Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover

[Vette60]

Thanks for all the support. I hoped that the trip would bring some clarity and it didn't. It made the whole thing much harder to understand. In the end I want Lara to be happy for as long as she can be and we don't know what that looks like or how to make that happen. Hopefully it's something we can figure out.

Hey Gregor...I don't post al that often and have been a follower of your posts for quite some time...

I just wanted to reach out and let you know that your have so many people, such as my self, thinking about you and your sister Lara in this challenging time. It *****. We are finding that while not necessarily an early onset thing, my M-in-Law is dealing with similar circumstances...she moved to our area to be closer to us (my wife is an only child) once her Mom passed away. Her mom went through a long spiral of dementia related issues and sadly we are finding ourselves in a similar situation.

We had noticed a few things and received reports from her friends about stuff but now have really been confronted with it first hand. It's really tough. It's hard to tell your kids to have patience when Grammy asks them repeatedly if they are working that day or doesn't remember their friends names when she sees them or gets mixed up with GPS in driving over to your house.

I'm lucky in many ways because while my folks have their physical limitations, they have their mental acuity. Physical stuff seems so much more tangible to confront and deal with - hard time walking up the steps to the bedroom - ok, install a lift chair. Difficulty with getting a bath, ok, redo the bathroom to put in a no-threshold shower with seat. The mind stuff - ugh.

Take care and realize your not alone.

 

[hewey]

Sorry to hear about Lara mate, that's a really tough card to be dealt, and at so young too. All the best for your family in working through supporting her.

 

[Wreckster23]

Wow... My usual wanderings about the web brought me back here. I was really only looking for inspiration for my garage, I haven't decided what I'm doing with the walls yet, but that's neither here nor there.

So much to catch up on. And honestly, there are so many similarities between us it's like reading a different version of my own story, but much of garage journal is like that isn't it? In an attempt not to thread jack, Just got through my own separation and divorce, much the same reasons though not so clean in ending. She got the house against my better judgment due to the left-behind projects and such, but that was her decision. It was an extremely difficult couple years finding myself. Not only who I am, but who I want to be. Devoting so much of one's self to the partnership, a lot gets lost and it takes time to find again. Covid brought a lot of this out for a lot of couples, turns out some of us were not ready to spend every waking moment with each other. My kid is young and adjusted well, though it is a challenge sometimes to remember to put things aside and enjoy her childhood. Being 100% present for her, there will not always be that time to do so. You're doing a fine job from the looks of it.

Pizza, COFFEE (OMG COFFEE!), bicycles, motorbikes, HiFi audio, camping, autocross, MCM anything at all... Shame you live across the country, you are definitely someone I would love to grab a beer with (apologies if you don't drink, I don't know if that's something I remember.) I have your brother's website ready to look at on another tab, I've since lost my coffee provider whom I found from ADV ironically enough, my coffee habit definitely got me through a bit of my separation.

try to keep it short eh... Way back when you first started this thread, before I even knew of you, I kept thinking that you were a lot like me, though drastically more successful and by-far more driven. I don't visit much of late, but I often think of this thread and the things you have shared as inspiration. Odd, I wager, from someone who you don't know and who knows you only from what you've shared with us. Keep your head high, there are few things so grand as inspiring others, and you've inspired many.

Sorry to hear about your sister. I know how difficult that can be from your side. One of my greatest fears is for it to happen to me, as it runs in the family. I can only imagine what that must feel like and hope I never know.

In closing, a little thing I always remember every time I cook breakfast. 'Mother flipping pancakes'. You have engrained that photo and saying in my mind so deep I can never escape the thought of it when the pancake batter comes out, haha. looking forward to where life takes you next.

 

[sakurama]

I was talking to a friend in Denver who I've known since college - probably my most inspirational friend. Someone who, as a Christian, was moved not to preach about how to live but who quietly went to Thailand and spent years working with refugees. His quiet example meant more to me than any amount of prostelgzing. Over lunch he told me how he'd been studying Stoicism and that one of the things he'd taken away was that you do what you can on things you can change and on things you can't you accept that.

Simple advice but it bears some contemplation.

I can't change things with Lara but I can be here for her, give her some joy with my time.

I could have made changes in my relationship sooner but I didn't see a way to. I was lucky to have a therapist and friends who were able to show me that buckling down wasn't the answer. Waiting for the kids to be in college is a long time to be unhappy. In fact, putting your happiness off to later is a very dangerous game that often does not pay off.

