Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[Grizz1963]

SOCIAL DISTANCING



ISOLATION



ALONE



SOLO



Been staying in touch with our man Andy in Tulsa, Oklahoma


He is looking after his health, staying alone, avoiding potential infections.


At over 70 years of age, his risk is increased.


Today he was making hay.


Maybe too soon though.








Dodge was not able.


Dodge and FJ together failed.





Up to the plate stepped a 72 year old.......


Ready to save the day.


Pushing and pulling






Hero of the day.





It was a good day for Andy.

 

[shortykorte]

Where does one get one of those tailgating pokers, I’d like one.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[don long]

Good to see you out playing in the mud Andy. With no cows why the hay???

 

[jbmatth]

Where does one get one of those tailgating pokers, I’d like one.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Here is a similar design they make them to attach to the goose neck ball and adjust to different bed lengths. They are generically called bale spears or bale spikes, cheaper than an insurance claim. LINK

 

[BUGTHUG]

They will let the air out of you.

 

[TMcCay]

They can also help enforce the "social distancing".

 

[bolensboneyard]

good to see some things are getting back to normal.

 

[Hugo L.]

good to see some things are getting back to normal.

They are not. Not by a longshot.

 

[y'sguy]

It looks like you are doing well Andy.Getting stuck in the mud is nothing for you. BTW is this on your place or in Tulsa?

 

[dchance]

Andy, good to see you about.

Dwight

 

[dlcwent]

Happy trails to you, may we meet again.



Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

A short walk and you'd have passed through, just a couple of towns over from me. Maybe some other time.

 

[Guster]

I was wondering how you were keeping through all of the latest malarkey Andy. Good to see you with plenty of social distancing in your own bit of paradise. Just hope it isn't too much distance and that the dogs keep good company.

Still looks like a great place to hole up from all the goings on. Even if you need to get a Dodge stuck to compare the Yellow Peril to one of the old beaters for a little entertainment. We all know you are no stuck in the mud Andy, but have to twist the arm a long way not to find the fun in towing vehicles around with a nice old tractor.

After a summer of fire restrictions here we are having so much rain but an outdoor fire ban has been imposed during lockdown restrictions. So still no metal casting. But next week is looking promising as restrictions are being lifted. Hope the weather plays along.

 

[Bob Heine]

Happy Birthday, my Brother Andy!

 

[Craptain]

I didn't know, but if Bob says it's so, then Happy Birthday Andy.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[TMcCay]

Happy Birthday, Andy!

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Happy Birthday Andy!!!

 

[Vieux]

Happy Birthday, Andy!

 

[Grizz1963]

Called Andy earlier today so Sally and I could sing to him (badly I admit)

He is off to dinner with friends tonight, and being well looked after.

As always, he continues to be pragmatic about things as they stand.

 

[stillp]

Happy birthday Andy.
Pete

 

[Guster]

Happy Birthday Andy!

May your flasks hold tight, your crucible fill to the rim and your castings never be porous.

 

[HOTFR8]

Andy play this >

Language warning. Have a great day.

 

[realvc]

Happy Birthday young man!!!



Vince

 

[don long]

I'm in too
Happy birthday Andy

Don

 

[scooterbum46]

Happy Birthday, Andy!

 

[cortina64]

Happy Birthday Andy, I hope you had a great day!

 

[Redwolf947]

Happy B day Andy!!

 

[xtremek]

Sorry I'm a few days late, but happy birthday sir.

 

[Grizz1963]

Visitor......



Spoke to Andy earlier, seems he has cows.


Strays that walked onto his land, he penned them.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Time flies. I keep trying to post but it seems something always stops me.

WOW Andy, you sir are a true inspiration.
Well done all around.
God Bless you.

Vince

Kind words are always appreciated!

Good to hear from you Andy. Best wishes.

Thanks Jim. I've not mounted your vise yet but I have plans!

So much of what you do, resonates with me my friend.

PS, you certainly are the pretty girl in the exercise group.

Healthy way of recovering mentally and physically.

You make me blush, big fella!

(I sold all my cattle a few days ago so I could travel. I'm missing them too.)

Travel??You ain't finished cleaning up your shop yet.

Oh yeah. Clean shop. Must clean shop.

Hey Andy, I bought a parts truck for my project last week. The flat bed driver said he did not think these drivers side tires would hold air. I knew that you would not let that stop you from trying to air them so I tried and he was right. I just happened to have two 6 hole 15's from my project that I've changed over to 5 hole 15's.

