...and so it begins

[fourbyford]

Hmmm... anything involving bacon has to be good! After all, it is one of the major food groups!

Things continue to be busy for me...

Last Tuesday, as I was posting on here, I received a phone call from the attorney that had been helping us resolve my mom's estate. Due to covid and a few other issues in her office, she had gone radio-silent. That was a major issue for us because everything concerning my mom's estate needed to be completed before 12/31 to avoid some pretty severe tax consequences. I had been trying to contact the attorney for a few days... finally tracked down an attorney from another firm that worked in the same building and was kind enough to relay a message.

Anyways, after the phone call... a flurry of emails... print docs... more emails... print corrected docs... off to Moscow for notary services in hopes of getting everything to FedEx before their 3:15 cut-off for overnight delivery. I stopped at two banks... lobbies closed. Finally, the branch manager at the third bank notarized my docs. Nice people there. I rolled into the FedEx office at 3:07 and a driver was there picking up the overnight packages. Fortunately, I got up to the counter right away and let them know I had something that HAD to go out. Package processed and went on its way. My sister received the docs... completed her portion and was able to get everything recorded with the county clerk on 12/31. Whew... pretty sure that's the last of it. Now... I'll have to get everything we've done over the last three months organized so I can plan for my favorite (not) season... taxes...

Wednesday, we woke up to wet and heavy snow. Road conditions and visibility were poor. I had two doctor's appointments... the first in Moscow and a later one in Lewiston. I left home about 9:00... was early for my appointment at 11. They actually got me in, and out, early. Good thing... its about a 45 mile drive from Moscow to my doctor's office in Lewiston and the roads in between were even worse than the ones I traveled to Moscow. Once I got to Lewiston, the weather had changed to rain (about 2,000' lower in elevation) and it was a fairly pleasant day. Stops at the doc's office, Home Depot, the farm and grocery stores and back home (on snowy roads) by 6.

Much of Thursday spent moving a lot of wet, heavy snow from our driveway and that of our neighbors.

Finally, on Friday, got a bit more done on the carport.

The idea behind the VersaTube structure is that the metal wraps over the roof and some distance (depending on the width of the building) down the sides to provide rigidity to the structure. My building is 14' wide... the metal wraps about 3' or so down the sides. As my neighbor and I started installing the tin, it occurred to both of us that it would probably be a bad idea to run the tin 3' down the side adjacent to the garage... because it would trap ice and snow between the two walls and cause who-knows-what kinds of problems.




So, we agreed it was probably a better idea to omit the overhang on the garage side of the structure. The carport seems sturdy enough and is pretty much sheltered from prevailing breezes by the garage... and, we definitely don't get Wyoming type "breezes" here... I'm thinking everything will be fine.

As a result of our modified install, I ended up with three extra sheets of tin. My misses gave me a hand and we installed those sheets below the ones on the east side of the carport. As luck would have it, I can install one more course of tin on this wall and, without having to cut anything, the tin will cover the wall down to ground level.













And, as I mentioned earlier, I bought the kit to enclose the far end of the carport. As soon as it gets light this morning, I'll go out and get that framework installed and ready for tin.

Despite the snow on the ground, our weather has been very mild. There is a disturbance off the Pacific coast that has stalled over the PNW... at least the part where we live. For a couple of days we were overcast and in the upper 30's/lower 40's... now its raining with temps pretty much remaining around the low 40's day and night. The snow is melting !

The weather for Tuesday looks GOOD, so I plan to saddle up the trailer and go get enough tin to finish closing up the carport. It will be very cool to have this project "completed"...

Sent from my SM-N960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[fourbyford]

A little progress today...

We woke up to a steady rain. Over the past 36 or so hours we've gotten more than inch. There is still a bit of snow on the ground but it is melting fast. The fields are melting. The water level in our pond is rising... and that's a good thing...




It's been warm enough that there is some open water on the pond. The ducks are happy about that!

Must've been about 9:30 this morning, the rain just stopped. A few minutes later, the clouds broke and we had bright sunshine the rest of the day.