I'm very lucky to have my health. It's something that I'm more motivated than ever to keep - hence the focus on riding. I hope that anyone who's followed along can find some hope and inspiration here. That all of you can prioritize your happiness. My kids are happier now because I am. My relationship with my family is better and, in time, I hope to find a relationship that makes me happy; one of respect, admiration and support.

All of us deserve that.

Gregor

 

[Wreckster23]

Wise friend you have. I went down that same road, I think a lot of divorcees do. I was at a point I knew it was never going to be the relationship or partnership I wanted or needed but I was willing to go through with it till the kid got old enough. That thought lasted for a while while I was still I'm that stage of acceptance over what was going on. Eventually my mind cleared. A lifetime of happiness is a terrible thing to trade, for anything. What's worse, what would that have showed my kid. Likewise, friendships and family, mental health, physical health, everything is so much better that I got out of that situation. From family that keep saying how they've gotten me back, friends I haven't had 'time' for being around again. It was a hard decision, a hard couple years, but I'd never take it back.

 

[burger]

Goddamn man, that picture in Westcliffe. Way to ******* early. That’s a young woman. I worry a lot about dementia taking me given my family and I just turned 44.

 

[burger]

Sorry that Laura is suffering

 

[Arcticbeachbum]

Hello Gregor.
I lost my mother to dementia this May. It was a long road and you have my empathy to no end. Remember the good times, take lots of photos. The frustrating times will eventually be easier to trudge through and navigate their confusion. I admittingly have fallen way behind on your thread and it sounds like you have lived a lot of life since I have been on here. I'm just another made up internet friend, but I have an ear and a lot of shared interests if you ever want to chat.

-Sebastian

 

[sakurama]

Hello Gregor.
I lost my mother to dementia this May. It was a long road and you have my empathy to no end...

Thanks Sebastian. It's been a confusing thing to navigate. Lara is fully aware of things right now albeit fairly forgetful and I'll often get identical texts hours apart. She's not happy at my mom's and alternately wants to come live with me, an ex boyfriend in Oregon or a friend in Florida - all of which she's already tried in the past and didn't work out when she was in a better place. So we don't have answers.

I haven't been on my motorcycle almost all summer except to teach the ADV classes with MotoCorsa. I've ridden a handful of times on Ducati shoots but mostly my summer has been busy with work. My free time has been spent on the bicycle and a part of me feels almost guilty about not riding motorcycles. It's like I'm cheating on my identity!

Riding bicycles is something I've always done with varying levels of interest/commitment. I think right now it's giving me a much needed break and also giving me the fitness that motorcycles doesn't. When I raced bicycles were the way I trained to stay in shape. Right now they're fulfilling both the excitement and fitness roles.



At least right up to last week. My ride in Colorado convinced me that the Specialized was not my bike despite trying different wheels etc. As soon as I got home I put it up for sale and started to look for its replacement. I'd ridden an Evil and it was the bike I kept coming back to that ticked all the boxes. I found a great deal and my first ride convinced me it was the right choice.



My second ride landed me in the Emergency Room. Sorry, no pics from that.

I was riding with some new friends in Rocky Point and for the first time in months it rained. Traction was great for the whole ride and I was being very careful. At the end of the ride, a half mile from the car, it was dark and I came to a steep section and went for the brakes and instantly fell. Just super slippery clay. I don't really remember what exactly happened as it happened fast but essentially I caught my leg on a tree as I slid down the hill and tore my hamstring.

It was blindingly painful, the worst pain I've experienced.

The guys came back up the hill and were able to lift me onto the bike and I rolled out dragging my left leg. They offered to drive me out, to a hospital, home and I just thanked them and started to drive home. I called Ben to see if he could help me get into the house and he suggested, wisely, that maybe I should go to the ER. I swung by his house and Ben drove me to the ER. Thanks Ben!!

A double dose of morphine later I was feeling pretty good but they did X-rays and CT scans to be sure I didn't fracture my femur. In the end it was diagnosed as a Grade 2 Hamstring Tear or a partial muscle tear. Ben drove me and my new crutches home and considering the pain I was pretty certain I wouldn't be riding or walking for at least a month but the next day I felt considerably better.

