Above 1200 Sq/FT Out on Quaker Road

[jblnut]

We got all kinds of stuff done the last couple days.

I got some meadow hay raked whilst talking someone through a cell booster install.



No pictures of the hay being baled because while Dad was bailing I was getting the chicken barn ready for the chicken catchers to come remove the fowl little creatures from my nice barn.


We cut and baled a few scrappy little patches that I couldn't turn around in so Dad loaded me on the road.


This chunk of cord with a plug-into-it end has been hanging in the same spot the whole flock. You can see the wind has been in the same direction the whole time

Although I do enjoy taking care of the chickens it is always a good day when they go down the road and are turned into tasty morsels.

That day happens to be today

Pics or it didn't happen !!!

Ok here's the pic


Got rid of the chickens yesterday and 18 steers were picked up this morning.


These chickens leave quite a mess behind to clean up. The Housekeeper can get 95% of the barn but it's too big to get into the corners.....


...which means that me and my fork get to spend some time together ...


After it's all prepped and ready for the Housekeeper I got the wash rig ready to go.


I added this to the wash rig this time. The bottom is made from a pair of Alum running boards. Back when I was in college I had this on the back of my car and used it as a bike rack. I'd park in the free far off lot and bike where I needed to go. It's been sitting in Dads shed for over a decade gathering dust and I put it to good use today.


The shutters for the 36" side fans fit PERFECTLY on it and it was much nicer to wash them on here. Last time they got full of shavings and it was a pain to try and hold them while washing. Kids, this is a perfect example not to listen to your mother or wife and NEVER throw anything away.


Oh look a fence post with a bucket smashed over it.


A very handy smashed bucket/fence post combo it is. Last time when I washed the feed hoppers out they kept blowing away from the force of the pressure washer. Not this time !!!


The Housekeeper is powered with a PTO hydraulic pump and it caused problems today ...


The International 884 has both 1000 and 540 shafts sticking out the rear end and the housing of the gearbox is too large to fit over the 540 shaft without an extension. The extension puts lots of stress on both the pump and on itself and it had enough today. Lots of noise and sparks and this is the mess it made ....


The Housekeeper is down for the count so I decided to cut grass. 15 minutes in I got too close to something and put a 4" "scuff" in a tire. Well ****.

 

[Farmall450]

Just another day in paradise. Started second cutting Saturday here. Sold & delivered the last of first cut Sunday.

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

What did you get too close to cause that "scuff" Mike?

 

[jblnut]

What did you get too close to cause that "scuff" Mike?

When I told Mrs. jblnut she wasn't happy. I "scuffed" all the air out getting too close to the bumper of a cube van she didn't want me to buy.

She offered to hold the checkbook again so I wouldn't bring home any new treasures without prior approval

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

When I told Mrs. jblnut she wasn't happy. I "scuffed" all the air out gettimg too close to the bumper of a cube van she didn't want me to buy.

She offered to hold the checkbook again so I wouldn't bring home any new treasures without prior approval

Theeeeere to is..... That's what I was after

 

[jblnut]

Theeeeere it is..... That's what I was after

Someday your smartassary will catch up with you ... I don't know when, but it will.

PS - The 7.3l Powerstroke in that cube van will one day reside in my 84' Mercury Grand Marquis

PPS - A shop with a hoist and lift need to be built and finished out first ...

PPPS - I gotta convince Mama Bear it's a good idea to build a shop with a hoist and lift before I can do anything ...

PPPPS - She's also been yakking about a new house one day that will have to come first. Basically, to re-power my Grand Marq I need to build Mama Bear a new house ....

 

[jblnut]

I shipped 18 fat steers to market on Monday and on Tuesday I took delivery of 30 that averaged 426lbs. Neat.

This is how the stacking slab looked last night ....

This is how it looks tonight. They got the walls poured and the wet-set brackets installed.

Built by Sturdi-Wall ....

 

[oldironfarmer]

I haven't been by here in a long time. Thanks again for your help on the cell phone repeater. It has changed my life.

I liked the look of what the chickens left behind.

Looks like you've been having fun...

 

[jblnut]

I haven't been by here in a long time. Thanks again for your help on the cell phone repeater. It has changed my life.

I liked the look of what the chickens left behind.

Looks like you've been having fun...

Thanks for stopping by Andy. There is nothing better than knowing you've made a difference somewhere. Glad you're able to enjoy your shop time and the Mrs can get a hold of you when she needs too

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

Someday your smartassary will catch up with you ... I don't know when, but it will.

PS - The 7.3l Powerstroke in that cube van will one day reside in my 84' Mercury Grand Marquis

PPS - A shop with a hoist and lift need to be built and finished out first ...

PPPS - I gotta convince Mama Bear it's a good idea to build a shop with a hoist and lift before I can do anything ...