I needed to return my neighbor's ladder so I loaded it and drove down to his place. On the way, my truck was acting a bit squirrely and as I was trying to figure out what the problem might be, I realized the road was so wet, it was squishy. Our lower field, as well as parts of my neighbor's place were flooded. Its been a long time since I've seen so much water around here. If this continues, our water concerns will disappear.

As I unloaded the ladder and my neighbor and I were talking, yet another new neighbor came riding up on a 4 wheeler... 3 kiddos in tow. I hadn't yet met him... seems a very nice young family man. We're a bit spread out around here. It's good to know the neighbors.

Anyways, I eventually made my way back home and got the framework installed to enclose the far end of the carport.




Hey... at least it's progress! ...lol

The county road is mostly thawed out. Looks like I'll head to town tomorrow to pick up the tin I need to finish the carport. I've definitely lucked out with the weather!

My plan is to leave as early as possible. I think my neighbor will ride along. I should be back home in time to get some actual work done!

...D

Sent from my SM-N960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drivesitfar]

4by: congrats on the late year scramble for the parent's estate. WOW sounds like a mad scramble there.

nice work on the carport!!! i'm not a fan of working outside in the 40's and rain and about the only thing that stops you is 2 feet of snow. just curious how much that kit is cause I was looking at a few used ones that never came to be for some temporary cover in my backyard?

keep up the great work and don't forget to sit and smell the roses too.

 

[fourbyford]

I did take a bit of a break today... definitely enjoyed chatting with the neighbors!

IIRC, about $2,200 for the 14' x 31.5' frame from Menards. Plus, I got an 11% rebate on the deal... so about 2 large. So far, about $650 in the tin. I'm sure tomorrow's bill will be another $400 or so. If you don't have a Menards in your area, you can order it on line. Their rebates are for merchandise (or store credit) but I'm pretty sure they can be used on line.

Not sure what size you may be looking for but, these are surprisingly affordable!

 

[drivesitfar]

4by: I don't think we have a Menard's anywhere on this side of the state and honestly I can't recall seeing any in Eastern Washington either so maybe Idaho is the farthest west they have any stores. that said I was looking for maybe a 10x20 or a bit bigger, but not sure it wouldn't get shot down by my bride.

if I knew it wasn't going to be too windy for my use i'd probably be ok with a $200 tarped carport they sell over here, but lately the winds have been kicking up a bit more than usual. I wish I had an extra third or half acre without having to buy and tear down a neighbor's house to get one.

good to hear you had a rest day.

 

[fourbyford]

Actually, no Menards here either. I ordered it in Wyoming and had it shipped out here.

A 10 x 20 wouldn't be terribly expensive. Remember that I've set mine up for temporary use... you could do the same. Use it for as long as you need... then move it or sell it. I'm sure something like that would sell in a heartbeat out there! These aren't terribly difficult to build... might be worth considering.

Hmmm... whats that they always say... Its easier to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission!

You could mention that with the carport, you'd never have to occupy her half of the garage ever again...

Hmmm... on second thought... might not be a good idea to go quite that far... lol

...D

 

[drivesitfar]

4by: I swear you know my bride!!! thanks for the heads up on the pricing and strategy.

with 5 feet of snow falling in our lower mountain pass this past week I bet you've got more than a few heading your way if not already there.

maybe a nice fire and some hot chocolate with your bride and her (and your) ducks?

 

[fourbyford]

No more snow... lots of rain!!

I just have a few minutes this afternoon... my misses and I are headed out to our "local" for a bit to eat and possibly an adult beverage. But, I thought I'd share the view out our back door...




This guy was kind enough to leave both his antlers in our yard a few days ago... very cool!




His offspring??





Lots of turkeys today. I missed getting pics of the dozen or so ringneck pheasant in our yard a couple hours ago.




And, our duck children in the middle of it all.

All this 15 feet off our back steps.

Life is good!