Remarkably, and maybe because of all the riding I've done, I was able to stand the next day and walk the second day. Each day has been a huge improvement and after one week I was able to get back on the bicycle and take a short recovery ride. My physical therapist says, "Motion is the lotion!" which I like. Yesterday, about 10 days after the fall I rode my road bike 14 miles. Slowly but that's okay because I was riding again.

I'm almost done with my big Oprah photo shoot - another week to go - and then hopefully I'll get some down time. I haven't camped once this summer and it's over. Not a single house project. The shop is a mess. I need a reset. I'm not sure what that is yet but as soon as I can come up for air I'm going to figure it out.

Thanks for checking in Sebastian and thanks all of you for your thoughts of Lara.

Gregor

 

[Seagoon]

Thanks for making the effort to keep us up to date Gregor

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Gregor,
I can sympathize with a lot of what you are going through. We basically have the same career in different fields, my former wife and I separated last October and have been having a pretty contentious divorce process and custody battle over our 6 year old son and on top of it all a close friend died on a shoot with me last winter.

I find that quality time on the bike either with friends or riding solo is my zen time and it really helps with mentally processing everything life throws at us. I hope you heal up quick and can get back on the bike soon.

Speaking of bikes congrats on the Evil. I’m on my third one ( wreckoning and two offerings). They are hands down one of the best bikes on the market today. Especially for riding here in the PNW. I would highly recommend upgrading the rear shock to a Push. The frames where actually designed around that suspension platform and it totally transforms the bike into something really special.

If you ever make it up to Bellingham and want a tour of our trails hit me up.

 

[Dr Klaun]

Gregor,

Very sorry to hear of Lara. Have had this go though my family as well and it's a constant adjustment of perception and at some point, trying to turn off the emotion just to be able to cope. Contact "Radioman" on ADVrider - not sure if he's still in Lake Oswego. He went through this with his wife and showed the most grace of anyone I've ever seen throughout their ordeal.

With all of the goings on in your life the best thing you can do is ride. Get exercise and be in nature. I also returned to bike (pedal) about 5 years ago and have since not done much of any MC riding in that time. You'll love the Evil. Had a Following for a while then switched to XC specific for racing. Look up Dave Weagle, the founder of Evil and inventor of it's suspension linkage. He also has patents on several other MTB suspension designs. Some of best riding bikes out there!

 

[dr_clyde]

My brother, you have my thoughts in these trying times. I'm not a religious man but I do believe in spiritual energy and health, and for whatever that's worth to you, your family is in my thoughts. Some folks call that prayer, some call it energy or vibes or any number of things, but whatever you call it, the intent is the same. I hope that the world treats you well during these hard times. Dementia is a horrible demon, but being with family will help. Familiar faces mean a lot when the rest starts slipping.

I wanted to briefly thank you as well, this thread is a highly potent tool of inspiration and storytelling that I felt it worth mentioning. This is such a unique forum, and to make the connections that we have all made with otherwise perfect strangers is a very powerful thing. You share such intimate and personal details for us strangers to read, and expect nothing in return other than some conversation. I have never met you, and yet I feel like I've watched your kids grow up, your family grow and change, and the transformation of the house become the home that it is. You wouldn't share these photos and details with people in line at the gas station or random strangers at the DMV, and yet you open this window into what most of us consider our private lives. Sharing the highs as well as the lows. Not many folks do that, especially to random strangers on the internet.

Photography is such an incredible tool to show emotion, mood and energy. This thread wouldn't be nearly as powerful without your pictures. What I notice most is that you show faces. The face tells the story, and without it this thread would just be a collection of tool, house and moto images. Wreckster mentioned the photo "Mother Flipping Pancakes" above and that does sum it up quite nicely. I too cannot make pancakes without thinking of it, and that photo has NOTHING to do with garages, tools, motorcycles or any of the things we all come here to look at. I will admit with some amount of shame that it took me way longer than I'm proud of to realize the name of the photo was a clever play on words.

Keep your head up my dude, you're an inspiration to us here watching the zoetrope that is Gregor's life.

 

[sakurama]

So this post is an effort to get back on the horse.

The situation with Lara has been front of mind for most of the summer and fall and little by little I've fallen into a state of depression. If you know about depression you know it can sneak up on you - like slowly drowning. That's how I've been feeling.

