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Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.

Wingnut65

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Making progress! Looks good so far.

I hear you on the weather. We didn't get the rain until today and then got 3" in about an hour. That's Florida for ya.
 
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shopnut

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Wingnut65 - Not near as much progress as I had hoped :(, but as they say - progress is progress.

I feel better having that lower structure there since it gives me something else to grab onto - and I do find myself holding on more these days for some reason when I'm up at heights :headscrat :)

The rain is a good reminder that the summer is here. It will be nice to have this outer wall buttoned up so I don't need to be concerned with the weather quite as much.
 
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shopnut

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Thanks FBF. I think I'm being more careful than I have been, but not as much as I could be. But at least it's a step in the right direction.

Kinda on the same subject - I just had my 3 month checkup since being able to walk on this foot and the Doc says I'm doing fine. I still need a bit of work to get my full range of motion back, however.
 
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shopnut

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AN UPDATED TASK LIST TO KEEP ME FOCUSED ON THE FRONT LOFT PROJECT…

It's been quite a while since I updated my task list so here it goes. This list sure does remind me there are a ton of things to do before this place can be considered complete, but I do see the (dim) light at the end of the tunnel.

I also updated the index, acronym list, and links in post#1 thru 3 while I was at it.

Link to prior Task List (Reply#912)
Link to next Task List (Reply#1792)

ASYLUM Task List:

Crane
* STARTED Install cable carrier system for power cabling to hoist (mounted; needs power cords routed)
* STARTED Install hoist-mounted spotlight (controlled with wall switch) (needs power cord routed to it)
* Install crane-mounted power cable reel (???)
* Final leveling of crane beam

Front Main Bay (24x26’ area)
* **DONE** Rough framing for new clerestory windows (north) (south)
* **DONE** Rough framing for new fluorescent fixtures (north) (south)
* **DONE** Rough framing for ceiling vinyl (north) (south)
* **DONE** Rough framing at ceiling peak
* **DONE** Replace clerestory fiberglass panels with 4X sliding windows (north) (south)
* NOT NEEDED Add mounts for ceiling flag (north) (south)
* **DONE** Framing for speakers (north) (south)
* **DONE** Framing for vinyl trim (north) (south)
* NOT NEEDED Run Coax and Cat5 cable across south wall (Run in lower duct-way later)
* **DONE** Run speaker wire across south wall
* **DONE** Run air lines and switch wire to window openers (north) (south)
* **DONE** Insulate wall (north) (south)
* **DONE** Install wall vinyl (north) (south)
* **DONE** Install window jamb vinyl (north) (south)
* **DONE** Install window openers (north) (south)
* **DONE** Install stereo speakers (north shop A/V) (south apartment A/V)
* Insulate ceiling (DONE north rear) (DONE south rear) (north front) (south front)
* Install ceiling vinyl (DONE north rear) (DONE south rear) (north front) (south front)
* **DONE** Install 4X fluorescent fixtures (north) (south)
* Cover up roof rafter gussets (DONE rear) (front)
* Cover up roof rafter beams (rear) (middle)
* Install final large diameter air line loop around main bay (DONE north) (DONE south) (side bay)
* Add air line drops for auto lift and hose reels
* Design/Build center suspended light fixture
* Build south wall shallow storage cabinet
* **DONE** Build ASYLUM sign

Front Storage Loft
* **DONE** Purchase plywood/lumber and find temp storage spot for it.
* **DONE** Add light-duty hoist system at ceiling peak to access loft.
* **DONE** Build temporary shelf above door drums (for library ladder attachment)
* **DONE** Reinforce headers above main garage doors
* STARTED Extend front exterior façade down to add truss beam
* Replace siding on front exterior façade and move decorative shutter doors down
* Cut hole in wall above 12’ high doors
* Rough framing for floor to replace temporary shelf
* Install plywood sheathing for loft floor
* Install insulation in exterior ceiling
* Install exterior ceiling metal/vinyl
* Install 4X fluorescent fixtures in exterior ceiling (???)
* Insulate loft ceiling
* Install loft ceiling panels
* Install 4X fluorescent fixtures inside loft
* Rough framing for door drum valance (hides drums)
* Rough framing for fluorescent fixtures below door drums
* Install vinyl on door drum valance
* Install 4X fluorescent fixtures in bottom of door drum valance
* Build doors for loft
* Install railing along front of loft