All this to say, when I saw these tires I thought of you.

Thanks, Vince!

Lovely post and memories of Sharon. Thanks for sharing with us Andy. I think I got a little dust in my eye or something.

Sharon's rose looks just like the hibiscus here! In fact there is a whole peninsula not far from here where they almost grow wild and called the Hibiscus coast.

Rose of Sharon is a type of hibiscus, but only blooms in early summer.

Andy
Thanks for the walk back. it makes the future walk a little more meaningful
Thanks for the flower shots. They are special.

She was a special person, it was my privilege to care for her.

Do you know what you get more of as you grow older?...…….Great Memories.

Thanks, I stocked up last year.

Good call Rick!

I'm really enjoying following your travels Andy, and love the matching FJs!

My first car when I was 18 was a '76 FJ40 (same year model as me), I would love a newer one.

Of course an FJ40 is a classic, the FJ Cruiser not so much but still a lot of fun.

Andy (and Rian) Thanks for sharing your cathartic journey with us; it made one of my favorite subscribed threads even better.

Thanks, mate!

.

On the road again......

Yep, there we went again. Had to go see a few friends.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I’m not sure but I was driving to lunch and a yellow FJ kept following me and honking their horn.

Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Ha! I was there, I remember! I have so many nice things to say about Shorty but I just can't remember any of them.

No accidents while I was in his shop. That's one...

Nice trip. There is a lot of world out there. I would love to visit down under.

Yeah, I've been to Sydney once, and I'm ready to go back. But I need to see the Wall of Craftsman first.

Hi Andy,

Excited to hear you'll be coming back to my neck of the woods at some point...and with an entaurage no less...

I'll send you a PM with my contact info...give me a bit of notice ahead of time and we'll set something up.

I'm going to start a thread on my disaster of a shop this weekend (there - I've committed. Gotta do it now instead of putting it off another year...). Now I just gotta think of a good title for it

Always great to start a thread. I'll look yours up, sometime, when I have time. Maybe.

I look forward to meeting you!

Interested to see where he is off to now.

JB

Me too, I lost my GPS.

.............on the range.
Where seldom is heard
a discouraging word.
And the skies
are not cloudy all day!

Hmmm, must not be Puget Sound...

I know he’s not here.
Maybe he’s looking at Orchids.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Should we put his face on the side of a milk carton? Or put out a APB?

Thanks for helping, Herb!

Andy: hope you have a fun safe trip again.

it's been 2 days and at the rate you drive you could be in Florida or some other part of the USA by now. i'm guessing you are not heading north to go visit friends during the arctic freeze so my guess is Florida or someplace down south.

looking forward to updates especially since it was like we were driving in your car with you last time. did you find another FJ to buy?

cheers

You know I need to get the app on my phone so I can post instead of shipping pictures to the UK to be posted. Thanks, Grizz.

That looks like a class photo from the School for Wayward Boys.

What do you mean "looks like"?

Wayward boys? Guess the tall guy is the headmaster.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Where’s Andy Martin?

Exploring the new world.

Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

St. Augustine is a cool place!

Shorty: didn't his brother Bob buy some flowers and put them all over his driveway to welcome Andy? so is he headed your direction and did you help him find another yellow FJ?

ANDY: hope you are having a nice drive across part of this great country.

Oh and isn't it SATURDAY.

cheers!!

Actually Bob flowered me. Better than being deflowered, I guess.

I am looking for a third yellow FJ Cruiser. The fleet is young...

 

[oldironfarmer]

California.

Florida.

Some one is sure clocking up the miles meeting our GJ members.
Andy you must love driving. Would just love to spend some time in the passenger seat with you.

Don't be too hard on me, I stopped to see some other friends along the way too. One of them has a great pier in Alabama. That's Florida across the water.

Thanks for the posts Rian! Much appreciated.

Yeah, thanks, Rian!!

Those are some awesome pictres

Awe, some pictures...

Status report!

Boy am I ever slow.

Apart from the oinking boinking...

Was about to say something about two peas in a pod when I saw this.



Now it looks more like three peas in two pods Really nice to see Andy around and about.

What can I say, I meet nice people on Garage Journal! Cool dudes those two are!

Wanna see some more?


Miles keep dropping.


.

Please, where did we go next?

 

[oldironfarmer]

Keep them coming, Grizz!

looks like a SAM's club in Tampa

Close, but no cigar. COSTCO in Boca Raton or nearby.