When things were bad in my relationship the process of posting here was cathartic on many levels - it was great to be appreciated for the work I did (when that didn't happen at home) but it also was a way to keep me moving forward - I enjoyed documenting the things I was working on even if no one would ever read about it. Shooting photos here was a form of keeping a creative edge.



When I was dating Jo I got back into riding bicycles and while that didn't work out I reconnected with riding and a friend Tyler in my neighborhood who became a regular riding partner. I have only ridden a motorcycle once this summer and it's felt strange not having any interest in it.



I've ridden my mountain bike a little but not nearly as much as I expected. There's no place to ride a mountain bike in Portland proper but I can jump on my road bike and leave from the house.



I discovered a group called Our Mother The Mountain - an informal group started by early Shins' bass player Ron Lewis who is an enthusiastic gravel rider. The website is beautiful and the group is very casual but the rides are not. They do a Wednesday lunch ride that Tyler, Scott and I have been doing for a few months. While I've lost 15lbs over the summer and have gotten significantly stronger on the bike I am dead last on every one of these rides. They are animals on boutique bikes.



I ended up getting a different bike a few months ago (Salsa Cutthroat), a bike specifically for gravel and bikepacking. I've found that gravel riding on a bicycle is exactly the same as adventure riding on a motorcycle - just slower. Same sort of roads, same sort of adventure. Fitness was the thing I was missing from motorcycles and this feels like a good fit.

I won't say that Lara's situation was not something that made me look at my own mortality - how much time I have left. It has absolutely and riding has been a way to fight that. Speaking of...

Lara isn't happy in Colorado and she's asked to come live with me, "for whatever time I have left" as she says. The kids were fully on board with it - they love her and want more family around. I'm frankly terrified and yet feel like it's an important thing that I have to do. I know I don't know what I'm getting into and that's probably for the best.



Ben has jokingly and not jokingly suggested that I build up on the garage. The house is not big enough for Lara and her two cats to live with us. She thinks she can live on her own but she can't. So the idea is to build a studio apartment on top of the garage. Ben, generous and helpful as ever, has offered to help with ideas and plans. Since this is obviously a huge expense and I don't have the cash for it I'm planning on taking the winter to complete as many motorcycles as I can and basically sell them all (I'll probably keep a couple) and then Lara and my Mom can hopefully chip in and we build in the spring. I honestly don't even know if this is all possible. How will Lara be in the spring? No idea. All I know is that today is the best day she's going to have and tomorrow is uncertain.

This is all a lot. On so many levels.

I find myself paralyzed and when I get depressed or overwhelmed I just sort of shut down. To combat that I am going back to the shop - to the thing that has always been the best form of therapy for me.



I have not worked in the shop in more than 6 or 7 months. At least. It became a place to work on bicycles at best and a dumping ground for junk at worst. The bench was a mess and the mill and lathe had started to get rust on the tables and the ways were sticky from lack of use. Friday I spent 5 hours cleaning the shop to prepare for a project.



I should be fixing the trailer, or tackling the stairs or probably cleaning out the back room so Lara has a makeshift bedroom but instead I looked for something that would be fun, something that would allow me to cut, weld and build in the shop. A project that had a start and end and would allow me to work with my hands and turn off my mind. Or at least quiet it.

Over a year ago I started to sketch ideas for a rack for the hifi gear to get it off the credenza. Like so many other ideas this past year it didn't go anywhere. This may be making beds in a burning house but I picked this as the thing to get me back in the shop. Something I could finish.



I drew up the plans with the kids on our weekly "drawing night" and went to the metal supplier to pick up the steel. Measure, cut, weld.

Lara will be moving in around Christmas. I know that she loved working with me in the shop so I want to have her help out and give her tasks that she can do. I want her to feel useful.

I have a few weeks before she moves here and so i'm going to keep working on this to clear my head and prepare myself for something I can't really prepare myself for.

Gregor

 

[Horror Business]

It’s nice to get an update from you. We have seen your sister be there for you and your kids. All of you being there for her is fitting. Get it done!

 

[kjdhawkhill]

but I can jump on my road bike and leave from the house

Finding time to load a bike, drive somewhere and then ride has always been a pain, and that's why I end up doing 90% of my riding on asphalt, even if the bike is capable of way more. I'm glad you've found a good group of guys to get dropped by. It happens to everyone sometimes, and most of us often.

I won't say that Lara's situation was not something that made me look at my own mortality - how much time I have left. It has absolutely and riding has been a way to fight that. Speaking of...