...D

Sent from my SM-N960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Grizz1963]

That’s so cool.

I love any wildlife making themselves comfortable on my little piece of heaven.

Deer can get so tame if you don’t mess with them.

As for the turkeys, I have no idea about them, and to be honest, no interest in eating one.

But..... are these wild fowl just passing through ?

If you needed to eat one, how do you go about capturing, shooting, killing a wild bird?


Carport as you know, provokes envy, despite what I have built here.

Glad snow has gone for a moment.

 

[fourbyford]

Yes, wild birds... sort of passing through... lol
Actually, they've pretty much taken up residence...




This was from a couple of years ago. One morning, we had more than 150 birds in our driveway. They got fairly tame... to the point they'd follow us around the yard. When taking the pics, I was able to get within 10 or so feet from them. Its very cool to watch them and learn. As far as harvesting... first of all, I'd need a hunting license to shoot in season. If I were to do that, I'd probably just use my .17 caliber rifle. Most folks use a shotgun because it can be a challenge to get close to turkeys. All I would have to do is walk outside... thus, the small caliber rifle. Benefit: not biting down on a lead (steel) pellet!

The deer are cool to see as well but, can quickly become pests. We've had to enclose all of our smaller trees and shrubs with fencing. Otherwise, they are either eaten, or the bucks will rub the bark off the smaller trunks. We get elk and moose as well. They're beautiful animals as well and normally stay some distance away (elk) moose aren't really afraid of anything but don't often come into the yard. When they do, all bets are off. They can destroy things quickly! The Game and Fish office gave me a box of 12 gauge shells with rubber slugs to drive moose away. I was cautioned to make sure I shoot them in the ****!

As far as carport envy... guess we're even... lol...
You've done a fantastic job with yours as well!

...D

Sent from my SM-N960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drivesitfar]

4by: i'm truly jealous of your wildlife. we've got more than a few animals around here since I live close to Puget Sound and a 700 acre park, but haven't seen any deer or turkeys. a few eagles, but mostly raccoons (who are tearing up my lawn), possum, squirrels and a ton of small birds including more than a few hummingbirds.

I thought only Moose dropped their antlers each year? find any moose antlers?

I hear you on the deer and it's one thing that has prevented us from moving to the rural areas cause my wife wants a huge garden without a fence that looks like a prison around it.

 

[drivesitfar]

It's been a while since we chatted so I thought bumping up your thread might bring you out of the deep freeze. especially since it's snowing here at the moment i'm guessing it's a bit colder in your version of paradise.

I hope all is well. yes?

 

[Grizz1963]

Also in the post today over here in England

A John Deere box from the USA, no idea why, but one of my favourite agricultural brands.

Here is the lesson for the day though.......

Black and silver = Construction

Green and yellow = Agriculture.

PS. I could be wrong on the JD stuff.

So what’s in the box??



A hoody/hoodie for Sally



Wrapped around a $5.00 Chevrolet part for the S10 , sent by Dan in Deary, Idaho, he refused to let me pay for any of it, guess he has a free dinner r two and accommodation booked here then.

The one on my trucks tailgate handle is broken and a huge irritation to me.



Postage/shipping really is a killer for our hobby.



Thanks Dan.

 

[drivesitfar]

Just checking in and making sure you didn't get blown off a ladder or buried by a snow drift. You OK?

how are all the critters and since it's now officially SPRING maybe our weather will get warmer and dryer for a few months.

cheers!!

 

[fourbyford]

Hey Drives...

Thanks for checking in! I've definitely been stuck on "Top Dead Center"...

No snow drifts... although we did have a repeat of previous winters. We had a bit of snow early on followed by a thaw. Rain in January and early February. The weather really wasn't bad at all. Relatively warm.