Library Ladder
* **DONE** Paint brackets/hangers
* **DONE** Install L-Brackets inside walls (north) (front) (south)
* **DONE** Install hangers (north) (front) (south)
* **DONE** Bend and test fit rail sections
* **DONE** Build ladder trolley and try on rail system
* **DONE** Remove rails
* **DONE** Paint remaining rails yellow
* Re-install rail
* Paint ladder trolley
* Modify ladder to store in retracted position

Electrical
* **DONE** Rearrange circuit breakers in main panel
* **DONE** Route final wiring to main bay lights (8X) (north) (south)
* STARTED Add “WEST WALL” GFI circuit for front wall outlets (MC cable routed across shop and breaker added)
* STARTED Add “MAIN LTS#2” light circuit for front fluorescent fixtures (4X) and front storage loft fluorescent fixtures (4X). Add switch for storage loft. (MC cable routed across shop and breaker added)
* Add switches for main bay lighting zones (north) (front) (south)
* Add switch for loft lighting zone
* Add additional branch on “Night Lights” to front of shop for illuminating ASYLUM sign

MISC Project List:
* **DONE** Build TV cabinet and power extending mount bracket
* Rolling workbench – add table support props and paint to match
* Lathe Cart – Build heavy duty version to dock in window nook

.
 
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Wingnut65

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Thanks, shopnut. I am now totally exhausted just reading your To-Do list. To take a break, I might just take my girls to the movies tonight. But tomorrow, I make more sawdust!

Glad we are finally getting some rain. I guess getting all caught up in one day may just lead to a nice weekend.
 

tinbender 66

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Western Washington State
Wow, just a "couple" things and you're done:D. It's always fun to see what you're up to!

I wanted to emulate you so I went ahead and fell off my ladder the other day. Nothing broken, just some mighty sore ribs:mad:
 

Wingnut65

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TB, I've heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this 'if he can do it, I can too', has got to stop. Pneumatic windows and motorized TV's are OK, but leave the ladder stuff to the expert! :lol:

Glad to hear your survived without any ER trips.
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Thanks, shopnut. I am now totally exhausted just reading your To-Do list. To take a break, I might just take my girls to the movies tonight. But tomorrow, I make more sawdust!

Glad we are finally getting some rain. I guess getting all caught up in one day may just lead to a nice weekend.

Didn't mean to tire anyone out - you're supposed to gain energy and ambition by watching me on this uphill climb!

A movie sounds pretty good, I might just have take a break from the list and try it. Actually, Mrs Shopnut's B-day is coming up and since she was SOOOO good to me during the whole surgery/recovery thing, I'm going to devote an entire weekend to her - do whatever she wants to do. I'm not even going to step in the garage, unless she wants to sling some legs over the bikes and take a ride (I'm crossing my fingers on that one :)).

Good luck on the project - I wish you pile of sawdust by the time Sunday night rolls around!
 
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shopnut

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tb_66 (RL and WN) - I took one for the team back in Nov so, statistically, you guys could be safe. Don't any of you DARE follow in my footsteps! In fact, I don't even want to follow in my footsteps since 3/4's of that list involves working at heights :wtf:

I'll join the rest by saying I'm glad to hear you are okay. Hope the ribs feel better soon.
 

abstamaria

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Manila
You are a certified OC, Shopnut, lists and all!

Great progress and plans. And yes be safe.

Andy

PS: I keep my to-do lists in my phone.
 
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shopnut

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You are a certified OC, Shopnut, lists and all!

Great progress and plans. And yes be safe.

Andy

PS: I keep my to-do lists in my phone.
Thanks Andy.