Happy trails to you, may we meet again.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks, Shorty! Great to meet you guys! You best head this way.

So on and on the trip goes.

Bolen’s Boneyard. Bobby Bruneau. He has the sawmill. So the FJ made it to near Charleston, SC. Bobby sold me Miss Vickie. He has these two300 year old live oak trees in his garden. I may not be jealous.
With his bride and their pup.





Andy got to work the sawmill too.

Talk about cheap labour.



Bobby in the driver seat.



Miss Vicky in a previous life.





Currently no agenda

Check

No plans

Check

Bags of money. (That could be a lie spread by Grizz)

No, no money, just a credit card that gets automatically paid.

So far

Many roads ahead

Good hotels at night.

And America awaits Andy’s inspections.

More later for those who are interested.

What great trips, this is retirement.

I miss you already Andy.

Thanks, Bobby

Andy: thanks for taking us along in your journey. it looks like you are making the rounds to see a few of the GJ regulars and having a great time too. is that a picture of your co pilot or maybe Miss Vickie in human form?

i've heard people have walked that 2000 mile trail, but can't recall if they made it or not from one end to the other.

since there haven't been any car pics are you driving the yellow FJ and the one you already owned or the one you picked up last month in Oregon? you are sure racking up the miles and I think we are all jealous and happy for you.

enjoy your SATURDAY!!

Grizz: thanks for the assists again!!

We're driving my yellow FJ. Pictures coming. The one I already owned. Reserving the new one until this one proves unreliable for long trips.

He has that effect on all he meets.

I feel your pain Bobby.

I guess I'm sorry.

Rian, me too.

Me too, Bob, me too!

Drives, at least 12,000 people have made the trip from Katahdin, in central Maine to Springer Mountain, in north Georgia, crossing 14 states and five national parks. My brother-in-law lives on Mt. Desert Island just outside Acadia National Park in Maine and his next door neighbor's two 20-something daughters did the trail back in the 1990s. They started in Maine and when they got to the end in Georgia wanted to turn around and hike back. Their parents disagreed and drove them home. Their Swedish heritage and living off the grid their whole lives made it no big deal.

Thanks, Bob. I was going to say "yes"...

What a dream, living off grid.

Sure, I love my life, but they win every day.

I've dreamt of that too...

More.....



Love this.








Mr Martin going places.







And still going.









All in a days work.






Safe travels Andy.



.

Thanks again Rian.

The Laurel Falls hike in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park is especially nice. I wanted to go to Cades Cove, which ranks up with Muir Woods to me, but the road was closed for winter repairs.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Safe travels Andy and enjoy. Lots of beautiful country to enjoy there!

Thank you!

My better half use to work at the Bear Mt Visitor Center.
Nothing worst then on a rainy day when few hikers from the trail came in.
Take hours/days for the smell to leave the store.

Great thing for you Andy to be able to enjoy this adventure. Very Happy for you.
A friend of mine did the entire trail back in the 70's. It's something I've only watched shows about on tv. Have a great time and let me know when and IF you eve return to terelton. still want to learn how to make a broom. I hope i've not missed my chance when I had it!

I'm getting ready to travel again. Come on out and we'll do proper social distancing.

I feel this man is a mentor to us all whether he is trying or not,

Now that's embarrassing. But thank you.

Earlier today




And a few minutes ago.



Those who know, will know my good friend Dennis Jones has his body shop here.




Relaxing with Dennis.




Hopefully Andy will get to see him tomorrow as well.


Later Pilgrims.

Stayed that night with an old working friend from years ago. We had a great visit.

Jeez... I'm enjoying this thread!

Me too, me too!!

Happy trails and a safe drive, Andy! Thanks for the pics!

Thanks!!

ANDY: looks like you are enjoying your trip and thanks for sharing some pictures while Grizz adds a few of his comments.

I'm not sure how many FRENCH LICK towns there are in the USA, but LARRY BIRD of the Boston Celtics grew up in one and I think it was in Indiana.

it's SATURDAY (I think it really is today) so have a great day.

Time just keeps rolling along. Glad this trip was completed before the great pandemic of 2020.

Seems Andy Martin has been spotted on the i70 near St Louis, Missouri.

Then overnight in O’Fallon area.

Today near Wright City, stealing race car parts.


Who knows what or where next.

I didn't actually steal race car parts, just took them without paying.

 

[HOTFR8]

Don't be too hard on me, I stopped to see some other friends along the way too. One of them has a great pier in Alabama. That's Florida across the water.

