A Simple Matter

The Fuzz started the week with a simple (he thought) project.  Ever since we moved into this trailer, the exhaust fan in the hood over the stove has not worked.  He had previously determined that although the switch was bad, the fan motor was bad as well.  So he replaced the switch with a simple toggle, and there was light, but no ventilation.  This was not a terrible situation, as we were not used to such luxuries at the Old Place anyway.
But now with a bit of time on his hands, The Fuzz decided to replace the fan motor, and upgrade to a two speed fan (since that was the only ones there were now).  When the motor came, the instructions called for hooking it up as either a high speed- or low speed fan.  But Our Fuzz figured it would be a simple matter to install a second, two speed toggle switch to control the new fan.  Probably a 2 hour job.

The first problem came when he tried to take the fan box out.  He removed the 4 screws and then discovered why the instructions called for removing the whole hood.

It seems there were these little tabs holding it in as well.  They were, of course, inaccessibly located against the wall.  This thing must have been designed by a sadist.
So the Disappointed Fuzz proceeded to remove more screws and drop the entire hood.  Unfortunately he did not notice the little strap attached to the duct above.  So when the hood was lowered, it pulled the duct with it.  Getting the duct back where it belonged was an ordeal which even involved getting out a ladder to check on the vent on the roof.  But with a great deal of effort, resistance, and mess, it was accomplished.

Now it was time to ride into town to the Home Improvement Store where he did NOT find the switches.  So then, he shot over to the Radio Shack, a sure thing, he thought.  Not so.  Next he tried NAPA.  After a fruitless search, he was informed that the other NAPA store might have one.  Before taking another ride (in the freezing cold) our Persistent Fuzz stopped by the Auto Zone, where he was finally able to find the two switches desired.  They were mismatched, but at this point he was getting desperate.
Here's a look at the new motor installed in the box.

And after drilling a new hole, here's a look at the new switches, installed.

But, there was another problem.  The box covering the switches, was too small for the new ones!

But it was late now, and the 2 hour job was taking all day.  So The Fuzz decided to pack it in, and tackle that issue, tomorrow.
Check back, to see how things came out.

No Snow

It didn't happen. 

The Birds

One of the things The Fuzz's Sweetie and he like to see at the Renaissance Festival is The Birds.

Here you can see the Owl making a pass over the spectators.  This guy flies without a sound.  His feathers are designed special for this purpose.  And here's a look at him on the perch.

They got to see one of the Hawks , but The Fuzz didn't get a good pix of him.

But here's a look at Igor, the Vulture, in flight.

And on the ground.

The Fuzz and all had their usual picnic lunch in the nearby woods.  And then it was back for more fun and music. 

Renaissance Fair

Between his lazy days, and busy days, The Fuzz has been a bit slack around here.  One of those busy days, involved our Annual Renaissance Fair Trip.

The weather was excellent.  This year the Young Daughter brought a couple of friends along.  So The Fuzz and His Sweetie were free to wander around on their own.

Here's a look at some of the dancing activities.

The venders are always ready to demonstrate in the hope of making a sale.

There are plenty of colorful characters to see.

And of course the kids love it.

The Fuzz and His Sweetie always dress up themselves.  After all, that is part of the fun.  If you go, you should too!

Heavy Duty Coffee

It is no secret that The Fuzz likes his coffee.  So once a week, he and His Sweetie like to hit one of the local coffee shops for a bit of this tasty brew.  They usually spend some time pursuing they're coffee shop type interests. 

The other day, they got to see how this dangerous brew arrives.

These giant sacks weigh in at around 175lbs, according to the coffee shop man.  And he should know.

Here's a look at him carrying one in from the truck at the curb.  The Fuzz didn't realize running a coffee shop was such hard work!

It's On

The Fuzz says he's getting there with this.  He took the wheel over to the Bike Shop and had the tires swapped out.

Then he put it back together.
But, he wants do do an oil change whilst he has the thing up on the stand.  It's a bitch getting it back up there by himself.  Today he and His Sweetie were in town, so he picked up some oil and a filter.  Hopefully, he can get that done tomorrow.

Boats of the Seine 28

New Treads

In the previous post, The Fuzz mentioned a bit of tire trouble.

We are glad to say that the replacement is here!