PPPPS - She's also been yakking about a new house one day that will have to come first. Basically, to re-power my Grand Marq I need to build Mama Bear a new house ....

Seems fair.

 

[C_F]

Seems fair.

I dunno, it might be cheaper to just farm-out the engine swap.

 

[Finallygotit]

.....PS - The 7.3l Powerstroke in that cube van will one day reside in my 84' Mercury Grand Marquis
....

Wait, what?

 

[jblnut]

Seems fair.

I disagree but "she who lets me be in charge" thinks there needs to be an order of how things get built around here ....

I dunno, it might be cheaper to just farm-out the engine swap.

Oh my. If I find an engine swap farm I'll be quite excited !!!

Wait, what?

It'll fit. I've eyeballed the **** out of it a few times. I even thought about it for 2.89 seconds before I acquired the cube van.

And to think, Mama Bear says I need to think things through for more than 2 seconds before I buy something.

 

[jblnut]

We worked at a new site today installing yet another Smartbow system. These guys have it going on I tell you what. They run 9,000 acres of cropland, have 8,000 head of cattle and the crown jewel on top of it all .... a 150'x300'x28' farm shop !!!!! Just plain bonkers the size of this operation.

These guys have been running cattle for 100 yrs on this site and have things figured out. One of those things is the simplest way of securing gates I've ever seen. They use a simple spring steel clip to hold the chains secure that hold the gates closed. Easy, cheap and it can be used easily with heavy winter gloves on. Definitely something I'm going to try here !!!

We made a lot of progress today and even got some wire pulled. The 2hrs I spent building this cart were sure worth it. It gets used on a weekly basis it seems.

I borrowed a Milwaukee Inkzall from our Master Electrician today and wow, it is a very nice marking pen !!!!! I'm going to have to get me some of these ...

The concrete guys at home told me this morning they wouldn't be back until mid next week but called tonight and said they'd have time to pour the 12x60 apron tomorrow. Sounds like a good deal to me so Dad and I set out to get it prepped.

It sure didn't take long to get it where it needed to be.

I thought this was a neat perspective view. I didn't really realize just how massive this thing is until I saw the skiddy next to it ..... There is going to be an 18' high roof over it yet so it's not done getting bigger yet .....

 

[Bob Heine]

I borrowed a Milwaukee Inkzall from our Master Electrician today and wow, it is a very nice marking pen !!!!! I'm going to have to get me some of these ...

I thought this was a neat perspective view. I didn't really realize just how massive this thing is until I saw the skiddy next to it ..... There is going to be an 18' high roof over it yet so it's not done getting bigger yet .....

JBLnut, thanks for the tip on the pens -- a dozen pack is sitting in my Amazon cart. They are surprisingly close to the price of a dozen Sharpies from Office Depot.

The new building is impressive. I expect you'll have it filled with **** about as fast as I filled my workshop.

 

[Finallygotit]

..........It'll fit. I've eyeballed the **** out of it a few times. I even thought about it for 2.89 seconds before I acquired the cube van........

Plan to beef up the suspension. That thing will push and plow like the Titanic. It was squishy enough with the anemic petrol burner let alone the oil burner.

 

[welder57]

What about the PTO input for the housekeeper-did you get that fixed?
Thanks-great farm post with all the up's and downs of farm life!!!

 

[njhoudini]

Got caught up. I have the same Lodge cast iron grill/skillet. Since I treat my steaks the same as you, I'm curious what you do with the chicken before it goes on the grill. My wife wouldn't go for just plain meat (she who must be obeyed pretty much can only handle breast meat because everything else is too gamey).

I used to provide hardware and software support for NFL and NCAA football teams video software. I miss some of the travel, but haven't had to travel for work since I had a wife and son. Working in your different environments, I can see both the fun and challenges. Definitely makes me wonder how many dairy farms there are near me if any.

Thanks for making sure there's some quality meats getting to our tables. Keep on doing the awesome things you're doing.

 

[jblnut]

JBLnut, thanks for the tip on the pens -- a dozen pack is sitting in my Amazon cart. They are surprisingly close to the price of a dozen Sharpies from Office Depot.

The new building is impressive. I expect you'll have it filled with **** about as fast as I filled my workshop.

Those labels were written on there when it was raining. I'm very impressed and ordered a 12 pack this morning.

As soon as it's ready the stacking slab will be put into service. It'll be REALLY nice to have a place close by to put all the manure.

Plan to beef up the suspension. That thing will push and plow like the Titanic. It was squishy enough with the anemic petrol burner let alone the oil burner.

