Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT My 16 x 24 in Michigan

[jon72vega]

All we got was a dusting.

Niles often gets Lake Effect snow.
I think we had 7 to 8 inches out of that storm, but the winds at 45 mph blew it all over the place.

Crazy weather all over. Today we got up to 50 around 1pm all the ice melted from Fridays storm, by 3 pm we were down to 30 with 50mph winds now it’s 26 here with winds. Hurry spring

Ya, we dropped almost 50 degrees in about 18 hours.

Hopefully you can get at most of that with your snowblower. How much do you actually need to shovel?
I do 1 shovel wide in front of each of 5 garage doors, and 2 door stoops. Anything I shovel gets tossed to the side where I can get it with the tractor.

I have to shovel away enough from the doors that the snowblower can get the rest.
Also from the front door to the sidewalk.

That Dewalt impact is a beast by all accounts. You’d like my Christmas hat and socks with “yellow highlights” ha.

Figured you’d enjoy this version of my Christmas wishes Jon…

That is a KOOL cat!
Looks so much like our Gizmo.

 

[jon72vega]

These are a couple of signs added / to add to the garage.
The "Jon's Garage" sign was a Christmas present.
Shankys Whip sign by jon72vega, on Flickr
Jon’s Garage sign by jon72vega, on Flickr

A desk organizer that Mrs jon72vega liked so much I had to order another for myself.
3-D printed organizer by jon72vega, on Flickr
3-D printed organizer by jon72vega, on Flickr

The Maverick popped up with a fault, it will be interesting to see how much this costs me.
I have a warranty, but I have full faith in the dealership service department getting out of covering this problem like the 1st claim I made for the tail-light not working.
AWD fault Maverick by jon72vega, on Flickr

I mounted a power-strip with a USB-C port for a wireless phone charger to an end-table.
I had a good project manager that stayed on top of the job.
Gizmo & Power strip mounted on end table by jon72vega, on Flickr
Gizmo & Power strip mounted on end table by jon72vega, on Flickr

I remounted the power-strip to underneath for a cleaner look.
Power strip mounted on end table by jon72vega, on Flickr
Power strip mounted on end table by jon72vega, on Flickr

Since Gizmo got the limelight this time, here's a couple of Boots to even things up.
Boots by jon72vega, on FlickrBoots by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[Ford52PU]

Love the sign with the Vega on it! That was a great gift.

 

[zanyad]

Love the sign with the Vega on it! That was a great gift.

Agreed!

 

[captain14]

Great sign.
You have 88K on the Maverick already?

What was the warranty length for your truck?

Miles and time? Full coverage? Or limited electrical and power train?

 

[jon72vega]

Love the sign with the Vega on it! That was a great gift.

Agreed!

I like it alot!
I got it put up today, but had to remove another to make room.
Jon’s Garage sign by jon72vega, on Flickr

What I removed.
Earnhardt sign coming down by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[jon72vega]

Great sign.
You have 88K on the Maverick already?

What was the warranty length for your truck?

Miles and time? Full coverage? Or limited electrical and power train?

Warranty is Ford FBA Gold which is a 7 year (from date of 1st sale to customer) 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

 

[jon72vega]

I'm in the middle of adding casters to make moving the Quick Jack into position under a car easier. (one side is done).
QJ caster mod by jon72vega, on Flickr
QJ caster mod by jon72vega, on Flickr
QJ caster mod by jon72vega, on Flickr

The casters move up off the floor as the QJ is extended up.
QJ caster mod by jon72vega, on Flickr

Someone posted about my car on "VEGA NATION" on FB.
Post on VEGA NATION by jon72vega, on Flickr

I replaced a broken fan handle with one from an old junk filing cabinet from work.
Fan handle by jon72vega, on Flickr

More desk organizers.
I was the one gluing the feet and handles on.
I dropped feet several times, ended using tweezers to handle them.
More DeWalt organizers by jon72vega, on Flickr
More DeWalt organizers by jon72vega, on Flickr