One day in early February, we did have a bit of wind. Cleaned up a few downed limbs and thought that was it. At the end of the day a couple of days later, I looked up at the roof from my vantage point in a corner of the hot tub and saw a couple of shingles that I was sure were broken. Since it was nearly dark, wasn't much I could do except hope we didn't get any rain. Next morning, I moved the tractor and got one of my ladders down. Looking from the porch roof, I could see that the shingles weren't broken... they were sort of "turned inside out". Never seen anything like it. The wind grabbed the lower edge of two shingles and pushed it up the roof pitch. The tabs of the shingles were standing pretty much straight up... and, surprisingly, were not broken. I spent the rest of that day getting my second ladder down and rigging a contraption to get up on that roof. I thought my two previous climbs were "iffy"... this one put those to shame. I had to screw a couple of 2x's to my porch roof to keep the bottom of the ladder from scooting off the edge of that roof... then had to "Rube Goldberg" some spacers for the underside of the ladder to get it to lay on the upper roof pitch. Everything would have been much easier if the bottom of my ladder could've been out another foot. Unfortunately, the porch roof just isn't wide enough for that to happen. Although the whole thing looked "safe"... in a Death Wish sort of way... I decided I should call the neighbor to have him stand on the ladder... and be there with a cell phone to call 911 when I ended up on the ground. He came by the next day and we went up. He's definitely not one for ladders... or heights. When he saw my set up, all he could say was "You gotta be sh!ttin me..." All I wanted him to do was stand on the bottom of the ladder to make sure it didn't go over the edge of the porch roof. Remember, it was resting against some blocking I had screwed to the rafters in that roof. He kept saying he thought the set up would just have both of us over the edge. I finally convinced him to put one foot on the bottom rung. Dang... some people just don't know how to have fun! I went up and carefully maneuvered both shingles back into place. A couple tubes of roof ****** and all the loose tabs were stuck down. Mission accomplished. And, nobody died. Got the ladders down and screw holes in the porch roof patched... just in time.

A cold front moved in a couple of days later and it began to snow. The front stalled and by the time it finally moved out, we had 30 or so inches of snow on the ground. I kept busy moving snow at my place and over at my "new" neighbor's place. He had a major back surgery at the end of December... long recovery needed. Their driveway is pretty much as long and steep as mine with a large parking area on top. Plenty of work to keep me busy. I pretty much lost count of the number of times I was up and down both driveways... and moved snow on the county road.

Also, at the same time, my misses decided to go visit her sisters in Florida. So... in addition to everything else, I had duck duty. Of course, a few days after she left, it got cold... for us anyways... well below freezing. One thing ducks need is water. LOTS of it. Being so cold, hoses weren't an option. So, I carried at least a bazillion gallons in buckets. I kept the ducks in their fenced enclosure for a few days after the major snow. It didn't take long to realize they weren't very happy so, out they went. It turns out that they can scoot through deep snow well enough and seemed happy doing so. I did have to keep one of the ducks seperate to doctor on a problem with her feet. I cleaned and medicated her feet twice a day the whole time my misses was away so we became pretty good buds. Never thought I'd have a duck buddy...

Shortly after my misses returned, it was time to start gathering info for taxes while trying to make sense of the flurry of activity at the end of last year. I managed to get everything (I think) together and sent off to the accountant. My mom and sister had been using an accountant in Arizona (their winter home) for the last several years. As I was trying to get all my info together it occurred to me that I should probably send all my stuff to her as well. On speaking with her, she thought that was a great idea. So now, she has all three sets of documents... she should have everything she needs to understand everything that transpired. Thanks to the good ol' USPS, I know I'm missing at least one 1099... and suspect there may be others. I was glad to hear the tax deadline was extended again this year. I'm sure I'll be chasing a bit of paper before the dust settles.

As if there hasn't been enough chaos and confusion in my life over the last six months... my misses had to throw a wrench into the gears. As it turns out, she just realized she really isn't cut out for farm life. It would take me a year of writing to express my thoughts on that little gem of wisdom so I'll spare us all...