There are a number a certified OC types on this forum and I believe I'm responding to one of them right now! :) Considered a disorder by some, I embrace whatever OC tendencies I have because it helps me be successful in the things I do. It could be a curse for others that take it too far, I suppose. Obviously, it has helped you produce a stunning workplace of your own that we all admire. Now I just need to absorb some of your minimalist tendencies so I don't have to keep building more storage space! :D

Nice of you to drop by and yes, I'm trying hard to be safe these days. This place will not claim another broken bone!
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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emeraldcoupe - Thanks for stopping in and checking out the place. The first time we stepped foot on the land, we knew it was THE place for us. So much so, we bought the lot next to it when it went up for sale. As for the location, let’s just say it’s not the Keys or Panhandle :D

Good luck on the Mustang project car in your avatar (assuming it's still a work-in-progress). I have a major car project waiting for me (the Chevelle) whenever I wrap this place up. The old girl needs some attention! :)
 

emeraldcoupe

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Jan 4, 2010
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spring hill, florida
emeraldcoupe - Thanks for stopping in and checking out the place. The first time we stepped foot on the land, we knew it was THE place for us. So much so, we bought the lot next to it when it went up for sale. As for the location, let’s just say it’s not the Keys or Panhandle :D

Good luck on the Mustang project car in your avatar (assuming it's still a work-in-progress). I have a major car project waiting for me (the Chevelle) whenever I wrap this place up. The old girl needs some attention! :)

thanks, it is a work in progress. can't wait to get it done,lol.

looks like a nice peaceful, quiet area. awesome.
 
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shopnut

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emeraldcoupe - Well, it was peaceful and quiet until I moved into the neighborhood. Now there's saws running, banging, and music playing until 2am :). Seriously, it is really quiet and secluded back in the woods and that's why we love it there.

jdexide - Thanks for the input and kind words. I'm guessing you're talking about the bags that hang from the hoist motors to collect the excess dangling chain. If it's something else, let me know.

Looks like your barn is coming along nicely. Keep us updated on the progress inside. Good luck fighting for your fair share of the space inside! :)
 
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shopnut

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ANOTHER VIDEO TO SHARE WITH YOU - THE JIB CRANE…

I installed this 1 ton crane and 1/2 ton electric hoist several years ago before the upstairs office was built. I-beam length is 10’ and sits about 16’ above the floor with a 180 degree sweep. A cable carrier is installed above the beam, but I have not gotten around to installing the hoist electrical cabling in it yet. A bracket and wall switch were included for a trolley-mounted halogen spotlight to illuminate the item being lifted (still not installed either). I tossed a bit of Steve Miller Band music in the video for your listening pleasure.

Click image to watch Jib Crane Video:



\/ Ignore this image \/
 

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shopnut

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man I like that crane! you planning on pulling some motors with that bad boy?
Thanks. Yep - there is at least one engine swap in the not so distant future. Actually my spare 454 slated for the Chevelle project was used as the initial load test of the crane years ago.

The crane is like many things - once you have it at your disposal, you find all types of things to do with it. I used it to get materials up to the second floor while the office was being built, unload the truck and trailer, and just recently, hang my flat screen TV up. With it's height, I think it's really going to come in handy when I get around to assembling my car lift(s).
 

Wingnut65

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Nice video, shopnut. It shows the Asylum well. The amount of light coming in from those upper windows is amazing. And the sign looks great, too! :thumbup:
 
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shopnut

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Wingnut65 - Thanks. Those windows do let in a lot of light, but its the quality of light that really made the effort of installing the windows worth it. You can actually see the trees now instead of green blobs through the old translucent panels.

As much as I was happy to get rid of those old panels though, I'm about to incorporate them back into the Asylum temporarily. The next post will explain that better.

LLWillysfan - Glad you liked it. The videos get a little boring if there isn't something playing in the background. I struggle with selecting music, however, that I think everyone will enjoy (or at least tolerate :))
 
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shopnut

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THE RAIN IS REALLY SLOWING THE EFFORTS ON THE LOFT…

This is twice now that the weather has foiled my plans to complete the front truss beam for the loft. I did manage to get a few prep things done and boards were cut to length and painted tan. Those shown are the diagonals and 14’ 2x6’s for the lower caps for the beam.

1356-Front Loft-144.JPG 1357-Front Loft-143.JPG

In between rain drops, I also added a bunch of lag bolts to the upper ends of the vertical 2x6’s, existing plywood rafter gusset, and where the rafters meet the side columns. It was too high to enjoy the luxury of standing on the scaffold (with its lower 2-tier height) and all was done while reaching as high as I could on the extension ladder (that *****, btw). The arrow points in one picture to the area being shown close up in the other.

