Odds and Ends

After working a bit more on the van I came to the conclusion that the starter failed. I probably could change it myself if I really had to, but I don't have to. The van's parked on an incline and up against a wall -pretty tight. Instead I'm getting it towed to my mechanic. There are other projects that need my attention.

Of course, one thing leads to another. I ordered a pallet of fireblocks for the woodstove. Normally the guy drops them where my van is now parked. He was able to unload them on the other end of the driveway by lifting the whole pallet over the wall. The guy really knows his stuff. In the end the blocks aren't much further away than normal.

I also have a good dolly for moving stuff around. If you ever have to move heavy things, get yourself a good dolly. You'll never regret it. As I get older I like mine more and more. When one of the tires got a flat, I changed them over to airless tires that can't go flat. That was another good investment. Nothing more annoying than moving things around a construction project and picking up stray nails.

Another super useful tool around the house is a good quality contractor style wheelbarrow. I've had mine for many years. It's on it's third set of handles and a second wheel. I throw a little paint on it now and then to keep the rust away.

With all the replacement parts it reminds of the story about old guy and his ax. Guy says he's had the same ax for fifty years. Changed the handle six times and the head twice.

-Sixbears