And here's a couple looks at the old and new together.  As you can see there is a bit of difference.

Now all that remains, is to take these somewhere to get them swapped on the rim.  It is possible to do this at home The Fuzz has been told.  But The Fuzz does not have the right tools, and sometimes it isn't worth the trouble to improvise.  

But he should be back on the road soon.

Mountains and More

The Fuzz has been enjoying his new opportunity to take that motorcycle out.  Last week he decided to shoot up to the Parkway one more time while the weather was still nice.

The leaves were starting to turn just a bit.  They seem to be a little late this year to us.

The Fuzz likes to pick up a deli sandwich on his way and stash it in the saddle bag.  Then he'll stop at one of the picnic sites, or just an overlook (some have tables) for a break and leisurely lunch.

But there was a slight complication this time.  Which is the basis for this little pix.

And a Tale of Woe.

Boats of the Seine 27

Back In Business

You may remember a while back, when The Fuzz had a bit of bad luck with his chainsaw.  Realizing that the simplest, and least expensive course was to replace the broke stuff, rather than the entire chainsaw, he ordered the necessary replacements from Sears-Online.  Well, the other day, Fed Ex snuck into the yard, and left them on the porch.

Here you can see the old, and new, together.

That Industrious Fuzz went right to work, and here is the brand new sprocket, installed.  That was easy enough.

Since he was ordering the sprocket anyway, The Fuzz picked up a new adjuster for the chain as well.  The old one had torn up a couple years ago, forcing Our Fuzz to improvise, using a large screwdriver as a leaver.  Here's a look at that handy little thing (at the arrow) also installed. 

Well, it had to be tested of course.  So we have a pix of the saw, the wood, and a bunch of sawdust.

Time Capsule Cont.

Well, what about that coffee?

Well, let's see what we got here.

We don't have a Canteen Cup, so The Fuzz will have to settle for his old tin one.

It looks like the powder is still powder.  That is encouraging.

And add some hot water from the fire, and a bit of sugar, and Voila!  Not the best coffee The Fuzz has ever drunk, but not bad considering.

Time Capsule

On Their recent camping trip, The Fuzz and His Sweetie did their cooking over the fire of course.  

Since there are no longer multiple mouths to feed, they have moved into a more individual-type style of food preparation.  Each caries their own mess kit and utensils, and usually prepares their own meal according to their individual tastes.  This works out rather well, and saves weight.

Along with his fork, spoon, etc, The Fuzz has been carrying this "Accessory Packet" from some old military "C Rations".  Of course it was quite old, and Our Fuzz himself, had never had cause to actually use it.

But that morning, having not brought his coffee pot (to save weight) he got to thinking about that packet of "coffee" in there.  So, just for fun, he decided to see if it was still drinkable.

And so he opened this small Time Capsule.  This stuff is probably 50 years old.

Having been involved in Military Things some years ago, it brought back some memories.

So, let's have a look at what we have here.

Here's our "Cream Substitute, Dry (not that The Fuzz would ever use it)

A bit of Salt (always good to have)

Some Sugar

Some Chewing Gum (looks like it's past it's half-life)

Matches (for the smokes we don't seem to have)

Coffee, Instant Type II

And of course the Toilet Paper!

You'll have to check back with The Fuzz tomorrow to find out about that coffee.



  

Group Portrait

Equipment Failure

With the cooler (and damper) weather, it was time to fire up the old Woodstove.

Of course one of the necessities for a nice warm fire is Firewood.  While there was a bit on hand, left from last winter, Our Fuzz figured it was time to fire up the old Chainsaw.

Things were going well for a bit.  But The Fuzz was noticing a bit of "jerkiness" with the chain. And then, the chain jumped the sprocket entirely.  Now The Fuzz has had to deal with this sort of thing on occasion (possibly due to the fact that he buys cheap equipment when possible) and it's usually a simple matter of opening it up, putting things back together- and, tightening the chain.

But when he opened things up he found this situation.

You will note, at the arrows, what appears to be some damage to the drive sprocket.  This sprocket had not been in the best condition as it was.  But this time, The Fuzz was dealing with serious Equipment Failure.


This was not a situation that could be dealt with with Duct Tape, or even J&B Weld!

New parts are on the way.  And things are OK for now, at least.