road there (though it's covered with wildflowers, which we'll miss), and there's the issue of M's trees. She put her darn tree there, the one she planted for her daughter's birthday, and I think there's enough room, but really hope that in the process of unloading the wood, he doesn't level it. That would really suck.
So I think I've got my wood. I won't say for sure until it's sitting on our property, but at least I feel relieved that I don't have to keep searching for it. Of course I managed to find a way to still worry about it, because I want to maintain a connection with this guy, but I don't know if I'll buy 8 cords every year. In fact, I know I won't, but think I may have a way to work around it.
And then there's the issue of the chainsaw, but that can wait. At least until tomorrow. For now, let me relish my small victory, because they are few and far in-between.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
The problem I seem to run into is where to get the wood, the biggest problem by far being how to transport the stuff, you need a serious truck, and not the kind you can ask a friend to let you borrow. After all was said and done, I did find someone who would deliver tree length logs, but only if I buy 8 cords. I have no problem with that, except for the minor inconvenience that I don't have a chainsaw, but I can't let that stop me, can I?
So I told him that I was interested, and didn't hear back for a few days, so I started getting nervous that I waited too long and hadn't made the list. That's how my neurotic, Flatlander mind works. I didn't want to hound him and piss him off, but I also didn't want him to forget about me. Well, by the time had I worked myself into a frenzy, the guy called, and indeed I had made the list. We talked, he was very cool, and he said he'd deliver the wood in a couple of weeks.
What? Now I've never done this, and had to take a moment to consider if I was ready to buy 8 cords of wood, and where the heck I was going to put it. I can't use the old space because we are still planning on finishing the barn, and that's where the septic system is going to be-more on the barn later.
I finally decided the wildflower patch would work, because it's far enough away to not ruin our front yard, there's a road there (though it's covered with wildflowers, which we'll miss), and there's the issue of M's trees. She put her darn tree there, the one she planted for her daughter's birthday, and I think there's enough room, but really hope that in the process of unloading the wood, he doesn't level it. That would really suck.
So I think I've got my wood. I won't say for sure until it's sitting on our property, but at least I feel relieved that I don't have to keep searching for it. Of course I managed to find a way to still worry about it, because I want to maintain a connection with this guy, but I don't know if I'll buy 8 cords every year. In fact, I know I won't, but think I may have a way to work around it.
And then there's the issue of the chainsaw, but that can wait. At least until tomorrow. For now, let me relish my small victory, because they are few and far in-between.
Until the next time, thanks for reading.
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