Lara isn't happy in Colorado and she's asked to come live with me, "for whatever time I have left" as she says. The kids were fully on board with it - they love her and want more family around. I'm frankly terrified and yet feel like it's an important thing that I have to do. I know I don't know what I'm getting into and that's probably for the best.

You are a fantastic and loving brother. You're taking on a terrifying condition, along with your sister, and you can only be doing that out of love. I haven't lived with the affliction that is early onset dementia but I know dementia in general can be hard on everyone. I'm confident that you'll handle it well.

This may be making beds in a burning house but I picked this as the thing to get me back in the shop. Something I could finish.

Meh, sometimes routines of productivity need to be started with the small and fun things, even if you feel there are bigger, more pressing concerns. Its not like you're going to fail a test in school over this sort of procrastination. Do what you have to for yourself and your family, and if that means a small accomplishable project that helps your mental health, you're doing the right thing.

 

[VMX42]

Gregor you are a good and caring man. Your sister is lucky to have you to look out for her, and it is wonderful that your kids are on board with this journey. You are a wonderful example to them in so many ways - but being 'there' when a loved one is in need is a great gift and an inspirational example for them.

Good luck my friend, you are doing a good thing. It won't be easy but everybody here on GJ knows you will do your best and that is all anybody can ask.

Cheers from downunder!!!

 

[octane_matty]

Absolute rollercoaster of a post Gregor!

I'm well aware of that drowning feeling too!
Often we focus on there being too many things to do and not enough time that we lose focus on our achievements along the way. As soon as you finish one project you think "ok i need to start x project next and then y project after that but z project needs to come before........"
Keep posting through the winter for us but also to remind yourself what you achieved along the way.

 

[Seagoon]

Just a suggestion. Have you thought of a GoFundMe or similar for building accomodation for Lara? I'm sure you would get a lot from this site alone. You have a lot of supporters on here and Lara was universally liked when she was spending so much time with you.

 

[83VillageRepair]

Gregor
I have read your thread from the beginning more as aspiration than anything else. I went through something similar as you are going to go but with my dad this year. I will say this. I was really worried that I wouldn't be capable of being a care giver but when the time came it was just natural and felt right and brought me a lot of peace.

I wish for you the same.

 

[sakurama]

Gregor
I have read your thread from the beginning more as aspiration than anything else. I went through something similar as you are going to go but with my dad this year. I will say this. I was really worried that I wouldn't be capable of being a care giver but when the time came it was just natural and felt right and brought me a lot of peace.

I wish for you the same.

Thanks. To everyone for the support but specifically for this.

I'm pretty scared but as I was telling a friend today I think that once Lara is here the focus will shift and I'll be less scared about the unknowns and more focused on the things we can do.

 

[burger]

Hello Gregor,

I’ve been following your thread from the start and I know that you’ll figure it out. I’m very sorry to hear that Lara’s condition is worsening and God bless you for choosing to help with her care. Heading out to the garage and building something is smart therapy.

Keep on keeping on!

Ed

 

[Denwood]

....Over lunch he told me how he'd been studying Stoicism and that one of the things he'd taken away was that you do what you can on things you can change and on things you can't you accept that.

It is what it is. Your reality changes, then you accept, then you move on. Your friend has early wisdom.

You are all that Lara needs, and you'll be awesome

Like you, I found a new passion on the trails this year after replacing a 20 year old Trek. 1000 kms on the trails, 30 lbs gone. Winter and fat biking to come shortly. The cathartic value of zoning out on a some technical single track is some strange magic indeed.

 

[Geoff289]

Have you thought of a GoFundMe or similar for building accomodation for Lara?

I also find GJ therapeutic and have always enjoyed this thread so if this GoFundMe idea happens I'm in for some Australian dollars.

 

[Sham]

This just made me very emotional...
I am reading your post from Paris Orly airport, flying back from the funeral of my own sister.
We had the time to say our goodbyes, but I so I wish I had spent more time with her. You're a good brother Gregor, and as daunting the task ahead maybe, on the long term I strongly believe it will appear as the good move, the right thing to do, and will bring you relief.

Sending you force and courage from the other side of the pond.

 

[big e]

Being a caregiver is the most rewarding and difficult task anyone can take on. From personal experience, it is also the most rewarding. Good luck in your journey. The way forward becomes clear one way or another.