Me, Never.
Looks like what you are doing is good for you. A little worried about how these yellow Toyotas keep coming up.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Last leg of this trip to get back to Tulsa, included a stop over at mate Dennis Jones’ place.

First pic was the guys sitting on Dennis’ tailgate bench outside the shop, chatting.





Andy inside the shop, helping Dennis with some stuff.





Of course, running out of air could prove tricky.

Outside Dennis’ Shell gas station.




Long distance call?



At these prices, Andy was quick to take the opportunity for cheap gas.







Couple of pics today from Dennis.

His 1966 NASCAR Chevy truck is coming together fast.





Pure **** !!!





So by now Andy is back home on the farm, safely.


Weekend over too.

I've wondered about repeating all these photo posts but I like looking at them so much! Certainly got back home safely.

Dennis' NASCAR truck is astounding. He kept slapping my hands.

I'm tired just reading the last few pages catching up on Andys latest adventure
Looks like He knows how to make the best of every day on the road.
I am getting the bug to take a page out of your play book buddy and hit the road for a little pickin.

Stop by and stay overnight on your next foray. Unfortunately a big guy from California picked my shop clean last summer.

I suppose I missed the boat completely on this one Andy and Grizz, if I'd have known there was gas that cheap near Denis's I'd have made the trip up there. Looks like it was a great trip all around ya'll have certainly not let any grass grow under your feet the past few months.

JB

P.S. Is that NASCAR truck build anywhere I could read about it or any social media pages about it?

Have heart JB. We may see 30 cent gas again soon!

Looks like a great trip!

It really was great.

Very nice!!!

Thank you Vladimir! How's the virus in your neck of the woods?

Andy, Glad to hear you had a great trip.

Dwight

Thanks Dwight!

Andy, just wanted to drop you a note, to say that this is one of my favorite threads. I started from the beginning around Thanksgiving, after I caught up on Bob's thread. I read a little each day on breaks at work, and loved it. The way that you connect with others here is amazing, and I feel like I know you, since you have shared so much of your life here.

I look forward to following along with whatever lies ahead!

Man, this drivel is too long to read now. Are you sure you're still sane?

Andy good to see you back ok in OK! Been wet here and Ginny went and got a nerve pinched in her neck so I am on double duty. The new mill ramp modification is working out fine but I will be glad to finish up with the Cedar.

Sorry to hear about Ginny! When we got to the Smokeys we hit snow and had to go north to get clear weather.

Keep sawing! I need to get my mill running.

I wonder what Andy's up to back at home

I have lots of stuff to post if I can find the time. Starting last October...

I agree.. What is Andy up to now?

Hope all is as well as expected.. Take care, Hope to hear from you soon!

Mike...

Thank you Mike.

Either traveling some more, preparing for the next trip or still sorting through the loot from the last roadtrip.

Just hope Andy is happy and healthy!

Happy and healthy. But it has taken a long time to come to grips with losing Sharon.

But I'm ready to roll again. It's a great escape.

.

MOVING MOVING MOVING



BUSY GUY OUR ANDY

That's the Bradford Pears in bloom at my driveway. I planted them for Sharon in 1999 right after her mom died. She loved them and they grew to make a canopy over the driveway.

Whoop whoop... more travel photos!!

Soon!!

What else is new? Sheltered in place?

Shelter in place, I'm mostly staying in my yard. Of course it is 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile so I'm not too cramped being here alone.

At Oldiron Acres its isolation as is sensible.


Our man Andy continues to keep busy.


Can you see the difference??

I feel like a castaway...

Looks like Andy is safe at home and back to doing what he loves!

Getting some real good QST too.

I'm getting a lot of QST. That's why the Chevelle is running again. I've been putting miles on it to get comfortable with it's reliability. Surprisingly the big block 454 does not drip oil.

keep safe Andy

I am trying but I do like ot live on the edge, so I go to Walmart.

Looking good Andy


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks, mate!

Looking good, Andy. Stay safe during this quarantine. Looking forward to your return.

I've had a friend die of the virus so it's close to home. But I still believe the risk is overstated. But the hand washing and other habits we're learning will help make us cold and flu free next winter.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Awesome travel photo's! I have the itch to go on a vacation now

I think a lot of us are ready to travel about now.

Geez, what I wouldn't give to have some of your space! Very nice.

Thanks! I like being spaced out, so to speak.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

ISOLATION

ALONE

SOLO

Been staying in touch with our man Andy in Tulsa, Oklahoma

He is looking after his health, staying alone, avoiding potential infections.