Absolutely smashed up package received ,shipped via USPS. (eBay purchase)
Returning unopened, because who in their right mind would install a clock-spring in a package damaged like this.
Smashed package by jon72vega, on Flickr
Smashed package by jon72vega, on Flickr

Sending back like this.
eBay return smashed package by jon72vega, on Flickr

Lucky eights.
All 8’s by jon72vega, on Flickr

This was January 9th, around 6 AM.
January 9 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr

This was January 15th, about the same time.
16.4 inches of snow.
I've lived in Niles for over 30 years, and can't remember ever getting this much snow in one night.
16.4 inches snow Jan 15 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr16.4 inches snow Jan 15 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
16.4 inches snow Jan 15 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
16.4 inches snow Jan 15 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
16.4 inches snow Jan 15 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr

Gizmo & Boots.
Gizmo by jon72vega, on Flickr
Boots by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[Prospecter]

Nice update. You've been busy! Love the casters on the Quick Jack.

 

[xtremek]

Better you than me.

 

[captain14]

How much shuts down at 16.4 “? Your area is much better equipped to handle a large volume of snow.

In my area, it would be days before some neighborhoods are accessible.

 

[jon72vega]

Nice update. You've been busy! Love the casters on the Quick Jack.

The casters were a fun project that makes life a bit easier for me.
I'm done with both sides now.
I will have to mount a spacer board between the storage hangers & the wall, as they don't hang flush to the wall any longer.
Caster addition complete. by jon72vega, on Flickr

Better you than me.

I knew you'd feel that way.

How much shuts down at 16.4 “? Your area is much better equipped to handle a large volume of snow.

In my area, it would be days before some neighborhoods are accessible.

Surprisingly not much shut down.
The schools of course did.
By 6 am all the main roads I traveled were plowed well, and the side streets were passable.

 

[bugnut]

Those quick jack rollers are a great idea. I saw a YT video and installed on mine many years ago.
Please keep all that snow up there!

 

[xtremek]

Now if it had been 8", AND I had some gas in the gas cans you could count on me. I'm picking up some gas and kerosene after my workout tomorrow, so feel free to send some snow after that.

 

[jon72vega]

Those quick jack rollers are a great idea. I saw a YT video and installed on mine many years ago.
Please keep all that snow up there!

I wish I had heard about the roller idea years ago.
Such an easy mod, and makes it really nice to move the QJ around.

I imagine your area is getting hammered with the huge storm right now.

Now if it had been 8", AND I had some gas in the gas cans you could count on me. I'm picking up some gas and kerosene after my workout tomorrow, so feel free to send some snow after that.

How is your area of the state doing right now?
Very cold here, -4 yesterday morning.
January 24 2025 by jon72vega, on Flickr

My sister in Livonia says it was even colder over on the eastern side of the state.
Not much more snow yet, but we're under a winter storm warning thru Monday morning.

 

[jon72vega]

Last weekend was the Hunter Ice Festival.
Mrs jon72vega was asked to be a craft vendor at the Eagles Lodge #1094.
The bonus there was a live band playing for a couple of hours.
Craft show at Eagles FOE Niles by jon72vega, on Flickr
Craft show at Eagles FOE Niles by jon72vega, on Flickr

Here are some of the ice sculptures.
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
Hunter Ice Festival 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[Ford52PU]

Here in Eastern Pa it never got above 24 today and we got about 12” of snow with a layer of ice. Our biggest storm in 10 years. Never went outside today. It’s nice being retired and not having to shovel. Will take care of it all tomorrow.
Stay safe and warm

 

[pconley]

Great garage!!

 

[jon72vega]

Here in Eastern Pa it never got above 24 today and we got about 12” of snow with a layer of ice. Our biggest storm in 10 years. Never went outside today. It’s nice being retired and not having to shovel. Will take care of it all tomorrow.
Stay safe and warm

Dennis,
Sounds like you got the brunt of the storm.
Keep warm!

 

[jon72vega]

Great garage!!