 

[sakurama]

This just made me very emotional...
I am reading your post from Paris Orly airport, flying back from the funeral of my own sister.
We had the time to say our goodbyes, but I so I wish I had spent more time with her. You're a good brother Gregor, and as daunting the task ahead maybe, on the long term I strongly believe it will appear as the good move, the right thing to do, and will bring you relief.

Sending you force and courage from the other side of the pond.

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks.

 

[rvieceli]

Gregor it is a difficult path ahead but I’m sure you will quickly find it to be the correct and only path forward.

From my personal observations of my best friend and relatives going down similar paths, it is very easy to get lost in your caregiver role and lose yourself.

Please remember that it is difficult to take care of someone else if you don’t take care of yourself.

Hopefully you can enlist the help of close friends and your children to monitor your well being along the road.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Ron

 

[sakurama]

Thank you all for your support. I've always appreciated the community here and it's always surprised me with its depth and warmth.

Okay, building.



The first thing I did was find the 1/2" bar stock that I'd used when I built the turntable stand. I get a lot of joy when I find I have the right stock in the shop. That is the upside of hoarding. There's a downside obviously. We're just looking at upsides right now.



I didn't measure - I just need enough for a few threads to hold the feet and the tops are solid.



I drilled the bottom ones but didn't tap them because welding will probably mess with the threads so I save that for later. Also, I broke my M8 drill/tap so I ordered another from McMaster. Along with some new feet for the amps.



I can't weld the ends on their sides and welding is all about comfort. I cobbled together this series of blocks and clamps to hold the vertical bars.



The 1/2" bar stock needs a tiny bit of chamfering and relieving on the corners but then taps in snugly. It's really satisfying to tap home. Thinking about it now I should probably have left it proud the height of the tube wall thickness and then added bead but there's no real stress here so I just fusion welded it.



Or tried. My first welds were awful - like there was no ground or no gas. I kept burning the tungsten and finally took off the large gas lens and replaced it with a standard lens. Who knows - maybe there was junk in the argon line because it sat for so long? Maybe I completely forgot how to weld? By the last I was getting into the zone.



I used the short material stop I'd made for the Trennjaeger for the small caps but wasn't sure what I was going to do for the long ones and then saw the aluminum mount I'd made for the Festool Kapex extensions. I'd completely forgot I'd made that partly because it's been forever since I used it and also because I hide them under and behind the Festool cabinets. It was super simple to attach it, square it up and set a stop.

Past me was smart to make that.



I got the four major cross pieces cut and tacked in and the stops got me to within 1mm.



Then I ganged up the tubes and did a super light pass with a big end mill to get them all the same. I like that shot. This is why I like doing this - it makes taking photos fun for me.



And that is where I'm at right now. The front and back frames are tacked together and are square within 2mm on diagonals. My plan is to weld these completely and then add the struts or cross pieces that will make it into a cube. I'm going to make it the same depth as the turntable stand so that when they are next to each other they feel "of a piece" but that also has the added benefit that the gear will be at least a 100mm shorter. That space I'll leave clear so the actual shelves will only span the gear dimensions leaving the cabling, of which there's a lot, free to flow inside the structure of the box. I bought MDF and some more teak veneer (only enough for the two sides and the top - holy cow is it expensive!) and then birch veneer for the interior shelves which will be stained black. In fact I plan to veneer the inside facing exterior panels in birch stained black as well so when assembled the only thing you'll see is the green back light of the amps and all cables will be hidden. A true black box. With teak sides and top.

_____________________________________​

This week is both Thanksgiving and my birthday - typically celebrated as one. The plan for a few months was to head to Moab for Thanksgiving with my brother, sister and family - a tradition we used to do when I lived in NYC. Last week Sacha's wife's father went into hospice (dementia) and then Sacha caught Covid, then his wife Diane caught it. So what was supposed to be a family gathering is now just me, Nadia and Lucas by ourselves in Moab. I was going to cancel but Sacha talked me out of it saying that no matter what a change of scenery and routine would be good. He's right.

The kids didn't want to go on our own but I told them if we stayed it would be the same as the week before and the week before that. Portland teachers have been on strike for three weeks now so this week isn't exactly the holiday "break" it would normally be. I asked the kids to list out all the memories they had; camping, trips to the coast, skiing, going to Colorado and finding fools gold, a rain storm so bad we had to return to town because our tents flooded. I then pointed out that zero of their memories were "staying home and watching Youtube on the ipad."