Something major will need to happen there because a 7.3l with everything on it is over 1,000lbs. I think the 302 in there weighs something like 480 only. I have a welder and know a guy that owns a junk yard so it'll be a welcomed adventure one day

What about the PTO input for the housekeeper-did you get that fixed?
Thanks-great farm post with all the up's and downs of farm life!!!

I did. I got another one and put it on and all was well. We supported the pump differently and it worked like a champ. Lewis Brothers Manufacturing is sending me a different style pump so I won't need an extension shaft. Very stand-up company. I told them what was going on and no more questions asked they offered this as an option.

Got caught up. I have the same Lodge cast iron grill/skillet. Since I treat my steaks the same as you, I'm curious what you do with the chicken before it goes on the grill. My wife wouldn't go for just plain meat (she who must be obeyed pretty much can only handle breast meat because everything else is too gamey).

I used to provide hardware and software support for NFL and NCAA football teams video software. I miss some of the travel, but haven't had to travel for work since I had a wife and son. Working in your different environments, I can see both the fun and challenges. Definitely makes me wonder how many dairy farms there are near me if any.

Thanks for making sure there's some quality meats getting to our tables. Keep on doing the awesome things you're doing.

Chickens gets treated just like the beef. Course ground salt and pepper on a cast iron griddle on the grill.

There are lots of different challenges both at work and at home but it's mostly time management issues .... I am finding I don't have time to get everything done that I want to before I fall asleep.

 

[jblnut]

I ordered a dozen Milwaukee Inkzall's on Thursday afternoon and had them Friday afternoon ... The head delivery driver for Jimmy John's must have taken a job at Amazon because that is Freaky Fast !!!


Friday morning the concrete guys got the 12' apron on the East end of the stacking slab ready to pour.


The chicken barn is empty, our 8yr wedding anniversary was this past week and it'd been since Jan 2017 since we went anywhere alone so Mama Bear and I went to Duluth, MN for a Friday night get-a-way. I'm not sure who all reading this (all three of you ... lol) has every been to Duluth but it is a city rich in American history and WELL worth the trip. We've been there a few times now and have found a few neat little eating places and fun stuff to do.


We stayed at the South Pier Inn and walked everywhere. It was a much needed break.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I was trying to figure out the stacking slab because I missed it's purpose. Well ****, I know now.

Thanks for the tip on Milwaukee pens. Dreamingmuscle came by today for a visit. They were touting them. Said they were very durable and recommended I buy some. Now I guess I'd better. Sharpies give up when you get a little oil on them, like marking on sheetmetal with a light film.

I'm one of the three who's been to Duluth. Worked a job in Superior Wisconsin one time and Duluth is right next door. Nice restaurants and cool antique shops. Thanks for the memories.

 

[sgfarm]

I have never been to Duluth in the fall.

 

[Jon69RagTop]

Haha, there’s more than three people reading this. One of my favorite for sure.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'm not sure who all reading this (all three of you ... lol) has every been to Duluth but it is a city rich in American history and WELL worth the trip. We've been there a few times now and have found a few neat little eating places and fun stuff to do.

In that photo you had just driven past the front door of my company's Duluth office. I do envy them for the great views they have out their windows.

 

[1949 caddyman]

We are here! Glad y’all had a good time!

 

[Bob Heine]

The three of us have visited hundreds of thousands of times!

 

[oldironfarmer]

The three of us have visited hundreds of thousands of times!

Well put Mr. Bob. Have you ever thought about a career in writing?

 

[jblnut]

I was trying to figure out the stacking slab because I missed it's purpose. Well ****, I know now.

Thanks for the tip on Milwaukee pens. Dreamingmuscle came by today for a visit. They were touting them. Said they were very durable and recommended I buy some. Now I guess I'd better. Sharpies give up when you get a little oil on them, like marking on sheetmetal with a light film.

I'm one of the three who's been to Duluth. Worked a job in Superior Wisconsin one time and Duluth is right next door. Nice restaurants and cool antique shops. Thanks for the memories.

The stacking slab has been getting referred to as the **** Shack around here
The pens are in my work van and will be put to the test this week. I am quite excited that I am so excited over a something as exciting as a new pen !!

We crossed the boarder into Cheese Head country and went to the Anchor Barn and Grill in Superior for supper Friday night. Definitely worth the 10 minute drive !!!

I have never been to Duluth in the fall.

It is quite nice. We went up there on spring break one year. Everyone else was going South so we thought we'd carve a new road and go North. Should have went South. Everything was still closed and the lake had 3' of ice on it.

Haha, there’s more than three people reading this. One of my favorite for sure.

I really only figured two more people plus me so this is surprising to me !!!

In that photo you had just driven past the front door of my company's Duluth office. I do envy them for the great views they have out their windows.

Where is it that you work ?? We had breakfast at the Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe Saturday morning so I'm sure we were about staring at the front door.