Thank you!

 

[xtremek]

I wish I had heard about the roller idea years ago.
Such an easy mod, and makes it really nice to move the QJ around.

I imagine your area is getting hammered with the huge storm right now.

How is your area of the state doing right now?
Very cold here, -4 yesterday morning.
January 24 2025 by jon72vega, on Flickr

My sister in Livonia says it was even colder over on the eastern side of the state.
Not much more snow yet, but we're under a winter storm warning thru Monday morning.

Saturday morning we left the house around 7am and it was a brisk -18*F. At the big corner (about a mile and a half away), it was a chilly -21*F. The corner has big (+50 acres? fields) on all 4 angles. Yesterday had to run and get the wife a battery for Thing 1 and it was a balmy 6*F. Today I might actually plow the 2" of snow we got, since it's supposed to break into the teens.

Your wife's crafts look very cool. Did she sell any?

 

[bugnut]

@jon72vega

We got a bout a foot of snow. Todays job opening the driveway.

Your wife's crafts look very cool. Did she sell any?

Agreed the crafts look great and I'm also wondering if she makes the animals and such!

 

[jon72vega]

Saturday morning we left the house around 7am and it was a brisk -18*F. At the big corner (about a mile and a half away), it was a chilly -21*F. The corner has big (+50 acres? fields) on all 4 angles. Yesterday had to run and get the wife a battery for Thing 1 and it was a balmy 6*F. Today I might actually plow the 2" of snow we got, since it's supposed to break into the teens.

Your wife's crafts look very cool. Did she sell any?

Wow, you had it really cold.
Snow moving is on my agenda after work today.

She did very well at the craft show.
During the summer she is a vendor at a Farmer's Market most every Saturday, but we didn't have any idea what to expect at this one..

@jon72vega

We got a bout a foot of snow. Todays job opening the driveway.



Agreed the crafts look great and I'm also wondering if she makes the animals and such!

Ya, that's my job after work today.

She is very talented at crocheting & knitting, and made everything on that table.

 

[jon72vega]

We officially received 12.7 inches of snow over the weekend.
And it still is VERY cold.
Mrs jon72vega helped me get the snow moved this afternoon.
January 26 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
January 26 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr
January 26 2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[bugnut]

She is very talented at crocheting & knitting, and made everything on that table.

That is so cool, nice stuff. Seldom saw my mother without knitting needles, crochet hook or book in her hands.

 

[xtremek]

That's a lot of snow. We got about an inch or two every day. Nothing huge.

 

[captain14]

I’m still breaking ice and snow from our weekend event that hit the area.

For the first time I had to break the ice up from underneath the truck before I could go run an errand. The sleet mixture must have been windblown.

 

[jon72vega]

That is so cool, nice stuff. Seldom saw my mother without knitting needles, crochet hook or book in her hands.

That's my wife's hobby, and she is very good at it.
Quite often people will have special requests for her to make various things, from baby blankets to stuffed animals, etc.

That's a lot of snow. We got about an inch or two every day. Nothing huge.

Ya, we're living the dream.
This winter is like the winters I remember as a kid.

I’m still breaking ice and snow from our weekend event that hit the area.

For the first time I had to break the ice up from underneath the truck before I could go run an errand. The sleet mixture must have been windblown.

Sounds like you got it pretty bad.

 

[Prospecter]

"Ya, we're living the dream.
This winter is like the winters I remember as a kid."

 

[jon72vega]

"Ya, we're living the dream.
This winter is like the winters I remember as a kid."

This winter is the winter that won't stop..... This morning.
2-1-2026 by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[jon72vega]

In other news here are my recent FB Marketplace DeWalt purchases.
All at good for me prices.

Dewalt circular saw by jon72vega, on Flickr

DeWalt jig saw & blades by jon72vega, on Flickr

Dewalt light & toolbag by jon72vega, on Flickr

On January 2 Michigan began offering a new license plate celebrating our nation's semiquincentennial.
It is a redo of the 1976 plates, but still cool.
I have not seen any others out in the wild yet, so I guess I'm a trendsetter.