1358-Front Loft-137.JPG 1359-Front Loft-146.JPG 1360-Front Loft-148.JPG

IT WON’T LOOK REAL PRETTY, BUT IT’LL DO FOR A FEW MONTHS…

My packrat nature wouldn’t let me toss out the leftover fiberglass panels from the clerestory window project, but at least they will come in handy for temporarily covering the truss beam in front through the rainy summer. Eventually the tan wall metal coming off above the main doors will clad the outermost wall, but I’m not in a position to remove it just yet. Unfortunately, the space to cover is 32” tall while the panels are only 22”. Luckily, I have plenty to do 2 rows for full coverage.

1361-Front Loft-150.JPG

Just in case you didn’t see where these panels came from…

1362-Window-15.JPG
 
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Wingnut65

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Glad to see the work progressing between the raindrops. We got about 6" last week, but had a nice weekend. Wish I were home long enough to be in the garage...

Nothing wrong with being a pack rat if you have the storage space. I like Andy's place, but it is hard to be a minimalist pack rat. I guess old habits are hard to break. And being a pack rat allows you to have all the pieces to the puzzle laying around. My problem would be finding them again when I need them.

Glad the extension ladder was good to you!
 
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shopnut

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You're right Wingnut65, old habits are hard to break. And for me there really is no sense fighting it. The best I can hope for is to keep the clutter contained and mostly out of sight.

Good luck finding some time this weekend to spend in the garage!
 
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shopnut

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THE CHEVELLE BANNER FINALLY GAVE UP THE GHOST…

It was kind of sad too, because I paid waaaaaay too much for that darn sheet of vinyl. I knew the end was near so I picked up another banner of the same size to fit perfectly in its place - this time a flaming ’57 Chevy. At least the red matches the Corvette banner on the other door so my rough symmetry is maintained.

1363-Banners-02.JPG

Here’s a view with all my junk in the side storage loft exposed to the world. Actually, there are a number of goodies up there waiting their turn after major construction is finished. Note that the PVC door frame is still hanging in position. To open it, you just slide it to the left on a steel cable stretched from wall to wall.

1364-Banners-04.JPG

And the new ’57 Chevy banner in its new home.

1365-Banners-11.JPG

Of course, my inner packrat couldn’t just trash the ’70 Chevelle banner, so I carefully patched it back up with clear tape and boxed it up. Next time I open the box, I will probably find I pile of vinyl dust in its place :)

1366-Banners-06.JPG

I think they look pretty cool at night with a little backlighting. This was taken years ago when the Chevelle banner was still in decent shape. Perhaps a clear acrylic tube would have worked better for the center cross-member to avoid that vertical shadow. :dunno:

1367-Barn-banner backlighting3.JPG
 
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Wingnut65

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I want back-lit banners! But I don't have the space, so I'll have to enjoy yours.

Any way of backing the Chevelle banner with some canvas or other stronger fabric to extend its life???
 
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shopnut

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The backlighting is nothing more than a 24" fluorescent fixture.

Thanks for the suggestions Wingnut65 - Some type of backing on there is probably the only way to save it. I mentioned I had some big decal sheets in this thread (LINK) that might do the trick, but that will eliminate the possibility backlighting because they are not clear material.

Ways of preserving them were also discussed in that thread, but I forgot to wipe down the new banner with 303 protectant before hanging it up :( It will be a bit harder to get both side now that it is up.

I guess I could alway just glue it to a big sheet of panelling and hang it somewhere like my blue Chevrolet sign :dunno:
 
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shopnut

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A NEW COLLAGE FOR 2012…

I’m a little late putting this together.

Major additions since last year’s version are:
- 8 clerestory windows replacing the fiberglass panels (with power openers)
- New white vinyl on right side wall and middle section of ceiling
- Recessed TV cabinet with powered dust curtain and extending bracket
- ASYLUM sign

attachment.php


The front loft pictures will have to wait until the 2013 update, but I’m making good progress lately.
 