We are here! Glad y’all had a good time!

We had fun and we had some FUN as well

The three of us have visited hundreds of thousands of times!

Well I can't promise it'll be good but I can promise there will be more things to see here as time goes on

Well put Mr. Bob. Have you ever thought about a career in writing?

I think he should consider painting front doors as a career. That peach looks

My wife liked it when she saw pictures anyway ..... which means that I also like it because I know "how it works" around here

 

[jblnut]

The weeds in the hostas by the steer barn have been going crazy lately so out they came. I forgot to take a before picture so when you look at the after picture try and insert some tall ugly weeds in it and you'll about have the idea.

I'm going to put a few loads of crushed concrete over here eventually so the weeks had to die. Roundup works wonders.

Mama Bear pointed out some vines that had taken a foot hold in the cedar trees so out they came. Wow what a lot of work that was !!!!!

 

[jblnut]

Well I can't promise it'll be good but I can promise there will be more things to see here as time goes on

See above post for an example of this

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where is it that you work ?? We had breakfast at the Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe Saturday morning so I'm sure we were about staring at the front door.

Barr Engineering Company. Our Duluth office is maybe a block or so north on Lake Avenue from Amazing Grace. I'm in the Minneapolis office, so rather than having nice harbor views I get to look out my window at I-494.

 

[Finallygotit]

Congrats on your wedding anniversary!!
I can attest to Duluth being a great town.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Barr Engineering Company. Our Duluth office is maybe a block or so north on Lake Avenue from Amazing Grace. I'm in the Minneapolis office, so rather than having nice harbor views I get to look out my window at I-494.

You win! I-494 trumps a view of a lake if you're in the engineering business.

 

[C_F]

I haven't been to Duluth, but by the sound of it, I should stick a pin there on my map of "places to see before I croak".

 

[1949 caddyman]

I think I know the difference between fun & FUN! I also like them both.

 

[STClurker]

I haven't been to Duluth, but by the sound of it, I should stick a pin there on my map of "places to see before I croak".

I also reccomend visiting, also go an hour or two up the north shore and visit split rock lighthouse

 

[Farmall450]

You win! I-494 trumps a view of a lake if you're in the engineering business.

Unless it's a man made lake or there is hydroelectric activity.

 

[jblnut]

Barr Engineering Company. Our Duluth office is maybe a block or so north on Lake Avenue from Amazing Grace. I'm in the Minneapolis office, so rather than having nice harbor views I get to look out my window at I-494.

I bet you see a lot of people in rather angry moods if you can see I-494 !!!

Congrats on your wedding anniversary!!
I can attest to Duluth being a great town.

There is always something to do and it is a neat place to visit for sure !!!

You win! I-494 trumps a view of a lake if you're in the engineering business.

+1

I haven't been to Duluth, but by the sound of it, I should stick a pin there on my map of "places to see before I croak".

I'd stick a pin there, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry falls and the town of Two Harbors. All interesting places with rich history !!

I think I know the difference between fun & FUN! I also like them both.

I also reccomend visiting, also go an hour or two up the north shore and visit split rock lighthouse

We've made the entire North Shore drive and it is pretty neat !!!

Unless it's a man made lake or there is hydroelectric activity.

Someday I'd like to trek out to the Hoover day to check out all the dam neat things out there. I think it'd be a dam good time checking all the dam stuff out.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Full disclosure, I'm an engineer but not in the engineering business, I prefer a lake anytime.

The tour through Hoover Damn is great! I've not been there since they put in the high bridge downstream. It's something.

 

[jblnut]

Full disclosure, I'm an engineer but not in the engineering business, I prefer a lake anytime.

The tour through Hoover Damn is great! I've not been there since they put in the high bridge downstream. It's something.

I have a friend that lives in Twin Cities suburb somewhere (Inver Grove heights or something like that) and when he describes how far something is from him it's in minutes, not in an actual measurable distance like miles. Home Depot is 10 minutes away, work is 45 minutes away, grocery store is 19 minutes away and so on ... Not sure where I'm going with this but the I-494 thing and the engineer thing brought me here and I'm not sure how to finish it so here's a picture of a camera covered in bird **** .... These Ubiquiti cameras seem to be tough little deals. They take a shittin' and keep on tickin'


Well I thought I took an after picture of 9yds of crushed concrete spread on the West side of the steer barn but I guess I didn't. Look closely and imagine that pile being spread 4-5" thick over as large an area as possible ....


You may remember the photo a few posts back about the 540 PTO shaft that exploded. Well we got a different style hydraulic pump from the manufacture so we won't need that extension shaft anymore. While taking it apart I got to use some LARGE wrenches ... The one on the right is a 2 1/2" and the one on the left is 1 7/8". They're a good size even by our standards