At over 70 years of age, his risk is increased.

Hey! I'm the target audience!

Today he was making hay.

Not actually making hay. This is hay from last summer. It has been to wet all winter to move it off the field. And it's still too wet.

The Dodge is two wheel drive. I bought it new in 93 (94 model) and was too cheap to pay for four wheel drive. I have tractors. The mud hole was not that bad but it was walk or sink.

Maybe too soon though.





Dodge was not able.

Dodge and FJ together failed.

I had the Dodge in gear turning it's rear tires with no real exit strategy had I been able to pull it out. I would have to leave the FJ in gear idling, get out and get in the Dodge as it passed and put the brakes on then put it in park then try to get back to the FJ and get it into neutral. I can't tell you how that would have gone but I had several uncomfortable scenarios in mine. A few of which would have made the virus moot.

Up to the plate stepped a 72 year old.......


Ready to save the day.


Pushing and pulling






Hero of the day.





It was a good day for Andy.

Yep, the tractor needed no assist from the Dodge.

Where does one get one of those tailgating pokers, I’d like one.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

JB has you covered.

Good to see you out playing in the mud Andy. With no cows why the hay???

Hay is a salable commodity, but this was baled last year.

Here is a similar design they make them to attach to the goose neck ball and adjust to different bed lengths. They are generically called bale spears or bale spikes, cheaper than an insurance claim. LINK

Mine fits on the gooseneck ball.

They will let the air out of you.

They can also help enforce the "social distancing".

I have had that truck in Tulsa with the bale spikes on. At a stoplight a few times I have lowered the spikes to horizontal when someone was crowding me. Their eyes get big. They would be a fine radiator ventilator.

good to see some things are getting back to normal.

If getting stuck is normal.

They are not. Not by a longshot.

Amen

It looks like you are doing well Andy.Getting stuck in the mud is nothing for you. BTW is this on your place or in Tulsa?

That's on my farm, right behind the house.

Andy, good to see you about.

Dwight

Thanks, Dwight!

A short walk and you'd have passed through, just a couple of towns over from me. Maybe some other time.

Yep, I started that way but got hungry...

I was wondering how you were keeping through all of the latest malarkey Andy. Good to see you with plenty of social distancing in your own bit of paradise. Just hope it isn't too much distance and that the dogs keep good company.

Still looks like a great place to hole up from all the goings on. Even if you need to get a Dodge stuck to compare the Yellow Peril to one of the old beaters for a little entertainment. We all know you are no stuck in the mud Andy, but have to twist the arm a long way not to find the fun in towing vehicles around with a nice old tractor.

After a summer of fire restrictions here we are having so much rain but an outdoor fire ban has been imposed during lockdown restrictions. So still no metal casting. But next week is looking promising as restrictions are being lifted. Hope the weather plays along.

No fun, no fun! Lockdown and no casting? I've been busy on a 32 Chevy. I'll post something eventually.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Happy Birthday, my Brother Andy!

I didn't know, but if Bob says it's so, then Happy Birthday Andy.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Happy Birthday, Andy!

Happy Birthday Andy!!!

Happy Birthday, Andy!

Called Andy earlier today so Sally and I could sing to him (badly I admit)

He is off to dinner with friends tonight, and being well looked after.

As always, he continues to be pragmatic about things as they stand.

Happy birthday Andy.
Pete

Happy Birthday Andy!

May your flasks hold tight, your crucible fill to the rim and your castings never be porous.

Andy play this >

Language warning. Have a great day.

Happy Birthday young man!!!



Vince

I'm in too
Happy birthday Andy

Don

Happy Birthday, Andy!

Happy Birthday Andy, I hope you had a great day!

Happy B day Andy!!

Sorry I'm a few days late, but happy birthday sir.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, guys! I'm 71 now going on 17.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Visitor......



Spoke to Andy earlier, seems he has cows.

Strays that walked onto his land, he penned them.

Both the FJ's wander around together now and again.

Wandering cows can be a traffic hazard. And across the road from me there are several thousand unfenced acres of public land around Lake Keystone. If the cattle wander in there they are hard to find. Their owner will be along by and by and claim them.

Me, Never.
Looks like what you are doing is good for you. A little worried about how these yellow Toyotas keep coming up.

Don't they just look good?

 

[HOTFR8]

Don't they just look good?

I guess so.

 

[TwoBytes]

Great to hear from you Andy, I've really missed your regular posts on here.