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shopnut

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TB_66 - Thanks. I created the original collage in MS-Word from scratch. I started inserting pictures from my "best of" folder and resized/cropped them until it all fit nicely. This took some time until I was happy with it. Getting the rounded frames on the pictures was just a format setting. Finally, I set the background to black because it seems to go better with my colors. Updates each year are now really easy by clicking on an old picture and selecting "change image".

One of these days I will make some nice prints of the various years to hang up showing the progress through the years.

FBF - Thanks to you as well. This vision has been in my head for many years and it's great to finally see it materialize. I'm glad to be sharing it with all of you.
 
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shopnut

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IGO2XS - Thanks. Its always fun for me to look back on the some of the highlights even though things were a little slow this year. At least I have a decent excuse for the limited progress (and have X-rays to prove it :))

I, like you, have made some progress on my loft lately. I'm in the process of getting the updates prepared for all to see.
 
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shopnut

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MORE WORK ON THE FRONT LOFT…

Weather cooperated for this third attempt and I was able to make some progress. Before adding stiffener boards to the truss beam, I needed to first remove some short boards in the way of reaching the main columns. This one only had 3 nails holding it in so it was easy, but the other one had about 15 so it was mutilated upon removal.

1369-Front Loft-153.JPG

I also wanted to give the beam just a slight bow upward so it would settle down straight when all the weight is added. I used a board and an automotive scissors jack to do this and it would remain in place the entire time I reinforced the beam. The height of the beam off the slab measured 150-1/8” for future comparison.

1370-Front Loft-155.JPG

I also noticed that the front façade was slightly bowed inward so I used a 2x2 to prop it out just a tad while all the stiffener boards were being added.

1371-Front Loft-160.JPG
 
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shopnut

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A “BUILD-IN-PLACE” 26-FOOT LONG TRUSS BEAM…

It was time to start bringing this beam up to full strength. Some 2x6’s were going to be added flush with the bottom end so I prepared these quick boards as a helping hand.

1372-Front Loft-156.JPG 1373-Front Loft-158.JPG 1374-Front Loft-159.JPG

Here is the first 2x6 set in place ready for fastening.

1375-Front Loft-161.JPG

The second bottom board was added and a third was added at the top.

1376-Front Loft-165.JPG

All four in place.

1377-Front Loft-168.JPG

The ends were lag-bolted into the main columns. I used a tie-down strap to pull the siding metal away enough gaining access.

1378-Front Loft-166.JPG
 
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shopnut

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THE DIAGONALS WERE ADDED TO THE TRUSS BEAM…

I guess it really couldn’t be called a truss beam until these boards were added. :)

1379-Front Loft-171.JPG 1380-Front Loft-172.JPG

LOTS of lag bolts were added. They were counterbored into the 2x6’s since the siding needs to lay flat on that surface.

1381-Front Loft-175.JPG

Here it is with diagonals added for the entire 26’ span. It’s starting to look just like the drawing. :)

1382-Front Loft-181.JPG 1383-Front Loft-183.JPG 1384-1342-Front-Loft-Plan-02.JPG

At this point, the long horizontal 2x6’s were still not added to the backside of the beam yet. Siding material will go on next to make it weather-tight, and with the summertime rains, protecting against the elements is a primary concern.

SNAKE!!! - THE NEIGHBORS HAD SOME EXCITEMENT…

The neighbor lady was out mowing the grass the other day while I was at the Asylum and was surprised by this little guy (or gal???). She didn’t know how many times she passed by before noticing it, but it was first spotted near our 12x20 shed. I have a bunch of stacked wood on the fence line so I probably need to clear that out (cautiously) sometime soon if it’s giving snakes a place to hang out. In the picture, you can barely see the Asylum and fence to the left in the background.

1385-Rattlesnake 006.jpg

I’m now trying to convince Mrs. Shopnut that being up on a ladder is much safer than being on the ground with the snakes! :) (She absolutely hates snakes, but she’s not buying it)
 
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Red Leader

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Shopnut,

I don't have anything particular to say about the great work that you have done recently. I'm just here to say thanks. Thanks for being a positive force in this online community, thanks for the upbeat spirit, thanks for taking the time to post in my haphazard and crazy thread, and thanks for being, well...a little 'nut'-ty on the side...which has all helped us to smile just a little bit more. You are appreciated.


:)
 
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