Even the disasters were good memories - better actually.

Gregor

 

[legenddc]

Having your sister live with you will be challenging at times but it will be great to get to spend time with her. As someone already said, be sure to put on your oxygen mask before helping others.

I recently bought my daughter a book your kids, or at least Nadia, might love called "My Life in Comics." It's a blank comic book with writing prompts on each page. Would be great to capture some of their memories and if I recall Nadia enjoys drawing.

Seems like veneer and plywood are very expensive these days. I had to redesign a bookcase I'm going to make to not use 3/4" cherry plywood as it's cheaper to use solid wood.

 

[Nolift911]

Thank you all for your support. I've always appreciated the community here and it's always surprised me with its depth and warmth.

Okay, building.



The first thing I did was find the 1/2" bar stock that I'd used when I built the turntable stand. I get a lot of joy when I find I have the right stock in the shop. That is the upside of hoarding. There's a downside obviously. We're just looking at upsides right now.



I didn't measure - I just need enough for a few threads to hold the feet and the tops are solid.



I drilled the bottom ones but didn't tap them because welding will probably mess with the threads so I save that for later. Also, I broke my M8 drill/tap so I ordered another from McMaster. Along with some new feet for the amps.



I can't weld the ends on their sides and welding is all about comfort. I cobbled together this series of blocks and clamps to hold the vertical bars.



The 1/2" bar stock needs a tiny bit of chamfering and relieving on the corners but then taps in snugly. It's really satisfying to tap home. Thinking about it now I should probably have left it proud the height of the tube wall thickness and then added bead but there's no real stress here so I just fusion welded it.



Or tried. My first welds were awful - like there was no ground or no gas. I kept burning the tungsten and finally took off the large gas lens and replaced it with a standard lens. Who knows - maybe there was junk in the argon line because it sat for so long? Maybe I completely forgot how to weld? By the last I was getting into the zone.



I used the short material stop I'd made for the Trennjaeger for the small caps but wasn't sure what I was going to do for the long ones and then saw the aluminum mount I'd made for the Festool Kapex extensions. I'd completely forgot I'd made that partly because it's been forever since I used it and also because I hide them under and behind the Festool cabinets. It was super simple to attach it, square it up and set a stop.

Past me was smart to make that.



I got the four major cross pieces cut and tacked in and the stops got me to within 1mm.



Then I ganged up the tubes and did a super light pass with a big end mill to get them all the same. I like that shot. This is why I like doing this - it makes taking photos fun for me.



And that is where I'm at right now. The front and back frames are tacked together and are square within 2mm on diagonals. My plan is to weld these completely and then add the struts or cross pieces that will make it into a cube. I'm going to make it the same depth as the turntable stand so that when they are next to each other they feel "of a piece" but that also has the added benefit that the gear will be at least a 100mm shorter. That space I'll leave clear so the actual shelves will only span the gear dimensions leaving the cabling, of which there's a lot, free to flow inside the structure of the box. I bought MDF and some more teak veneer (only enough for the two sides and the top - holy cow is it expensive!) and then birch veneer for the interior shelves which will be stained black. In fact I plan to veneer the inside facing exterior panels in birch stained black as well so when assembled the only thing you'll see is the green back light of the amps and all cables will be hidden. A true black box. With teak sides and top.

_____________________________________​

This week is both Thanksgiving and my birthday - typically celebrated as one. The plan for a few months was to head to Moab for Thanksgiving with my brother, sister and family - a tradition we used to do when I lived in NYC. Last week Sacha's wife's father went into hospice (dementia) and then Sacha caught Covid, then his wife Diane caught it. So what was supposed to be a family gathering is now just me, Nadia and Lucas by ourselves in Moab. I was going to cancel but Sacha talked me out of it saying that no matter what a change of scenery and routine would be good. He's right.

The kids didn't want to go on our own but I told them if we stayed it would be the same as the week before and the week before that. Portland teachers have been on strike for three weeks now so this week isn't exactly the holiday "break" it would normally be. I asked the kids to list out all the memories they had; camping, trips to the coast, skiing, going to Colorado and finding fools gold, a rain storm so bad we had to return to town because our tents flooded. I then pointed out that zero of their memories were "staying home and watching Youtube on the ipad."