About 10 days ago, she went into Lewiston to take care of a few errands, which she RARELY does. As it turns out, one of her "errands" was to talk to a realtor. Bottom line is that she is under contract to buy a huge old house over on the Washington side. Part of that deal is that she wanted me to buy "her half" of the farm. So, for the past few days, I've been scrambling to get that done. Still a couple of details to resolve but, I'm now the sole owner of MY farm! She closes on her new place on 4/15. I'm helping her move on the 15th and 16th. Although we're going seperate ways, the split is mostly peaceful. Honestly, this will be a good thing for both of us.

Rian... I'm glad you received the part for your truck and that Sally liked the hoodie! Maybe she can wear it when the two of you come for a visit?

The box was from a part for the lawn tractor. I have a thing for green & yellow tractors as well. Years ago I thought that green paint must be some of the most expensive on earth and that I couldn't afford it. After finally biting the bullet and buying my first piece of JD equipment, I realized I can't afford NOT to have it. The lawn tractor and my farm tractor have been very reliable and make it possible for me to get a metric ton of work done!

Hope all is well with the two of you!

...D

 

[Grizz1963]

Ahhhh...

Good to see you post up.

I am glad your “thing” is going mostly peacefully.

Nicola and I had 100% managed that too.

I do not like to lose my dignity.

And as you say, sometimes it is a good thing.

Right, time for late lunch or early dinner..... left over chicken and ribs from yesterday’s truck valeting and paint detailing,session.


Look after yourself.

 

[Jayman17]

Fourby, glad to see an update. Seems like you are keeping busy. Sorry to hear of the change to your living arrangements but glad to hear it’s probably for the best.
Sounds like quite the snowfall you had recently...

Jay

 

[drivesitfar]

Very sorry to hear you and your wife are not on the same page still (or ever), but it sounds like maybe it was/is for the best. i'm guessing when you were gone fixing up the place in Wyoming that taking care of that big place in Idaho was a bit too much for her by herself, but she had to know that was short term so maybe other issues too.

Feel free to email or text me if you'd like to chat cause I get terrible cell service here and i'm guessing yours might not be great either.

in the meantime we are all here to hang with as you work on keeping the farm up and running as you move the Wyoming place down the road.

it also sounds like you've not only got great neighbors, but more likely great friends around you while you figure this out.

cheers

 

[drivesitfar]

i'm bumping your thread to say HI and also to make sure you are OK since I (we) watched your ladder roof fix work last week.

everything ok in IDAHO and has snow melted and turned to mud now?

cheers!!

 

[Jayman17]

It’s been awhile so I thought I would stop by to see what you have been up to.
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods...

Jay

 

[drivesitfar]

yep me too!! doing ok?

 

[drivesitfar]

instead of texting or emailing you I think others are wondering how you are doing to so please send up a smoke signal when you are able to.

hope all is well at the farm and maybe you are just busy finishing up Wyoming home to sell and get that off your plate.

cheers!!

 

[Jayman17]

Fourby, hey just wanted to check in and see what’s up at the farm. Hope you are doing well.

Jay

 

[drivesitfar]

Just letting you know I (and probably we) are thinking of you.

hope you have a happy thanksgiving

 

[Grizz1963]

Indeed.

Trust all is well with you.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

[fourbyford]

Hey guys...
Thanks for stopping by!
Needless to say, the past few months have been pretty busy. I lost track of the number of trips back and forth but, looking at the odometer on both trucks, I've done nearly 30,000 miles in the past year. Hmmm... and I'm supposed to be retired. Anyways, back at the Idaho farm now.
My garage is an absolute wreck. At least I'll have plenty to keep me busy over the winter. That, and getting caught up on everybody's threads... including my own!!!
Hope everybody's Thanksgiving was good... I managed to relax a bit here.
More soon...

...D

 

[fourbyford]

Trying to figure out how to post a pic...

 

[fourbyford]

Looks like it worked... too easy!
Sunset from Sunday night off my back deck

 

[drivesitfar]

Thanks for the smoke signal (or sunset). I hear you on garage mess cause mines become storage while I empty my laid storage.
Take care and welcome back.