One for the Maverick.

New plate & frame by jon72vega, on Flickr

New license plate by jon72vega, on Flickr

And one for the Solstice.

New license plate by jon72vega, on Flickr

New license plate by jon72vega, on Flickr

Last, but certainly not least here are Gizmo & Boots.

Gizmo by jon72vega, on Flickr

Gizmo by jon72vega, on Flickr

Gizmo by jon72vega, on Flickr

Boots by jon72vega, on Flickr
Boots by jon72vega, on Flickr

Boots by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[captain14]

Jon,

How many trips out for the FB deals? Three plus a stop at your local home center for the blades?

I know you were looking for a DW jigsaw to match your current lineup.

According to your weather stats, I’m having a balmy 19* with winds of 15+ mph. App reports it feels like 4*. We still have a solid 2-3” of ice over everything from last Sunday's storm. I have a one foot wide rat maze dug out in certain section of the sidewalk and driveway.

 

[jon72vega]

Jon,

How many trips out for the FB deals? Three plus a stop at your local home center for the blades?

I know you were looking for a DW jigsaw to match your current lineup.

According to your weather stats, I’m having a balmy 19* with winds of 15+ mph. App reports it feels like 4*. We still have a solid 2-3” of ice over everything from last Sunday's storm. I have a one foot wide rat maze dug out in certain section of the sidewalk and driveway.

3 trips total.
I didn't have to purchase any blades.
Those & the tool-bag were included in the purchases, which was nice.

I'd trade the -6 for what you have, LOL.
The older I get the colder my body always seems to be. (Part of that is I've lost 35 lbs., so I don't have all the built in insulation I used to have).

 

[drivesitfar]

Loving the new license plate and frame!!!

No snow here at all yet except a little in the mountains about an hour’s drive. 40’s and 50’s with drizzle and actually a few sunny days.

Nice finds especially when having to pick them up on your icy roads!!

Always like your cat pics too. Here’s the closest thing we currently have of a cat here.

 

[jon72vega]

Drives,
Love that picture!

 

[drivesitfar]

Not as much as I love your license plate. On our 40+ hours of flying to Capetown a few years ago I couldn’t sleep on the plane so I bet I watched maverick 6 times at least.

The filming for the mountain flying was about an hour from me so I was trying to figure out where. Plus I do like the music.

Stay warm!!

 

[Jgaz]

Love the plate recreation.
I was living in Michigan for the original 1976 issue.

Here is a picture of a bad picture showing the bicentennial plate on my ‘75 Dodge Van.

 

[jon72vega]

Not as much as I love your license plate. On our 40+ hours of flying to Capetown a few years ago I couldn’t sleep on the plane so I bet I watched maverick 6 times at least.

The filming for the mountain flying was about an hour from me so I was trying to figure out where. Plus I do like the music.

Stay warm!!

I enjoyed the movie Top Gun alot.
Even had the original Nintendo video game "Top Gun" way back when.

 

[jon72vega]

Love the plate recreation.
I was living in Michigan for the original 1976 issue.

Here is a picture of a bad picture showing the bicentennial plate on my ‘75 Dodge Van.

Cool!
Love the Cragar wheels!

Here is a picture of a picture of my bicentennial license plate from back in the day.
I still have that set of plates!
My daughter has been grown up it seems like for ever, and I miss that Chevelle sometimes.
66 Chevelle by jon72vega, on Flickr
Bi-centennial license plates by jon72vega, on Flickr

 

[Jgaz]

Cool!
Love the Cragar wheels!

Here is a picture of a picture of my bicentennial license plate from back in the day.
I still have that set of plates!
My daughter has been grown up it seems like for ever, and I miss that Chevelle sometimes.
66 Chevelle by jon72vega, on Flickr
Bi-centennial license plates by jon72vega, on Flickr

Love that you still have the 1976 license plates. I wish I still had mine.