Even the disasters were good memories - better actually.

Gregor

Thanks for the update Gregor - great to see you in the shop. From where I sit it sounds like you have a plan and are executing. Much like getting out of bed in the morning that is half the battle. Stay strong - it will all work out. We are all cheering for you and your family.

Enjoy the holidays!!

Jeff

 

[gearhead1960]

Love conquers all...and besides, Gregor you've never been one to shy away from life's challenges. It will all work out for the best for you and your family....

 

[mothgils]

Welcome back old friend. I would check this thread routinely through the summer for updates but no avail. Glad to see you posting again and excited to follow along.

 

[indisguise]

Then I ganged up the tubes and did a super light pass with a big end mill to get them all the same. I like that shot. This is why I like doing this - it makes taking photos fun for me.

Phenomenal! I'm continually blown away by the content of this thread. The photos, the writing, the education...everything. Thanks for sharing. You are an inspiration to us all!

 

[Ray Bell]

Gregor, what a good idea to have Lara help you in the workshop!

As you say, it will help her feel useful. Probably it will also help stave off the worst of the dementia for a time.

I also am looking at getting a bicycle, though I've got a basic dislike for mountain bikes. A mere road bike should do me, my need is to satisfy my doctor that I'll get half an hour's good aerobic exercise each day and my feet don't like walking or running too much.

But then a friend of mine has been trying to convince me to go a little towards the wider-tyred varieties. I'm going to have to try some and see how they fit me.

Between jobs, of course...

 

[shirk]

I discovered a group called Our Mother The Mountain - an informal group started by early Shins' bass player Ron Lewis who is an enthusiastic gravel rider. The website is beautiful and the group is very casual but the rides are not. They do a Wednesday lunch ride that Tyler, Scott and I have been doing for a few months. While I've lost 15lbs over the summer and have gotten significantly stronger on the bike I am dead last on every one of these rides. They are animals on boutique bikes.

I follow Ron's OMTM on IG, beautiful gravel riding down there.

You likely have a long list of "I should make this" projects floating around in your head, but you could easily build a bike to rival the boutique bikes others are rolling at OMTM rides. It's also a project you could work on with your sister, the tube mitering and prep is straight forward and you can tig the thin wall steel. Fixturing doesn't need to be complicated or expensive, I've build about 10 frames with a few hundred dollars invested in fixturing and 4 of those are full suspension frames (I've raced several at the Whistler EWS).

 

[Denwood]

Gregor, I'll echo @shirk 's comment. With all the bike art you've been slinging, when is your cafe racer full sus MTB coming? Let me throw up my prediction right here

 

[hewey]

Gregor, great to see you posting again. I've missed ogling your beautifully planned and photographed fabrication projects, and just your amazing pics from your pizza and bread making, 2 wheeled adventures and so on.

Really looking forward to seeing your pics from the holiday with your kids.

This may be making beds in a burning house but I picked this as the thing to get me back in the shop. Something I could finish.

Care giving is a tough gig. It's absolutely essential that you make time for yourself, so you can decompress and manage your mental health. I think you're a step ahead of many in terms of having a reasonable handle on knowing what things give you that sense of calm, satisfaction and fulfilment. But don't feel guilty or stupid for taking some time out for yourself doing a 'little job', if that's what's going to help you stay well. And ultimately that will enable you to be more present for Lara and your kids.

On another note, a quick search shows some specific resources for families and caregivers of those with Dementia in Oregon.

Alzheimer's Disease: Resources for Patients and Families | OHSU

Find an OHSU workshop, support group, newsletter, research opportunity and many other resources for families dealing with Alzheimer’s, FTD or another dementia. Learn about the many support services for patients and families at the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Center in Portland, Oregon.

www.ohsu.edu

And on a brighter note, happy birthday and enjoy the adventure with your kids - and looking forward to seeing your pics!

 

[cfour]

hey mate, just want to add in my experience even Midstage dementia plus stairs is something to think about. when my uncle was relatively still himself, we had to put ramps at the front and back of his house and there were only 3 stairs to manage, on bad days or even just bad moments he'd step straight off the top like it was flat ground. obviously triple check anything me or any other people have to add with experts.

 

[fastev]

Wishing you all the best, Gregor. You’re a good man.

Hopefully you already know about this, but if not, I’ll just leave it Here. I went a couple months ago and it was pretty inspiring.