 

[fourbyford]

Thanks!
I need to look back on your thread to see how your fence project turned out. Last I knew, you were making great progress!
Just read y'all have had the wettest fall in Seattle's history... maybe you now own a pool?

 

[drivesitfar]

Thank GOD we bought on high ground cause some of the lower cities are now lakes. Funny though we’ve had many hours of some days that are dry because most of rain is at night.

We did make some good progress on fence so check pics out when you have time on my diy thread. Here’s a couple pics.

 

[Jayman17]

Fourby, nice to hear you are doing ok, thanks for posting an update. I think I would have gone mad if I had to drive 30k miles in a year. Did you end up selling the place in Wyoming? I think that was your plan...

Jay

 

[fourbyford]

Hey Jay...
I'm afraid I'm actually going backwards... uggghhh...
Previously, I owned 2 places in Wyoming... in the aftermath of my mom's passing, I now own 50% of two other places. My sister and I inherited my mom's residence and a rental. In addition to burning up the highway, my focus last summer was getting the rental cleared out and on the market. The renter had been in the place for 16 years. To say that she wasn't a good housekeeper is an understatement... lol
It took a bit to "convince" her to move... once she did, the fun began. LOTS of damage to repair and debris to haul away. All that combined with a large 2 car garage that my dad had used for more than 30 years to store "supplies" for their rentals. Needless to say, that had become a catch-all for anything and everything. I can't remember the number of trips to the landfill... I donated and gave away a number of things... and hauled about 1,500 pounds of scrap iron/steel to the recyclers. I had made awesome progress and we thought we had the place sold. Typical of the "game"... after stringing us along for 30 days... the deal fell through. The whole concept of Earnest Money is an absolute joke (in many states anyway)... the "buyers" walk away with no consequence what-so-ever. So, we're waiting til spring to get it back on the market. Still a few things to tend to but, it's pretty much ready to go.

I won't even get into the story of my mom's place... she was a "collector". My sister and I and a couple friends/family members have already done a LOT of work over there but, looking around, it's hard to tell.

My rural place there doesn't need a lot of work... once I get the rental squared away, that will be my next focus. I'm sure I've said it before but, this next summer is it. I don't deal with the 935 mile "commutes" all that well and it's beyond time to turn the real estate into cash.

Meanwhile, this winter, I'm committed to getting my garage squared away and a new space created. That project is at least a few weeks away... I'll talk more about that one later... but I'm definitely looking forward to getting started!

...D

 

[drivesitfar]

Sounds like a great plan and hope you can get everything sold instead of just renting again. I hear you on earnest money deposits cause even if you state NON-REFUNDALE after inspections are approved it can be a hassle. I recall some deals where buyer and seller agreed to terms with minimum paperwork almost on handshake that went smoothly and others that attorneys wrote with everything signed and initialed that never had a hope of closing. Hopefully this crazy market in our areas will send more buyers happily to Wyoming.

best of luck with your shop/garage and guessing since you have heat and six saturdays a week that you’ll get it ship shape soon.

 

[Pressingonward]

Welcome back!

 

[Jayman17]

Fourby, that sounds like a ton of work. Glad to hear you at least have one property ready to put on the market. I am familiar with cleaning up the homes of people that are borderline hoarders.
Looking forward to seeing your updates to your current home and shop.

Jay

 

[drivesitfar]

I bet you are super busy, but still wanted to wish you a very merry holiday season and let's hope 2022 is the best year yet and just maybe our paths will cross so we can meet in person this year.

take care and i hope all is well as can be in your world!!

 

[Grizz1963]

As mentioned by Drivesitfar, I want to wish you a wonderful season mate.

here’s to getting things done to your own expectation

 

[Jayman17]

Fourby, Just wanted to check in and see how your summer has been, any update.
Hope you are doing well, it’s been awhile since we’ve heard from you.

Jay

 

[drivesitfar]

I spoke with 4by and he’s doing great and just busier than most. Hopefully when our drizzle and cold season hits he’ll have some time to post some of his doings.